It seems as though I have decided to go with the collection of one-shots from different shows. This is chapter two, it is short, but a sweet little scene from "Trojan Horst," that I made up. I think that this happens sometime in between when they first arrive at the diner to hide and when Marshall tells her to take Horst and find help in the episode the first time, or, that's the mindset that I had when I was writing it, but it's a made up scene, so I'll let you guys use your imaginations as to when this could have taken place as well. The next chapter is going to be a scene set just after the ending of "Duplicate Bridge." You guys have all been so good with the reviews! I got way more than I asked for, so this time I wanna raise the bar, so to speak. Five good reviews for the next chapter and it will include a kiss scene! Or, so I'm thinking at the moment. Please enjoy this chapter. This story is most likely out of character for the first season but please give it a chance. I think its good. Thanks for being such good readers XD No flames here.

When you're Not Strong

I can completely believe that Mary Shannon is upset I didn't tell her about applying for another job. She's the type of individual who would be upset if she weren't notified about even the smallest changes in her life. But it wasn't like I was going to hide this from her forever. I have no reason not to share my plans with her. We're best friends- well, to amend that -I just don't have any other friends. She's pretty much all I have and, as hard as it is to admit to her, that's part of the reason I had changed jobs.

A very small portion of me, somewhere deep inside may have done this in part because I do feel like I'm her keeper. Watching her day in and day out, making sure she doesn't hurt herself, hurt others or doesn't get hurt by others. But that's not the reason that I wanted to look for another job. The reason? I can't tell her, or, I can't tell her yet anyway. I know it's not something that she'll want to hear coming from me. And it also occurred to me that being in the midst of hiding out while I'm only in a state of semi-consciousness in this dusty hell hole in the middle of nowhere is no time to be confessing my feelings for her. We have other things to worry about at the moment, such as, being chased down by the people who want Horst dead and the fact that I'm not doing so hot myself. I haven't bled out so the bullet didn't cause any injuries that are going to kill me quickly, but it is very possible that I could have complications such as respiratory failure or an infection of some type . I'm all ready having trouble breathing. It's a good thing Mary shoved this tube in the wound or I might not even be alive.

Speaking of Mary, where is she now? I look around, seeing Horst playing with his diabetic meter across the way and then find Mary, She looks out the window for a moment, scanning the area for any unwanted visitors or our friends from the gas station. Seeing nothing, she comes over and sits down beside me, to check on me.

"How are you doing?" She questions.

I nod, coughing again. "I'm…still alive."

She nods. "Yeah, and you better stay that way."

I nod in return and make my reply. "I will."

Her eyes bare down on me, searching for any signs that I may just be lying to make her feel better.

I stare back at her. "Hey, I'm going to be fine."

Mary nods her head, shifting into a more comfortable position. "I know that, you don't have to tell me."

She's trying to act as brave as she can. I know that she is trying to keep me from worrying for her. She'll feel guilty knowing that she made me worry for her when I'm the one with the sucking chest wound. I clear my throat after another cough, trying to sound stronger. "You don't know that. You're just acting like you're all right so I won't worry. But it's not working."

She lowers her head. "Can we pretend that it is?"

But I'm going to play this. I want her to be honest with me. "No, we can't pretend."

Mary's head shoots up, her eyes fearful. "Why not?" She's so difficult.

"Because right now you're scared and I want you to understand that it's going to be all right." She just looks at me when I finish talking, her eyes beginning to soften a bit.

Hesitantly, Mary moves in toward me, leaning her head on my shoulder, while her arm goes around the back of my head, her hand softly running over my hair. I feel my heart rate involuntarily pick up at the contact. For being so shut down and guarded, Mary's so compassionate when someone is truly in need of her help. And of course, feeling the way I feel, I can't help but to feel a tad flustered. I'm only human after all, bullet hole in my chest or no bullet hole in my chest.

I make no move for her, simply allowing myself to melt into her affectionate contact. Her fingers gently rake through my hair once more. I keep the contented sigh to myself, but lean into her. "You know," I whisper softly, surprised that Horst hasn't said anything as of yet. "You should try to get out before something happens." She doesn't answer. Guess who does?

"Ah, how sweet! Why not just draw a giant bull's eye on me now?" Mary looks at him, pulling her arm away, much to my dismay. But, I guess I would have had to wake up sometime. "As tempting as that offer is, I'd recommend that you just shut up and don't give me any more ideas."

He tilts his head, mockingly. "Ah, you're breaking my heart, being so cruel."

She feigns a laugh and then turns and looks down at me. I stare up at her, wanting so badly for her to sit beside me again. She doesn't sit, but she does lean down, placing one hand on either side of my body. I watch her carefully, expecting her to say something, but she doesn't do that either, so I do.

"Mary…when you're not strong…don't try to hide it from me." Her eyes flick over mine, trying to decide if she's going to comply.

Finally, I get a nod in return. I know she understands. "As long as you don't." I'd say that's a fair compromise.