A/N: sorry I haven't updated in a few days. Internet's been down, but I'm back now, so I hope you enjoy!

"Rollins," Cragen said with a deep sigh when he saw her come back to the precinct with Ryder on her hip.
"Captain, she has nowhere she can go," Amanda said, whispering comforting words to her as she clutched her shirt saying, "Manda, I wanna go home."
Cragen considered a long moment, "All right, he agreed finally, "she can stay with you and Fin. Are you sure you can handle it?

"Yes, Captain. I know we can do this. For Ryder, we have to do it. She needs us."

"Can we go home now, Manda?" Ryder asked, "I'm tired."

"Of course, Baby," she answered and then asked, "Would you like to go home with Fin and I'll meet you two there later?"

Ryder looked from Fin to Amanda, considering. Finally, she just shook her head. "I want you to come with us, Manda," she answered.

"Okay," Amanda agreed, "Why don't you go with Fin while I talk with Captain for just a bit, and then we can go home?"

Ryder glanced toward Fin warily.

"Ir's okay," Fin said softly. "I won't hurt you."

Ryder knew if Amanda trusted him, she could, so she said, "Okay. Can I have something to drink?"

Fin gave her a smile. "Sure, Baby Girl. Come on."

Ryder hesitated for a moment, then held out her hand. Fin smiled again and took it.

Amanda watched them go, then turned back to Cragen. "Don't worry, Cap," she said with confidence, "we can deal with this."

"Amanda, if you need anything, you know I'm here."

Amanda flashed him an approving grin and said, "I know. Thanks,Cap"

That night after they'd been shopping for books, toys, and games to fill her room, she came in while Amanda was watching TV. She was holding a brand new stuffed elephant she'd named Violet. "Can we watch with you?" she asked her.

Amanda smiled and patted the sofa. She glanced at Fin, who was in the kitchen making dinner.

Ryder snuggled into her side. "Is Fin a good cook?" she asked.

Amanda nodded. "Oh, yes. He's a real good cook."

"Can I live here?" she inquired.

"Yeah, sweetheart, you can for now."

"Yay!"

Amanda kissed her head.

That night, Amanda was lying in bed when she felt Fin's arms come around her. "Hmm, hello there," she whispered.

"Hey, how are you holdin' up?"

"Okay. I just hope Ryder will be all right."

"I'm sure she will be," he said, kissing her.

"I hope so," she said, returning it.

At around 3 AM, she heard a scream.

"No, stop! Rica, hold on! I'm coming!"

Amanda quickly rose from bed and ran to Ryder's room. Fin felt her leave, but figured it was best to let her handle it until Ryder calmed a bit.

"Ryder, honey, wake up," Amanda coaxed her gently. "You're just having a bad dream."

Ryder slowly opened her eyes, saying, "Manda?"

"It's me. You're safe."

She snuggled into her arms, crying. "M-Manda, i-it w-was aw-awful. The-the d-door w-wouldn't m-move."

"I know, Baby, I know." she said and rocked her.

Fin stood watching the scene, then went in to hug them. They were his family now, and he'd do all he could for them.

A/N: up next, some good ol' Finanda romance!