Author's note: Thank you so much for all your honest responses to wishing for this to continue I truly was worried it was my own wishful thinking that the premise was fun, and instead it was terrible lol! So since you guys said yes I went full fledge fluff for this story. This story reminds me of a romantic comedy just with a hitman, and a cop :)

Hope you enjoy, because there's a lot more to come ;P

He hadn't slept a wink last night his mind was still a whirl that he was going on a date with Carter. Although clearly she wasn't as happy with the situation, and he couldn't say he blamed her one bit. John Reese, and the word DATE did not go well together. He hadn't been out on one since well…since a very long time. Which could explain as to why he felt so nervous causing his hand to eye coordination to be a little off, and why he had sliced into his face while shaving this morning.

John sighed fingering the chunk of skin missing on his jaw. Great the one day he needed to look good for a date, and he tries to slice his face off. Why did it matter so much to him since it was a date they were being forced into? She made her feelings on the matter perfectly clear last night when she hadn't even wanted to buy him wishing to purchase Mr. Leiken instead. It had been a harsh blow, and had slapped him back into reality as he had held her in his arms having forgotten all about dancing. How could he even think Carter would want to go out on a date with a man like him? Maybe they worked together well, became somewhat decent friends, but that didn't mean she shared his attraction. John hadn't looked twice at a woman since he learned Jessica died he hadn't even thought it was possible. He thought that part of himself died along with her, but Carter had slowly awakened the man inside him making him feel things he hadn't felt in a long time. What it was about her that made her stand apart from all the other beautiful faces he seen before was easy.

Her beauty wasn't skin deep. Sure Jocelyn Carter was exquisitely beautiful with her average stature, her dark hair, dark soft looking skin, and dark intelligent eyes. But it was her inner beauty that spoke to him making him feel alive again. Their first meeting had established that she wasn't a typical woman he usually met because he had been nothing more than a homeless man to her at that moment. She had viewed him with soft eyes, and a kind heart thinking he was just lost and in need of help. Even as the months went by after their first initial meeting, and she sought to catch the man in the suit he couldn't help but hold a soft spot for her. Which then they proceeded from adversaries to reluctant allies, and finally friendship.

John wished their relationship had stayed the same, and that he was still the blissfully ignorant man he had been to his deep attraction to her. But as time went on, and their friendship grew so did his feelings for her. Now it was impossible to ignore the attraction or the need to just grab her, and kiss her to show her how he felt. But he had too because he respected her, and cared too much about her to allow his one sided feelings to get in the way of their friendship or saving innocent people's lives. Joss had saved people's lives even before he knew her, and she deserved to get the very best that life had to offer which wasn't him. He needed to get out of her way, and stay as far away from her as he could. Joss had the right men looking at her the men that could take care of her, and make her happy. Detective Beecher along with several other successful men had asked her out, and yet she had refused every single one of them. Selfishly he had been relieved, but deep down inside he just wanted her happy even if it meant without him which honestly was for the best.

John was afraid he was relying on her, and taking her away from her real life too much. They were calling each other often, and seeking each other out sharing drinks together as they talked about their new person. She made him laugh, and actually speak about himself which he didn't do with anyone. Joss was making him feel things he had no right to feel for her. He should just stay in the shadows, and watch her from afar like he used to do. He spent many nights watching her knowing he had no place in her life, but at least he still got to be in her presence. So tonight he would soak up this one chance at a normal date with her since he would be John Wiley hedge fund manger, and not John Reese the cold blooded hitman who had no right to breathe the same air as her. But after tonight when tomorrow came he would go back to being the cold detached man he once was only calling her when he needed her, and seek her assistance only when they needed too.

John forced thoughts of tonight out of his mind hoping that maybe concentrating on a new number would focus his attention elsewhere. He entered his usual coffeeshop that was just minutes from the library where Finch, and Bear were waiting for him. John sighed when he saw who was behind the counter. The girl was rather sweet she couldn't be older than nineteen years old, but she was an outrageous flirt which he didn't want to deal with especially after last night.

"Well hello to my favorite customer." she grinned flipping her hair back like normal. John smiled a little at her pulling his wallet out. "Your usual?"

"Am I really that predictable?"

"No." she sighed staring at him. "Trust me when I say you are a mystery that plagues us females that work here, and boy have we tried to figure out who you are." he lifted his brows a little, and she smiled. "Oh we have had debates on what your name is, your age, whether you are divorced, or single who's just waiting for the right woman to tame you. We have even argued about what it is you do that has you in those suits all the time." the girl turned to pour him his large black cup of coffee.

"I didn't realize."

"Which makes you hotter." she sighed almost as if in hopes he wouldn't hear her, and he wished he hadn't. He knew she found him attractive but knowing it, and hearing it was two separate things. She handed his coffee to him. "Here you go mystery man." he smiled sliding her a ten.

"Thank you." he held up the coffee to her, and turned around to walk out of the small coffeeshop. He paused a moment, and turned to look back at the young woman who was slowly surrounded by other co-workers whispering while eyeing him. "My name is John." he smiled at them before turning around to walk out, and walk towards the library. It took only ten minutes for him to walk to the library from the coffeeshop, and he quickly entered. Bear's head lifted from the dog's bed he was currently lounging in, and the dog quickly got up to run towards him.

"There you are Mr. Reese."

"Sorry got a little held up at the coffeeshop they were quite talkative today." John smiled slightly before sipping his coffee. "So do we have a new number?"

"No its been pretty quiet morning Mr. Reese." John nodded just his luck when he needed something in a way of distraction he didn't get one. "What happened last night?"

"What do you mean Finch?"

"I advised detective Carter to purchase Mr. Henry Leiken, and sent in Ms. Morgan for you." which was a very good question as to why Zoey had decided to purchase Mr. Leiken herself instead? One he would very much like an answer to, but maybe Mr. Leiken was a client of hers that they didn't know about.

"I'm just glad Carter got me, and not that brunette woman." he inwardly cringed at the mere thought of being stuck on that young woman's arm for an entire evening.

"I was a bit worried that neither one of my reinforcements were going to be able to purchase you with how competitive the bidding was for you." John shifted wishing to not remember that. He felt extremely uncomfortable when all the female eyes were on him, and were all trying to bid on him. He much rather fly under the radar without anyone really paying too much attention to him. "You brought in a lot of money for a good cause Mr. Reese."

"How does it feel to have bought me for eight million dollars at an auction?" he grinned.

"I bought you to save Mr. Leiken's life, and keep your identity a secret. If it was up to me, and your identity wasn't at risk I would have allowed whomever to purchase you."

"I'm hurt." John kept a small smile on his face when he earned a look from Finch.

"But it looks like detective Carter is going to get my money's worth as you, and she are about to be treated to an one of kind dinner paid for by a multimillionaire philanthropist."

"What do you mean one of a kind Finch?"

"Well Mr. Reese he believes detective Carter purchased you for eight million dollars of her own money, and he believes an everyday hedge fund manager worth more than he does saved his life. You really believe Mr. Leiken is going to just treat yourself, and the detective to a stale dinner at any random restaurant?"

"I didn't think about it really."

"I have a meeting to go to, but I will call you if we get a new number." he said grabbing his suit jacket pulling it on before looking back at him. "Bear needs a walk as well Mr. Reese." with that he turned, and limped towards the back exit of the library leaving him alone in his thoughts. But before he could get to brooding his cell rang, and he immediately knew who it was as he clicked a button in his ear piece.

"Hello Lionel."

"Look I'm not calling for a social conversation I need your help."

"When have you ever called for a social conversation?" John asked sitting down at the chair swinging his long legs onto the table in front of him rubbing Bear's head as he leaned back a little.

"Carter, and I are in need of some assistance."

"What's the matter with Joss?" he immediately swung his legs down, and sat forward.

"I should of started with that. Look we were investigating that new person that our guy with the glasses saddled us with this morning, and things got weird."

"Wait Finch gave you a new person to look into?" and he hid it from him? Finch had done it only once before trying to spare him some pain, but it actually helped heal him a little to save the innocent woman when he couldn't save Jessica. "Who is it?"

"Her name is Veronica Donahue some annoying spoiled brat that comes from rich parents."

"Wait I know that name that's the young woman from the auction last night who had tried to outbid Carter for me." she had told him her name at least a dozen times as she sometimes spoke about herself in the third person.

"Well I think you are overpriced, but that's just my opinion. Carter tried to keep her cover, and I stayed in the car listening in on the conversation. She's loco this girl, and it could be anyone that wants to off her even I want to kill her after the things she said to Carter. Let me tell you she wasn't exactly happy that Carter out did her last night for you." John heard a weird noise in the background.

"Did she hurt Carter?"

"Just get down here at the Rockland Country Club!"

"I'll be there." he stood up, and ran towards the exit. "Sorry Bear your walk has to wait till later." he had to go make sure Joss was alright, and he was in his car in seconds peeling away from the curb.

"Thank you for meeting with me Ms. Morgan." Harold smiled as they were seated by a bay window with a nice view.

"I always look forward to seeing John, and yourself besides you made it even sweeter by offering to pay." she grinned opening the menu up. "I have a feeling I already know what this little brunch is about."

"Would you care to enlighten me Ms. Morgan?"

"You are wondering what happened last night, and why I basically forced John's hand into a date tonight? Is that correct?" she asked finally flicking her gaze from the menu to look him in the eyes.

"You're quite good Ms. Morgan, and yes I have been wondering why you did what you did? You could have placed Mr. Reese in jeopardy if he didn't give in with the date, and I was just hoping you could clarify so we know if we should seek your assistance again." she smiled as she sipped her water before leaning towards him.

"Finch you know my business is knowing people, and giving them what they want or fixing something for them for a price. Most of the time I take money, or favors, but in John's case I want nothing in return. He saved my life without a price or even asking me if I needed his help, and so I decided to figure out what John wanted so I could give him it without him needing to ask."

"You in more ways than one have helped us on several previous cases you do not need to feel like you owe Mr. Reese for anything." she smiled.

"But I feel like I owe him something since I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for him. It has taken me quite some time now to figure out what exactly it is that John wants, and last night I figured it out." they paused in their conversation when the waitress came over needing to get their order.

"So may I ask Ms. Morgan what it is that you believe that Mr. Reese wants?" he asked when finally the waitress walked away with their order.

"Easy he wants detective Carter." Finch nodded his head suspecting as much himself, but he never actually asked Mr. Reese about his feelings for the detective that seemed to run far deeper than merely friendship. "I had seen it a couple months ago turning a blind eye towards it pretending he wanted me, and not the pretty detective. But it was blatantly obvious last night that the man wants the detective in a bad way, and she wants him just the same."

"So you bought Mr. Leiken."

"Yes, but the only tricky situation was actually getting them to go out with one another. I had a suspicion that both John, and the detective would have just soaked you out of your eight million dollars without a date. But lucky for me someone was stupid enough to try to go after Mr. Leiken last night, and John being John saved the day. Mr. Leiken is a good man whose a philanthropist, and wanted to thank him in any way possible. I saw an opportunity, and I took it."

"That does explain everything Ms. Morgan."

"It does, but I am not done."

"No?"

"I only figured out half of what I need too."

"Half?"

"Yes I figured out what will make John happy, so now that leaves just you."

"Ms. Morgan you are wasting your time I am perfectly content with who I am, and I don't want anything." she smiled.

"I told you before Finch its my business to know people, and get what they want. I also can tell when someone is lying to me, and you are lying to me. You are not content with your life as you claim to be, and I will figure out what you want."

"Truly Ms. Morgan you do not need to go through the trouble for myself, or for Mr. Reese. If he wants to do something about his feelings for the detective he would surely act on them himself. He will not appreciate your efforts in forcing them together."

"Forcing them together? I am just helping them get into a romantic atmosphere, and allow nature to take its course. They want each other, but sometimes stubborn minds can get in the way don't you agree Finch?"

"Sometimes its for the best to stay away."

"Sounds like you are speaking from experience would you care to elaborate?"

"Please Ms. Morgan do not interfere with my affairs I am content with my life, and I have moved on. How about we enjoy the rest of our brunch?" she nodded her head when their food was placed in front of them, but his mind was a million miles away from their food. His mind was on the one thing that ever truly made him happy…Grace. Finch missed her, and at times longed for her but he had done the right thing. He needed to stay as far away from her as possible, so she would stay safe! He didn't regret a thing faking his death so she could have a life, and no matter how much he loved her that fact would not change.

"There you are!" Lionel called out as John exited his car, and saw Joss leaning heavily on Lionel.

"Is she alright?" he asked as he rushed over to them.

"Sjohn's here." she smiled widely as she pushed away from Lionel. He looked at Lionel who immediately grabbed her arm, and she walked towards him with Lionel's help.

"What did you just say Joss?" John grabbed a hold of her arm when Lionel let go of her as she tried to yank her other arm free. "Is she drunk?"

"No." she giggled as she put her hands on his shoulders, and her body swayed.

"No she's not drunk, but the girl that huffed a lot of paint in her day didn't take it lightly that Carter outbid her for you and drugged her."

"She drugged her? I have to take her to the hospital."

"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO." Joss whined as she hopped in front of him. "Hopititals, hostipals…" she giggled hysterically, and cleared her throat. "No hos-pi-talssss." once she took her time she finally got the word out. John eyed her, and then looked at Lionel.

"Carter didn't ingest much, but from the looks of her she never done drugs before." Lionel motioned to Joss with a smirk. John felt her hands move from his shoulders to land on his cheeks with a light smack turning his head back to look at her, and he eyed her with laughter when she squeezed his cheeks together. Joss was saying something, and John tried to understand her but she wasn't speaking quite coherently so he gave up. He gently pulled her hands from his face.

"Oh my god hi Mr. Wiley." John sighed when he looked over, and saw Veronica Donahue with some of her friends making their way out of the country club.

"Hello." he forced himself to pretend to be ignorant that she had drugged Joss, and remain in his cover. Joss now laid her head against his chest with her arms hanging at her sides, and he held her hips to make sure she didn't fall.

"Looks like your date is a lush." she grinned. Joss pulled her head back off of his chest, and blinked at the girl. John kept his hands on her to keep her from falling, and Joss flopped her arm in the girl's direction.

"You drugs sme." John cringed as Joss tried to stop slurring, and speak more coherently but instead it made her sound worse.

"So what if I did you stole Mr. Wiley from me, and you know the old saying paybacks are a bitch?!" the girl's tone was downright hostile to Joss all because she lost in a bidding war. John wanted to muzzle this girl badly, but he kept his mouth shut just making sure Joss was alright. "How about you forget about dating her, and come out with a real woman?" John shook his head needing to get Joss some water, and some rest so she could come down from the high. John bent down, and scooped her up into his arms.

"Come along Joss I'll take you home you need some rest."

"Sjohn's sleeping with sme." she rested her head against his chest, and sighed. He tried to ignore her words because he had thought about sleeping with her a lot, but not quite like this. John turned around to look at the young woman that clearly wasn't happy that he had Joss in his arms.

"Ms. Donahue you just drugged an undercover police officer because of petty jealousy that she outdid you."

"U-undercover police officer?" he smiled when the snotty tone evaporated leaving her sounding worried.

"Yes she's my partner." John watched as Lionel pulled out his badge. "You are under arrest for assaulting a police officer, and obstruction of justice." John watched as the girl's eyes widened as Lionel yanked her hand back to snap a cuff on. He knew without a doubt that Lionel wouldn't be able to get the charges to stick not with the parents having a lot of money, but maybe it would give them time to figure out who wanted her dead. Besides that it was a nice way to pay the young woman back for drugging Joss for absolutely no reason whatsoever. The girl almost immediately started crying, and John nearly dropped Joss when he felt her nuzzling his neck placing kisses against it.

"Stop Joss this isn't you." he jerked his head back as far as he could go, but with her in his arms he couldn't escape her much. She wrapped her arms around his neck, and moved closer. John carried her to his car while she was preoccupied with kissing his neck.

"Mmmmmm." he felt her sucking at his neck hard, and he put her legs down pushing her back at arms length hoping like hell she didn't leave a mark.

"Joss stop." he said turning to open his passenger door for her when he felt her hand on his ass. He lightly pushed her hand away, and stepped back to fully open the door to get her inside. He turned as her arms reached out, and he immediately pushed them down shaking his head. "Joss stop it this isn't you." he tried again, but the more he pushed her hands down the more she tried to raise them again to grab him. If this was anyone else he would just pick them up, and throw them into his trunk. But instead he continued to struggle to get her to listen, and sit down. "Will you just sit?" he whispered as she tried to push his suit jacket off. When she wasn't getting her way she finally stopped.

"Sfine." she huffed sitting down, and folded her arms across her chest looking ready to pout. He sighed, and slammed the car door shut, and hurried to the other side. He changed his mind he wished like hell they didn't have a new number, because having Joss like this was much worse than waiting impatiently for their fake date. He drove them towards her apartment, and John nearly crashed the car when he felt her hand on his thigh. He eyed her briefly when she was leaning over towards him.

"Joss sit back in your chair." John let go of the wheel with one hand, and removed her hand.

"Nu-uh."

"Please Joss do it for me." drugged Joss was very touchy, and it was getting harder to ignore how much he wanted her. His body was responding to her acts that were due to her high, and he desperately wanted Joss to want him when she was herself.

"Oooooooo-key dooooooooooo-key." she giggled leaning back, and he sighed in relief.

"Joss I am going to take you back to your apartment so you can get some water, and get you some rest. Whatever is in your system should be out in a couple hours." he eyed the clock seeing it was eleven in the morning. "I'll call Mr. Leiken, and let him know you are ill so he can forget about this date tonight." half of him was sad while the other half was relieved that their fake date tonight wasn't going to happen.

"No."

"Joss you were drugged, and you need to recuperate."

"No."

"Joss I think its for the best."

"No."

"So you still want to go out on our fake date even though you were drugged?"

"No." he blinked his eyes trying to figure her out. She said no to him cancelling the date, and now she was saying no to wanting to go out on their fake date? He smiled a little shooting her a glance.

"Is that your favorite word?"

"No." John sighed trying to talk to Joss while she was a little high was not very easy.

"Can you say anything other than no?"

"No."

"I see." John pulled up to her apartment complex. He cut the engine, and looked at her. "Home sweet home where you'll sleep it off, and then we'll discuss the fake date when you aren't high. Joss just stay where you are, and I will help you out okay." she nodded her head, and had her eyes shut a little. He climbed out of the car, and hurried around to open the door so he could pull her gently into his arms. She was limp in his arms, and was snoring softly in his ear which made him smile as he carried her towards her place.

Author's note: my convoluted mind came up with the entire drugged Joss moment while talking with my bestie about some...ideas I have for this story. I told her about it, and she cracked up at picturing Joss high hahahahahaha and totally pawing John much like the women at the auction.

But complete and utter fluff is on your way still I hope everyone can handle the gooey overload :)

Thank you again for the kind words about this story, and as always I appreciate anyone that takes a moment out of their busy lives to read/review it makes me smile, and write more(which may or may not be a good thing lol)!