A/N: In thinking about what my offering for winter ficathon should be, I realized that I missed two Valentines Day in Reflections…and thought of a few more for other eras of the Johanna Verse and so this collection was born; I hope you'll enjoy these inserts! This first chapter is the Valentine's Day a few months before Jim and Jo became an official couple...and there will be chapters with Kate in them too.

Chapter 1 – Same Time, Next Year

Johanna frowned as she flipped channels late that Saturday afternoon. It seemed like nearly every channel was showing some old romantic movie in the name of Valentine's Day. She sighed deeply, it was bad enough when the holiday fell on a workday and she had to witness the flower deliveries, the giving of candy, the more than usual public displays of affection. It was enough to make her sick and she thought the day falling on a weekend would be better but it wasn't. There was just nothing for her to do. Her friends were off getting hair and nails done, preparing and anticipating romantic evenings ahead. Her sister and brother-in-law were off skiing. Her brother and sister-in-law on a weekend getaway, her nephew left with his mother's parents despite her offers to take him for the weekend. Even her own parents had a date that night.

Johanna grimaced at the thought; even her father had taken the initiative to make plans for the holiday which only went to show that everyone had something to do, somewhere to go, someone to be with…and then there was her…who couldn't even get a babysitting job for the weekend. She sighed, why did stupid holidays have to remind you of what you lacked? Valentine's Day was nothing but the reminder that she was still single…still alone. There were no flower deliveries for her…and the heart shaped box of candy on the coffee table hadn't been a gift; she had bought it for herself. No one was claiming her as their Valentine. She was used to it of course…but it stung just the same.

She raked a hand through her hair and settled on a game show to watch before tossing the remote on the cushion next to her. Last year, Jim had saved her from a lonely Valentine's Day. It had been a surprise; their little celebration taking place after hours in the office but she had cherished it…and a small part of her had hoped that maybe they could spend the holiday together again this year. After all, they were even closer now than they had been then. Now they were so much more…although not the kind of more she would prefer they be…but still she had hoped that he might mention spending some part of the day together…especially considering that barely two weeks before they had been all over each other in a hotel room in Albany on her birthday.

But she had stopped them before they had gone too far…maybe that was why he hadn't mentioned Valentine's. She frowned, he hadn't mentioned the holiday at all…or anything about what he'd be doing for the weekend. He usually told her what his plans were…not that he had to of course…but usually he did. Maybe he hadn't told her because he had a date. Her jaw tightened, jealousy roaring to life in her veins. If she found out that he was out with someone else…well, really she had no right to say anything about it…but she'd be angry…and he would know it. Oh well, there was no sense in dwelling on it, she told herself. It was just a stupid holiday. With that thought in mind, Johanna pushed herself off the sofa and made her way to the kitchen. She should find something to make for dinner…instead of drowning her sorrows in chocolates that she had bought for herself. Drowning in chocolates and sudden loneliness wasn't going to get her anywhere. Valentine's Day would be over soon and she could go back to forgetting until next year.

A short while later, Johanna had the counter full of ingredients, figuring that since she had nothing to do and needed to make dinner, she'd make enough of a vegetable soup so that she could store some in the freezer for quick meals after work. She was working on cutting up the carrots when a knock sounded at the door. That had to be someone at the wrong door, she figured as she wiped her hands on the dishtowel; after all, everyone she knew had plans. A second knock was sounding as she made her way to the door; cracking it open to find Jim on the other side.

"I was starting to think that you weren't going to answer," Jim stated as he met her eye.

"I was in the kitchen," she replied, opening the door further to let him in.

Jim moved into the apartment, holding out a bouquet of roses to her. "Happy Valentines," he told her.

She smiled softly as she accepted the bouquet of red roses, her dark mood lightening a bit. "Thank you."

He smiled but then the gesture died on his lips as he went to hand her a heart shaped box of candy but noticed the one on the coffee table. "Someone already bought you candy?" he asked, his tone slightly accusing.

"No."

"There's a box there!" he exclaimed. "Who bought it?!"

Her brow rose as she regarded him. "I did."

"You did?"

"Yes."

"You're sure?"

Johanna smirked at him. "I think I would know considering that I'm the one who went into the store, picked it up and paid for it with money from my wallet."

He smiled once more. "Okay, then. Here's your candy."

"So, I couldn't have this candy from you if someone else had bought the box on the coffee table?" she asked.

"No," he replied.

"Why is that?"

"Because I'd assume it meant you had a date."

Johanna laughed. "Oh sure; they're just lining up to take me out tonight. I figured you had a date."

"Why would you think that?"

"Because…I hadn't heard from you," she replied. "And you didn't tell me what you were going to be doing this weekend…not that you have to but usually you do…so I figured you must have a date and didn't want me to know."

Jim scoffed. "A date with who?"

She shrugged. "You never know, there might be some assistant in the building that you picked up."

"I haven't gone out with any assistants in a long time."

"Well…I did hear Melanie tell you that she was available if you needed a Valentine."

Jim smirked at her. "That's not jealousy, is it?"

"Not at all…it's none of my business if you want to go out with a slut for Valentine's Day."

"I don't want to go out with a slut for Valentine's Day," Jim remarked. "I'm going with you. Get your shoes on and your coat, it's not too bad out to me but it'll be chilly for you."

"Going where?" she asked, ignoring his comments about the weather.

"I figured we'd go see a movie," he replied.

"I have my counter full of vegetables to cut up for soup; I was about to make dinner," Johanna told him.

"Can't you put it away and do it tomorrow?"

"Yeah…but…did I miss you telling me that we were going to a movie today?"

"No."

She eyed him studiously. "So I didn't know in advance?"

"No…did you need to? You didn't mention having plans so I figured I could just drop by like I usually do…do you have plans?" he asked cautiously.

"No! I just…I'm not even dressed nice to go out," she replied, looking down at her leggings and faded t-shirt.

Jim shrugged. "You look good to me."

"I would've put on something nicer if I had known."

"I like what you have on but if you don't, go change real quick," Jim replied. "Just don't do ten different outfit changes or we'll miss the movie."

She had been sitting there wishing all day that he would call…and now he had shown up, caught her off guard with plans and expected her to be ready in mere minutes…and yet she couldn't find it within herself to chasten him for it. She was just glad he had come…that he wanted to spend some part of the evening with her. "If you can go throw the vegetables back in the fridge, I'll go change my clothes."

"I can do that," he replied. "Do you want me to put your flowers in water."

"Yes, please…and thank you, they're beautiful."

"I'm glad you like them…I admit, I spent awhile debating between bouquets."

"Why?" she asked.

"I wanted you to have the best one," he said simply as he made his way to the kitchen.

Johanna smiled, warmth spreading across her heart as she hurried to her bedroom to change.

Jim had quickly tossed her vegetables back in the fridge and had returned to the living room, settling down on her sofa, his gaze on the TV as he tried not to pay attention to how long she was taking. Ten minutes passed but he bit his tongue, it was Valentine's Day…he had caught her off guard even though he had thought she'd know that he'd be around. He never once had thought that she'd expect him to have some other date. He shook his head, why would she even think that? She was the only woman he spent time with; where did she come up with these ideas?

He sighed a little, picking up the remote and flipping channels, another five minutes slipping by. "Jo," he finally called out.

"I'm ready," she said as she moved back into the room, clad in a burgundy colored dress, it's long sleeves flaring at the wrists, giving it a somewhat dressy look that she finished off with her favorite calf high white vinyl boots with the three inch heel.

Jim smiled as he shook his head. "You and those boots."

Johanna favored him with an amused glare. "You know you like my boots."

"They cover up too much leg," he said with a grin.

"Keeps you guessing that way," she replied as she went to the closet to get her coat.

"You know I thought you were partial to suede boots."

"I am…but I'm also partial to these; they remind me of the pair I had when I was fifteen."

"Your Nancy Sinatra, these boots are made for walking look?" he quipped.

"Shut up, I love that song, I love the boots, and I will never give them up," she declared.

"You will when they eventually go out of style."

"Never!"

"We'll see," Jim said as he clicked off the television and got up from the sofa. "But just so you know, you look beautiful."

"Thank you, you look handsome as always."

"I try my best for you, sweetheart," he jested.

She laughed as she pulled on her coat. "If I had more time, I would've put my hair up."

"I like it down," he stated. "You don't have to be fancy for me. I like you just the way you are."

Johanna smiled. "That's mutual."

"I'm glad," Jim said as they made their way to the door. "Now we'll go sit in a dark movie theater where it doesn't matter what we look like."

"You're such a sweet talker," she teased.

"Well it is the holiday for that so I'm trying to live up to it for you; show some appreciation," he said, gently tweaking her side, making her laugh.

"In appreciation, I'll hold your hand," Johanna said, her hand slipping into his. "That way people will think I can't stand not to have my hands on you."

Jim nodded. "I like the sound of that."

"No doubt in my mind," she replied as they made their way to the elevator.

After the movie, Jim's hand found Johanna's as they stepped out of the theater. "Did you like the movie?" he asked as they began their trek to the car.

"Yes, I did," she answered. "You know I like a good thriller."

He smiled a little. "I wasn't sure if Clint Eastwood was a good choice for Valentine's Day…but I figured all those romantic type movies would be packed."

"I'm glad that you picked Clint Eastwood," Johanna replied.

"Really?"

"Yes."

"You're not just saying that so I don't feel bad?"

"No," she said with a soft laugh. "I'm glad you picked the one we saw. I'm really not in the mood to see some lovey dovey movie today."

"Good to know…but usually you like them."

"I know…but this holiday, when you're single…it's just a glaring reminder that you're alone and everyone else is paired off."

"You're not alone, silly," he said as he slipped his arm around her. "I'm right here. I even bought you popcorn."

She laughed. "It was very good popcorn."

"I know, I wish I had bought some on the way out," Jim lamented.

"Maybe next time you can do that…but you know what I mean."

"I know," Jim replied. "I never really liked this holiday. I don't like seeing people feel slighted just because they don't have something that someone else does."

"The only good thing about this holiday is that tomorrow candy will be on sale," Johanna remarked.

"The candy I bought you will taste better than the candy you can buy tomorrow."

"Why?"

"Because I paid full price," Jim laughed.

She giggled. "I'll keep that in mind when I open it tonight."

"You do that; and you know, there is one other good thing about this holiday."

"What's that?" she asked as they paused by his car.

"This," he said before dipping his head to capture her lips in a kiss.

"You make a good point," Johanna murmured when their kiss ended.

"You don't seem completely convinced of my point though so I'm going to make that point again," he remarked before drawing her back for another kiss.

"Get a room," someone yelled as their kisses continued.

"We've got one, but thanks for your concern," Jim yelled back.

Johanna laughed and snuggled into his chest. "Somehow we always get ourselves into trouble."

"It's just our nature, sweetheart," he replied. "Let's go get something to eat."

They chose one of their favorite diners for a low-key dinner, hoping it wouldn't be crowded but they ended up standing in line despite their hopes.

"Oh look," Johanna said motioning to a sign on the counter. "They'll make your burger into the shape of a heart."

Jim shook his head. "No way am I eating a heart shaped burger."

"Why not? It'll tarnish your reputation?"

"Most likely. I can't have people seeing me eat a sissy hamburger like that."

"But it is for Valentines," she teased.

"Nope, not doing it. If I ate a sissy hamburger like that, I wouldn't be able to look at myself in the mirror to shave."

Johanna laughed. "A heart shaped hamburger would make you feel less manly?"

"Just the mere thought of it is making me feel like I need to go drink a beer or something."

She shook her head at him. "Drink beer, watch football and drive fast to make sure you haven't been tainted?"

He nodded. "Yes, fast driving, beer drinking, sports and to really finish it off, I'd have to talk you into wicked things. Now how would you feel about that?"

Johanna shrugged. "I told you I didn't have any plans for tonight; I've got time."

Jim grinned as he slipped his arm around her waist. "You want to go start on the wicked things first?"

"Not on an empty stomach," she replied. "I haven't had dinner yet…and if you want me to live up to expectations, I'm going to need to be fed."

"I knew there was a catch," he laughed. "Have you decided what you want since we've had plenty of time to stand here and admire the menu?"

"I think I'll get the chicken and fries…and a strawberry milkshake. What do you want?"

"Well, I was going to demand they make me a normal burger but now that you've mentioned the chicken, I'm leaning towards it only I want a chocolate milkshake."

"What should we have for dessert?" she asked. "Dessert can be my treat."

"No," Jim said with a shake of his head. "Dinner is my treat."

"You paid for the movie and the popcorn and you're buying dinner. I can at least buy dessert."

"No! That's not how this works."

"Meaning what?"

"Meaning, I came and picked you up to take you out, the evening is on me," he said.

"But I can buy dessert, it's not a big deal."

"You're not," he said firmly. "My idea, my treat."

"Oh lord, this isn't going to be like your 'this case is going out with my name on it' kind of lecture, is it?"

"What is that supposed to mean?" Jim asked.

"Nothing. We really don't need to have dessert."

"We'll discuss it after we eat dinner," he replied.

She sighed softly and he slipped his arm around her in response to it, brushing a kiss against her temple. "Don't worry about it, sweetheart; just think of it as a holiday law that the man pays."

She smiled, leaning into him. "For the sake of your ego, I'll agree to that."

"That's all I ask," Jim said with a laugh.

"I know the evening isn't over…but I want you to know, I'm having a nice time," Johanna told him.

"Me too. What do you want to do after dinner?"

"Honestly; I'm fine with us just going back to my place and watching TV if you want."

Jim gave her waist a gentle squeeze. "That sounds perfect to me…then we can stop watching all of these overly romantic couples…some of them are making me sick."

"Me too. We don't need to stay out all evening to have a nice time."

"Very true," he agreed. "Dinner and back to your place it is."

"Why is it that the woman is always the one to get the candy on this holiday?" Jim asked later that evening as they sat on Johanna's couch. "What do the men get?"

"Usually they're hoping to get sex on Valentine's Day," Johanna replied as she opened her box of candy. "Candy and flowers are part of the holiday wooing ritual to obtain that goal."

He grinned at her. "So…is that you giving me an invitation?"

"No, that was me answering a question," she laughed.

"What a way to kill the holiday spirit," he quipped.

She set her box of candy aside and rose from the sofa. "I did get you something though."

"I wasn't hinting for a gift, Jo. I was just making an observation."

"I know," she replied. "But I did get you something…I just…you hadn't mentioned anything all week about the holiday so I…didn't want you to feel obligated to get me something."

"I never feel obligated. I get you something because I want to…I didn't expect you to get me something."

"I like to give you things…I just didn't want to look stupid," she admitted.

"Why would you look stupid?"

"Because…it's this stupid holiday…and if I gave you a gift and it turned out that you had plans with someone today then I would've overstepped by bounds."

"Friends are allowed to give each other gifts."

"Yes, for birthdays and such…but Valentines is different."

"Not for us."

"You don't think so?"

Jim shook his head. "You were my Valentine last year…why would this year be any different?"

"You hadn't said anything."

"I just thought you knew that I'd be around for you."

"I didn't," she replied. "I've been sitting here all day hating this holiday as usual."

Jim smiled. "But then I came and saved the day."

"Yes, you did," she said with a soft laugh. "But if I had known that you were coming to save the day, I could've been ready for you."

"I like you just how you are when you answer the door; you don't need to dress up for me, sweetheart. I told you that."

"But maybe I like to sometimes," Johanna replied. "I don't want you thinking that I don't see you as being worth the effort."

"I don't think that at all…I just think you're always beautiful no matter what you have on…although bikinis are extra special, if you really want to impress me," he told her, a wicked grin on his lips.

Johanna smirked at him. "On that note, I'll go get your gift."

His eyes widened. "You're going to put on a bikini?"

"No! So put your eyes back in your head and wind down your fantasy train, no bikinis today."

"What a way to kill a mood, Jo."

She laughed. "I'll make it up to you in the summer."

"Holding you to that," he called after her as she made her way to the kitchen.

A minute later she returned to the room, handing him a flat box. Jim smiled as he took the box from her hand. "You bought me candy?"

"Not just any candy…read the box," she told him.

His grin widened. "They're all coconut."

"Yes," she said with a nod. "Because you're odd and like coconut shoved into your chocolate."

"It's better that way," Jim replied as he began to pry the box open.

"We'll agree to disagree on that," Johanna said as she settled back down beside him and searched her own box for another piece of chocolate that was filled with strawberry cream.

"Deal; and I won't mention your questionable taste in strawberry filled chocolates."

"You're good like that," she quipped.

"I try," he said before popping a piece of candy into his mouth.

"I'm glad you came," she said after a few moments of silence.

"You should've known I'd be here."

"I was hoping you would be," she allowed herself to admit.

His hand slipped into hers. "So, since you'd like a little prior warning…same time next year?"

Johanna smiled as she met his gaze. "Definitely."

"It's a date then," he replied before picking up another piece of chocolate.

She watched him enjoy his piece of candy. "Do you feel better now in the holiday scheme of things now that you have your own box of chocolate?"

"Yes," Jim said with a nod. "I feel properly wooed now; feel free to throw sex at me."

Johanna laughed. "Really?"

"Yes…we've been mutually wooed, you said it was the goal."

"I said it was the goal of men…you just wanted a gift," she laughed.

"Yes, but to be fair you got candy and flowers…I just have candy…so since you mentioned the true goal of Valentines Day, I figure that would round things out nicely in the gift giving scheme of things," he replied.

"I see," she said with a nod. "Well…you know, I was caught off guard with this last minute celebration so I'm going to have to crush your dreams a little in that respect."

Jim nodded. "I had a feeling it would be that way…I gave prior notice for next year though…so…next year?"

"Oh definitely next year," Johanna replied. "You know, since we're already on the same page about sharing the day together, I can be better prepared."

He eyed her. "So you're saying that next Valentine's Day, we're going for the full holiday experience?"

She nodded. "Yes; definitely next year. That will be our third Valentine's Day, I can't have you thinking I'm a tease."

Jim laughed. "Can I get this in writing?"

Her eyes gleamed with amusement. "What? You don't trust me to be a woman of my word?"

"On everything else in the universe, yes…this…I'm not so sure. I mean you did torment me at Halloween, telling me I could untie your costume…knowing the whole time that they were just decorative ties that revealed absolutely nothing…so I'm a bit skeptical."

She patted his hand. "I promise, next year, I won't let you down. We will have the full Valentine's Day experience."

"No matter what?" he asked.

"No matter what."

Jim sighed. "Next Valentine's Day is so far away."

"365 days," Johanna remarked.

He glared at her. "Just for that, I expect you to dress sexy next Valentine's Day."

"Just for you," she replied. "I wouldn't want to deprive you of the full experience."

Jim dropped an arm around her, allowing her to curl into his side. "No matter what we do or don't do…I'm just happy to spend Valentine's Day with you," he said sincerely.

She smiled, pressing a soft kiss to his lips. "I'm happy to spend it with you too."