This is the same fic I posted long ago. I just fixed the format and there is no way to do that without making it look like an update. Thanks.
TITLE: 'Til the Sky Turned Blue – Book V of VI
AUTHOR: Jennifoofighter
RATING: PG
KEYWORDS: MS, JS, M/OC, D/OC, VM, and friendship all around.
SPOILERS/TIMELINE: Post 'End Game'
ARCHIVE: This is a work-in-progress so do not archive until it is complete. I am sure I'll be messing with certain parts as the story progresses.
DISCLAIMER: Hank and Co. own everything Without a Trace. No copyright infringement is intended ...yada, yada, yada, I get nothing but the satisfaction of having them do what I want if only for a little while.
NOTE: Thank you Pru for the 'Book' idea. It makes it much easier to organize.
SPECIAL THANKS: Sammy and Broni, Thank you for the reviews, the constructive criticism, and most of all, the encouragement to actually post it. You guys rock.
AUTHORS NOTE: I am asking you to take a journey with me. For some it might be a bumpy ride but I promise that you will be very happy once we arrive at the final destination.
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"It breaks your heart to see the one you love happy with someone else, but it's more painful to know that the one you love was unhappy with you." - Unknown
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Sam was standing in front of her vanity mirror applying her foundation when she heard a knock on her door. She glanced at her watch and cursed that David was early for their second date. She did a quick cursory application and rushed to answer her door, grateful that she had already put on her dress. She smiled her best smile and opened the door only to find Martin standing on the other side.
"Hi," he greeted her. He had a five o'clock shadow and was wearing faded blue jeans and a fleece jacket. She immediately hated him even more for showing up at her door looking so sexy.
She allowed herself to breathe before asking, "What are you doing here?"
"Can I come in?" he asked as he shoved his hands into his jean pockets.
She crossed her arms and replied, "I don't think that's a good idea. I'm actually expecting someone any minute."
Martin nodded as if he was expecting that response. "I was just hoping I could talk to you before work tomorrow."
"About what, being a complete jackass?" she asked with a voice tinged with bitterness.
He bit his lip before softly saying, "I deserve that. I know I was a real jerk…."
"Jack ass," she corrected.
"I'm trying to apologize, Sam." He had a look of sincerity in his eyes and although she felt guilty about her comment she made no indication. "I just want to know that we are going to be able to work together again. Things were good before I left and I'd like to know that we can move past what happened on Christmas."
Sam shook her head and said, "Martin, you keep saying that you want us to be friends but then you go and give me a gift that, no matter what you say, was all about us being lovers." She sighed and continued, "I feel like just when I am going to be okay you go and do something like that and I end up getting hurt all over again. If that's your idea of friendship I just don't know if I can take it."
"You're right: the gift did mean more. I had ordered it before I broke it off. I wasn't sure if I should give it to you after all that happened but I wanted you to have it." Martin looked at her with sad eyes and finished, "Maybe it was a mistake."
Something inside of her cracked. "No, it wasn't. I love it and I'm glad you even thought to give it to me at all." She paused and added quietly, "It's just that this is really hard Martin. I'm trying to move on, I am."
He gestured to her dress and said, "I can see that."
Sam looked down at her outfit. She had actually forgotten about her date with David. "Oh, yeah, right."
"I know that it was wrong of me to agree to start up again and then end it the way I did. I will regret hurting you for the rest of my life. You deserve better and I hope you find it," he said quietly. He gave her an earnest look and continued, "But you were more than just a girlfriend or lover; you are my best friend, Sam. I just pray that our friendship is still salvageable. I'm not asking you to forgive me and forget everything that happened. I know that is too much to ask, but I hope that someday it will be possible for us to be friends again."
She just stood there and looked at him before quietly answering, "I want that too but I'm not ready yet."
"I can wait."
She nodded her head and said, "I'll see you at work tomorrow."
Martin gave her a small smile, stepped back and replied, "Yeah, tomorrow. Have a nice night."
Sam watched as he turned and walked to the stairwell. As soon as he was out of sight she took a deep breath and closed the door so she could finish getting ready for her date.