I Would Do Anything For You

by tj12398

How far would you go in the name of love?

34. Chapter 34

AN: So, I got a little flashback happy again and before I knew it I was at almost 30 pages and had yet to hit all the scenes I originally planned for this chapter. I'll never wrap this story up at this rate, but I'm having fun so who cares I guess! Extended – more adult – chapter in the outtakes version.

Jonny tensed the arm he had wrapped around her midsection. Again. And then he kissed her hair. Again. Burying his head in the comforting smell and thanking God she was with him.

'How does she still smell so good?' he wondered fleetingly.

"I'm not gonna fall off the couch," she whispered. "Promise." Her head was nestled in the nook between his neck and shoulder. She had noticed that his arm would tense suddenly each time his body started to relax a little. She wanted to let him sleep, but she wanted to stay with him more.

"I just want you close," he responded lightly.

Her lips found his bare skin and she released a happy sigh at that. "I can't get any closer," she told him.

Jonny closed his eyes and enjoyed the way her warm breath felt. They were still cuddled close on the couch. The blanket lifted over their heads like it shielded them from the rest of the world. Waiting until Race or the nurses made them move.

Jonny tensed his arm again and then awkwardly rolled onto his back. Pulling her on top of him as he shifted. "You were saying?" he asked as he relaxed into the cushions. The couch felt like heaven to him right then.

"Shut up," she giggled as she settled. Into the nook between his neck and shoulder and the couch and him. She felt safe and warm and she wanted to drift off too. "Go to sleep, Hotshot. You need it."

"In my defense, I was asleep before you came over here," he shot back tiredly.

"Hmm," she acknowledged, rubbing his chest.

Jonny rubbed her back in kind. "You okay?"

"I am. I promise that too." She felt him relax more.

"Comfortable?" he asked. "I can take you back to bed. Your hip…"

"Stop," she interrupted, trailing her hand from his chest to the side of his face and forcing him to look at her. "Can I stay?"

He stared at her for a long moment. A familiar conflict bubbling up. Wanting to keep her selfishly close, but hesitant to do so with her father nearby. Especially without the safety net of IRIS. For Jonny, it was more about respect than fear. Fear used to outweigh respect, but that slowly changed over time. And now he felt like things were changing again. He tensed both arms this time. He took a deep breath and swallowed heavily. Deciding.

'She's mine to protect too,' he thought. It had never felt so real.

Jessie closed her eyes and nudged his nose with hers. "What is it, baby?"

"Say it again?" he asked. Still needing assurances. Wanting to confirm it was real. That she felt it too. That he had not dreamed it.

"Say what?" she feigned. Shifting her hand from his face to an open palm around his neck. Massaging.

"That feels good," he sighed. Pressing a kiss to her forehead.

"You deserve more than this." She felt him take another deep breath and then he spoke as quietly as she had ever heard. An anomaly for her loud-mouthed boyfriend.

"You're in my arms again, beautiful. That's all I need right now."

She smiled to herself. Knowing that he meant it. Deciding to give him what he wanted. Deciding she would say it as many times as he needed to hear it. Until she completely erased the doubt she had created. "I didn't say it in the moment, Jonny. And it wasn't a rash decision. I thought about it for months before I pulled the trigger. I didn't bring it up sooner because it wouldn't…," she paused to collect her thoughts. "I KNEW you'd be on board with the idea, but I couldn't get your hopes up until I was solid. I couldn't risk hurting you more than I already had," she stopped again. "I'm sorry I hurt you. That wasn't my intention. But I did and I've never really apologized. I've just tried to make you understand why I did it. I hate that I hurt you and I'm SO sorry."

"Jess," he tried to interrupt, but she would not let him.

"Let me get this out…," she swallowed hard. "The whole thing feels stupid and pointless now. I was miserable. You were miserable. I wasted all this energy making sure that I'd be okay being miserable when I should've focused my energy on making sure that I wasn't. Making sure that we get to be together," she sighed. "I'm transferring for you," she said firmly. "To be WITH you. I won't jeopardize my education or the plans I've always had for my future, but I CAN'T be apart from you. So, I found a way to make both work. I need both to be happy."

"I love you so much," he whispered.

"You're my penguin," she mumbled.

He grinned. "I can't be apart from you either." She tried to nuzzle closer and he rubbed his hand up and down her arm in response, pushing down the anger that surfaced when he felt the evidence of Clay on her skin. Her happy sigh brought him back.

"Hey?" she prompted and waited for him to look at her. "Where did you go?"

"Where could I go?" he shrugged. "You're literally on top of me and that's not a complaint," he clarified by tightening his arms again.

"You do realize that you're trying to deflect the queen of deflectors?" she challenged. "Right?" She could see that he was smiling and knew the exact charming expression he had on his face even though she could not see it clearly.

"You do realize how much I love a good underdog story," he chuckled. "Right?"

"Quest," she warned, but there was no bite behind it. She began massaging his neck again. Trying to relax him. "Don't think about him," she said barely above a whisper. "He's not worth it. He doesn't deserve the power…" she trailed off.

"I was thinking about you," he jumped in quickly.

"No. You were thinking about what he did to me," she called him out.

"Guilty." There was no point in lying. He took a deep breath. "But then I thought about just you and how it won't be much longer until I get to see this face every single day again."

"You won't have to wait at all if you'd agree to FaceTime more," she shot back dryly.

Jonny wrapped his hand around her face. "Can't do this through the phone."

"You win," she conceded lightly.

He stared at her for a while after that. Intermittingly playing with her hair and caressing her cheek. She closed her eyes with another happy sigh.

"Babe?"

"Hmm?" she opened her eyes.

"I would've transferred if you hadn't," he admitted.

"I know…so I did it first," she told him simply.

"I know," he swallowed hard, putting two fingers under her chin. He tipped her head up and pressed his lips to hers hurriedly. Messily and desperately. She made a soft noise, which made him grip the back of her head and press her face more firmly into his. He was breathing deeply through his nose as he kissed her.

After a minute of getting lost in it, Jessie wrapped her hand around his face and pushed gently until he pulled back. Only enough so that their lips were not touching. For a split second, he was afraid he had frightened her and was ready to berate himself for not thinking before acting. But then she leaned into him and took control. Kissing him passionately. Biting his bottom lip and slipping her tongue into his mouth like they were alone.

Jonny did not want it to end and that was his cue. He pulled back this time. Swallowing thickly and then turning his head away from her face. "I need to stop," he breathed heavily. Freeing their heads from the blanket to get more air and nervously glancing in Race's direction.

"Why?" she protested, but knew she was being unreasonable.

He chuckled, which helped him calm down. "You know why, baby. But I'll happily state the obvious. I want you," he whispered. "I always want you. Even when I shouldn't."

"Why shouldn't you," she challenged. Running her fingertips across his jawline lightly.

"Jess," Jonny warned, closing his eyes. Conflicted now for a different reason. Part of him wanted to pick up exactly where they left off before she was taken. Times ten. Live for the stolen moments they shared behind closed doors. Ditch all the pain and the bad memories by losing themselves in each other and pretending it never happened. He knew her well enough to know she would take that route if he let her. Another part of him thought they should take a beat on the physical and deal with the mental first. He knew her well enough to know she would fucking hate that idea. Which was right? Standing firm even if she fought him or following her lead?

"What are you thinking about?" she asked. She had felt his heart start to race.

He turned his head back and stared into her eyes. He could not see the green in the dark, but he could see the worry.

"Jonny?" she pushed.

"I want to do this right. I want to be strong for you. I don't want to second guess my every action. I just want to KNOW what the right thing is, but I'm afraid that I'll mess it up," he answered honestly.

"Mess what up?" she asked. Not fully following his train of thought

"Taking care of you," he clarified. "Helping you through it."

She sighed sadly. "I don't want this to be a defining moment in time for us," she said. "I don't want things to be measured by before it happened and after it happened. I'm really gonna need your help with that," she gripped his t-shirt to make her point. "Please, love? Trust your first instinct and know that I do too. Don't let him be the undercurrent of every conversation and every reaction you have toward me," her voice wavered. "Please," she pushed when he did not respond immediately.

"Alright," he promised. "I mean…you need to give me a day or two to acclimate," he huffed. "I can't…just let it go. Could you? If someone hurt me?"

"No," she whispered. Not liking the hypothetical.

"But I do get your point and I'll try," he promised.

"Thank you."

"You can't pretend it didn't happen," he added quickly. "That won't work either."

Jessie sighed again. "I don't think I could if I tried," she admitted. "Even I'm not that stubborn. So, what do you propose?"

"I don't know," he swallowed. "That's why I'm afraid."

"I trust you," she said confidently. "I trust you."

That made him smile. "I love you, Bannon."

"I wish we were...anywhere else," she then told him.

Jonny smiled again. More than anything, he wanted to keep being her safe place. That was most important. So, he played along.

"Want me to break you out?" he teased.

"I'd say yes if I thought you were even half serious," she replied dryly and rolled her eyes. "But I assume you want me to stay?"

"I AM ridiculous for wanting you to follow doctor's orders," he said sarcastically.

She kissed him quick. "You are and I love you for it, Quest."

"Where do you wish we were?" he asked. Intent on taking her wherever she said at the first opportunity.

"Hmm," she thought for a few moments. "Your room at the Compound." That made him laugh. "Why's that funny?" she wanted to know.

"I was planning to whisk you away somewhere once things settle," he admitted. "I thought you'd say something like Fiji."

"That sounds nice too," she admitted. "But I'd be perfectly happy at home with you. In bed."

He kissed her. "I can't wait to take you home."

"For now, can I stay here?" she then asked again. Sensing his hesitation from before.

"Yes," he said softly. Kissing her one more time before closing his eyes intent on sleeping. "I don't have the willpower to let you go, right now."

She relaxed fully and closed her eyes too. "Jonny?" she mumbled after a minute. Half-asleep already.

"Hmm?"

"Take me to Fiji too?" she posed.

He grinned. "Anywhere you want, baby. I promise."

XXX

"Take me home," she whispered in his ear and then took his earlobe between her teeth roughly. His adrenaline kicked in and he immediately took stock of his surroundings. All their friends were close by, but still engrossed in the movie. Mostly, he became hyperaware of her.

Jonny had gotten up to get a drink and Jessie surprised him with the embrace before he could make it back to the couch. She was on her tiptoes and her mouth was still torturing his ear. He liked it when she wore flats and had to reach for him. Her hands were resting lightly on his sides. Her fingers grazing his ribs. He could feel the heat of her body, but no other part of her was touching him yet. He wanted to change that. But could not resist giving her a hard time.

He wrapped his arms around her waist lazily and opened his soda behind her back. "I want to see this movie, Jess."

"More than you want to see me naked?" she shot back confidently.

"You make a compelling argument," he grinned. "But this movie did get great reviews." She released his ear and he felt her jaw clench. He barely held in a laugh.

She shifted back and wrapped her arms around his neck. Staring him down. He stared back and tried to keep a straight face. She raised an eyebrow and her eyes leveled him. "More than you want to try a new position?" she whispered.

"Let's go," he responded immediately. Heading straight for the door without saying goodbye or even waiting to see if she followed. His heart and his mind raced as he walked to the car and contemplated her words. What he wanted to do to her. It was about a minute before she joined him, so his mind quieted a bit by the time she buckled in.

"Babe," she laughed. "You just walked out. I told them you weren't feeling well."

"Don't care," Jonny shrugged and started the car. By his estimation that was all her fault. He settled into the driver's seat once they reached a main road. One hand on the wheel and the other on her upper thigh. He loved his life and she was ninety nine percent of the reason why right then. He could feel her eyes on him as he drove, and he cursed the ten minute wait he had ahead of him. He was seriously considering pulling over when she interrupted his thoughts.

"Why are you being so quiet?" she asked, placing her hand over his on her thigh.

"I'm not. Just thinking," he answered honestly.

"About?"

He gave her a quick look like she was crazy and then focused back on the road. "What the fuck do you think?" he laughed. "It's a miracle that I'm not breaking forty traffic laws right now!"

"Oh," she giggled. "So…what do you want to try?" she prompted excitedly.

"I…we should…uhh…what do you want to try?" he stuttered awkwardly. Unsure of what to say. Jonny wanted to try everything. But it had only been a few months and he was still trying to figure out boundaries. He worried a lot about making sure she felt safe and comfortable with him. He took meticulous mental notes when they were together. What she seemed to like, seemed to love and what did not seem to rate at all. She was his favorite subject.

Jessie squeezed his hand. "I asked you first, baby."

Jonny wished he knew if she was serious or messing with him. "I think we should…I want…," he trailed off again. Annoyed with himself. "Fuck…I should be smoother about this…sorry," he slipped his hand from under hers and gripped the steering wheel tight. "We've made a very adult decision to be together. Commit to each other like this…and I should be able to talk about it. I'm just…"

Jessie lurched forward, grabbing his hand again and pulling it into her lap. She massaged it lightly with both of hers. "I'm glad you're not totally smooth about this yet," she told him quietly.

"Really?" he scoffed.

"Yes," she smiled softly. "I'm enjoying it while it lasts."

"You ENJOY it when I'm bumbling and awkward?" he shot back.

"While it lasts," her smile grew. "Because it won't last long. You're one of the most confident people I know. As it is, you're only bumbling and awkward when you're thinking about it too hard. And you only think about it hard because you worry more about my experience than your own," she rattled off objectively. The way she did when she presented an hypothesis to his father. Clear, concise and accurate. Almost annoyingly so.

He grimaced slightly as he absorbed her words.

"And you have NO idea how hot that is. Do you?" she shook her head and pressed her thumb into his palm. He turned and raised an eyebrow briefly. "Trust me…when you shut your brain up and just let instinct take over, there's nothing bumbling or awkward about you, Hotshot."

Jonny grinned broadly, but stayed quiet.

"When I have Sunday brunch with my friends," she continued. "I sometimes make things up about you. Things that annoy me. Those brunches are nothing but boyfriend bashes now. That's why I don't go as often," she admitted.

"Why would you have to make anything up?" he teased. "I do plenty to annoy you for real."

She laughed. "It's all about perspective I guess. When I hear the things they complain about, my first reaction is always 'why are you with men that you don't seem to even like half the time?' I keep that thought to myself though. Don't think it'd be helpful to point out."

"Probably true," he agreed.

"Eventually, they turn to me and I'm like a deer in the headlights. Because they make me realize that MOST of the things I get annoyed about I should actually feel lucky for," she told him softly. "And I do."

"I think you should attend these brunches regularly and skype into them when you're in Boston," he shot back.

"Haha."

"So why do you still get annoyed with me?" he then challenged logically.

"Because I can sometimes be too stubborn and independent for my own good," she offered. "SOMETIMES," she yelled.

"Can I get that in writing?" he mumbled.

"No fucking way," she smiled.

"Why do you make shit up though?" he pushed. Not angry. Only curious. "Just make the subject of us off limits," he said. Like it was easy. "Took a while, but my friends eventually backed off."

Jessie shrugged. "I decided it was the lesser evil somewhere along the way. Female friendships are more complex, babe."

"Fair enough."

"If I throw something innocuous out there, I'm just part of the conversation. I'm sure it's all forgotten before the next week. If I say nothing, they'd just push until I caved on something and then zero in on it and never let it go. Or worse…start guessing and making their own shit up. And I can't have the truth getting out…obviously."

He huffed. "Why is that obvious? Seems like you're making things harder than they need to be."

"It's a necessary strategy," she clarified.

His brow jumped in surprise. "A necessary strategy? These are your friends, correct?" He snuck a peek at her face and recognized the patient smile she was giving him.

"Baby, I know you hate it when I call you adorable, but you ARE adorably clueless about this...I'm not worried about my friends doing anything. But I do worry about what gets repeated to the bold bitches in your fan club. You know, the ones that conveniently forget I exist," she spat. "Even when I'm standing right next to you. And I know I don't have anything to worry about," she added before he could. "I trust you. It's them I don't trust."

Jonny pursed his lips and thought about it. "You're trying to sour the product? The classic strategies never die I suppose."

"No!" she exclaimed and then deflated. "Well…I suppose it could be construed that way. But that's not the way I was thinking about it."

"Hey…whatever works, babe. I trust you, but I wouldn't mind being let in on your thought process since it does impact me," he laughed.

"Pretty simple," she shrugged. "They want you, but they don't really know why. If they actually knew what they were missing out on…" she said gently and let the statement hang between them. He could feel her staring again.

He liked this conversation. "So…you're saying that I'm amazing in bed," he inferred. "Thank you."

She snorted. "Can we get an instant replay on that? Pretty sure that's not what I said," she teased.

"I was reading between the lines, baby. Necessary skill when you're madly in love with someone that doesn't always say how she feels."

"Touché. But…yes. I think you're amazing. My conscientious little student. You'd probably make a better mechanical engineer than me."

"Huh?" he looked at her.

She rolled her eyes. "You have a ridiculous natural talent for breaking things down, figuring out exactly how they work and then making them work better."

His grin grew wider. "I LOVE this conversation. And I think you're amazing in bed too, babe. I want to spend at least the next thirty seven percent of my life in bed with you."

"You're so weird," she laughed, leaning over and biting his ear again. "I wouldn't be opposed to breaking a few traffic laws with you…"

"Devil in disguise," he mumbled happily.

She rested her head on his shoulder instead. "Trust your instincts, Jonny. And trust me to be honest about my feelings when it counts?"

"Or you could be honest about your feelings all the time?" he suggested lightly.

"Baby steps," she shot back. "Fate had me fall in love with a patient man for a reason. Don't you think?"

"If you say so."

The car was quiet for a while. He drove and she kept her head on his shoulder. He heard a short intake of breath when he parked the car in the garage and turned it off. The next thing he knew, she was straddling him and pushing her hips against him. He moaned. Already hard from the anticipation built up during the short drive home. She drowned his reaction with an intense kiss that made him lose focus and drop his keys. When she pulled back breathless, he gripped her waist with both hands. Encouraging her every move. Losing himself in her eyes.

He wanted to recline his seat and take her right there. From the way she was looking at him, he did not think she would object.

"You make me feel beautiful every time I take my clothes off," she whispered honestly. "Why do you think I do it so much?" she closed her eyes. "You want me in the car?" she asked a moment later.

He smiled and focused on her face. "I can deal with baby steps," he panted. 'Not the car,' he thought.

He pulled her lips back to his and locked his right arm tight around her waist. Then he unbuckled his seat belt and opened the car door. She released a carefree laugh against his lips when he struggled getting out of the car without breaking the kiss.

Once out, Jonny slammed the door shut and then pressed her into the closest wall. Latching on to her neck and kissing up to her ear. "What's funny?" he asked. He leaned his forehead against hers. Catching his breath while he waited for an answer. Effectively pinning her down with his hips and his stare, while her hands made a mess of his hair.

"Seems like you're making things harder than they need to be," she used his words against him.

Jonny reached up and gently yanked a hand from his hair. He brought it down between them until she could feel what she did to him. He watched her breath hitch and her eyes glaze. He tilted his head and gave her a cocky grin. "You sure harder isn't better?" he taunted. "I've always thought the harder you work, the…"

She cut him off with a searing kiss. He released her hand and pushed off the wall. Walking blindly toward the exit. The garage door led into the kitchen. He was out of breath again when she came up for air. He sat her down hard on the island in the middle of the room and then pulled her to the edge so they were closer. Her arms and legs wrapped tighter around him.

He wanted to pull her off the island and bend her over it.

"Want me on the island?" she whispered against his lips.

He pulled her off it and carried her out of the room instead. "IRIS," he boomed as he started to climb the stairs. "Alert when any perimeter entrance is opened. I don't want to be interrupted otherwise."

"I want you so bad," she cried out. "Right now."

'Fuck.'

He dropped her down onto the steps at that and hovered over her. Her hair was fanned out across the carpet and her hands went right for his belt. Unbuckling. Then unbuttoning and unzippering is jeans hastily. He watched her hands at work and then lifted his head and stared down the dark hallway.

He wanted her right there. Out in the open. He wanted to think about it every day when he climbed the stairs.

"Jessie," he groaned and buried his head in her neck. Her hands slipped into his boxers and stroked him. He froze atop her and enjoyed it for a few seconds. It was rare that he was even partially undressed before her.

"Inside me," she mummered in his ear. "Baby?"

He lifted her into his arms again and walked quickly down the hall. Instead of making a left into his room, as usual, he made a right into hers. He kicked the door shut and removed her flats and socks before depositing her on the floor.

She watched him with big eyes and a heaving chest as he removed his own shoes and socks. He squared his shoulders with hers and stared deep into her searching eyes. He knew she was trying to figure out what he would do next. His hands went to his belt and her eyes followed. He pulled it from the loops and dropped it to the ground. He decided to keep going, reaching behind his head and pulling at the collar of his shirt until that was on the ground too. Then he pushed at his jeans until he was able to kick them off. Her mouth popped open slightly and she held her breath when his hands went to his boxers. Like she had never seen him before.

'At least I'm not the only one,' he thought happily.

He stood in front of her. Confidently naked and knowing exactly what he wanted. He reached down and stroked himself once before reaching for her. Her reaction to that was priceless. She was definitely surprised, but he could not tell if she liked it. He would have to put that one in the try again later bucket.

He rested his hands on her waist gently and leaned down for a kiss. She lifted onto her toes and met him halfway, wrapping her arms around his neck and keeping his forehead to hers when he ended the kiss.

"What do you want?" she asked.

"Do you want me to tell you?" He kissed her again. "Or show you?"

"Show," she chose without hesitation.

XXX

"So, what lies are you telling about me?" Jonny asked lightly, tightening his arms around her. They were curled up under a light fleece blanket on her window seat. She was between his legs and pressed tightly against his chest. Keeping him warmer than the blanket. He had refused to let her redress after they cleaned up. She rolled her eyes at him, but gave in.

"Huh?" she asked softly.

"To your friends," he clarified. "I want to know."

"Oh," she laughed. "Mostly that you're incredibly stubborn and always have to be right. It's SO annoying."

He laughed. "What the actual fuck…your friends have met you, babe. You should've picked something more believable."

"You ARE," she argued. Elbowing him playfully.

"Yeah…. but come on. What else?"

"I can't think of anything else, right now."

"I can take it," he pushed.

"I think you're wonderful," she whispered. "And I know I'm lucky, Jonny."

"We're lucky," he corrected, kissing her hair. "But I still want to know," he said after a long pause.

She laughed. "Ask me during our next argument," she teased.

"I think I'll quit while I'm ahead."

"Smart man," she said quietly.

Jonny kissed the side of her head again, thinking she sounded very tired suddenly. But he reconsidered when he noticed her clenched jaw. "What's wrong?" he asked.

"Just tired," she sighed.

"I know when YOUR thinking too hard too," he whispered. "You have a tell, babe."

She was quiet for a while and he waited. Deciding how hard he wanted to push.

"I got into Harvard," she interrupted the quiet. Like it was news to him.

Jonny furrowed his brow in confusion. "I was there when you opened the letter, love. I remember giving a very nice speech at your celebration dinner and I definitely remember you sneaking into my room later that night to thank me for said speech," he hugged her closer. Remembering some more. He had woken up to her mouth on him. He asked her what was going on a few times, but she shut him up with her tongue so he laid back and enjoyed. She had crawled up him as soon as he finished, before he could even open his eyes, and whispered 'I loved your speech, baby.' Then she left without another word. If it had not been for the little smirk she gave him the next morning, he would have chalked it up to a dream. "I'll make a speech daily if that's my reward," he finished. "Just FYI."

"Overly obsessed with blow jobs," she elbowed him again. "Another brunch grievance. I'll add it to my list."

"Ha," Jonny huffed. "That's information you want to actively promote?"

"Ugh," she sighed. "I suppose that may backfire on me."

"Didn't mean to go down that rabbit hole," he redirected. "Sorry. Where were you going before?"

"I got the letter a week ago," she swallowed. "We haven't talked about it since…" she paused.

"We've been talking about it for a year, Jess. What's going on?" he asked.

"Do you remember the day your dad threw that big benefit here?" she started. "Last summer?"

"Of course," he grinned. "But I remember it as the day you told me you were ready to be with me."

That made her smile. "I told you how nervous I was about getting even closer to you and then being separated for school…you made me feel better. But now…"

"It's actually real," he completed her thought.

She tightened her arms around him this time. "I'm starting to feel…"

"FRONT GATE IS OPEN," IRIS alerted.

"Fuck," Jonny sighed. "I have to go."

"Go. I'm fine." She leaned forward so he could slip out from behind her.

"IRIS," Jonny called out. "Reset original security parameters." Out of the corner of his eye, he saw her stand and wrap the blanket around herself like a towel as he redressed hurriedly.

She came to stand in front of him by the time he was putting his shirt back on. He pulled her close and kissed her firmly without warning. He did not want to leave.

She ended the kiss, but did not give him much space in the process. "You need to go," she said against his lips and then gave him another peck.

"I do," he agreed, but kissed her again instead of leaving.

"I'm fine," she promised. "Let's forget it?"

"Girl, I'll never forget the first time you let me take you from behind," he declared brashly.

She leaned back in surprise and her eyes jumped. "Your mouth," she scolded, placing both hands over it to silence him. She pushed him backwards toward her door. So fast that he had to reach back blindly to open it before she slammed him into it. She rushed him into the hallway and then leaned against her doorframe. Scowling at him in mock disapproval with her arms crossed over her chest. "You know that's not what I meant, Jonny."

He spread his arms wide in surrender. "Baby," he grinned. "Forgive me?"

She dropped the blanket a few inches to flash him and then quickly stepped back into her room and shut the door.

"I love you," he said loudly.

"I love you too," she yelled through the door.

Jonny strode into his room with a smile on his face. She made him so happy. He froze when he reached his bed and stared at his own empty window seat. His smile faded slowly. He already missed her.

XXX

Race brushed aside the nervous energy he felt as he climbed the stairs to the second floor of the Compound. An energy that had been present ever since Hadji left for school a few months ago and Race was forced to wonder what Jonny and Jessie did when no one else was home. He knew he could solve that mystery easily if he put his mind to it, but he chose to trust them instead.

That said, his nightly bed checks were now more than just a security measure. He saw that her door was closed and Jonny's was opened as he walked down the hallway. So, he walked into Jonny's room and found him laid out on his window seat. Staring out intently.

"What are you looking at?" Race asked.

"Jesus," Jonny jumped in surprise. Shifting into a sitting position. "You startled me."

"Sorry," Race shrugged. Sitting on his bed. "Your door is open."

Jonny ran a hand over his face and shook his head. "Mind was just wandering," he admitted.

"Jess sleeping?" Race asked.

"Maybe," Jonny offered blandly. "She's in her room."

"I thought you two were going to Mary's tonight?" Race interrogated.

"We did," Jonny answered. "Only stayed for the first movie though."

"You two get in a fight?" Race asked outright. Jonny seemed off.

"Not yet," he hedged.

"That's cryptic," Race pushed.

Jonny sighed. "We started a conversation about next year."

"And?"

"She got weird about it," Jonny swallowed. "And then the conversation was shut down. Whatever. I'm probably overthinking it."

"Probably," Race agreed. "Want to talk about it?"

"Not really," Jonny told him. "She's leaving without me. Nothing changes that."

"You control how you respond to all of it," Race advised.

"I know," Jonny closed his eyes. "I don't wanna lose her," he then added quietly.

Race stood. "So don't."

Jonny laughed. "Phenomenal fucking advice as always," he said dryly.

"Watch your fucking mouth," Race shot back. "My POINT is that you control more of your own destiny than you realize. Don't be a victim of circumstance. You're better than that."

Jonny nodded his understanding with a determined look in his eyes.

Race was perched on the edge of the couch. Elbows balanced on each knee and his chin resting on folded hands. He was staring intensely and trying to remember.

'You love him,' he thought. 'Most days…you really like him too.'

"It's not working," he gave up with a grumble.

"What's not working?" Estella asked sleepily.

"Nothing," Race sighed, leaning back and turning his head to focus on Estella instead.

"What time is it?" she cleared her throat. Sitting up and stretching.

"Almost six," Race informed. They had all slept most of the day. "Benton called. He and Hadji will be here with dinner soon."

"Good," she smiled, thinking the normalcy of that would be good for Jessie.

"Over there," Race growled when he saw the brief flash of panic on Estella's face. He had the same reaction when he awoke to find Jessie's bed empty.

"Oh," Estella huffed. "That's why you're grouchy. I thought we talked through this earlier?"

Race extended his hand toward them and shook his head. "Stel…" his arm dropped and he gave her an annoyed look. "She's literally on top of him right now. How do you expect me to react? Anything south of annoyance would be weird."

"Agreed, but I also think we need to allow for extenuating circumstances," she offered. Race stayed quiet. "Only temporarily?" she threw out.

He stood abruptly. "Yeah…well I don't need to see it. I'll be back soon. Need some air."

Estella watched him leave and then slowly stood herself. Rubbing her neck vigorously and resolving to never sleep on a couch again. She tiptoed by them and shut the bathroom door quietly. Eager to freshen up.

XXX

Jonny thought about Race's advice for hours after he left and kept coming to the same conclusion. Race was right. As long as she loved him and wanted to be with him, he controlled his own destiny. He needed her to believe the same.

He stood and headed straight to her room on a mission. Opening the door quietly and then closing and locking it just as quietly. He padded across the carpet and watched her for a moment. She was fast asleep on top of her comforter with the fleece blanket still keeping her warm.

He crawled onto her bed and peeled the blanket away. She rolled onto her back, but did not wake up. She had put on a t-shirt and shorts to sleep in. He wasted no time hooking his thumbs into the waistband of her shorts and underwear, pulling them off. That woke her up.

"Jonny?" she said sleepily.

"Hi Baby," he spread her legs enough to pitch forward between them. "I have a few important questions for you."

"I can't…think when you…"

"Are you in love with me?" he asked gruffly against her skin.

"Deeply," she answered, pulling his hair and arching her hips.

"Do you want to be with me?" he whispered.

"For the rest of my life," she cried out.

That was all he needed to hear. He focused all of his energy and attention on making her come. After he did, he wiped at his face and then kissed his way up her body while she caught her breath. Below her belly button. Between her breast. The pulse point of her neck. And finally her ear. "Unless those answers change, I'll never give up on you or us," he promised. "No matter how hard it gets."

Then he rolled off the bed. Intent on leaving without another word so those were the only words she remembered.

"Hey," she called out before he got far. "Wait."

'So much for that plan,' he thought, freezing in his tracks. He turned around and was immediately distracted. His eyes moved from her legs to her eyes. Slowly. She greeted him with a big smile.

"You can't say that to your girl and then walk away," she curled her finger, sitting up and urging him back onto the bed. "That's not the right move."

"What's the right move?" he teased, sliding closer and wrapping an arm around her waist.

She nuzzled her body against him and kissed his neck. "Make love to me, Jonny."

XXX

Estella took her time, but still found them asleep and Race nowhere in sight when she finished. She watched them for a moment from the bathroom doorway. Arms crossed. It was clear to her that they were completely comfortable sleeping together, which made her suddenly uncomfortable. She thought it best to rectify the situation before Race or Benton returned.

'If you had told me three days ago that I'd be the one running interference on this…,' she trailed off mid-thought as she walked over and grasped one shoulder each. Shaking.

Jonny's eyes shot open almost immediately. Startled and alert

"Sorry," Estella apologized softly. Feeling genuinely bad. "You two need to wake up." She waited until Jonny's eyes connected with hers. The 'nurses' are not happy and have left the room. She put air quotes around nurses.

'Fuck,' Jonny thought, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. The conviction he had felt when he was tired and she clearly needed him waned a bit when confronted with an actual pissed off Race. Who he had no interest in disrespecting. Who he knew had never seen them like this. Quite intentionally on their part. He heard Race's voice clearly.

"I accept that…you two are more serious now…we'll need to figure out this next part too…I'm not ready to completely sit on the sidelines."

Jonny closed his eyes for a second to collect himself. 'We'll figure it out one step at a time,' he thought. 'One super fucking awkward step at a time.'

Jessie did not wake up as fast.

"Jess…come on," Estella urged. "Wake up."

"No," she grumbled.

Jonny laughed and then took over for Estella when Jessie tried to burrow her head further into his neck. "Wake up, babe." He rubbed her back lazily. "I think we've been busted. The jig. It's up. I don't understand that reference actually. I think I need to look it up on Wikipedia." She started to laugh at that. A full body laugh, which made him laugh too. He could not control his reaction. "That wasn't even funny," he pointed out. But it felt good.

"I know," she mumbled tiredly. "I don't wanna move though."

"Reality is calling," he sympathized.

"Don't answer the phone," she whispered loudly.

"Jessica Marie," Estella scolded.

"Oh…you got middle-named girl," Jonny teased and then sobered when she stayed quiet. "How're you feeling?" he asked. "Real answer," he demanded before she could say anything else.

"Tired," she made no move to sit up or even open her eyes.

Jonny flicked his eyes to Estella. "I'll get her back in bed. Can you get the doctor?"

Estella agreed with a nod and headed for the door without another word.

"Don't talk about me like I'm not here," she scolded.

"Then you need to hold up your end of the conversation," he teased, sitting up and easily sweeping her into his arms.

She reluctantly leaned her head on his shoulder as he carried her. "Jonny," she complained, but did not fight him when he set her down and pulled the covers around her. He pushed the hair from her face and then surveyed her critically.

"What?" she sighed. Tired eyes focusing in on him hard.

She was too pale for his liking. "Are you thirsty?" he asked.

"Very," she nodded as he stood to pour her a glass of water. "Hungry too," she admitted.

"Good," he grinned, handing her the water. "Drink slow," he instructed.

"Yes sir," she rolled her eyes.

He smiled patiently. "Being stubborn is NOT an effective strategy here."

"It was an effective strategy for getting rid of my IV," she shot back in a sing-song voice.

Jonny scoffed and looked at her like she was being absurd. She was dehydrated and her arm was bandaged from ripping out her IV. "Yeah…that was a real win."

Jessie crushed the paper cup in her hand. Then she tossed it at Jonny and crossed her arms.

Jonny crossed his arms too. Readying himself for a fight. He could sense one coming like some people could sense an impending storm. He did not feel like fighting, but refused to enable her more than he already had. He wanted her healthy so he could take her home. "Just…do what they tell you, Jess." His arms and shoulders dropped. "Fighting it won't get you home faster."

She could hear the frustration in his voice and that frustrated her. She wanted to fight, but did not have the energy.

"Jessie," Dr. Marshall walked in and interrupted them. "How are you feeling?"

"Fine," Jessie sighed. She saw Jonny drop his head and look away from her at that response. She tried to find her voice. To scream at him. To order him out of the room. But she could not find it. It caught in her throat.

"Well…let's give you a quick exam to confirm?" the doctor asked. "Shall we?"

"Like I have a choice," Jessie grumbled.

The doctor ignored her and looked at Jonny. "Give us the room," she said firmly.

"No!" Jessie rushed in a complete about face. "I want him to stay."

The fear on her face threw Jonny off kilter. He cleared his throat. "Don't worry, babe. Your dad is the only one that's successfully removed me from this room so far." He grinned and it seemed to relax her.

"And a few FBI agents?" she raised an eyebrow.

He shrugged. "Only if you wanna get technical about it."

XXX

When Estella finally found Race, she approached with caution and debated if she should offer him an ear. Earlier, he had said he wanted to talk after getting some sleep. But she had also heard that excuse before. She was still undecided by the time he noticed her presence. "It's safe to return," she joked.

He nodded and smiled patiently. "I'm fine, Stel. Just needed some air. Join me?"

"Sure…for a minute. Benton and Hadji should be here soon." Race was sitting atop a picnic table with his feet on the bench. She hopped up and joined him. They were quiet for a few minutes. The courtyard was lit by lamp posts, but the moon was doing most of the work. It was starting to get chilly and they were the only ones out there. Estella rubbed her hands together for warmth.

When Race noticed, he dropped an arm over her shoulder. She tensed for a moment in surprise, but quickly relaxed. "Is this okay?" he asked.

She scooted a few inches closer. "Yes," she said softly. "Want to talk about it?" she asked hesitantly and then held her breath.

"Yes."

"But?" she asked when he did not continue.

"Still working through it in my head," he admitted. "What I'm actually upset about…"

"So it's more than realizing that our daughter is actually in the relationship she's been in for years?" she teased.

He laughed. "I have some things to get used to on that front obviously, but no. Not the real problem. I've always rooted for them. They bring out the best in each other, Stel. I see evidence of that every single day…" he trailed off. "It actually does make me feel better that they'll be together next year," he offered. "I know they'll take care of each other."

Estella allowed herself to enjoy his embrace for a few more moments before responding. Wanting to see if he would continue unprompted first. "You already know the problem," she sympathized. "We've been talking about it all day. You have pre-empty nest syndrome and the events of the last few days have forced you to think about it. I'm sure more than you ever have before."

Race sighed deeply. While he did not like her turn of phrase, he knew she was right. "I'm gonna say something that you won't believe at first," he whispered.

"What?" she tensed.

"I agree with you," he smiled. "You're completely right." She smacked his knee, but then laughed along with him. Race allowed himself to enjoy her laughter before continuing. "For the last few months…I've been avoiding the topic. I think Benton has too. Whenever those thoughts started to creep in, I'd call Jessie or go find Jonny to distract myself. He and I have been spending a lot of extra time together recently. His calendar really freed up when she left and I promised that I'd teach him…more about what I do. Which feels like a blessing and a curse right now," he hung his head.

Estella tentatively reached up and rubbed the back of his neck until he lifted his head. She focused on the profile of his face. "She's home. That's ALL that matters."

"If anyone else had pulled the trigger, I'd probably be agreeing with you completely again," Race pursed his lips. "Her safety is the most important thing in the world to me, but it's not all that matters."

"You think it'll hit him hard?" she asked.

"I know it will," he told her barely above a whisper. "And I can't…," he cleared his throat awkwardly. "I don't even want to think about what she's been through," his voice broke. He turned his head away so she could not see his face any longer.

Estella's mouth popped open, but she did not know what to say. She felt like they had just travelled back in time. Except fifteen years ago he would have already walked away. Instead of trying to find the right words, she leaned her head on his shoulder and put a hand on his knee. Squeezing reassuringly. She waited in silence as he composed himself. Hoping her presence was comfort enough.

"Did she say anything while I was gone?" he asked quietly. "Tell you what happened?"

"No," Estella sighed. "She was pretty shut down. Especially since we were all being evasive about where you and Jonny were. Not the best decision in retrospect."

"I hate this," he complained. "I fucking…want to rip someone's head off."

"Me too," she agreed. "I wish there was a magic wand to erase all the bad or even just a way for us to take it on for them. All we can do is be there when they need to talk."

"Yeah," he nodded and then it was quiet for a while. She was surprised when he started talking again. "All the extra time I've been spending with Jonny…it's been great. Like old times. Back when it was basically just the two of us. Benton was always buried in work so the kid would follow me around. Hang on my every word," he paused. "It's made me miss Jessie and Hadji a little less. But I've never let my brain go too far down the path of what I'll do after this summer. Once they're all gone."

Estella smiled to herself. Shocked, but happy that he kept going.

"Is staying for Benton enough?" she asked boldly.

Race sighed again. Already knowing that was the question he needed to answer. "Benton has been slowly expanding my role for years. Private security comes first, but I've also gotten involved in a several R&D projects. Benton has always indicated that he'd like that role to continue."

"Is that enough?" she asked again.

"It's very interesting," he responded. "Challenging too."

"Why did you stay in the first place?" she tried instead.

Race took a deep breath. Thinking back. "Jonny," he said simply. "I couldn't leave him. I knew he needed me. And then Jess came," he smiled. "It became home fast."

"Are you thinking of going back to the agency?" she asked and then held her breath. Unsure of why she was so worried to hear the answer.

"It crossed my mind," he admitted. And then silence descended again.

"You weren't happy at the agency," she said nervously. "You were driven and intense and making a difference and part of a brotherhood," she clarified. "But you weren't happy, Roger. Those kids made you happy."

Race stayed quiet and Estella tried not to overthink her words or regret them. She just hoped he weighed them carefully before deciding.

"Want to go see our daughter?" she asked eventually.

"Yes," he smiled, pulling her off the picnic table and leading the way. Feeling better than he had all day. He could also feel the hair on the back of his arms standing as she walked behind him. An electrical current that he knew he should ignore. But he did not want to.

He started pushing through the door to head back inside, but stopped halfway through and turned on her. He pressed his hand into her stomach gently and guided her to the nearest dark corner. He had taken her by surprise and she went with it, but that was all he planned to spring on her. He stood as close as he could get without completely invading her personal space and stared down at her seriously. "You made me happy too. I just fucked it up."

"I fucked it up too." She kissed him this time and he sank into it with abandon. Wrapping both arms around her waist and crushing her to his chest.

XXX

Jessie could feel his eyes on her as the doctor performed the exam. She was uncomfortable and knew he could tell. When she glanced over to give him a weak smile, he looked like he wanted to jump out of his own skin. Once the doctor left, the tears overwhelmed her. A mixture of her own discomfort and his. She did not want him to see her crying again. But she also did not want him to leave. The only recourse she had was to pull her knees to her chest and bury her face away.

Jonny froze. Expecting a battle not a breakdown. He thought the exam was just the eye of the storm before she exploded on him.

"Baby," he immediately softened and went to her, sitting on the bed. He tried to hug her, but she tightened herself more into a ball to avoid him. "Hey…come here." He tugged at her ankles gently. "Please?"

She gave in easier than she did to most things. Uncurling and then wrapping her arms around his neck. Jonny pulled her even closer and rubbed her back cautiously. "I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to upset you. That's the last thing…"

"I just wanna go home," she interrupted in a small voice that tore through him.

He sat back and enveloped her face in his hands. Wiping tears away with his thumbs. "You can't spare these fluids," he tried to tease. "They'll hook you back up."

She did not laugh or even crack a smile. She did lean back and push his hands aside passively though. "Can I have some time alone?" she asked.

"No," he told her softly. She shot him an angry look that faded quickly. "What did I say wrong?" he asked next. Wanting to know and wanting to keep her talking.

"Where is everyone?" she deflected.

"I don't know," he shrugged. "Your mom was the only one here when I woke up. She went to get the doctor. Probably looking for your dad now."

Jessie nodded lightly. The only indication that she had heard what he said. "Can you get me more water?"

He did and then watched her drink it slowly while staring at her lap. "I can't help if you don't tell me," he urged.

"I'm tired," she deflected again.

"You're being a hypocrite," he snapped.

Her eyes widened at his tone and then so did his. He did not mean to lose his temper. He stood and paced the room a few times to calm down. Mad at himself for getting frustrated with her. Surprised that she had not chewed him out for it yet. He needed a different approach. He came back and sat on her bed. Waiting until she looked at him. "Remember this morning when I really didn't want to discuss how I was feeling and you pushed me until I did?" he prompted.

"You gonna force me to do something I don't wanna do?" she said dryly.

He cleared his throat. That one hurt. "I felt better after talking to you. That's all, Jess."

She released a shaky breath. Feeling guilty. Her eyes were glowing with unshed tears and looked even greener because she was so pale. "I'm sorry," she apologized.

"Your eyes are killing me," he admitted, looking away. "We'll be home soon, Jess. Let me take care of you until then at least. Please?"

"Reset?" she asked softly.

He leaned his forehead against hers gently. "I'd really like that."

"I didn't mean it," she whispered.

"I know," he whispered back. "What did I say wrong before?" he asked again.

"Nothing," she sighed.

"That's obviously untrue," he said calmly. "Tell me. So I don't make the same mistake twice," he added.

"You didn't do anything wrong," she told him.

"I appreciate the defense," he smiled. "But I'm trying to be logical here, babe. Making an observation, assessing a root cause and then developing an action plan."

"So romantic," she cracked a smile.

"I thought you'd like it," he laughed.

"I do," she sobered. "I just…"

"I know this sucks," Jonny pursed his lips. "But we have to be honest with each other. I'm sorry for snapping at you. I'll try harder not to get frustrated," he promised.

"I understand why you did," she swallowed back tears. "This isn't new territory for us."

"No," he sighed. "It's not."

"I WANT to…I swear," she cried. "Please be patient with me?"

"I'll be your punching bag or your sounding board," he promised. "When you choose punching bag, I'll keep taking the hits until you're ready to talk. Either way, I'm not going anywhere."

She closed her eyes and let a few more tears slip out. "I love you."

"I know how hard this is," he sympathized. "I didn't want to talk about any of that earlier…didn't want you to hear it. Every instinct told me to shut down. Protect you from it, but I'm trying to fight that impulse…your dad gave me some advice about how to handle this and…I'm really trying…" he trailed off.

That caught her attention fast. "You talked to my dad about this?"

Jonny shrugged and rubbed the back of his neck uncomfortably. "I listened while he advised me unsolicited is more like it," he chuckled. "At least, I think that's how it went down. Mostly a blur to be honest, but I remember all the important points."

"Which are?" she prompted.

"Mostly that I need to talk," he sighed. "Especially when I don't want to. That I shouldn't justify not talking as protecting you. That it's okay to lose my temper. It's okay to walk away and catch my breath too."

"I feel a 'but' coming on," she grinned.

"But," he smiled. "If I walk away, be prepared to talk about it when I get back. Because you'll expect me to talk about it. You'll need me to talk about it." He stared at her as he said it. "Sound about right?"

"Yeah," she nodded and grabbed both his hands. "Sounds pretty accurate."

"Jess…it HAS to go both ways."

"I know," she was still nodding. She had come to that conclusion on her own. "That actually sounds pretty fair, babe. Just a little scary."

"The consequence of shutting down scares me more," he told her honestly.

"Jonny?" Her brow furrowed.

He took a quick peek over his shoulder to make sure they were still alone. "Losing the love of your life anyway," he swallowed and watched her face smooth in realization. "He regrets it. Silence creates distance too. I don't want that between us any more than I wanted three thousand miles between us. You solved the miles part, love. We're gonna have to work together on the rest," he shrugged. "I need my partner in crime. My penguin in crime."

Jessie leaned back and covered her face with both hands. Laughing out loud. "That was so lame, Jonny Quest." When she finished laughing, she dropped her hands to find him hovering with a giant grin on his face. "How do you come off so smooth while saying such dumb things?"

"Because you love me," he chuckled. "I think it's like the beer goggle effect. I'm screwed if you lose your goggles."

"I promise to hold on tight," she smiled.

"Good," he breathed. "Because after everything we've been through…I can't lose you anyway. It'd kill me."

"Jonny…you won't," she swore.

He looked over his shoulder again nervously. "Don't tell your dad what I said, Jess. I'm serious."

Jessie pulled him into another tight hug. "I won't," she promised. "She regrets it too," Jessie whispered like it was a secret they shared. "She wouldn't come right out and say it…too stubborn." They both sat back and grinned. "…but she might as well have."

Jonny trailed his knuckles down the side of her face slowly. "I love you so much, beautiful." She gave him a big smile at that. "Now tell me what I did to piss you off, huh?"

She laughed at that too. "Thank you for making me laugh."

"Come on," he stretched his arms out wide. "I can take it, baby."

"I don't want to make a bigger deal about it than it was, Jonny. I'm feeling oversensitive." She shook her head. "That's all it was."

"Jess," he pushed.

"What?"

"Talk to me."

She nodded and he waited patiently as she collected her thoughts. She closed her eyes and released a long breath before talking. "You said…that being stubborn wasn't an effective strategy," she started. "…but that was…my only strategy, Jonny. I was literally trapped with no viable options."

Jonny wanted to clarify his comment. That he only meant it was not a good strategy with the doctors. But he realized quickly that would not help and he was also distracted by the way her breathing had picked up as she said it. He turned her hands over and pressed his thumbs into the pressure points on her hands. He watched her face and she was not relaxing. Her eyes were still closed and he could see them racing beneath her lids.

"You're the strongest and most determined person I know," he told her. "I know I joke around a lot about you being stubborn, but nine times out of ten it's just your strength shining through. I allow that line to be blurred too much, Jessie." He paused to collect himself. Tears were running down his face now too, but he refused to let go of her hands to wipe them away. "I need you to know it's one of my favorite things about you," his voice shook and that made her open her eyes. "And I'm not just saying this because you're upset. You're a force of nature, baby."

She stared at him sadly. She did not feel worthy of that compliment right then.

"You said something like 'just do what they say'…," she continued and trailed off quickly. Looking down at their joined hands. "I was trapped. I had no control. And now I feel trapped in this room. I want that feeling to go away. I want control back," she finished heavily.

Jonny stared at her. His mind was racing as he tried to figure out how to respond.

Jessie saw the wheels turning inside him. "There's no magic thing to say, babe. You make me feel better just by holding my hands."

"Good…now keep going," he insisted.

She swallowed. "You said…Look, I agree that ripping out my IV wasn't exactly a WIN…" she trailed off again and fought to keep more tears from falling.

"Fuck," he hung his head. "You did that for me."

"It was a very unsuccessful escape attempt," she laughed at herself. "I think I got two feet. Wasted all my energy getting everyone out of my room."

"Which is insanely impressive by the way…in retrospect," he praised. "Especially since I warned them all to watch you close because you'd try just that…I guess my letter didn't work?"

She smiled thinking about his words. "Hadj gave it to me after the fact, but I don't think it would've stopped me to be honest. I was on a mission and convinced that I was doing the right thing."

Jonny shrugged. Understanding. "I would've done the same thing. I was just hoping to slow you down. I knew keeping you here would be a hard sell if I took too long."

"I really loved that letter though," she sidetracked. "Really. I could get used to that."

"You want me to write you love letters?"

"I wouldn't be opposed to it," she rolled her eyes.

"Alright," he winked and then took a deep breath. "So…it was literally every SINGLE word out of my mouth that upset you?" He cleared his throat. "I need to step up my game."

"Baby…I would've found a way to pick apart anything you said. Because I want to go HOME. Nothing you say changes that or makes me feel better about being stuck here."

"Fair enough," he nodded. "Thank you for telling me. I think this is like the big professions. Can only get easier, right?"

"Here's hoping." Her eyes welled up with tears again.

Jonny leaned his forehead against hers and felt himself getting more emotional than he wanted.

"We'll be okay?" her voice shook.

He tried to clear that emotion from his throat before responding, but he failed. "We bend. We don't break."

XXX

A discreet cough followed by a firm 'excuse me' reminded Race where he was. He leaned away from Estella reluctantly and shot the nurse a charming smile.

"Apologies," he grinned. "It's been a stressful day."

The nurse shot them a disapproving look and then walked away.

Estella started to laugh uncontrollably once the nurse was out of earshot. It was infectious.

"You alright there," Race teased.

"Did we really just get scolded for making out like we're teenagers?" she chuckled.

Race shrugged. "That's the least offensive thing I've ever gotten scolded for," he quipped.

She found herself immediately drawn in by the charm she remembered so clearly. "What are we doing?" she sobered.

Race licked his lips and stared at his feet a second before answering. "Can we overanalyze it later?"

"Sure," she conceded, following him back to Jessie's room. Feeling giddy. And then feeling guilty for feeling giddy.

All thoughts of guilt and giddiness went out the window when they walked back into the room though. Jonny and Jessie were hugging. It was clear they had both been crying. Pulling away from each other and wiping their faces at the intrusion.

Estella glanced up at Race and watched him watching them. Then she put a hand on his back and pushed him lightly forward. Whispering, "I think you're up, dad."

AN: Will catch up with Hadji, Benton and Phil next chapter. Their feelings matter too!