The first thing she felt was the cold.

The freezing dampness she was lying in permeated every part of her body. She forced herself to move from her position staring up at the sky and managed to sit up. The streetlights above her reflected off the pristine white snow covering the world she could see around her. Pressing her hands to her face realisation hit her that she had hands, and a face and a body.

Gideon stretched out her arms staring in confusion before she wrapped them around her body as she began to shiver, her new form reacting to the world around her.

She was completely confused and disorientated.

Her last memory was watching a supernova alone on her ship. She had detected dark matter there was light then there was cold, and she was somehow human.

"Are you alright?" a familiar voice said from behind her, a voice she had wished to hear so many times for decades, "Can I help?"

"Captain?" Gideon breathed, spinning and looking up to see the man she had lost so long ago and missed more than she knew was possible.

"Gideon?" he demanded, gaping at her in bemusement. He shook himself and reached out helping her stand.

Staring at her captain, Gideon felt her eyes sting as tears filled them. Before she could think of anything to say the wind picked up and she shivered again. Rip shrugged off the coat he was wearing, not his duster instead one better suited for the weather and wrapped it around her.

"Let's go inside and get you warm," he said softly.

Gideon nodded, trying to huddle deeper into the warm coat surprised when he led her into the building they were outside.

"You live here?" she asked.

Rip chuckled, "Yes, come on."

x

Leading Gideon into the apartment building he had only moved into two days ago Rip wondered how she'd got here, how she became human and how long it had been for her since they'd been together. He knew currently the Waverider was trapped and it would be about four years until it would be released so her presence was both confusing and utterly amazing.

Even wrapped in his coat she was still shivering, the snow she had been sitting in had seeped into her clothes. Opening the door to his small apartment he moved Gideon inside, kicking the door shut behind him and putting the fire on before cranking up the heating.

He rested his hand on her arms, "You're soaked through. Have a shower and heat up while I get you something to wear."

She gave a soft nod, looking so small and fragile that Rip just wanted to wrap her in his arms, to protect her from everything. Instead he led her to the bathroom, he reached into the shower fixing it on to a comfortable temperature.

"The towels are clean and I'll find something for you to wear," Rip told her.

Gideon gave a small smile, "Thank you, Captain."

He gave her a quick smile back before leaving her to have her shower. Heading to his bedroom he pulled out a t-shirt and a pair of pyjama trousers. He didn't own much in the way of clothes, or anything else for that matter but at least he had something for her. Placing the clothes on the bed he was thankful that the apartment had come with plenty of bedding, so he had extra blankets. He grabbed them and a pillow to make up the couch for himself.

Rip listened for a moment and could hear the water was still running so put the kettle on to make them both some tea.

x

Gideon stripped off the wet clothes she was wearing and stepped into the stream of water letting out an involuntary moan of pleasure as her body tingled becoming warm. Once the numbness had disappeared Gideon looked at the bottles to allow her to clean herself.

She knew what each bottle contained and what they were used for so started to clean herself enjoying the feeling of the soap across her body and the scents. Feeling clean, and sure all the substances were out of her hair, Gideon turned off the water. Stepping out of the shower she wrapped a towel around her hair wrapping the other around her body. Slowly opening the door Gideon peeked out.

"I put some clothes on the bed for you," Rip told her, "And I've made tea when you're ready."

Giving him a smile she quickly darted out of the bathroom into the bedroom finding the t-shirt and pyjama bottoms he'd laid out for her. Dressed Gideon sat on the bed and took several deep breaths. Rip had been gone for so many years, she had missed him for such a long time and suddenly they were together it made no sense.

She knew she had to get more information when and where they were before she did anything else. She couldn't risk changing the timeline because there was no way to predict what it would do.

With one more deep breath she left the bedroom finding him sitting on the couch sipping his tea. Another mug was sitting on the coffee table waiting for her.

"I didn't know how you took it so there's milk and sugar there," Rip told her softly.

Taking the seat at his side Gideon shrugged, "I have never had tea before, Captain."

Rip stared at her, "How long have you been human?"

"As far as I know since a few minutes before you found me," she shrugged.

"What?" Rip took a quick drink and ordered his thoughts, "Where did you come from? How long has it been since…"

"Since you left?" Gideon finished for him, she reached out and caught his hand, "It has been a long time, Captain. Where I was Professor Stein's grandson has grandchildren."

"Martin has a grandson?" Rip asked stunned.

Gideon winced, "Oh dear. I should not have told you that. We need to quickly establish where in your timeline I have arrived, Captain."

Rip let out a sigh and leaned back, "I left the Waverider about a year ago. I only meant to be away for a few weeks, Gideon. I don't know if I ever told you but I always intended to be back once I had some time to get myself together after what happened stopping Thawne."

"But we were caught in a timequake," Gideon said.

He nodded.

"You have just started the Time Bureau?" she asked thoughtfully.

"Yes," Rip replied, "About six months ago we set up fully. I'm assuming we survive long enough to meet you when you come out the timestream in about four years."

Gideon nodded, trying to stop her tears because she knew where he was heading and how long it was until that moment.

"What's wrong?" Rip whispered, his hand moving to her cheek.

Shaking her head she forced a smile, "I'm just tired, Captain and I am so happy to see you. Emotions are extremely messy."

"That's very true," he stood and took her hand pulling her to her feet, "Come on, you take the bed and we can work out everything in the morning."

Gideon allowed him to lead her into the bedroom, catching his hand before he could leave her Gideon wrapped her arms around him tightly.

"You have no idea how much I have missed you," she whispered as he embraced her.

After a few minutes Rip gave her a gentle smile, resting his forehead against hers, "I've missed you too."

Smiling she settled into his arms again for several moments with a contented sigh. Rip pressed a gentle kiss to her temple, "Get some sleep."

He left her alone and Gideon stared at the door, shaking her head she knew he was right. It would be best for them both to sleep tonight and discuss everything in the morning.

Gideon had never slept before so was astonished when she opened her eyes and realised several hours had passed. Cuddling into the warmth for a little longer, she listened to the sound of Rip moving around the other room.

She had missed him so much over the years as she followed his final request to watch over the Legends and help them protect time. Pushing back the covers Gideon slid out of the bed and padded softly to the door opening it slowly to peek out. Rip was in the small kitchen area just off the living room cooking breakfast.

"Good morning," he greeted her with a smile when she ventured out the bedroom, "Are you hungry?"

Realising that she hadn't eaten the night before she nodded, "I think so."

"Good," he motioned her to join him, "I've made breakfast."

Gideon took a seat at the breakfast bar smiling when he placed a plate with an omelette and toast on it in front of her.

"You didn't have anything to eat last night," Rip noted, "So I thought you might want something substantial."

Gingerly Gideon cut a small piece of the omelette to taste, smiling that she liked it. Enthusiastically she began to eat, smiling her thanks when he placed a glass of orange juice beside her. When she finished Gideon took the mug of tea he offered her and studied him. It occurred to her suddenly he was not dressed in the suit he had always worn as a member of the Time Bureau. But then again it might not have become the required outfit until later.

However, the denims and grey t-shirt was how he dressed on the Waverider for comfort.

"When are you due at the Bureau?" she asked softly.

Rip shrugged, "I'm not. I'm meant to have a day off per week so I'm taking today."

Gideon smiled softly, "Because of me."

"For you," he replied, "We have to get you some proper clothes and work out…pretty much everything."

Taking a slow breath Gideon nodded, "I think some clothes would be helpful, Captain."

"I managed to get what you were wearing yesterday dry," he told her, "So, as soon as you're ready, we'll go shopping."

x

Rip watched Gideon walk slowly through the store they'd come to in the hopes of finding her the basic essentials.

"Can I help you?" a woman appeared, Rip guessed she was in her late forties she had red hair that didn't look natural pinned tightly to her head.

"Yes," he said, "We need basically everything for my friend."

Overhearing this Gideon moved over to join them and the woman studied her in confusion, "What exactly do you mean by everything?"

"All my luggage was lost," Gideon explained, as Rip had suggested they tell people, "So I have nothing at all other than what I am currently wearing."

Sympathy covered the woman's face, "Well, my dear I'm sure I can get what you need to tide you over until hopefully your luggage is found."

Finding a seat Rip waited while Gideon was measured and ushered into try on several different outfits. She had already let it slip that she was from a long time in the future where he was dead, but she appeared to be as confused that she was human as he was. That would mean she'd had no idea this had happened to her which would cause issues once the Waverider reappeared.

He was brought out of his thoughts as Gideon appeared again with the saleswoman who placed several outfits on the chair beside him before she led Gideon away again.

Almost two hours later they left the shop laden down with bags, which had taken a good chunk of the money Rip had sitting in an account he never used.

"Thank you. It was kind of you to get me everything," Gideon said softly.

He shrugged, "You need all of this. Besides I'm happy to look after you for once considering all the years you looked after me," Gideon gave him a soft smile and Rip smiled back, "Why don't we pick up some food for lunch and head back to the apartment where we can talk?"

x

Gideon slid on the pair of soft denims the woman in the ship had assured her looked good on her but would also be comfortable before she pulled on a red t-shirt, sliding her feet into a pair of soft comfortable shoes.

They had placed all her bags in the corner for the moment and she frowned that she had taken over his bedroom.

"Gideon," Rip called, "Lunch is ready."

Returning to living room she felt her cheeks flush at the admiring look he gave her before motioning her to sit with him. Sliding onto the couch Gideon pulled her legs up beneath her finding a comfortable position curled up beside him.

"So," Rip said softly once they'd finished eating, "Tell me everything you can. Because as much as I just want to enjoy having you here, Gideon we need to work out what we're doing."

Turning to him Gideon took a deep breath, "I am from the future, Captain. I know all about the Time Bureau."

"But you had no idea that a human version of you is here?" Rip asked thoughtfully.

Shaking her head Gideon whispered, "No. It could mean I will not be here, that something will take me away from you again…"

"Hey," Rip moved closer to her, gently taking her face in his hands, "It's okay. We're together again now and I'm not letting you go. It's more than likely that I kept your presence a secret from you."

Thinking back to how he had been with her at that time, how he had turned her off then encouraged her to stay with the Legends no matter what. It began to made sense that he was protecting the timeline.

Staring into Rip's eyes, Gideon gave into the impulse she'd had since she had seen him last night and pressed her lips to his in a gentle kiss. Rip froze for a second before he responded.

Unlike the only other kiss they had shared which had been desperate and filled with a desire to connect before they were pulled apart, this was slow and soft. Rip's arm slid around her waist pulling her close to him as the kiss deepened.

When they parted Gideon let out a sigh, taking a deep breath as she looked into his eyes again feeling his arm still wrapped around her while he stroked her cheek.

"I'm going assume that means you're staying with me?" he asked softly.

Gideon nodded, "If you want me to?"

"I never want you anywhere else," Rip told her, resting his forehead against hers.

"There will be questions," Gideon whispered, "About me and where I come from, how we know one another…"

"Stop," Rip cut her off, "We'll work it out. I promise," he slid his fingers through her hair, "You don't have to worry about anything."

Tightening her arms around him Gideon kissed him again.

x

Rip lay with his head propped on his hand as he watched the beautiful woman lying at his side with a slightly dreamy smile on her face.

"That was very enjoyable," Gideon murmured, "I know now why Miranda kept you."

Rip laughed pulling her into his arms, "I thought I might have some other good qualities."

"None that currently spring to mind, Captain," Gideon replied kissing him.

"That's something you might want to work on," Rip noted.

A confused frown marred her forehead, "What?"

"Calling me Captain," he replied, "Considering you're human, not to mention our current position, you should use my name."

Gideon nodded breathing in his ear, "Of course, Rip."

A shiver slid down his spine at her husky whisper making her laugh as she pressed several soft kisses along his jaw.

"We also need to decide what we'll call you in public. Too many people know the AI of the Waverider is called Gideon," Rip said, trying desperately to keep his focus against her affectionate nuzzling.

Gideon pulled back and looked at him, "I have been thinking about that. Do you remember what Jonas called me when he was learning to talk?"

"Gigi," Rip murmured, a small smile touching his lips at the memory of his baby boy sitting in the Captain's chair of the Waverider calling out to her, "Even when he was able to pronounce Gideon you were always Gigi to him."

Gideon cuddled against him, "It is a name I will answer to, so I thought in public I could be called Gigi Carter."

"I like it," Rip murmured, "And I was thinking, considering your skills, that you join the Time Bureau."

Gideon frowned slightly, "I do not think my being an agent would be a good idea."

"I agree. You would be better suited to working with the AI systems and ships," Rip replied.

Her eyes lit up at the idea, "That is a wonderful idea, Cap…Rip."

"Glad you like it, Gigi," he replied with a grin, "We'll have to work out a story for how we know one another especially if we're living together."

Gideon pushed him onto his back and slid onto him, "Later."

Author's Note: With thanks to the wonderful Incendiaglacies for allowing me to use her headcanon that Jonas called Gideon 'Gigi'.