Author's Note: I said I wouldn't do any sequel to A New Life but, I got a fic request on Tumblr and this idea settled in my head so here it is.

Enjoy.

Gideon sighed happily as she began wake up. Cuddling deeper into the warm cocoon she was in just wanting to stay here where everything was simple and uncomplicated.

As her mind became clearer, which was a bizarre thing for her to cope with not instantly being aware of everything the moment she was conscious, Gideon realised she was alone in the bed when she had fallen asleep holding onto her Captain.

It was a concept that was truly foreign to her to sleep, something she had watched her beloved Captain do for many years and wondered about. It was now something she had done a great deal of in the past few days.

Turning to the side to check the clock beside her, she stared in surprise at the time.

"Well, good morning," Rip's amused voice came from the other side making her turn to find him leaning against the doorframe, "It's nice to see you awake at last."

Gideon felt her cheeks burn, the way they did so often when he smiled at her.

"Grab a quick shower and get dressed," Rip told her, "If you still want to meet Jonas for lunch that is."

"Of course, Captain," she replied softly.

"Use my name, Gideon," he shook his head as he left her to get ready.

Sliding out of the warm comfortable bed, Gideon headed for her shower.

x

She'd now been human for approximately forty-two hours and there were a few things Gideon had learned already.

Firstly, she needed to sleep, a lot, but could only manage to do so when Rip was with her. When she was alone Gideon just couldn't relax enough to enter the state, terrified something would happen but when her Captain was holding her, she could fall asleep easily because she knew he would keep her safe.

Secondly, she enjoyed the sensation of standing beneath warm water letting it flow down over her body and soak her long hair. The scent of the soap and shampoo made her smile as she cleaned herself. Her Captain had bought ones specifically for her when they were out the day before. A simple gesture designed to make her feel comfortable in her new form, one that made her so grateful to have him with her as she learned about her new life.

Thirdly, was the fact she needed to eat but she didn't quite like it. Food that was not completely solid, with a sauce or if she needed to use cutlery meant Gideon would make a mess to rival Jonas when he was a toddler. Even though her Captain had been unable to hide his mirth at those times, he hugged her tightly and promised it would get easier.

She hoped he was right.

Rip smiled when Gideon descended the stairs, looking beautiful in the dress she was wearing with her long hair falling around her shoulders and her smile bright.

"I'm ready, Captain," she told him.

Shaking his head Rip caught her hand, "Gideon, you're human now. You should use my name."

Her cheeks coloured in a blush and she dropped her eyes shyly, "I will try…Rip," she promised again.

Rip reached out and gently stroked her cheek before touching her chin so she would look up at him, "I know it's strange and I'm here for you but calling me Captain might bring attention we don't want. Okay?"

Gideon nodded.

Rip pressed a soft kiss to her forehead, "Come on, we'll be late if we don't move."

"Late?" Gideon frowned confused checking the time.

"I thought you'd want to see Jonas at his swimming lesson," Rip smiled with a shrug.

Gideon smiled at the thought and nodded, "Yes."

"Then let's go."

x

Clarissa smiled to herself as Jonas talked about what they were going to be doing today in his lessons. The little boy was a complete joy to be around and she loved being his grandmother.

To her surprise, it hadn't taken any persuasion to get Rip to allow her to take Jonas to swimming lessons. Rip agreed that the little boy should know how to swim and not learn the same way he had. Clarissa had decided not to ask the question.

Opening the car door to allow the little boy out, she smiled when he took her hand as he knew he should in the car park.

"Daddy!" Jonas cried joyfully when they reached the door to the leisure centre finding two people waiting for them, "Gideon."

Clarissa smiled as Jonas ran across the small space and threw himself at his father, seeing the human form of the AI who watched over them smile at the scene.

"Good morning," Clarissa greeted them, "I didn't expect to see you until lunch."

Rip smiled, letting his son go so he could hug Gideon, "I thought Gideon would like to see Jonas at his lesson."

Nodding Clarissa checked her watch, "And we need to get inside so Jonas can get ready. Come on, Sunshine."

Jonas nodded and took her hand. As they started inside Clarissa smiled slightly seeing Rip rest his hand on Gideon's lower back. To guide her inside as the gentleman he was but it was also protective and a little possessive.

"Alright," Rip said, "I'll take Jonas to get changed, why don't you ladies find seats for us?"

Clarissa nodded, "Of course." Seeing Gideon's nerves at being separated from Rip, Clarissa took her arm, "It will give us a chance to chat and you to tell me stories where he can't overhear."

Gideon laughed softly and walked with Clarissa to the spectator seats where they found three together at the front. Gideon sat studying the pool, Clarissa smiled to see she was mesmerised by the gentle movement of the water.

Suddenly the peace was shattered as the kids appeared and all jumped into the water to get to their starting positions. Jonas saw them and waved, Gideon gave him a small wave back. Rip arrived in the spectator area and slid into the seat at Gideon's side, his arm automatically resting around her.

Rip's unthinking gesture caused countless murmurs and a wave of interest from all the mother's sitting around. Clarissa sighed irritated at them, she spent a lot of time keeping the vultures away from him. It surprised her how naïve he was when it came to that sort of thing but considering Rip's upbringing, and the fact he'd fallen for Miranda when he was young, it made sense.

x

Evelyn Thomas cooed to her baby girl she was carrying in the papoose while she headed to the spectator area of the pool. Checking who was there she smiled seeing Clarissa but was surprised to see Rip was sitting also. However, Evelyn mused, seeing Gideon sitting at Rip's side it made sense. She was visiting so Evelyn assumed Rip was showing off Jonas to his friend.

She started towards them finding her way was blocked by one of the other mothers.

"Freya," Evelyn gave her a smile, assuming she wanted to see the baby, "How are you?"

"Good," the other woman replied before continuing quickly, "You're friends with Jonas Hunter's father, right?"

Suspicion instantly hit her before Evelyn nodded, "Yes."

"Who is the woman?" Freya asked, several of the other mothers leaning in to hear the answer.

Evelyn rolled her eyes but knew that she'd get no peace or away from them until she answered.

"She's Rip's friend from back home. I think they went to college together," Evelyn told them, "She's here to visit for a while."

Freya glanced over at the people in question, "Are you sure they're friends? I mean look at the way she's all over him."

Evelyn looked round the other woman to where Gideon was leaning against Rip laughing at something his arm was around her, but they were old friends and obviously comfortable with one another.

"Well, that's his business," Evelyn replied sharply before she slid round the other woman and made her way to her original destination.

The moment she reached them Evelyn saw Rip's eyes instantly fall on Ruth.

"You know how to make a girl feel special," Evelyn laughed as she undid the straps and lifted her daughter out, passing Ruth to Rip.

Rip happily took the little girl into his arms, "Hello, beautiful girl," he bounced her, getting smiles and happy gurgles.

Evelyn rolled her eyes, "I'm feeling a little slighted."

The other two women laughed.

"It's nice to see you again, Gideon," Evelyn said, taking her seat.

Gideon gave her a smile, "And you, Mrs Thomas."

"Evelyn," she corrected, frowning confused when Rip snorted in amusement.

He shook his head, eyes not moving from Ruth, "Don't ask."

x

Gideon smiled watching Rip reluctantly hand the baby girl to her mother when the lesson ended. She was relieved by how well she'd done having a conversation with Evelyn. She knew Clarissa and Rip were listening closely in case either of them needed to step in but Rip only had to do so once.

"Would you like to join us all for lunch?" Gideon asked, catching the surprised looks on Clarissa and Rip's faces at the invitation.

Evelyn smiled at her, "I would love to but unfortunately Kevin's mother is visiting and he's picking her up just now. Maybe another time, if you're still in town."

Gideon nodded. She knew how much Rip valued Evelyn and Kevin Thomas' friendship, especially as they were normal, compared to everyone else he knew.

"I'd like that," Gideon told her.

Evelyn gave her a quick smile before she and Rip left to get their sons.

"That was unexpected," Clarissa said, "Inviting Evelyn for lunch with us."

Gideon smiled, "Jonas and Adam would like it while I enjoyed speaking with Evelyn."

Clarissa squeezed her hand, "That's good. It can't be easy talking to those who don't know your previous form."

"I worry I will say something that isn't right," Gideon confessed.

"You're doing fine," Clarissa assured her, "Come on, let's fetch the boys and go for lunch."

Warmed by the older woman's words and affection, Gideon smiled following her to meet Rip and Jonas.

x

Jonas took Gideon's hand as they started out the leisure centre, telling her what he'd learned that day and how well he'd done.

Rip watched them with a smile on his face as he walked with Clarissa behind them.

"I was thinking," he spoke up, "That since it's such a nice day we get some sandwiches and drinks then have a picnic in the park."

Gideon turned giving him a grateful smile that he wasn't taking her somewhere she would have to try and use cutlery.

"What do you think, Jonas?" Clarissa asked.

Jonas nodded, always happy to go to the park before he paused and asked, "Will I still get the cake you promised?"

Rip turned to Clarissa with a raised eyebrow.

"Because he did so well in school this week, I promised we would get a treat at lunch today," Clarissa explained, "And yes, we will pick up a few cakes for after lunch."

Jonas grinned and Rip shook his head in defeat.

"Okay," Rip smiled, "We can get some cake for after lunch."

They walked to the park and found a bench in the sunshine, near the play area for Jonas. Leaving Gideon and Jonas to get comfortable, Rip and Clarissa headed to the small café nearby to get them food.

"Is there a reason you wanted a picnic today?" Clarissa asked as they joined the queue.

Rip shrugged, "Gideon finds cutlery difficult to use. If she's eating in public this makes her less self-conscious."

"That makes sense," Clarissa nodded, "She seems to be coping admirably with the change she's gone through."

"There are times she gets anxious," Rip replied, "But knows that we're all here to help her."

Clarissa smiled, "I'll make sure she knows to call me when she wants to talk or needs help that you can't give."

x

"Gideon?"

"Yes?"

"Do you like being a woman now and not just a voice?"

Gideon smiled at the little boy's question, "Honestly," she took his hand, "It is a little scary because I am now so different from what I've always been, but I do like that I can hug you now."

Jonas grinned and threw his arms around her in a tight hug, "I like to hug you too." He let her go and looked at her thoughtfully, "You don't have to be scared, Gideon. Me and Daddy love you. We'll look after you."

"Thank you, Jonas," Gideon smiled, "I love you too."

His smile widened and he wrapped his arms around her waist leaning against her. Gideon rested her cheek against the little boy's hair, understanding suddenly why Rip loved to just hold his son in his arms sometimes. She spotted Rip and Clarissa coming towards them.

"It looks like our lunch is here," Gideon said, smiling with the boy pulled back and looked over to his father and grandmother walking towards them.

"You can have some of my cake," Jonas told her, "If Daddy didn't get you one."

"Thank you, Jonas."

x

Rip smiled as he and Gideon watched Jonas on the swing. Clarissa had headed home after lunch getting big hugs from Jonas and a promise from Gideon to call her if she needed to talk.

Feeling his phone buzz, Rip pulled it out and checked the message before answering quickly.

"Is something wrong?" Gideon asked softly.

Shaking his head Rip assured her, "It was just Caitlin checking how you are."

"Why did she not contact me?"

Rip gave her a slightly amused smile, "You don't have a phone, and unless you're not telling me something this was all she could do."

Gideon stared at him before she gave a cry of frustration, "This isn't right. I shouldn't be like this."

Rip moved and caught her in his arms, "It's okay. You're okay."

Tucking her head against his neck she sighed sadly, "I'm not meant to be like this, Captain. I can't look after you in this form."

Holding her tightly, Rip gently rubbed her back soothingly, "We look after each other now."

Gideon sniffed slightly not moving, keeping her face pressed against his shoulder.

"Let's get Jonas and we'll go home," Rip told her, "When we're in the house you can relax. Okay?"

She nodded again before stepping back to let him collect his son. Rip left her sitting at the table while he headed to the swings.

"Jonas," he said, "It's time to go home," Rip continued quickly before his son could protest, "Gideon needs to go back to the house now."

Jonas quickly slid off the swing and took Rip's hand heading back to where Gideon was sitting looking forlorn at the table. Jonas ran over and took her hand without a word, when she stood Rip led them back to the car so they could go home.

x

Rip watched over Gideon for the rest of the afternoon as she helped Jonas with his jigsaw puzzle. She'd been quiet since her small anxiety attack in the park, allowing Rip to bring her back to the house where Jonas insisted that she play with him.

The remainder of the day while Rip did his chores, he listened closely in case Gideon had another panic attack but thankfully, although quiet, she seemed alright.

After dinner, which Rip ensured was easy for Gideon to eat, they sat and watched one of Jonas movies. Rip put his son to bed, who knowing Gideon was upset gave her an extra long hug goodnight. Once he'd read Jonas that evenings' chapter and said goodnight to him Rip headed back down to check on Gideon.

She was curled up in the corner of the couch, staring at the screen that was showing one of the singing shows she enjoyed so much. Rip took a seat at her side, sliding his arms around her and pulled her close frowning when he heard her sob.

"I can't do this, Captain," she cried, "I want to be me again, I don't like…." she trailed off frustrated that she couldn't vocalise what she was feeling."

Rip hushed her, holding her close feeling her tears soak his t-shirt, "I'm here, Gideon. I know this is hard for you but you're not alone. You are never alone. I'm always here."

After several minutes she began to calm and pulled back from him, wiping her eyes Gideon gave him a soft shy smile.

Before she could say anything she yawned making Rip smile.

"You should go to bed," he told her, frowning at the panic that crossed her face.

"I am fine," Gideon said quickly trying to hide the fear in her eyes.

Rip gently rubbed her arm, he didn't realise she was still as scared of going to sleep as she had been, now she'd done it a few times.

"You can still sleep beside me," he reminded her, "If that will make you feel better."

Gideon nodded, "But you are not tired, are you?"

Rip mused for a moment, Gideon was obviously exhausted, but she would fight sleep if she was alone.

"Get ready for bed," Rip told her, "And come back down here. I've got an idea."

While Gideon changed, Rip took a pillow from the spare room along with a blanket. He made himself some tea and grabbed his book placing it on the table at the side of the couch. When Gideon arrived Rip sat, placing the pillow against his leg and motioning her to lie down.

With a shy smile she curled up on the couch, her head on the pillow, cuddling under the blanket she smiled when Rip gently stroked her hair.

"It's okay," he promised, "Go to sleep. I am right here with you."

Letting out a soft sigh Gideon's sleepy voice came, "Thank you, Rip."

"Any time," Rip assured her.

x

It was several hours later when Rip decided to head to bed, easing himself from beneath Gideon so he didn't wake her, he quickly cleared away his mug. Returning to the living room, Rip gently slid his arms around Gideon and lifted her easily. Carefully Rip carried Gideon up to the bedroom and gently rested her on the bed, smiling as she murmured slightly shifting to get comfortable in the new location.

Once he was confident Gideon was resting Rip pressed a kiss to her forehead. Changing into his nightwear Rip climbed into bed making sure he didn't wake her. Rip slid closer to Gideon, smiling that even in her sleep she instantly cuddled against him looking for his comfort.

Today was only the second full day that Gideon had been human, and Rip knew that it wasn't magically going to be easy for her to adjust to her situation. But he would do everything he could to help.

Rip tightened his arms around Gideon hearing her sigh happily and smiled as he closed his eyes falling asleep easily with his best friend in his arms.