I have been wanting to post for a long time and this is an old idea that I've finally turned into a small story. I have not seen the show since Detective Carter's exit so it may not line up with what is going on, but it's based off of some of the things I've learned from here on fanfiction. It's mostly from Joss's perspective. And it continues with the stories that started from my first fanfic Call in the Darkness.
"Something else on your mind Detective?" John asked. He could tell from the awkward way Joss had gone silent that there was something else she wanted to say. Something that perhaps was not business related.
"Actually, I was wondering if either you or Finch had plans for dinner tonight?"
He smirked slightly thrown off by her question. "Me and Finch?"
"Yes. You and Finch. I want you to have dinner with me and Taylor. If you don't have something else to do. I want Taylor to get used to being around both of you. There are so many things I have to keep hidden from him that I want to let him in on everything that I can. He's been the man in my life and I want him to know he can go to you and Finch if he ever needs to."
"You know this is going to put Finch on the spot."
"Yeah. But I get the feeling deep down he wants to be included. I mean since my accident he's been there and I also want him to know he's just as much a part of the family as you are."
John paused to lean against a light pole that overlooked the busy street. From her place in her car Joss smiled. He looked good in his sun glass and clean suit. It could easily look as though he were striking a poise for a photo shoot. "Okay. I'll let him know. What time do you want us over?"
"Six sound good? Sorry if that's early, but I do have a teenage son who has a stomach with no bottom. It'll be a miracle if I can keep Taylor tamed up until that time-"
"We'll be there Joss. Unless a number comes up."
"Good. Oh and John, you're workin' that gray shirt."
John smiled before his smile dropped. "How do you know I have-" Joss had hung up, but John got the answer to his question when he noticed her car turn the corner and go in the opposite direction. He smiled watching her drive off. He just had to make it until six.
…..
Taylor watched his mother move around the kitchen, seasoning meat, stirring a pot and chopping up vegetables. Looks like there would be no takeout tonight. His mom was going all out with a good ole fashion home cooked meal.
"Hey Mom."
She glanced up for a brief second before diligently going back to work. "Hey baby."
"You need some help?"
After quickly surveying her work she shook her head. "No. I think I got it."
"So John and Mr. Finch are coming over?"
"Mmmm-hmmmm"
Reaching out Taylor went to sneak a pinch of the food she was preparing, but his mom slapped his hand away. "Uh-uh. This is for tonight. Keep your hands off."
Taylor chuckled as he continued watching his mother in amusement. In other words what she really was saying was, this is for John. It was funny. She was normally so in control and calm. But tonight things were different. Although she still appeared in control there was a touch of anxiety in her eyes. Taylor knew things between her and John were intensifying. Where as she used to only think about him and what concerned him, she now thought about John. Once she knew things were square concerning him, John was the very next person she thought. Maybe they were even more serious than Taylor thought.
"Are you and John getting serious?"
A smile broke out across her face. If her reaction was any indication Taylor had all the answer he needed. "Why are you asking?"
"Come on Mom. You invite him over for dinner and you're cooking the man a Thanksgiving feast. You're trying to impress him with your homemaker skills. Show him you know your way around a kitchen."
Placing her hands on her hips Joss sized up her son. "Oh really? Is that what you think?"
"It just makes sense Mom. You know what they say. The way to a man's heart is through his stomach. That's what tonight is about. It's your way of letting John know that you can be more than just a woman who has his back or a pretty face. But you can also feed him well. It's your way of showing him you're all cop and all woman."
Joss could feel herself starting to blush. How had her son guessed her motives? She hated this. He was too perceptive now. She already had to deal with John she wasn't about to start having to pick up this battle with Taylor. "T-"
"Mom, you've got nothin' to worry about. First off you're a great cook. Plus even if you couldn't cook, John's been unable to keep his eyes off you. He's not payin' any other woman any mind. Not when he knows he's got you. I know. When I'm with him I lose count of how many times he brings you up. Trust me you're all woman and he knows it.
Joss's eyes briefly widened in shock. "Um-"
"And after tonight when he's sees your culinary skills I'll be surprised if come tomorrow you won't have him under lock and key."
"Okay. That's enough." Joss finally found her voice. "I think I'm through having this conversation with you." She began pushing him out of the kitchen."
Taylor laughed. "I'm just telling the truth."
"Yeah well I don't care. Go. Get. Stay out til I'm finished." She turned to go back to work only to pause and yell over her shoulder. "And stop watching John when you think he's watching me!"
…..
Joss was glad Taylor didn't seem to mind being the only kid at her impromptu dinner party. Between talking with John about guns and fighting and turning around to talk with Finch about computers he barely had a moment to catch his breath. Carter was grateful for his distraction. Throughout the meal she carefully and continually stole glances at John, searching for simple signs or hints that he was enjoying the food. Unfortunately like so many times John's feelings remained hidden behind his unreadable face.
Soon John and Taylor had finished dinner and desert choosing to slip away to the nearby park for a brief game of one on one. Finch promised to help Taylor on some of his homework once he returned. Not long before they returned Joss returned to the kitchen and started to clean up. She could hear their voices from the living room. It wasn't until John stood by her side as she poured over dirty dishes that Joss realized she was no longer alone. Silently John helped her load the dishes into the dishwasher. Neither spoke they just worked in silence. Once they finished Joss closed the machine and leaned her arms against the counter. At that moment, unable to hold back any longer John wrapped his arms around her waist hugging her close from behind.
"You got something on your mind John?" She asked using his words from earlier. She loved being in his arms. His attention had become her addiction.
"You didn't have to do this you know."
"What?"
"Impress me with dinner."
Joss gritted her teeth. She hated how well John could read her. Could she keep anything a secret? She chose to remain silent not wanting to prove him right.
"You don't have to impress me. You know you already have my attention. I eat out most nights anyway." She chuckled while he kissed her temple. They had come so far.
Footsteps sounded from the living making John move away from Joss, in expectation of seeing Taylor's face. Joss was not put off by his sudden distance. He always made it a habit to not be hugged up on her when Taylor was present never wanting to send her son the wrong message.
"Hey John. FYI. Finch said you have a work emergency you need to deal with."
John plugged Joss with a knowing look. "Thanks for dinner," he said leaning in for quick peck. "I gotta go. Bye Taylor."
"Keep it real John."
"Night John." Joss watched him go. She was so happy. Was her life complicated? Absolutely! Was it safe and secure? Definitely not! But was she satisfied and complete. Without the shadow of a doubt. Her life had become so entangled with John's that she couldn't and didn't want to think of what her things would be like if she had never met him. It may have taken them some time to get to this point, but she was glad at last they were here. She was glad that they were both trying each day to make this work. They had figured out, whatever this was, and she couldn't let it go. So help her God she never would.
