The medic went to work on Carter. He checked her vitals, cleaned and stitched her arm and did a preliminary check of her injured ribs. When he was finished bandaging her up, he gave her something for the pain and wrapped a blanket around her shoulders.

Carter pulled the edges of the blanket closer to her, watching the hive of activity. There was noise beyond the gates and she could glimpse TV vans and the lights of filming equipment. Reporters stood before cameras giving general facts about the state of the school and their speculations on what was happening inside.

Donovan appeared from the busy crowd, his posture upright, but his expression worn out. When he saw Carter, the haggard look lightened. The edge of Carter's mouth tugged upwards as he stopped before her. From her spot on the back of the ambulance they were almost at eye level.

"Link?" she asked.

"They are still doing a sweep of the school. I won't be able to get in until they are done. I came to see how you are doing." His eyes held hers, studying her. "How are you doing?"

For a second she didn't reply, taking him in.

"Better now."

A quiet moment slipped by as the world continued to rage on around them. It was as if they were a stone in the center of the stream, untroubled. A breeze gusted by whipping up stray pieces of Carter's hair.

Donovan reached out and pulled the strands away from her face. He held them down, his fingers becoming tangled in her hair. His eyes held her in place. With his other hand he lightly traced the bruise on her cheek, then the one on her jaw.

"Does it hurt?" he asked.

"Hmmm?" Her eyes were locked on his, the world a blur. Nothing else seemed real except the feel of his fingers.

He smiled, his thumb brushing over her lips. The feel of it sent sparks of electricity coursing through her.

"If you don't kiss me now," she said, "I'll punch you."

The grin widened. He leaned in, his lips hovering just above hers, their breath intertwining.

He kissed her slowly, as if he knew he had all the time in the world to savor the moment. Carter felt as if everything disappeared and nothing else existed except Donovan and his lips pressed against hers. His lips were caring and they sent the pain and exhaustion away. He broke from her, his mouth barely an inch from hers.

"I've been wanting to do that since the second day I knew you, when you almost broke Finch's wrist," he said.

A breathless smile pulled at Carter's lips.

"Then why didn't you?"

"Conflicting interests."

"Well," she said, "since I just got beat up trying to protect Link, I say the interests are no longer conflicting."

He kissed her again. This time there was a smile behind it. She placed her hand on his chest, gripping his shirt, and pulling him closer. Donovan dropped his hand to her waist, tightening his hold. She winced, a shock of pain skittering through her.

He pulled away, instantly scared of hurting her again. He didn't go far, Carter still holding onto his shirt. She leaned her head against his chest, taking in a steadying breath.

"It's okay," she said, once the flare of pain had died down. She lifted her head, smiling at the worry in his eyes.

She tugged on his shirt, bringing him closer. He gently cupped her face and kissed her. This time he was more hesitant, overly aware of her. When the caution faded, his lips got more certain.

A deep, angry growl made them both freeze.

"Get away from my daughter before I shoot you."

Donovan jerked away as if Carter was made of fire. Before he stepped out of reach, she grabbed his hand, lacing her fingers through his. She turned her gaze to her father, an amused smile cutting across her face.

"Captain, you know Donovan," she said, her tone light, "He's a Marine."

Her father's scowl deepened. Carter's smile widened as Donovan tightened his hold on her hand.

"Do you hate me, Sarge?" he asked.

"I say we give him a chance," she said. "He did just save my life. I say if he can't last five minutes in a fight with you, you can shoot him."

Donovan looked at her. "Thanks."

Her smile was playful. "Don't worry, he will probably only shoot you in the shoulder. Not a big deal. Besides you'll have a cool scar and all girls love that."

With his eyes captured by hers, Donovan seemed to forget about her father. His lips curved upward.

"Does that include you?" he asked.

"It does."

He shifted closer to her.

"Then I'll shoot you now," Carter's father said, "and you can have that scar."

Donovan was jolted back into the awareness of her father. The scowl was there, but it lacked any true malice. He gave a nod towards the school.

"I came to collect you," Carter's father said. "The school is cleared. We're about to go retrieve your charge."

Dropping Carter's hand, Donovan cleared his throat. He straightened, trying to regain a sense of professionalism. Carter's father didn't look impressed. "On the way there we'll have a little chat."

Donovan's eyes flicked to Carter for half a second. She tried to give him a reassuring smile, but laughter was hidden in her face. Steeling himself, he walked towards her father. Steve placed a hand on his shoulder. Carter could tell by the shift in Donovan's stance that the hold was close to bone crushing.

She smiled to herself and pulled the blanket closer, watching as they disappeared. A minute later, a group of men, including her father and Donovan, entered the school. Her gaze stayed trained on the doors, waiting. The minutes passed with no movement from the entrance, but a steady flow of activity around her.

An increase in volume from the beyond the gates pulled Carter's attention away. A convoy of cars, bearing the Presidential flags, arrived. The SUVs blocking the gates pulled away and allowed entrance. Once the cars were through the SUVs returned to their original positioning, shielding the view from onlookers, which didn't quiet the shouts from reporters, their faces eager and in need of more information. The line of vehicles stopped, but no one emerged. Deputy Townsend walked over to the center car and spoke with someone inside.

The distant sound of the doors opening snapped Carter's focus back. A pack of men in black stepped out of the school. Their bodies were too closely pressed together to see what they were shielding. Carter strained her gaze to catch a glimpse of Link or Donovan. When they were under the cover of the makeshift city of vehicles, the unit separated.

Donovan and Carter's father led Link away, blocking him from the prying cameras with their joined body mass. The trio stopped before Carter. A wide grin split her mouth as she looked into Link's groggy face. He blinked a few times, still trying to wake himself up. Removing his glasses, he rubbed the palms of his hands into his eyes. When he was more alert, he replaced them. His eyes focused on Carter and a matching smile pulled at his sleepy expression.

"Who managed to beat you up?" he asked.

"Some guy I insulted," she said.

"It was bound to happen at sometime."

The sound of his voice and the lighthearted expression made the last bit of worry in Carter's chest vanish.

"I'm glad you're okay," she said.

"Thanks for making that possible."

She nodded. Her father and Donovan talked quietly a foot away. Though she couldn't hear what they were saying, she could tell that the antagonism between them was no longer there.

In the convoy of cars, doors opened and men in suits stepped out. Following behind one of them was the President. Instantly, a barrier of men formed a circle around him. All eyes landed on the same point, including Link and Carter's. The group moved forward, towards Smith and the tired looking Mason. When they were close, the circle opened and the President embraced his son.

Link's expression fell. Carter reached out and took his hand, gripping it. The pressure brought his gaze to her. The look of sadness in his eyes nearly sent her marching over to the President to snap his neck. Her thoughts played out across her face. The sight of her righteous anger made Link smile. He squeezed her hand back.

"It's life, I guess," he said.

"It doesn't mean it's okay."

"No. It doesn't." The words were weighed down with sorrow that Carter understood.

Their attention returned to the reunion before them. Mason was led to one of the cars while the President moved in their direction. The sight of his father walking toward him made Link tighten his hold on Carter's hand, as if he needed to steal some of her strength. She echoed his hold, letting him know she was there.

The solid group of black suits split and the President stepped forward. Instead of going to Link, he focused his attention on Carter's father. Steve stepped forward, his face serious.

"Agent Owens," President Douglas said. "I was told you lent a hand in helping this situation not turn out as terrible as it could have been. I want to offer my gratitude."

He stretched out his hand and Steve shook it. Carter saw the look of deep respect that passed between the two men. The sight of them together tightened something in her chest.

"I played a very small role, sir," her father said. "Agent Keller and my daughter were the ones who did the most."

Douglas shifted his attention to Donovan. But before he moved to shake his hand, his gaze fell on Link. In his face was a strong desire to hug his son and reassure himself that Link was safe. The President didn't act on this instinct, knowing enough people watched him. His eyes told the story of the shame, grief, regret and love that lay between them. Link held Carter's hand firmly, needing something to anchor him to the spot. Something that would stop him from reaching for his father.

President Douglas turned his focus onto Donovan, cutting the moment. Link's finger's loosened on Carter's and his shoulders sank.

"Agent Keller, thank you for all that you did," he said, his words heavy with meaning.

"Thank you, Mr. President."

When President Douglas released Donovan's hand, he moved and thanked Carter. She restrained herself from breaking his wrist. Link standing beside her was the only thing that held her back.

With one final look at Link, the President stepped back. He gave a slight nod.

"I'm glad you are all safe," he said. He glanced at Carter's father. "I look forward to your return, Steve."

"As do I, Mr. President," her father said.

The words laid a burden on Carter's heart and dropped sadness into her eyes. Douglas became enclosed in the circle of men and guided away to the car. Link stood there staring after him, his eyes lost. Donovan placed a hand on his shoulder.

"I'm sure your mother is going out of her mind with worry," he said. "Let's get you to her."

Link nodded, unable to talk. They turned to face Carter.

"You should get your ribs checked out," she said, to Donovan.

"I will, once he is safe at home." Donovan looked as if he wanted to kiss her before leaving but was all too aware of her father standing only a few feet away. "Thank you," he said instead.

Carter reached out and cupped the back of Donovan's neck. She pulled his lips to hers, ignoring the growl from her father. When she let go, Link was staring at them in shock.

"So...you two...kissing...and..." His eyes were wide. "You sure this is wise? I hate to think what happens if it ends. Someone is likely to die."

Carter looked up at Donovan, feeling that would never happen.

"I guess it's a good thing I'm a great shot," she said.

Donovan smirked and stepped back. The look dropped away when Carter's father came into view. He nodded to him. "Sir."

Donovan led Link away, glancing back once at Carter. She smiled. Her father came to stand before her and their eyes met. For a moment neither of them spoke, the air electric with conflicting thoughts and emotions.

"You're going back," she said, her voice small. "Two years?"

The look of quiet sadness in her father's eyes was all the confirmation she needed. She dropped her head with renewed weariness.

"Carter," he said, a note of conviction in his voice, "I know you can't understand this, but I'm not only trying to protect the leader of our nation, but a friend and someone I have spent the last six years serving. If I didn't see President Douglas through his term and something happened to him, I would feel it was my fault. It's not about honor or sacrifice, it's about doing something in my gut I know I have to do." There was a fierce look in his eyes, though his face remained calm and serious. "I know that won't make sense to you, but it's what I need to do."

Carter said nothing. She understood what he was talking about. The feeling he was describing was the same one that had sent her looking for Link, sent her diving into an unknown situation without a second thought.

Though she now understood why, it still didn't mean her heart wasn't aching. In that moment, she still felt like a battered girl with a bruised heart.

She dropped her gaze, feeling tears pool in her eyes. They slid from beneath her closed lids and plopped onto the ground, sending up puffs of dirt and darkening the gravel.

"Sarge," he said, his heart in his voice.

It took her a long minute to pull her head back up. When she did, looking back at her were the same caring, blue eyes that she grew up trusting. Grew up finding comfort in.

"I get it, Captain." Her words were quiet.

"I love you, Sarge" he said, his words fierce, holding more weight than ever before.

"I know."

Her father hugged her and she rested in his steady hold. Tiredness crept up on her and her eyes lids dipped. When her father pulled back, he laid a hand on her shoulder, keeping her from falling over. He called to the medic.

"What's the verdict on her?" he asked.

"Her second, third and fourth ribs on her left side are bruised, not broken. She suffered a minor concussion and her cut is taken care of."

"Can I just go home then?"

Her father looked about to protest, but the medic spoke first.

"You could. At the hospital they would tell you the same thing, advise plenty of rest and ice packs to help reduce swelling. You can take a basic pain killer to help with the pain."

Carter looked up at her father. "Let's go home, Captain."

He studied her, debating. When she started to lean to the side, fatigue pulling her down, he decided.

"Okay," he said. He nodded to the medic. "Thank you."

Carter slipped off the edge of the van, leaving the blanket behind. Her father wrapped a steadying arm around her shoulders and guided her to the car. Opening the door for her, he helped her into the passenger seat.

"I'll be right back," he said.

He shut the door and Carter rested back against the head rest. She was asleep by the time her father returned.

**********************

The gentle call of her name roused Carter. She blinked, pulling herself from the depths of her dreams. They were back at their apartment and her father was looking at her. A light rain had started and the patter was soothing on the car roof. Carter shifted and pushed herself up. Pinpricks of pain darted through her body and she closed her eyes. Her father rested a hand on her shoulder.

"Can you walk?" he asked.

She nodded.

"Yeah."

She slowly unbuckled and by the time she was reaching for the door, her father was pulling it open. Exhaustion hung from every limb, weighing her down. Her thoughts were sluggish. Every injury sent her reminders that they were there when she moved. Her father half lifted, half helped her out of the seat.

The misty rain felt refreshing. The air smelled clean, the toxins from the city getting washed away. They made a slow progression up the stairs, the tapping of their shoes on the metal echoed in the quiet neighborhood. Her father went to insert his key into the door, as it swung open. Maggie stood on the other side, her face a mask of worry and tears. They stepped inside and the light fell around Carter's face.

"Oh hun!" Maggie said, her voice choking at the red bruises along Carter's face. Her hand went to her mouth. "Steve told me something happened."

Despite the fatigue and ache in her body, Carter couldn't help but smile.

"It's not as bad as it looks," she said.

Happy, relieved tears spilled over Maggie's eyes. She stepped forward and gently hugged Carter. Carter accepted the embrace, allowing it to be the end of their conflict, letting her anger and hurt melt away. Maggie pulled back and stared at Carter with motherly, red rimmed eyes.

"I'm so sorry," she said.

"I'm sorry too."

Maggie pulled up a quiet smile. "What do you need?"

"Sleep."

She nodded and tucked a hair behind Carter's ear. Behind Carter, her father watched the exchange with a soft expression. Maggie held his gaze and her words, tones of love and small affectionate gestures stirred something in his eyes. Carter glanced back and saw all of this in a moment.

A weary smile tugged at her mouth, as she followed Maggie to her room. Her father waited outside as Maggie assisted her with changing her clothes. She winced as her shirt was removed, the pain dragging her further into exhaustion. By the time she crawled into her bed, she could barely keep her eyes open. Her father entered the room. He leaned over and kissed the top of her head.

"I love you, Sarge," he said.

"I love...you too...Captain," Carter said, her voice drowsy.

He took a step back and Maggie smiled down at Carter.

"Sleep well, girlie."

The nickname succeeded in pulling a small smile from Carter. The last thing she saw before she closed her eyes was her father taking Maggie's hand.

"Thank you for being here," he said, his voice sounded distant.

"I'm here for you both."

The words followed Carter as she drifted off.

**********************************************************************

Salted caramel! (Dang that sounds so good!)

Haha Captain saw Carter and Donovan kissing! Was it how you imagined it would be??

Thoughts on the overall chapter??

To be honest I didn't realize it was going to be so depressing, especially with Link and his father. 🙈 Oh poor poor Link.

Pirsê (Kurdish) This question is from the elegant : What would you want written on your tombstone?

Answer: Morbid, but I like it. So besides the obvious, "Hey! Walk all over me why don't you?" I'm not totally sure. Maybe..."Here lies an author whose story has come to an end, but memory will live on"??? Gosh I don't know! What would you put on my tombstone?? (Haha this will be amusing)

Star, laugh, chase!

So pretty much chase the stars until you laugh! ☺️ Make no sense?

Good I'm not the only one!