Yes, I am positively insane and feel an utter compulsion to go around changing the '24' universe. Don't ask me why. I started liking '24' over the summer (again, don't ask) and I watched the DVD's and I loved all the characters (except Kim, so she's not in this fic that much) and I went nuts when both Nina and Teri went away. So here's a completely alternate universe on what could have happened if Nina wasn't the mole and Teri wasn't dead. Enjoy!
Summary: After the incredibly long day, Jack, Teri, Nina, and Tony resolve and recover. Jack/Teri and Tony/Nina. Jack/Nina friendship.
Disclaimer: don't own them, and if I did, Nina wouldn't have been the mole and Teri wouldn't be dead. In case you hadn't already figured that out.
11:47:58…11:47:59…11:48:00 pm:
Nina breathed a sigh of relief. Jack was ok. So was Kim. And they were coming back. The Drazens were dead, and their long day would soon be over. Nina caught Tony's eye and grinned. He grinned back.
Teri came over to her. "Mr. Mason says Jack and Kim are on their way back."
Nina nodded. "They are, and they're both safe. They should be here in about 10 minutes."
Teri let out a deep breath. "Oh, thank god." She looked back at Nina. "Are you sure?"
Nina smiled. "Positive. They're definitely going to be ok this time."
Teri smiled back. "Thank you. For everything."
Nina nodded. "It's not a problem. Really." Teri smiled again and walked away.
Tony came over to Nina. "You ok?" he asked softly as he stood behind her and began to massage her shoulders.
Nina closed her eyes as she relished the human contact. "Mmm-hmm. It's been a really long day. I just want to go home."
"That can be arranged." Tony whispered softly into her ear, and she shivered in agreement.
"Mom!" Their gentle exchange was interrupted by Kim rushing into CTU and into her mother's arms. Teri hugged Kim tight and murmured "l love you, I love you."
When both of them had calmed down enough Kim looked around. "Where's Dad?"
"He's on his way honey. He should be here in a few minutes." Teri reassured her quickly.
As if he had heard them, Jack came in. "Dad!" Kim cried as he raced over to them and pulled both of them into his embrace, one in each arm. "Shhh, shhh, it's ok, I'm here, it's over. Nothing's going to happen anymore." Most people in CTU respectfully looked away as the family had their tearful reunion. Tony had returned to his desk.
When the Bauers had calmed down Mason approached them. "Jack, you're definitely going to have to be debriefed. It should take about half an hour. Your family can wait for you or we can take them home."
"We'll wait." Teri said firmly.
Mason nodded. "Ok, Jack can you go to Holding Room One? I'll be there in a second." Jack reluctantly let go of his family and disappeared down the hall. Mason headed toward Nina's desk. "Tony," he called the young man over. "I need both of you to fill out the paperwork and get the correct story to the press. Just make sure you tell them the truth. I'm going to debrief Jack now, so tell them you'll have more information in 45 minutes." He looked at both of them. "I know you guys have been through hell today, so just hang on about an hour longer, and then you can go home. Thanks for all your work."
Tony scowled at Mason's retreating form. "'We'd like to thank you for your hard work, but we can't let you go home and sleep,'" he mimicked. He glanced down at Nina. "Think you can still wait another hour?"
Nina stretched. "Maybe."
Tony grinned. "I'll take the paperwork, you can take the press."
"Thanks ever so much," Nina growled sarcastically.
"See you in an hour."
Nina grinned. "See you."
11:59:58…11:59:59…12:00:00 am
Here's the first chapter! I hope everyone likes it! The ships are kind of obvious and they aren't going to change, so don't ask me to change them. This is my first '24' fic so please be nice. And review!
-anna-k