author's note: Thank you so much for all the reviews for my first story! You all gave me quite a welcome that is greatly appreciated! Glad to know someone enjoyed it. This is sort of a companion piece to Call in the Darkness. Probably will continue with at least one more part to this particular piece, just not sure when it will be posted.

Joss's eyes slowly opened. The haze that rested over her vision soon cleared and she found herself staring at the ceiling of her now familiar quarters. She took a breath relieved to feel well rested. Glad to have strength that could keep her awake for longer than thirty minutes. She was confident that she very soon would be forcing herself out of this bed. Restlessness was beginning to sow its seeds and she was not about to let it take root. She was so grateful for her recent visitors.

Thank God she was able to behold her son and spend the day with him talking about nothing and yet everything. Then Fusco had been by often as well as Shaw. Shaw's visits were always entertaining. It amazed her how the woman seemed to break her rough and tough exterior and act like a best friend when around her. Then Fusco. Carter loved seeing the man who had become her partner and friend and had proved to her that people could change.

Rolling her head against the pillow Joss's eyes fell to the side of the bed. John was leaned over its side, fast asleep, his arm acting as a pillow. The remainder of his body was sitting in a chair that had been pulled up to her bed. Carter had to smile at him. Even a small laugh escaped her. Poor man. She knew he was exhausted. She wondered if he had gotten any sleep since the night Simmons had gunned them down.

Ever since she had woken up he had been doing for her non stop. Checking in on her, making sure her strength was not overexerted and never leaving her side for more than an hour. How would she have gotten through this without him? Lifting her hand she stretched out her arm.

She hesitated not wanting to wake him. Carter had no doubt the man was ready for a fight even in his sleep. Cautiously she lowered her hand and ran her fingers through his soft hair. Thankfully he didn't stir. For the first time Joss allowed herself to admire the dark and gray strains. She liked the Mr. Fantastic look. It gave him his own distinguished appearance, she thought humorously. But above all he looked so at peace while he slept. He deserved every drop of sleep he was getting right now. He had done so much.

After expressing her constant concern and worry over her son, John had gone out and made brought Taylor in to see her. She recalled the joy of seeing her son's face. Of holding her boy in her arms as he cried into her chest. Overwhelmingly relieved to find her alive. She owed her little family reunion to John. John had done everything in his power to see her through and to make this time possible for her to bear. Even though she had brought it upon herself. God bless him.

She continued to rub her fingers through his hair. Remembering the way he held her that night. Remembering how she just couldn't let Simmons kill him. In the end he had been there. He kept his promise. Whether she liked him or not, she was not alone.

….But she did like him. And eventually he would have to hear it from her own mouth.