Author's Note: An interesting twist, giving the "Lockdown" kiss new meaning.

Disclaimer: Don't own anything, but if anyone wants to discuss leasing options, I'm interested...

"Tell me we're going to be okay." Abby said, her eyes delving into Carter's for reassurance.

Carter returned her gaze, wishing her could tell her it was going to be okay. As it was, he really didn't know.

For the first time in a long time he felt a new, different type of fear­this one aimed at a very real threat. Not shadows from the past. Or whispers of the future.

For once, his fear was here, in the present, right before his eyes.

She was still looking at him, searching for an answer.

With as much conviction as he could muster, enough to convince both of them, he said, "We're going to be okay."

Then, needing comfort from her as much as she needed assurance from him, he pulled her close and kissed her lips.

She didn't resist.

As they pulled apart, he wondered at her response. Did her acceptance mean she, too, wondered if anything was going to be okay again? Did she share his fear that this might be their last chance?

He stood and pulled her to him, looking into her eyes. He saw the possibilities their relationship had; many of which had already passed them by.

His fear­and hers­had caused them to miss out on so much together. But now, in this moment, he realized they had nothing to lose and everything to gain by going forward.

"We're going to be okay," he repeated.

And then he kissed her again, knowing that, at least in this moment, they were going to be okay.