Hey, I'm back with chapter 10. Sorry this took so long I'm back in school so It'll probably take me longer to update now :( I don't own A Few Good Men or any characters they belong to Aaron Sorkin. I only own the plot and the OCs. As always read and review and tell me what think. It keeps me updating. Thanks~Serria Spell23.

Ch.10-The Extent of Affection

Later that night, I was lying in Kaffee's bed, attempting to put the encounter with my father out of my mind. I rolled onto my side, curling into a protective position, my arms wrapped around myself. I couldn't believe my father had said such cruel and heartless accusations. I felt the mattress bend as Danny sat down. Still facing away from him, I shielded my tear-stained cheeks from his view.

"Jo," he mumbled, cradling me in his arms, rocking me gently. I sobbed vehemently into his chest, soaking his shirt. Kaffee wiped the tears with his thumb, beginning to rub my back in soothing circles, "You're okay, Jo, it's over she's safe."

I sighed. "I know Danny; I just can't believe my father would be that insensitive and cruel. The circumstances aren't ideal I understand but we take what life throws at us. We do not back down simply because isn't the convenient time for us. Why does my father refuse to accept that?"

My co-worker shrugged, "I haven't the slightest idea, Jo. Why don't you try to rest." I nodded, lying down as Danny started to get up I grabbed his arm.

"Don't leave."

Kaffee smiled, laying down to next me. "I won't, Jo. You can sleep peacefully tonight," he soothed, kissing my hair. I permitted myself a grin that lightly touched the corners of my mouth. I wondered —just in passing—why he was doing all this so willingly. The thought quickly vanished from my muddled train of thought. My head instinctively found my friend's chest, settling into a contented position.

"Danny," I yawned, "Do you think there's any merit to everyone's claims that we're romantically involved?" He shrugged, turning to face me. Blushing, I only then realized what I'd implied. "I…I…I didn't mean I'm simply wondering."

My co-worker chuckled at my outburst. Good-naturedly, he pecked my forehead. "I realize your intention was purely innocent, Joanne, however people are starting to talk." I sighed. I had tried to overlook that fact for months now but there was no denying it, along with my emerging feelings.

"What are we going to do, Kaffee? I don't want people to get the wrong idea."

Danny frowned, "That's the last thing you should be troubled about, Jo. Your reputation can afford to take a bruising every now and then." His voice had a hard, irritated, almost cold edge to it—he was annoyed.

"Did I do something wrong, Danny," I asked, reaching out to stroke his cheek.

He shook his head. "No, Jo, I'm just frustrated with the situation and I do not think you should be as bothered by your status given your present concerns."

I averted my eyes, feeling sheepish. "You're right. I'm sorry, Kaffee." My reply sounded small in my ears, child-like.

"It's all right, Jo you're under a lot of stress. I understand, you're concerned not only for your safety but for your daughter's as well."

I nodded, unable to speak. I glanced toward Danny, my throat dry and tight. "Um…uh…Kaffee, will you stay with me?" I hardly forced the next words out without choking on bottled tears. "And help me raise her?" Observing my beautiful dark orbs welling with emotion, he embraced me tenderly and wiped the droplets from my eyes. He kissed me on the lips, tasting the salt contained in my tears as he tried to console me, fingers stroking the side of my face. I did not attempt to pull away, figuring out in that moment that I desired this—I wanted to kiss him. I responded, my fingers entwined in my co-worker's brown hair.

We broke apart gasping. "Of course I'll stay, Joanne." My friend rested his hand on my stomach. "I wouldn't dream of abandoning you or her." A radiant smile lit my features.

"Thank You, Danny," I answered, the urge to kiss him washing over me again coupled with the feeling that I couldn't name. I felt eyes on me, a chill running through my spine.

Is it Jessup?" My gaze shifted to the window as I momentarily saw a pair of piercing, obsessed eyes flash in it. I snuggled closer to my friend, hiding my face in my hands. Danny grasped them in his, looking at me with worried eyes. He ushered me behind him protectively. I wanted to tell him this wasn't necessary but I didn't have the strength to protest. Leaning against his chest, I gulped, nervous for me and for my child.

"Danny, please," I moaned "I'm not even sure if it was him, relax." My co-worker turned to look at me, his expression agonized.

"I can't Joanne; if anything happened to you…I…I'd never forgive myself."

My eyebrow lifted. "Why? You aren't indebted to me."

Kaffee shook his head. "I'm in love with you, Jo from my perspective that's the same thing as a life debt."

I did a double take and blinked. "Excuse me? Kaffee, do you have any idea how this will complicate things?"

He chuckled dryly, "What's the difference if our affection is unspoken or out in the open? People already know; they're known for a while. Jo admit it, you feel something too."

I rose from the bed, hand still hugging the bump. "I don't have to admit anything, Danny," I deflected. He came up behind me, hugging me gently, kissing my hair he laughed softly. "What?" I mumbled, sighing contentedly.

"It's all right to depend on someone, Jo. You don't have to be alone. I'll help you with the baby if you want me to just remember I'm right here."

I grinned, laying a teasing kiss to my friend's lips. "I am well aware of that, Kaffee and I care about you too." A half-smirk formed on my lips as I watched Danny squirm. He leaned forward, caressing my cheek and kissed me. Once he pulled away, he whispered in my ear. "I love you, Jo. I know you're too proud to say it back so this is for both of us." I didn't even pay attention to the tears dancing within my dark eyes.

I nodded, not having the courage to reply. After a minute, I turned on my heel and exited the room, forcing the tears to stay contained. I knew I couldn't mutter that simple declaration, for it would be opening an emotional wound that I did not have the strength to counter. I sat on the couch in living room of the apartment, my heart aching. Danny came out of his bedroom and sat down beside me.

"Jo, what is it? What's wrong? Talk to me." I had my back to my co-worker, attempting to make my frustration subside. He touched my shoulder, leaving his hand there for a moment. I almost flinched at the familiar touch, grimacing internally. "What did I do, Jo?"

I groaned, raking my fingers through my unpinned hair. "Nothing Danny," I said, voice hard. "I'm emotionally damaged you might as well accept that."

My friend sighed, wrapping an arm around me, easing me into his chest. "I love you baggage and all, Jo, just allow yourself some happiness after all you've been through you deserve it."

I smiled, snuggling deeper into his soothing embrace. "Kaffee, I never thought I'd say this especially to you but I love you too." Danny pressed his lips against my forehead. Soon, my eyelids fluttered shut and I slept peacefully in his arms, feeling more whole and secure than I'd been in a long time.