A/N After the shooting

Rating PG-13

Disclaimer see chapter 1

Chapter 2

CJ was walking down a street, but she wasn't sure where she was going or why. She had walked about half a mile when she realized why she had chosen this route. Danny lived on this street. But why at ten o'clock at night did she want to stop by for a visit. She'd never been to his house before; she just remembered looking it up last year in case their business dinner turned into something else.

Well, I'm here, there's a light on, I guess I should knock. CJ thought.

Knock, knock. Hmm, no answer. Knock, knock, knock.

Danny shouted at the door to "Keep your pants on!"

"CJ! What are you doing-you know you don't really have to keep your pants on!" Danny said teasingly. Then he saw her face. It was red and splotchy. She had bags under her eyes and it looked like she'd been crying.

"Can I come in?" she asked tentatively.

"Yes, sorry!" Danny said quickly, ashamed he had been staring at her instead of asking her in already.

CJ walked in and surveyed the room. Danny had been writing on his laptop on his couch. The room was tidy , but not clinical, it was inviting. You could tell that a man lived there, especially once she saw sports on the TV.

"Are you alright, CJ?" Danny asked.

CJ turned to face him. He was in his pajamas. A worn t shirt and plaid pajama pants.

"Um, I-I don't want to be alone tonight," she sniffled.

Danny took a second to absorb this. CJ had come to him. She has lots of friends, but had chosen him.

He nodded, "Of course you can stay with me, and for as long as you'd like. I just want you to be comfortable."

Danny guided CJ to the couch.

"You must be famished; I know you don't eat when you're busy."

"Anything would be great, thank you."

Danny brought out a sandwich that he knew she loved. Turkey and cheese, slice of onion, and mustard.

"Eat up; I'll get you a pair of pajamas and put them in the bathroom. I will also put a toothbrush in there for you, I always buy my toothbrushes in bulk, so don't get the wrong idea about me having an extra one for you."

Danny was rooting around in his bedroom trying to find a shirt that was soft enough for her. He found the shirt he was looking for, a Notre Dame shirt, and some plaid bottoms that matched the school colors. He took them to the bathroom and grabbed a toothbrush from the cabinet.

"Okay, your pjs and toothbrush are in the bathroom along with a hair brush. When you're done eating, why don't you take a shower. I have a removable shower head and it feels like heaven after a long day."

"Sounds good, I'm done eating."

Danny looked down and saw her plate was clean.

"Wow, you must have been starving!"

"I was," she admitted.

"Come on, the bathroom's this way," he said as he guided her down the hall.

CJ turned around to face him, "Thanks, Danny. I knew you would take care of me."

Danny heard the shower running so he got a cup of herbal tea ready; it would help her fall asleep. He grabbed a pillow and blanket from his bed and put them on the couch for himself. CJ was done with her shower, so he went into his room and turned the CD player on a soft classical station.

CJ stepped out of the steamy bathroom. Wow, CJ is in my house wearing my clothes, Danny thought.

Her hair had been pulled into a ponytail.

"I have a cup of tea for you. You like lemon right?"

"Yes, thank you, I take it you went to Notre Dame?" CJ asked as she gestured to her shirt.

"Yes, I did."

As they walked into the living room CJ saw the pillow and blanket on the couch.

"Danny, I want you to hold me while I sleep tonight," CJ said.

Danny looked at her curiously to see if she was just messing with him. Then he saw her eyes, they were set and determined.

"…If you're sure…" Danny said hesitantly.

"I am. I have one more favor to ask of you, and I'm really not sure I should be asking." CJ paused to look at Danny's expression. He nodded so she continued, "…My back is in knots. Would you give me a back massage?"

Danny's eyes widened at the thought of touching her bare skin. Danny swallowed slowly and said, "Okay."

Danny grabbed the pillow from the couch and brought it to the bed. He drew back the blankets and helped CJ get in.

"Lie on your stomach and relax."

When he got back to the bed, CJ had taken her entire shirt off and was laying tummy down like he asked. He almost gasped, but was able to hold it in. Although he noticed as he got himself on the bed his legs were shaking.

Danny rubbed his hands together to warm them. He gently put his hands on CJ's back. He started rubbing her back gently in a circular motion, not sure how much pressure she wanted.

"I'm not a delicate flower, Danny, pretend I'm a man."

"Um, that's kind of impossible CJ."

Danny's breathing had become ragged.

"Well, just push harder," CJ demanded.

"Sorry, those words aren't helping anything," Danny breathed.

"Danny, if this is too hard-um, bad choice of words, if this is too difficult for you, you can stop."

"No, I'm a gentleman, I can control myself." Danny said it, but he's not quite sure himself.

He continued to massage her back in silence until he became aware of someone snoring.

She snores. He silently thanked God for sending her to him.

"I'm so glad you came to me." Danny whispered as he moved carefully to his side of the bed to get comfortable. Thankfully the next day was Sunday so CJ could sleep in.

Danny's best friend and dream woman was in bed next to him. Despite yesterday's tragedy he would be going to bed with sweet dreams.

TBC