This week's episode bothered me and I couldn't leave it without some fic to try to smooth the wait until next week.

Title: Even the strong break
author: Cindy Ryan
spoilers all

Jane entered the living room of her second safe house in less than two weeks. It was nearly midnight and had been a very long day. While they had done some good and stopped a bio warfare attack the bad had seemed to outweigh that. Yes she was being selfish but she'd just started to feel like she belonged and one test had yanked the proverbial rug out from under her feet once again. Kurt had dropped her off and insisted on seeing her inside. Now he stood a few feet behind Jane. She knew he didn't know what to do or what to say. The look in Kurt's eyes when he had told her about the isotopes and Africa would haunt her dreams for awhile. He had been as devastated as she felt.

'It's real nice to have you back.'

Kurt's words from earlier were an unwanted memory now. Still they made her pause by the left end of the sofa. It was only then Jane realized she was crying. When one tear hit the blue striped pillow. She wiped it away and tried to hide the weakness. She wasn't fast enough since she felt Kurt move closer. He placed a hand under Jane's chin and lifted it so she met his gaze. Gently Kurt wiped the tears away.

"Sorry."Jane whispered.

"Don't apologize."Kurt replied gruffly. "I'd be more worried if you weren't a mess."

"I have to be Taylor."Jane continued as she dropped her head onto Kurt's chest and he drew her into an embrace. "Why else is your name on my back? It doesn't make sense."

"We'll figure it out."Kurt promised quietly.

Jane felt the tears begin again and she lifted a hand to wipe them away. Kurt pulled back and gripped Jane's shoulders.

"I don't care what some test says."Kurt stated as he placed a hand on his chest. "I know here that you're Taylor. We'll prove it."

"Kurt..."Jane began and trailed off.

"You're family to me and always will be."Kurt vowed solemnly.

Jane once again dropped into the FBI agent's embrace. No matter what else happened she was grateful for this kind, gentle man. If things turned upside down again she knew Kurt would be there to help her sort it back. That meant the world to her right now. If she was alone Jane wasn't sure how she'd be handling things.

"You hungry?"Kurt asked as he stepped back.

Jane nodded even though she really wasn't. As much as she hated to admit it she didn't want to be alone. Didn't want to have time to think.

"Let's get out of here."Weller suggested and led the way to the door.

Jane grabbed her coat and followed.