Root and Shaw headed back home alone. Gen had asked to stay back to work with a couple of Native American kids who were at the hospital. She would ride out with Dr. Tillman and her group in time for dinner. Root was excited about a slow cooker Beef Tenderloin recipe she had that she wanted to make for the main course.

The two stopped at the market and got everything they'd need for the evening. Arriving home, they unloaded the truck and went to check on Bear. He was sleeping in his bed and as Shaw approached him, he looked up and wagged his tail, but didn't even stand.

"Poor Bear, I think he may have been hurt as bad as you were. If he isn't significantly better by tomorrow, we're taking him to the vet. He needs a checkup."

"Do you want to take him now, Sam? I can throw this meat in the slow cooker and be ready to go in ten minutes."

"No, let him rest today- remember, it's been less than thirty-six hours since this whole thing happened."

"A lot happened in those thirty-six hours. And I haven't properly thanked you for coming to my rescue…" Root's eyes shimmered with promise.

"We have a dinner to get ready for."

"Are you saying no to me Sameen?"

Shaw groaned, "I can never say no to you when you say my name like that."

"Like what Sameen?"

Shaw left the groceries on the counter and turned toward their bedroom.

…..

"Looks like that slow-cooker recipe will have to wait for another time Root."

"Worth it."

Root headed back toward the kitchen, but Shaw reached out and grabbed her hand, pulling her back.

"Maybe you should rest and let me do dinner. You've had a hell of a time."

"Dr. Tillman says I'm fine, Sam, and I really feel okay. Besides, which 'hell of a time' are you talking about."

"Never mind, let's go make dinner."

….

When the group arrived from the hospital, Gen went straight to Bear who finally jumped out of his bed and showed signs of returning to his normal self. After giving Bear a few minutes of love, she headed up to clean up for dinner.

Bear trotted over to Finch and Reese wagging his tail happily. As the two gave him some attention Shaw smiled in relief.

"Looks like he's finally recovering. I guess we don't need to take him to the vet. Who's drinking what? Dinner will be done in a half hour."

Finch held up a bag, "Wine and your favorite scotch Ms. Shaw."

"Now you're talking."

Shaw looked at Elizabeth and Dr. Tillman who were standing in close proximity but seemed nervous. I need to tread carefully. The doctor looks like she's spooked.

"What do you prefer? Wine or scotch- we also have several brands of beer downstairs."

Dr. Tillman looked at Shaw like she was really considering the question. Flushing slightly, she said, "I'll have scotch."

Shaw, who had never seen Dr. Tillman drink anything but wine raised her eyebrows, then nodded. Elizabeth tilted her head at Shaw and smiled.

"Do you guys still keep a good supply of Heineken? I would have one."

Root came walking out of the kitchen with a green bottle. Smiling, she walked over to Elizabeth.

"Here you go, bought some on the way home. John, Harold?"

"Wine for me" from Finch.

"I'll have a Heineken." Reese smiled and looked around. "I can't get over how the two of you did this."

Shaw smirked at John. "It came along at the right time."

"That's not what I meant…. and you know it."

Shaw's smirk turned into a genuine smile. She walked toward Root and wrapped her arm around her waist. Root's smile could have lit the night.

Harold raised his glass.

"To good friends."

Fin

Author's note: Thanks to those who stuck with this 'til the end. Once again, there may be more adventures in store for our group- I just don't know. There are a few plot lines to explore and I hope to explore them someday. I don't own any of these characters.