Author's Note: Just one more chapter left.

Enjoy.

Rip was always grateful for Gideon, but no more so than for letting him know about strange customs no one else would think to let him know about.

Like the one where kids bought their teachers an end of year thank you gift. A concept that completely bemused him but, again with Gideon's help, he bought a scented candle set for Jonas to give to Miss Meadows.

Today was the last day of school, which meant that Rip had to find a way to keep his son entertained for several weeks. Thankfully Clarissa had found a camp thing that he could go to a few days a week while she was going to take him for a few days as well.

He was going to take a week off as well so he and Jonas could go somewhere fun on holiday, which they'd never really had before.

Until then Rip had to get through the last day of school.

x

Westbrook liked to have the children in for the final day of school year with at least one parent, although Rip had no idea why. Usually he had help for these types of things, but Clarissa was unable to make it, she was visiting Lily, so Rip was on his own to navigate the hell that was the parents of Jonas' classmates alone.

He got he was unusual compared to the rest of them, as a single father not to mention from a different country but he really wished they'd stop their interest in him.

"Rip," Evelyn waved him over when he walked into the classroom having left Jonas with the rest of his class, "I saved you a seat."

Gratefully Rip eased his way through the room and sat beside her, "Thank you."

Evelyn smiled, "You know I wouldn't leave you on your own with this lot."

Rip looked down to where the little girl was asleep in her car seat, "And you brought back-up."

"Well, I knew we would probably need her," Evelyn chuckled, "And leaving her at home is not a good idea. She likes to drink."

Rip smiled amused, he did love Evelyn's sense of humour, it reminded him of Miranda's in many ways.

"Thank you for all coming," Mrs Weaver spoke up suddenly stopping all conversation in the room, "As the last day of school then we like to give you an idea of what we will be doing with the children next year. This allows you to plan activities throughout the summer that will compliment and give them a grounding in the subjects to be studied next year."

She smiled looking around the room, "Miss Meadows will be taking the class again next year except for one day a week where Mr Thompson will be taking them. Miss Meadows will be working with a small group on a special project."

Rip and Evelyn shared a look of interest.

"So," Mrs Weaver continued, "This won't take long and then the children have a small surprise for you all."

x

Ruth had woken halfway through the talk, so Evelyn instantly handed her baby girl to Rip. He had never been good with people, but for some reason kids responded well to him. And Ruth especially adored him sitting happily in his lap for the rest of the talk.

As they started towards the main hall for a surprise from the children, Rip carried the little girl for his friend who babbled away in his ear as she looked around.

Finding seats in the auditorium, Rip smiled when the kids filed out onto the stage and, when the teacher in charge nodded, started to sing. His eyes instantly found his son who was grinning from ear to ear as he sang the song and Rip felt tears spring to them.

"Are you okay?" Evelyn whispered concerned.

He nodded, "It's just… this time last year I never thought I'd see him again."

"Captain," Gideon's voice came in his ear.

"See him like this again," Rip corrected himself, "After we lost Miranda."

Evelyn gave him a comforting smile and squeezed his hand, "You've done an excellent job, Rip. He's a wonderful little boy."

Giving her a quick smile Rip turned his attention back to his son. This time one year ago, Rip had no idea that his little boy was still alive and could never imagine this joy in his life again.

Finally the small show ended and the children were released to their parents. Jonas and Adam came running towards their parents, with identical big grins.

Rip crouched and caught his son, hugging him tightly while Evelyn hugged her own with Ruth back in her chair.

"Did you like our songs, Daddy?" Jonas asked.

"I did," Rip told him, "And you sang them very well, both of you did."

Adam gave him a grin as well.

"Since we're finished here," Evelyn said, "Why don't we all go and get some lunch? I'd say pizza. What do you think?" she looked at Rip.

Rip nodded seriously, "I think that it's a great idea."

The two boys cheered, and Ruth clapped her hands in response to the sound.

"Okay," Evelyn laughed, "Let's go."

Jonas was sleeping by the time Rip parked in the driveway. Gently Rip eased Jonas out the car. They'd had lunch with Evelyn, Adam and Ruth before they went to the park for the afternoon. Evelyn invited them for dinner allowing the boys to play some more. It had been a nice evening, one Rip could never imagine twelve months before.

"Daddy," Jonas moaned, his arms tightening around Rip's neck.

"We're home, little man," Rip soothed, as Gideon opened the door for them.

The boy murmured in his sleep but didn't wake up again. Climbing the stairs, Rip rubbed his son's back soothingly, before he quickly changed the boy into his pyjamas and slid him into his bed.

Covering Jonas, Rip then rested the teddy bear he loved in with him. He smiled just sitting watching the boy sleep.

"Captain," Gideon spoke up, "He is dreaming good dreams."

"What are they about?" Rip asked, gently stroking his son's hair.

"He is too young for me to enter his subconscious," Gideon reminded him, "But from what I can sense he is dreaming of being with you, I believe possibly flying the Waverider."

Rip leaned over and pressed a kiss to his son's forehead, "I love you, little man. Sleep well."

Making sure once more that Jonas was tucked in properly, Rip left his son to sleep.

x

"Do you wish to talk about it, Captain?" Gideon asked when Rip finished his tea and headed up to bed.

"About what?"

"You know what," Gideon replied, slight amusement tinging her voice, "I am here to help you. It is my purpose, Captain. You do not want me to be unable to fulfil my purpose, do you?"

Rip laughed, "Emotional blackmail, Gideon? That's terrible."

"I do whatever I need to ensure I look after you," Gideon reminded him sweetly.

Sliding into bed, Rip placed the metal headband on. Activating it, he found himself on the Waverider with Gideon watching him.

"My dear Captain," she crossed the space between them, "You are being difficult on purpose."

Rip shrugged, "Sometimes it's fun to tease you."

Gideon shook her head, "I assume since you came to me then you do wish to talk."

He let out a small sigh, "It's…it's almost a year since I found Jonas once more. I'm just…"

Taking his hand in hers, Gideon brushed her fingers through his hair comfortingly.

"My dearest Captain," Gideon said softly, "Look at your son," she waved her hand and the screen lit up to show Jonas fast asleep, a small smile on his face, "He is happy. You both still miss Miranda, I do also but look at him. You are a wonderful father. I know you fear that you will do something to harm him but trust me, he is fine."

Rip smiled at her, "I just worry sometimes that I'll make him resent me when he's older."

Gideon shook her head, "Just think of how he smiles whenever you're both together. He loves you, my dear Rip."

Rip wrapped her in his arms, hugging her tightly.

"I would be useless without you, Gideon," Rip murmured softly to her.

Gideon kissed him softly, "I know. Now, you need to sleep. Jonas does not have school for the next few weeks. You will need your rest."

Pressing a quick kiss to her lips, Rip deactivated the headband and opened his eyes in his room once more. Carefully storing it away, Rip closed his eyes.

"Goodnight, Gideon."

"Goodnight, Captain."