Disclaimer: Roses are red; some diamonds are blue; chivalry is dead; I own nothing don't sue

Suze was relieved to see that Paul was out of school the next day. A little scared. But relieved. After school she walked home. Not because she had to, but because cars weren't safe to be in at that moment.

She tried to stay focused on the sidewalk but her mind kept drifting. What the hell was Paul cooking up in his twisted little brain. He wouldn't do anything that bad right?

Suze shook her head remembering she was talking about Paul. Paul would murder someone who stepped on his favorite pencil. There was just no underestimating true crazy.

Suze was almost home when a strong arm reached out and grabbed her. She found herself backed against a wall with a piece of wet cloth over her face. The only thing she could think of was Jesse.

When she woke up, Suze was tied to a chair in a Paul's room. Paul was staring at her.

"Let me go Paul," she said, struggling under the rope. "I mean it!"

"You can't do anything to make me," he said with a crooked smile. "Jesse isn't coming. You knew that."

Suze sighed, thinking of Jesse ignoring this, ignoring her at this time, there was no way he would.

"Now," Paul stood up. "I am going to untie you, and then you are going to get on my bed and sit like a good little girl okay?"

"Let me go," her heart raced so fast she could barely speak. "I don't want to be anywhere near you, Slater!"

"You are so much trouble," Paul scoffed and pulled a knife off his desk, now are you going to get on the bed?"

"You sick son of a…" Suze started but stopped herself. She could call Jesse, she knew she could, and she knew he'd come.

"Jesse," she whispered. "Jesse help me."

"No use in that now," walked over to her. "So, how about a kiss?"

The ropes around her arms loosened and Suze smiled, Jesse came after all.

"Or," she said balling up a fist behind her back. "How about a punch."

Suze leaned forward and slugged him in the nose. Paul backed away a little, no so much hurt physically, as it was a blow to his pride.

"Susannah hurry," Jesse appeared in front of her. "Before he can catch you."

They got back as safe as possible. Paul had stopped after the punch but she never doubted he was just taking time to plot his next attempt.

"Are you okay?" Jesse asked, as he looked her straight in the eyes. "Did he hurt you?"

"No," she breathed. "Not really. He drugged me though, that was new."

"This is no time to make jokes," Jesse held her shoulders. "Paul Slater is a dangerous man."

"He definitely needs help on "how to get a girlfriend" that's for sure" Suze smiled a little but then went serious. "I knew you'd come and that made me feel safe. I'm not scared of him when you're with me."

"I'll always be there," he whispered. "Susannah I will always be with you. Don't worry, I'll keep you safe."

And Suze felt safe, like she knew he really would be there. No matter what. The sat on the window seat and kissed for a few minutes before Jesse left again. But this time, she felt a little better, knowing that he wasn't really gone. He never would be gone.

Authors note- okay, this is probably it for this story, but with all the great support, I'll definitely be doing more Mediator fics.