Intentions

Author's Note: I've been a fan of fanfiction for many years. I loved reading the stories in people's heads about my favorite shows. I've always thought some of the fans come up with better ideas than the writers. Never have I attempted to write fanfiction myself but I am so intrigued by this show I can't help but give it a try so please enjoy and provide positive and negative feedback so I can get better. This story covers what might have happened between John and Taylor since he stayed with John until the following morning.

John Reese was still angry. He glanced in the rearview mirror again to reassure himself Taylor was fine. Taylor appeared to be content after talking to his mother. He was leaning against the backseat staring out the window watching the scenery go by seemingly unaware of the two men in the front seat of the car. John noticed Taylor's hands were clutching the straps on the knapsack on his back and his breathing was slightly irregular. He was sure now that the adrenaline from the kidnapping and rescue had worn off the boy was suffering from some symptoms of shock. Instead of falling a part though, like the young man his mother raised him to be he was doing his best to man up and not be a burden.

Reese was impressed by the youngster but it only made him angrier that Taylor had been put in danger in the first place. He had no doubts Taylor would come back around but he had undoubtedly lost some of his innocence throughout the night.

"John, Detective Carter will probably have her hands full for a while, what should we do with Taylor," Finch asked slightly above a whisper? John's blue gaze reluctantly left Taylor and focused on Finch. "We could take him to Carter's mother's house," Harold suggested.

"No," Reese said shortly surprising Finch as well as himself! John's wasn't ready to let Taylor out of his sight just yet. As a matter of fact he couldn't see himself delivering the boy to anyone but Jocelyn. "Take us to the apartment. I have some things there to keep him busy and hopefully help him forget about tonight's events," John said again using the rearview mirror to watch Taylor.

Finch nodded and headed for the apartment he'd leased for Reese while he was recuperating from being shot, ironically when Carter had given him up to Agent Snow from the C.I.A. He was worried about Reese because he'd never seen him as angry as he'd been since Elias' men had grabbed Taylor from his school. He could still feel the heat coming off of John in the front seat of the car. He wondered if Reese realized the depth of his feelings for Detective Carter. He imagined John hadn't had much experience dealing with those types of emotions in his line of work. Finch had watched Reese and Carter's interactions grow increasingly more familiar over time until Carter cut them off after the shooting of her fellow officer while protecting Moretti. He had also noticed a change in John's demeanor since Detective Carter refused to take his calls. He was much more subdued than normal and found much less amusement in the obstacles they encountered in their attempt to save lives. Well at least after saving her son Carter would likely restore her partnership with John and he could return to being a little less intense. Once again he wondered if John understood his anger over Taylor was directly related to his attachment to the boy's mother. John and Finch both knew Taylor was the most important person in Jocelyn's life and losing him would destroy her.

As they pulled into the apartments, Taylor looked around surprised by the upscale housing units. He thought this John guy seemed more like an under the radar seedy hotel type of guy. I mean he had on a suit and all but he still gave off a mysterious, dangerous vibe. He wondered how this guy knew his mother. He also knew that if his mom trusted John with his life then he could trust him too. While sometimes he felt his mother was too over protective, he never questioned her judgment.

"Harold, thank you for finding Taylor and I'll see you in the morning after I take Taylor to his mother, we have unfinished business," the later was said with a coldness that made Finch feel sorry for the man who'd kidnapped Taylor and slipped away at the warehouse. Reese turned to Taylor, "Come on Taylor, let's get you settled until your mom is ready for you."

Reese and Taylor exited the vehicle and made their way to John's apartment. John opened the door and stood back to let Taylor enter. Taylor walked into the living room and noticed the large flat screen TV and more importantly the gaming consoles in the entertainment center next to the television. John smiled at the look on the boys face knowing the feeling all to well.

"Have at it. I'm sure you can figure out how it works. How about some Pizza," John asked as Taylor dropped his bag and immediately started checking out the setup of Reese's electronics?

"Sure, pepperoni and mushrooms okay, my mom really likes mushrooms," Taylor said while turning on the TV and starting the PS3.

"Fine I'll order enough for you to take some home," John moved to the kitchen to grab the pizza menu off the fridge. Before he could call to order the pizza Taylor was already lost in one of the many 1st person shooter games that had kept him occupied while he was recovering from his injuries. While Taylor entertained himself, Reese completed a security sweep of the apartment and made sure the bed was made so Taylor could get some sleep after they ate.

Twenty minutes later John paid for the pizza and he and Taylor sat at the table to eat. They were eating in a comfortable silence when John noticed Taylor fidgeting like he had something to say. He finished his pizza and sat back in his chair and gave Taylor his complete attention.

"Taylor I'm sure you have questions, and while I won't be able to answer all of them, I'll do the best I can."

Taylor had so many questions but he was a little afraid of John, I mean he'd just kicked all those mob guys butts right in front of him and shot a couple of them to boot. He looked up from his feet to meet John's patient blue gaze. He thought of his father who died a soldier and his mother who risked her life everyday protecting the people of New York and realized courage was a part of his DNA.

John watched as Taylor mulled over thoughts in his head and he saw on his face when he made a decision, Taylor sat up and looked him straight in the eye. John felt his heart fill with warmth he hadn't felt in a long time. Some how this kid had infiltrated the walls placed over his heart many years ago.

"How do you know my mom?"

"It's complicated Taylor, but we work together sometimes even though I'm not a cop," John said wondering what Taylor was going to ask next.

Taylor thought about John's answer for a minute, found it believable and decided John probably wouldn't give up much more information on what he and his mother were involved in. "How did you know where I went to school?"

Reese barely stopped the surprised look on his face before it appeared. Taylor was very intelligent on top of all his other attributes. He wasn't quite sure how to answer this question without giving up unwanted details. "Once I found out your mom had you, I started looking in on you from time to time to make sure you remained safe," John said breaking eye contact for the first time.

Taylor did not hide the surprised look on his face. Wow this bad ass guy was looking out for him that was kind of cool. "Do you look out for my mom too?"

"Yes Taylor I will do everything in my power to protect you and your mother," John said trying to reassure Taylor with his eyes.

Taylor caught a glimpse of something in John's eyes. "Do you think my mom is pretty?"

Wow this kid could be an interrogator, John actually blushed and then tried to deter him with a cold stare. Taylor not intimidated at all by Reese's gaze waited patiently for a response.

"No," John said causing Taylor to leer at him. "Joss is beautiful, stunning, intelligent, brave, and incredibly strong, but pretty is just not adequate enough to describe her," Reese said shocked by his own admission.

Taylor closed his eyes in relief. He thought he was going to have to stand up to John to defend his mother's honor. Interesting he was curious of his mother's opinion of John. "What are your intentions toward my mom?"

"To keep her safe Taylor, that's all," John felt very uncomfortable talking to boy about this topic but he felt like his honesty was important.

"I don't understand, if you think all those good things about her, why don't you want to be with her?"

John took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "In my line of work, I can't afford to get involved in relationships like normal people because there are those out there that will use the people I care about to hurt me. I would never intentionally put you and your mother in danger. You two have suffered enough loss."

Taylor tilted his head to the side and gave John an inquisitive look. "If you have to watch my mom now because she's working with you why would it matter if you two were together or not?"

Out of the mouth of babes! Reese looked down at his feet and tried to come up with a logical argument. There was none. John came to his feet and paced back and forth in front of the table refusing to meet Taylor's eyes. Finally he started absently rubbing the back of his neck. "You should probably ask your mom about that, she doesn't necessarily agree with my tactics and most of the time she's angry with me," John said coming to a halt and facing Taylor.

Realizing John hasn't quite dealt with his feelings for his mother, Taylor decides to give him a break and stop questioning him. "Ok, I was just curious."

Reese recognized the young mans retreat and was greatly appreciative because Taylor had actually given him some things to think about when he was alone. John walked away from Taylor and headed towards the bedroom, he came back shortly with a phone in his hand which he sat in front of the boy and reclaimed his seat at the table. "Now that we've covered your mother, let's talk about you. My intentions toward you are to be your friend. I know you've had to be the man of the house for a long time," giving Taylor a sympathetic look.

Looking down quietly at his feet once again, Taylor was surprised at the thoughtfulness of this tough guy.

"You're doing a great job son, but I want you to let me take some of that burden off of you so you can enjoy being a teenager. I'll keep your mom safe and I'll make sure you both have whatever you need," John said understanding the large responsibility Taylor felt. "I know it's hard not having a father around and no man to talk to even though your mother does her best, I'm sure there are some things you would just rather talk to a guy about."

It took all Taylor had to hold it together. He had never voiced his feelings to anyone yet John had figured all this out by watching him. This guy was better than he had imagined and he was glad he was working with his mother.

Reese pushed the phone towards Taylor, "This is for you. I don't want your mom or anyone else for that matter to know you have it but if you need me Taylor for anything the number one speed dial comes directly to my phone. If for some reason I can't answer at the time then the speed dial number two goes to Finch, the guy with the glasses. Leave a message with him and I will call you as soon as I can," John reached across the table and put his hand on Taylor's forearm causing him to look up. "I mean anything Taylor, if you want to talk about sports, or girls, or you need advice, I'll be here for you."

Taylor nodded his head slowly and gave Reese the same lopsided half smile Jocelyn gave him whenever he said something that irritated her. Once again Reese felt warmth for the boy.

Ok, I think this night has been long enough, how about you get some rest and I'll take you to your mom just as soon as she's ready," John said rising from the table and leading Taylor back to the bedroom. He showed Taylor the bathroom attached the bedroom and let him know he'd be on the couch if he needed anything. As John walked past Taylor to leave him to rest, Taylor surprised both of them and threw his arms around John's waist. Reese felt like he had been sucker punched, a well of emotion hit him hard. Taylor's hug had caught him from the side, he turned in the young man's embrace and wrapped his arms around him and held him tightly. Closing his eyes and resting his chin on Taylor's head, John felt Taylor shaking and realized he was quietly crying. It broke his heart to witness the boy's pain and filled him with hatred towards the people responsible for causing it.

After a few minutes Taylor regained his composure and pulled slightly away from John. "Thank you for saving me," he said looking up at John.

"You're an amazing young man and your father would be very proud of you," John stepped away from Taylor and gave him a fatherly pat on the shoulder. "Get some rest your mother will kill me if she thinks I kept you up all night," John smiled. Taylor returned the smile and started preparing for bed.

John walked to the kitchen, grabbed a beer out of the fridge and collapsed on the couch. He took a couple of gulps of beer, placed an arm over his eyes and after what seemed like minutes but was actually two hours later Taylor's phone rang. He knew who it was without looking at the display. "Joss he's fine," he said into the phone quietly.

"John I'm so sorry this is taking so long but there's so many charges and so much paperwork," Detective Carters voice was still shaky from the day's events.

"It's okay Taylor's fine," John stopped to listen and heard nothing. "I'm pretty sure he's asleep, I don't hear any movement coming out of my room. The poor boy is probably exhausted, I think you should get a little rest yourself after you're done and let me bring him to you in the morning," Reese suggested knowing she would fight him.

"I won't be able to sleep until I see him."

"Joss, he's with me you know he's safe and you both need the rest, I promise you I'll have him to you first thing in the morning," John waited patiently while she thought it over.

"Okay, meet me at the diner eight o'clock sharp, and John thank you there are no words to express how I feel," Carter said heavily.

"Joss none required and I think you should know, your son is an amazing young man and you've done a great job with him."

Carter smiled even though Reese couldn't see her. It meant a lot to her hearing that compliment from him, "Thanks John, I truly do appreciate it. I have to go finish up, I'll see you in the morning."

"No doubt, please try and rest Carter, Taylor worries about you enough he'll feel better if you look well rested in the morning," John said omitting he was worried about her too.

"Yes, sir," Carter said and disconnected the call.

An hour and a half later Jocelyn Carter was curled up in a ball in the middle of her queen sized bed alone crying uncontrollably releasing all the fear she'd held in throughout the day. After gaining her composure and forcing her body to relax her mind drifted to the place it seemed to spend a majority of its time in the last few months, contemplating John Reese. She had been so angry with him for giving up the safe house location that she had severed all ties. She would never forget the look of sorrow and regret on his face as they knelt over the wounded officer. While he hadn't intended for the situation to get out of hand, his dealings with Elias resulted in her trust being violated.

Then it hit her, like a ton of bricks. John had done whatever it took to save baby Leila similar to what he had done to save Taylor. She sat straight up in her bed as the duality of the situations dawned on her. How could she condemn him for his actions to save Leila yet condone his actions to save her son? Carter finally understood the dilemma John had been faced with. She forgave him for his actions and decided she owed him an apology. Eventually she lay back down and tried to clear her mind but it was restless. Just then her phone vibrated indicating she had a text message. She reached over and retrieved the phone and smiled as she read, "go to sleep," unknown number knowing it was Reese. Shortly after returning her phone to her nightstand she drifted off to a mostly restless slumber.

Jocelyn stood in front of the diner in the rain scanning the crowded street corner oblivious to the rain drops hitting her umbrella. She kept looking at her watch. It was five minutes to eight, where were they? Finally she saw her son running towards her and she quickly disregarded her umbrella and ran to meet his embrace.

Reese was in the process of reminding Taylor to keep the phone he had given him hidden when the boy took off running across an intersection without looking. John's heart lurched until he saw Jocelyn running to her son and realized Taylor wouldn't be harmed.

Watching Carter hold on to her son for dear life in the middle of the busy sidewalk melted the last piece of ice on John's heart. He knew at that moment that he would lie down his life before he would ever let either one of them be hurt again.

After reassuring herself of Taylor's safety, Jocelyn turned her attention to John. "I'm glad to see you keep your promises," she said her voice gravelly with emotion. She tried to express her gratitude in her eyes.

"I told you I would never let anything happen to your son," John said finding it hard to stop glancing at the young man he'd come to care about deeply in the last twelve hours.

"Thank you," Carter's voice implied they had unfinished business.

John smiled and winked at her to let her know he understood before he turned and left her to Taylor.

Jocelyn spent the rest of the day hanging out with her son. She tried unsuccessfully to get him to tell her about his night with John but he just kept telling her they'd had a man to man talk and everything was fine. At one point he'd asked if they were seeing each other and Carter had choked on her soft drink and shook her head emphasizing they just worked together from time to time.

Taylor had not been oblivious to the way his mother had looked at John and how nervous she was when he asked about them dating. As a matter of fact she responded just as John had when he asked why he didn't want to be with his mom. These two had it bad, it was unfortunate neither one of them was willing to take the risk. He thought he would like to have John around on a more constant basis. Well it was up to them to figure it out, after all he was just a kid.

Later that night Jocelyn found herself standing in Taylor's doorway watching him sleep and thanking God he wasn't traumatized by the whole ordeal. A soft knock on her door interrupted her thoughts. She made her way to the door and looked out the peep hole to find Reese standing on her porch, pizza box in hand. She opened her door and greeted him with a large smile.

"Your son made me order mushrooms for you and he forgot to bring it to you," John stated dazzled by her smile. Carter opened the door wider and Reese took that as an invitation and carried the pizza to the living room table. He and Carter both sat on the couch comfortably.

"Mushrooms, really, what a way to destroy a good pie," John said but he kept looking back towards the back of the house.

Jocelyn immediately recognized what was going on. She placed a hand on John's lap causing him to look into her eyes.

"I need to see him Joss," his voice was barely above a whisper. Jocelyn grabbed Johns hand, intertwined their fingers stood up and walked him to Taylor's doorway. Once he saw the boys sleeping form he let out a breath, he hadn't realized he'd been holding.

Carter's heart swelled and her eyes filled with tears as she watched Reese look lovingly at her son.

"I think I love your son," he said squeezing her hand and never taking his eyes off Taylor. Carter pulled John away from Taylor's door and back to the couch. She found the most vulnerable look on his face and she couldn't help herself she leaned in and placed a soft kiss on his lips.

Carter leaned back just enough to look into his eyes, "John the Moretti safe house incident was not your fault. I know you did what you had to, to save Leila."

John searched her brown eyes and saw acceptance and forgiveness. This time he leaned in and captured her lips in a much less chaste kiss. His hands slid up and cupped her neck as he changed the angle of the kiss for better access. Eventually he pulled away and looked at Jocelyn with small smile. "I want to be a part of both of your lives."

"I think that would be best for everyone involved," she smiled back.

Taylor woke up feeling better than he had in a long time. The night he spent with John and the day he'd spent with his mother had restored his sense of normal that had been shaken badly after his kidnapping. He thought about calling John to say good morning but his stomach growled loudly and he figured he'd better feed the beast first. He walked into the living room headed toward the kitchen when his brain finally caught up with his eyes causing him to back up quietly behind the couch. He looked down and saw his mother and John sound asleep on the couch. They were fully dressed thank God but his mother was lying on her back with her arms wrapped tightly around John who was laying facedown with his head lying on her chest and his arms around her. They looked so peaceful he couldn't help but smile, yep he could get used to this.