Disclaimer: I still don't own Just Shoot Me or any of the characters on it. Like you really thought I did. Though I wouldn't mind owning Dennis Finch 'cause he'd sure bring a much-needed dose of humor into my life…outside of watching him on TV, that is. The only people I own are my own characters, and you can borrow them if you let me know first and give me credit for my original characters. If you wanna post this story somewhere else, just let me know. And I'm making zilch money on this so please don't sue. I'm merely writing it for entertainment purposes…mine mainly because I'm bored to tears. Thought I'd let everyone else read it too.

AN: Any thing that is in italics are the character's internal dialogues…their private thoughts.

11:45 AM Friday, JFK Airport

Dennis Finch made his way through the airport terminal following the signs that led to the baggage claim area. Glancing at the paper in his hand, Finch looked at the monitor that recorded the status of in-coming flights. "Flight 975…de-boarding." Dennis was practically jumping up and down with excitement.

Woah, calm down boy. S'not like you've never seen Maya before. Sighing lightly, a small grin lit up his features. Yeah, but now I get to spend time alone with her. I can wow her with my intellectual savvy. I am the Finchman, hear me roar….or rather meow.

As he giggled to himself, a couple making their way through the airport gave him some strange glances as they passed by him. Dennis heard the woman say to her companion, "They were right about New York. All the wackos do hang out in the airport."

Finch turned and shouted after them, "So I'm a little giddy. I'm here to meet my ladylove so sue me for being excited!" With a small yelp, Finch realized that he had attracted the attention of several people with his little outburst. Looking around in dread, he just hoped that Maya wasn't one of those people. This was certainly not how he wanted her to find out about his feelings for her. First, she'd probably kick his ass, and then he'd never get a chance with her. And second, he wanted to tell her in a special way…not by shouting it out in an airport like a moron.

Finch finally convinced himself that Maya was not among his observers and began to continue on his way to the baggage claim. He was suddenly stopped by a hand on his arm. Momentary terror washed through him as he concluded that he was wrong and Maya had after all heard his declaration. Jerking his head around, his gaze came into contact not with Maya's but with a little old lady's sparkling eyes. The lady smiled at Dennis and patted his arm as she said, "I think it's sweet that your so excited about meeting your girl. I bet she's a very lucky lady."

A true smile without any malicious or sarcastic intent grew on Finch's face. "Let's hope she feels the same way, but thanks." He suddenly leaned over and gave the sweet little lady a quick peck on the check before continuing on his way.

Dennis finally reached the baggage claim area after taking a little detour to pick up a latte at some little coffee shop. Grumbling to himself, Finch muttered, "I can't believe the price of airport coffee. It's not even GOOD coffee. Total highway robbery…or rather skyway robbery since it is an AIRport." Giggling at his own joke, Dennis checked the baggage claim area for Maya's lovely face. Not seeing her, he glanced at his watch. He was a little late so she should be around there somewhere. The monitors said that plane had de-boarded almost thirty minutes ago. Maybe she did just catch a cab. Pacing back and forth like a caged lion, Finch began snapping his fingers and clapping his hands to keep his thoughts off of Maya. Snap clap snap clap snap clap. A dreadful thought suddenly occurred to Finch that perhaps she had hear his earlier outburst and decided to make a run for it…or maybe she just missed her plane.

The air in the baggage claim area suddenly got stifling. Finch glanced up and saw Maya turning the corner into the area. He smiled as he began to make his way to where she was when he suddenly stopped. Maya turned and addressed a man walking behind her and they both began to laugh. They continued on their way to the luggage belts chatting all the while.

Dread pooled in the pit of Finch's stomach, as he considered that maybe she had met a new beau. Finch watched from the background as Maya pointed out her bag to the man, and he yanked it off the conveyer belt for her. Maya pointed to some benches, and after the man nodded, she moved to them and sat down.

Gathering up what was left of his nerves, Finch moved behind Maya and placed his hands over her eyes. Don't act any different. Act like the usual Finchman…Dennis the Finchmeister. Leaning down, he whispered in what he considered a sexy tone, "Guess who."

Letting out a groan, Maya responded, "What the hell are you doing here, Finch? Where's my father?" After expelling an aggravated sigh, Maya said, "Dennis, you can take your hands off my eyes now. I know it's you. And answer the damn question."

Shrugging his shoulders, he plopped down on the bench next to her and shot her a sexy smile. "Just following orders. Daddy tells me to pick you up. I pick you up. That's how it goes."

Trying to not let her know that it bothered him, Dennis nodded his head towards the man still at the conveyer belt and nonchalantly asked, "So who's the guy? A new beau?"

The man chose that time to approach the bench. "Hey Maya. Umm…whose your friend. I thought you said your dad was picking you up."

"I thought he was, but apparently there was a change in plans." Waving her hands between them, Maya said, "Dennis Finch meet Jordan Long, and vice versa."

Looking at Dennis, Jordan said, "Oh, are you two…?" Dennis felt immeasurably better after he realized that Jordan didn't even know Maya well enough to realize she was currently single. And he certainly didn't mind being thought of as Maya's current beau either.

Maya let out an unladylike snort before she giggled and said, "Hardly. Finch and I work together. He's the one I told you about…the cat guy."

Finch felt a smile start to form on his face at the thought that Maya had been talking about him. However, all of his good humor quickly evaporated as he saw Jordan looking at him with complete amusement written on his features. Glaring at first Jordan and then Maya, he grabbed Maya's bag. "So I like cats. At least, I'm not a homicidal maniac. It's like I always say 'Cats rule and dogs can go to hell.' Turning around, Dennis started stomping toward the exit. "And next time, why don't you start making fun of me after my back is already turned. That WOULD be the polite thing to do."

Maya felt a small pang of guilt assault her senses. She had after all made fun of Finch the entire plane trip…talking about his obsession with cats, his irritating floppy hair, his sarcastic attitude. Sometimes she forgot that Finch had feelings too. Glancing at Jordan, she noted that he also had a bit of a shamefaced look. Maya's voice rang out through the baggage terminal as she called out, "Hey Finch…Dennis, wait up."

Dennis slowed his steps and let Maya and her new friend catch up. "Look Finch, you're right and I'm sorry."

"Yeah, whatever…just don't let it happen again." Pulling himself together, Finch waved his hand between Maya and Jordan and said, "Well go on make with the kissies or whatever. I haven't got all day."

Maya's apologetic look quickly turned sour. She was about to retort when Finch added, "And if your friend needs a ride tell him to come on." Dennis wanted to hit himself over the head with an anvil. Why the hell had he invited this Jordan guy to tag along with him and Maya. He rarely got to spend time alone with Maya, and he certainly didn't need some possible love interest for Maya honing in on his alone time with her. But then again, maybe Maya would be impressed with him offering Jordan a ride.

"Umm…that's alright. My best friend is picking me up since I'm staying with him. But…uh, thanks for the offer. Nice meeting you, I guess. Here's the number where you can reach me, Maya. See ya later." With that, he gave them a wave and headed out the door.

Finch almost began jumping up and down with joy when Jordan left. Grabbing Maya's bag, he started towards the door again. Trying to conceal the hope he felt about Jordan's comment about staying with a friend, Finch inquired, "So he's only in visiting our illustrious city?"

"What? Oh…yeah. He's in for his best friend's wedding. Heading back to Chicago in a couple of days. At least, he was someone interesting to talk to on the flight."

Pressing for more information, Finch asked in a conspiratorial tone, "Sooo, you gonna call him?"

"Nah. He made it clear that he would like to try for a relationship or something, but I have enough trouble with relationships with guys who live in the same city as me." Maya gave Finch a watery smile as he awkwardly patted her back in a comforting gesture. "So I thought why would I want to go through that relationship crap with someone who lives that far away. Besides, while he seems to be a nice guy, he's not exactly my type. Kinda dull if you know what I mean."

Smiling to himself, Finch opened the exit doors for Maya and followed after her. Just open up your eyes honey child. A relationship with the Finchman would never be dull. Dennis Finch knows how to treat a woman. I'm a true woman's man…yeah. And trust me, I'm exactly your type.