This is wonderful. The way the bombing effected him was really good. And Jess' love is awesome.

Duh! I never made the connection between "Don in bomb" and "Mac blows up lab". _

I love the hurt/comfort at the end. Thanks for sharing!

Yay, I guessed right! well done as always.

This is a good take on the affects of the bomb, something yet again the show failed to let us see was how Don was affected by it so well done on writing it so well and realistically!

Darn it, I never even though of Mac blowing up the crime lab would affect Don, but I should have. I even used it. Well, I hope that whoever won the brownie enjoys it. They deserve it! :)

Not only was this a good episode but a great team one, and Jess should have been there. But she is there in here and for Don. The pain he is in with remembering what happened will always be with him but it lessens with each time he talks about it to Jess. It shows a lot of strength to open up to talk to her about this and to let her help him. God love this man! *sniffs*

Favorite lines

"Still, Jess didn't rise to it. "I know you did. You didn't need to." She sighed. "Don, you're my partner. More importantly, you're the best friend I've ever had. I just wish there was something I could do to help here; you don't have to pretend nothing's wrong. Not with me. Never with me."

There was a pause, in which neither of them moved, then Don's shoulders slumped. "I don't know how, Jess. I don't know how you can help me. This isn't supposed to happen to me; I bounce back, I always do. The bomb … I was helpless … completely helpless and … I was scared, alright? Absolutely fuckin' terrified."

He finally turned to look at her and her heart broke, seeing the same fear and pain in his eyes as she'd seen that day in the locker room, but this time they were accompanied by tears he didn't hold back, and she wondered how long he'd been hiding them.

Jess didn't hesitate to move; guiding him back to the couch, she managed to get them both sitting down in a way that allowed her to hug him comfortingly, his face buried in the crook of her neck, which was no mean feat, given that he was at least a head taller than her.

"I thought I was gonna die." He murmured into her skin, sending chills through her, and not just the good kind.

She pulled away slightly, enough to place a hand on his wet cheek, forcing him to meet her eyes. "You're alright though. You're okay. You survived and you've come out the other side a hell of a lot stronger for it."

"Yeah." Don smiled weakly, not fighting her when she gently brushed his tears away. "Sorry about this."

"You're human. I'm your partner." Jess smiled. "If you can't break down in front of me, who else is there?"

"True." Don's stomach growled loudly. "How about that pizza?"

Jess laughed, standing up. "I see your appetite hasn't been affected."

"Never." Don insisted, following her into the kitchenette. "Hey, Jess?"

"Yeah?" Jess prompted, digging through her fridge.

Don's voice was quiet, but not hesitant in any way. "Promise me that, even if there comes a time when we're not partners, you'll still be here."

Pausing in her search, Jess turned to face him, kissing his cheek lightly. "I promise, Don. I've got your back. Whatever happens."

I hope you have a great time, and I will be wishing for good weather so you can enjoy your time on the boat! See you later!

very cute scene!

I hope if i ever go into Law Enforcement I have a partner like him. Hot and sensitive. Loved da fic. How Jess said she was always here for him and especially da last part. Promise me even if we're not partners you'll be here. I was like 'AWWWWWWWW' at that.

That's why he'd been acting weird.

A good job!

This is FANTASTIC! I had the most pathetic day at work, and coming home and getting to read this made my life :) Have a good vacation!

I love the way you approach Don and Jess' relationship and how it builds on events of the day. This strikes me as being realistic as to how two people can start out as best friends and allow the relationshp to develop into something more.

Ooooh,... very good. And very perceptive of Angell.

Flack's stomach's reputation proceeds itself! LOL

Great job! I love that Don is able to break down in front of Jess, I can't imagine that there are too many people he will allow to see him crying.

good chapter of this series! Love to see my fave boy not being in total control!

have fun on the boat in the bad weather...

great update.

Have fun on your trip.