Author's Note: Wow I can't believe it's been so long since I worked on this story! Holy cow, I'm so sorry guys! Hopefully some of my readers come back and find that I updated this. I wanted to work on this a while ago, but my lack of energy was a total buzzkill. :( Between my treatments, my kids, and trying to balance work into it all... I was drained. I had no energy or desire to work on any of my stories. So unfortunately they sat on my hard drive or in notebooks waiting for a better time.

I have since gone into remission and even a better turn of events, I've enrolled in college once again. (I attempted school back when I was 17 and failed out.) I changed majors from psychology to Radiology. That's right, you get hurt and I get to take pictures of your insides! LOL

Life, it seems, is taking a good turn. Therefore I finally felt that it was time to get to work on my unfinished projects. My fanfictions and my original works. I've had a rough draft of this particular story sitting in my nightstand written in a notebook that I took to treatments with me. I finally sat down and typed it out, and edited it.

Without further adieu, the newest installment of Fallen Angels! Hope ya'll like it!

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Chapter 44

"I can't wait to fly on an airplane!" Lilly exclaimed as she bounced on her toes. She and Katherine were shopping for suitcases for their upcoming vacation to Australia while Jason was at work.

Kat had remained true to her word to Jason in the weeks since she'd disappeared. She hadn't allowed herself to retreat back into the dark corners of her mind. Anytime she felt overwhelmed or stressed, she'd talk to him or her psychologist. It wasn't easy to keep those drawers of her mind open to prying eyes, but she was learning.

She was slowly learning how to actually deal with her pain and guilt, instead of suppressing it and pretending it didn't happen. Although she was frustrated with herself at the slow progress she was making. Jason tried reassuring her that nothing would happen over night, which he often found he told himself whenever he would start getting frustrated.

Jason had taken to going to Rocky and Adam's dojo at least once a week to work out his own frustrations. Adam often sparred with him, when he had the time. Kat, on the other had, had yet to find a true release to her own frustrations. Dance seemed to ease her mind a little, but there were days that she felt an uncontrollable rage coursing through her that moving gracefully across the floor could not abate. Martial arts seemed to help a bit more on those kinds of days for her, she'd be able to picture Tyler's face and attack him in mid air as she flowed from move to move.

"Do you think they'll let me take pictures on the plane? Rosa and Lucy haven't ever been on a plane either."

"It's perfectly fine." Kat nodded to the energetic seven year old. She watched as Lilly turned her gaze to the small soft pink set of children's luggage. "Do you like that one?"

"Yes!" Lilly exclaimed.

"Then we'll get it." Kat grinned as she picked up the rolling case as Lilly clutched the small purse like bag to her chest in triumph. "What do you think your father would like?"

"I don't know." Lilly shrugged. "He always had just a black suitcase. Nothing fancy."

"He'll need more than just that small one he has in the closet." Kat shook her head. "We'll get him a nice, new black set."

"What kind are you getting?"

"You're father already bought me a set." Kat replied.

"He did?"

"Yes." Kat nodded as she pushed the shopping cart further down the aisle looking for a set for Jason. "On my birthday. It's cream colored with dark pink trimming around the edges and my name stitched into the front."

"Oh, I bet it's pretty!" Lilly exclaimed.

"I like it." Kat nodded as she stopped in front of a black set of luggage with gold trimming. "I like this one."

"Me too." Lilly nodded.

"I'll see if I can't get Kimberly to stitch yours and Jason's names into your new suitcases."

"Why don't you?"

"I can't sew." Kat shook her head. "One of the few things I actually admit I can't do."

"You can learn."

"Maybe someday." Kat conceded. "We better get a move on Lilly. I'm supposed to have you at your grandparents in just over an hour."

"Grandpa and Grandma Georgina promised to take me to a movie tonight." Lilly grinned to herself. Jason had made sure that Lilly was still involved in Howard and Georgina's life after Liz's death. She spent one weekend a month with them and they were invited to every holiday and birthday. They were very understanding of his relationship with Katherine, even welcoming toward her. Howard had commented on the way that Katherine and Lilly seemed to get along.

Kat and Lilly purchased their new luggage and made their way out to Kat's car. Lilly buckled herself into her seat as Kat set the suitcases in the trunk. "We've got enough time, do you want to eat something first Lilly? It's still a little early though."

"No, Grandma Georgina promised to make me grilled cheese just the way I like it."

"Oh? How do you like it?" Kat asked as she started up the car and started down the road.

"Two pieces of cheese. One yellow and one white."

"Are talking about swiss cheese?"

"Is that the one with holes in it?"

"Yes."

"Yup, then that's the one I like, especially when it's melted with a yellow cheese." Lilly nodded.

"I didn't know that." Kat replied. "I would have made that for you."

"It's okay Kat." Lilly shook her head, letting her dark blonde hair wave in front of her face. "That's how my Mommy used to fix it for me. It's how she liked it. You like something else so I was trying it your way."

"Lilly, if you really like something just let me know. It doesn't have to be my way, I want you to be happy which means having things your way too."

"I'll keep that in mind. We'll figure this out Kat." Lilly grinned at her in the mirror. Kat found herself smiling back.

"Can I ask you a question Kat?"

"Anything." Kat nodded.

"Do you think you'll ever want a baby with my Daddy?"

"I... Uh..." Kat stammered as she looked over her shoulder briefly at her future step-daughter. How was one supposed to answer that? "Someday, yes. Do you want a brother or sister?"

"Very much." Lilly nodded.

"Maybe someday Lilly." Kat replied with a small smile. "Your father and I will talk more about it after we get married."

"I have another question."

"Sure." Kat replied hesitantly unsure of where the little girl's mind was going.

"When you marry my Daddy, does that make Charlie my brother?"

Kat felt a lump form in her throat at the mention of her long gone son. She'd been told of Lilly's dreams and even eventually asked Lilly about him. She enjoyed hearing the stories, picturing a miniature Tommy playing with Lilly. Although sometimes it pained her that Lilly knew more about her son than she ever could, considering she'd lost him before she even had him.

"Technically he'd be your step-brother, but brother works just fine."

"Oh, okay." Lilly replied as her gaze turned to the window and she fell silent. The rest of the drive to Liz's parent's house was uneventful. Kat left Lilly with her grandparents, promising to pick her up Sunday evening before dinner.

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"Hey Jason, you should go check out the demonstration going on at the shooting range." Tom commented as he walked into their shared office.

"I didn't hear about any demonstration today." Jason raised an eyebrow as he looked up at his partner.

"It's kind of impromptu." Tom shrugged. "Quite a crowd has gathered."

"You're just trying to get me out of the office, aren't you?" Jason chuckled as he shook his head. "Going to call Janis once I leave?"

"Maybe." Tom grinned as he leaned back in the chair, putting his hands behind his head and swinging his feet up onto his desk.

"Just remember that we don't have a lock on the door." Jason said as he stood from his desk, grabbing his jacket and slinging it over his shoulder. "And my desk is off limits."

"You're no fun." Tom mock-pouted at his back.

"Kat says the same thing at home." Jason retorted. Tom hummed in response, but said nothing. Jason made his way toward the shooting range. He was surprised to see so many gathered around one of the back booths, obviously watching someone with interest. He drew closer to the crowd, his curiosity peaked.

"Can you believe how good she is?" one of the young female officers said quietly to another female.

"She must have been really dedicated to learn how to use a gun that well." the other nodded.

"I can't believe the fibbers actually just let her walk away. If I were them I'd have done everything in my power to keep her enlisted." A short stocky male cut into the women's conversation.

"After everything she's been through, I can understand why she left." the first woman retorted.

Jason froze, there was only one person they could be talking. Kat had to be the one with the gun, but what was she doing at the shooting range in the police station?

"Lieutenant Scott!" The second female gasped as she spotted him over her shoulder.

"Is that Agent Hillard shooting?" Jason asked.

"Yeah, she's amazing. Have you actually ever seen her shoot?" the male raised an eyebrow. "She should have been on the swat team."

Jason paused, in truth he'd never actually seen Kat handle her gun. He'd heard her say she had excellent aim, heard the stories about how she took out a criminal, but had never actually seen her. He quickly regained his composure and replied, "Kat preferred the investigating side of police work."

"Well she's outshooting Newton, he's our sharpest shot in the department." the male replied. Jason nodded slightly and pushed his way to the front of the crowd. Kat stood next to Newton, a semi-automatic held comfortably in her hands. Her blonde hair was pulled up into a neat bun. She wore a pair of dark colored, flared jeans, a soft blue collared polo shirt, and her gray blazer. She looked every inch the agent she once was.

He watched, transfixed, as she took aim and the moving target at the end of the range. Her hands followed the movement ever so slightly and then... Bang. Bang. Bang. There consecutive shots fired before he even realized that she'd made her mark. A quick glance at the target showed all three of her shots in a tight circle in the 'head' of the target.

Kat exhaled quickly with a slight grin before she sat the gun down on the counter in front of her and removed her ear muffs. Jason took the opportunity to move in behind her. He wrapped his arms around her waist and hugged her to him. "That was pretty amazing shooting, Tex."

"Thanks." Kat replied.

"What brings you here?"

"I came to see if you wanted to go get lunch together, but I heard Officer Newton talking about his new gun. I figured that a few minutes down here wouldn't hurt."

"You've gotten a lot of fans." Jason chuckled.

"So it seems." Kat nodded as she glanced over her shoulder. She pulled away from Jason and picked up the handgun, then handed it back to Newton. "It was dragging slightly at first, but as you can see I fixed the issue. It's a fine gun, take good care of her."

"Thanks." Newton grinned. "You're amazing."

"Well, thank you. I learned to like guns while I was an agent."

"It shows." Newton nodded.

"I take it you haven't eaten lunch yet." Jason cut in. "It's almost three."

"Three? I've been down here over two hours." Kat gasped.

"Apparently." Jason laughed before turning toward his fellow officers. "Sorry to break up the show guys, but I'm taking this fine lady out for some dinner."

The group of officers groaned as Jason carted Katherine away. One female officer caught Kat before the couple made it out the door, and made her promise to come back.

"I just have to clean up my files and we can get out of here." Jason explained as they walked into his office. "Where do you want to go?"

"Not inviting me?" Tom mock-pouted from his desk."
"Dunham." Jason rolled his eyes and shook his head.

"Say no more, lovers retreat. I understand." Tom held up his hands in surrender.

"Maybe next time Tom." Kat said sweetly.

"Next time we leave Grumpy Gus behind." Tom shot her his famous lopsided grin.

"And what about Janis? I'm sure she wouldn't approve of us forgetting her."

"She can come along too. I'll look suave as ever being escorted by two of the prettiest ladies in town." Tom grinned.

"Dunham." Jason growled with a roll of his eyes.

"See, Grumpy Gus." Tom chuckled. "Relax Scott, I think your girl is safe from me."

"I should say so." Kat nodded as Jason took her hand and shot her a grin.

"Have fun kids." Tom called out as they walked through the door. "Don't forget poker on Thursday night as my place!"

"I won't forget." Jason replied. He led Kat through the maze of cubicles and outside to his truck. He kindly opened the passenger door and helped her inside. "We can come back for your car later. It's safe here at the station."

"Sounds good to me." Kat grinned.

"You look very nice by the way." Jason said after they were heading down the road. "Is there a special occasion I have forgotten about?"

"I'll take that compliment in the good humor is was issued. Thank you, Jase." Kat laughed. Jason grinned to himself. Kat's laughter was like music to his ears, precious and craved by his heart and soul. She didn't laugh nearly enough in his opinion. "And no, you didn't forget anything."

"So then..."

"I was actually thinking about going job hunting after lunch with you, but then I got caught up at the range with Newton..." Kat shrugged.

"You're looking for a job?" Jason raised an eyebrow. "We're not hurting for money, Kat. I thought you needed some..."

"What I need is something to do, Jase." Kat interrupted. "I've spent the last ten years working everyday, all day. I'm not very good at being just a homemaker."

"I never asked you to be." Jason retorted with hurt in his voice."

"I know." Kat replied softly. They both fell into silence as the truck continued down the road, neither sure of what to say to the other.

"So, what were you thinking of doing?" Jason finally asked.

"I saw a sign in the flower shop when I was taking Lilly to Georgina and Howard's." Kat shrugged.

"You want to make bouquets and floral arrangements?"

"No, not particularly." Kat shook her head. "It's more of just something to do."

"If that's what you want, I support you, Kat." Jason glance over at her and offered a small smile.

"Maybe I'll just wait until we get back from Australia. Then I can do some serious looking and find something more suited to me." Kat grinned back at him.

"Lilly is so excited about our trip." Jason beamed. "She's counting down the days."

"Me too. Twenty-two days." Kat's smiled broadened momentarily before suddenly becoming serious. "Do you know what's in sixteen days?"

"Liz." Jason nodded solemnly.

"I ordered a flower arrangement for her grave already."

"Lilly hasn't mentioned anything to you, has she?"

"Nothing." Kat shook her head. "She doesn't talk about Liz to me."

"It's hard to believe that it's been a year."

"I know." Kat sighed. The duo once again fell into silence.

"Do you... Do you know what next weekend is?" Jason stammered after a while.

"Next weekend?" Kat pursed her lips together in thought. She couldn't recall. Suddenly it dawned on her, the door. "You remember what day it was?"

"I can tell you almost the exact time, Snowflake." Jason laughed glad to be on a lighter subject. "I kind of consider it our anniversary."

"I thought perhaps you were counting the ball since you brought me roses home on that date." Kat giggled.

"Our first kiss was nice." Jason nodded. "But until 'the door' you were still fighting your feelings for me."

"Huh, well..." Kat bit on her lower lip as she glanced over at Jason. "You're more sentimental than I am, Jase. You sure you're the man in this relationship?"

"Unless there is something you're not telling me." Jason laughed.

"So our anniversary is next weekend according to you?"

"Yup."

"I suppose you want to go celebrate?"

"Nah, we can stay home and recreate our anniversary." Jason smirked.

"No reason we can't do that and go out."

"Well, since you put it that way..."

"Where to?"

"I was thinking a mini-vacation. An overnight trip to LA, like back in September of last year. Stay at the same hotel, dance at Club Duo, and stay with each other this time?"

"This time I fully plan to take use of the jacuzzi tub in our room."

"Single full sized bed instead of two twins?"

"Well we ended up in the same bed last time." Kat laughed. "But I will limit my drinks this time."

"But you're such a fun drunk." Jason teased. "You could wear that cream colored dress again. You looked so hot in that."

"I can do that."

"Good." Jason grinned. "I'm glad you agreed to this Kat. I'd hate to have to cancel the reservations."

"You already made them?" Kat cocked a blonde eyebrow. "Oh what am I saying? Of course you did. You always think ahead."

"I made them last week." Jason laughed as he turned toward one of their favorite restaurants. "Burgers at Kelly's okay?"

"Of course." Kat grinned. Jason pulled into the parking lot and parked his truck. He quickly got out and went around to the other side to open Kat's door. "You're just too sweet Jason Scott."

"You deserve to be pampered and spoiled, Katherine." He replied as he took her hand. "But only so long as I am the one doing so."

"I agree." Kat placed a kiss on his cheek. "But just so you know, lunch is on me today." She quickly pushed away from him and walked toward the door.

"Kat..." Jason started but quickly cut himself off as he reached into his pocket. As he suspected, no wallet. "Kat!"