With every ounce of his strength, he lifted his hand, and reached into his pocket, revealing a small ring.

"Mimi... please... marry me." he gasped. To him, this was probably the last place he wanted to propose to her, but, it felt like the right time.

Mimi was speechless. She leaned over, and kissed him on the lips. "Of course I'll marry you."

Matt felt like he could dance. He placed the ring on her finger, and slowly kissed her.

"I love you Mimi." he managed to utter.

"I love you too, Matt." she replied, merrily. She hugged him tightly, but avoided his wounds, crying happily.

Out of nowhere, she jumped back, clutching her stomach in pain.

"What's wrong!" gasped Matt, trying to lift his head.

"Okay. Mimi, your turn to get checked out." said Joe, as he walked into the room.

"Something's wrong with her!" screamed Matt.

Joe ran over to her. "Shit...." he muttered under his breath.

"What's wrong with me?" asked Mimi, through tears. She was breathing really hard.

"Your water just broke." he said. He screamed out a nurse's name, and ordered her to prep the OR.

"What!" Matt yelled. "The baby's not due for another three months!"

"Tell that to the baby!" screamed Joe sarcastically, as floods of nurses came rushing into the room, wheeling in a Gurney.

A male nurse grabbed Mimi in his arms, and lied her down on the stretcher. Matt looked on in horror. "Mimi!" he shouted.

He painfully swung a foot over the rail of his bed, and managed to get up. The excruciating torture that he once called his stomach, almost didn't permit him.

"Stay in bed!" ordered Joe. "You can't do anything for her, in your condition!"

"I won't let her go through this alone!" he replied. He managed to stand up, but collapsed in Joe's arms.

"I'm not letting you out of this room! Get down, and get rest! You're not helping Mimi, by making yourself worse!"

"Doctor! Doctor! The patient's in labor! She's passed out! We'll have to preform an emergency C-section! It's the baby's only hope for surviving!"

"Damn! This has to be the worst thing that could possibly happen to her!" he said dropping Matt on the bed. "Reason for fainting." he said running out of the room.

"Loss of blood!" the nurse called after him. "If we don't get that baby out of her, she's not gonna make it!"

"No." said Matt, as he pushed himself off the bed again. It didn't hurt as much this time, but the emotional grief was at least 10 times greater. 'I will not lose Mimi and the baby.' he told himself sternly.

The throbbing pain in his stomach aside, he stumbled over to the OR. (Which wasn't far away.) He crashed into several chairs, trying to maintain his balance, but ended up collapsing into one.

Hours seemed to have passed. Matt stared at the door. A woman and man, who had obviously been in a fatal car accident, were rolled by him, but his gaze didn't move from the door.

'What'll happen if the baby doesn't make it? Mimi will think it was her fault. She would be heart broken...' he thought to himself. 'What'll happen if Mimi doesn't make it? I won't be able to go on...'

Joe interrupted his thoughts. "Matt. Matt you shouldn't be here."

His head snapped up. "How's Mimi? Is the baby okay? Did she make it?"

"First, I have to tell you something. Mimi's not doing very well. We have her on a respirator. She's lost a lot of blood. Too much in fact. I'm not sure what exactly happened tonight, but it put an incredible amount of stress on her. Emotionally and physically. Basically, in non- doctor babble, her body thought that her nine months were over, and let the baby come prematurely."

"So... my baby's dead...." Matt stuttered.

"No. Your daughter is alive, but is in intensive care. She was only six months ready Matt! It's a miracle she survived at all!"

Matt sighed heavily. He had a daughter. His little girl....

"Listen Matt. I need you to sign some forms. I hate to be the one to tell you this, but the hospital has a two-month policy, on premature babies."

"What are you talking about Joe?" asked Matt. A sense of foreboding crept up on him.

"Well, to sum it up, we give the baby two months. If she or he doesn't get any better, be sadly have to pull the plug. I need you sign the form saying you agree to this..."

"Are you crazy!" exploded Matt. "There is no way in hell, you'll get me to sign a slip, saying I'll end my child's life!"

"Matt, if it were up to me, this wouldn't even be a question! You know me! I would never do this to anybody!"

"So why are you doing it to me?" he said. Tears rolling off his face. "Things were just going right for us. We'd have our child... getting married... starting a life together. This can't be happening. Not now..."

"I'm sorry Matt. We did everything that we could. The baby's heart is just too weak. Her lungs are under developed and his organs aren't functioning well. We have her hooked up to machines. They're keeping her alive. But I need you to sign this. It's a policy. Mimi can't so this right now. She's in a worse condition. The knowledge of this, might cause her statue to go critical."

Matt stared at him blankly. He blocked out the words, not wanting to hear them. Joe had given him two choices. One, let your baby die. Second, let her live for two months, and when she doesn't get better, pull the plug.

"I can't do this Joe. I can't do this now."

"I understand. You should be resting anyway. I'll have nurse Jurtes escort you back to your room."

As if on command, a frail looking nurse came over to Matt, and grabbed his arm, practically dragging him back to his room.

When Matt was firmly covered, she spoke to him. "So. That girl. Is she your girlfriend?"

"Fiancee." said Matt. The words danced on his tongue, but stung like acid.

"Hey, listen. We saw your kid. She's beautiful. Take it from me. I've seen kids in worse conditions come through. Dr. Kido is the best this hospital has to offer. If anyone can save your kid, it's him."

"Yeah, good old reliable Joe. He was always like that. Told the facts right to your face. Never sugar coated it."

"Get rest Mr. Ishida. You'll need it." she then walked out of the room, shutting the door.

"Hey! Sarah! Did you see that poor baby that just got wheeled off?" asked another nurse running over to her.

"Yeah. There is no way that baby will make it. Her stats were way below average. Not even Joe can save her now..."

'Thanks. For the truth.' Matt thought. He had heard the whole conversation. 'How the hell are they expecting me to get rest, when Mimi's not doing well, and my child's in the intensive care ward?' Matt rolled over on his side, not caring about his stitches.

He wanted to be with Mimi right now. He wanted the baby to be all right. He wanted Cole's soul to rot in hell.

He was positive that he caused this. Who else could it have been? "He was the one who stabbed me and took my baby's life away from us." he mumbled. "If I hadn't already killed him, I sure as hell would have done it now."

The Next Day

Matt woke up with a jolt. He looked at his surroundings, baffled. 'Where am I?' he thought. Suddenly, reality hit him. "Mimi." he remembered, as he grabbed a house coat from the chair next to him, and hobbled off to her room.

"Matt. Good to see you up. Did you sleep well?" asked Joe, as he sipped his coffee.

"How would you sleep if your family's in the ICU?" snapped Matt bitterly.

"Hey. No need to be grouchy. Mimi regained consciousness this morning. You can see her if you want." said Joe looking a little happier.

"Yes! Yes I want to see her!" yelled Matt. "Take me to her please."

"Sure. Wait here. I'll get a wheel chair." Joe turned around, and walked over to the section, where they kept the wheel chairs. He grabbed one, and strolled back to Mimi.

"Thanks Joe." said Matt, as he sat down.

"No problem. But I should warn you. Mimi has no recollection of what happened to her or the baby. I think it would be best if she didn't find out right now."

"I understand. I wouldn't tell her, even if you said it was okay." muttered Matt through parted lips. "I can take it from here Joe. No need to push me around."

"Whatever you say man. Just take it easy."

"I will." Matt promised. He began his journey down the long, winding corridor, only to meet Ken and Brian.

"Hey Matt. We heard about what happened. I'm really sorry... if there's anything I can do, you just ask. Okay?" said Ken.

"I hear ya. Thanks." Brian took out a piece of paper, and began to write a very large, I'm sorry for what happened to Mimi.

"I know you are Brian." smiled Matt weakly, resisting tears.

'Right. I hope Mimi gets better. I hope your pathetic spawn dies...' he thought, smiling at the idea.

"This is Mimi's room." said Matt, pushing open the door, only to find an empty bed. "Mimi!" he shouted. He looked around frantically. "Where is she? What happened?"

"I don't know Matt." said Ken shakily, thinking the worst.

Matt quickly wheeled out of the room, and began scanning the halls of the hospital. He soon got fed up with the chair, and decided to walk, leaving it at the side of a door.

"Where did they take her?" he said to no one in particular. "Where are you?..."

Just then, he noticed a tall figure staring blankly at a room, with a window. "Mimi..." he let his voice trail, as the girl turned around, revealing largely tear soaked cheeks.

"Our baby." she cried. "Our baby is... is..." she broke down crying. Matt rushed over to her side, and held her tightly.

"It's gonna be okay. She's gonna make it. She's a fighter like you."

"This is all my fault." said Mimi in a small voice. "If I had been a better mother, this wouldn't have happened."

"This is not your fault!" said Matt in a demanding tone. "You didn't do this at all! You can't blame yourself for what happened."

"I named her Lilly..." said Mimi, as if she hadn't heard Matt.

"Lilly." Matt repeated to himself. "It suits her." he said glimpsing at the small figure for the first time.

She was covered from head to toe, in white bandages, that were streaked with droplets of blood. She had a tube thicker than her neck, shoved down her throat, keeping her breathing. Large needles, were stuck in her arms, feeding her, attempting to make her better. "Lilly." Matt repeated, letting tears fall.

He held Mimi close to him, while looking at his daughter. His eyes not leaving her frail form. "She's going to make it. I know she is." he said trying to reassure Mimi, and himself.

"She's so small... so innocent... she doesn't deserve to die..." sobbed Mimi, barely maintaining her standing position. "She doesn't deserve this!"

"I know she doesn't." said Matt brushing away one of her tears. "Hey, look at me." he said, as he brought her face to his. "Joe's taking care of her. She'll get the best medical treatment money can buy. We need to be strong! If not for us, then for her."

"Okay." Mimi whispered, hardly audible. "I'm going to try."

"That's my girl." said Matt. "Remember. We have a wedding to plan now."

Mimi laughed. "That's right." she smiled. "Soon, I'm going to be Mrs. Yamato Ishida."

"And don't you forget it!" he joked, as he held her hand. Mimi looked at the ring. It symbolized Matt's undying love for her. She just prayed she could do a good job in returning the favor.

************************************************************************

Brian looked at the baby. She was so helpless. So defenseless. So perfect. This was something he hated. 'You might come from Mimi, but you have that stupid bastard's blood running through you veins as well. That makes you worthless. Useless. You're an abomination to this world! Don't worry small one. I'll fix you.' he smiled, as he walked away, smiling at the little children that waved to him.

************************************************************************

Over the next few days, Mimi took on as much work at the hospital, as possible. She was running the charity banquet, and was organizing the field trip for the children. On top of that, she was planning the wedding, which she insisted she could do alone.

Matt became worried. "Mimi, it's not healthy to do as much work as you doing. You're gonna make yourself sick."

"Don't be such a worry-wart. I'm fine. What do you like better for the China pattern? Pink flowers, or blue swans? Personally, I like the swans, but I wish they were in pink, but who am I to be picky!"

"Mimi stop this! I know the only reason you're doing this, is to keep your mind off Lilly. But stressing yourself out is not going to make her better!"

"Matt," she said, as her eyes swelled up with tears, "it's just; if I stop for just a minute, I end up thinking of her. With all this work, I don't have the time to worry... I just don't want to worry!"

"Nobody said you couldn't worry. Just, you have to slow down. I don't want you to end up in the hospital." he said, as he kissed her forehead.

"Matt..." gulped Mimi "how do you do it? You keep up such a good front... I can't do it anymore. I can't do it anymore! It's killing me!" she screamed.

"It's killing me too!" screamed back Matt. "Mimi, you and Lilly mean everything to me! What exactly am I supposed to do if I lose you! Both of you! I wouldn't be able to go on! I love you so much..."

"I love you to Matt." said Mimi hugging him. "I don't know what I'd do without you either."

They stayed like that for a long time, only to break apart, by a knock at the door.

"How is it?" asked Matt.

"Ken! And Brian!" yelled Matt's friend. "We have some good news!"

Matt sighed heavily. He really didn't want to deal with his friends right now. He just wanted to be left alone with Mimi. "Coming." he said flatly.

Matt walked over to the door, and opened it. Before he could open his mouth to speak, Ken cut him off. "We've decided to make you manager of our group! Do you accept?"

"What!" exploded Matt.

"You heard us! We want you to be our manager." Ken smiled coyly.

"Why me?" he said dumbstruck.

Brian lifted his arms, and hastily began flailing his arms, with the fakest smile plastered over his face.

"What?" asked Matt and Ken at the same time.

"He said, because you're their best friend, and nobody deserves it more." finished Mimi, returning to her catalogues.

"Beautiful, and smart." said Ken in awe.

"Quit it!" said Matt, returning to their old game. "That's my fiancee you're talking too!"

"Since when!" shouted Ken.

"Since a few days ago!" grinned Matt happily.

"Mimi, is the guy being delusional, or are you actually getting hitched?" said Ken, as he jaw scrapped the floor.

Mimi held up her hand, not turning away from her reading. "Holy mother of Jesus! That is one huge stone!" Ken replied.

Brian widened his fake smile. All he wanted to do right now, was gut Matt like a fish. Instead, he punched his shoulder in congratulations. 'Aim for the shoulder. Aim for the shoulder.' he repeated in his mind, so he didn't punch Matt's front teth out. 'Now you really have to pay. Over my cold, dead body will you marry Mimi.'

************************************************************************

The night had been surprisingly slow. No car accidents. No burn victims. No mugging's. Nothing. Basically, the hospital was deserted. Except for the occasional doctor that left to go to home.

"Hey Jane! I'm going to make one last round! Make sure everything's in order, then I'm gettin' the hell outta here!"

"Whatever Tom." the nurse shrugged, looking at her computer.

He quickly straightened his badge, and walked along the walls. He passed by the infirmary, and absentmindedly looked in. He looked straight at the small baby girl, who looked as if she was a deflated football. "Poor kid." he mumbled.

"Excuse me sir." said a voice, which made the security guard jump. Turning around, he let out a sigh of relief.

"Gez kid! You almost scared the life out of me!"

"Almost?" he said as he grabbed his gun, and shot him point blank range in the stomach.

The officer, doubled over, coughing up blood, only to die on the floor seconds later. The boy picked up his body, and carried it into the broom closet. He sloppily washed up the blood trail, and took his keys.

"I said I'd fix you, and I will!" he said triumphantly as he unlocked the infirmary door. He strolled over to the respirator that was hooked up to the small baby. "Lilly Ishida." he said, as he read off her chart. "Premature." he laughed maniacally. "Try kidnaped."

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