A/N: Written for, well what everyone wants, for Quinn to come home. Lots of fluff AND other stuff ;). More chapters to come!


The nightmares, they started coming what seemed like abruptly. It felt like a slap in that face, but maybe she deserved it for going to, then returning, to that shit hole to begin with. Waking up drenched in a pool of sweat often, one night even waking up shaking and she swears she could still feel Quinn's hand constricting her neck and his voice stinging with fury.

They didn't just creep up on her though and she knew it. Getting that letter of course being the catalyst. He was gone, just like the rest of them. Some nights would be a flash of Islamabad and then there were the nights she saw Quinn on his mission and it always ended right before something happened to him, something bad of course. She'd always be watching from a monitor, in her superficial safe haven, screaming at him to be careful and he wasn't able to hear her no matter how loud she was. Her desperate cries useless, failing before she can even try.

She feels pathetic with needing to have a one year sleep in her bed with her, but on those nights she sleeps peacefully even if it takes hours to fall asleep. It becomes a routine and not just for Carrie. The simple comfort of the most important person in her life always being there even when they sleep. She tires herself by rubbing Franny's back until she has exhausted her arm, soothing both of them to sleep. Her fears of sleep alleviated by the rise and fall of her daughter's breathing pattern.


Work hasn't been an issue so far, but she had to face it sooner or later. Going to Langley, out of the question. She's avoided the Senate hearings for the most part and had openly wanted to take responsibility for everyone who was killed. Even they know she could not have possibly stopped what had happened. They order Langley to allow her not to return there, or to the hearings for six months and take time off while they seek answers from Lockhart.

It had truly been a blessing though, not having to be in the presence of Saul. Her testimony thus far being chilling enough they wonder how she's pulling herself together as it is. They wonder why any American citizen would ever want to be a part of that.


Summer has now ending with blooms no longer vibrant and foliage beginning to stunt. However, today a beautiful day, almost like summer had never began to hinder. Franny had loved the sandbox at the park and Carrie could kick herself for not buying one before they sold out for the summer.

"Where'd you put your shoe silly?" Carrie laughs digging through the closet.

She closes in on where it's been hiding.

"Dammit!"

Ding dong ding dong!

"Hang on a second!"

Ding dong ding dong!

"I'm coming! I'm coming!"

She doesn't bother taking a peak, it's probably only Maggie.

Her eyes flicker, not believing that he is really there, thinking she must be having another nightmare or maybe she was lucky enough to have a dream for once.

"Oh my god... oh my fucking god," she muffles into her hands covering her stunned mouth.

His face is still raw with a gaping flesh wound that should probably be stitched under his right eye and his left arm cradled in a sling. He reveals his dimples for the first time that he's been back and from that second he knows he'll be relieved from the hell that he'd allowed himself to endure for the past five months just by seeing her face again.

"Hi Carrie," his smile lingers.

"Peter... But you... but you," she removes her hands sobbing.

She buries her face in his chest feeling his lively heartbeat practically fluttering in her eardrum. He strokes her soft hair longing for her to stay there. The longer they stay like this, she reluctantly recalls how he left her all alone, slowly starting to cusp her outrage.

"God dammit Quinn," she begins to recite against his skin. "God dammit."

When she pulls back he immediately senses her resentment.

"Hey, hey now," he brushes her hair that had been covering her face behind her ear.

"Fuck Quinn!" Her anger takes over as she strikes him hard in the face, awaken the reality.

"No really Quinn what the fuck is wrong with you?" She does it again just as he begins to recover.

He's not smiling now knowing how bad he hurt her.

"I'm sorry Carrie. I fucked up," his apology sincere yet teasing.

He reaches for her hand needing it to be in his.

"Please don't fucking touch me," she denies him, pushing him away and slams the door.

She props herself against the door allowing herself to take a proper breath.

"Fuck!"

When she opens it again he hasn't moved. There eyes lock speaking what they couldn't say. As he enters the house he takes a moment noticing how bright it is with hues consisting of actual colors and how lived in it looks compared to her old place until returning his gaze back to hers.

She lunges for him first grabbing his now longer locks, holding on for dear life while meeting his waiting lips. His deep, passionate kisses sending shock waves throughout her whole body. His intensity and intentions made known as she becomes pinned between him and the wall.

"I love you Carrie Mathison," he whispers as he begins nipping at her neck. She needs him now more than ever, savoring his touch while massaging his head with her fingers asking for more.

He needs her so bad and it can't wait and he can't help but begin to reach for her breast.

"Uh Quinn," Carrie says awkwardly after finally opening her eyes.

He doesn't stop, not picking up her tone.

"Quinn!"

"Yeah," he answers but never actually stops.

"Quinn!" She screams.

"What?" He removes himself from her neck.

She places her hand on his chin moving his head to the right addressing the issue.

"We're not alone," she giggles.