Author's Note: I am a despicable human being. I just keep teasing you all with a bunch of chapters and cliffhangers and really long delays between updates. Ugh, I despise myself. Bleh. Anyway, carry on! Thanks to all my reviewers! I hope to see more!

Silence held the room tightly as Skipper's cries stopped. His body froze. Did he hear right? Was it a mere trick of the ear? He slowly lifted his head, but his eyes remain closed; terrified he might see a sort of deadness to Marlene's bright gems.

He turned slightly to the source of the lovely sound he hoped he heard.

The body still beneath his flippers shifted slightly into a sitting position with a bit of a struggle.

Then, that glorious sound resonated throughout once more.

"Skipper? Please.. look at me."

Without a minute more of hesitation, Skipper opened his eyes and did as she asked. And never did a greater smile appear on his face.

Marlene still had a light to her eyes, though dimmed from her prolonged illness. Her smile was as bright as ever and, to him, she looked just as beautiful as she always had.

There was a silent pause as the couple took in the appearance and condition of each other.

Marlene noticed the red rings under Skipper's eyes from long, sleepless nights. She also noticed a vulnerability she had never seen in him before. She smiled; proud of him for being so strong.

Skipper took in every color of her eyes, to hold them in memory forever. He knew the light would return stronger once she was all better. She had lost weight, which was probably a plus for her, but she looked half-starved. Still, she was the same beautiful Marlene. A strong Marlene.

Finally, Skipper found the words he'd been dying to say, "Good morning, Sleeping Beauty."

Marlene chuckled weakly and replied, "How original, Skippy."

Skipper just smiled and watched as his fiancé went from happy to concerned.

"Where's Auburn? Where's my baby? Is she OK? Please, tell me everything's alright. Oh god, I've missed so much.. How will I make it up to her?", Marlene buried her head in her paws with shame for having not been there for her daughter the past couple of weeks.

Skipper sternly put both flippers on Marlene's shoulders. "Marlene. You will NOT be angry with yourself. None of this is your fault. Auburn's fine. She's with the others at HQ."

Marlene sighed and looked up at Skipper. She nodded with a small smile and Skipper released her from his grip.

Suddenly, a spark of determination filled her eyes as she attempted to stand. Skipper got up quickly and eased her back down. "Whoa, take it easy there, Marlene. You still need rest."

Marlene rolled her eyes and said firmly, "I need my baby." Skipper smiled a bit. He liked the fire she had about her.

Still, he knew rest was best for now, so he suggested getting Auburn for Marlene. She reluctantly agreed. Marlene didn't like feeling so weak when she knew she could handle it herself.

Skipper kissed her gently but when he got up to leave, he was quickly brought back down for a second kiss; which he gladly returned.

When the couple finally parted for breath, Skipper got up with a lovesick expression and glassy eyes. "I'll.. uh.. what was I going to do again?", he asked.

Marlene giggled and replied, "You were going to get our daughter."

"Oh, yeah! Thanks, Marlene..", he stumbled a bit from his love-ridden daze but managed to make it to the HQ.

His dive into the world of romance was cut short, though, as he entered the HQ. His eyes grew wide and his body tensed as he looked around. His whisper of disbelief filled the silent room, "No..."

Author's Note: Sooo? Whatcha think? Sorry that it's short but the opportunity for a cliffhanger was too much. I know, I know, another cliffhanger.. I can't help myself! It's a natural writing habit! Anyway, review please!