It's been a while since I uploaded another chapter within a week, so I'm a little bit proud of myself for being able to do that this week. Also, another silly season is approaching for work in the next month, so I thought I would upload this quickly to butter you all up a bit :) Hope it works.

I don't own The Brave or any of it's characters... But I wish I did!

Chapter 40

After an early breakfast, Dalton, Jaz and Amir gathered around McG on the sidewalk in front of the hotel, while he waited for his cab to the airport.

Special Operations Group 7 were once again starting to go their separate ways whilst back on home turf.

"Don't miss me too much." McG smiled at them all as the cab pulled up to the curb.

They all rolled their eyes before stepping up to say goodbye.

"Look after Hannah. Less quality rest, more sexy times." He teased Amir as they shook hands and embraced.

"Don't use that as a pick up line in Montana." Amir threw back at him.

Turning to Dalton he said dryly, "Good luck with Jaz, Top. You're gonna need it."

"Good luck with the punch that she's about to give you for that," Adam laughed before saying seriously, "Thanks for these two weeks' buddy, I really appreciate it."

"Anything for my favourite CO."

Turning towards Jaz, he pre-empted her fist to his solar plexus and instead grabbed her wrist, held it to his chest and pulled her towards him for a hug, while she giggled.

Whispering into her ear, he turned serious, "I'm proud of you, Jazzy."

"Thank you for everything." She whispered back. She will never be able to thank McG enough for pushing her to seek help for these two weeks, so instead she hugged him tighter, knowing that the message would get across. She felt him squeeze her back and was flooded with feelings of affection for her honourary big brother.

"Be happy. Enjoy every minute, yeah?"

"Will do." She smiled at him as they stepped back from their hug.

Climbing into the cab, he addressed them one last time, "See y'all in Montana soon, losers."

The other three just rolled their eyes at him, again. But there was no question, they would miss him.

"You know."

Xander inclined his head, not wanting to assume what Jaz was alluding to in their appointment later that morning.

"About me and Top… Me and Adam." She clarified in her husky voice.

Not wanting Jaz to become defensive, he quickly tried to allay her fears in his calm manner.

"I do. But I came to my own conclusions. Adam didn't tell me. And I didn't tell him I knew either, he came to that conclusion himself. Also, I'll tell you the same thing I told Adam. My job is to determine whether you are fit to do your job; whether you're in the right head space to do your job. I told you at the beginning of these sessions that these are confidential and I will only pass on information if I deem that you are in danger to yourself or others, or if I have any major concerns about your welfare."

Seeing the quizzical look that Jaz directed to him, he continued, "I don't have any of those concerns."

He watched Jaz lower her gaze and process her thoughts before looking him right in the eyes, "Well at least I know you're trustworthy."

"How's that?"

"I won't pretend that I wasn't concerned when Adam told me you knew. But I realised that we've had sessions together since that and you have given me no inclination whatsoever that you knew. I appreciate that."

"Well I wouldn't have my job if I didn't keep things confidential."

"I know—it's just, I don't trust many people, that list is pretty short, but I trust you."

"I appreciate that, Jaz. And I don't want to lose that." Xander acknowledged smiling at her. Who would have thought that the angry young woman he had first met in Incirlik as she beat the crap out of a punching bag and gave him some first class attitude, would be at this stage. He was proud of her.

"So," Xander continued, "This is our last session for the scheduled two week block that we first planned. There's only one topic still on the list you made in our first session."

"My father." She confirmed. "Let's do this…"

Xander put up a hand to stop her, "Actually Jaz, I think we should hold off on this one." Seeing her frown, not understanding, he continued, "This has been a big two weeks for you. You've really opened up and as a result you've had a lot to process; a lot to work through. A lot of that isn't just going to be solved overnight. It's a continual process and now you've started this journey we don't want to overload it. It would be unrealistic to be able to deal with everything you want to, in two weeks. "

"Ok, so what are you saying?"

"I'm saying that you have shown real progress these last two weeks, Jaz. And wanting to talk about your father further demonstrates that. But, I would hazard a guess that this topic needs more than one session, and I think it would be an injustice to open this can when you are still working through everything else. You have a few tools to work with after these two weeks. Keep exploring yourself and your feelings, and by all means think about the topic of your father too. I just don't think we should overload you right now."

Jaz was quiet, just processing what Xander was saying. She knew instantly that he was right though. It had been a big two weeks. Emotional, painful, but therapeutic. She knew even with the strategies that Xander had given her to help deal with some of it, she needed time to really put them in place.

"I agree with you." Jaz admitted.

Xander chuckled, "Who would have thought, right?"

Jaz laughed along with him, "Certainly not me."

"One thing I do want you to continue working on Jaz, is trying to answer that question you've been struggling with. Continue to seek out that answer. I know you've been battling with it, and it's causing you some anxiety. I don't want it to stress you out, but I do think that an answer would clear a lot up for you."

Why did it make you break?

That questioned still weighed on her constantly. Still not knowing why the picture of her CO with a bullet wound to the head had made her break, frustrated the hell out of her.

"Yeah, I will." She confirmed.

They spent the rest of the appointment going over some of the topics they had covered for the last couple of weeks. It was cathartic for Jaz to be able to see how far she had come in just this short time. She was under no illusion that she was 'cured' so to speak. Realistically she knew that some of this would stay with her forever. But she was certainly thankful for having the opportunity to talk it out and knowing that she had resources available to her when she needed them.

As they finished up, Xander reminded her, "Remember, even though these sessions are done for now, I am only a phone call away. And after some time, when you think you're ready, we can tackle the topic of your father. Who knows, you might have started to deal with that by then anyway. You have some great people in your life, Jaz. You've realised that yourself. Don't be afraid to open up to them. They are in your life for a reason."

Once again, she knew he was right.

"Lastly, try to remember two things for me. One, there is always a reason people come into your life, you either need them to change yours, or you're the one that will change theirs. And two, some of the best moments in life are the ones you can't tell anyone about." He paused for a moment looking at her knowingly, "Those have always rung true with me and this job that we do. That you do. It's ok to feel happiness, Jaz. It's ok to let yourself be happy."

Jaz nodded, and let a smile wash over her face. She had a whole new appreciation not just for the job that she did, but for the job that Xander did too.

"Thank you for everything, Xander." Jaz said solemnly as she stood up to say goodbye.

"Take care out there, soldier. And don't be a stranger."

Jaz flashed him another smile as she left his room. She felt somewhat lighter than she did when she had walked into this office two weeks ago. She was proud of her progress, even though she knew she still had a way to go.

Xander's session with Dalton that afternoon went much the same. Dalton had been ready to start discussing his family background, when Xander had stopped him and told him pretty much the same thing he had told Jaz.

Much like Jaz, Dalton was accepting of Xander's advice; it made a lot of sense. It certainly had been a full on couple of weeks dealing not only with his demons, but his revelation of his feelings towards Jaz too. A bit of a reprieve would actually be welcomed.

"I told Jaz that you are aware of our situation." Dalton mentioned to Xander.

"We talked about it this morning actually."

"Good."

"How are you feeling about… your feelings?" Xander asked tentatively.

Dalton huffed out a laugh, "I'm actually feeling good about it. It has been a hell of an eye opener, and I feel like I have no idea what I'm doing. But it feels good to feel this way."

Xander watched a smile work its way across Dalton's whole face and was genuinely happy for him. He'd known Dalton for a while now; they had walked and talked their way through many situations and circumstances together, and his respect for this Captain and the job he did was second to none. He deserved this; he deserved this happiness.

"Well, my advice? Keep feeling that way. Explore it further and enjoy it. Yes, your situation is complicated, but I'll tell you the same two things that I told Jaz. One, there is always a reason people come into your life, you either need them to change yours, or you're the one that will change theirs. And two, some of the best moments in life are the ones you can't tell anyone about. Interpret that how you will and given your situation that last one is probably more poignant than ever. But you and Jaz complement each other. Don't be afraid to feel whatever you're feeling. Feelings are rarely wrong."

Dalton just nodded in acknowledgment, letting Xander's words wash over him.

As their session came to an end, Xander stood up and walked around to shake Dalton's hand. "You know where to find me if you need me anyway, and I have no doubt we'll be in touch soon enough."

"Thanks for these two weeks, Xander. I feel like I say that to you a lot."

"Take care, Adam. Live a little; enjoy yourself and your down time."

Dalton smiled at the thinly veiled subtext. He had every intention of making the most of the rest of his time off. Of their time off.

After leaving Xander's office, Dalton made his way to the Deputy Director's to see if she was available.

Seeing her at her desk, he knocked on the door and walked in when she signalled him.

"Deputy Director." He greeted her.

"Adam, good to see you"

"Likewise."

"What brings you by here?"

"I've just finished up my last session with Xander Martin. Thought I'd stop by before I head back to the mountains."

Patricia smiled at him, "I appreciate that. Are you happy with the way things went with Xander? You certainly look like there's a weight off your shoulders."

"Yeah, he certainly knows what he's doing."

"I'm glad. Well I'll be in touch of course. There will be plenty to discuss before you redeploy. Hopefully that's still some time away for all involved though."

"We'll be ready whenever we're needed." Dalton confirmed, ever the soldier.

Patricia nodded to him and looked him straight in the eye, "Enjoy your time, Adam. I hope you all enjoy your time while you can."

Although Dalton maintained eye contact, he wanted to tear his eyes away. He felt like there was more to that sentence than just well wishes. He knew Patricia well enough to know she was a master at tone and inflection, and the look in her eyes was telling him there were many layers beneath her words.

"Thanks," was all Dalton replied before backing out of her office with his hand raised in a wave.

Patricia stood, and watched him close the door behind himself and walk down the corridor through the glass panels in her office wall. She watched until he was out of view before sighing and sitting back down, trying to once again concentrate on the paperwork in front of her.

Dalton headed to the rooftop pool to burn off some energy when he got back to the hotel.

He wasn't at all surprised to find Jaz churning through some laps of her own, and he quickly dove into the pool to catch up to her.

When Jaz noticed someone pull up alongside of her, she immediately recognised who it was and instantly lifted her pace to see if he could keep up with her.

Half an hour later they both surfaced at the shallow end, Jaz just in front of Adam, both breathing heavily after their workout.

"Can't keep up, old man?"

"You just have more aerodynamics." Adam reasoned, running his hand through his beard, wondering if it was time to trim it.

Changing the topic, Adam revealed, "So, I had my last session with Xander today."

"Me too, coincidentally." Jaz smirked.

"Huh. Well how about that. Feel like getting out of here?"

"The pool?" She asked.

"Well yes, but I was thinking more like getting out of DC? We could book flights for tomorrow, or hire a car and drive back."

A small blush spread across Jaz's cheeks at the anticipation of actually being alone with Adam again. Just the two of them, with no need to hide away. It sounded amazing.

"Let's hire a car, I've always loved a good road trip."

"Done. I'll organise it."

"I can't wait to go fishing again." Jaz admitted, making Dalton laugh. She joined in, both of them still in a little disbelief that Jaz had taken to fishing so much.

Watching the excitement and happiness on Jaz's face made him so happy too, and so excited to spend more time with her.

"You know what I can't wait for?" He asked with a gleam in his eyes.

"What's that?"

Taking a small step closer to her, he answered in a low deep voice, "I can't wait to go to the waterfall with you. And I can't wait to see you in my favourite bikini. I've missed it."

The heat in his eyes, sparked heat between her legs. The way he was looking at her set her body on fire, and she wished they were somewhere private. Somewhere where they could look at each other however they wanted to, or touch each other in public, or just be together in public.

Instead, they both turned back to the pool and pushed off to get in a few more laps to burn off their energy.

Getting back to the mountains couldn't come fast enough.

Dalton and Jaz had text Amir to let him know their plans for the next day. He was very understanding and supportive of their plan; he knew how eager they were to be alone and he couldn't blame them. They had been on tenterhooks here in DC for two weeks, and they deserved some time to themselves.

As a result, the three of them had dinner together that night at a restaurant not too far from the hotel.

Aside from missing McG, they had a lovely evening together, appreciating each other's company and friendship.

Jaz sometimes still felt badly for the way she had treated Amir when he was new to the team. Even though they had got past that, and even though they were now firm friends, the last two weeks has helped her see even more clearly the error in her ways.

So much so, that when Dalton excused himself to go to the bathroom, Jaz cleared her throat and started to speak.

"Hey, I uh, just wanted to apologise for the way I treated you when you first joined the team. I know we're past that, but I've been thinking about… a lot lately, and I know I never actually apologised. I'm sorry."

"Is that the alcohol or the therapy talking?" Amir teased.

Chuckling softly, Jaz just muttered, "Ok, I deserved that."

"You're right, Jaz, we're past all of that. I understood where it was coming from, and I'm glad we're where we are now. Good job I taught you how to cook a little too, huh? Since you'll be spending the rest of your leave with Top?"

"Who says I have to do any cooking?" She teased right back, "And who says I'm spending the rest of my leave with Top?"

Amir just raised his eyebrows at her, "Please, you two are about to self-combust. You need some time alone. Enjoy it. Enjoy each other. Love each other." He added that last part with a wink, and watched as Jaz's face took on a look of surprise.

"I don't know if I'm the lovable kind. Certainly never seemed so." Jaz surprised Amir that she was opening up to him a little. He knew this was big for her, so he didn't want to brush it off.

"From what I know, you have quite a few people who love you. This entire team for one. Top in a completely different way too."

"How come everyone picked up on this, but me?" Jaz asked, slightly flustered.

"I think you've pigeonholed yourself as someone who is not worthy of love. And from the very small snippets you've told me, I understand that your family situation was… difficult. But someone's inability to love you, is not a reflection of your ability to be loved."

Jaz just stared at Amir. How could someone who she initially didn't even want to acknowledge, now be someone who could read her so easily. He had just hit the nail on the head. She hadn't even gotten that far with Xander.

While she stared at him, not quite sure how to respond, Dalton came back to the table.

"What did I miss?" He asked.

"Just asking Jaz who she's going to give shit to now that I won't be around." Amir answered without pause, smiling subtly at Jaz and seeing the thanks in her eyes.

"Oh well, that'll be me no doubt." Dalton sighed.

"You betcha." Jaz confirmed.

The rest of their dinner was spent chatting, laughing, exchanging plans on how they intended to spend the rest of their leave and tossing around dates to visit McG in Montana.

Amir had thought it best not to invite Hannah to this dinner. He didn't want it to look like a double date. While he wasn't finding it difficult to keep this from Hannah, given that she had no idea and therefore it wasn't a topic of conversation, he still wanted to avoid being in that situation where possible. Who knows what would happen down the track, but for now, he wanted Dalton and Jaz to just have the chance to be happy. For as long as they could.

They parted ways back at the hotel, but would see each other again at breakfast before Dalton and Jaz left for the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Entering their separate rooms that night, before once again meeting again in Jaz's room, made them both laugh.

"I'm not going to miss having to pretend we're in separate rooms when we leave here." Jaz said dryly.

"I don't know, it's been kind of fun, don't you think?"

"Fun? There goes Adam Dalton throwing that word around again. Who are you?" She teased.

"Well I have a lot of fun planned for us, so I hope you can keep up."

Jaz looked up seductively at him, through her long eye lashes and took a step closer, "What kind of fun?"

"Fishing, swimming, camping… you know, all the stuff that a mountain man does." He replied, feigning innocence.

"Anything else?"

"Well, I've got some repairs to do on the cabin, so your help will be greatly appreciated there."

Jaz took another step closer, "Anything else?"

"Of course I'll need to do some exploring and keep my fitness up."

"How do you intend on doing that?" Jaz whispered, her lips now nearly touching his, so her words brushed against his lips.

Grabbing her around the waist and walking her backwards until her knees hit the bed, he whispered right back to her, "I can think of many, many ways."

He moved even closer and kissed her hungrily.

They had made it. They had made it through these two weeks.

It had been emotional and turbulent. It had been eye opening and ground breaking. They had needed it. Both of them. Desperately. But now it was time to be together. In every sense of the word. To share their day-to-day lives together and see what the future had in store for them.

As Dalton guided Jaz onto the bed, still kissing each other deeply, they both couldn't wait for this next chapter. They couldn't wait to be together and they couldn't wait to just get lost in each other.

They did it! They made it through a tough two weeks and it's back to the mountains in the next chapter.

Originally I had Jaz and Adam's family situations penciled in for these sessions with Xander. But after some thought I decided that that would have been wayyyy too much to deal with along with everything else they had been processing in just two weeks. It's not realistic. So I've decided to hold off on those sessions... for now.

Thanks as always to you beautiful people who continue to read this story, and for the angels who comment - much love to you. You all keep me motivated to keep writing this story.

Thank you XXX