Remember me once in a while, please promise me you'll try

John preceded Taylor into the small apartment. Taylor's steps slowed behind John as he looked around in awe at the space that he would now call home. Finch limped in behind him closing the door.

Now that Taylor was officially 'in' on their operation, Finch and John wasted no time getting him an apartment so that he could safely do work for them away from his watchful family. John took extra precautions and found an opening in his building, so he could keep Taylor nearby.

"Well what do you think?" Finch asked still not sounding happy.

John eyed Finch as he waited for Taylor's response. It had taken some heavy convincing to get Finch to agree to let Taylor work with them. It wasn't until John convinced Finch that letting Taylor work with them was for Taylor's own good that Finch relented. However, he was still thoroughly opposed to having Taylor be part of the team and did not bother to hide his feelings.

"This is fine," Taylor said, but John knew from his tone that the place was more than fine. The kid was trying not to appear overly excited about having his own place. John was glad to know he was finally happy about something.

"You remember your cover in case your grandmother or dad asks?" John questioned.

"Yeah yeah," Taylor answered distracted, his eyes still wide and roaming. "Finch hired me to work in a special program and has given me a generous living allowance. As my employer he prefers I live on my own that way if I need to work from home I can keep work related information confidential." He looked at John and Finch then. "That sound 'bout right?"

"Yes." John took a breath. Well now that Taylor's living arrangements were in order, everything was set. They could move onto his training. He still couldn't believe they were going to do this. "Taylor are you sure about this?"

"John," he groaned. "I've already told you. I'm not changing my mind. I'm sure."

John sighed giving up for tonight. "Okay. Here's your key. The place is yours." Now the real work began. "Be up at six tomorrow."

"Six? In the morning?" Taylor asked, his hand still hanging in the air after accepting the key.

"Yes. My…associate Shaw will be working our cases for the time being while I take you through training."

"Training."

"Of course young Carter," Finch interjected. "You will not work one case until Mr. Reese has assured me that you are fit and prepared to handle the danger that may and will come your way."

"He's right. So be ready at six. Not a second after." John hoped to see Taylor waver. Maybe even request for time to reconsider his decision. But the teen straightened his shoulders and looked him in the eye.

"I'm a Carter. I don't back down from a challenge. I'll be ready at six and not a second later."

John fought a groan and a chuckle. He had seen that determined look before. Joss had trained him well on that look. It was time to back down. "Fine. You're okay staying here tonight?"

Taylor's eyes again took in the space. It was big and empty. Nothing like the home his mom had given him. He clenched his jaw trying to fight his grief. This was his new start. The place was a good size, perfect for him. He could make it home.

"Yeah I'm fine."

John nodded then wordlessly pressed an object into his hand. Taylor looked down his brow pinching in confusion. "Another key? What's this for?"

"My place is upstairs. If you need anything, anything at all," he stressed, "call me. Or come up."

Taylor glanced away fighting the emotion that nearly overcame him at John's offer. He didn't know why the offer meant so much. Perhaps it was because it meant John was offering much more than just the job he wanted. No John was offering to go through this with him. To not leave him alone.

"Thanks."

"Goodnight."

"Night. Night Finch."

"Goodnight Taylor."

John and Finch walked to John's apartment, Finch wearing a frown the entire way. He didn't speak until the door to his place closed.

"You know there's no turning back now," he said grimly.

"Finch he will be okay," John stated calmly. "We've taken every precaution. He lives right down from me, we can track his phone, he doesn't even know about the machine."

"I know," Finch sighed. "He's just so young. If Joss were here… I couldn't let-"

"Nothing will happen to him." John would not let Finch entertain that thought. Neither of them could afford for things to go sour where Taylor was concerned. "I will die before anyone or anything… takes his life." He had to swallow the bile rising in his throat as the image of a bloody Taylor filled his mind.

"That's also what I'm afraid of." Finch turned to go.

John didn't move as Finch walked out leaving him alone in the silence of his apartment. Slowly he walked to the long window nearest his bed. His eyes lifted, taking in the sky through the glass.

"God," he whispered not able to easily pray after so many years without practice. "I… I know I screwed up… with Joss, but… please don't let anything happen to Taylor. The boy came to me, don't let me fail him."