Disclaimer: I do not own Fringe.

Author's Note: I'm taking a bit of a creative license, because for the purpose of this, I didn't want the bridge to remain between universes.

How am I surviving the hiatus? Writing.

I don't know where this is going to end up, but I do know that I'm going to try and make it last until Fringe comes back.

I have the first few chapters written, but beyond that, I will be trying to write at least a bit each day, though updates will be a bit sporadic because of my schedule.

In Time

Chapter One

"Whatever you've both done, we're here now, so maybe it's time we start to fix it."

Walter turned to her after she said this, and she can feel their eyes on her; her alternate's, and the other Walter's. It's strange, to see what is nearly a mirror image of herself. "Both universes are unstable like this. They cannot stay combined forever. In fact, I think that this is only a temporary condition."

Walternate stepped forward. "We need to fix this—no, you need to fix this. This is your fault in the first place."

"You need to give me time." Walter gestured wildly with his arms around the room. "I can fix this, I just need to figure out how, first. But I promise, I will right this wrong."

"You've had enough time."

Walter's brows rose, in an unfamiliar expression of dominance toward his alternate. "I could fix this, or I could just leave your universe to die. This bridge won't last forever, but remember, we both know how to travel universes. Once I figure out the solution, I will bring it here. I can promise that."

There was a subdued guilt that had long-plagued Walter, and beneath his threatening words, this feeling was apparent. He wanted to fix the cracks in the other universe, but it would only get worse if the two stayed merged like they were.

The entire room began to shimmer. Time was running out; they wouldn't be able to fix anything, now. Their universes had come together, but it was never meant to be so. They could not stay merged. But, the tears would get worse in the other universe—that much, Walternate clearly knew, by the look on his face. His universe didn't have much time, and so he would have to, however grudgingly, rely on both himself and his resources, as well as Walter, to restore balance and peace.

"I'll be waiting for your solution," he called, as they began to fade from vision. "And I'll be making one of my own. You're not the only one who can fix this. I'm not going to rely on you, after everything you've done."

And with that, they were gone. The Machine still stood, but the residents of the other universe were gone; the Machine hadn't been able to keep up the bridge for any longer.