/Sorry for the long wait, life has been hectic lately. I would appreciate you leaving a reply if you read. Thanks. :) /

Chapter 5 : Relocation

Slowly he came to and opened his eyes to find her asleep with her hand in his and her head beside it on the edge of the bed. It seemed she had stayed with him all night sitting next to his bed holding his hand.

An unfamiliar feeling was making its way through him, a feeling he hadn't allowed himself for a long time. Even now he was hesitant to let it grow and examine it more closely. He had long ago decided he didn't deserve such feelings, not after all he had done.

She looked so peaceful, though he could see small lines of worry on her brow. Might that worry be for him or was she just having troubled dreams? He was loathe to wake her but he really needed to go to the bathroom.

"Sonya. It's time to wake up now." He squeezed her hand a little and before he could stop himself he caressed her cheek softly.

Sonya jerked awake, alarm in her eyes for a moment until she realized where she was. Her cheeks flushed and she took her hand away from his, obviously embarassed having been caught holding his hand while he slept. Slowly a smile spread on her lips and he felt a little tug in his gut.

"Morning, John. I must have been really tired after all that excitement yesterday. I think..." she was looking him straight in the eye and it was like she forgot what she was supposed to say. He smiled reassuringly and couldn't help noticing how her cheeks were pinking up again. Somehow he found himself unable to look away from her either.

"Mr Reese, are you up? It's time to relocate you and Ms. Cross." They could hear Harold saying as he suddenly opened the door and stepped into the room. Sonya blinked, and realizing she had been staring mumbled something and fled from the room. It took a few moment for John before he was able to focus back on Finch.

"Fine, Finch. I'll grab my gear and be with you in a minute. If you could prepare Sonya for our departure while you're at it." John headed for the bathroom, silently cursing himself for letting down his guard around her.

You stupid idiot! Sonya was berating herself while getting a cup of coffee she didn't really want. I need to get a grip on myself. She could hear Harold walking up behind her and braced herself for the probable awkwardness.

"Ms Cross, I think it's time we got you better situated. I have a safehouse where you can stay while John recuperates. You'll be safe there until John and I can resume taking care of your problem. John's getting hurt has delayed our operation a bit I'm afraid." She looked at Finch, nodding in understanding.

"Okay, I'm ready when you are." She took a few steadying breaths and threw away the coffee. She went to get the few things she had in her possession at this moment, keys, phone and jacket. I really should go get some clothes there's no telling how long I'm going to have to stay in hiding.

She was about to go find Finch and ask him about clothes as John walked in and her concentration shattered. Quickly she looked out the window, not wanting him to comment about this morning.

"Are you ready? Finch is waiting outside with the car." She reluctantly turned to look at him managing only to nod a little. She was afraid of what she might say if she opened her mouth. He nodded towards one of the doors and started walking. She followed allowing herself to admire him from the back dressed in a suit and long black coat.

A half an hour later they arrived at a plain-looking brownstone. Sonya had expected some out of way cabin or something like that, not a two-storey apartment building in a respected part of town. They parked in front of number 241 and got out of the car.

"This will be your home for the time being. As you will find, I have taken the liberty of replenishing your food supply and there are some clothes for both of you in your respective bedrooms." Finch stated, letting them in.

As Finch opened the door Sonya could hear the rapping of nails on the floor and see a big brown mass coming towards her. She let out a little shriek of surprise, and stumbled straight into John's chest. John let out a hiss of pain, but grabbed hold of her and prevented her from falling down the stairs.

John uttered some foreign sounding commands and the dog stood to attention immediately. "Sonya, this is Bear. You can let him smell your hand so he knows you are a friend." Tentatively Sonya offered her palm to the dog. Bear sniffed it once and then looked straight at John. He gave another command and then guided Sonya inside the apartment.

"He's gorgeous." Sonya said, motioning towards the dog that was following them inside. John smiled and nodded at her as they arrived in the kitchen. Suddenly she realized what Harold had said before Bear interrupted them. "John will be staying with me?"

She could hear John let out a little chuckle when Finch answered her. "Yes. Though he is out of active duty as you might say, he is still very capable of protecting you if need be. Plus I thought you might agree to help me keep an eye on him so as not to let him overexert himself while he's recuperating."

How could she say no to this sweet-mannered gentleman who was looking at her with the sincerest of expressions. "Of course. I'm glad to help." She retorted silently thinking about how this was supposed to work out. I just have to keep my emotional distance. As she answered, she thought she could feel John relaxing behind her, like he had been waiting for a different answer.

"Then I think I'll let you get settled in. There are medical supplies in the master bathroom of when you need to change your dressings, Mr Reese. I'll be in touch regularly." With that, he nodded to them and exited the apartment.

"I guess I'll go find my room and unpack. Do you need any help with your bag?" Sonya said, turning to look at John. He was staring at her with a beginning of a smirk on his lips. "I can manage, thank you, Sonya." As before, hearing her name from his lips made her feel all warm in her belly. Just keep it cool, she thought and headed upstairs to search for her room.