A/N: So sorry this is up so late, but I've been so busy with work, and now I'm sick and sickness makes creativity hard, you guys. After spending a week tweaking this, I finally like it enough to post it. Probably one or two more chapters; one to cover their dates, the other for the resolution. Now, I'm not a fan of Charlie, but I do kind of want to redeem him a little bit throughout the rest of this story. I'm working on another story where he's not so redeemable; so just keep that in mind. "Rust Or Gold," lyrics by Jill Andrews.

Pressure Points

Rust or gold, you decide what you see, what you hold

Let it burn there in your hand

Watch it grow, watch it grow

Breath of life, come and fill your lungs

And give it away until it's gone

Or hold it in and let it die

Let it die, let it die…

XOX

Sometimes when he slept, his dreams turned into cyber renders. And his cyber renders turned into dreams.

Gabriel went to sleep thinking about his conversation with Tracy, but he woke in the middle of the night dream-rendering Riley. Rendering their kiss. But it was different this time. This time they were in his apartment. This time, it went impossibly farther.

We shouldn't do this, she whispered unconvincingly.

Why not? He asked in return, skimming the hem of her shirt with his fingertips and slowly pushing the thin fabric up to reveal her smooth, flat stomach, grazing her ribcage as he did. She shivered. He kissed down her neck as her head fell back, allowing him greater access.

She cupped his face with her palms, bringing his ice blue gaze level with her perfectly rendered green eyes.

Because one day, you'll get me killed.

He shot up in bed gasping, sweat coating his forehead as he tried to shake the less than professional image from his mind. He had thought of her before, but never like this. He'd never thought about the consequences of his actions.

"It will never happen anyway," he mumbled aloud, breathing heavily. "You've got to let this go."

He couldn't hear the sadness in his own voice.

Gabriel eased himself back against the pillows, still breathless from the dream. Staring up at the ceiling, he forced himself to think about his impending date with Tracy instead. About anything other than Riley dying because of him, for him, really.

XOX

"You're following my list, right?" Riley asked, a bit tense as Jameson gave her the day's report. "He's not a big fan of change. It took me months to cultivate a routine for us that he could get behind. How is Gabriel doing anyways?"

Jameson chuckled at her barrage of questions across the line. "Look, we're all fine here. And he's…doing great. Shouldn't you be focusing on being the former President's Detail Leader?"

A long pause stretched between them. "How did you know about that?"

"Lillian has her ears against the walls," Jameson replied. He could practically see her yeah, whatever look from Virginia. "Okay, she knew. She only told me yesterday though. Congrats on that, by the way."

"Thank you," she smiled proudly, even if no one was there to see it. "Can you do me a favor Jameson?"

"Sure," he agreed. Checking the car for tampering as the list suggested.

"Don't tell Gabriel I was DL for Finnegan, please? It's a…sore spot," she requested carefully. She thought about their fight before she left.

"I won't tell him, but you should. I think he'd be happy for you."

"Yeah, sure," she huffed, eyebrow raised. "I've got to go soon. But hey, this trip got cut short. I'm leaving in a couple hours. Finnegan has a conference in D.C. I should be back tonight."

Jameson sighed with relief. "Thank God, you have the patience of a saint. I don't know how you do this day in and day out Riley. Four days and I'm thinking about knee capping him."

Riley laughed lightly. "It's not so bad. I'll see you soon."

XOX

Gabriel found himself in a particularly good mood that morning. He didn't go out of his way to make Jameson feel bad for being too early this time, forgetting to make his coffee a venti extra hot again, or for interrupting his workout. He simply waved off the man's apologies, taking the coffee he offered and leaving a confused Jameson in his wake.

Jameson narrowed his eyes, grinning when he realized why his coworker was in such a good mood. "You called her."

Gabriel shrugged, still unable to stop smiling. "Maybe I did. Maybe I have a date Friday at seven," he turned, looking at Jameson pointedly. "And by maybe, I mean you definitely shouldn't come knocking on my door at seven."

Jameson held his hands up in mock surrender. "Fine by me, but you'll have to take that up with Riley. She comes back tonight."

Gabriel froze, his steps faltering. "What?"

"She didn't tell you? I figured she'd call. Nothing happened, or anything," Jameson said quickly when he saw the flash of worry cross his face. "Finnegan is cutting the tour a little short. He's wanted back early for a press conference in D.C. Weird, she said she'd let you know."

"No, she called last night," Gabriel began, feeling his stomach twist. "I was talking to Tracy at the time," he lied swiftly.

Jameson nodded, but a strange expression fell across his face. "Riley doesn't know you're going out on a date, does she?" he said more than asked.

After a lengthy pause, Gabriel sighed, weakly replying; "We haven't spoken to each other since she left."

The other agent's eyes widened for a second. Riley left on Saturday. It was Thursday morning. Five days without speaking was literally unheard of between the partners, if the list she'd detailed for him was any indication of her dedication to routine…or to him. This was about as unusual as a penguin skateboarding.

He didn't want to pry, really, but he couldn't help it after that. "That's very…un-Riley like. You two are practically glued together at the hip. What did you do?"

Gabriel had the decency to look offended, his voice raising an octave. "What makes you think I did something?"

Jameson's only answer was a raised eyebrow.

Gabriel rolled his eyes dramatically.

"Care to share?" Jameson asked, glancing at his watch. Plenty of time for an explanation. He sat on Gabriel's couch, waiting patiently for the man to follow.

Grumbling, Gabriel dropped heavily on the opposite end, elbows resting on his knees. "It is my fault."

Jameson made an I-told-you-so face, encouraging him to continue as he sipped his own coffee.

"Two weeks ago, when we were waiting for Carpenter to sell the drive to the Russians, we realized we were in a tight spot. We had to get closer to watch the meet go down, to get proof. The buyer had men hidden in case anything went awry, and to smoke them out I decided the best thing to do was make our presence known…but not known," Gabriel admitted carefully, running a hand through his hair. "I kicked the dumpster, I told her to laugh, force them out to see what was going on." Gabriel met Jameson's interested gaze with a withering stare. "Who's going to think a couple making out behind a club is a danger to anyone?"

"You kissed her," Jameson deadpanned, not nearly as ruffled as Gabriel thought he'd be. "Sometimes it's all you can do to keep a cover. To protect yourselves. It's not uncommon."

Gabriel looked at the younger man warily, clasping and unclasping his hands.

What Gabriel wasn't saying finally connected in Jameson's mind. "You…felt something. Did she? That's why the two of you have been so distant. Nelson would have a field day with this."

"You can't tell anyone, Jameson. You have to let it go."

"I don't have to let go of anything. That's all you, man. I'm not the one in love with the woman that's supposed to catch bullets for me," Jameson responded, his tone colored with a pointed sarcasm.

"I'm not in love with her!" Gabriel half shouted, getting defensive.

"I'm sure you're not," Jameson said dismissively, as if he were talking to a child.

"She doesn't want anything to do with me in that way as it is. It's one sided," he said bitterly under his breath.

"Look, as your friend I'm telling you to figure out what you really feel, Gabriel, before something happens and you can't come back from whatever this is. Go out with Tracy, have a good time. Then figure out if Riley isn't just a placeholder for Amelia in your life," he sighed, shaking his head. "I don't mean to sound so harsh, but Riley isn't just some girl you met in grocery store. She's your bodyguard. Her job is to die for you. Don't forget that."

Gabriel stared blankly at the wall, his mind and his heart split in two. Save their friendship, and never know what being with her would be like. Try for a relationship, push her too far, and lose everything.

And then there was Tracy. Did she deserve to be pushed aside so quickly? Gabriel didn't renege on promises; a date, in his mind, was a promise of a sort. He owed it to himself to see if it really was just a fleeting crush he had for his partner. If the kiss was simply a toxic combination of their natural closeness and the sad reality that he hadn't been with a woman in eight years.

If it wasn't just proximity overlook.

"I know."

XOX

"Too bad our stay here was cut short. Felt like old times," Griffin lamented as Riley finished packing her suitcase. She felt more at ease, her tailored suit replaced by black jeans and a soft, gray, short sleeve, V-neck tee. They were leaving shortly, and Riley would be headed back to Virginia while Charlie accompanied Finnegan to D.C.

Back to normal.

Back to Gabriel.

Those two things weren't exactly mutually exclusive at the moment.

"As I recall, 'old times' are what ruined us in the first place, Charlie," Riley said carefully, not as accusingly as she would have a year ago. It was more a simple statement of fact.

Charlie sighed, a bit disheartened. "I'm guessing your answer to my offer is no, then."

It was Riley's turn to sigh, looking up as she zipped the suitcase shut. "It's just not…a good time," she answered softly. "There are things I'm trying to work through. Trying to sort out."

He looked away, pushing his hands into the pockets of his suit pants. "Will it ever be a good time?" he asked, prodding gently.

"Charlie, it's not like out relationship was built on a solid foundation. After Panama, after what you did, I just can't trust you. I need someone I can trust, someone who's not going to throw me to the wolves for a promotion. My inner voice tells me that isn't you. I'm sorry, I can't," Riley finished, genuinely apologetic. They'd been good together once. But now…now it seemed futile to travel down a path when she already knew what awaited her at the end of the road.

Despite her initial reluctance to admit it to herself, she felt something for Gabriel.

The realization hit her like a brick that morning, going through her usual motions. Charlie had stood behind her at the coffee kiosk inside the luxury hotel, startling her when he asked why she'd purchased two coffees. She'd stared wide-eyed and confused, unable to answer him. The odd, twisty feeling settled painfully in her stomach, and she had to fight the lump in her throat.

Their short time spent apart made her realize how much she relied on his charming quips and easy demeanor. They were always together, rarely apart, and she couldn't help but equate missing her partner to missing an appendage.

She couldn't be entirely sure what she felt. Even if it was something she wasn't supposed to feel, it was worth talking about. Maybe even worth taking a risk for. She promised herself when she got home she'd talk to him. Really talk.

She missed his voice. Missed him. And he was dodging her phone calls now. Riley supposed she deserved that after ignoring him when he reached out to her. This was the longest they'd gone without speaking since, well…since she shoved him out that hospital window and let his wife die. Even then he'd replied to her texts, allowing her to know he was, at the very least, alive.

She was still his protector, so she'd taken to calling Jameson for updates. There was something in the agent's voice that morning that made her anxious to get home. Jameson was holding something back, and it wasn't about Gabriel's safety.

"I guess I said no pressure," Charlie replied after her a lengthy pause, trying to smile as he turned to leave her hotel room. "But look, if anything changes…if the time ever becomes right…you have my number Riley."

Riley nodded as he closed the door between them.

Time to go home.

XOX

Gabriel was practically assaulted by Nelson when he came in for his daily chip scan that morning, escorted by Jameson. Dr. Cassidy shook his head, laughing quietly as his son jumped and yammered like an excited puppy, demanding to know everything about his date Friday night.

Gabriel looked bewildered, staring between Dr. Cassidy and Nelson. "How did you even find out?" he asked, leaning back in the chair, allowing the Doc to place the electrodes on the sides of his head.

"Jameson isn't the best at keeping things to himself," Dr. Cassidy answered for him, a small grin on his face. "We're both happy you're putting yourself out there. Nelson a little more than me, I'm afraid."

Gabriel shot Jameson an evil look from the chair. The agent shrugged in response, looking bored as he played around on his phone. "Didn't know it was a secret."

Gabriel was tempted to lock the phone in retaliation, but thought better of it. Jameson knew things he wasn't supposed too, and Gabriel wasn't in a position to agitate him right now. Nelson and the Doc knowing about his date was one thing. He could handle the world's most obnoxious twenty questions about Tracy courtesy of Nelson. But Riley finding out from anyone but him was another issue entirely. That was a conversation he definitely wasn't thrilled to be having tonight as it was.

All the scenarios he was picturing didn't end well for anyone. Didn't end well for him, anyway.

He knew he shouldn't be this worried about Riley's reaction. She was ever the professional in matters like these. Besides, they were just friends. She'd made that abundantly clear before she left.

And it was just one date. It wasn't like he was marrying the girl.

"Chip's clean," Dr. Cassidy announced over Nelson's consistent barrage of questions. Gabriel had warily answered most of them. "Nelson, Jameson, give us a minute will you?"

Jameson nodded. "I have a briefing with Lillian anyway. See you in a bit."

Nelson huffed, not as willing to be kicked out of the room. "Fine, but you'll answer the rest of my questions later. For science," he added quickly, though no one was fooled. Gabriel heard him muttering something about living vicariously through superman as he stalked off. He shook his head with a small smile, wondering idly if the IT girl he'd caught Nelson grinning at like a fool last week was single. He had to help his brother out somehow, if only to shift his focus off of him and his complicated love life.

"Sure, can't wait," Gabriel replied dryly, wondering how many more intrusive questions the young scientist could possibly have. He wondered if maybe Jameson would let him leave early. And by leaving early, he hoped to sneak out as soon as his conversation with the Doc was over. Things had been quiet since Riley left after all. "So, what's up Doc?" he asked once the door closed behind Nelson. Gabriel moved to let his legs dangle over the edge, pulling the suctioned electrodes from his temples.

Dr. Cassidy sat down in the chair next to the table, folding his hands in his lap. "I just wanted to put in my two cents about this date of yours. I'm glad you're moving on. You do deserve this Gabriel. After everything you've been through, everything you've sacrificed," the Doc said, and Gabriel could practically feel the bits of self-loathing he knew Cassidy tried to hide resurfacing. "I get the distinct impression that you let the chip hold you back. That was never my intention. I just…want you to be happy, chip be damned."

Gabriel smiled, gripping Cassidy's shoulder in a comforting manner. "Look, Doc, it's just a date. I don't know why everyone's getting so worked up over this. Sheesh," he laughed.

Cassidy shrugged. "You just…seemed so hesitant to start dating after Amelia died. I know the majority of your reluctance came from your devotion to her, but I wonder, sometimes, if the chip I put in your head keeps you from forming relationships with people subconsciously. I remember your dedication to your wife; you seem to forget that we all have that knowledge. But since she died, you haven't sought out another…Amelia, for lack of better terms," he said, hoping to get his point across.

Gabriel sighed. If only they knew. If only she knew.

"It just wasn't the right time. This isn't your fault, Doc. Amelia was…Amelia. She was my first real love, and that's not something you just forget. But I'm getting there. I just hadn't met the right girl to ask out," he said, hoping his tone was convincing enough. If he couldn't convince himself then he had no hope persuading the Doc that all was good and fine in his world.

The Doc nodded, but still remained wary. He'd struck a nerve of a different kind, wisely choosing not to comment. "Well, I hope it goes off without a hitch then."

Gabriel nodded, a comfortable silence settling as Dr. Cassidy swiveled around to his computer, typing quickly.

"Now, if you want to escape I'd wait three more minutes for Nelson to go get coffee from the break room. That's going to be your only window of opportunity. I'll let Jameson know."

Gabriel laughed, palming his keys.

"Thanks Doc."

XOX

Gabriel pulled up to his apartment not long later, thinking a late breakfast or maybe even a nap was in order. He had to admit, after his dream last night sleep wasn't coming easy. He jogged up the stairs, unlocking his door, feeling supremely grateful Jameson hadn't given him a lengthy lecture on 'running off' unprotected. Riley would have had a fit if she knew he'd done that.

He pushed open his door, shrugging off his jacket before he turned, sensing her presence before seeing her.

All the same, he nearly jumped out of his skin.

"Riley?"

She laughed, the coffee mug she always used when she came over clasped in her hands as she perched on the edge of his couch. The sight of her after a week of being apart made his heart skip a beat. He forgot how beautiful she was in that small frame of time. Forgot how pretty her laugh was, even when it was at his expense. He shook his head, trying to focus.

"And this is why you need a bodyguard. You're about as observant as a doorknob," she mocked.

He scowled at her. "Yeah, well, most criminals and murderers don't have a key to my apartment," he grumbled playfully. "Besides, I thought you weren't getting back until tonight?"

"Well I'm flattered that you're so happy to see me," she joked, but he heard the hurt laced in her voice. It wasn't the welcome she was expecting.

"I am glad you're back," he said softly, honestly. He truly was happy she was home, but they both acknowledged the intentional distance they kept between the other. He moved to the kitchen and she followed, sliding onto one of the barstools as he opened cabinets, falling into a familiar routine. He didn't bother asking if she'd eaten, he knew she hadn't. "Jameson is a terrible protector by the way. You'd be ashamed of him."

"I hear you haven't exactly been making it easy on him. If you being here, protector less at," she made a show of checking her watch. "Barely eleven in the morning is any indication, I'm sure he deserves a medal."

"What? How is it my fault Jameson can't keep up with me? Besides, I had to escape Nelson's stupid, obsessive questions. And the Doc helped me escape, so you can take that up with him."

"He only let you leave because he knew I was already here," she informed him, stirring her coffee rhythmically.

Gabriel turned to face her, a little put off. "Why didn't you call me?"

Riley looked away, sighing. "You haven't exactly been answering my phone calls, Gabriel."

He grimaced. That was true, but the reason he gave for ignoring her was only a half-truth of its own. Bringing up the impromptu kiss now would only make matters worse. "About that, Riley," he started. "I was a jerk. This was a great opportunity for you and I made you feel bad going. That's the last thing I wanted. I'm sorry."

She gave him a small smile. "I'm sorry too."

"How was it, being on a presidential detail again?" he asked, pulling a pan from a bottom shelf.

It was Riley's turn to flinch. "I wasn't really apart of a detail so much as the temporary leader of it," she answered quietly.

Gabriel tensed, staring at her a moment, a question in his eyes. He wasn't sure how to react. "Should I congratulate you or worry they offered you a job?"

Riley laughed again. "Just congratulate me. It was a great opportunity, and I did miss it. And it was nice, being a Detail Leader for a minute. But it's not for me. I like where I am. Besides, Finnegan mostly wanted to talk about you, and he wanted me to let you know you still owed him a golf game. I think that's why he put me in charge in the first place, honestly."

Gabriel rolled his eyes. "Right, because talent and skill like yours comes around every day," he said sarcastically. She ducked her head, blushing a little.

"Please, I couldn't leave you. You'd be lost without me," Riley smirked.

"It wasn't the same without you here," he added lightly, shaking his head before adding, "And Jameson really is bad at this!"

Riley set her coffee down and moved from the stool to the counter where he worked. He was making omelets, she concluded. Her favorite. She grasped the green pepper that rested on the counter, pulled a cutting board over, and started halving the vegetable with a knife as he delicately chopped a few tomatoes.

"It's good to be home," she observed gently. Gabriel nudged her shoulder with his in agreement. They worked quietly for a bit, washing and dicing vegetables.

Gabriel cracked a few eggs into a mixing bowl, throwing in a splash of milk. He added her chopped green peppers, tomatoes, and feta as well before whisking everything together.

Riley rinsed the cutting board and the knives. "So I was thinking since I've been gone all week we could have dinner tomorrow and catch up? Jameson didn't really tell me anything but I got the feeling he was leaving something out," she inquired a bit shyly, breaking their comfortable silence. His mixing faltered. She narrowed her eyes at the strange look on his face. "Gabriel, is something wrong?"

How was he supposed to tell her he had a date Friday? How was he supposed to bring something like that up naturally?

It's great to have you home Riley! Dinner sounds good, but I have a date Friday night. How does lunch sound?

There really wasn't a not awkward way to bring it up.

Gabriel sighed, floundering for a moment. Riley crossed her arms, a worried look passing over her features at his prolonged silence. He took in a deep breath, meeting her gaze.

"I kind of…met someone a couple days ago. I'm seeing her Friday night," he managed to stumble out. It was even more painful than he thought, this letting go thing. "Maybe we could catch up over beers or something?" Gabriel offered.

You know, as friends, like we always do. She finished the sentence inside her head.

Like you wanted, Riley thought bitterly.

"Oh," she whispered. He caught the immediate dejection that flooded her clear green eyes before she blinked and it was gone.

Why would she be hurt if she wanted nothing to do with him in that way? She'd made her stance on them clear. He was bowing to her request.

"She's…coming here, to cook. Figured it would be easier for Jameson to keep an eye on things. I already chipped her. She's not…insane, or anything," he paused, gauging her reaction. "I didn't think you'd be back this soon. I just figured Jameson could still be my temporary protector."

And I don't want to put you through this.

Riley clenched her jaw, trying to hold herself in check. "No, I understand why you'd want him," she responded, slipping into her business tone. "I think I'm going to go home and unpack. You're alive, there's no danger to you. My job is done for now. I need to get in touch with Lillian anyway."

"Riley," he called out gently, but she was already out the door.

He leaned against his counter, head in his hands. That went about as he expected.

The look on her face wasn't what he'd been anticipating though. He rewound the last bits of their conversation in his mind. She'd blushed when she'd asked him about dinner and catching up.

Had she asked him out?

XOX

Riley leaned heavily against her apartment door, trying to get her breathing under control while chastising herself for being so damn foolish.

No use crying over something that you never had.

Whoever said 'if you loved something, set it free,' was a moron whose partner certainly didn't look like Gabriel. Nor could they have been as charming. Or as good of a kisser, if she let herself think about it.

Because she was certainly kicking herself for leaving him thinking she wasn't interested. That was a mistake if she'd ever made one.

That was self-preservation rearing its ugly head.

And in turn, his own self-preserving nature had him asking out the first pretty girl that looked his way. That wasn't really fair, she supposed. She'd been adamant they be just friends.

She couldn't blame him for that.

She could only blame herself.

Her phone buzzed in her front pocket, and she pulled the device out, opening the text message.

Made it to D.C. in one piece, Thriller.

She was scrolling through her short list of numbers, pressing the call button before she really knew what her intention was. It wasn't long before the other line picked up.

"Charlie…I, um, changed my mind. I'm game for coffee, if the offer still stands."