No one could deny things had gone along much more comfortably in the office since the pair's 'coffee' encounter. They still both kept to themselves in the office, for the most part, but there was less pressure in the times they would interact. Even their arguments seemed somehow less intense.

The one slight oddity Sykes had noticed, was how Flynn seemed to be texting more and more often as days progressed, sometimes smiling at what appeared on his phone. She thought for a moment they might e-speaking like a couple of teenagers…but she rarely if ever caught Jessica doing the same thing. It wasn't until she spotted a tab on her internet window that she realized….Jess had been texting him from a website on the computer….the little sneak!

The night had finally arrived. Jess was a wreck. Given her druthers days before, she would have preferred to go dress shopping with Sykes, but knowing there would be no end to the taunts the entire time about who she was going with, she opted for a roll call of her old military buddies. Shelia, a friend she had met in rehab, agreed to tag along. They went from store to store, trying to find the 'right one'….Something that would show off Jess's still lovely legs, without offering any issues in 'covering her rear flank' if she were to go to the restroom, or providing the so called gentlemen in the room to much of an in-depth view of her cleavage from their stance above her. Shelia was always a trip. She too had lost her legs in the fighting, but more so in the physical sense. After fighting the VA for what seemed like years, she was finally granted access to properly custom fit prosthetics. She even determined to take what advantage she could of her disability, and requested they be created to increase her once 5'4" stance to 5'9". The mold was perfect, just the right shape to not give away her little secret. It took a bit longer for her to learn how to keep her balance, but she was resolute. In no time, she wasn't just walking, but running the track like an Olympian. She refused to be left out of the fun during this trip. At every store, she would try on at least 3 or 4 dresses. The shopkeepers were stunned, some almost appalled, when she'd step out in a couture number, either with a mini-skirt in the front or a slit that came straight up the side, through which she would slink out her leg, striking poses scandalous enough to make the hottest centerfold pin-up blush.

"I feel sooooooo…sexy…" she'd growl. Jess just looked at her incredulously. If there was anyone from the hospital who had adjusted better to their new life than Shelia….she had never met them!

Setting off Shelia's harassments for much more, suggestive, attire, Jess finally decided on a considerably conservative outfit. Violet, with delicate lace overlay of a slightly lighter shade and clear reflective sequins, it came as a close mid-length skirt, sheer camisole with satin spaghetti straps that brushed just above the sweetheart neckline of her off the shoulder jacket. The restroom, as she feared, might still present a bit of a challenge, but if there were proper facilities, it wouldn't be that much of a problem.

"It's perfect….if you're the mother of the bride…." Shelia railed. But she knew, once her buddy had made up her mind on something…there was no changing it.

"Alright…on to the jewelry!" she announced in resignation.

Though the gown was truly understated, Shelia had underestimated the effect it could have on the other side of the species….or perhaps it was simply the woman in it.

By the day Andy knocked on the door, the tension had already been more than eased between them…but when he stepped through her threshold, there was pressure of another kind. The sight of her, sitting in her living room where she had called him to enter, still finishing the placement of her necklace and earrings, if she had stood up and spun around in front of him, she could not have been more beautiful.

"You're not looking so bad yourself." She meowed mildly, trying to hide her own awe. He was always handsome in the well pressed, tailored suits he wore every day to the office, but now….in a tux…he was truly stunning.

No….don't even go there…she told herself…there was just no future in it…not anymore.

"Shall we." She invited, grabbing her clutch from the table and turning quickly in his direction. Flynn could see she really wasn't waiting for an answer, as she made her way straight by him to the door. He did a quick two step, first avoiding her rolling straight over his well-polished shoes, and then to beat her to the door handle, opening it and motioning for her to proceed ahead of him. When they got to the car, he ran through the necessary process like a well-seasoned professional. When he sat down next to her and she grabbed the seat belt, he reached his hand over, but not quite as far, offering but not insisting on helping her. This time, though still somewhat shyly, she accepted.

The party was your standard affair. They greeted everyone they knew with genuine to polite pleasure, depending on the company. Taylor was so in his element, it was almost a comedy for them to see him in action. On spotting Jessica, he insisted on introducing her to what felt like everyone in the room. It was as though he was an art collector and she was his latest acquisition. After about 20 minutes of being the Commander's showpiece, Flynn finally tracked down Sharon and Fitz, her actual date for the evening, who were more than happy to assist in pulling her away from the gregarious clutches of her present warden.

The foursome sat at a table together off to the side, randomly being pulled away by one visitor or another, but in time coming back to the relative safety of their appointed basecamp.

When all three of her cohorts had unwittingly abandoned her, Jess met up with a face she hadn't seen in what felt like years….

"Well…aren't you a sight for sore eyes…" a familiar voice laughed.

Jess turned and saw who was speaking. She couldn't help but smile….it was the brash young loud-mouth who's team she had pulled out of the fire….was it really just a couple years ago….

"Sergeant Jackson Brandt…..you finally made it back to the states….how long you stayin'….three days maybe?" she teased. In all their communications, he always made it a point to tell her how much he was looking to quickly geting back to the action. His time stateside was more than the mere length he mentioned, it would often take longer than that just to go through all the stops to get home….but his turn around was never long. The longest he had probably stayed in-country was when she was shipped back for rehab and therapy….She had no real family of her own, and though she fought him at first, in the end, she was relieved by his determination to stay by her side till she was settled and making some level of progress. He knew how bull-headed she could be. Doctor, nurse, trainer….MP….it seemed no one was going to talk her into doing what she refused to do….no one but him at least. If it took every last ounce of strength in him, she was getting out of that bed. It didn't matter to him if it was on her feet or in a chair, as long as she was up and bossing people around again.

And now, there she was, sitting, and even smiling, before him in a world of stuffed shirts….in a uniform he felt was almost as becoming on her and the ones he had seen her in time and time again.

"You'll forgive me if I don't stand and salute." She laughed. He knew the thought still stuck her like a bullet to the neck, but she held strong. She always did.

"Apology accepted. What are you doing in these parts…."

"Well, like you said…I couldn't stay in bed forever….had to get out and do something."

"So what are you doing now?"

"Keeping my bunch of ragged recruits in disciplined order." Came another voice, stepping up behind him.

"Sharon….you're kidding….you snagged her up?" Brandt turned to her with stunned surprise.

"Well, after the glowing review you gave her, I knew she was just the person for the job…the aptitude….the attitude…and not to mention the stomach for it…."

Jessica's mind wandered to the Merkel case…the one that had landed her in the hospital a few weeks ago…..Sometimes she wondered if she really did have the stomach for this. But then a little voice would come up within her, just as it had during her days in the fighting…something she had heard in a movie once…

"If not me….who….if not now…when…"

Yes, she had the stomach…and if she didn't…she would find a way to get it.

"Captain Raydor was nearly impossible to turn away…almost as bad as you are!" she teased.

"Jessica, we're off hours now….call me Sharon for heaven sake…"

Before starting, Sharon was Sharon….since her first day, they'd barely seen each outside the office….so she was Captain Raydor….this switching around was going to give her a headache…nonetheless…she simply nodded her assent to the Captain's request.

"And who do we have here trying to steal away my date for the evening…." A cloudy haired gentleman intruded from behind the Sargent.

"Sargent Brandt, I'd like to introduce you to one of my Detectives. Lieutenant Andy Flynn…"

Brandt stood silently stunned for a moment….this couldn't be the man Jess had been…investigating, or so she claimed….over the years. He never knew what had gone on with them to inspire her continued in curiosity….but to now see him in the flesh….and just which one of these ladies was he claiming for his own.

As another, slightly taller man came forward and moved straight in next to Sharon, it wasn't hard to complete the calculation…more to process it…She…was with him?

He reached his hand out to both men, as Sharon also introduced her to Fritz in turn, mentioning both his recent history with the FBI and his new position with the LAPD.

"That's quite a resume…" Brandt responded, impressed even with the little he heard.

"It's been a long and interesting road…." Fritz admitted, "Your dossier isn't too bad either….I've more than heard tell on a number of your exploits…."

He turned back to Jessica…."Have you been telling tales out of school again…"

"Moi?" she offered in a faux fluster….

"I'll have to plead guilty to this one" Sharon admitted. "You've told me so many stories over the years; you can't deny me the right to put forward at least a few of them…." Brandt smiled, with a bit of humility. He wasn't in the army for the glory, as a number of those he served with were….just out of a sense of duty….receiving accolades wasn't something he was accustomed to, unless it was perhaps as part of a larger group.

One of the waiters came by to the group, as another was clearing the table of their glasses and plates.

"Can I get any of you anything from the bar….."

Before a note of discomfort could be echoed, Jess chimed in.

"One Jack and coke….hold the Jack…."

"I'll have what the lady's having." Flynn smiled

"A third over here…." Fitz added in.

Brandt wasn't sure what he was missing, but nodded his turn.

"Guess I'll finish the round…same here." Raydor finalized. The waiter smiled, nodded and walked away, cracking up slightly as he wondered if he just stumbled upon a mini-meeting during the open bar.

The evening continued. Stories of wars in foreign lands and on the home front were exchanged. Tales of political headaches with higher ups were whispered and laughed upon. One who's name they were careful not to mention, directly, walked up on them as Jackson was enlightening them all on the description of a firefight he had in the 2 am darkness….with a falling tree branch…

"I swear…it sounded just like the start of gun fire!" he avowed, embarrassed. The whole lot howled with laughter.

"So this is where you've been hiding yourself…." Taylor declared, finally catching up on the whereabouts of 'his' latest find…"I was hoping to introduce you to…."

"Actually…" Flynn stepped in, risking his superior's wrath to rescue his companion from another round of sickeningly despotic prologues. "I was about to take the young lady home. We were loaded for bear at the office today, and I'm sure she's exhausted…."

"Absolutely…" she followed along with his scheme. "Gentlemen….Sharon….It's been wonderful to sit with you all." She smirked a bit to herself, finally having the colloquialism in Her favor. "Sargent, we must get together again soon….Commander, I'm sorry but I really must be going…"

"I completely understand." Taylor responded, cordially, but crestfallen. She had been his biggest home run since his promotion…there was so many more people there he could show her off to….

"Andy, would you be a dear…." She entreated, motioning to the handles on the back of the chair…partly to follow up on her supposed exhaustion, partly because she had so much damn trouble navigating her way to their spot through the crowds and tables, she really didn't want to be bothered working her way out.

"It would be my privilege." He responded, sweeping his jacket from the back of his chair and nudging his hands forward. She graciously complied, leaning in while he draped it gallantly over her shoulders. Brandt sat static, in stunned amazement…She had never spoken poorly of the man…rarely spoke of him at all…but something about her demeanor always gave him the impression that the mere thought of him pained her…now, she was wearing his coat and letting him push her chair...an action she had only allowed of him when she had been completely and totally wiped out from a PT session, claiming it was a measure of control over her life that she had to hold on to, and not let anyone take away from her. And yet, there she was, noble and carefree as a princess in her carriage as they both strolled off and out of the room.

Arriving back at her apartment, there was a mild tension building again…

"I'd invite you in for a nightcap, but…" she lured, no violation intended or taken by her words.

"I do drink coffee…" he smiled back.

"Well…I think I can manage that..." she returned, pressing the key into the lock and opening the door.

They talked for over an hour. The pot she had made and placed on the coffee table had long since gotten cold, but it was no matter to either of them.

The mood far more relaxed than it had been between them in years, Andy softly leaned over….

"No….no…." she pulled back strongly. It wasn't what she wanted to do….but what felt she had to.

"What's wrong?" Andy put forth confused. He was more than sure things were moving forward between them. He wasn't on planning on jumping into bed with her that night….but he was hoping…

"Don't be ridiculous….You know what's wrong….." she responded, in growling frustration….

"Jess, my marriage is over…..it's been over for a long time….I never looked you up because…" he stopped for a second. Could he admit it to her? After the way they had left things…after the way she must have felt he led her on….He just couldn't believe she would ever be interested in him again. Then there was the alcoholism….He wasn't the overgrown frat boy he used to be…He doubted her interest in who he had become….and yet, the same woman he doubted was the first to order a Jack-sans-Coke….or however she had put it…Now…with all those years and difference behind them…why wouldn't she yet give him another chance?

"I…I know that…it's not that….it's…." She stammered. He had let free one elephant in the room….but the other was staring him right in the face…How could he not see it!

Andy just stared at her…totally not following any lead she was giving him. She just tightened all the more, shaking her head.

"Isn't it obvious….?" She insisted.

"What?" he pressed. Then the light finally went on…."Your chair…is that what this is about….You've got to be kidding me…." He part scolded, part soothed. He had never dated anyone disabled before. Yes he had a few friends, among what few friends he had, who had physical issues, but whatever their gender, it was just that, a simple friendship…He never thought about it in detail, but nonetheless, it wasn't something he considered ever negating someone for in the realm of possibility…but apparently that's exactly what she was doing…why, he just couldn't fathom….

Jess's in depth personal history wasn't something she shared with many, if any….Throughout her adult life, she had had a handful of 'romantic encounters', but none it seemed worked out any better than the near miss she had had with Flynn. Not all of the failures were on the part of her partner…She just had a lot of issues….trusting…especially when it came to men. She was always intent on submerging herself in her career. It required her to trust, she knew that, but she trusted her own instincts just as much, and sometimes even more so, than she trusted those that surrounded her. It was partly what got her into so much trouble with her superiors, and partly why she was continuously traded from team to team….even occasionally at her own request. She simply refused to allow herself to get close to anyone. Brandt was as close to an exception as she'd ever allowed, and that was only because he pretty much left her no other choice. In the hospital, she was in no condition to refuse him. It wasn't like she could get up and blockade the door, and he was too much help with her for the attendants and medical personnel to take her demands over his requests and otherwise impede his entrance…like it or not, she was pretty much stuck with him and would have to make the best of it…so she did…and discovered, at least in his case, trusting wasn't so bad after all….He had never pressed any form of romance…she figured that was either because she had managed to intimidate him at least that much in their past….or because of the chair. In either case, friendship was as far as it was ever going to go…of that, she was certain…in fact, it was more than likely to be the case for anyone who came into her life in the future….it was all she could do to manage life with this cursed mechanism…how could she ask anyone else to handle it with her?

Andy wouldn't release his gaze. Jess sat on the sofa, her eyes downcast, hands folded, wishing her chair wasn't on the other side of him so she could make a simple quick exit to her bedroom and have this night finally end the way she knew it would….with her in her bed, alone again.

Andy reached out to her again, more slowly this time. She flinched, as though afraid of his touch.

"Jess…you know I'll never hurt you….I never meant to hurt you back then…things were just moving…I was feeling…good….not thinking….which unfortunately was par for the course with me." He slowly released his apology for their past…..words that were a long time in coming….but would they be enough to save their future…."Your….the way you are…it doesn't scare me…."

"You mean my disability…my handicap…" she pounded forward, refusing to let the moisture that was gathering in her eyes show forth in the slightest. "It doesn't scare you? You can't even say the words!"

"Fine!" he pushed back. "Your disability…your inability to walk…exactly how would you like me to put it…What phraseology would make you understand, I just Don't Care….You….you captivate me….you always have. The only thing about your chair that ever scared me was the day we all found you unconscious on the floor. There was blood pouring out from your scalp. Thankfully the wound was more slight then we…I had first feared….but to see you just lying there like that….Jess, it scared the crap out of me!"

"Yeah well, if that scares you, how do you manage the day to day in the office…." She dared.

"That's different! We're talking about you now…about us…"

"Us?" she responded, like the pronoun was something she had never heard before.

"Yes, US! You and Me! I never thought you'd be in my life ever again…then there you were….I barely thought you'd ever speak to me again….Then you agreed to this party…then there was the coffee…and dinner…and all our conversations…things seemed like they were actually coming together right for once…and let me tell you, that's not an everyday event in my life!" He was near shouting now.

Jess wasn't sure what made her want to tremble the most, the volume in his voice, or his sincerity…Was all this something he actually wanted….something he'd even consider…. The never to be forgotten fantasies of that long lost night….could they actually come true…it seemed too impossible…and yet….

She just sat there, motionless. Andy was at a total loss. He thought of reaching out a third time. He wanted to hold her, bring her tightly in his arms, but he feared that might push her farther away…it couldn't just be the chair that was holding her back….keeping her from him….just what was it?

He reached again, but lower this time. His palm facing down, he slowly took gentle hold of one of her hands, then turning in slightly, reached his far hand up for the other one.

"Jess.." he implored gently, his voice much softer than before…"Talk to me….why….why not me…?"

It was getting harder and harder for her not to cry…it wasn't Andy…it wasn't him she was refusing…had it been anyone else, she would have refused them too…Her dreams had been just that…dreams. Reality never worked out anywhere near as well for her with anyone in the past. Something always went wrong. Now, there was just a physicality that made that disappointment all the more certain.

"I….I just know I'll never be able to make you happy." She confessed, hoping it would be enough to stop his pursuit.

"You already do…" he beseeched. "Jess, I'm not looking for anything immediate….I…I just want us to have a chance to try and start over….see what might have been….if things had been different…."

"Things are different." She near sobbed.

"Well, if that's the case, it's the perfect place to start." He insisted. He was not going to be deterred by anything….not this time. "Just tell me…say that we can see each other again….I'm not looking for guarantees….just a chance….Won't you please just give me a chance?"

She sat just as still…a chance….he was pleading with her for a chance…What right did she have to this man….He was a bit up in years like she was, but fully vital, able….more than likely functional…She was…unsure. She still had some sensation in her midsection, but she never contemplated being intimate with anyone after the incident. Physically, she'd be able, likely with near mortifying assistance….but would she be able to fully enjoy it, or just lay there, a functional mannequin for his pleasure, until his enjoyment of her ran out. He deserved more than that…She deserved more than that…but that was perhaps the best she would get…And yet, here he was…pleading with her…for a chance….

Her hands slowly closed around his….this was likely the best chance she would ever have to find out if there was any true happiness to be had in her life…maybe her only chance…Her eyes lifted to his…terrified…but hopeful…

He gently squeezed back, a relieved smile filling his cheeks. His hand floated gently and swept back her tresses as they hung near over her eyes…yes…he had gotten a yes….

"Thank you…." He whispered, planting a soft kiss on her forehead. She wanted more…so much more…but not yet…Tonight, this was as much as she could probably handle.

"I should be going…." He resigned gently, not looking to push for more. Just happy to be where they were, as they were, and glad to see even the dimmest glint of light for their future. She was softly still for a while, then, as if coming out of a short dream, her eyes cleared, and she nodded.

"Perhaps Sunday…we could…get together for brunch…?" she offered, a note of caution in her tone.

"It's a date." He promised. "Where should I pick you up…."

"As usual, it's mostly necessary at the car….but we can meet here first."

He blinked for a second. A wry smile began to brighten her previously stark composure….This woman was a never ending puzzlement.

"Shall we say….eleven?"

"Twelve…actually, twelve thirty would probably be best…." She delayed. She knew a number of meetings were held at churches….but she wasn't sure he attended otherwise.

Brandt had pressed her to go to chapel when in the center…just another one of his excuses to get her out of the bed that he refused to let her refuse. But in time, she found herself wanting, almost needing to go….She wasn't sure if it was the simple pageantry, the heartwarming music, or the presence of…something she wasn't quite sure of yet…love….the divine….God…but something just softly moved her to make the journey week after week, whether or not he was there to push her. When she first moved to the city, she tried out a few of the local houses, of various denominations, and even religions. Though she had a curiosity about many, and near to all invited her back, some were considerably difficult for her to get into. Though a number of the patrons were more than happy to help her in, it was something she still just didn't like…strangers, passing her and her chair around like a package for delivery…it simply was not her way. She preferred just coming in and going out under her own power. Though she kept in contact with a number of them, there were just one or two she actually went to on Sunday. Either of the congregations were friendly enough, while still allowing her some privacy in their midst, the exact balance she was seeking. They weren't gossip mongers, but having a gentleman attending her would definitely have questions springing up. Perhaps it was best she just left his visit for later.

"Where do you go?" he inquired, not needing his skills as a super-sleuth to comprehend the reason she would likely be detained….

"Congregational on 82nd….or sometimes the UMC on Broad…." She replied, knowing she'd been plainly found out.

"James B….I think he attends the one on 82nd…mind if I join you…."

She was a touch surprised. Besides all her other reasons, she thought he was Catholic…why would he….but then again, he was after all, a divorced Catholic…maybe he wasn't looking to be so choosey any more…

She still had qualms about his arriving with her, and the subdued wake it would create….but if he already knew someone there, maybe it wouldn't be so bad….

"Service starts at 10:45….if you get here at 10 we should get there without a problem….."

"What about parking?" he asked.

"It's…rolling distance…." She taunted. If he was really ready for life with someone in a chair, he better be ready for the crap she was ready to give for those few who claimed to be.

He gave a crooked smile and shook his head. Standing up, he took her hand again, lifted and kissed it. He took his jacket from the back of the adjacent chair, and made his way to the door.

"I will see you at 10 then. Good night." He called, turning back to her as he opened the door and made his exit.

She just sat, gazing with a blank smile at the now shut and empty door. Never in a thousand years would she have believed the night would turn out like this….oh, she might have dreamed it one night, long ago….but to believe it…..