Chapter 61

There wasn't much I expected from our meeting with the FBI agent in Oak park. Jackson covered everything with us yesterday. It seemed the purpose was solely just to meet our acquaintance and confirm the terms of the agreement. Basically, the only thing I was maybe looking forward to was bitching them out for lying to me in the past. However, there were a few things I didn't expect.

When Luke, Francis, and I arrived at the park, we were unsure of who the agent. The parking lot had a few cars here and there. Beyond the lot was a stretch of grass and trees, which gradually descended towards a pond. A few people were fishing off a dock, some walking the sidewalk along the water. There was a man reading a book at one of the picnic tables. But it was the woman sitting on the curb of the parking lot who had her bored eyes set on us.

Her brown hair was pulled back in a short ponytail, away from her heart shaped face. Raising a hand towards her mouth, she took a drag from the cigarette wedged between her fingers. Eyes wandering to more interesting sights, she raised her other hand and beckoned us towards her with an index finger.

Interesting. Was it wrong that I assumed our FBI 'middle man' was a man? I guess I was used to only men being involved in this chaos; what man wasn't drawn to sexy me and all my drama? Upon meeting her though, she was clearly cut out for any drama or disaster thrown her way.

Approaching the woman, she stood up from the curb. Dropping her cigarette, dragging it across the cement with her boot, she turned to us with a stone face. Once reaching her, she offered the three of us sturdy handshakes. "Agent Tate," she introduced herself.

Under her plain white shirt and baggy slacks, the woman had a slim figure and small frame. That didn't have any effect on the stubborn and sure vibe she gave off. Her lips were flat, brown eyes observant but bored. Her smooth tan skin with no make-up gave her a very natural appearance. A strap was slung across her, the brown pouch at the end resting against her hip.

As we began introducing ourselves, she interrupted. "I would be doing a piss-poor job if I didn't already know your names," she said evenly. The woman turned, stepping over the curb and onto the grass.

Damn. It was hard not smiling. What was that? I guess just forwardness at its best, something I could admire. No bullshit, no reason to be nice. We would be good friends if we gave a shit. Francis was entertained too. He snorted under his breath before following her towards an empty picnic table. 

Glancing up to Luke beside me, he raised a critical eyebrow in the woman's direction. I couldn't blame the guy for being skeptical. As an observer, Luke wasn't sure what to think. Patting his back with a smirk, we soon followed her onto the grass too.

We stopped at a picnic table before the ground descended towards the pond. A gentle breeze sifted through my hair. The three of us took our seats on one side of the table while she was on the other. As if an interview or interrogation was being conducted – and it kind of felt like it when a long overview began.

It was everything fuck face already told us. Same plan, same conditions.... She went over everything with us as we sat there and politely listened. I wanted to say 'I would be doing a piss-poor job if I didn't already know all of this' just to mock her. But there was one thing that was different from the briefing we received from Jackson. This lady had more insight.

Discussing finding the headquarters by October 1st, I had a suggestion. "I would like to think we aren't dumb enough to not consider an easier option. Why can't we have a plane fly over the land? More than likely, you would be able to see it." The idea of inspecting the land by flying over hit me on the way here. Felt completely stupid for not thinking of it before, but I'm not the only one whose mind it didn't cross.

"It's been done," Agent Tate answered, folding her hands together and resting them on the picnic table. "Mr. Higgins informed us where the area of interest is. Before we struck the agreement, he persuaded my colleagues to do a sweep with a helicopter. Nothing could be seen. Unsurprising in Washington. You've most likely realized by now how tall and massive the trees are. Mountainous surfaces can easily hide any structures too."

That was not good to hear – both the 'Mr. Higgins' part and not being able to spot the base. The huge trees and unpredictable land was good cover for anything. I suppose it validated we were doing right by the ground search at least. Then again, who the hell knows, maybe she's spewing bullshit right now.

I scoffed, crossing my arms and leaning my elbows on the wood surface. "And why would I believe you?"

So far, I held my tongue. Now, my mouth went off on its own. I couldn't help it though. Talking to this woman triggered my anger over what occurred with the FBI in the past.  Watching her and waiting, she just stared back. "Excuse me?"

My jaw locked in place. From where Luke was on my right, I felt him rest a hand on my leg under the table. Whether in warning or reassurance, I didn't know. All it did was give power to my words. Luke suffered because of them.

"You people lied to me for years. Every time I fucking asked, every time I wanted an update...." Sighing under my breath, I leaned back and tucked my folded arms against my chest. Every time, they reassured me Luke was fine. Don't worry, we got word to him about where you are. He's with someone else, doing just fine.... All bullshit. "You and that excuse for a man tricked me and lied. Why should I believe he just happen to convince you to fly a helicopter over the area?"

"Mr. Higgins simply—"

"Would it kill you to refer to him as Jackson?" I snapped with a tensing body.

Agent Tate's eyes turned hard, not appreciating my tone. She looked away off towards the pond behind us in annoyance. "As you know, Jackson simply informed us of what to tell you. Business is business. I suggest you keep your feelings in line as we proceed."

"It's not about feelings, it's common sense," I said, shaking my head. "How are we supposed to trust this deal made between Jackson and you on our behalf? Do you have the documents?" Sharing a glance with Luke, his eyes filled with admiration.

Brushing off any effect my words would have had, she straight faced glanced down to her bag. Opening the flap, she produced a file and set it between Luke and me. Well, I guess she did have the documents. Better be everything we were told.

Sure enough, it was. It did make me feel better about her word – and admittedly Jacksons.  It laid out all that was said, including the chilling reminder of what would happen if we didn't find the headquarters in time. October 1st, we needed to inform them of the location and pinpoint exactly where it was. It did make me nervous, considering how we had a month and a few weeks to do this. Agent Tate would be stationed in an apartment, awaiting our findings – and essentially keeping an eye on us 'murderers' to make sure we wouldn't attempt to flee.

As Luke and I read through it, I was happy to see a spot near the bottom where we would both sign. It made me feel at least a little better since it showed we had some say in our own damn lives.

While Luke and I read over this, Francis was pondering something over. Something I didn't realize was just revealed to him. From where he sat on the other side of Luke, I couldn't see him. Until he leaned forward against the table, directing his gaze to the left. His curious eyes looked between all of us. "Mr. Higgins?" His confused eyes stopped on mine.

My eyes angled down to the wood and the papers on it. I pursed my lips and nodded. Of course, this would come up. Of course, this chick just had to say 'Mr. Higgins' instead of Jackson first. Christ, the last thing I wanted to do was explain it all over again.  Thankfully, I could see from the corner of my aimless gaze, Luke still staring at his brother. No doubt giving him a look telling him to drop it.

Changing the subject – and bringing up a good point – Luke directed his attention to the woman. "My brother here will not be impacted in any sense regardless of the outcome, correct?"

I didn't even think about that. I guess because I automatically assumed Francis had zero at stake. If we fail and get thrown in the slammer, Francis better damn not have anything happen to him. There better be no consequences, otherwise he needed to go home. Just thinking about it stirred my insides. Luckily, the chick eased our fears.

"Correct," she said, fiddling her thumbs from where she folded them again on the table. "He's nowhere in the agreement, he's not involved officially."

"Even if I was, it would be worth it to save both your asses from prison," Francis added.

After it was all said and signed, Agent Tate snatched the forms and her pen and put them back into her bag. When she retrieved her hand from her bag, I didn't expect to see a cell phone. "We'll be in touch." Handing me the phone, she withdrew one for Luke and Francis as well. "My name is Mindy Redcowski in the contacts. The three of you including Jackson are programed in the phones too. Under aliases obviously – and not the ones you already have. You'll figure it out. Also, nobody else may have your numbers."

Well, there goes the untraceable phones Luke and I already bought. I suppose it was good to be safe though. Having everyone's numbers under fake names – and knowing every one of us had a secure phone – it made me feel better about going forward. It would be especially helpful in group chats, where we could keep track of whenever someone decided to do a search.

"Got to be better than Peggy," I mumbled, opening the phone.

"Peggy?" Francis exclaimed in an excited voice. Glancing up from the phone, I caught his eyes from where he was on the other side of Luke. Leaning forward against the table and turned towards me, he shook his head. Only a matter of time until he needed to know our identities. "No fucking way. Peggy?"

Beside me, Luke closed his eyes and chuckled. Which I elbowed him for. Biting my lip, I looked back down to my phone. "I'll kick your ass, Franny boy." Opening the contacts under my phone, I smirked. "And for your information, I'll be known as Samantha Haring," I said. Normal sounding name. Finally.

"Who cares, that's just on the phone. Your name is Peggy," Francis snorted, playfully tapping his fingers against the wood.

"And you're going to be dead if you keep it up," I said, glancing over the three male names under the contacts. All normal too. Bill should take this lady's advice about picking out fake names. As she proved a moment later, she clearly knew what she was talking about it.

"I would advise you to go by another name as well while you're here," Agent Tate said, pointing a bored finger towards Francis. "There's no telling if the organization is keeping tabs on you. Your name doesn't need to appear anywhere. Don't use any cards, any form of your ID if you don't need to."

"Why can't you give him his own fake identity?" Luke asked, brows dipping.

She shot back, staring blankly back at him. "A minute ago, there was a great deal of concern regarding him not being a part of the agreement."

Luke sighed. It was my turn to rest a hand on his lap. Luke stared back at her. That was all he could really do because she made her position clear. If Francis was to hold no brunt or impact of whatever happens, he would receive no help or special treatment. He was just here.

"Look, I understand where you're coming from," I said, attempting to reason with her. "But would it really be too much just to give him a fake ID? Nothing crazy, just standard shit."

The stone-faced woman shifted her lazy eyes to me. "No, it wouldn't be hard. The FBI still has no reason to offer a fake ID when he's not involved in our deal." She shrugged plainly. Though I was getting used to her straight face and forward business-like persona, I cocked an eyebrow. Sure doesn't sound like she wants to help....

Luke gathered as much. Before I called her out rudely, Luke beat me to it in a much nicer way. "I'm sorry, did we do something to offend you? I understand this is business, but I figured the FBI would be eager to help us out."

"We made a deal. It doesn't mean there is anything extra or privileges. The reason: the FBI are fed up with you." For the first time, her voice had tone. A spike of heat and aggravation. "You broke a deal in the past. We were not eager making another one - especially now that you are murderers."

"We are not murderers," I said sternly, hand squeezing Luke's leg instinctively. Christ, Luke didn't need to hear this anymore. And honestly, the more I heard that word, the more it was getting to me. It's not right or fair because we didn't murder anyone.

She wasn't going to bite the bait though. "The FBI aren't willing to offer up any accommodations. What's been signed contained everything and nothing more." Her eyes rose to Francis. "I suggest you stay low. Have them call you by a fake name out in public. As I said, don't use any personal information for anything. Use Kyle and Peggy's," she said, disapprovingly pursing her lips. "The illegal identities they've obtained prove to be effective enough."

Luke kept a straight face, simply reflecting the blankness in hers. However, the last thing she said left him unnerved. I could feel it radiating from him. "We did what we needed to do to survive," I said to her. Hopefully my words helped ease some of his guilt.

Receiving nothing in response over my comment, our meeting was soon wrapped up. Worked with me because I had about enough of her. Of course, I respected her professional perspective on everything. Didn't mean I couldn't whip out some karate moves if she brings up anything that made Luke guilty again.

She quickly disappeared from our minds once we left the park. And where did we go? Well, it would be an understatement if I said we were anxious about getting to work. Straight from the park, we drove north to continue searching the land. Usually, we would split up and not go in a group of three since we had a ton of ground to cover. But not only did Francis need a device of his own to track the area and our progression, he wasn't used to the Washington wilderness.

Hell, we were still getting used to it. The ground was covered in all of nature's glory. Roots spread in all directions, patches of long grasses sprouting in between. Moss clung to the basses of trees, which were nearly as big and wide as the truck we drove here. I couldn't get over how grant it all was. Or how gorgeous the deep green foliage appeared from the monstrous sized trees. The reaching leaves and branches reached towards the sky and shot out in sight over the cloudy canvas of the sky. Even after the several times we've navigated this forest, it was still so surreal.

Though Francis wasn't used hiking such unpredictable land, he was more wrapped up in what I held. Couldn't blame him either. "Where did he find one of those?" Francis asked.

He was walking next to me, peering down at the piece of equipment in my hand. The man was fascinated once we entered the forest with the device Carter supplied us. His eyes couldn't stay distracted for long with the obstacles at his feet.

"Not sure, but we found others online. It's an L85; no fucking idea what it means but they are cool. We ordered one for you this morning."

Dodging a parade of roots, the ground was slowly rising. The slight incline made us break a sweat after a while, but it was progress. That was all that mattered. Even though it put a little pressure on my calves, I wouldn't bitch.

"What does it do exactly?" he asked, focusing more on watching the ground.

"Picks up any disturbances – like gaps in trees," Luke answered from where he was keeping a steady pace in front of us. My eyes drew up to stare at his sweaty neck, the ends of his hair damp. It was still spiked up enough to cause Francis to continue occasionally teasing him. "Though Agent Tate mentioned the tall trees were covering the base from the sky, that doesn't mean there won't be a gap where this place will be. This will be able to pick it up. It will also detect large life forms."

Luke's pace was much different from the previous times we searched the land. There was no laid-back exploring going on. Francis and I were walking quite fast, keeping up with Luke as much as we could. The fucking incline though was breaking a sweat, but there was nothing I could say. 'Hey, mind slowing down a bit? A little breather might be worth jail time.' Yeah, hell no. Especially knowing how much this was getting to the man. The more land, the better.

Turning my worried eyes away from the anxious man, I took faith in what I held. He was right about all those things. The screen I held was in reading mode, mapping in a grid with nothing significant. Honestly, I would love to see something pop up. It might be scary, but if it alerted us of something, it would brighten the light at the end of the tunnel. That's what we hung onto. Only a matter of time as long as we keep moving.

After taking a step up and over a protruding bolder from the pine needle area we were entering, I drew Francis's attention back to the device. "Then check this out," I said, pushing one of the buttons on the device. It changed the screen, showing us an arrow in the middle of our surroundings. There was a circle around the area, lit in green. Beyond the circle was grey. "This arrow is us. The circle around us is what the device is reading and scanning over. It shows we have investigated this area within a mile. This green area then gets saved. It allows us to keep track of the land we have scanned and so we know where to search the next time."

"Oh, and you can't get lost then," Francis said.

"Yep," I said, glancing up to him walking beside me. "Trust me, that was a main worry of mine when we first started."

He caught my eyes before looking back ahead of us. "Better hope I don't break it then."

"You would have to chuck it into a river, call it a bitch, then shit on the screen for it to break on you," I joked.

"I might have a hard time resisting taking a shit on the thing, but I shall try," Francis chuckled.

"Maybe we should cancel our order," Luke added from ahead of us humorously. Despite the pressure of finding this place on his shoulders, it was nice to see we could stay distracted with conversation and joking. 

We pushed ourselves to catch up with Luke as we walked through a maze of pines. Keeping up with him made our faces more sticky and sweaty, but worth it for more progress. Not to mention, once we started talking about more interesting things, our uncomfortable state was easy to ignore. Interesting things like Francis's love life. Yep, that's right. He informed us he began seeing someone.

"Why didn't you say anything before?" Luke asked from where he was on my right, voice filled with joy over his brother's good news. His eyes shot over my head to where his brother walked on my other side.

Francis's sweaty face and pink cheeks glowed in humor. Loose slightly curled hairs stuck to the side of his face. "It's not like it's anything serious," he scoffed. "Plus, I didn't want you getting jealous of what I had."

"Why would Luke be jealous?" I asked, shooting daggers at him. I was damn perfect.

He let out a heartwarming laugh. "Calm down, I'm just saying she doesn't cost and arm and leg over her habits."

"Shut up," I laughed, smacking the back of his head lightly. "Come on, I need to know more. What's her name?" It was truly exciting to hear this news. Even since I learned of Francis's feelings for me – or rather experienced the dude's feelings – I worried for him. Though I was sure he was over me, he still deserved to find a special girl for him. 

"Her name is Hannah," he said with a smile. Raising a hand and wiping away the glaze of sweat along his forehead, his eyes stayed angled on the ground. "She works at a zoo and handles the snakes. Wouldn't think it looking at her," he chuckled. "She's a few years younger than me with a sweet face."

"So... fess up. Did you pop her cherry?" I smirked.

"Jesus," Luke breathed.

"What?" I asked, turning and grinning up to Luke.

Over our fast-paced walking, he raised a teasing eyebrow down to me. "Is that really your business?"

I offered a flirty gaze to his shiny green eyes. "How many times has he asked about our sex life?"

Luke pursed his lips, looking back ahead. "Yep, we need an answer about the cherry popping...."

Oh my god, that was priceless leaving Luke's lips. Chuckling under my breath, a soft smile formed on Luke's face. I glanced back to Francis. Consumed in amusement, his cheeks still heated. Nevertheless, he managed to shoot up a smug smirk. "I didn't pop her cherry. I like experienced women, thank you very much. They need to already be at my level."

"So full of shit," I laughed. "She's blonde too isn't she?"

Watching the proud man, surprise crossed his face. "You know what, I don't need to be interrogated."

"Nailed it," I announced with pride.

A soft breeze broke through the thick ceiling of trees and swept down to us. It brushed against my sweaty face and made the high leaves clap together. It at least offered some relief by the time we reached rougher ground. Ahead, there was a group of boulders embedded into the land, building up towards higher ground. When we reached it, we stopped. Great. Here we go. Come on wind, keep it up because I wasn't about to stop sweating anytime soon.

"I can go wait back at that truck," I sighed, watching as Luke wedged his booted foot between two of the big rocks. It gave him the boast he needed to step higher onto the rocks. Catching the grooves with his feet, he effortlessly went up the few feet to the level ground.

Though I was right behind him, he sweetly offered his hand in assistance. His sweaty palm in mine pulled me up the rest of the way. It was easy enough, but I knew there would be more to come. Which I was both excited and nervous for. I knew we were just hitting the base of the rougher mountainous region.

Luke understood this was just the start too. And it was a reminder the poor man didn't need. Though he held a brave face, with how focused he was, I just wanted to sooth him. Tell him all would be okay and we would find it soon enough. 

After his brother was up and we were ready to continue, I asked Francis a question. Distraction was doing us good so far, plus I was genuinely interested. "You said she works at a zoo?"

"Yeah, she's pretty badass. She feeds the animals, and every day she hosts a demonstration with the snakes."

This chick he spoke of seemed interesting. He told us more about her as we continued our hike. Apparently, they only went out a few times, but he really liked her. Francis stressed more than anything how excited he was to introduce her to Brooke. Unfortunately, it dawned on me how the lovely meeting of his daughter and her would have to wait. Francis would be here for a couple weeks at least.

As I learned later though, Francis wasn't concerned over his blooming relationship with this girl. His worries and priorities remained with his daughter and helping Luke and I. The aspect was sweet, but it was also sad.

It happened later that night after we finished up our exhausting search. We returned home and we shaded in the area we covered on a big paper map. We also took a picture of it and posted it to the stupid group chat thing so it could be seen by dick face and could act as a reminder to us. Francis informed us he would be moving into his new apartment soon but until then, he would be staying with us. Luke and I were more than happy to offer him anything we could.

After we ate a late dinner and relaxed, I did some laundry and retreated upstairs to put everything away. Luke and Francis were hanging out downstairs. Giving them guy time was important; hopefully, it will help Luke with some of his guilt and stress.

With that said... I didn't plan on eavesdropping. Got it? I didn't mean to, want to, intend to at all. But you know what, sometimes shit just happens. Would you be able to ignore a conversation if you heard your name come up? I didn't think so. 

Fine, my name didn't come up. But what I did hear made me stop in my tracks. Upon getting ready for bed and leaving the bathroom, I started making my way down the steps to say goodnight. However, three steps down, words traveled up the stairs to me. It made me freeze in place.

"Kids are not something either of us is worried about right now," was the last piece of what Luke said that I could make out. Being closer to the main floor put me in closer range. His voice was muffled, far away, but that string of words I could make out.

Eyes falling towards the carpet, mindlessly staring at my bare legs and feet, I waited and listened. They were talking about the subject that kept Luke and I from getting back together. Children.

"Did you guys talk about when it would be open for discussion? Or when she would be ready?" Francis's response was quiet and I had to strain to hear. Blame my greedy ears, but I slowly eased down a couple more steps before stopping. I didn't want to listen in and it wasn't right, but they were talking about something Luke and I haven't gone into much.

Staring at where the railing started a few steps more down, I waited and listened. Hanging onto every point of silence before more words reached me. I could imagine Luke sitting next to his brother in the living room, deep in thought before answering how he did. "She might not ever be ready," Luke said.

Did this mean he was upset with me? I know he was relaying to his brother the drama of the subject we already faced, but did this mean more? Francis asked what I immediately started to wonder.

"Dude, you're not getting any younger," Francis said.

"I told her I would stay with her no matter what," Luke responded gently, making it harder to hear.

"Like you would give up having kids for her? If I were Albany, I wouldn't let you do that."

"She didn't want me to do that," he said in a more defending tone. "That's why it took a long time for us to get back together. She didn't want to deprive me of being a father."

"That's a tough spot. Do you think she'll want kids someday?"

"I don't know."

Sinking down to the step, I bit my lip and clasped my hands together. This was something I happily tucked away to worry about later. Hearing it out loud again, the shaky and open-ended agreement we made, it did bring a heaviness to my chest. One Luke made evaporate.

After a long pause from they were in the other room, Luke continued. "Like I said, we aren't... concerned over that right now. We just want to make it out of this shit alive and together. Facing it later will be worth it as long as she's mine. That was basically how we looked at it."

Swallowing, staring down at the steps below me, I smiled. Better to be together than to possibly die in the near future with kids not on the agenda. Francis could see where we were coming from and bridged any gaps Luke left out. "Right, because kids won't even be an issue if you aren't alive next month."

"Mhmm," Luke said. In a softer voice that made me want to strain to hear, he added, "Now though, it's more of a question of being locked away. Regardless, death or prison as an outcome has been making me think."

"About what?"

"Doing things... we wouldn't have a chance to do later."

What was he talking about? Ears at attention with my eyes mindlessly searching in front of me in confusion, I waited for Luke to elaborate more. What things did he want to do because he was scared we wouldn't have a chance later?

"Like what? Having kids now?" Francis chuckled, making the topic lighter between them. "Hate to break it to you, but if you go to prison, the baby would still be in the oven." A hallow clank followed his words, signaling he set down an empty beer can on the table.

"Thanks for the warning," Luke chuckled. Damn it Francis, why couldn't you pry out more about whatever Luke meant. What was Luke pondering over that he wanted to do with me? Who knows. Whatever it was, I could understand where Luke was coming from. I mean, we put off the thought of children because we were scared we might not ever get the chance to have kids anyway. However, we were on a timer now. We could be locked away soon. I didn't find it as likely as Luke, or was as worried, but it was possible. The reminder and reality sent a twist through my body.

My legs, arms, thighs and back were sore from hiking. It was the first time we were on a time limit and we took it seriously. We were faster than normal, went farther too and covered a lot of land. The same thing would happen tomorrow. While we had distractions and hope, I was beginning to see things from Luke's point of view more. And it was tragic. I wanted to hold him and make our days last. Yet at the same time, we needed to get to work to extend the month to where we would have the rest of our lives to be together.

"Does it make you mad?" Francis asked him, interrupting my thoughts.

"Does what make me mad?"

"That you finally have her and you have to focus on saving your asses from prison."

Waiting and listening, I began to feel bad about intruding. I really should give them privacy, but with me as the subject, I couldn't help it. Francis's question caused me to sit up straighter.

"No," he answered. "I finally have her. Yes, this was dropped on us not long after, but I can't be angry. If the world ended and I was with her, I wouldn't be angry, you know what I mean?" he scoffed. "After how long I've wanted her, she's worth everything."

Biting my lip, I shook my head slowly, consumed in the Luke's warm words. He made me feel like a prize, a treasure, something precious and unique. Nothing and nobody even made me feel that way and even now, it still affected me. Especially hearing it being discussed and not being said straight to me. 

"Yeah, yeah, lover boy," Francis chuckled. "You're crazy about her."

"Well you apparently know how it feels now," Luke said, directing the attention towards his brother. "I'm happy you finally found yourself someone."

"It's not like we're official or anything man," Francis said defensively and in a light voice. "She's nice and I like her a lot, but we've only been on a few dates. She hasn't met Brooke yet, so who knows. And who knows if she will stick around since I'll be gone for a while."

"You really shouldn't have come out here to help then," Luke said. "But if she's as great as she sounds, I think she will be there when you get home."

"I hope so. But trust me, it wasn't a second thought when I came out here. I'm not worried," Francis said in reassurance. His words warmed my chest. There was no better brother or friend in the world who would help the way he does. Enough where he puts everyone first and before him.

"You know, we really do appreciate all you've done and are doing for us," Luke said in a softer voice, echoing my thoughts. "Wished you wouldn't have, but it means a lot."

"Don't get all sappy on me and shit," he snickered. A crack reached the air, signaling he opened another beer. "I'm happy to do it."

The brothers continued talking, but I more than overdid myself on eavesdropping. Getting to my feet and minding my own business a little too late, I headed quietly back up the steps.

By the time I climbed under the covers, my mind was spinning in sadness and overwhelming love. Over realizing the grief of having a time limit before we could be locked away. Over how much love was spilled in just their conversation over me. And hearing about Francis's commitment was bittersweet.

It turned into me silently scolding myself. Francis's question stuck with me. About being mad because now that we are together, we are treading through a lot of BS. Though Luke was just happy to be with me, I was angry with myself. Why couldn't I have given in earlier? Why did I have to be so stupid?

I laid awake, going over their words in my head. Had no right, but I couldn't shake what I heard. Enough so that I was still awake by the time the bedroom door creaked open slowly. Laying on my back under the covers with an arm folded behind me, I tilted my head to where light seeped into the room. It highlighted Luke, who quietly stepped into the room.

He paused once inside, stopping and staring towards me with squinting eyes. With the light from the hallway, he could see me enough. "You still awake?" he whispered.

"No."

Closing the door behind him, he shuffled closer and flicked on the nightstand lamp. Eyes catching mine for a small second, he smiled, walking to the dresser. "Everything okay?" Taking his shirt off, my angled gaze admired his strong back, lean with defining muscles under his skin.

"Yeah, just not asleep yet."

Facing the dresser, he opened a drawer and took out a baggy blue shirt. Slipping it on, he caught my eyes in the mirror. "I'm surprised with how tired you were from today. I know I'll sleep good tonight," he said, head dipping to focus on the belt he was undoing. While he did that, I couldn't help myself. Moving to the edge of the bed and discarding the covers was automatic. By the time he dropped his pants with his boxers remaining, I was nearing him. "Are you—"

He cut himself off when he turned around and saw me walking up to him. Before I reached him, an intrigued and confused expression crossed his face. Green gaze sparkling from the lamp behind me, they followed mine until I reached him. Stopping when I gently pressed my chest against his, I stared up and rested my hands against his chest. Tilting my head up, my lips twitched up into a dainty smile before I connected them to his lips.

Kissing him gently, breathing him in, I relaxed against his warm body. The contact was beautiful, with his long stubble brushing against my cheeks.

Luke was surprised. A few seconds passed before his large hands rested on my hips. When I felt his soft lips curve and catch mine, my heart spiked in sweetness. I slid a hand up and cupped his neck. Luke was so warm and such a man.... Someone I should have given into way earlier. Someone who was somehow mine.

Our mouths detaching, when his gaze reached mine, the color was full of heat and adoration. It melted my chest and added a kick to my bloodstream. "What was that for?" he whispered, breath uneven.

Smiling, I rubbed his chest up and down. How do I answer? He was just... my savior, my all, and I wanted him to realize how much I terribly loved him. "Can't I just kiss you?" I whispered in a challenging voice, smile growing. More seriously, I shook my head. "Do you know how much I am in love with you?"

His smooth face was composed, but the signs of vulnerability made my heart swarm. His breath caught, eyes blinking as if to assess reality. Then, I felt the man's hands on my hips slowly slip up and around me. He wrapped me in his arms, drawing me into his chest. Head dipping, his lips captured mine.

We stayed engaged and swallowed in the sweet and slow kiss. Gradually tightening his arms around me, he withdrew a small moan from the back of my throat. Eyes closed and thriving in solely touch, it sent chills over my body. I could tell he was loving it from how quick his lips picked up. Until he planted several deep kisses against my lips. It led me to even smile against him as we kissed, the curve of my lips contagious enough to cause his to tilt upwards too.

Chuckling when we finally detached them, he was grinning down to me with flushed cheeks. "Such a trouble maker...."

"You know it," I smiled.

A moment later of flirting, I took his hand and guided him to the bed. Getting under the covers together, I snuggled up against him, sharing a few more kisses. Against him, our kisses slowed with less volume as sleep took us over each second.

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First, I would like to apologize for how late this is. I was up north camping with my family and along with graduation parties and birthdays, it's been a hectic lately. So I'm sorry it's a bit late. I plan to update the next one much much sooner.

Anyway, I hope you enjoyed this one nonetheless! I loved writing the conversations between them all. What did you think? :)