Whirlwind of things happening around us, but right now the only thing I can focus on is Athena in my arms. I will take bruised ribs any day over her being dead.

This is not how I wanted to catch the suspect that has been stalking and threatening her, but it was out of our hands. I can beat myself up at the fact of not figuring all of this out sooner or I can be grateful he is behind bars and she is safe. I am choosing the later one because I can't change the past but it will make me an even better detective for the future cases that land on my desk.

Chief came up to us earlier and is trying to fast track everything. He wants Dason behind bars for a long time and I can't agree with him more. Chief always takes it seriously when someone gets shot or hurt, but like I reminded him it is thanks to him the department wears the vest. I had time to put it on with the drive and that is what I done.

Gaperal driving didn't have his on so he became the radio guy. Still an important part of everything from calling in more back up to keeping others in the loop that are not in hearing range.

Everyone had a part and as a unit the entire station works together with very little flaws. Another thing to thank Chief for with all the drills he puts us through.

"How are the ribs?" Brit walks over next to me.

"They will be fine." I chuckle some.

My eyes haven't left the girls since they took Athena from my arms. Bethany has been a mess with everything, no one can blame her because this is a shock in many ways. Chas has came over to check on me, but she has seen before minor injuries from something I had to do on a case. I am just thankful she is here to suppport Athena too.

"Could you do the small questions that are mandatory for Bethany to get them in the report. Cheif is trying to get things fast tracked for our side before the DA takes over and hopefully makes it to where Dason won't get bail."

"Sure thing." Brit smirks. I been watching him too and the few times he has been around Bethany he lights up.

Not the right time by no means to set someone up, but Brit is a good buddy of mine. Bethany will need someone to lean on too during this time in her life. Why not be Brit? Especially, if they hit it off then everyone is happy and gets the win. Anything for her to get over this.

Brit walks over and gently touches Bethany's shoulder, causing me to smirk. He has never been the one to be touchy feely with anyone when working a case.

Chas and Athena walk back over to where I am sitting on a bench.

"How are you doing?" I look to them both.

"Better now. Just have to put this behind me and move on." Athena smiles, but it has me worried about her too.

Something like this can get to a person when held at point and not used to it.

"I am going to get her some food to eat for dinner before she goes to the apartment." Chas rubs Athena's arm.

"Actually, would you like to come with me back to my house for the night? I know we were going to yours originally but I would like to take you back to mine and still be with you."

"I thought with this being over you may not feel the same towards me." Athena tears up.

I stand to cup her cheeks.

"Nothing has changed how I feel about you." I capture her lips with mine.

Athena reacts instantly and I know she still feels deeply for me.

I pull back and look in her eyes. "I love you Athena Greg and now more than ever. Seeing all of this today it got to me and made it hard to do what I know is best. I will forever take any bullets or pain to where you never have to go through this again."

Athena lets a few tears fall and I wipe them away gently.

"I love you too Zack." She whispers.

"Alright, love birds. Get on home and I will drop some food off within the next fifeteen minutes. That way you drive there and get in five minutes later food arrives and I am gone before you start boning." Chas laughs and walks off to her car.

"I don't see your truck anywhere. So my car?"

"Sounds great. Chief told me I can take tomorrow off with everything that happened. I figure I can get my truck from the station then."

I take Athena's hand and we go over to Brit and Bethany.

"I got everything done and will get the report finished."

"Thanks, I will see you sometime tomorrow when I pick up my truck."

"I knew you wouldn't take a full day off." Brit laughs.

"I just might." I smile down to Athena, who is hugging Bethany again.

"She is completely innocent of knowing anything." Brit whispers and I nod, since I already had that feeling.

Athena walks back over and we walk to her car. I give her directions to my house and she looks at it in awe. We get out of the car and I unlock the door, letting her walk in first.

Chas comes by a second later and drops the food off with a smirk, before taking off.

I place the food on the coffee table and go to my bedroom, grabbing some clean clothes. I change into shorts and a shirt while pulling some out for Athena.

"These may be big but that way you can change. Helps to clean the slate."

Athena takes the clothes and changes, while I get the food placed on plates for us. Chas went for chinese and honestly, this is perfect.

Athena walks out of the room and seeing her in my clothes makes me smile. We sit down and she takes glances at me while we eat on the food.

Placing my plate down, I move closer to her. Athena follows my actions but surprises me when she straddles my lap.

Her lips find mine before I can say anything, but there is no way I am complaining.

"I want you tonight Zack. Take me please, I am yours and yours only." Athena whispers in my ear.

"Anything you want, Precious, anything." I kiss her again.

A/N---
Hey Hey Guys!!!

They are still together but makes sense Athena wondering if he would feel the same now the case is pretty much closed right?

Will Bethany find comfort in Brit after all of this happening?