"Shaw and Root are coming, Carter," John murmured as they sat on uncomfortable chairs staring at office walls. Their backs were to each other and hands were tied together, he could have gotten free if he wasn't tied to Joss. He didn't want to cause her any pain, so he resignedly asked Finch to send Shaw and Root, taking their impending ribbing; so much for having a simple number to work on New Year's Eve.

"They better keep their big mouths shut; I'm in no mood to listen to their running commentary," she muttered.

Root and Shaw would have a field day with this, not because their number got a drop on them but because they were tied up together. The psychotic duo was already making lewd comments about her and John; Shaw wasn't certain if there was anything happening while Root seemed sure. Joss was glad someone was because she wasn't. John was so hard to read: one moment she thought John was flirting with her, but then the next she didn't know what to think.

As much as she wanted to bring up what happened in the morgue she didn't. She didn't want to push John, preferring to wait for him to be ready to talk about what he told her and that kiss. Joss was confident John would get there soon; it was a matter of when.

"Sorry Carter, you could be anywhere else instead of here with me on New Year's Eve and tied up," he apologized as he stared out the window as they waited for the cavalry.

She smiled as she stared at the wall mounted clock that was getting awfully close to midnight, leaning her head against his back comfortably. "There's nowhere else I'd rather be," she whispered softly, recalling the time John told her something similar. It had been just before Simmons appeared and tried to kill him. Thankfully his gun jammed and he was apprehended because she couldn't even think of what could have happened.

"Since you can't leave, care to explain those earrings you got me for Christmas; how did you know I wanted that exact pair?" Joss asked. She had been shopping in the mall with her son when she saw them as they walked by a jewelry store. When he remained silent she let it go, knowing the answer anyway. She eyed the clock. "It's a minute 'til midnight, John….

Joss waited until the minute ticked by. "Happy New Year, John," she whispered.

"Happy New Year, Joss."