AN: I wanna thank everyone who is still with me for Chapter 4. Your nice words and reviews always made my day. Hugs. I must admit, i had lots of fun writing this chapter, i guess that's why i can post it way earlier than expected. However one short warning: I'm going to twist the actual events of the show a little bit. Don't be mad with me it's AU. I hope you will enjoy it nevertheless.
"I want to join the team John."
Joss words kept playing on his mind over and over again and he still felt uncertain about what to do next.
Not that he didn't want Joss as a partner. God was his witness that he wanted her like he never wanted anything else in his life. She was the best partner he ever had or could dream of, but the fear of losing her again scared him to death. Just thinking about it paralyzed him and he was sure if something would happen to Joss, this time he wouldn't survive it either. It also made him angry that she didn't seem to see this the same way. After all that had happened during the last two years, she of all people should know better, but yet there was no way for him to convince her otherwise and this slowly brought him to the verge of despair.
On top of it the Jeremy Lindsay number wasn't going well either. He followed the kid's movements since an entire week now, without having found out anything suspicious, nor did he had any leads or a possible threat. He was getting impatient and wondered if the Machine was alright.
He frustrated tapped his earbud "Finch, are you sure the Machine is working again? It has been one week now and we need to consider the fact that this number actually isn't a number." He went on with his rant as he slowly made his way through the park, smiling while watching the little boy and his nanny playing soccer.
Jeremy was a brisk boy with an innocent smile and he more than once found himself musing about what it would be like to have own kids.
"Hey John, how has your day been so far, babe?" Carter piped up.
His body immediately reacted as hearing her voice in his ear. It caused him a pleasant shiver.
"Having your voice in my ear makes me hot, Joss." John complaint.
"You are a naughty boy, John. I thought after last night your appetite had been sated, judging by the fact how many times i made you come." She confessed.
"I will never get enough of you, Joss, you should know this by now." He was having a hard time concentrating, as his mind drifted back to last night and to the incredible things she did to him. He was glad that she couldn't see him right now, because he reddened. As always listening to Joss voice aroused him and he needed to stay focussed on the boy. If saving Jeremy's life was what he was doing here, all of his attention had to stay on the boy.
"I love you too, sweetheart." Joss blew him a kiss through the earbud causing John to jerk.
"So where is Harold?" He desperately tried to get their conversation back to the job, because if she continued like that, he was going to call Fusco so that they could continue with where they stopped sometime during last night and the early morning.
"He left a few minutes ago. Told me to tell you he is on to trace a new lead." Joss informed him.
"A new lead or does he simply had enough of my complaining? I hope he stays cautious. I don't like him being out there without me." John worried.
"John, listen you worry too much. Everyone of us can take care of himself. You just need to have a little more trust. You can rely on us."
"Sigh i know, but didn't you make this confession last night that my overprotective side turns you on?" He chuckled "Yep, way to go Reese. This woman constantly had your mind in the gutter. Oh great now i'm starting to talk with myself."
"I don't know what you are talking about. Last time i checked you were a babbling mess last night, maybe you got something wrong." She started laughing.
"Wait until i got home, lady. You haven't experienced this specific technique only myself can do firsthand. It will make you scream in ecstasy. Have i told you that i love making you scream." He smiled to himself because Joss remained quiet. "Must be the thrill of anticipation." He mentally told himself.
"Joss? Hello there? Did i make you tremble?" Reese couldn't control himself. This flirting had to end. He needed to tell Harold to stop Carter from using the comms. At least for now. He was off guard because of his deep feelings for her when talking to her via earbuds.
"I'm always there John. You just got me carried away." Carter admitted.
"Listen Joss, i thought about it, how about you joining us..." he got started with their elephant in the room again.
Carter sighed.
"I told you i was going to stay in hiding while you are working this number. Look we have talked about this, John and I gave you the promise that as long as the kid's life is in danger i will lay low and be a good girl. But after this WE are going to find a way TOGETHER to make this work and that means finding a way to get rid of Jessica Parker and the FBI. I want to be a real part of this team."
"But you already are Joss." he began again.
"No John and you know this. Besides, now is not the time for this."
He sighed, Joss was right. This had to wait until they solve the mystery of their latest number.
"Hey loverboy." Fusco grinned as he saw his partner roll his eyes. "How are you doing? Any new leads who might be after our little man?" He handed Reese a coffee, which he thankfully took.
"I'm afraid we still are in the dark."
"Uh-huh. How is Carter holding up?"
"You know her. It's tough for her to be sidelined. I try my best to keep her busy...WHAT?" Reese hesitated due to the look on Fusco's face.
"I bet you you do." Fusco had a smug grin on his face as seeing how dreamy John got as he mentioned Joss. "Oh this is going to be fun."
"So when are you two love birdies start making babies?"
Reese was flabbergasted, spilled his coffee and cursed.
"Look, Fusco i appreciate you watched out after Jeremy last night, but I'm not gonna discuss me and Carter's sex life with you. None of your business, partner."
Fusco started to laugh. "I'm sorry John, i had to ask because i could see you gleam from miles away. Our sunshine must have rocked your world last night." Fusco looked at him admiring that his two best friends finally were together, which earned him another eye roll, but this couldn't hide the fact that Reese turned red, deep red.
"I...ehem...whatever. Forget it, Lionel." Reese stammered annoyed.
Fusco eyed him, while his partners attention went back to Jeremy and he liked what he saw. An obviously happy and content John. As annoying and teasingly funny broody Reese was, Fusco preferred the new John. The happy John. This man went to hell and back in his life and seeing him being happy and madly in love again firsthand warmth his sentimental heart. He would do anything for his friend, except of letting him know that. And of course for Carter. He still felt overwhelmed having her back alive and well.
"Okay no little wonderbabies." Fusco sighed " You two would have gorgeous babies, by the way."
"LIONEL." Reese had enough. Not only was Carter on his mind twenty four hours a day, now thanks to Fusco the images of adorable, cute little brown eyed and curled haired girls were popping up in his mind as well and made him feel foolish.
"Okay, okay. I get it. How about you take a rest and head home to your lady. You know keeping her busy. I can take care of Jeremy for a while." Fusco suggested.
"Who are you and what happened to Fusco?"
"Well loverboy, now you kinda get the idea how me currently am feeling about you."
They both had to laugh.
Moments later...
Reese shook his head. He couldn't believe he actually took the break and was heading back to their secret base. He had thought about Carter the entire day now. Again. And right now he wondered if that is how his life was going to be now. In physical and mentally need of Carter. He loved this feeling, but at the same time it scared the hell out of him, because he never experienced such intense feelings before in his life. As he reached his car this pleasant and well known feeling went through his body again. Joss was talking to him.
"Did i just hear you and Fusco talk about wonderbabies?" Carter asked, teasing him.
"Ehem...I...eh...yes." Carter had to chuckle. She loved it immensely when John was flustered. It made her hot and aroused. "God Joss you're pathetic." She blamed herself mentally.
"Since when ARE you listening to all of my conversations, Joss? I remember a time of you lecturing me about certain boundaries." Reese smiled softly.
"That was then, this is now. Like i said earlier." Her voice kept singing in his ear seductive. "I'm always listening John."
"You know, I never told you that i was jealous of Beecher and that i wanted to go after him for just looking at you or talking to you." John admitted.
"Oh." Joss blushed.
Both of them were silent for a while, letting the words sink in.
She wanted him so badly right now.
He wanted her so badly right now.
"What is wrong with us?" they thought to themselves. "We are lost." And they both smiled.
"I figure you are shocked about this confession?" John wanted to know.
"More like surprised that you admitted this." She wondered out loud about it. "That's a side of you i didn't know before."
"Well i'm full of surprises these days, am i?" He went back teasing her.
"You certainly are." she laughed. "Listen, can you bring some thai food with you, i'm starving here. And if you are nice, then i - maybe - let you choose the dessert." She made a teasingly halt knowing for sure not only her mind was drifting in the gutter again.
"Oh trust me Joss i will be a good boy as long as you need me to be. See you in a few..." John purred and left her behind as a horny mess, while he jumped into his car and sped down the road.
Abandoned Subway Station
After finishing their meal, Reese checked in with Finch who said he had met a mutual friend who gave him some new information. He wanted to eat something before returning back to them.
Joss was sitting on John's lap, while he talked to Finch. She still needed his body contact. Not having him around stressed her. She shrugged it off, however John was sure it was posttraumatic because of her two year ordeal. He gently stroked her, his hand drifted up and down her back simply realizing Carter's needs.
"You know John, i'm starting to think you sidelining me on purpose, because you know how boring it is and that i'm ready to jump your bones when you return home." Joss complaint. "I hate to be bored and constantly horny all day long John Reese and i blame you for that." She went on with her rant, not realizing the mischief grin on his face.
"I take this one for the team."
"Oh i bet you will John. But how long can you keep up with me. I have specific needs and you are not in your prime anymore." She knew she was pushing his buttons.
"Hmm don't underestimate me and my stamina, love." His hand went from her back around her body, so that he was holding her in a tight embrace. She already could feel him "For you i will do anything and beyond." He kissed her passionately then, one of his hands already busy working his way under her shirt, causing her weak knees and a harsh moan.
"God Joss you smell so good." His nose playfully nuzzled at her neck.
"Hmm." She moaned again kissing him hungrily. This time it was his turn to moan.
"Okay, time for my dessert. I love me some chocolate."
A few days later
They finally got some useful leads.
Never had Reese worked a number longer than this one. He still wasn't sure if the Machine was working alright again and he leaned on Finch to find out if there was indeed something wrong with it. The fact that they haven't heard anything from Samaritan over the past few weeks wasn't something he liked as well.
Fusco and Reese had followed Jeremy and his nanny silently for quite some time now. John calm and collected as usual when working a case, while Fusco was fighting with the hot dog he just bought.
As the mustard sauce made its way down on Fusco's jacket, John noticed a black SUV showing up around the corner. He immediately went on high alert and motioned to Fusco, who reluctantly got rid of his hot dog and tensed as well.
They split up to approach the kid and the nanny from both sides, if the SUV decided to make its move. They didn't have to wait long, as the car suddenly stopped with squealing tires and two black masked figures jumped out of the car ready to go after Jeremy.
"Fusco, watch out, they are here to kidnap the boy." Reese shouted.
"Haven't figured that one out, wonderboy." Fusco snarled back at him annoyed.
Reese aimed his weapon at the larger one of the two kidnappers. "NYPD. Don't move!" He yelled to them, but instead was greeted with a blaze of gunfire towards his direction. Thankfully the bullets didn't hit any civilians, but caused a public chaos with people screaming and running around panically.
"Fusco get the nanny and the kid, i will take care of the rest." Reese shouted to his partner while the enviroment got even more chaotic. Several shots were fired in his direction, but all missing their target.
"John? Are you okay? JOHN? Please talk to me." Carter called him. "Damn it." She angrily hit the button of the comms again and again, but their connection remained silent. "Okay i have enough of it. Lay low my ass." Carter yelled at herself, already equipped with a weapon and highly pissed off. There was no way she would lay low here with John and Fusco being in danger. She was going to help them, whether John liked it or not.
The large kidnapper motioned something to his partner, who was dangerously close to the kid. Reese attention shifted "NYPD. I said DON'T MOVE." He shouted again. The person did not seem to care. Reese fired and hit the shoulder. The person screamed and went down, while his partner aimed at Reese again but all of a sudden decided to leave and sped away. Meanwhile Reese reached the other kidnapper and removed the mask, while Fusco took care of the boy and his crying nanny.
The person in black was...
"Zoe?" John was shocked.
Carter was just ready to go as she heard John's voice calling for her. "Thank god he is okay." She sighed with relief.
"Carter, listen i'm okay. I hit one of the hijacker with a graze. Can you meet me at the safehouse?" It sounded like there was something wrong with him. Her worries returned.
Safehouse
Joss hurried into the room.
"John? You there John?" she shouted out of breath.
"We are here." His answer was short. Yes, there was definetely something wrong with him.
"John i was worried, wait what is she doing here?" Carter eyed a drunken Zoe. She was in a bad shape.
"What the hell happened?" She was confused and seeing Zoe looking like that broke her heart. Something terrible must have happened to that usually proud and confident woman.
"Johnnnnn comeeee hereeeeee. I needdddd more alcohol. Whhhhat is Jossss doing here? Ssssshe is dead. Awwww great. Welcomeeee to my personalllllll hell." Zoe slurred.
"Ignore her, she is drunk." John simply said. Joss was eying him with a raised eyebrow. "I really don't know what to do with her, Joss. I brought her here, something must have happened with her. She tried to kidnap our number, this boy. I shot her, could have killed her." He was visibly shaken. "She had a graze wound and it looked like she had some kind of trauma, but then she started to drink and cry. I don't even recognize her any more. So i thought maybe you could help." He looked desperate.
Joss nodded and squeezed his shoulders encouraging. She smiled softly. She knew Reese cared for Zoe. It wasn't exactly love, but she was one of his few close friends. And if one of his friends was in trouble Joss was there to help.
"Can you do me a favor? Joss asked him.
"Everything you want."
"Make us some coffee and i need some fresh clothes, while i take care of Zoe."
He kissed her head, while awkwardly padding Zoe's back. "Thank you, Joss."
After a long, cold shower and being patched up by Carter, Zoe was back to her normal self as she returned to the living room and sat beside Carter on the couch.
Reese came back with two steaming mugs of coffee, which he put on the table in front of them as he sat down on the sofa across from Zoe. Carter got up to let them both alone, but Zoe stopped her.
"Joss wait. Thank you for patching me up. Please stay. You should hear this as well."
Joss sat down onto the sofa's armrest next to John, who immediately took her hand. Zoe didn't miss the affection of the two of them.
"Remember the heartfelt story i told you about my dad and about me wanting to be like the person who knows what to say and always has something to trade?" Zoe began, John nodded. "It was a lie."
"The thing is, after the scandal we were broke. When i left home, i used to work as an escort for the rich and important people. You know, being their date, if they didn't have one. Sex excluded. I'm not proud of it, but that's how i was back then. Shallow and dull. Until i met him." She continued.
Joss and John looked at each other.
"One night i was supposed to pretend to be the date of Kyle O'Mara. Some rich investment banker, who needed a woman as company. Turned out it was a fake identity. He was with the SSCI. At least that's what he told me. Long story short: We fell in love. The total package. I don't know how we made it work, since his job was demanding to say the least, but we were happy and in love. Then i got pregnant."
"Zoe..." Joss squeezed John's hand and his thumb gently stroked her knuckles. She nodded at Zoe, who had paused.
"Kyle wanted out. His boss didn't take it well. We were naive. One day something happened to him. He didn't survive and they made it look like an accident." A single tear ran down her cheek. "I was devastated, but his partner, Jer, was there for me. He helped me to survive this. I got the baby, but i figure they would come after us and i wanted a normal life for my baby, something i couldn't give him. That's why Jer helped me finding a family for him, but he couldn't help me emerge Kyle's death. That's how i became Zoe Morgan."
"Your boy has grown up well." John didn't know what else he should say without sounding pitiful.
"He looks so much like Kyle..." her voice broke and she started to weep bitterly. Joss took her into her arms trying to soothe her.
A bit later.
"I wouldn't even know that my son was here if it wasn't for Finch asking me to find out more about Professor Isaac Lindsay. Since you guys only ask for my help, if something really bad is about to happen, I feared Kyle's former boss was after the prof, that's why i contacted Jer." Zoe said after she had calmed down.
"So instead of informing Finch or John, you decided to kidnap your own son?" Joss couldn't believe what she was hearing. Zoe was so much smarter than this.
"Try to kidnap him. That was the plan Lambert came up with." Zoe admitted.
"Wait, you working with Lambert? HE WAS Kyle's partner? Zoe I COULD have killed you today." Reese looked at her. He was furious. "Why didn't you just called us?"
"John, Jer and i go way back. Kyle was like a big brother for him. Thaught him everything he had to know about this job. I trust him with my life, just like i trust you. But i didn't want you guys to get hurt. The organisation Jer is working for is extremely dangerous."
"We know this organisation, Zoe. Lambert is extremely dangerous as well. He is a trained killer." John was still angry, walking up and down the room, while Joss was just watching them.
"Weren't you trained to kill as well? Have you ever asked yourself why his bullets didn't hit you or anyone else today? The organisation Jer works for are after the professor, that's why my boy also became a target. Jer risked his life trying to protect him by pretending this failed kidnapping attempt so that the police could get involved and Jer's organisation wouldn't get suspicious. We got what we wanted Jeremy is save for now." Zoe smiled briefly at John.
"But your plan won't work. Do you actually think with Jeremy under police protection that these people will stop coming after him or his family?" John questioned their idea.
"That was still part of the plan. With Jeremy save under the watchful eye of the police, i would have approached the professor as Zoe Morgan and offer my help. He knows who i am and Jer hoped to withdraw his organisation's attention from my boy to the prof, so that they were going directly after Isaac. We could have faked his death and give him and his family a new life. It was all carefully arranged, but then you got in our way and shot me. That wasn't planned."
"Sounds like a pretty risky plan to me." John insinuated.
"And it still could work John. Zoe. We just have to continue with it and maybe we can keep everyone save." Joss suggested.
"But why are they after the Professor?"
"Jer told me Isaac Lindsay has knowledge about implants and that knowing this could already kill me. That's why he didn't let my in on this. Listen, do you guys have a bed for me? My head hurts and i'm tired to death. We can continue with this tomorrow. I just need some sleep." Zoe asked looking at Joss.
"Sure, come with me, i will show you the way." Joss said, motioning to a clearly shaken John to stay where he was.
As she returned she found John standing in front of the huge window obviously lost deep in thought.
"She sleeps now. I know this look, John." She sighed. "Don't blame yourself for shooting at her." Joss leaned her head against his strong back, embracing him from behind.
"I could have killed her Joss. I could have killed a friend. Why did she do this? Why is she working with this killer?" He was still shaken.
"John, you didn't know that it was Zoe. You were just going to save the kid." Joss was trying to soothe his pain. "And maybe there is more about Lambert than Finch and you thought."
"I doubt this. Zoe was just lucky i wasn't going for the kneecap this time." John said sarcastic.
"Oh John." She stroked his cheek.
"I need to go and check in with Fusco and Finch. Will you take care of her?" He asked.
"Sure. Keep me updated, okay?"
He nodded and went back to work.
After a long and busy night of work a tired John returned to the safehouse early mornings.
"So?" Carter asked as he kissed her briefly. "She still smells so good." John wondered and inhaled her scent.
"What do you expect? The Lindsays were pretty shocked that someone tried to kidnap their son. If you ask me, the prof is hiding something from us. Finch is expected to pay him a visit later today to find out more about this implants Zoe and Lambert were talking about. He also will talk the professor into going along with Zoe's plan. We don't want her to put her life on the line and if someone can do this besides Zoe, then it's Harold." John sighed. "Meanwhile there was nothing i could do, that's why i came home. And i need some sleep. How is Zoe?"
"Still sleeping, like you should do as well. I'm going to wake you in a few hours or if something happens, okay?" Joss said.
"Have i told you how blessed i am to have you here and in my life?" He looked at her enamored.
"Go get some sleep, John." She knowingly smiled back him.
Safehouse
Late afternoon
Zoe, Joss and John were about to say goodbye. After both, Joss and John, had convinced Zoe to let Finch and him handle the case from now on for her own good and safety, she and John had a long and clarify heart to heart conversation. They were good now.
"Thank you John. For everything. You know i was wrong as i told you we are only made for a night or a weekend. I see how you and Joss look at each other. You found your soulmate. Don't let anyone take that away from you."
"I'm sorry Zoe." John began. Zoe put a finger on his lips to stop him from going on.
"Don't say that. It's okay. I made peace with this. If you need my help with Joss cover identity give me a call and i'm there for you. And please try not to kill Jer, okay? " Zoe kissed him on the cheek.
"And Joss?"
"Yes?"
"Thank you and take care of this fool. He loves you. " Zoe winked at her and both woman hugged briefly "I know and so do i." Joss whispered in return.
Then Zoe Morgan was gone.
"What is it Joss?" John wanted to know as watching her narrowly.
"I guess i was wrong about her. Just like us she went through hell and back."
"Uh-huh. You know Joss, i could never do something like that. Giving my own child away."
"I know John. You are a good man, that's why i'm so in love with you." She simply said.
"You are in love with me?" His eyes were sparkling with emotion, he couldn't hold back a broadly grin. Broody Reese was gone.
"Like you didn't know that." She smiled back at him. "So what now?" Joss wondered loud.
"Well i'm starving." His index finger touched the tip of her nose, she caught his hand and leant against it, wanting the touch. He smiled, because he loved his cuddly Carter. In moments like this, he could take her right then and there and fuck them into oblivion. "How about i'm gonna cook something italian for us?" He asked instead.
"You're not going after the professor?" Carter wanted to know.
"No. I wanna spent the afternoon with you in my arms, cuddled up on this terrible couch watching annoying soaps." He laughed out loud seeing Carter's startled face.
"What, you don't like soaps, Joss?" John was still laughing. "Listen, Jeremy is save with the police watching out for the Lindsay's right now. And Finch is looking out for the professor as well."
"Didn't you hate it when Finch is on his own?" She asked him.
"Some wise woman told me to trust my friends and i think i'm going to try it, besides Fusco promised me to look out for him." Reese said.
"Always the protector." Joss had to smile. She left a loud smack kiss on his cheek.
"What was that for?" He was irritated.
"I think i like the new and improved John Reese. Well not that i didn't like the old one." She chuckled.
"Wait, you just like him?" He teased her.
"Uh-huh. Maybe there is some love involved as well." She purred.
"Some love? Like what would happen if i..." he whispered something into her ears that made her blush.
"Well if you behave maybe we could end the night like this." She promised him.
"Okay that's a deal. Kiss me and it's sealed." They kissed each other longingly.
"John?" Joss fiddled with her shirt.
"Yes, love?"
"I...eh...hmm...eh" She stammered looking shy all of a sudden. "God, Joss ask him straight away." "Can you wear the dark blue t-shirt for me then?" "Yep he must think i'm crazy." Joss mentally slapped herself.
"Sure. Can you wash the salad for me during i change clothes?" He kissed her briefly and went getting changed, whistling, looking forward to their dinner.
"God, she needs to be more careful. I could jump this woman bones if she acts like this. This burning need for her never stops." John thought to himself, shaking his head. "Focus John, just stay focussed."
Abandoned Subway Station
The next day
"Apparently our professor has a short history of implants research, but quit this very fast. I couldn't find any data about it. That must mean he hide that part of his life pretty good and it could also be the reason Samaritan got interested in our professor." Finch summarised.
"So you mean he isn't with Samaritan?" Reese still doubted this.
"I mean Samaritan wanted the professor to join their organisation for yet unknown reasons. That's my only explanation as to why they are a threat to his son. And the reason we are in the dark."
"Then we have to be very careful, Finch. Maybe we are already on their radar again?" Reese got worried, thinking about Joss. He already had to deal with the FBI, he didn't want to deal with Samaritan chasing after his love as well.
"We would know this by now, Mr. Reese." Finch tried to reassure him.
"I don't know, i have a bad feeling about this Finch. Something is fishy."
"That's why we must choose our next move carefully." Harold said.
"I fear Jeremy isn't save with the police any longer." Reese pointed out.
"I'm afraid we got bigger problems. Look who's number just came up."
"Professor Isaac Lindsay." Reese sighed. "Seems like they changed their plans."
He immediately looked up as Joss entered the subway train.
"And i know why. Here take a look at this." She handed them a newspaper. "The headline says 47 year old Prof. Dr. Mason had been killed in an accident. Being preeminent in implant technology field his employer Pharmaceutical Medical Technologics is devastated about the loss of their expert." Joss read aloud. "Looks like they found themselves a new professor and want to get rid of Mr. Lindsay. There is a charity event this weekend and it looks like he is going to attend. Maybe we should as well and conduct Lambert and Zoe's plan. Does Isaac want to be in on it?"
"He agreed and we better get prepared. Time is running out for him. And for us." Finch said.
"So what are we waiting for?" John suddenly became eager. He wanted to finish the case and keeping Joss safe.
Safehouse
Since Zoe was out, Finch enlisted the help of Harper Rose. However right now Finch felt extremely uncomfortable standing between her and Carter. Both women were busy in exchanging malignant glances.
John felt the same way as Finch. He was completely clueless about what was happening here.
The two beautiful women kept gazing at each other for some time now and all John wanted was to vanish into thin air, because he knew that look on Carter's face.
"So Jocelyn, how is Taylor doing?" Harper asked as sweet as sugar, causing John to duck his head.
"I'm sorry, honey, but where did we meet again?" Joss didn't mean to sound as bitchy as she did, but looking at this gorgeous woman and the way she looked and acted around her man made Joss ticked off. She hated being jealous for no reason. It was embarrassing, but she couldn't help herself. Harper Rose had awakened the beast.
"Oh, how rude of me. Excuse me. We haven't been introduced so far. You can call me Harper. Nice to meet you, too. Just so you know, i was the one who brought Taylor to you back then in New Orleans. Well, you can thank me later. Oh and don't worry angry lady, Riley is save with me. Frankie sends her greetings. Let's go Riley."
With saying that she grasped John's arm, who simply shrugged his shoulders and tugged him with her, leaving a flabbergasted Carter and Finch behind.
"What the hell was that, Harold?" Carter asked stunned.
"Harper Rose. During your time of being away, her number came up. She traded barbs with Mr. Reese more than once."
"Yeah, i can figure that. That fool probably felt flattered by that." She still was pissed. "Did you know she had something to do with Taylor's trip to New Orleans?" Joss wanted to know.
"I'm afraid i don't know anything about it. As a matter of fact, this is the first time me heard about this." Finch admitted.
"So she is in contact with the Machine as well? Do you trust her Finch?" Joss wanted to know.
"Her fiancé, Peter Collier, got killed by our mutual enemies. The machine seems to trust her, so do i. However she does seem to have some serious trust issues." Finch tried to reassure her.
"Well the machine also trusted Root and she did some terrible things."
"Only to sacrifice herself at the end for the greater good, Joss."
"Without her sacrifice John wouldn't be here, i know that Harold, but that doesn't mean i will ever approve her actions."
Carter was in a foul mood. She wouldn't admit that to anyone, but it was because of the charity event. She would have loved to go to the charity together with John. She always loved such events with all the beautiful dresses and people and one of her secret dreams was to go to such an upper class event together with John, where she would dress up for him so that he only got eyes for her. She imagined how his beautiful blue eyes started to sparkle as he saw her for the very first time in that breathtaking dress, she only wore for him. Then he would take her hand and lead her on to the dance floor, where they swayed together as time became irrelevant. She sighed.
"Geez i hope we will close this case soon. I NEED to get out of this damn subway station. This inside work is killing me." Joss admitted to herself.
"Was that really nesessary, Harper?" Reese grouched. "You realize another thirty seconds and she would have teared you apart. Alive."
"Trust me Riley, it WAS nesessary. And i wasn't the only one about to get teared apart. Have you seen the look on your woman's face? She was ready to get you out of that fancy suit asap. You have no idea that you're looking hot as hell today, do you?" Harper complimented him.
"She was what?" Reese played dumb, but couldn't hide a silly grin.
"OH come on Riley. We got a job to do." Harper complaint and punched his right shoulder. "Okay my fault, i didn't realize i have to work with a lovesick forty something. You two make me sick, forget everything and anything when together in a room." She shook her head, annoyed. "How long are you together again?"
"Since the very first day we met, i think." His eyes were sparkling his voiced filled with emotion as he was confessing this to Harper, who all of a sudden seemed to be in deep thought as well.
"Why didn't you take her with you then instead of me? To me she looked like she wanted to go." Harper wondered.
"Long story and we don't have time for this. What is the story with you and Taylor?" Reese asked in return.
"An equally long story, which i'm not willing to tell you right now." Harper shot back.
"Well, whatever. We made it. Let's go over the plan again okay?"
Harper sighed "As you wish, Riley."
Charity Event
Two hours later.
"Finch, where is Joss?" Reese asked his friend. He was missing her already and it only had been two hours. He sighed.
"Pouting!"
"Pouting?" He was confused.
"I think this is the right description. Must be a lady thing. And before you say something, John, please don't let me get involved. Any signs of our mutual enemies?" Finch wanted to change the topic, yet was amused by John's concern about his girlfriend. Who would have thought that both Joss and John were such endearing while madly in love.
"Can't you just name them Finch?" Reese sighed. "And IF i have to dance one more time with Harper i fear i'm going to kill someone as well."
"She isn't that bad, John." Finch tried to make his friend feel better.
"Trust me Harold, she is. I wish Joss would be here instead. I have never had the chance to dance with her. Oh did i just say that out loud?"
"You did. Well since you..." Finch suddenly was interrupted by John. "Well look at this. Looks like we got ourselves some company. Sorry Harold, i got to go." John ended the call, already all eyes focussed on the enemy. He was dying to finish the case.
"Harper. Looks like they finally made it. Time for us to save the professor. Let's get to work." Reese instructed her.
"Oh i'm damn ready, Riley." Harper replied.
Twenty minutes later, Professor Isaac Lindsay had died and risen from the dead again.
The plan of Zoe and Lambert had worked out well and their number was safe.
Finally.
New York City
Somewhere
Lambert sat down opposite to John, both men eying each other suspiciously.
"Thank you for saving Jeremy. What do you want to know?" Lambert asked.
"Samaritan. How can it be destroyed?"
"It can't."
"But there must be something?! Give me something." Reese needed answers and not this.
"I'm sorry. There is none. I already put us both in great danger, sitting here talking with you. Samaritan can't be destroyed, however Greer had feared this Sam Groves, she was onto something. Maybe it had something to do with this other machine. He always feared this other machine." Lambert explained to Reese.
"Wait are you telling me that there is a third machine?" Reese was truly shocked.
"Yes there is. This machine overshadowed anything and even the old man knows nearly nothing about this machine. Samaritan always seemed to fail in localizing it. Lately he had talked a lot about something called Genesis. I have no idea what that means or what this is. But it alert him." Lambert said.
"What about Shaw?"
"I'm sorry, she is lost. At least lost for you. They implanted a chip into her head. It cannot be removed. If you do, she dies. The only chance to save her is to deactivate the chip. But there is a price to pay. If the chip gets deactivated she will lose all her memories."
"It will cost her her memories?"
"Not a bad thing if you ask me."
"I see."
"Listen, Reese, my team has been reassigned and we are on our way. Lay low for a while and find out more about GENESIS."
Before leaving Lambert handed him a blueprint.
"What is this?" Reese wanted to know.
"A way how to deactivate the implant. Isaac should help you with this." Lambert said.
"Where did you get this?"
"None of your business, but a good doctor had to die because of this." Lambert confessed.
"So that's why they were after Lindsay. They needed a replacement."
"And we found one. But i can't afford to act more suspicious. The old man is even more paranoid than ever before. So let me know if this thing is ready, then i make sure you're getting your psycho friend back."
"Why are you doing this?"
"I'm sick of the old man. Someone need to stop him."
"Be careful."
"So do you."
With no new numbers to work for an entire week John had been forced to finally come in terms with Carter joining the team. He couldn't convince her otherwise and they had their first real fight in their new relationship.
After a heated discussion, Joss dashed out of their secret base, while John remained there frustrated.
However the Machine had different plans that night as it forced John to eye the monitor he was sitting infront of. He couldn't believe what he was looking at.
November 2013
Shots were fired, Joss dying.
He was cradling her dead body in his arms, weeping like a baby.
A distance phone call.
I M SORRY JOHN.
PLEASE FORGIVE ME.
I FAILED YOU.
Then the Machine showed him different moments of Carter's life during the witness protection. Her slow recovery, her struggle fighting back to life. Joss missing John.
Joss crying herself to sleep. Her getting in touch with the Machine. Their reunion.
John ended up crying silently as he witnessed his love going through the same stages of desperation as he did during the last two years. Who was he to criticize her for wanting to be a part of the team. She was his and he was hers and he was going to lose her if he wouldn't give in, because he finally came to the conclusion that it would slowly destroy the Joss Carter he knew if he hold her back for his selfish reasons. He was an idiot. He simply had to make sure she wouldn't get hurt.
I REPEAT
I'M SORRY JOHN.
RECRUIT CARTER, JOCELYN.
"You can stop it, i'll go and apologize to her." Reese murmered annoyed.
He immediately drove home, grabbed a surprised Joss and took her into a tight embrace and apologized to her.
He was still scared to death that their work for the Machine might harm her, but he also realized now that no one - not even him - would stop Joss if she wanted something and he didn't want to lose her because of his selfishness and stubborness. Being with her was the best thing that ever happened to him. He just had to make sure that she was save, whether she liked it or not. Maybe he could keep her save. At least that was what he was willing to do. And maybe he also could find a way to deal with the FBI and Samaritan together at once.
So he promised her to work out a plan how to make Jessica Parker and the FBI disappear. Joss was finally happy again.
Safehouse
Friday afternoon
Joss opened the door to their bedroom and had to gasp for breath.
At the outside of her wardrobe hung up the most beautiful red dress she had seen for quite some time. As taking a closer look, she found a short notice from John.
"Wear this and wait for me, J."
She was screaming with joy, feeling already excited. "Forget it John. I will not only wear this dress, i am going to own it." And with that she headed for the bathroom.
Thirty minutes later John arrived. He felt like a little boy before christmas. He couldn't wait to see Joss in that dress, which he had hand-picked (with a little help). He had chosen to wear a bow tie instead the usual neck tie. Behind his back he was hiding a single red rose. Tonight was all about Joss. He planned to give her a night and a weekend she won't ever forget.
"Joss, i'm here. Are you ready? Jo-Joss? I'm...wow." He forgot what he wanted to say as Joss made her way into the living room. The red dress looked like it was made only for her and she had done something with her hair, it looked curled and was tied together skilful. If that wasn't enough to make his knees weak, her skin was doing the rest. Her whole body seemed to gleam. She looked absolutely breathtaking. And if he hadn't planned something special for this night, he would just grab her and make love to her for the rest of the night.
"Joss, you, yo-re, you're looking stunning. I-i..." He all of a sudden felt shy. His cheeks were blushing.
Joss had to smile. John Reese may be an tough guy and feared by many of people, but right now he was completely and utterly at her mercy. She didn't miss his sudden shyness, it was more than cute and she felt the urge to kiss him. "Thank you!" She softly whispered into his ear and kissed him tenderly.
"Ehem," John sighed and cleared his throat as he was handing her the rose he bought on his way to the safehouse. If she didn't stop with the kissing than there would not be any surprise.
Joss took the rose, trying to brush a tear away, she was madly in love with this sexy looking man in front of her. She had no idea what was going on right now, but she was more than eager to find out.
"Ready to go?" He asked and she nodded her head. Her eyes sparkling with excitement and love.
John drove them to the catskills. After a relaxing drive they arrived at their destination. He opened the door for Joss and lead her to the lonely cabin.
"Only you would bring us to a place where someone got killed and two people nearly died, John Reese. But it's beautiful here especially with the snow gone. Who's idea was it?" She wanted to know.
"All mine. You know after saving Chase Patterson he insisted on that i use this cabin for vacation or if i need some time for myself. Chase had completely restaurated the inside. You are going to love it, Joss." John was visibly excited, since he had a thing for cabins in the woods.
"It looks slightly different, but i remember it. It was so damn cold the last time i was here." She absently said.
"Don't ask me about it, if it wasn't for you i would have died here." John squeezed her hand, she looked up at him with a gentle smile full of love.
They entered the cabin.
"Oh my god John, this is beautiful. I absolutely love it." She shouted with glee as she saw the classy furnishing. Someone had brought flowers and the room was illuminated by a couple of dozen of candles. Joss was completely taken aback. "Wait who decorated this?"
"A mutual friend." He smiled lovingly as he cradled her body to his. Slow music began to play.
"John..."
"Shhhh Joss. I need to tell you something." John interrupted her. She wondered what he was up to. "Joss, i know we cannot be together like a usual couple and we can't live our lives like ordinary people. I'm sorry for that fight we had and like i said i was scared and still are that i might lose you again. That is something i cannot let happen again. It would kill me and i thought you joining the team would put you in this danger, even if i know you can take care of yourself. I know i was selfish, but all you need to know is that i love you like i have never loved someone before in my life. You are my life Jocelyn Carter." He paused for a moment. They locked eyes as he continued. "I wanted to make it up with you for enduring my stubbornness and i remembered your look when i had to go to the charity with Harper instead of you. That's why i wanted to give you this. I figured you were hurt by the fact that it wasn't you and we never had the pleasure of dancing together. So Joss Carter will you do me the favour and dance with me?" His beautiful blue eyes were smiling at her as he purred the question.
She couldn't answer, he had left her speechless.
She was only able to nod as she threw herself into his arms and they started to sway to the beat of the music. He had no idea what this meant to her.
"John...i love you s..." She couldn't finish confessing her love for him because he had started to kiss her senseless.
Both were panting and longing for each other, but this night wasn't about just sex, it was about something more. John wanted to show her that he loved her with every part of his body. "Later Joss, if we continue to kiss like this i can't guarantee for anything." He blushed. He really had no idea what was happening with him tonight, Joss made him crazy. He couldn't stop looking at her, thinking about her. Was it her dress, her hair, her incredible scent he had no idea. He only was sure of one thing. He wanted to spend the rest of his life with her and no one else. So they continued dancing together with her head resting again his head.
Tonight it was all about Joss and John.
No Machines. No Samaritan. No Witness Protection. No FBI. No war. That could wait until Monday.
Tonight it was all about them.