Heyya! It's my first time posting here, so please understand that I'm not that good in writing stories, especially fanfictions.

Author's Note: The events of the story were set on Earth, years before the film events set in the year, uh, 2154? I think. :D And I'd also want to recommend these fanfics that I've read before. (I grew to love Quarn'N'Tine because of them) Strategy by Zoe6, Broken by CAMIR, Eywa's Grace, Graceful Sensation, and Stay the Night.

Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar. James Cameron does. But if I did, Grace and Quaritch will be alive, and probably, together.

Chapter One:

Shortly before being knocked unconscious due to a pile of paper works and researches in her table, Grace stood up and made her way to the bathroom. Life had left her so many things to do; research, company reports and even essays about the importance of science and biology in our lives. But she hardly noticed pain and suffering in doing those things, because as far as she knew, she enjoyed doing them, and she will never get tired of doing so.

She turned the door knob of her apartment's little bathroom and quickly made her way inside. She needs shower, she badly needs it.

There was nothing really unusual in her bathroom. There's a toilet bowl in one corner and beside it was a rack of Reader's Digest and some science books. She smiled at what she saw. She doesn't really know, but somehow seeing science books brightens up her mood in ways she could hardly fathom. Maybe because she loves science, she knew many things about it.

Before finally removing her clothes, Grace took a quick glance at the mirror in the wall. She realized, spots were very recognizable in her face despite the fact that she's only 28 years old. But she didn't really care at all. She wouldn't spend dollars for haircut and make-up. She wouldn't dare to do those stupid things. Besides, she's a professional biologist, maybe not now, but soon she will be, and there are still more important things to do other than making yourself beautiful just to impress a guy.

Wait a minute… What does impressing a guy had to do with her life in the first place? It was never thing, really. She never had a lovelife. Attractions, maybe, but never did she engaged to something more intimate and romantic.

Still looking at herself in the mirror, Grace let out a sigh. It's true that many found her beautiful. She had many suitors back in highschool, but she dumped them all. Her reason? She likes plants and books better than people.

Grace had always taken life so seriously. Why? Because she believes that if you're not careful with every step you make, you will end up falling into a deep manhole, and it will be hard to come up again. Of that she is certain.

Her mirror reflection gave the look of an uncertain person. She smiled, but in all unfairness, she feels so horrible inside. Grace knows that she once became clumsy with her decisions and she fell into that manhole of forever loneliness. She ran away from home.

Her father had always wanted her to stay at home and do the chores. She knows her mother objects with his decision, but what else can she do? His father doesn't understand that women are now as stronger as men and already had place in society. 'What is he, a Neanderthal? Did he live in a cave when he was young?' Grace always thought.

She wanted to explore, to learn further things which are kept secret to humanity's knowledge. They are now living in a 21st century world, and women became much more liberated in the time being.

Her brother, though, visits her in her apartment when he feels like stopping by and when he needed someone more matured to talk to.

Trajan is five years younger than her, but he's a lot more logical and intelligent when he makes a decision. He goes to a Military School, following their Dad's steps.

Grace loves her little brother so much. He's all that she got. Her parents? They just totally forgot that they even had a daughter named Grace Augustine. When she left home, they didn't even bother to find her and convince her to return. They gave her the freedom that she wants, why not enjoy it?

But at first it was hard being on her own.

She was just so lucky that a friend of hers let her in. But in exchange for that, she took the initiative of doing the chores, paying the bills, and even cooking meals. She later found a job of being a product tester, then she became a mall saleslady (her height and beauty has always been a great advantage), a baby sitter and a house nanny. Because of this, she had been able to rent an apartment for herself, and start a new life all over again.

She finished college in Stanford University with a full scholarship and she maintains a job of being a Junior Biologist at RDA.

Grace smiled. It's true that she has made a lot of wrong steps and decisions, but she regrets nothing. Because if it wouldn't for the downfalls she had in her life, she will not be in where she's in now.

The redhead immediately opened her eyes the moment she felt the heat of the sunlight touching her bare long legs. She reached for her phone and looked for the time. Nearly 6:30.

She stood up and agape as a yawn escaped her lips. It wasn't so like her to wake up that early, especially when she'd slept past midnight just to finish her research and reports.

Grace scratched her head and walked her way to the kitchen. She was thinking of the dream she had last night. It wasn't as bad as a nightmare, but she was very curious about it. She closed her eyes and tried to recollect her dream.

The gentle breeze of midsummer's air was nothing a human can compare. It was the most fragrant scent on a nearly dying Earth, all these Grace wouldn't bear to have.

She walked through the tall grasses, not minding the itchiness that it brought her bare legs. As far as she knew, she was walking because she caught sight of someone moving from a not too distant spot from where she's standing.

Two heads, she could tell that there was a blonde boy at the right and he was an inch taller than the redhead girl at the left.

The boy stood and ran to a nearby bush, and Grace followed the little squirt. He was smiling as he ran, showing his pearly white but small teeth, enough for a little boy to have. In Grace's vision, he picked a flower and pulled it from the bush, smiling to himself again.

He departed not long after and returned to the little girl sitting nearby, hands on her knees, looking up to the bright blue sky. Grace followed the little boy.

As the boy neared the girl, he was grinning like an imbecile. He was running as if it wouldn't mind if he stumbles and wound himself.

He reached her soon, dimpling as he handed the flower to her. The little girl frowned. "You picked this for me?" she asked, her voice like wind chimes.

"Yes," he answered, showing his early innocence that could melt anyone's heart.

She stared at him for a while, and then turned her attention to the blue sky again. "But you killed the precious flower by pulling it from its bush. Minutes later it will wither and die, and eventually turn to ash."

The little boy's face grew a bit confused and sad. There was clear evidence that he likes her so much, but it seems that he was hurt when she didn't accept his little gift to her, Grace thought.

The little girl suddenly noticed the sudden shift in him. She smiled. "I like it though. It's pretty."

"You're much prettier," he squeezed her hand and looked up to the bright blue sky as well.

Grace opened her eyes. It was a dream, a dream that she always had before. 'Dejavu?' But she knew it. That little girl concerned about the flower, those red curls, chocolate-brown eyes..

It was her. The little girl was no other than her.

But the little boy… She didn't know him. He was a stranger, a stranger who loves to destroy the lives of innocent flowers he'd picked for her.

Grace breathed deeply. She wouldn't let those dreams conquer her, not anymore. That little boy is a part of her past, and it all ends there. She would have to forget it, again, so she can focus her mind on her works.

She has things to do for the day, and it all started out with a dream, just a dream.

"Oh hi, Grace! Good morning!" Their Head Biologist greeted her as she walked in with papers on her hands. She handed it to her with confidence.

"Hmmmmm," Dr. Moira browsed her research as Grace stood there, waiting for her superior's words. "Very impressive, Dr. Augustine." She handed the papers back to Grace. "I see no more need to edit those papers. Well done, as always." The Doctor gave her that very reassuring smile.

"Thanks, Dr. Moira." Grace gritted her teeth and returned the smile.

After leaving their Head Biologist's office, Grace sat before her desk, opened her computer and noticed an unread e-mail from her brother, Trajan.

Grace. What gift do you want for your birthday? Can't think of a thing. Anyway, I miss you so much. Can't wait to see you soon.

She noticed another e-mail and pressed a finger to it.

Grace Augustine. I see you haven't answered my e-mails yet. You hardly call, and I'm getting worried. Reply at once, or else I would run my way there and scold you for not replying.

The redhead chuckled at her brother's mother-like tone. He is being overprotective of her, just like what he promised.

Easy, tiger. I've been busy the whole week. And you know what I want; it is for you to be safe and well. Please don't get yourself be killed, or be involved with any fight AGAIN. Love you always. Big Sister misses you too.

"Sent," she muttered under her breath and began turning her attention to several other things.

First. Her comb is missing. She'd remembered putting it above the pile of books, but now its gone.

Second. The glass window is now so clean you could almost see the view outside. 'Looks like RDA decided to change things a little after million years…'

And Third. She was the only one nor working in the entire lab. Everyone is working for tomorrow is the deadline.

"Grace!"

She turned her head to where the voice came from and saw Lilianna, the RDA Head Administrator's Secretary, running toward her. She was the only wearing a miniskirt and a powder blue blouse, and Grace somehow envied her confidence of showing herself off, because she can't do that. Grace won't even dare wearing sleeveless top while walking in her own apartment.

"Yes?" she snapped, her hands were on the pockets on the either side of her lab coat.

"Mr. Selfridge wants you in his office. Urgent," Lilianna gasped, trying to catch her breath.

Grace looked around as she entered the Head Administrator's office. Mr. Robert Selfridge did have an artistic style. His office was painted beige, and colorful paintings hang on the four corners of the room. On the eastern side of the office was a table with flower vases on top, and beside them were bottles of wine and champagne, branded ones.

"Sir," she collected herself and looked at the now grinning Head Administrator, amazed as he watched her look around his office.

Robert Selfridge leaned on his table and eyed her with fiery irises. "Please take a sit," he smiled at her.

"I'd rather stay standing, Sir." Grace returned the glare. She is as fiery as a fire-breathing dragon, more than this man infront her could ever think.

"Okay," he said. "So let's get to the point. I've heard from Dr. Moira that that you finished her research ahead of everyone else. That only means you have nothing to do for the day. Am I right, Dr. Augustine?"

"Yes," she simply answered.

"So if you don't have anything to do for the day, then perhaps you could take care of my son until I'm free of what I'm currently doing?"

What?

"What, Sir?"

Robert Selfridge didn't reply, but instead he stood up from his swivel chair and walked to the nearby glass door. He signaled Grace to follow, and she obeyed.

The glass door opened and revealed a small room full of toys, and a little boy sitting in a corner, playing with a toy train.

"Parker, my son." Robert Selfridge said in an almost commanding tone. The little boy immediately ran to his father. "Meet Dr. Grace Augustine." Parker smiled sweetly, but to Grace's astonishment, the boy doesn't have teeth. Well, if there's any, they're decayed.

"Grace, please take care of my son for a while. Take him to the amusement park, mall… Wherever you want." He breathed. "I'll busy today and no one will take care of him."

She gave her that famous 'What the fuck are you talking about?' look. Mr. Selfridge noticed it, and then he smiled at her. "Don't worry, you will be highly paid."

The redhead placed her hands in her car's turning wheel. She put on her seatbelt and afterwards, she turned to Parker. "I'm not expecting any stupid thing today, okay? Where do you want to go?"

Parker turned to look at her. "Mall."

Just a few minutes later, they were already in the nearest mall possible. Grace sat on a wooden bench with Parker on her side, continuously licking his strawberry ice-cream. Just watching him made her a little… just a little crave for some. "Stay right here," she said to the little boy. Grace stood up and roused to the nearest ice cream cart.

She chose her all time favorite, of course; cookies and cream. She was into the stuff so much, licking and tasting like a child, and she didn't realize that she bumped herself to a man.

"Hey! Please watch where you're going, Miss!" The man grunted, mainly because his shirt is now drenched with Grace's icecream.

"Hey too, you…" She raised her head, only to see the annoyed face of the man whose shirt is now stained with the sticky stuff. "You! Shithead! It's not my fault you've bumped to me. You should have seen me in the first place!"

He raised an eyebrow. "Oh now, it's my fault?"

Grace stared at his angry face for a while. He looked do handsome. Clean-shaven, black, neatly cropped hair, blue eyes, great bodybuild, and darn it, he smelled so good. Very manly, almost like the scent of a military man.

It was three minutes until she realized she'd lingered her eyes on his face boyish face for so long, and an evil smile curled in the man's marble-like lips. "Just next time, be careful, and watch where you're going." He smiled at Grace, and then left like nothing really happened.

She felt bad being so weak before that man. But for God's sake! No sane woman would not admire his charming looks.

"What was that?" She hadn't realized Parker was already standing next to her, tugging her blouse.

"Nothing let's just get out of here."

They were already halfway near the mall when all of a sudden, Parker let go of her grip and ran outside. Grace followed him, running like a frightened mother afraid of losing his child.

"Mommy! Mommy!" Parker screamed while he ran, tears running down his pinky cheeks.

"No, Parker! Don't cross the road, don't!" Grace shouted, but the little boy had already crossed the road, so she followed him, not knowing that a truck is headed in her direction."Oh God."

*!*!*! #!

Grace watched the truck as it moved before her widened eyes. She was already at the safe side of the road, and she could clearly see Parker still crying at the other side of the street.

She could feel the heat… The heat of the man over her now, the man who just saved her from death. He was gasping for air and her heart beats simultaneously with his…. She could feel it all.

'Heart beats fast, colors and promises... How to be brave? How can I love when I'm afraid to fall..?'

The man stood up slowly, still gasping for air. Grace was shocked at what she saw. "You!" She shouted while still lying on the ground.

"Hello to you too," the man brushed the dirt from his shirt. "I told you, what we're you're going." He smiled at Grace again, and then left just as fast as he left her when they bumped to each other a while ago. Her eyes followed his retreating form and could not help but to think that even the back view is good.

Grace shook her head and immediately ran to Parker, hugged him tight and placed her hands on the either side of the boy's face. "Are you alright?"

"I think I should be the one to ask you that." He brushed hid hands at her wrist. "You have a booboo."

"It's nothing. You're safe, and that's more important."

Hand and hand, they walked slowly and silently to her car. Grace broke the silence. "By the way, why were you screaming 'mommy' a while ago?" She asked.

"I thought I saw my Mom walking in the street, but then I realized that my Mother has been dead for three years now."

Grace squeezed his hand. "I'm sorry to hear that."

The night breeze was cold, somewhat refreshing or comforting, but no matter how hard she tried, Grace couldn't sleep that night. There is something in mind that bothers her so much.

The man who saved her from death.

He was gorgeous, stunning, and handsome and, God, what other words are there to describe him? He was everything. He had skyblue eyes, straightly pointed nose, and his lips… Well his lips are perfect. He was also tall, his body is muscular and he had a very manly scent. He wore jeans, black shirt and a brown leather jacket.

Grace sighed. What on Earth are those things that she's thinking about? How come she's admiring a man whose the reason why she spilled her icecream?

But of course, he is also the reason she's still breathing now.

The redhead closed her eyes, hoping that when she opened them again, the man's face would disappear.

But it didn't.

"Hey Grace. You look sick. Are you alright..?" Max Patel, Grace's closest friend, tapped her shoulder. He noticed the purple bruises under her eyes which are usual, really, but today she has no energy and Max hardly see her smile that day. Yes, she's serious in life, but Grace never forgets to smile especially when plant samples are on her table. But today, there is something different. Max is certain of that.

"I'm fine," Grace yawned and turned to smile at her bestfriend. "What made you think that I'm sick?"

Max hesitated. "Nothing..."

"Wait a minute… What date is it today..?" She asked, curiosity clear in her face.

"May 16, why?"

Grace rolled her eyes and gritted her teeth.

Night had already fallen on the nearly dying Earth, and here she is, walking in the unending darkness of the streets. No one else is outside, maybe because tonight, everything is really creepy. The moon is eerily gigantic, dogs haul everywhere and she's got the feeling somebody is watching and following her since she'd left RDA a while ago.

Grace tried to prevent herself from not turning back to see if someone is really there, but she failed. She turned her head and gulped.

There's none.

As soon as she caught sight of her apartment, she immediately ran towards it and closed the gate. She searched for her keys which are always hidden under the doormat. Grace heard a click and the door opened.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!"

Party poppers were everywhere. Balloons of different shapes and colors were scattered on the floor. And the most important thing is, everyone, from her closest college classmates and RDA friends are there, smiling at her with such affection only true friends could give.

The Redhead was at a loss for words while she stared at everyone. Suddenly, her dearest brother, Trajan, walked towards her. He hugged her tight that she gasped for air when he released her.

"I'm sure this is all because of you." Grace pinched her brother's nose which left a red mark when she stopped pinching it.

"You were never wrong. " Trajan hugged her again and kissed her hair. He's taller than her by… three inches, she'd always thought. "I invited everyone and I hope they really should be in the list of those who are invited."

"They are," Grace laughed and turned her attention to her friends. "Guys… Thank you for this! I'm… I'm really surprised, and touched."

Everybody's attention was suddenly caught by the click of door. Somebody entered, and his face was hidden by a hood. "Sorry I'm late…." Max pulled hid hood down, revealing his ever-smiling face, and stared at everyone.

"Max!" Grace yelped.

"Hey Grace! I'm sorry I'd spied on you earlier. Trajan asked me to -"

"You little brat. You don't have to explain yourself." She chuckled.

Everyone was having fun. Empty wine bottles were in one corner, dishes were piled up on the lavatory, and all of them were sitting on the floor playing Truth or Dare.

In the last spin, the Truth or Dare bottle pointed to Max, and the other side was pointing to Grace. "Okay Max… Truth or Dare?" Grace asked sheepishly.

"Dare! Dare! Dare!" All the others shouted, and then chuckled.

"Okay, dare." Max said, grinning like a child.

"Hmmmmm. Max! I dare you to do the chicken dance!" Grace said with a huge grin on her face. Then Max stood up and did as what he's told. Everybody laughed again.

"Grace," Trajan suddenly whispered in her ear. He's sitting right beside her. "There's someone I'd like you to meet. Come on," He tugged her with him, but nobody noticed.

They ended in the garden where she saw a man sitting on her wooden bench. He was looking up to the dark sky, his arms were resting behind his head.

"Hey Quaritch!" Trajan called. The man stood up from the bench. But it was still hard to see his face because of the night's darkness. Trajan let go of his grip on her, and she stumbled on the ground, which is a shame for a scientist, really.

"Ouch!" Grace muttered under her breath. When she looked up, she saw a hand laid out to her. She took it and stood up, brushing the dirt from her pants.

"I told you, watch where you're going." The voice was low-pitched, and Grace knew that voice. She looked up and found herself staring at those skyblue eyes which hunted her in her dreams last night.

"You!" Grace shouted, her voice echoing the area.

"That's not very friendly for someone who saved your life." He grinned evilly, which made her even furious.

"You know each other?" Trajan asked, voice filled with curiosity.

"No," she said.

"Yes," he said. "I saved her life when she was nearly bumped by a truck."

"Grace, you didn't tell me that," Trajan frowned. "But anyway, you two! Stay here and talk." He drifted off with a huge grin on his face.

"Heh. I knew it the moment I saw you. The two of you looked like each other." He said, his blue eyes still staring at her angelic face.

Grace didn't reply.

"I'm Miles Quaritch. I'm a Marine, like your brother." He laid out his hand. "He's my bestfriend, but I'm six years older than he is."

She didn't take his hand. Instead, she walked her way to the direction of the wooden bench and sat down. He followed.

"You know, I don't want to do all the talking here," Quaritch turned to look at her face again.

She was beautiful. There was her aesthetic appeal, for once. She was gorgeous but almost naturally so. Her skin was flawless according to nature's dictation, her teeth were pearly white and hair was…. Her hair was amazing. Red, silky, tangle-free, with some curls.

Her angelic face was innocent, the kind you see on a magazine, or painted by an artist claiming it as the face of a goddess. Her face was hear-shaped, with inviting eyes, cute nose, and luscious lips. Her hair was auburn red. And the most important thing is, she smelled really nice.

Her beautiful face hunted him for days. And now, she's sitting right here, beside him, looking up to the dark sky, her arms crossed.

"What are you staring at?" she asked, her voice like chime bells.

Miles was silenced by her question, and then he remembered the article he'd read in a magazine a while ago; 45 Things a woman wants but won't ask. Rule number 19: Tell her that…

"You're beautiful," he said, his skyblue eyes staring directly at her brown. He could see fire, fierce in her irises, but It'll be hard to be seen by an ignorant person, Miles thought.

Grace eyed him with confusion. Her arms were still crossed infront her, chocolate brown eyes staring at his blue.

She raised an eyebrow when he smiled at her. Maybe because she was irritated, annoyed or to make it simple, she was at a loss for words. She doesn't know how to react, what to say. It is true, though, that a lot had already told her she's beautiful, but she doesn't know why, of all people does this man infront her was the one who made her shiver when he told her she's beautiful.

"Uhh… Happy Birthday, by the way…" For one moment, Miles thought he saw her smile. It was quick, but very recognizable.

"Thanks…" She faced him, her arms still crossed before her flat chest, eyes narrowed to his'.

Miles smiled that foolish grin he always give when he's body and mind are shivering, or worse, panicking because of nervousness.

"Please get away with the grin, you look like a shmuck, " Grace chuckled. She's enjoying the moment now, really. He was just staring at her like the moron he is, and she liked the way he show his weakness and idiocy.

"Do I..?" he asked, smiling.

"Yes you do," she returned the smile, and then took a quick glance at her wristwatch. "Shoot. Its midnight."

"It is." Miles stood up and laid out his hand again. Grace didn't took it, of course, but she also stood up and stared at him for a while.

"I know I owe you one. Thanks for saving my life," She reached her hand out to him, and Miles shook it. "I'm Grace Augustine. And I hate you for spilling my icecream." Grace turned his back and made her way to the door of her apartment, leaving Miles standing there, his arms crossed before him. He's still smiling.

"I'll call you!" He shouted, cupping his hands before him.

"No, don't!" She shouted back.

"I will! I'll get your number from Trajan!"

Grace shook her head, and then she chuckled.

For me, this was just another essay I did in school. :) But believe me, more chapters are coming. PROMISE. :p

Please Review! :)