A/N: Hey everyone! I'm back with another chapter of MSC, and I know it's hard to read when it's so sad, but I promise there will be a lovely pay-off for all of it. So bear with me. It took me a bit to write this because I wanted it to be right. I've had an ill child before and I wanted to properly write the different stages a parent goes through when they find out their child is sick. Anger, fear, denial, weakness, guilt, determination and more. But to be honest, it's not an easy topic to talk about, let alone relive, so it took some time. I hope that everyone will see it when you read it.

As always, thank you soooo much for all the support, encouragement, and your incredible reviews. Please keep them coming.

Happy reading!

Jen

buttercup0303

Chapter 33

Sam stood there, as if in a daze, unseeing, and unhearing. The phone hung limply in her hand at her side as memories of Danny's battle with cancer raced through her mind in a jumble of images.

"No. Not my baby." She whispered, trembling all over. She swayed in place for a moment, suddenly dizzy. There was a slight tinny noise in her ears, but she thought she heard a voice from far away.

Puzzled, a bit confused, Sam glanced around before realizing it was coming from her phone.

"Sam? Sam, can you hear me? Are you there?"

Monica!

Sam lifted the phone to her ear quickly, shaking off the dazed cloud she'd been caught in.

"I'm here."

"Your mother is here with me. I ran into her earlier, and she came with me when I brought Danny in."

"I'm on my way." Sam said without preamble, hanging up and turning on the spot.

Her baby needed her.

…

Jace stared at the closed door for longer than he should have. But he couldn't seem to make himself walk away. And so he leaned against the wall across from Sam's apartment and waited.

He pulled out his phone and glanced at the text he'd received earlier from Michael.

The Cassadines? Of course I've heard of them. They're one of the deadliest families in Port Charles. Hell, maybe in the world. I'm a Corinthos, and even I wouldn't mess with them. But why are you asking?

No reason. Thanks, Michael.

No problem, Jace. See you at work on Monday. Have a Happy Thanksgiving if I don't see you.

You too, buddy.

Jace reread the part about the Cassadines again. He couldn't deny that part of the reason he acted the way he had with Sam was out of a need to push her away. Even Michael had warned him about how dangerous that family was and from what Jace knew, Michael had grown up in a mob family. How could Jace willfully risk Sam and Danny's lives for his own happiness?

His reaction to Sam had been genuine. He had been hurt by her bringing up Jason so soon after making love to him. But he could admit to himself that he had allowed the fear and guilt he was struggling with to make his reaction that much more powerful and combative.

Suddenly, his stomach lurched and it felt as if something was squeezing his chest. Jace clutched his chest and lifted his head, staring at Sam's door. He didn't know why but somehow he knew Sam was hurting.

He shoved away from the wall and started forward just as the door swung open. Sam came rushing out and past him, as if she didn't see him there.

"Sam, wait!" He called out, reaching out for her arm.

Sam looked at him in surprise, as if seeing him for the first time. Jace was shocked by how pale she looked. Upon closer examination, he noticed her glazed eyes, and reddened nose. She'd been crying.

"Sam, please." He started to apologize but Sam yanked her arm out of his grasp.

"Get off of me!" She snapped angrily, rushing past him and into the elevator as the doors slid open.

Stunned, Jace watched her go. He knew he had hurt her, but had he made her hate him?

Sam leaned back against the elevator wall, eyes closing. She hadn't meant to snap at Jace but she couldn't deal with him right now. All that mattered was her baby. That's all that mattered.

Jace stared at the closed elevator doors, pondering going after her. Maybe it was better if she really did hate him. She'd be safer that way.

Turning away, his heart aching, Jace pushed open the door to his apartment to see Nikolas standing with his back to Hayden, speaking on the phone.

"Alexis, are you sure? Good God, no. No, of course, you're absolutely right. Sam will need all the support she can get. Okay, thank you for telling me."

Jace strode forward.

"What happened? What's wrong with Sam?"

Nikolas glanced up at him and shook his head slightly.

"It's not my cousin. It's Danny. They think his cancer's come back. Excuse me, I'm going to see if Sam needs a ride to the hospital."

Jace's heart felt like it was covered in ice as a chill traveled through his body.

He put a hand out to stop Nikolas from passing. Nikolas raised a brow and stared at him.

"Danny's sick? He had...cancer?"Jace was struggling to process that thought. That gorgeous, energetic, perfect little boy had had cancer? And could have it again?

"I'm sorry, I have to go." Nikolas didn't wait but rushed out of the door. Jace spun and ran after him, following him into the hall.

"She's gone. I saw her rush out of here a few minutes ago. She looked upset but I thought it was because of an argument we had earlier." Jace said quickly.

Nikolas cursed.

"I'm sure she was in no condition to drive. Why didn't you stop her?"

Jace cursed, furious with himself too. He'd been too lost in his own self-pity to see how badly Sam was hurting, egotistically believing it was about him.

"I didn't know." He mumbled, filled with shame and self-loathing. Nikolas recognized the regret in Jace's voice, could see the self-recrimination on his face.

"Sorry, I'm just worried about my cousin and nephew."

"So am I. I'm coming with you to the hospital."

Nikolas studied him for a moment.

"I'm coming with you." Jace repeated, his tone brooking no argument.

With a slight nod, Nikolas acquiesced and turned away. Jace followed behind him.

"You said you and Sam got into an argument. It was obviously bad enough that you thought she wouldn't want to see you. Why do you think she'll want you there now?" Nikolas asked, genuinely curious.

"Sam needs me. Even if she doesn't know it, she does. And so does Danny." Jace said simply, his mind focused on getting to Sam and Danny.

Nikolas' lips quirked in a weak semblance of a smile.

"You know, you remind me a lot of Sam's husband. He-."

"So I've heard." There was a hint of bitterness in Jace's voice that Nikolas heard. He could understand that feeling.

"Don't give up on my cousin. She and Jason shared a love few in this lifetime do. That doesn't mean she can't love you just as much, if not more."

Jace glanced at him, surprised. He nodded shortly.

"Thanks."

The elevator doors swung open and Jace followed Nikolas to a waiting town car.

…

Sam raced through the double doors of the hospital, not even sure how she made it there in one piece. She rushed up to the nurses' desk, where Elizabeth Webber stood, arranging files.

Not caring who she spoke to, Sam reached out and grabbed Elizabeth's arm. Liz head shot up and upon spotting Sam, the lines of her face fell into an automatic sneer.

"What is the matter with you? Let go of me." Liz snapped, yanking her arm away. She expected a bitchy comment but instead Sam just threw her a pleading look.

"Elizabeth, please. My son is here with Monica. What room are they in?"

Liz's sneer fell away at the mention of Danny. She may have hated Sam, but she was a mother too and knew all too well the fear of your child being sick. She quickly bent over the computer and pressed a few keys.

"Danny is in Room 3201."

Sam nodded and spun away.

"Sam!"

Sam turned back impatiently.

"I hope he's okay." Elizabeth said quietly.

Surprised but appreciative, Sam nodded.

Without another word, Sam turned and ran towards the room Danny was in. Pushing the door open, she let out a small cry when she saw Danny sleeping in a large crib, an IV dripping beside him, and an oxygen mask on his tiny little face.

Her knees went weak and Sam slumped against the door, her hand rising to cover her mouth.

Alexis and Monica turned to look at her at the same time and jumped to their feet. Alexis reached Sam first and pulled her into her arms.

"Mom." Sam cried, clutching her mother.

"I know, sweetheart. But we don't know anything for sure."

"I do. I think I've known since he got sick, but I just didn't want to admit it to myself. But when I called to make an appointment for his pediatrician, I actually called Silas instead. I should have brought him in sooner."

Monica surged forward and rubbed Sam's back.

"That's ridiculous, Sam. This is not your fault. None of us expected this to happen again."

Sam nodded miserably and lifted her head to look at Monica.

"What made you so sure Danny's cancer is back?"

Monica looked at Sam guiltily.

"I kept thinking about how worried you were and I wanted to alleviate your fears. So I used my power as Chief of Staff and I brought Danny in for some tests." Fearing she had overstepped, Monica rushed to explain. "I know I shouldn't have run tests on Danny without your permission. I just-."

Sam broke away from Alexis and walked straight to Monica and wrapped her arms around her.

"Thank you. Thank you for loving my son so much. If this disease is really back, we will know that much earlier because of you. So thank you."

Monica hugged her back, blinking back tears. Sam pulled away, offering her a weak smile before her eyes were pulled back to her little boy.

Walking on shaking legs toward the crib, Sam reached a trembling hand out to stroke Danny's feverish forehead. Tears welled up in her eyes as Danny's eyes flutter open and he stared at her through glazed over eyes.

"Hey there, baby boy." She said softly, smiling through her tears.

"Hi, Mommy." He whispered softly, his voice muffled through the mask.

"I know you don't feel well, buddy. But Mommy's gonna do everything she can to make sure you get better." She vowed fiercely, keeping her voice light.

"Sam."

A voice that once sent her pulse racing with excitement, but now only sent fear racing through her heart rang through the air.

"Silas. Tell me. Is Danny's cancer back?" Sam asked quickly, bracing herself for the blow she already knew was coming.

And the answer was there in his eyes; a sadness and regret that told her more than words ever could. She knew what he was going to say before he said it.

"Let's step outside for a moment." He said with false cheer.

Sam followed him out into the hallway, numb. Alexis stepped up beside her with Monica on Sam's other side. They gripped her hands as if to pass their strength to her. Sam steeled herself against what was to come.

"Silas, just say it. I need to hear the words or it won't be real." She pled, desperately clinging to her mothers' hands.

"Sam, I'm so sorry. I've run the tests three times myself. Danny's cancer is back."

"No." Even though she'd known what he was going to say, the words were like a knife in her heart. She stared at Silas in stunned horror, unaware of the cries of dismay issued by Alexis and Monica. Unaware even, of the tears now streaming down her own face.

She let go of Alexis and Monica's hands and spun around to face them, her face pale, her eyes wild with panic.

"It's not fair. It's not fair." She cried, shaking her head. It seemed as if the world around her was spinning to fast and there wasn't enough strength in her body to keep herself steady. And so she sank towards the ground, dragged down by her fear and devastation.

...

Jace followed Nikolas down the corridor and took his first easy breath when he saw Sam standing at the end of the hall, surrounded by her mother and Dr. Quartermaine. But there was something about the way Sam was holding herself that had him quickening his steps.

And then Sam was sinking to the ground, and Jace leapt forward, catching her before she hit the ground. He held her up, his hands holding her steady, lending her his own strength. He wasn't sure she wouldn't push him away the way she had earlier, but he couldn't stop himself from holding her.

But to his astonishment, instead of pushing him away, she threw herself in his arms. Surprised, Jace's arms nevertheless came up to close around Sam, holding her tightly. He was alarmed to feel the violent tremors running through her body.

"Sam, tell me what's wrong?"

Sam pulled away and looked up at Jace, clinging to him.

"Danny's cancer is back. Jace, my baby has cancer!" She choked out tearfully. Jace stared at her in disbelief. He'd known that it was a possibility from what Nikolas had said, but he'd convinced himself it couldn't happen. Not to that beautiful little boy that had stolen his heart so completely.

Tears welled in his eyes as he pulled Sam into his arms again, holding her tightly. He had to swallow twice before he could speak over the lump in his throat.

"Then we'll help him fight it, Sam. We're not going to lose our little boy." The words came out automatically, and he realized as soon as he said it how right they felt. Danny was his. Blood or not, Danny was his little boy and he would do anything in his power to get him through this.

Sam stared up at him both stunned and moved by his words. But there was something else holding her frozen in his arms. Because when he said that Danny was his little boy, she hadn't questioned it at all. It had felt right. It had felt true.

Straightening her head, she nodded firmly.

"You're right. We're not losing our little boy." She reached up to cup his cheek, leaning forward to press a gentle kiss against his lips.

Gripping Jace's hand tightly in her own, Sam turned to go back to Danny's room and stopped to see Alexis, Monica, Nikolas, and Silas watching her and Jace with varying expressions of shock, approval, anxiety, and in Silas' case, jealousy.

"I didn't realize you two had become so...close. Or that Jace and Danny had." Alexis said uncertainly, clearly worried.

Monica was struggling with warring feelings of appreciation towards Jace for helping Sam find her strength and bitterness that Jace was claiming a role that belonged to Monica's own son.

Nikolas was biting back a smile. Even in this most somber occasion, he couldn't deny that he was happy his cousin had found love again after such a profound loss.

Silas watched Sam look up at the handsome man with the kind of love and affection she'd never looked at him with and was shocked at how much it still hurt. This man had clearly done for Sam what Silas himself could never do. Help her move on from Jason Morgan and find love again.

Sam smiled at her family and friend encouragingly.

"I'm sorry that I fell apart. But I'm okay now and I'm going to help my son fight. He beat cancer once before. He'll do it again."

Alexis' eyes welled up with tears of pride as she realize once again how much strength her daughter had.

"That's right, sweetheart. And he'll have all of the Davis women standing right beside him."

"And the entire Quartermaine family will be there too." Monica added proudly.

"You know you can count on Spencer and I as well, Cousin."

Sam smiled and pulled away from Jace to hug first her mother, then Monica, and then Nikolas.

"Thank you." She whispered fiercely.

To Silas, she reached out and grabbed his hand and squeezed.

"Silas, I'm counting on you to help me get my son through this again."

Silas couldn't stop himself from bringing Sam's hand to his lips and pressing a soft kiss to the top of her hand.

"You know I'll do anything to help Danny. And you, Sam." He said meaningfully. Sam pulled away and found her hand held by Jace's once more as he glared at Silas. Linking fingers with him, she pulled him along behind her into the room. They walked over to the crib where Danny lay sleeping and stared down at him.

Jace leaned down and brushed Danny's hair back. A single tear dropped down his face as he stared at Danny's perfect, gorgeous face.

"He'll be okay. He has to be." Jace said out loud.

He stood up and turned to Sam.

"Thank you for letting me be here for him. And for you."

Sam nodded.

"It wasn't a choice. Danny has so many people who love him so so much. But I don't anyone who's loved my son as much as you do except for me and-." She cut herself off, looking away from him.

"Jason." Jace finished for her, reaching out and using his finger under her chin to turn her face towards him. "It's okay, you can say his name."

Sam didn't say anything, she simply watched him.

"Sam, I'm so damn sorry. The things I said, the way I acted? It was unforgivable but I'm praying you'll forgive me. I was stupid and selfish and an ass. I was hurt and scared I would never measure up to Jason that I said things I didn't mean. I'm so sorry, Sam. Please, forgive me."

Sam stared into Jace's eyes and seeing how sincere he was.

"You hurt me, Jace. But I know I hurt you too. And if my son wasn't facing a life threatening illness, I would make you crawl and grovel before I forgave you. But right now, it all seems so petty and unimportant." She paused.

"But I need you to know something, Jace. I've never seen you as a replacement for Jason. Not once. I know that you're not Jason and I don't want you to be. I fell in love with YOU, Jace. For the person you are, for how you treat me, for how you treat my son, for how much you love him, and for how you make me feel. And for a thousand other things that have nothing to do with Jason and everything to do with you. Jace, I love you. You, as you are, memory or no memory. I just love you."

And with those words, a weight was lifted from his heart. A wave of love and gratitude so intense that it almost took him to his knees washed over him.

He yanked Sam into his arms, burying his face into her neck, breathing in deeply.

"God, I love you, Sam. I love you so damn much. You and our boy here. You hold my heart in your hands."

"Then I better take care of it, huh?" She asked with a soft smile. She looked down at Danny and gathered herself.

"He looks so small but he's strong. He's so strong and he's going to beat this. Thank you for reminding me."

Jace squeezed her hand and nodded.

"Let's go find out how to get our boy better." Sam said, her eyes lit with determination and hard as steel. Sam wouldn't give up on her son. She would do whatever she had to do to save him, even if it mean breaking her deadbeat dad out of jail.

Danny was going to make it. There was no other option.