Epilogue

1 Year Later

"Really?" Riley muttered as her coffee cup disappeared from her hand courtesy of Gabriel. Some things never change, she thought as she mocked a glare at him.

"Hey it's check-up day give a guy a break" his eyes crinkled as he smiled.

"My job is to protect you not to be your baby sitter"

"Ouch"

"Suck it up princess"

"Are you calling me a girl?"

"More like a drama queen but you get the idea" The best way to win an argument with Gabriel she had learnt was to insult his pride. It was kind of a low move but hey, it worked and as he gave her back the cup, muttering something that sounded a lot like 'I never wanted it anyway' she wasn't about to complain.

"We're ready" Cassidy announced, ushering him into the lab. He sent her a wounded look and she rolled her eyes.

"You'll survive"

"I'll be the judge of that" She barely held back another eye roll as she enjoyed her cup of coffee, listening to his protests as Nelson and Cassidy did who knows what to him. It was like music to her ears.

Far sooner than she would have liked he was free to go and he couldn't get out of Cyber Com fast enough.

"If we hurry Lillian won't see us therefore not interrupting our day off" he said, detailing his theory that not two seconds later was derailed as her almost ran into their boss as she rounded the corner. She could barely suppress her laughter, hiding her smile behind her hand.

"Oh Lillian, ah…" Well done Gabriel she thought sarcastically. He sent her a pleading look but she shook her head, enjoying his discomfort perhaps a little more than she should. He would no doubt get her back somehow and oddly enough she found herself looking forward to it.

"We were just…"

"Leaving?" Lillian said, raising an eyebrow. He nodded vigorously.

"Yes that. Well bye" He all but dragged her out of the building and she started to become suspicious and sure enough it was confirmed when he insisted on driving because he had a 'surprise' for her. She trusted him enough to let him take control but not before threatening him for all his worth if something happened to either of them. He agreed quickly –a little too quickly- but she let it go soon realising that whatever he was planning had been a long time in making and he wanted to see it through.

"Fine but we are listening to my music" she didn't wait for a response as she pushed past him and climbed into the passenger side.

"I expect nothing less" he said, following her with a knowing smile on his face.

"Come on Gabriel, we must be nearly there by now" despite her annoyance there was a calm smile on her face as they drove through the country side.

"Patience" he scolded, glancing at her out of the corner of his eye. He was glad to see the effect this was having on her. The emotional scars had healed though they still got the better of her occasionally and it was time for a break. With a clever smile he pulled off the road onto a dirt track, enjoying the way the car rocked as he drove. She sent him a suspicious look but remained silent, shaking her head at him slightly.

It was nearing sunset by the time they arrived at their destination.

"Wow" Riley mumbled as she got out the car. They were at a remote cabin in the middle of the woods. The air was fresh and moist, pine needles crunching under her shoes as she looked around.

"I figured we could both do with a break" he said. She glanced over at him and despite his confident facade he looked nervous.

"Your idea of a break is to lock me up in the middle of no-where with you for a weekend?" The smug look on his face faltered and she let the smile she had been holding back break free.

"You're mean" he said but he had an identical smile on his face.

"Is this ok?" he asked somewhat shyly. She nodded, meeting his gaze and telling him everything he needed to know in a single look.

"I guess I should give you the tour then?"

"Lead the way"

They sat on top of an upturned log not far from the cabin. They had reached the peak in a little under ten minutes and from their vantage point they had a perfect view of the sunset. He wrapped his arm loosely around her shoulders and she leaned into his embrace, sighing contentedly. The colours changed from a burning red to a brilliant purple as the sun slowly disappeared from sight, making its exit in a series of exuberant colours. As it neared its final decent Gabriel broke the silence.

"How are you really?"

She took a moment to gather her thoughts, calmly replying "I'm ok Gabriel. It's hard but…I'm ok"

"I want you to be better than ok Riley" she met his eyes and swallowed, overwhelmed by the emotions that swirled beneath their depths. No words were needed as his lips softly met hers. Her eyes slid shut of their own accord, hands finding their way to the back of his neck to pull him closer. It wasn't long before the heat intensified between the pair and when they finally ran out of oxygen they pulled apart, gently resting their foreheads together. He half expected her to make some protest about their job but she remained silent, content to stay in his arms.

It wasn't quite a ride off into the sunset moment but it came pretty damn close.

A/N: If you have made it this far thank-you so much for reading :)