A/N: The final chapter! Thanks to all those who reviewed the last one. I know some of you had suggestions for how the story should end but I'd already written this chapter so it is what it is! Enjoy your Thanksgiving!

Casey woke the next day more alert and in considerably less pain. This meant, of course, that he felt it was time to go home which Hallie answered with a resounding: "No. Absolutely not Matt. You can keep begging and threatening and bribing the nurses all you want but none of them are going to discharge you. End of story," she kissed him. "Now, I have to go to work. You have magazines. You have books. You have the TV remote. Be good and I'll see you later."

"Define good!" he called after her.

She simply waved at him over her shoulder and disappeared down the hall. Casey sighed. He was already bored.

The books lasted fifteen minutes and then he flipped through the television for another ten until he wanted to scream in frustration. He put the remote down on the bed and then looked out into the hallway. From where he was sitting he couldn't see anyone. Ever so slowly he pulled back his blanket and swung his legs over the edge of the bed. Gripping his IV pole tightly he pulled himself to his feet grimacing in pain. His side hurt like all get out but at least he was standing.

He sucked in a slow breath and then tentatively took a step. So far so good. He attempted another. The room stayed still. He was sweating but nearly to the door when a nurse walked by. He froze and waited for her to pass. Without even looking up from the file in her hand she called over her shoulder, "Get back in bed Lieutenant Casey."

Casey swore and shuffled back toward his bed. Someone wolf whistled behind him and he turned to see Shay and Dawson in his doorway. "How's it going Grandpa?" Dawson asked with a grin.

"Haha very funny," he said as he lowered himself back onto the bed with a grimace. "I guess I owe you two a thank you."

"We accept all major credit cards as well as cash," Shay told him. "Ooh jello!" She swiped it off his tray and stretched out in the chair next to his bed.

Casey rolled his eyes. "I wasn't going to eat that anyway."

"Seriously, how are you doing?" Dawson asked as Casey adjusted himself against the pillows.

"Could be worse. I'm going to have a pretty fantastic scar," he told her.

"You were bleeding out. They didn't really have a choice," Dawson pointed out.

Shay watched her friends as she chewed slowly. "I'm uh, I'm going to go check on that case we brought in this morning," she said as she stood. "You know the girl with the…thing."

"Oh, yeah, right. I'll be down in a minute," Dawson told her. "So when are you busting out of here?" she asked.

Casey sighed. "Soon as Hallie lets me out. I'm going crazy in this bed."

"Yeah I'll bet," Dawson twisted her hands uncomfortably.

Casey frowned. "Hey, what's wrong?"

"I'm uh, I'm just," she sighed. "I was really scared for you Casey. I've never been that scared in my life."

"Hey," he reached out and took her hand. "I'm going to be fine. And that's all thanks to you. You guys saved my life."

"Yeah, well, let's not make it a regular thing okay?" Dawson tried for a smile.

"Hey Gabby," Hallie walked into the room. "Is he behaving?"

"As much as he ever does," Gabby told her. She stood. "I've got to run. Keep us posted okay? Get some rest."

"I'll try," Casey promised.

"Okay. See ya," she gave a little wave and exited to the hall.

"Hey! Gabby!" she turned to see Hallie following her.

Gabby stopped. "Yeah, what's up?"

"I just wanted to say thank you," Hallie told her. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you the other night I was just so worried…"

"It's okay," Gabby forced a smile. "You had a lot on your mind."

Hallie nodded. "Well, anyway, just thank you. You saved him and I will always be grateful."

She went in for a hug and Gabby responded uncomfortably. "Just doing our jobs."

"Well you're the best. Tell Shay I said so okay?"

"Will do. I gotta run."

"Of course. Have a good day!"

"Thanks, you too!"

Hallie returned to her fireman's room. "I have good news and I have bad news."

"Bad news first," Casey told her. "Always bad news first."

"No working for three weeks."

He opened his mouth to respond but she silenced him by putting a finger to his lips. "The good news is you can go home tomorrow so long as you continue to receive care."

"Oh really?" Casey raised his eyebrows as Hallie joined him on the bed. "Do you know of anyone who might volunteer to provide such care?"

Hallie smiled. "I think I can come up with someone." She kissed him. "Feeling better?"

Casey grinned. "Definitely."

A/N: Final reviews are always welcome!