This is the start of my longer National Treasure fic! Finally getting around to it! This is for Toxic-Beetle, the devil on my shoulder forcing me to continue writing, and before I start, I need to thank her for all that she's done to help me with this story, considering that I never would have started it if it hadn't been for her. So this is for Toxic-Beetle, and out ever crazy talks about Vanessa Paradis and the poisoned spag bol.

I don't own anyone except Abigail's brother at the moment, everything else belongs to the professionals. If I did own the others, I would be doing something a lot more interesting right now that tidying my bedroom while posting this up.

Anyhow, on with the first chapter!

Sam

xx

Chapter 1: Step Forward In Time

"Now you will feel no rain, for each of you will be shelter for the other. Now you will feel no cold, for each of you will be warmth to the other. Now there will be no loneliness, for each of you will be companion to the other. Now you are two persons, but there is only one life for you. May beauty surround you both in the journey ahead and through all the years. May happiness be your companion and your days together be good and long upon the earth.

Treat yourselves and each other with respect, and remind yourselves often of what brought you together. Give the highest priority to the tenderness, gentleness and kindness that your connection deserves. When frustration, difficulty and fear assail your relationship - as they threaten all relationships at one time or another - remember to focus on what is right between you, not only the part which seems wrong. In this way, you can ride out storms when clouds hide the face of the sun from your lives - remembering that even if you lose sight of it for a moment, the sun is still there. And if each of you takes responsibility for the quality of your life together, it will be marked by abundance and delight."

Remembering their wedding was one of Abigail's favourite things to do. The day had been wonderful, perfect, and nothing had spoilt it. She had never thought that it would have been so easy to smile all day, even through the tears she had shed when Riley had recited his best man's speech, using the Blessing of the Apaches (A/N: Above). Of course, Ben didn't have as much family attending as she did, and for once it was good to see all her family together getting along and not arguing over the tiniest things. One of the highlights of the day was seeing her older brother, Michael, chatting casually with Ben, rather than threatening to break his legs if he hurt her. Everything was wonderful, she couldn't have asked for a better day. There were no problems, no fears, only happiness and love.

And that happiness and love was still there, two years on from their wedding. Riley lived with Abigail and Ben in the large country manor that was easily big enough for the three of them, if not more, and they had lived normally since their adventures with the treasure of the Founding Fathers. Abigail still worked at the National Archives, yet she felt more pressure with her job considering that it had been proven that the Decleration of Independance could be stolen, so she was always under constant watch when she was around the Decleration. Ben and Riley taught American History at the nearest Washington University, and often visited various parts of America to give lectures to other universities regarding the treasure.

One morning, everyone was up earlier than usual, giving the three time to sit down and relax before heading off to work. Abigail sat opposite Ben at the wooden table that stood in the centre of the kitchen, and Riley sat between them, reading the paper. Abigail had her usual mug of coffee, claiming that she would kill someone if she didn't have coffee in the morning, Ben was drinking tea, and at that time of morning, Riley would drink whatever they put in front him. It was too early for Riley to have much of an attention span at 7.30. So the couple were wondering whether he was really reading the paper or simply trying to form the words out.

Today, Abigail had let her hair hang loose, rather than pulling it back. She always prefered having her hair loose, although when she was having to bend over to look at documents all day, it was useful to have it pulled out of her eyes. Today though, she knew that there was no chance of having to examine anything close up, as it was all paperwork that she had put off from the previous day. They heard a soft moan coming from behind the newspaper, and Abigail looked up at Ben with a confused frown and a suspcious look was cast at Riley.

"Riley?" Ben asked with a soft laugh, pulling back the newspaper and finding Riley fast asleep in his chair. Abigail laughed. Ben was about to shake him.

"No!" Abigail said in a whisper, getting up from her chair to fill a glass of water.

"Abi, that's just mean." Ben commented.

"Well then, we're even now aren't we." She said with a devilish smile. Last week, Abigail had had a long day at work and was exhausted; she had just settled down on the sofa with Ben, and was starting to drift off into sleep, when a familiar trickle of water had dripped down her cheek, and she had opened her eyes to find Riley poised over her and a now asleep Ben with a glass of water.

She held the glass over his head, and let a few drops fall onto his forehead. "Abigail. I am going to kill you if you do that again." Riley commented groggily with his eyes still closed. She hid the lass of water over on the workstop, and flashed him an innocent smile which caused Ben to laugh.

"I don't know what you mean, Riley." She said sarcastically. "We must have a leak."

Riley opened his eyes, and reclaimed his newspaper. "Yeah, in your head."

"Now we're even." She reminded him.

Riley mumbled something that neither of them could understand and picked up his tea, drinking more or less the whole cup before setting it back down on the table. "Ouch, that was hot." He said, shaking his head. "I burnt my tongue."

"Boiling water normally is hot." Ben pointed out.

In the background, the radio started playing a song that Abigail knew and she sang along with it while tracing the rim of her cup. "Please don't tell me you like this song." Riley laughed.

Abigail looked up with a look on her face that resembled a child being told Santa wasn't real. "I love this song."

Riley laughed again and Abigail carried on singing in spite of him. Ben sighed. It was like living with two teenagers sometimes with their friendly bickering, but it was all good entertainment for him.

The song finished halfway through, though, and was interrupted by an news reader. "This news just in. Last night, after a riot at Washington State Prison, three prisoners are currently on the loose. David Burrows, Jack Pescucci and Ian Howe-" Ben gagged on his tea, and Abigail's hand dropped loudly against the table. "-are all suspected to be in the area still. Further information will be given when we have it, but for now, do not allow any suspicious individuals near your home, and under no circumstances are you to approach these men. If you know any information call this number..."

Abigail stopped listening when she had heard Ian's name. She thought it was over. She thought they would never have anything to do with him again. Her eyes met Ben's, and he gave her that look he always gave her when she looked worried, only this time, it didn't make her feel better, because she could see the confusion and worry in his eyes as well.

"Well," Riley began, "That's not good."

Hope you all liked this first chappie. Will post up the next one once I have 4 reviews.

Sam
xx