A/N: This chapter is a little different. The first part is truly sappy, so I apologize. The second part is a sample of e-mails that Katie and Danny send to each other during their year apart. The year takes place during most of Season 3. Some of the e-mails have a direct correlation to the episodes in Season 3. Thanks to Mariel for all your help.


Katie sighed heavily as the flight attendant announced the plane doors were closing, and they were preparing for takeoff. Rubbing her eyes, she took a deep breath to stop herself from crying again.

"Are you okay, dear?" the elderly woman sitting next to her asked in a thick, British accent.

"I'm okay. Thank you," Katie responded in a low voice.

"Airport goodbyes are the worst," the woman said, patting Katie's hand.

"Yeah. I've heard that," she replied with a little bitterness.

"What takes you to London? I'm going home after visiting my son and his family."

"Oxford," Katie replied. Her first thought when the woman had started talking to her was that she wanted to be left alone. But now, she was grateful for the distraction to keep her from dissolving into tears. "I'm spending the year studying there."

"And you're leaving someone behind here?" the woman asked sympathetically.

Katie nodded, biting her lip.

"Absence makes the heart grow fonder."

"That's true, but we've had more than our fair share of absence," Katie replied quietly. "And we didn't even get to say goodbye. I thought I'd get to see him one more time, but—"

She was interrupted by an announcement from the flight attendant. "We will be experiencing a slight delay before we can leave from the gate, ladies and gentlemen. Please be patient and stay seated with your seatbelts fastened."

"Delays, delays, delays. It seems like nothing happens on time, anymore," the older woman complained.

Katie smiled before looking out the window. Trying to put the fact that she'd missed Danny out of her mind, she tried to focus on the excitement of going to Oxford. Her focus was disrupted when she heard some commotion further up the aisle. As the flight attendant opened the curtain from first class, Katie's heart almost leapt out of chest when Danny followed behind.

"Oh my God," Katie whispered.

"What is it?" the older woman asked. "That man looks like he is looking for someone."

Watching him anxiously make his way down the aisle, Katie wasn't sure what to do. She wanted to call out to him, but instead she nervously unfastened her seat belt and stood up. "He's looking for me," Katie exclaimed, barely containing her joy.

When Danny caught sight of her, his anxious expression softened into a smile. Stopping at her row, he took her hand and pulled her to him a passionate kiss. They were completely oblivious to the gasps and whispers all around them.

Finally breaking from the kiss, Danny whispered in her ear, "I told you I'd be here."

"You're crazy," Katie responded in disbelief, shaking her head.

"You have no idea," he said and then kissed her again.

The flight attendant finally poked Danny on the shoulder. When he broke from the kiss again, he turned to her. "Sir, what about the suspect? You said there was someone you had to apprehend on this plane," she whispered not wanting the passengers to hear.

"I don't see him," Danny answered as he turned back to look into Katie's eyes. "He's not on this plane. Give me thirty more seconds, and you guys can be on your way."

The flight attendant didn't respond. She just watched as Danny gave Katie a light kiss as he held her face.

"We'll see each other in a few months, okay?"

Biting her lip, Katie nodded. "I love you so much."

Danny smiled. "I love you. One year, and then we'll never be apart again. I promise."

Katie laughed thinking about how far he went to keep his promise to see her before she left. "You're going to get into so much trouble for this," she said in a worried tone.

"It's worth every bit of it. Don't worry. Call me when you get in," he said, kissing her one more time before stepping away.

She nodded again as she watched him walk up the aisle with the flight attendant. She heard the flight attendant say, "Sir, this is highly irregular. You can't stop an airplane under false pretenses."

Danny didn't let up. Katie heard him respond, "I was pursuing a suspect, but then I saw the most beautiful woman I've ever seen and I couldn't let her go without kissing her."

Katie didn't hear the rest of the exchange, but she was fairly certain if anyone could talk his way out of this kind of trouble, Danny could.

"Now I know why you looked so sad before," the older woman said. "I don't know if wild horses could force me to spend a year away from him."

Katie laughed. "He's making me do it, believe me. I don't know if I will make it through the next twenty-four hours without him," she replied as the sadness returned to her voice.

XXX

Later that night, Katie called Danny as soon as she made it to the boarding house room she was renting.

"Please tell me you haven't been fired," Katie said instead of saying hello.

"Hello to you, too."

"I'm serious, Danny. Not that I don't appreciate one of the truly most romantic moments of my life, but if it means—"

"It was the most romantic moment of your life?"

Katie sighed. "What do you think? Having a man sprint through an airport and stop a plane from taking off, all to kiss me one more time? It's a story I'll be telling our grandkids."

"I'm glad it had the affect I was trying to achieve."

Katie could practically hear Danny's smile through the phone. "So spill. What kind of trouble are you in?"

"You need to remember who you're talking to. I had the flight attendants and gate agent eating out of my hand. They loved my grand romantic gesture, even though it caused them a slight delay."

"So you didn't get into any trouble for stopping a major airline flight?"

"Nope," he answered, sounding very self-satisfied.

"Unbelievable," she responded shaking her head. "What about your case? I didn't even ask you on the airplane?"

"The kid's mom finally broke down and told Viv that he was probably lifted by his real dad. Apparently, she never told anyone about this guy. We found the boy unharmed a few hours ago with his natural father."

"Wow. Thank goodness he's safe."

"What about you? Did you make it in safe and sound?"

"With the exception of a crazy man delaying our departure, I had no troubles. I'm going to get unpacked and then crash. My orientation to Oxford starts bright and early tomorrow."

"Good luck. I know you'll love it."

"I wish I could stay on longer, but this boarding house has a time limit on their phone."

"It's probably for the best. Neither of us can afford the long distance phone bills. And I've never been good at long phone conversations anyway. I'm much better at face-to-face communication."

Again, Katie could practically seehis smirk through the phone. Her heart beat faster just hearing his voice. "And here I was looking forward to long hours of hot phone sex. But since you don't like the phone—"

"If you put it that way, I may have to rethink this."

"Well you rethink it, I'll see if I can't find a phone where we can have a longer conversation."

"Sounds like a plan. Get some sleep. I love you."

"I love you, too. And Danny, today really was incredibly special for me."

"It's just the beginning, baby. Talk to you tomorrow."

"Good night, Danny."

The next day, Katie started her life at Oxford. Despite missing Danny terribly, the experience was everything she had expected and much more. She completely immersed herself in academia and learned to love every minute of it. She and Danny established a routine of talking on the phone once a week. The rest of their correspondence consisted of e-mails…

Aug 15, 2004

Danny,

My first week has been fantastic. It's so much better than I ever dreamed it could be. My days have been so busy that I barely have time to think, but fret not; my nights are filled with missing you. Did you happen to notice you're missing several t-shirts, including your favorite one? Hope you don't mind. Right now, those t-shirts are the only things that help me sleep at night.

How are things with your boss? Is he still leaving? I know you understand he needs to go with his family, but I also know it's hard for you. We can talk about it on Sunday, if you want.

You'll never guess who wrote me. My father got my address from my lawyer. I'm sure he's feeling very self-satisfied since I am finally at Oxford. I have half a mind to write him a letter telling him this is all your idea. I have to say, I feel sorry for him. The letter came from the Chester County Correctional Facility. My lawyer says he'll probably be there at least six months before he can be paroled. No news from my mother. She'll probably be appealing her case to the Supreme Court.

Enough about them. I know you want me to put all of that out of my mind.

Hope you are doing okay. I do miss you terribly.

Love always,
Your Katie

Aug 16, 2004

Hey – I thought I was going crazy wondering where those t-shirts were. I know you'll take good care of my 1989 Mets World Series shirt. It's nice to think of you wearing it. Glad to hear you like it there. I knew you would. Enjoy this time.

It's awfully quiet when I go home at night now. I never noticed that before.

Jack's still on his way out. I am happy he is going with his family, but I've known him and Viv since I started at the FBI. It's just hard to see him go. The good news is that Viv will probably get Jack's job. The bad new is that we'll get a new team member. I'm not always good with new people.

I don't want you to do anything you don't want to do. It's okay if you still care about your parents. They're your parents. I just don't want them to hurt you anymore. That's all.

Take care. Love, D.

XXX

Aug 21, 2004

Danny,

My divorce papers came today. If you were here, we could celebrate. I'm going out with a few people tonight so I might just celebrate in silence. No one here knows anything about my history. They don't know who my parents are, what happened in New York, or about my debacle of a marriage. It's nice starting with a clean slate.

I'm learning so much here, Danny. It's funny. I always thought I was such an expert, but I had just scratched the surface. I think I'm really in my element here. When I get back to New York, I may have to go for my doctorate. Although, I have no idea how I'll be able to afford it.

How are you? Any news? Been to Starbucks lately?

Love always,
Katie

Aug 22 2004

Starbucks. Very funny. The last I heard Heather got a gig on soap in LA so the jokes can stop any time now.

Clean slates can be a good thing. I'm living proof of that. I wish we could celebrate tonight as well. You never have to think about that bastard again.

If you want your doctorate, then don't let the money stop you. You can add your school loans to the law school loans I'm still paying for, and we can be knee deep in debt together. If I ever pass the bar, maybe I'll get one of those high paying law firm gigs, and then we won't have to worry about money.

Talk to you soon. Take care. Love, D.

XXX

Sept 7, 2004

Danny,

I loved our conversation last night. I might have to get a second job to pay for these phone bills, but it is definitely worth it. Has anyone ever told you that your voice is just…it's the best thing to hear before a girl falls asleep.

I'm glad Vivian got the job. Sounds like you had a good time celebrating with everyone. I know you'll miss Jack, but at least you don't have to get used to a new boss.

I'm literally counting the days until Thanksgiving. I can't wait to see you again.

Love always,
Katie

Sept 7, 2004

Don't have much time today. We had a tough case today and I have a major headache. I'll tell you about it on Sunday. The big news is that Jack isn't going anywhere. His wife wants a divorce. Not sure what is going to happen, but this can't be good for Viv.

Take care. Love, D.

XXX

Oct 25, 2004

Katie,

We just finished a case that I can't get out of my head. Martin and I interviewed this scumbag of guy who completely used this very vulnerable girl. We ended up finding her and she'll be okay, but this guy just shattered any sense of self-esteem she had.

What's scary is that I think I've been this guy before. I know I was him when I was drinking. But even after that, I know I've made judgments in past relationships that have hurt women I've been with. I know I've stayed in relationships before when I knew it wasn't going anywhere, and it took me a long time to realize what that was doing to the other person.

Maybe the reason we weren't together for the last ten years is because I would have screwed it up by being a complete jerk.

Sorry to vent like this. I'll be more upbeat later. Love, D.

Oct 26, 2004

You're being too hard on yourself. You've grown a lot, Danny. You couldn't have been more sensitive and patient with me the two months we spent together before I left for Oxford. That should tell you that you aren't anything like that "scumbag" you interviewed. People make mistakes all the time. They do things that hurt other people. But it's the people who never learn from those mistakes who we have to worry about.

You always learn from your mistakes, and you aren't afraid to make changes within yourself to be a better person. Remember that.

Can you tell I'm still going to therapy? I'm seeing someone really good here. I know you get support when you go to meetings, but maybe you'd benefit from therapy. You see a lot of awful things in your job – maybe it would be helpful to go to someone to help you process it. I can almost see you rolling your eyes while you read this. Just think about it.

Love always,
Katie

XXX

Nov 28 2004

Danny,

That was the best Thanksgiving ever. I can't believe you were here. I just wish there was more time. I miss you already. Love always, Katie.

Nov 29, 2004

It was hard coming back to work today and it was torture going back to my empty apartment. I can't wait until you are back in it.

Viv asked me how my vacation was and what London was like. She kept asking me if I saw all the sights of London. I tried to be vague. I could hardly tell her that the most I saw of London was from the window of your bedroom. I'm not complaining. It's the only place I wanted to be, but it's kind of hard to explain that to Viv.

I haven't really told everyone about you and me. I mean I'm sure they know that we are together, but I don't like talking about it mostly because you're not here. I've never been one to talk much about my personal life here at work. It just brings up too many questions. I guess it's good that everyone else is like that as well. Although, like I told you this weekend, I'm still pretty sure there's something going on between Martin and Sam. I hope they both know what they are getting into. I want them both to be happy, but I can see this whole thing getting very complicated – especially if Jack finds out. He and Sam have always had a special connection.

For now, I'll keep my mouth shut. Although it's killing me not being able to tease the hell out of them.

Now all I look forward to is your visit in the spring. I can't wait to have you back. Love, D.

XXX

December 25, 2004

Danny,

Call me tonight when you get home from your brother's. I know we talked earlier, but I want to hear how it went. I wish I could have been there with you.

I talked to my dad today. I know he's done a lot of questionable things, but part of me really wants to forgive him. When I was a little girl, he was truly my hero. When we talked today, it felt like it did when I was younger. He's so proud of me for coming here, Danny. He'll be getting out around the same time when I get back to New York. He wants to see me when I get back. I'm conflicted about it, but I think I want to let all the anger and resentment go. The past is the past, right?

Merry Christmas. This will be the last one we spend apart. I love you.

Katie

December 25, 2004

Hey. I didn't get back until late, and I knew you were probably asleep so I didn't call. I went to a meeting after being at my brother's.

When I'm around my brother, I feel like I'm coming out of my skin. I don't know what to say to him. The funny thing is that he seems to be doing really well. He and Sylvia and Nicky are doing really well together. He has a good job. They look happy, but all I can think about is what is going to happen when he lets them down. I still have so much anger inside when I am around him. And I don't think I'll ever be able to trust him.

I actually admire you for being able to forgive your father so easily. Forgiveness and trust just don't come easy for me, I guess. Are you really sure you want to come back to me?

I call you tomorrow. Love, D

XXX

Feb 25, 2005

Danny,

Bad news. I have to cancel my trip to New York in March. I was going to call to tell you, but I haven't been able to stop crying since I heard. This sucks. I have to finish several requirements to finish the program, and I won't be able to complete them if I come home. I actually almost called my father to see if he would send his jet to get me for a quick weekend trip, but then I thought better of it. He'd want to see me if I did that, and all I want to do is see you. My heart is aching, Danny.

Feb 25, 2005

You're still coming home the first of May, right? That's just a couple of months, and then you'll be back for good. Just focus on that. I'm busy with a case right now, but I'll call you. Stay positive. We're almost there…and then we'll never be apart again. I love you. D.

XXX

April 2, 2005

Danny,

Less than a month, and then I'll be home. I'm counting the hours now. I've loved my time here and I've learned so much, but now I just want to be with you again.

I'm sure you heard about my mom. I guess she had the best insanity defense money can buy. She'll spend one year at Shady Meadows. I just hope she gets the help she needs. I'm hopeful that my dad and I can reconnect when I get back, but I'm not sure about my mom. We'll see.

How was Nicky's birthday?

Love always,
Katie

April 2, 2005

Nicky's a sweet kid. I enjoy seeing him and Sylvia is good, too. Just like at Christmas, Raffi seems to be doing really well. Sylvia is even pregnant. If things were bad, I don't think they'd be having another kid. So maybe I am being too skeptical. Maybe he has turned the corner. But it still doesn't feel right when I am around him. Of course, that could be because this is only the second time I've seen him in a year. I know I need to make more of an effort. Maybe when you get back, I'll bring you to meet them. Safety in numbers, right?

Less than a month? This is going to be the longest month of my life. Are you still thinking about moving in with your friend from Oxford? I want you with me, but I understand about wanting to date for a while. We've never really done that before, have we?

Talk to you soon. Love, D.

April 3, 2005

I'm glad you understand about not moving in. If you would've asked me to move in with you a year ago, I wouldn't have hesitated. My therapist thinks I need to experience a normal, dating relationship, but let's not kid ourselves. I fully intend on having plenty of sleepovers. My friend is getting a place by NYU. It's not far from you. We'll be like a normal, dating couple, at least for the time being.

672 hours until we are together again.

Love always,
Katie