Author Name: messersmontana
Story Title: The Hug
Story Status: Complete
Written for: season 4.5 episode 11 Liftoff
Thanks to Wendy who beta read this for me.
Summary: This is what happened after the hug Jo and Zane shared at the end of the episode.
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Jo rode upon the landing site to see Fargo and Zane coming out of the space pod. They were so lucky to still be alive after accidentally launching the old space pod into space. They were also lucky that Carter realized they were in it, or they would have been blown up when the rockets had been launched to destroy the pod. It just felt right to hug them both, and she hugged Fargo first, feeling relief to know her friend was okay.
But as Zane's arms wrapped around her, she felt safe and loved. Loved? Where did that thought come from? This Zane didn't love her, he loved making her crazy, and that is all. She closed her eyes to savor the moment, and then let him go when he called her Jo Jo.
Something was different, she could tell. He seemed less snarky and more like her old Zane. She wondered just what had happened on that pod while they had been stuck in space. Then it hit her, maybe Fargo told Zane about the other Zane. Would he betray their secret without informing the others?
Jo needed to have a long talk with Fargo as soon as possible. She needed to know if, and what, he had told Zane. Did he tell Zane that she and the other Zane had almost been engaged? If he had told him, then she would have to figure out what to do next.
Jo noticed a couple of things as they walked towards the waiting horses. First, Zane and Fargo were talking like friends instead of fighting like usual. Second, Zane kept looking at her in a funny way, funnier than he normally did lately. She was so confused right now, and a confused Jo was never good.
Things went from weird to really weird when they reached the horses. There were three horses and seven riders, plus Andy the fried A.I. Jack and Allison had one of the horses, and were getting ready to mount up. She figured that Henry and Grace would take the other horse. That would leave the last horse for Fargo, Zane, Jo, and Andy.
Jo could wait with the damaged Andy, letting Zane and Fargo to ride double on the last horse. Or, she could take the horse with one of them, leaving the other with Andy. Then again, she could take the horse and leave the 'new' best friends to sit and wait with the damaged Andy. She liked the last option best.
Henry and Grace decided to stay behind with Andy, so Zane and Fargo could get back to G.D. Jo mounted one of the horses and waited to see what the boys would do. Fargo and Zane looked at each other, silently communicating something she did not understand. Then Zane walked over to her and looked up at her.
Without saying a word, Zane held out a hand. Jo looked at it and sighed. She took his hand and helped him climb up behind her. As soon as his arms were wrapped around her waist and she saw that Fargo was on his horse, she galloped off after Carter and Allison.
They got back to G.D, and Jo dismounted almost before the horse was even stopped. She had to get away from Zane and his touch before she broke down and pulled him back into her arms. He would always be her one weakness. She didn't even see the look Fargo and Zane exchanged as she walked into the building. She went straight to her office and locked herself in to think. Will she ever get over him? She wasn't so sure anymore.
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