Sorry it took forever! I planned on updating on Christmas for everyone, but then I went and caught that stupid 24-hour bug that everybody and their mom had! So here it is! It's a long one, so you can't hate me for too long! Read and Review, please!

Disclaimer: I don't own anything 21 Jump Street used in this story, blah blah blah.

Ariana finally caught her breath, and started to tell Judy what had happened. However the other girl stood up, holding her hand up and pausing Ariana.

"Wait, you probably want to talk to the Captain, don't you?"

"Um," Ariana nodded. "That would be why I came here, yes."

"Alright," Judy grabbed her purse and turned the light on her desk off. "I know where he is, come on."

Ariana followed her outside, getting into her car and waiting silently as they drove. She didn't quite understand why Judy had just up and told her they were leaving. Well, she kind of did, but at the same time she had just wanted to tell someone.

They pulled up in front of a two-story white house, of which none of the lights were on. Ariana glanced at her friend, shrugging it off and assuming that this was Captain Fuller's house, and he was sleeping.

However, upon entering the home, Ariana found herself standing in pitch black. She couldn't see or hear anything. After a few seconds, the lights flicked on, and everyone from the Chapel jumped up, screaming in unison.

"Surprise!"

Judy laughed, clapping along with the others as Ariana just stared at everyone. Tom, Doug, Harry, and Fuller were all in front, Tom smiling wider than any of the others. The clapping and cheering slowly died down, and Judy patted Ariana's back.

"Happy birthday, girl!"

"I…" Ariana blinked, looking over. "I don't remember telling anyone…"

"I did, I thought it would be nice to get to know everyone and what better way than to have a birthday party?" Fuller walked over, taking Ariana's hand and shaking it before going to Judy and conversing with her.

Doug, Harry, and Tom all walked over, Tom hanging back just a little. They all said their happy birthdays, and Tom finally walked up, his brow furrowing slightly. He waited until everyone else had walked into the back of the house or outside to the barbecue pit before speaking.

"Hey, what's up?"

Ariana shook her head, a feeling of relief overwhelming her as he wrapped his arm around her waist.

"I just got back from my date." She put a sarcastic emphasis on the word date, and Tom's eyes narrowed ever so slightly.

"Yeah, how was it?" Tom earned a glared before Ariana went on.

"Revealing. I went to the Chapel to see Fuller, but Judy was the only one there. Now I see why." She pushed him away gently, giving him that warning look as one of their coworkers walked by. The other guy, Jim, wished her happy birthday as he made his way down the hall towards the bathroom.

"I really need to see him, okay? I'll tell you about it later." She brushed past him politely, her hand touching his lightly as she moved outside. She found Captain Fuller by the barbecue pit, where he, Doug, and Harry were all standing around with beers in their hands, chatting. She walked over, smiling lightly.

"Hey guys," they nodded, and she continued. "Captain, can I speak to you?"

The two of them moved further into the yard, where there were less people.

"Happy birthday, Ariana. How's it feel to be a year older?"

She shrugged, having not really thought about it being her birthday. "Honestly, Captain, I sorta forgot until just now." She shook her head before continuing. "Look, the reason I came was because I needed to talk to you about what happened when I was with Ty tonight. See, the owner of his garage left Johnny Martins the keys while he went out of town, so Ty, myself, Lilly Evans, and Johnny all went there to hang out."

It took her all of five minutes to tell him everything that she's seen and heard, and she stared at him when she finished.

"So… I'm thinking that we should probably bring them in and question them."

"No," Fuller shook his head. "If we bring them in, they'll know something is up. You're going to just have to stick with them for a bit longer. See if you can work your way into the actual drug ring, or at least work Ty for some information. Let him know he can trust you, all that. But," the older man put a warning finger up. "Make sure you get the information legally. I want to be able to use all of it in court if they really did have anything to do with Beth's murder."

You could definitely say that Ariana was disappointed. She didn't want to be near Ty anymore, or anyone in that school honestly. But if the Captain thought it was better this way, then she had no choice but to go with it. She nodded, flinching slightly as a hand smacked her back playfully, yet with enough force to tell her it was a man.

"So, Langscar, how's it feel to be an old lady?"

Ariana turned, eyes narrowed slightly at Doug. "I'm twenty-three, that's still three years younger than you. As far as I'm concerned, you're the old one here, Penhall." The tiny smirk on her lips gave it away that she wasn't actually being mean, and Doug laughed.

"Yeah, ya got me there, that's for sure." He held up a beer bottle, frosted on the outside. "Want one?"

"No thanks," Ariana smiled politely. "I don't drink."

"Awe, that's no fun." Doug wrapped his arm around her shoulder and leaned in to whisper. "How am I supposed to get Tom to take you home if you aren't drunk?"

Ariana elbowed the taller man in the ribs, earning an 'Oof' as she turned and shook her head.

"If you had just asked politely I'm sure he would have given me a ride, like a real gentleman." She laughed as she walked into the house, feeling a bit overwhelmed. She wasn't used to so many people, at least there to celebrate her.

"Hey, where ya going?"

The birthday girl turned to see Judy, and smiled lightly. "Um, bathroom?"

"Oh, it's upstairs, second door on the right. Here, Tom!" And who should appear at that moment but Tom Hanson.

"What's up Judy?"

"Show the birthday girl to the bathroom, will ya?" Without waiting for a response, the other female turned and hurried into the kitchen, shouting something about a cake.

"Well then…" Tom laughed, gesturing to the stairs and heading up.

Ariana followed, glancing around at the people downstairs.

"Enjoying the party?" Tom asked as he reached the second floor landing, turning down the hall to the left.

"I guess, I mean if you're into this whole big party type thing."

Tom glanced at her as he stopped in front of a white door to the right. "You mean you aren't?"

"Nope," Ariana paused in the doorway, looking up into those brown eyes of his. "Not when everyone's attention is on me at least."

"I see…" Tom put his hands on either side of the door, leaning forward. "So you'd prefer just a nice quite day off, relaxing in your apartment with Kelly and… Nobody else?"

A smile crept onto Ariana's lips, and she glanced down the hall to make sure nobody was around. "Well, maybe just one other person…"

"Yeah?"

"Yeah." She placed a quick kiss on Tom's lips before slipping into the bathroom and closing the door in his face.

"Oh, come on!" Tom shook his head, stepping back and leaning against the wall across from the bathroom as he smiled. This girl was torturing him, and they both knew it.

Ariana did her business in the bathroom, pausing after washing her hands just long enough to check her hair. What? She was a bit self-conscious around Tom. Not that she needed to be, but she just was. She opened the door, walking out and winking at Tom before making her way back downstairs to the party.

Two hours and lots of cake and ice-cream later everyone made their way out of Fuller's house and into their cars. Of course Ariana had to curse herself for not noticing them all lined up on the other side of the street. That right there was a dead giveaway that a party was being held somewhere close.

She shook hands and thanked everyone until the guests dwindled down to only her, Judy, Doug, Harry, and Tom.

"Well, guys, I have to say, I was definitely surprised." She looked around at everyone. "So, thanks. I really appreciate it."

"That's just how we do things at the Chapel. It's no biggie." Harry gave her a pat on the back before saying his goodbyes and leaving.

Judy and Doug gave each other a suspicious glance before the female officer walked over to Ariana, hugging her.

"Have a great night, tell Kelly I can't wait to see her again. And don't worry about being so old," she paused to wink before Doug finished for her.

"Yeah, Fuller's got us all beat by twenty years." He gave her a quick hug before the two of them left, and Ariana found herself standing in front of the Captain's house with just Tom.

"Well, I guess thanks for everything, Captain. And I'll see you tomorrow to file my report."

"Pssht," he scoffed. "No way. Take the day off. Relax, it's your birthday weekend. File it first thing on Monday. Besides, I already know what happened, so it's not like you're hiding anything. Now, get outta here so this old man can get some sleep." He smiled, patted her shoulder, shook Tom's hand, and disappeared inside his house.

Tom and Ariana chuckled before turning and heading towards the street.

"So, need a ride?"

Ariana looked over at Tom, raising a brow. "Tom Hanson, you don't have any crazy ideas going through that head of yours, do you?"

"What?" He scoffed, placing his hands on his chest as the two of them stopped on the passenger side of his Mustang. "I'm hurt by that! I was just trying to be nice and give the birthday girl a ride home so she didn't have to wait to get home and spend the night with Kelly and one other person…"

"Fine," she opened the door, climbing into the seat and looking up at Tom. "But just so you know you aren't the other person." She smiled as she pulled the door shut. Yeah, that might be mean, but if he really knew her, then he would know she was just kidding.

Apparently he really knew her, because he climbed into the driver's seat with a smile, started the car, and headed straight for the apartment.

They arrived, laughing together at some joke that Tom had cracked, and before Ariana could even blink, he'd turned off the car and hurried to her side, opening the door for her.

"Oh, a real gentleman. Funny, Doug and I were just having a discussion about this earlier."

"Really?" He helped her out of the car, shutting the door but not releasing her hand. "And what exactly was said during this discussion?"

Ariana shook her head, flicking him on the nose with her free hand as she leaned back against his car. "Now Tom, what did I tell you about being so nosey?"

"I'm a cop," he shrugged, stepping closer and leaning into her, fingers of one hand entwined in hers, his free hand caressing her cheek. "It's just my nature."

"Well you're going to have to change that, Mr. Hanson, because it's going to get you into trouble one of these days."

"Really? Because it's worked out for me pretty well so far."

Ariana shrugged, her free hand toying with the collar of his shirt before resting on his chest. "You're just lucky I guess."

"I am, aren't I?" He winked, leaning down and gently kissing her.

Ariana smiled into the kiss, her grip on Tom's hand tightening ever so slightly. It was passionate and sweet, and neither of them wanted to break it. But Ariana knew that she had to get inside or Kelly would start to worry. So, after a minute, or two… She finally pulled back, smiling.

"Come on, Kelly's gonna flip if I don't get home soon." That said, she pushed Tom backwards just a step and started towards her building, him in tow.

He pulled her to a stop, brow furrowed.

"Wait, what?"

Ariana rolled her eyes, placing her free hand on her hip. "Tom Hanson I am not going to wait outside for you all night. Are you coming in or not?"

Tom paused, surprise written across his features.

"I was serious when I said earlier that I wanted you there," she stated.

"No, no, no." He chuckled. "You said that you wanted to spend your night with Kelly and one other person. You never said me."

Ariana dropped his hand, crossing her arms. "Fine, if you don't want to come inside then I can just call Mrs. Jenkins. I'm sure she'd-"

"Oh no!" Tom grabbed her, picking her up bridal style and walking towards the building. "Like Hell I'm gonna pass up this chance."

"Tom!" Ariana laughed as he carried her, her arms locked around his neck. "I swear if you drop me or hit my head on the door I'll kill you!"

"Pssht, have some faith, please." He opened the door easily and headed for the stairs. Then he stopped, looking around.

Ariana giggled, watching him. "You have no idea where you're going."

"Nope, not a clue." They both laughed and Tom gently set her feet on the ground.

"Come on, up we go." She grabbed his hand and the two started up the stairs.

They stopped just outside the apartment, and Ariana paused with the key extended. Tom watched her, noticing the hesitation.

"Hey, if you don't want me to-"

"No, I do…" She shrugged. "It's just Kelly… She's never taken to any of my boyfriends like she has to you. It's like she's a whole different person around you." Ariana couldn't help but smile. "You're so good to her, and even when I was a complete bitch to you-"

"Okay." Tom covered her mouth, laughing. "I get it." He took his hand away, placing it on her shoulder. "Look, I know why you acted the way you did. You were just trying to protect your daughter. Understandable. Was it a bit extreme? Eh, yeah," he laughed at the glare he received, but continued. "But that's okay. You're Kelly's mom, and you're a great mom. You love her, it's obvious. I don't want you to feel like I'm getting in the way."

There was a moment of silence during which Ariana just glared at Tom.

"Damn you and perfectness. Now shut up and let's get this over with."

Tom laughed as Ariana unlocked the door and pushed it open. Kelly and Mrs. Jenkins were in the kitchen, putting the final touches on a pink and purple cake that they had baked.

"Happy birthday, mommy!" Kelly's eyes lit up even more when Tom walked into the apartment, closing the door behind him. "Tom!"

The six-year-old jumped down from her chair and ran into the living room, jumping into Tom's arms. He caught her and spun her around a few times, stopping only once she was giggling hysterically and smiled at her.

"Hey, Munchkin. How's it hanging?"

"Mrs. Jenkins and me made a cake for mom, and I made her a present at school, and we have games that we always play, and, and-"

"Okay, Kelly." Ariana laughed, gesturing towards the hall to the right. "Why don't you go get all that cake off yourself, wash your hands, and then the four of us can eat and play games, huh?"

Her daughter nodded fervently and Tom let her down so she could run to the bathroom.

"And use soap!"

Ariana turned, smacking him playfully in the arm as he laughed.

"What? Just making sure she remembers."

"Well," Mrs. Jenkins started. "I see we have an unexpected visitor tonight. I guess that means I should call it a night, huh?"

"Oh, no, you can stay." Ariana glanced at Tom as he moved into the living room out of the way.

"No, no. Besides, I'm old, I need my sleep. You kids play nice, and don't forget that Kelly is here." She gave Tom a motherly glance before heading across the hall to her own apartment.

Ariana chuckled nervously, blushing. "Wow… That was awkward."

Tom shrugged, chuckling as well. "Yeah well she just doesn't know me all that well. I'm respectable." He smiled as Kelly came running back into the room.

"Okay, what game first mommy? It's your birthday, you pick!"

Ariana laughed as Kelly grabbed Tom's hand, pulling him to the couch and telling him to sit down, and he obeyed. Kelly then took her seat next to him, waiting for her mother to set the game up on the coffee table.

"I guess… Tom, you pick!"

Three games, more ice cream and more cake later, it was close to midnight, and Kelly was falling asleep leaning on Tom.

"I think it's bedtime," Ariana said quietly as she noticed Kelly's eyes were constantly closed.

Tom looked to his right, where the six-year-old was wrapped under her arm.

"Um, I'm going to have to agree with you on that one, momma."

Ariana stood, gently picking her daughter up and carrying her down the hall to her bedroom. She tucked the girl in, waiting a few minutes to make sure she was asleep before going back into the hall, gently pulling the bedroom door closed.

Upon walking back out to the living room, Ariana saw Tom cleaning up the games that were on the floor.

"You don't have to do that, really. I can get them."

"It's your birthday, you're supposed to relax." He finished boxing up the games, setting them on the coffee table and smiling. "So, how was your big day?"

"Ha." Ariana rolled her eyes, rubbing her neck. "Eventful, that's for sure." She let out a laugh. "I honestly never expected two surprise parties in one day. And I sure as Hell wasn't expecting for you to sit through three full board games."

Tom sat back on the couch, nodding as Ariana sat next to him.

"I'm worried, Tom."

He raised a brow, looking over at her. "Why?"

"I keep getting these weird feelings," she glanced at him. "Like, when I'm walking home from school or to work or wherever. It's like someone's watching me. But every time I look, there's nobody there."

"Who would be watching you?"

She shrugged, shaking her head. "It's stupid, really, but it feels like… Him." She glanced over at Tom, wondering if he knew who she was talking about. By the look on his face, she'd said he did.

"You never told me his name, you know that right?" He looked down at her, and wrapped a comforting arm around her shoulders.

"Daniel Barenick." Saying the name out loud was hard for her to do, especially to Tom. It was just Ariana admitting that he was real, and alive, and he still got to her.

"Hey," Tom pulled her closer, tightening his grip yet remaining gentle. "Don't worry. I won't let anything happen to you or Kelly. I swear."

Ariana looked up at him, blinking through teary eyes and nodding. "You're too good to me."

"Yeah," he shrugged and smiled lightly. "But shhh… I don't know that."

Ariana sighed through a smile, leaning her head on Tom's shoulder as he held her. This was definitely the best birthday she'd had in… Well in her entire life.

So there it is! Hope you enjoyed, and please remember to Review! Thanks a bunch! ^.^