Present Day

Stitch sat alone in his waiting chamber. Not everyone was able to get a hearing with the Council just by barging in and asking for one. However, they were not ordinary visitors. Jumba, Stitch, and Pleakley had made the trek alone. Nani and David stayed behind so as to look after Lilo and let them know if anything happens.

Everyone was offered a place to rest together, however, Stitch needed some time to himself. With everything that had happened the last two months, neither of the others did anything to stop them. Pleakley didn't like how alone Stitch had become. Even for a little monster, he needed some companionship. Not much could be said though, Stitch's companion was hurt beyond his help. Just being around wasn't going to do a whole lot for him.

In silence, Stitch counted the minutes as they passed by. He did his best not to worry or think about what was happening to Lilo. Jumba had kept it hidden from him what was wrong. All he did know, was that they didn't have much time to sit around and wait. Now what he was doing was sitting around and waiting, and he couldn't feel guiltier.

Please don't let that be the last time I see her. Stitch had pleaded and begged so many times over the last month that he lost track of who or what he was talking to. Eventually, he just asked the universe itself to let them be together. If anything, it should have been me…

Stitch's self-imposed guilt trip was cut short by a sudden knock at the door.

With hope, Stitch looked to the entrance expecting a representative to be there to let him know the Council was ready for him. His demeanor dropped when he saw that that wasn't the case.

"Oh, Reuben. Isa only yuuga." Stitch said with disappointment.

"Well, geez." Reuben put his hands on his hips. "Thanks for the warm welcome. It's nice to see you too, cuz."

"Sorry, Reuben. Isa just…"

"I know." Reuben said cutting him off. Taking a seat beside his cousin, he started to rub Stitch's back in support. "I stopped and talked to doc and the walking noodle before coming here. They told me what's going on with Lilo. I'm really sorry about it."

"Isa not yuuga's fault."

"Maybe not. But I feel pretty bad about just sitting around for so long in that dumb base of hamster faces. I could have gotten out sooner. Maybe I could have helped."

"Naga worry." Stitch said. He was glad to have such a caring family. "Meega have a feeling that this would have happened anyway. Weega seem to say good-bye a lot."

"You know. Lilo said something really similar to me once." Reuben saw Stitch chuckle a little, lifting his spirits up a bit. "So. You and the kid huh? Pretty crazy. Can't say I'm surprised though."

"Naga?"

"Nah. The way you two have been all this time. I mean, it's a bit sudden and all. But it's almost like it was meant to be or something."

Stitch was happy to hear that from Reuben. As supportive as their family had been of their relationship, they hadn't really had the chance to let anyone else know. What the rest of the world would think of them being together was second to the matters at hand. And while the United Galactic Federation didn't have any issues with it, Earth could be a completely different story.

"So, um. How is Angel doing? W-with the break up I mean." Reuben's voice suddenly became shaky. And he looked away when Stitch turned back to him to answer.

"She's fine. She and Sparky got together."

"Oh? Is that right?" Stitch could have sworn he heard a bit of sadness in Reuben's voice, but it was quickly dropped. "Well that's great for him… Her… them. I'm happy for them."

Reuben coughed to fill out the awkward silence that followed. He became very fidgety, not knowing what more to say. Jumba and Pleakley warned him that the atmosphere around Stitch might be a little stuffy, but he didn't realize how bad it would be. He made a promise to himself to visit his cousin more often when he got the chance. It was about time they started making up for the time they were on separate sides.

Suddenly, the door opened up yet again. This time, it was a representative. Stitch didn't even give the alien a chance to announce the Council being ready before he stood up and headed to the door.

"Hey, cuz?" Reuben said, seeing Stitch stop in the doorway for him. "Good luck out there. I hope everything works out. Aloha."

"Aloha, Reuben." Stitch said before leaving.

\\\

Nani sat alone in Lilo's room on Jumba's ship. All she could do since seeing the rest of the family off was sit and watch over her little sister. David had stayed for a while, but noticed Nani hadn't eaten a thing all day and offered to get something quick.

It was weird sensation for her. For many years she had sat on Lilo's bedside, telling her the tales her mom had told her to get her to sleep. Even after Lilo's breathing had changed to a slow and steady pace, she wouldn't dare cut the story short. If she did, Lilo would instantly wake. This time though, Lilo's eyes didn't flutter open. She wondered how Stitch was able to stay by her side for so long without breaking down. It occurred to her that he probably did and just didn't show it to anyone else.

"You really found someone special, Lilo." Nani said under her breath. "I don't know if I can ever get used to it… but even I can see how much he loves you. And I know you love him too. Just hold on there."

Time ticked by ever slowly. To help pass it, she opted to retelling her one of the many bed time stories she had relayed before. It wasn't even half way into the tale of the zombie princess, when Nani noticed something odd about Lilo. Her chest wasn't rising and lowering as steady as it used to, and when she did breathe it was much more ragged.

"Lilo?"

Nani grabbed her sister's hand, feeling that it wasn't as warm as it once was. Starting to worry, she placed an ear to Lilo's chest and counted. Her eyes went wide as the hidden monitor started to beep frantically. Lilo's heart was starting to slow.

"Hey, Nani!" David said entering the room with a bag of take out. "I hope you don't mind. I stopped at… what's wrong?"

Nani's eyes were flooded with tears. David dropped the bag of food and rushed over.

"L-Lilo's getting worse." She was barely even able to speak, feeling her world crash around her. "She's barely breathing and her hearts barely going."

"No…" David wasn't willing to just give up. "You get in touch with Jumba and the others. I still remember some CPR; I'll do what I can until they get back."

Nani didn't need to be told twice. Instantly she took off to the teleportation bay. There she would be able to get in touch with Pleakley and start prepping her side for their return. Silently, she cursed how long it was taking for them to come back. However, she wasn't the one out there, she didn't know what they had to do. And she knew Stitch would stop at nothing to get what they needed to save Lilo. Even if he became an outlaw to the United Galactic Federation again.

\\\

"What are you meaning 'no'?" Jumba asked, outraged to be denied his request.

Stitch's heart nearly stopped when he heard the word. It felt like the grand dark room was starting to spin. Three times before he had been in the large chamber to be brought before the Council. This time though it was empty save for them and the six on the Council platform.

The Grand Councilwoman stood tall before them with the three Councilmen behind her. Just to the back side of the stage, Gantu and Reuben stood, looking just as shocked as Jumba, Pleakley, and Stitch.

"We are unable to permit use of such advanced technology be placed on Earth." The Grand Councilwoman said with a sigh. Stitch could hear some frustration in her voice, along with sadness, but it didn't matter to him right then. "You know the rules well. No alien technology is to be taken to a planet that is not a part of the United Galactic Federation."

"But if weega don't Lilo will die!" Stitch pleaded.

"…Even so…"

"What about my ship and all of my technology? It is being on puny Earth planet." Jumba was going to fight as much as he needed. It was his mistake that Lilo had reached this state, and he wasn't going to let her life slip through his fingers.

One of the sharply dressed Councilmen stepped forward, eyes glaring directly at Jumba. "Need I remind you that your case is… special? That only through a loop hole experiment six-two-six-"

"Stitch." Stitch interrupted.

"Right, Stitch." The Councilman continued. "That only through a loop hole Stitch and you two were able to stay on the planet."

Jumba inhaled sharply, trying to keep his cool. "All I am needing is a plasma scalped, a kytorium pincer, cell adhesive, and some NCL12. If I was wanting to I could just go to black market and get some." He could see by the way their eyes grew wide that that wasn't the best thing to say. "But instead I was good, and came to you to request permission to take it to Earth. Like little girl would have wanted."

"And say again why you are needing such advanced medical supplies?"

"Disk in little girl's spine became slightly loose when she was pushed and hit her head on cement. It was so slight that my initial scans did not pick it up. Then it cracked when she fell again. It finally came loose ever so much when she fell off the cliff, pressing against the nerves in her spine. Her body went into shock, paralyzing her so as not to cause more damage. It is trying to preserve itself but it can't last long. Eventually, the break in her spine will fully paralyze her entire body, and it won't be able to function on its own. Neither Earth nor I am having the tools to fix this, but I can if you give us what we need and we hurry."

It broke Stitch's heart to hear what was going on with Lilo. For as strong, fast, and smart he was, he was unable to do anything to help. All he could do, was get the tools Jumba needed.

"Even so." The Councilman stated. "Rules are rules and-"

He was cut off yet again, Pleakley's communicator started going off. It took a moment to realize it was his, and he immediately started flailing trying to get to the device.

"Sorry." Pleakley chuckled. "I should take this."

"As I was saying-"

"What!?" Pleakley shouted out. The Councilman glared at the one-eyed alien but received no response to it. "We have a big problem. Terrible problem. Catastrophic problem. Lilo's heart is starting to give out. And she isn't breathing!"

"Gaba?" Stitch's eyes went wide in fear. There was no more time to wait. "Please! Yuuga have to help us."

"I'm sorry, Stitch." The Grand Councilwoman said, stepping back to the front. "But the Council has made its decision."

"Can't yuuga make one more exception? Lilo has done so much for yuuga…"

Another one of the Councilmen stepped forward, annoyance plain on his face. "She may have stopped an evil rodent from taking over. Twice now even. We were able to pick up Hamsterveil, but Leroy is still nowhere to be found. However, she also disobeyed orders. If she had just stayed put like we said to, she wouldn't be in this condition now."

"Lilo only do what she think is right! If she naga disobey yuuga, then everyone else would have died!"

"I am particularly fond of not dying." Jumba added in.

"Lilo sacrificed herself so the ones she cared about would be oketaka. Can yuuga really let her die for that?!"

"Rules are rules." The Councilmen said, stepping back.

Stitch had had enough. Lilo was running out of time, and he wasn't going to let anyone get in his way now. "Then meega just take it."

"You would go against us, and become a fugitive of the Federation? Just for a few medical supplies?" The Grand Councilwoman asked, eyeing him carefully.

"Ih. For Lilo… meega do anything."

There was a moment of silence as the two stared at each other. Each moment felt like an eternity to Stitch. The moment she said no, he would rush for what they needed and take over the transportation bay to get back to Lilo. Even if it meant being on the run for the rest of his life, he wouldn't let her die.

"Then I shall allow it." The Grand Councilwoman said.

"B-but-"The Council was shocked at her choice. The third Councilman stepped towards her. "But the rules."

"I shall take full responsibility of this choice. I will not stand to let someone die when we are able to help. If you wish to vote me out, so be it. For now though. I will see to it that Lilo Pelekai gets what she needs."

"But we can't-"

"Honestly, Councilman." She said with a grin. "If you would like to get in Stitch's way, by all means try. I do not think you would last long when his boojiboo is on the line."

The Council stepped down utterly defeated. She looked back at Stitch and gave him a grin. "I expect you to hurry."

"Takka." Stitch couldn't begin to describe the joy that coursed through him. Now they had what they needed to get Lilo back.

\\\

Time. Time was the one thing that always seemed to be against them. Even though Jumba, Pleakley, and Stitch made it back home as quickly as they could, it seemed like it might not have been fast enough. By the time they reached Lilo's room, the heart monitor was sending off a single long beep. Despite David's best efforts, Lilo's body wasn't able to keep up. Her heart was stopping, and her breathing was basically non-existent. It could only be assumed that her other organs were failing as well, but there was no way to tell right then.

Now Stitch sat and waited outside Jumba's lab with everyone else again. It didn't feel the same as before though. Before they didn't understand what was happening, now they were. When the door finally opened, Stitch's heart stopped. David, Nani, and Pleakley instantly turned to the door. Stitch didn't even look at Jumba's face before rushing into the room. He didn't want to hear whether the operation was a success or not, he would see with his own eyes.

With the door gently closing behind him, Stitch looked at to the table in the room. He could feel tears sting behind his eyes.

"H-hey Stitch." Lilo said weakly.

"L-Lilo?" Stitch choked.

He ran to her bedside, basking in her smile and eyes. He took her hand into his. The warm feeling and slight squeeze she gave sent waves of happiness coursing through his body.

"Meega soka." Stitch said.

"Why are you sorry?"

"Meega left yuuga there. Meega couldn't protect yuuga. Meega naga able to do anything…"

"Shh." Lilo brought a finger up to his lips, silencing him instantly. "It's okay, Stitch. You did what you had to do. I'm sorry what I ended up putting you through."

"Yuuga…?"

"I heard everything. Thank you for never leaving my side. I was so scared… you did more than you think."

For the first time in weeks, they stared into each other's eyes. Once again they found themselves losing the world around them. Only they existed, and finally everything was going to be okay. Stitch leaned down, gently brushing his lips against hers. For so long he wanted to feel her warm tender lips against his, feel all the life that she held. Despite the slight pain in the back of her neck, Lilo returned the kiss in full. She started tearing up. At times, she felt like she wasn't going to be able to feel his warm fluffiness against her ever again.

"I love you, Stitch." Lilo breathed after the kiss finally ended.

"Meega love yuuga, boojiboo." Stitch replied with the most joyous smile he would ever give.