John stood outside in the dark, with Mr. Richard, their latest number. The CEO's long stretched limousine was parked on the street. A light drizzle began to fall from the sky. "Again John, I thank you and your wife. It seems so insignificant, but I appreciate what you've done. I wouldn't have survived losing my daughter."

"We were happy to do it."

"No I mean it. I- I'd love to do something no matter the size, to show my appreciation."

John glanced at the tinted windows of the limo. He faced Mr. Richard again. "Anything?"

….

The door opened making Joss look up as John climbed in. He shut the door. Puzzled she asked, "Where's Richard?"

"His hotel room, meeting up with his daughter."

She frowned. "Why? I thought-"

"He wanted to do us a favor."

"John…" Puzzled, by his pleased face she watched as the limo went dark. A few minutes later John pressed a button and mellow lights came on casting a dim glow in the space. He then opened a small back that was sitting on one of the empty seats. A bag joss had been eyeing. He pulled out a box of chocolates from Richard's company. A special box that hadn't even been presented on the market.

"Sorry this isn't a candlelit dinner, but there's you, me and desert. A partial date night at most." Joss grinned as he slid the sweet into her mouth. "We have the limo and the chauffer at our disposal."

Swallowing Joss got comfortable. She slipped out of her blazer and shoes throwing her legs over John's lap. Ever since they married they tried to have one night a week that was all theirs. No work, no numbers, just them and pure romance. However, the past month conflicting schedules had prevented any romantic dinners or walks in the park.

"I've missed this."

"Me to. I'm sorry things have been so crazy." He ran a hand over her calve.

"It's not all on you. I haven't been available either. My cases have been hectic."

"It's fine."

"Is it?" She questioned as she returned the favor from earlier and slipped a piece of chocolate in his mouth. He looked at her questioningly. Joss lowered her lashes. "We've been married for a little while now. It's ok for you to say if you need something from me."

He directed his gaze to ahead. Reaching out Joss turned his face back. "I'm serious."

"Ok."

She smirked knowingly. "You say it's ok, but I know you. John you're the type who wouldn't say anything even if you did have an issue with me." She hesitated. "I take that back. The only topic that you would speak up on is my safety. Anything else," she shook her head. "You would never mention. You would think you had no right to complain. No right to ask for more because you're already getting more than you thought you ever would. More than what you deserve. And you would go along like everything is fine. When it's not."

He only grabbed another piece of chocolate.

Joss's lips titled upward. "John I know I'm right."

"I thought this was supposed to be our impromptu date right. Shouldn't this be the chance for me to tell you how beautiful you look, or just sit and stare in your eyes."

"Eventually. Date night is really meant to keep our flame alive."

John scoffed. "Trust me Joss. You're the only woman I want. That's not changing."

"I believe you. But that doesn't mean there will never be something I can do to make our marriage better." She sighed. The past few weeks of chaos, and their quick hi's and goodbyes had given Joss plenty of time to reflect. "I've been married before. I've seen what can happen when you stop being honest and open about your needs."

John's chest constructed. She was getting to him.

"I don't want anything to come between us. Anything that…can cause us to resent each other. Or make us forget that we love each other. Okay. I went first. I told you I want you to be more up front with me about what you need. Your turn. Shoot."

"That's all the forewarning I get?"

"That's right. Go."

He searched her eyes his hesitation more than obvious. With a hand he brushed the hair from her face nuzzling her neck. "Now I know there is something that you want to tell me. Nice try John. But you're answering my question." She covered his lips with a finger stopping him. Kissing the finger she held up, he leaned back. She wasn't backing down and he knew it. He became interested in the floor.

"I wish… you would lean on me more."

She remained quiet so he would continue. "I know there are times when you're having a bad day and you want to cry or you're scared, but you don't tell me. You'll be strong and ignore your pain. I want you to let me in all the way. Let me be strong for you. I want you even when you're weak."

He was right. She did hold back. More times than she cared to admit. She was trying, but there were times that she did cut him out. Brushing aside her feelings because she didn't want to have to lean on anyone but herself. "Why was it so hard for you to admit that? Even though it's true?"

"Because I know why you do it." He said guilty. "I could die at any moment. You don't want to get used to depending on me. You don't want to forget what it's like to be alone. You want to be prepared in case you lose me."

Again he was right. "Sometimes old habits die hard. I'll admit, holding on to some level of independence, responding to life at times the way I used to, before you came into my life, gives me a false confidence. Makes me believe that if I do lose you, I won't be destroyed. But John I do dangerous work too. HR was proof that you could lose me. However, in spite of that, you don't hold back from loving me. You let yourself fall more every day. I don't have any excuse not to do the same."

"What changed? Things were getting better. I felt that you were trying. And then about a month ago you started shutting down again."

Joss licked her lips. "The Murphy number."

John closed his eyes instantly understanding. "I'm sorry Joss. I swear to you; I'm being more careful. That's why I did what I did that day. I knew it was under control."

"Was it?"

"Yes. I was wearing a vest and Fusco was covering me from the roof."

Joss stared at him her brow pinching. "He was?"

"Yes. In case he got too close, Fusco was ready to take him down."

Joss was touched. The whole time she thought John had ran into a suicide mission, but he had taken a few extra minutes to consider her feelings and to be a little more cautious.

He cupped her cheeks. "I told you I'm being careful."

Leaning forward Joss gave him a long deep kiss. When she finally pulled away she rested her head against his. "See what happens when you're honest. I can reward you."

With a smirk he gave her a brief kiss, before pulling away. He placed the box of chocolates on the empty seat. "I wanted another one," Joss protested.

"It'll be there." His voice was low, his eyes looking deep into hers. Cradling her back and head John eased her down until her back was against the seat. He slid down beside her letting his arm drape over the side of her head, so he could look down at her as he brushed the hair from her face.

"What else John?"

"Else?"

"I know there is something else you want from me. Say it."

John wondered how she would react if he said what was truly on his mind. That he wanted to make a child with her. He loved Taylor like his own son, but Taylor's biological father was in the picture and he would never truly be his. He would never call him dad. And John had missed out on a life time of important events with Taylor. But with Taylor almost grown, would Joss want to star over?

He couldn't tell her. Not yet.

"John."

He caressed her cheek. "Maybe some other day. Let's take it one step at a time. I made one confession tonight. Can we work with that for now?"

Joss knew whatever he was holding back was important. She could tell by the look in his eyes. "Promise you'll tell me."

"Promise." He smothered any other words she would have said with a kiss.

….

Henry, the chauffer answered the ringing phone. "Yes sir?"

"How are our guests enjoying their time alone?"

Henry rolled down the partition that blocked the back of the limo. A smile creeped onto his face as he saw the man a woman wrapped in each other arms making out. He slipped the partition up. "Sir. They seem to be enjoying themselves immensely."

"Excellent. Please bring them back at their request."

"Yes sir." They disconnected. With his hands on the wheel Henry chuckled to himself. The image of John and Joss replaying in his mind.

I didn't anticipate the turns this one had. I originally meant for it to be just a fluffy one-shot of John and Joss getting an impromptu date, but when Joss started talking I just kept writing unsure of where it was going to go. It turned into them having the conversation and I decided to go with the change.