After sitting in the shower for over an hour, I finally snapped out of my haze and got ready for work. I put my hair into a long braid, wisps of hair lose, framing my face. I got into my uniform which consisted of a white button up shirt and black pants. I took a look in the mirror to check my appearance. I observed my long chocolate brown hair, and my light green eyes. The curve of my lips, and the raise of my cheekbones. I sighed and turned to leave. I opened the door and walked out. I ran into someone I hadn't noticed was there.

"Oh, I'm so sorry I didn't…" I started, looking up, my sentence trailing off as I looked at the person in front of me.

Hannibal smiled down at me, his eyes crinkling the same familiar way. I sucked in a breath, my heart leaping to my throat.

"Hi Em." He said in his gravelly voice.

I backed up and slammed the door shut. I leaned against it, breathing heavily.

"Em. Open the door."

I tried to speak, but nothing came out.

"I just want to talk Em. We haven't seen each other in over a year. Lets catch up."

I took a deep breath, clearing my head. I stepped away from my door, and walked over to my window, that led to the fire escape. I opened it quietly, listening to Hannibal's pleading. I stepped out onto the fire escape and got down fairly quickly. I ran down the street until I was far away from my building. My hands were shaking, and my heart was racing. Why was he there? Why now? We hadn't spoken since the service. I walked to work, trying to relax. I walked into the restaurant, greeted by my co-workers.

"Hey Emily! What's shakin' bacon?" The greeter, Christine asked, a bright smile on her face.

My mood instantly changed, glad to have something to keep my mind off of the appearance of Hannibal.

"The daily grind, all that jazz." I replied.

"Glad to have you here love!"

I smiled and made my way to my section, looking for new customers. And I saw him. He wore the same brown leather jacket and red hat he had worn the last time I had seen him.

"Damn!" I cursed.

"Emily? You okay?" Jack, my boss, asked concerned.

"Jack, I'm so sorry, I feel like I'm going to throw up. I need to go home." I said, looking at him pitifully.

"Oh jeeze, yeah that's okay, just don't get sick in here." He said, a little too scornfully.

I nodded, and headed out, before Murdock could see me.

"Shit, shit, shit…" I muttered racing out of the restaurant.

I ran down the street, my mind racing. I reached the art museum, and rushed inside. I took a deep breath, and tried to calm my speeding heart. I paid for an admission and walked to my favorite painting. "The Pool" by John Henry Twachtman. It made me calm down, looking at the serene painting. I wished I was in it. I wished I could make all of this go away. I wish I never met Face.

I was caught up in my thoughts when someone sat down next to me. I sighed and waited for him to speak.

I felt a thick pair of arms wrap around me. I was engulfed in a hug.

"Emily Rivers, you have no idea how much I've missed you." The person said quietly.

I tried not to giggle as Bosco Baracus held me tightly.

"Aw Bos…" I muttered.

He let go and held me at arms length and looked at me, smiling.

"Bos…as nice as this reunion is, please explain why you guys have decided to show up randomly?" I asked sternly.

"You just need to come with me, and we'll explain it all." He said standing.

"You guys better have a good reason for freaking me out, or I'll have to break out my jambiya knife…" I threatened.

He laughed as we walked out of the museum, and approached a sleek black van. Well…as sleek as vans can be.

We drove to my apartment building and went up. I opened the door, followed by Bosco, seeing Murdock and Hannibal in my living room.

"Hey guys…come on in…" I muttered.

"Sure, don't mind if I do!" Murdock replied.

My glare shot daggers at his head as he shrunk behind Hannibal, his 1000 watt grin plastered onto his face.

"Hi Em." Hannibal said, smiling as he approached me. I let him hug me, loving his scent of Cuban cigars.

"I'm sorry I slammed the door in your face…"

He laughed.

"It's quite alright Em."

"Do I get a hug Ms. Emily?" Murdock asked smiling, holding his arms open.

I grinned.

"Yes Mr. Murdock."

I let him wrap his arms around me.

I pulled away and looked at the three men.

"So, can you please explain why you guys have decided to show up unannounced?" I asked, crossing my arms and raising my eyebrow.

Just as I asked, someone came around the corner of my kitchen. My heart stopped at I looked at the familiar curve of his jaw, and the twinkle in his eyes. The last thing I saw was the drop of his mouth as I fell towards the floor, and darkness consumed me.