Four slow months had passed for Jack, although time had began to speed up slightly once he was released from hospital one month ago, his life was finally getting back on track. He had to go to a physio session once a week for work on his arm, as the nerve tissue was badly damaged. It would always require special exercises to keep it fully functional without pain. He had surprisingly found that if he missed one of those appointments the arm would stiffen up and become a pain, which is why he made sure to motivate himself to go each week, despite the inconvenience.

He was due back at C.T.U in a week, and was relieve that he had finally been physically cleared to go back. Knowing everything could return to normal was a huge mount of his shoulders. He had seen Kate on numerous occasions, and they were now in the stage of their relationship where they were not entirely sure if it is official or not, despite their growing commitment to one another. Although they had done nothing more than a few friendly kisses it was clear they sustained some sort of relationship. Neither had shown any interest in anyone else, and Jack had been spending a lot of time in her condo since his release form hospital. Kate had also found herself practically living in the hospital with Kim throughout his stay too. Although he was scared of loosing her again, he was confident that they would be in a serious relationship soon enough.

Jack had awoke in the morning feeling particularly down. He knew which day it was, and always had trouble getting through it each year. No matter how many years had passed he still found he missed them, which is why it broke his heart so much that Kim too, had lost a parent; as he knew she would never truly get over it. He certainly hadn't. Moving on is an entirely different thing to accepting something, and he had only grasped one aspect since their death.

He left the house early and got in the car for the hour or so drive. His mind running in circles with 'what if's' the way it always does on this particular anniversary. He didn't do it purposefully, but he couldn't help but wonder how he would have turned out if his parents hadn't died. He was almost certain he wouldn't have bothered with the army, and so wouldn't have ended up at C.T.U. He wondered what he would be doing today if he didn't have to visit his parents grave.

After arriving at the cemetery he parked the car up and got out and zipped his jacket up before heading up the cobbled path to the top of the hill, then he'd cut through the grass diagonally, skipping other graves until he arrived at theirs. The one next to the only conifer tree in the entire grounds. It stood out against all of the other rotting trees and brush in the place, which made his smile as he thought about it. He stepped off the brown pathway and headed over the shortly cut grass walking against the strong wind. As he approached the gravestone he saw someone stood before it already. He didn't need the figure to turn around to see who it was, he knew it was Daniel. He knew by instinct, and the fact that the person clearly had an ear missing with a thick mess of wraps stuck on his head where it should be, confirmed this.

He walked over and Daniel turned and looked at him before moving over to give Jack some space. After a quick nod between the two they both fixed their sight onto the single grave stone bearing their parents names.

After a minutes silence Daniel finally spoke. "Jack...... I know it was you who pulled all the strings.... to stop C.T.U from prosecuting me... for being involved with the bomb and all...."

"Yeah." Jack whispered, not sure what to say.

"I ... I'm sorry.. Jack, I just wanna say thanks.... you know.... it could have turned out a lot worse for me." He spoke sheepishly, still keeping his gaze fixed on the gravestone.

"I know."

"Well I'd better go... I only came because I knew you'd be here, and I wanted to say... you know..."

Jack nodded before asking, "Where you going?"

"I... don't know."

"You running again?" He asked, slightly angered, yet also feeling let down and disappointed.

"No... I just.... I don't know."

The two had now managed to make eye contact, and Jack was afraid to look away, he didn't want to loose him again.

"Well, you could stay at my at my place 'till you figure out what your going to do?" He asked, trying to keep the pleading out of his voice, he didn't want Daniel to see he was desperate.

Daniel smiled at Jack's offer, grateful for it. In truth, he didn't want to run away anymore, and now he had nothing to run from, Jack wanted him back in his life.

"Iv been renting a place down town, might as well stay their 'till the lease runs out next week."

Jack nodded his approval.

Daniel fished his hand into his pocked and pulled out a card with an address printed on it. He handed it to Jack before walking away. Jack thumbed the card and couldn't help but smile to himself, thankful he wasn't leaving again.

"Don't be a stranger Jack."

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And their it was.... THE END!!!

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