I know it's been a while, I've been really busy and although I've had many ideas I haven't sat down to complete anything. I finally got one done. Thanks again for all the reviews

The tires rolling against the crushing snow gave one final protest before the jerking and sliding game to a stop. John's body lurched to one side falling against the arm rest, while Joss barely kept her head from slamming against the window from the impact.

Pausing for a moment, John took a breath and pushed his body upward. He sought Joss's hand with his, ignoring the discomfort the action caused his arm. "Babe, you okay?"

Joss lay a hand to her head willing the spinning in her brain to stop.

"Babe," John called again, panic rising in his voice.

"I'm fine," she rushed to assure prying her eyes open. "What about you? How's your arm?"

His attempt at a shrug caused a wince. "It's just a flesh wound."

Joss pursed her lip in doubt, but seeing he hadn't bled through his coat she considered he might be right. "You should've let me drive."

"I'm fine."

"I can't believe it. It wasn't enough for the guy to take a shot you, he had to run us off the road."

"You have your phone?"

"Why?" Joss questioned even as she grabbed the device.

"To call Finch."

"What happened to your phone?"

"I lost it in the fight."

"Well be careful. My battery's low. I want there to be enough power for Finch to track us."

"Finch."

"Mr. Reese." Finch let out a breath. "Is everything alright. Is the detective with you?"

"Yes Finch. We're fine. Within reason."

"Explain."

"The car's in a ditch, it won't start, we're down a phone, and the one we've got has a low battery."

It didn't escape Joss's notice that John omitted the small detail of his injury.

"Are you in further danger of an attack?"

"No. Our number got what he wanted. Us out of the way."

"Excellent. Be patient, I will send Detective Fusco and Ms. Shaw to your aid. Hold tight."

Disconnecting John handed the phone back to Joss. A comfortable silence settled over the vehicle as they watched the snow continue to fall against the windshield.

"It's getting cold already." Joss mumbled running a hand over her arm. "I have a blanket in the trunk. I'm going to go get it."

"I'll get it for you."

She scoffed in response. "Uh no you won't. You've been shot, drove with a bad arm, and we just crashed into a ditch. I can handle walking through a few feet of snow for a blanket. Be back."

Biting back his protest, John let her go, counting the seconds until she returned.

When the door opened again, she shivered as she slipped back into her seat, eyes stinging from the icy wind. "Burr. I hope Finch gets here soon. Here take some." She didn't want for a response as she spread the blanket over their bodies.

John gave the blanket a curious look. "How'd a blanket get in the trunk?"

"Huh. How soon they forget. You have to remember. I'm in full mommy mode now. I've got everything in that trunk besides extra arsenal. Blankets, pull ups, snacks. Flashlight, Band-Aids… I can't risk getting stranded somewhere with my babies without being properly prepared."

A corner of John's mouth lifted, but flattened just as quickly. "Kids. Babe what time is it?"

The alarm in his voice hooked her attention. "Why?"

John groaned slamming his fist against the steering wheel. "I promised I'd call them tonight. I need your phone again."

Her arched brow, arched higher. "Wha- did you forget that my phone is almost dead?" With his good arm he reached over, searching her pockets for the phone. "John-"

"I promised." He settled back into his seat, holding his prize.

"They're kids. Toddlers. I think they'll forgive you for one unintentionally broken promise. Keeping that promise just might kill us if that phone goes dead and Finch can't track us."

"All the more reason to call. If we do die, they'll remember us keeping a promise."

"I think they'd prefer we just come home alive." Joss grumbled to the window.

Wincing, John lifted his bad arm to gently place his hand over hers, beneath the blanket. "We'll be fine."

Once the phone started ringing he pushed the speaker button, waiting until he heard Taylor's voice on the other end.

"Hello?"

"Taylor."

"Hold on one second."

The speaker crackled and popped as Taylor shuffled around. When he returned he was slightly breathless. "Here they are. Guys guess who it is."

"Hi Tommy and AJ."

"It's Daddy!" High shrieked squeals pierced the small space of the car, forcing Joss to plug one ear, but didn't stop a smile from spreading across her face.

"Hi boys."

"Daddy, it snow."

"I know Tommy. I saw the snow too."

"Where's Mommy?"

"Mommy's right here AJ."

The phone was turned Joss's way. "Hi baby," she greeted and she could practically see the grin on his face.

"Mommy!"

"Hi," Tommy interjected loudly.

"You boys being good for your brother?" Joss questioned a touch of warning in her tone.

"Yes." They answered sweetly.

John tilted the phone back his way. "What are you boys doing?"

AJ answered. "We watch Ba'man."

"The cartoon version I hope."

"No worries Mom. Taylor's theater only shows G-Rated films."

"Thank you."

"Listen boys Mommy and I have to go. Be good for your brother. We love you."

"Say love you to Mommy and Daddy," Taylor prompted.

"Love you!"

"So when you guys gonna be home?" Taylor's voice lowered, and the kids could now be heard playing in the background.

John and Joss shared a look before Joss answered. "As soon as we can."

"Hey Taylor thanks again for watching the boys. I owe you."

"It's no prob. I love hangin' with them anyway. Are you sure you guys are ok?"

"Yes. We're just waiting on Finch. We had a few delays."

"Hmm. Yeah, John I know what that means."

"Taylor baby don't worry about us we'll be fine. But if you need anything call your grandma. Or if you must, call your dad."

Taylor snickered. "Uh did you forget Mom, my dad's with you."

Joss blinked, her brain slowly making sense of her son's words. Her gazed locked suddenly on John. He stared hard into the phone, as if he could conjure up an image of the teen through his stare. She could see the doubt, the unbelief and other unnamed emotions fighting for dominance in his eyes.

Joss' eyes stung and this time it was not caused by the cold. She knew Taylor would never comprehend what those words meant to John.

"I was referring to your other father. The one who gave you your last name."

"Oh!" Taylor replied intentionally playing dumb. "Mom you should be more specific. You really can confuse a kid."

"You're right. I'm sorry."

"See you guys soon. Love you."

"Love you too," they said together.

The phone beeped, signaling Taylor had hung up, leaving them again in silence.

"Did you put him up to that?" John questioned on a whisper.

Joss scoffed. "What do you think? I know my son. He meant that. You're a good father John. To all of them. You're just going to have to accept it."

With his gaze fixed on the falling snow, John rested his head against the seat. "I just wish…I could give them more."

Braving the chill, Joss's hand reached out to caress the edges of John's hair. "You've given them plenty," she assured softly. "You keep your promises, no matter how small. To kids that means everything." Her shoulders lifted in a sigh. "You were right to call them." Her hand returned under the blanket to hold his.

"So are you saying to be a good father, all I have to do is keep my promises?"

"I'm saying that's what they'll remember. And believe they will remember."

Slowly he nodded before squeezing her hand.