"What did you tell Alison about what happened?" Jack asked as the three men headed into Café Diem.

Rip shrugged, "I just told her the truth. From everything you both said, and from how she reacted to what was going on, I felt it was the best option," they found an empty booth and Rip took a seat, "If she didn't understand or felt I was risk then all I had to do was grab the shard and I would jump."

Henry studied Rip while Jack went to get them some beers.

"What you said to Alison about spending time with Kevin," Henry said softly, "That sounded like experience."

Rip stared at him, green eyes filled loss and regret for several seconds before saying, "My wife and son were killed many years ago. It's a wound that never truly heals."

"I'm sorry," Henry sighed, "I shouldn't…"

"It's okay," Rip told him, "I've learned to live with it, and I do my best to live for them these days."

Henry nodded not sure what to say, relieved when Jack returned and placed bottles in front of them.

"Well," Jack raised his, "To surviving yet another insane day in Eureka and avoiding yet another possible catastrophe."

Rip and Henry chuckled as they all clinked bottles.

x

Rip listened as the two men regaled him with tales of the crazy things that happened in the town on an almost weekly basis.

"Dr Fargo appears a great deal in these stories," Rip noted, "Would it not be a good idea to supervise him a little more?"

Jack shrugged, "Fargo is harmless. Just can't resist a button."

"Besides this is what Eureka is about," Henry told him enthusiasm filling his voice, "The freedom to create even if it is through mistakes."

Smiling thoughtfully Rip mused, "I wish this place existed in my own universe. I could settle here."

"As insane as this place is," Jack said, "It is a good place. My daughter, Zoe, has settled here in a way I never expected."

"How old is your daughter?" Rip asked.

"Sixteen," Jack chuckled, "And thankfully no longer actively trying to give me grey hair but still managing to."

Rip smiled, "So, how did you end up working here? Being the sheriff of a place like this must need some interesting qualifications."

"Well," Jack leaned back in his seat, "I was driving Zoe home from LA…"

"You are still here?"

Rip turned to find Gideon standing in the bedroom of the small house he was using and smiled, "Well, I thought I would rest for tonight before moving on."

"Then presumably you fixed the problem," she noted.

"Yes, although it was a close call," Rip replied, "The energy from the shard has returned to normal. Dr Blake will give me access at noon tomorrow and I will unfortunately leave here."

Gideon watched him thoughtfully as he changed for bed, "You do like it here."

"I do," Rip sighed, "If this place existed in our world, I would have persuaded Miranda to settle here with Jonas. They would love it here."

As he slid into the bed, Gideon lay at his side, "I know."

Leaning closer to her Rip sighed, "I say that I've learned to live with it but there are days I miss them so much it aches."

"I know they would be proud though that you have found that strength," Gideon assured him, "I am."

Rip smiled at her, "It was nice to spend the night with friends. I've never truly had that."

"If there was a way for you stay here?" Gideon asked, "Would you?"

Reaching out so his hand sat by hers, Rip replied, "Only if you could here with me properly."

Gideon nodded, "I did look into that."

"I know," Rip whispered, "I thought about it too, but the power requirements are astronomical and, even if we didn't need a physical presence to make the alterations to the engines, there's always the possibility the Waverider would not survive. Which means I would lose you and that's something I could never allow."

They lay in silence for several minutes.

"You never ask about what is happening onboard the ship," Gideon noted suddenly.

"Since I can't do anything," Rip reminded her, "It's best I don't know. I'm helpless enough getting thrown from world to world, knowing what Sara and her crew are up to would not be conducive to my sanity. I just have to trust that you will keep them in order until I can get back to you."

Gideon smiled, "I miss having you where I can watch over you properly."

"I miss being home with you too. Hopefully one day soon I will be," he sighed, his eyes closing.

"Sleep, my dearest Captain," Gideon breathed, "I am watching over you."

Rip looked at the people who had come with him to say goodbye. Both Henry and Jack had become friends, Rip knew he was going to miss them, and he was grateful that Alison had allowed him to stay the night so that he could have some time with them as if he was a normal person.

And when he'd woken that morning, Gideon was watching over him.

Looking at the glowing shard in front of him, Rip wished briefly that he could stay here longer but knew it wasn't an option.

"It's been interesting to meet you, Rip," Alison smiled, "And of course Gideon."

"Well," Rip said, "Gideon and I are very grateful to you all for your hospitality."

Jack chuckled, "Just happy you could help us with our problems yesterday."

"Technically my presence caused both," Rip said.

Henry shook his head, "We won't focus on that."

"Take care, Rip," Alison said shaking his hand, "And I'll let you all make your goodbyes."

With that she left the room.

"It was definitely interesting, Rip," Jack said, "Take care and I hope you get home soon."

Shaking the Sheriff's hand, Rip smiled, "Thank you for not arresting me. It would have been a little annoying to have to break out of the cell."

"Could you have?" Jack asked.

Shrugging Rip ignored the question, "Look after them all, they clearly need supervision."

Offering his hand Jack shook Rip's before he turned to Gideon, "And thank you for your help."

"You are most welcome, Sheriff," Gideon replied sweetly.

With a nod Jack left the room as well.

x

Henry turned to his friend and offered his hand, smiling as Rip took it, "You changed my life. And I am grateful to you."

Rip shook his head, "I'm grateful to you, Henry. Very rarely can I relax in any place I drop into but here, you made sure I could."

"You also allowed me to interact with this world, Dr Deacon," Gideon stated, "A wonderful treat."

Henry grinned, "Well, when I first met Rip and he told me about you I had to meet you somehow."

"It has been a pleasure," Gideon said softly.

Rip took a deep breath; he knew he was trying to stall leaving because he had no idea what was waiting for him. Looking up he saw Gideon who nodded, reminding him that she would be there wherever he ended up.

"I'll hopefully see you soon, Henry," Rip told his friend before he reached out and touched the shard bright light filling his vision once more.

x

The light faded and Rip found he was looking down at a smooth grey floor. Looking up he saw a familiar face staring down at him in shock.

"Hello, Dr Deacon," Rip said with a smile as he got to his feet, "It's good to see you again."