A/N: This was quite possibly my favourite episode of the season and this was my favourite chapter to write. It's from Kate's point of view and deals with her thoughts during and after the hostage situation.

4. Cipher

She had never been so scared in her life, she knew that he was the one who had to enter the house had to be the one to talk Eddie down. Doesn't mean she had to like it. She walked with him to the door but she wasn't allowed in, which made it worse. All she could think when the door closed behind him was that the last impression she would have of Dr. Daniel Peirce would be the tight grip of his hand and worried face. She didn't think she would recover if that was the case.

It had started off in University with the silly little crush she got as an impressionable first year on her very attractive neuropsychologist professor. She kept taking his classes and her crush never really went away. Once she was a fully qualified FBI agent, she invited him to help out on cases (she tried to convince herself it was because she really needed the help but it never really worked). When she was offered the promotion she took it in the hopes that distance would make the crush would go away (she was never sure how successful she was as in the right light her husband almost looks like Daniel). She can't say she was too disappointed when she was demoted back to Chicago.

"But you've been working for the cops the whole time. You're going to have to die with me." Eddie's voice snapped Kate of her thoughts.

"You have to get him out of there!" She liked to think she wasn't pleading with the SWAT team leader but she knows better.

"No if we storm in there he pushes the button, your guy is all on his own."

She knew there were orders being issued and tactical decisions being made but it was all she could do to listen through the headphones and not have a panic attack. The worst was when the sniper shot through the window and Daniel dived to save the suspect. The silence that followed nearly made her throw up. Hearing his voice temporarily slowed her heartbeat until he challenged Eddie to push the detonator button. Then the door was opening and he was coming out.

She stayed behind the SWAT team but only just, ignoring the apprehending suspect she made a beeline for Daniel. She gripped his wrist where his coat met bar skin and placed her other hand in the middle of his back. She could feel his muscles trembling and made some joke about him being crazier than she thought. His hand free hand gripping hers finally let her take a full breath.

She dropped him home after the debriefing with various law agencies and several cups of herbal tea (no milk, no sugar). He was never out of her eyesight otherwise he got paranoid and she got nervous. She had the feeling that some of the stronger stuff was going to be needed tonight. Maybe her dad could give her some of the hard stuff from his bar.

She insisted on walking him to the door but stopped him before he could unlock it. At his confused look she threw her arms around him and buried her face in the crook of his neck. She felt him tense up.

"Don't you ever do that again." She mumbled into his neck, trying to surreptitiously breathe in his unique scent.

He slowly relaxed, wrapping his arms loosely around her and resting his chin on the top of her head. "I'll try not to make a habit of it."

"That's all I can ask." After another moment she reluctantly let him go. "Sleep well Daniel."

"You too Kate." With a small smile he unlocked the door and stepped inside.

(She waited until she heard the door lock before walking back to her car).