"Sarg, we have something to tell you." Sam spoke softly, but it was impossible to miss the seriousness in his voice. It had Greg sitting straight as he waited for one of them to continue.

Watching his two officers shift before him, Greg felt a glimmer of realization of what was to come. Some part of him, a part that he had buried when he had first suspected, began to whisper. It told him just what he feared; and knew exactly what he was about to be told.

But he said nothing. Waiting. Aware Sam and Jules needed to come clean themselves.

Suddenly, Sam found himself at loss for words. He could feel Sarg's steady and kind gaze on him and a sort of shame filled him, knowing just what a position this would put the three of them in. Shooting his eyes sidewise, he looked to Jules, level headed and calm Jules, for help. For a second, he panicked as she was just as frozen; then her gaze turned to meet his levelly.

Silent words passed between, an understanding profound and echoing that told each exactly what needed to be done. Then delicate left hand and sturdy right reached out on their own accord and met. Fingers intertwined instantly, two lost puzzle pieces fitting together perfectly. Slow smiles were exchanged for brief seconds, before they were masked and replaced with respect and hesitancy as both met their trusted sergeant's eyes.

There was no reaction other than a twitch of an eyebrow and what may have been tentatively called an expression of happiness, which was swallowed up just as quickly as it had appeared.

Nervous and fidgety at Greg's apparent lack of reaction, Jules began to speak. "I'm sorry Sarg. We should have told you earlier. I- we didn't mean to put you in this position and I'm incredibly sorry. It's just… we-" The beginnings of a ramble were halted when Parker simply lifted a hand.

"Jules, there's no need to apologies. And I can see one on the tip of your tongue as well Sam. I'm not angry."

"What?" Sam heard himself blurt. Mentally, he kicked himself for saying something so stupid and instinctual, but there was no way to reel the words back in. The sharp pressure on his hand signaled Jules' flash of annoyance at his lack of subtlety.

Chuckling with good nature, Greg stood and approached the pair. He could see the nervousness, the hints of fear as they waited for his response and pride swelled. "Because you came to me. Had you not, this would be a different conversation altogether. But you both respected my trust and came forward. Thank you."

A full blown rush of laughter swept through him like a wave as he took in their stunned expressions. Did they realize just how much one mirrored the other?

Although the laugh brought forth warmth and light to the room, easing the tension in Sam's shoulders and letting Jules let out an explosive breath, it remained muted. Because, no matter how accepting their Sergeant was, it did nothing to stay the looming dark cloud that was Toth. Nor his ultimatum.

"However," wincing slightly internally, Greg could do nothing against the rush of concern and pity for his officers. "I'm sure you are aware of the consequences of your decision. And the position it places all of us."

Stepping back, he once again took his seat and gestured they should do the same. With another quick squeeze of pressure, Jules released Sam's hand and sat, followed shortly by the blue eyed sniper.

"We really never meant to put you in this place Sarg." Sam murmured. Jules nodded her agreement, distracted slightly by the papers spread across the table in front of her. Tilting her head, curiosity leaked through her system even as she kept her ears tuned.

Noting Jules' inquisitive regard, Parker didn't comment upon it. Instead, he solely to Sam. "I know Sam. And despite the problems it arises, I'm glad you did."

"How so?" Sam asked, his features forming to that of worry, confusion and, hidden beneath the two, joy.

"Even if it makes my job harder, it will be easier on the two. With you coming to me, Toth can't come down on you for secrecy and such." Greg replied gently, keeping his voice level for their sake. For, he knew that neither would like the idea of him stepping up to the plate for them. Hell, they would very likely do their best to refuse.

Even as he watched the protest light Sam's eyes and his mouth open to argue, there was a muted exclamation of shock from Jules. It was enough to deter Sam; his blue eyes instantly snapping to her. Leaning forward in concentration, Jules stared hard at the one paper to her left. A moment later, she looked up.

"Sarg, does that say what I think it says?"


So. I've been doing some thinking regarding this series, Truth's as I've dubbed it. And I've realized that I already have two more installments floating around in my brain. Tentatively called Admission and Realization, this little world will be around a bit longer then intended, as I thought this would be the second and final one. Guess not. So, for all you fans (whom I love dearly), keep an eye out. They won't be posted for a while, but nevertheless, they will come. Perhaps even a third now that I think about it.

Reviews are love.