A/n: I know I said it would be a while before my next one. I lied.. but only a little. Updates will not happen quite as frequently as they were in "Errands". All the major plot points are taken care of and there has been fleshing out of details. the only problem is my Muse is giving me stuff out of order. so there may be times where I update every third day then go 3 weeks before the next one. Despite the title this is NOT a horror story. I do promise some excitement, some romance and maybe just a teensy bit of danger.

The Cabin in the Woods

Joe Hardy, tall, blond, muscular, and darn good looking( at least in his own imagination) drove along the deserted highway, glancing occasionally at the sleeping form in the passenger seat. He would smile tenderly and once in a while brushed a stray hair away from the porcelain smooth skin of his girlfriend of not quite six months. He and Halloran Jacobs had met under unusual circumstances, but she stuck around anyway and Joe couldn't have been happier. Within twenty minutes of their first real conversation over coffee after the Bank robbery, Joe was convinced this was the woman he was going to marry. Frank of course, had scoffed and told him he was being ridiculous. But Joe was more certain of this than of anything else in his life. And he knew exactly who to thank for it.

He still missed Iola Morton, and would for the remainder of his days. She was his first true love and he had no doubt he would have married her if it weren't for a car bomb that took her life over ten years ago. Vanessa, his next long term girlfriend, had been the impetus he needed to stop being self destructive, but in his heart he knew that she was only temporary. Luckily they had parted amicably and still remained friends. But it was Iola who sent this dark haired, green eyed angel to him. The hair and eyes were similar, although Hal wore hers impossibly long and usually braided into an intricate coif, while Iola had always been the pixie cut type. And their personalities could not have been more polar opposite. Iola had been vivacious, a tomboy and as much a risk taker as he himself was. Halloran was quiet, cautious and elegant. Iola had been cute, and while Hal could not, in truth, be considered a classical beauty, she was striking in her own way.

And Joe Hardy loved her. Deeply, passionately, and intensely. Unfortunately, he was not so sure she felt the same about him. Oh sure they had a great time together, seldom argued about anything more contentious than the relative merits of football versus basketball, but there was a hesitancy in her that he caught from time to time. He wasn't sure if she just wasn't ready, or if it was the job, or even of it was him that made her so reluctant. For the first time in his life he was being extraordinarily patient, letting someone else set the pace and tone. It wasn't as bad as he thought it would be. (Maybe I am growing up after all)

Halloran shifted in the leather seat of the Mustang (Dent free going on seven months now! Go me!) and slowly opened her eyes.

"Hey there sleepyhead. Have a nice nap?" Joe smiled gently at her.

"Mmm. Where are we?" Halloran yawned her reply.

"According to Gary, about 45 minutes to the village." Gary was the GPS unit. Joe had downloaded one of those custom celebrity voices. Halloran would have preferred the soothing but commanding tones of James Earl Jones. Joe had chosen Gary Busey. The slightly maniacal voice did suit Joe's personality better. And it drove Frank crazy, which was the real reason he downloaded it, he confessed one evening when she complained about having to listen to it. So Joe turned voice off when she was in the car with him, or switched back to the generic female voice it came pre loaded with. "Need to stop?"

"Nahh, I'm good until we get there. The diner on Main street is one of my favorites. They make a really good reuben. And we'll need to stop anyway to check in with the Park Ranger." They were headed to a cabin that had been in her family for generations, long before the surrounding forest was turned into a National Park. The family had been allowed to keep the cabin and continue using it so long as they kept it maintained and made no changes. Joe was not sure he was looking forward to the whole outhouse thing...let alone having to bring water in from a well. But Halloran had had a crappy past few weeks, what with her grandfather falling too ill for her to take care of herself any more. She had cried for hours after moving him to the nursing home, even though he repeatedly told her he was okay with it and he understood that it was necessary. His final month of life he had been happy, well cared for and she had just come to terms with it when he passed away peacefully in the night. Joe had held her for hours as she cried herself to sleep and after the funeral she confessed a deep need to go to the cabin to get some closure.

The cabin was in her name now, as was everything else of her grandfather's estate. It was close to two years since anyone had stayed there as the Park Service did not allow them to rent it out. It was past time to check on the place and make any repairs. Joe was willing to do some manual labor for the woman he loved, so long as she made Key Lime pie.

They arrived at the small village at the base of the mountain just as dusk was settling. With easy familiarity, Halloran strolled into the diner and settled herself into a booth. The waitress, a middle aged woman with overly teased and bleached hair and fire engine red lipstick gave Hal a hearty welcome and Joe a thorough look from over the rims of her tortoise shell glasses out of the 50's. Just as Joe began to squirm under the steely gaze, Hal introduced him. The waitress became all smiles again as she asked for their drink orders.

"Do get the cherry coke, Honey. They use the actual syrup." Hall encouraged Joe.

Joe amiably agreed and was soon sipping away at the best cherry coke he had ever had in his life. The menu was plain, but as far as he could tell from the loaded plates that were coming out, they were not stingy with anything. Hal ordered herself a reuben with fries and Joe opted for a bacon cheeseburger and onion rings. When the plates came out, the reuben was at least 6 inches thick, and his burger was pushing 8. He even left a few onion rings on the plate. Halloran had laughed at him when he pushed the plate away with a groan. "What, no room for dessert?"

Joe smiled indulgently. "There's always room for dessert, Dear. What do you recommend?"

"The apple pie, definitely. They pick the apples fresh daily when in season. And yes you can get ice cream." she laughed. "Make that two, actually, Bernice" she informed the waitress. "Both a la mode please." when the slices arrived, Joe was certain that the two pieces made up at least half a pie.

"Do not ever tell my mother, but this is the best pie I have ever eaten in my life." Joe's voice was blissful and he sighed in ecstasy after every bite.

"Your secret is safe with me. Think you can roll your way out the door? The Park Office will close in about half an hour and we still need to sign in." Halloran was looking at her watch.

"Oh I think I can manage. How far away is the Office?"

"Just a couple of blocks down the street. Afterward we can hit the hardware store and stock up on the necessities. Like canned fuel for the grill." she grinned before continuing. "You do realize that we will be roughing it despite having 4 walls and a roof, right?"

"I'll live. Can't be any worse than sleeping 4 deep in a two man tent when at least one snores."

"Frank?" she giggled.

"Nope. Chet. Although he vehemently denies it. But Iola told me the truth." Halloran had heard the story in Joe's own words about her death after she had read the article about it after first meeting him. That was one night where she did the comforting instead of the other way around.

The sun had set by the time they got outside but the horizon was still bright. The air was crisp with the first hints of autumn and the leaves were painted in bright reds, yellows and oranges. Joe took a deep breath of fresh, unpolluted air and reached over to pull his girlfriend into an impromptu hug. "I think we both needed some time away" he murmured into her hair before pulling away and looking down at her face, which was suddenly tear streaked. "Oh honey, don't be sad. This will be a time for you to remember your grandfather by telling me all about the summers you spent here."

Halloran sniffled but dried her tears with a wan smile. "We can walk to the Park Office if that's okay. It's a nice night for a walk."

"Lay on, Macduff" he quoted, reminding her of their first meeting, Halloran led the way and true to her word, the Park Ranger's Office was indeed just down the street. As she pushed open the door, the bell at the jamb jingled away merrily. The office was tiny, and littered with racks of brochures and pamphlets ranging from such fun topics as poison ivy to bear attacks. Joe busied himself with perusing all the various rules and regs that were plastered the walls while Halloran stood by the counter waiting for the Ranger to appear.

A minute or so later, a tall strawberry blond dressed in the olive green uniform of the US Park Service came around the corner of the doorway behind the counter. Her hair was cut vey short, her bright blue eyes twinkled merrily and her face lit up in a huge grin as she beheld Halloran. "Long time no see, Chick! Was beginning to think you didn't love us no more!"

"Sorry, you know how it goes. Life.." she trailed off but the Ranger finished the sentence.

"The Universe, and Everything. Yeah yeah, I get it. How's your Gramps?"

Halloran stifled a sob then and Joe was immediately there gathering her into his arms offering comfort. Hal buried her face into his shoulder, and Joe looked over her head to shake his head and say quietly "He died a week ago." the smile quickly turned into a sympathetic frown and the woman immediately came out from behind the counter.

"Oh, sweetie, I am so sorry!" She opened her own arms then and Joe gently steered his girlfriend into them. Another few minutes passed by , the only sounds the soft sniffles of Halloran and the equally soft murmurings of the Park Ranger. Joe stood there, one hand still on Hal's back, offering silent but tactile support. Eventually, though, Hall straightened up and with an embarrassed laugh stepped away from both of them.

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't be so emotional" she tried to apologize but neither person was having any of it. The Ranger, whose name tag Joe finally was able to read said 'M. Harper' tsk tsked and reached behind the counter to grab a box of tissues.

"Don't you dare apologize. You have nothing to be sorry for.. or ashamed of. Andy Jacobs was a great man and of course you are going to be upset. Why don't you go freshen up in the back, Hmm?" M. Harper shooed Halloran behind the counter before turning around and appraising Joe for the first time. "And you are?..." she left the question open ended.

"Joe Hardy." He stuck his hand out and was surprised by the firm no nonsense grip.

"And what are you to Hallie?"

"Umm, her boyfriend?" Joe was momentarily confused, he was not used to being interrogated by anyone. Normally he was the one asking all the questions.

"Oh really? For how long?"

Now Joe was getting irked. What business of hers was it anyway? Before he could make a comment, though, Hal came back out.

"Mellie, leave him alone. He's liable to turn the tables on you and have you confess to all your sins. Joe and I have been together about six months, and I am very happy so butt out!" Hal sounded half serious, half kidding. "Melody Harper, may I present Joe Hardy, Private Investigator and Knight in Shining Armor. Joe, this is Mellie , a very old friend. I have known her ever since I started coming out here every summer as a little kid. She grew up on this mountain and stayed after becoming a Park Ranger."

For the sake of Halloran, both Joe and Mellie silently agreed to a truce. Both also reserved judgement regarding the other for the nonce. Joe privately thought she was a little too damn nosy, and Mellie privately though he was a little too good looking to have anything but evil nefarious thoughts towards her friend.

Halloran was oblivious to all of it. She was still feeling the after affects of her most recent breakdown and was suddenly very tired and wanted nothing more than to get up to the cabin and collapse on the bed. "Honey we need to get going. I am not feeling all that great."

"Of course, Sweetheart. Is there anything else that needs to be done here?" he asked as he held her around the waist.

Hal shook her head as Mellie spoke "Just need to know how long you plan on being at the cabin."

"Just the weekend. Mellie. I don't think I am ready to really go through all the stuff just yet. Just here to take an inventory and make notes on what maintenance needs doing."

"No worries then. Weather forecast looks clear, no incoming freak snowstorm or flood indicated. You should have no problems. The river is flowing at optimum too. Just remember.. only one or two without a permit!" at Joe's quizzical look she answered "Trout. Not in season but dinner one night I can overlook." She gave Hal another brief hug before escorting them to the door. "I won't be here Sunday or Monday, have to go into the 'big city' for a few meetings so I will miss you when you check out. Travis will be here so let him know if anything major needs handling."

Halloran thanked her with a tired smile, and Joe even deigned to offer a hand again in a good bye shake. Mellie's grip was even tighter than the last time and it was all he could do to not grimace in pain. (Yeah, bit of a domineering type, that one)

Halloran was very subdued as they walked back to the car but all Joe did was hold her hand. He knew she wasn't ready to talk and that any attempt by him to lighten her mood would fall flat. "We can skip the shopping and go straight to the cabin, Honey" he suggested.

"No, we can't" Halloran shook her head. "We need to at least get fuel canisters and a block of ice to keep the food we brought cold. But do you mind if I just stay in the car? I just don't feel up to going in."

"Of course not. I'll just be a few minutes. Anything else besides ice and fuel?"

"Some fire starters for the fireplace. I guess we can decide later what else we need."

Joe gave her a quick smootch, caressing her cheek gently before heading into the hardware store. It was very small so it only took him a few minutes to find everything he needed. The man behind the counter was pleasant and wished him a good evening, remarking that he was about to lock up for the night. Joe wished him the same in return before dumping his purchases in the trunk. Coming back around to the driver's side, he saw Halloran wiping her eyes again but trying to hide that fact. He slipped in, but didn't start the car right away.

"Honey?" he asked, quietly. "Is there anything I can do?"

Halloran shook her head. "I don't mean to be such a wreck. I am stronger than this."

"Yes, you are. But that doesn't mean you have to put on the brave face all the time. Especially with me. If you feel like blubbering then go ahead and blubber. I bought an extra large box of tissues." That at least got a strangled half laugh, half sob and a punch in the arm. Joe grinned and asked "So which way do I go now?"

Halloran directed him out of the small village which was dark and deserted at this hour. (Another one of those towns that roll up the sidewalks after supper. Must be boring as hell.) Another 20 minutes and they were at the end of the road. "We will have to walk from here on out. It's only about half a mile and it's fairly well marked. Now you know why I insisted on a rolling cooler."

"Where do I park my toy?" Joe asked plaintively.

"Here's fine, but turn her around. She'll be fine, nobody else comes around here except the Park Service."

Joe grumped a bit; he was still nervous about scratches and dents despite having gone so long without any. He just knew Frank was waiting to pounce and say "I told you so" With a dramatic sigh he unloaded the car and arranged as much of their stuff on the rolling cooler as he could. Halloran slung the large back pack containing their clothes over one shoulder and grabbed a couple of the tote bags that contained the hardware store purchases. "I'll come back for the bock of ice, I guess."

"Good idea. I can start unwrapping the furniture and get a fire going while you do that. I'm pretty tired though, so do you mind if we call it an early night?"

"Honey, this weekend is all about you and your needs, wants and desires. I am at your complete and utter disposal. Whatever you want, you get."

She smiled and raised a hand to lightly caress his cheek. "I don't deserve you, you know that?"

"Frank would say it's the other way around. And he'd be right."

The two walked slowly along the path, Joe because he was unfamiliar with the terrain and Halloran because it was past dark by now and the flashlight gave only limited assistance. But soon they were past the overgrowth into a small clearing which held the cabin and it's outbuildings. It was small, probably nor more than 900 square feet but it had a large and cozy looking covered porch that contained a chair swing just big enough for 2. ( A little wine, some cheese, maybe some soft music. And mosquito repellent.) Joe slapped away a few blood drinkers as he followed the slender form of his girlfriend. She stepped up the few stairs and quickly unlocked the front door. Pausing just inside, she dropped her burden and swung the flashlight until she came upon a table that contained a large oil lamp. Picking it up she was pleased to hear a sloshing sound and she quickly reached into the drawer and pulled out a box of matches. Soon the interior of the cabin was lit with the warm glow of the lamp, casting strange shadows on the furniture. All the big pieces were covered with sheets or old quilts to keep dust and cobwebs at bay.

The main part of the cabin was one giant room, with a small kitchen along one wall. The shapes under all the coverings appeared to be the usual suspects.. a table with 4 chairs, a small couch or loveseat, and 2 chairs that looked suspiciously like rocking chairs over by the vast fireplace that took up the entire South wall. There was a door almost directly opposite the main entrance, and Joe assumed a bedroom lay beyond. Halloran told him to unload the cooler and she would begin putting stuff away and removing coverings while he returned for the block of ice.

Joe quickly dumped their few provisions on the counter and within moments was back down the path , flashlight in hand. The ice proved to be just too large to fit neatly into the cooler and after a minute or three spent cursing, he gave it up and just hauled it down the path balanced precariously on the outside. Halloran was hard pressed to stifle the giggle when she beheld his predicament. "The Ice box is ready for you. Just plop it on the shelf." she indicated the open door with her hand. Joe had never seen an actual ice box before, the predecessor of the modern Fridge.

"This thing actually works?" he exclaimed after grunting and straining to get the ice positioned.

"Yes, and no. It'll keep stuff cool, but not frozen. This block will last us the weekend, but no longer. Mostly we always just made do with canned goods." She busied herself putting the last of the food away and then went to see about making a fire. 'Oh hell. There's no cords left. And it is definitely too late to go chop some more."

"I am sure we can make do. It's not that cold out and besides, I am all for conserving body heat by snuggling up together under a blankie." Joe teased.

"You are a very bad man, Joseph Hardy." but for the first time all day Halloran had a genuine smile on her face that was not tinged with sadness.

"Yes. Yes I am" he agreed as he swept in and grabbed her by the waist and lifted her up. She giggled and slipped her arms behind his neck and reached up on her toes to kiss him lightly on the lips. Then she sighed and snuggled her face into his neck even as she tightened her grip on him. They stood there for a long minute before reluctantly stepping apart. "You did say you were tired. Why don't we call it a night? Something tells me the day begins very early out here."

Hall nodded and stifled a yawn. "Yeah. It's been a long day and emotionally exhausting. The bedroom is ready, though, I made the bed while you were getting the last of the stuff." She slid her hand down his arm and grasped his own then led him across the floor into the bedroom.

The bedroom was much smaller, or maybe it just seemed that way as most of the space was taken up by a huge four poster king size bed. A faded but intricate quilt covered it, and there were at least a half dozen pillows. A small dresser lay along one wall and there was just enough room to walk around the bed without having to turn sideways. Along another wall was a small dressing table with mirror and tiny chair. "I put away your clothes, but I didn't see any pajamas. You must have forgotten them."

"Honey, I didn't forget a thing." Joe leered suggestively. "Easier to conserve body heat when you have skin to skin contact, you know."

"Oh really?" Hal glared. "So you are okay stumbling through the woods with all your naughty bits dangling around loose in the pitch black going to the outhouse at 2 am?"

Joe blanched. "Umm, well, I sorta didn't think of that. Yeah, maybe I'll go take care of business now instead."

Halloran dissolved into giggles at his discomfiture. "You just do that Studmuffin."

Joe sheepishly went outside and took care of business before rushing back into the cozy cabin. Halloran had taken the one lit oil lamp into the bedroom with her so Joe needed the flashlight, otherwise he would have stubbed a toe or six. Halloran was seated at the dressing table, brushing her hair. When she stood, the raven black tresses fell past her knees. "C'mere. Rapunzel." he smiled at her gently. "Do you have any idea how sexy you look right now?"

"Sexy? Joe, Sweetie, perhaps you need to see an Optometrist about glasses. Have you seen what I am wearing?" she was wearing a pair of red plaid flannel pajamas that were slightly threadbare and just a hair too large for her tiny frame. Joe thought she looked amazing. Her pale face was devoid of makeup or blemish. Her hair swung straight and thick down her back. The baggy top gave a hint of the curves beneath and the drawstring bottoms just skimmed her hips.

Joe strode across the room and cupped her chin, his face growing serious as he looked deeply into her eyes. "You are the most beautiful person in my universe. Inside and out. Don't sell yourself short." Halloran just shook her head mutely, like she didn't think she deserved such comments directed at her. Joe sighed, wishing he could make her see how much she meant to him. But something kept her from accepting such praise. Much as he desperately wanted to know what it was, so that he could banish such thoughts, he didn't push the issue. It was late and they were both tired.

Joe quickly stripped off his polo shirt and jeans and jumped onto the bed in just his boxers. Lifting up the covers he invited Halloran to join him. She climbed in and snuggled in next to him, laying her head on his broad chest. She traced the now almost completely faded scar that ran along his sternum, the last vestiges of open heart surgery a while back. "Does it ever hurt?" she asked.

"Not so much any more. For the first six months or so I would get winded way too easily and once in a while I get a few pains if I over do it, but they always pass relatively quickly. Really, I'm totally recovered. Pain in the ass during the summer though. Doesn't tan well and I hate the stares."

"Oh honey they aren't staring at your scar, they are staring at your six pack abs!" she teased.

"Well yeah of course, that goes without saying, but don't you want me to be all shy and stuff? These abs are yours and yours alone!" he teased right back.

She was about to make a retort when she was interrupted by a yawn that threatened to split her head in two. Joe laughed at her then before reaching over to the table and cutting the oil supply of the lamp, shrouding the room in darkness. "Goodnight sweetheart." Halloran only mumbled in reply, she was already well on her way to the land of Nod. Joe fell asleep himself within minutes, his arms around his girlfriend and a smile on his face.

A/n: awww ain't they adorable together? Yes Halloran has some demons to deal with before she can commit. Joe( and you) are just gonna have to be patient.