Brenda nodded past Sharon, making her turn to see her husband as he walked into the Murder Room. He had his cane still, and from the extent of his injuries he'd never be rid of it but, Brenda could clearly see him leaning on it more than he had just last week. "Jack?" That question was full of concern and Sharon moved to his side without a second thought and placed her hand on his arm, just above the elbow.

"Do you have a moment?"

"You can use my office," Brenda volunteered quickly. Jackson Raydor didn't look like he could even make it that far, let alone anywhere else that might provide them some privacy.

"Thank you Chief," Sharon offered without taking her eyes off of Jackson. She took her hand from his arm and led him to the office but let him struggle the few steps alone. Once they were both inside Sharon closed the door gently. There was a crash, making Brenda wince because she was certain that Jackson had just collapsed; but, her blinds were closed and she couldn't be positive. She glanced around her and was grateful the team was out and about working their current case.

"Jack," Sharon knew pain laced her tone but she had to get him to a chair. No sooner than she had closed the door and he had lost his hold on his cane and fell into her.

"Sorry," he grunted as he helped her to ease him into a nearby chair.

Once he was settled she sat next to him and cupped his cheek. "Jack? What's wrong?" He shook his head in the negative but she pulled his face back to hers. "Please," she whispered.

"Bad day of therapy," he mumbled as he patted his permanently injured leg. Sharon sighed heavily. She knew the injury and his limitations didn't set well with him but he had scared the near daylights out of her.

She hummed comfortingly as she gently kissed his lips. "Muscle spasms," she asked as she pulled away from him. He grunted, letting her know that was exactly the case before she calmed down completely. "The Doctor's said –"

"Yeah but it hasn't been this bad since before the surgery."

Yes, the surgery, she thought remorsefully.

The Navy had found Jack and a few other long term POW's, men who had been listed as MIA and/or deceased, during an operation that certainly had nothing to do with a rescue. Once they had been taken to the nearest Military base their identities and injuries had quickly been assessed and treated. But Jack, like a few others, had needed to be sent to Germany for specialists and surgery that couldn't be performed in the field.

But Jack, stubborn man that he was, didn't want to return 'broken'. She had been so angry to learn she could have had months more with him but the man had insisted on getting over the worst of the physical therapy before returning to her, before notifying her that he was in fact alive and safe. He had wanted to be able to walk when he saw her. She was still angry about it. He knew that and he was cautious about mentioning that time. But it was what it was. There was no changing it.

And he was home.

That was what mattered.

She placed her free hand on his other cheek and leaned forward, kissing him again. But this was more than a chaste kiss while at work. Jack wasn't always good with her worrying, especially about him. Instead she made sure he could feel how much she had missed him; feel how happy she was to have him back. When the kiss ended she cuddled into his chest and sighed happily as he wrapped his arms around her before kissing the crown of her head.

"Let's go home."

"You've still got work." He spoke into her hair, not moving away and holding her as close as he dared.

"There isn't anything that requires my presence today. And if anything comes up the Chief is smart enough to call me herself."

"I thought you were auditing them," he offered halfheartedly.

"Mmm, but there at a standstill right now and Delk has already ordered her to keep overtime to a minimum. Unless they come back in with something in the next hour or so she's sending everyone home for the day."

"I can wait till then," he sighed contentedly. "If I get to take you home I'd like to know that I get to keep you for the night."

Sharon smiled brightly as she pulled out of his arms just enough to lean up and kiss him again. When they pulled apart he gave a short nod. This time she got up from the chair and retrieved his cane for him.

The door of her office opened and Brenda watched them carefully as they left the office. "Mind if I sit in till she's free to leave," he asked without hesitation.

"Oh, no, not at all."

"Thanks, I'll sit at Provenza's desk," he smirked as he headed that way.

"She said you could sit in Jack, not be a nuisance," Sharon weakly reprimanded.

"Are you telling me you don't want to take the opportunity to screw with him? You could be sitting on his desk when he comes back in. That would be priceless," he said as he eased himself into Provenza's seat. Sharon shook her head gently before she moved forward and sat herself on the edge of Provenza's desk.

"Oh gawd," Brenda couldn't help but drawl. "I thought you we're bad by yourself. You two just egg each other on, don't you?"

Sharon looked to her with a raised brow but otherwise neutral face while Jack outright laughed. "This one has a sick sense of humour Chief. Trust me, she doesn't need anyone to egg her on."

"Jack?"

"Yeah," he asked as Sharon looked back to him.

"Stop giving away my secrets," she offered almost blandly. Brenda couldn't see her face but she'd bet money Sharon was smirking too.

"What's in it for me?" Sharon leaned forward and whispered in his ear. When she pulled back Brenda could see the look of surprise and glee on Jack's face. "Really," he asked eagerly.

"Always," Sharon offered as she turned back to Brenda and started discussing the case again.

Always. Now that was a thought. Brenda was only half listening as she watched the couple in front of her. Before Jackson's return she thought she'd never figure Sharon Raydor out. Now she knew Sharon would always end up surprising her.