This is an AU and a post-ep for "The Negotiation".  Spoilers up until then.  It's a bit of a strange kind of mood piece, maybe?  Or just...I don't even really know what to call it.  Just give it a chance, and know that I acknowledge the strangeness ;-)  Embrace it, guys.  Go with the flow.  And keep reading because I promise it works itself out in the end.  Disclaimer: Don't own the show or the characters.

THANK YOU to Uncgirl and Brokenloon for suffering through the journey of this story with me.  ::hands them each a beer::