A/N: I'm Back, Losers! Okay so if anyone is confused, Ariana is my OC. She's not a freelancer or anyone from Red vs. Blue.

Disclaimer was in the first chapter.

Oh, and the long strings of words in italics are Washington's memories. (And I know it says "the girl" but she's actually 19 or 20 at this point)

Chapter Two: Reunion

Washington remembered.

He wrapped his arms around the small girl as she tangled her hands in his hair. He kissed her deeply, pulling her on top of him and onto his bed. Washington smiled into kiss, moving his hands up the back of her short dress. The girl gasped as Wash grazed his teeth on her lips, and she kissed him back even more passionately. They broke apart for a moment, both breathing heavily and blushing. He smiled slightly, leaning forward to claim her lips again, but the girl pulled away, climbing off him and sitting on the side of the bed.

Washington's smile faded, replaced with a look of concern as he propped himself up on his elbows. "What's wrong?" he asked.

The girl turned away from him, her blonde hair covering her face. She sighed heavily, "My boss will kill me if he finds out I'm here." Wash nodded grimly; he knew her boss was powerful, he had control over her, and that she was terrified of him. He moved next to her, draping an arm over her shoulders. "Don't worry about your boss." He told her, "I'll take care of it."

She shook her head, "Y-you don't know what he's capable of." Washington cupped her face in his hands, but she stared at the floor. "Ariana, look at me." He said. The girl slowly lifted her eyes to meet his. "I swear if he so much as looks at you the wrong way, I will slit his throat." Wash stated simply. "So don't worry."

Ariana laughed lightly, resting her head on his bare chest. Washington wrapped his arms around her, pulling the tiny girl into him.

"David?" Wash paused, taken aback. He wasn't used to her using his real name. "Yeah?" he answered after he recovered.

"Promise you won't leave." Ariana requested softly. He sighed heavily; he knew with his job it would be too hard. "Ari, you know I can't-" "Please?" Ariana looked up at him, her blue eyes pleading. God, she looked so small… so breakable. Washington kissed her forehead.

"I promise."

Washington remembered. He remembered everything about her. He wished he didn't.

Agent Washington put away his gun, turning away from the girl. "She's harmless guys." He told the other soldiers. "Let her go." He began to walk away as the reds and blues watched him in stunned silence. "Wait!" Ariana scrambled up ran after him, grabbing his arm. "How did you know my name?" she asked. Washington jerked away his arm. "I don't. Now get out of here before I change my mind and shoot you." He answered curtly as he continued walking.

Ariana darted out in front of the former freelancer, blocking his path. "I heard you, don't lie." She told him, undaunted. "Now, who the hell are you? How the hell do you know me? And Why the hell are you trying to pretend you don't?" she asked. Washington tried to step past her, but she moved in front of him again. "Move it, midget." He snarled.

"No." The barely five foot tall girl crossed her arms defiantly. "Now that I think about it, your voice sounds familiar…" She trailed off for a moment, thinking. "Take off your helmet." Washington stared down at the girl, incredulously. "That's not going to happen." He replied coldly. Ariana shrugged, "Well, then. I suppose someone could always, you know, shoot it off. And then continue to do the same thing for your friends here." Ariana countered with a smirk, stepping closer so that she was only a few inches away from him.

Washington knew she was bluffing, well, probably bluffing, but the frightened look that Tucker was giving him told him that he'd better listen to the kid. I'm going to regret this. Wash thought bitterly as he began to undo the clasp. He pulled the helmet off his head, letting his dark hair fall into his eyes….

Instantly causing Ariana to shriek and stumble back, "A-agent Washington." She managed to stutter out. Wash crossed his arms, trying to ignore her outburst. "What the hell are you doing here Ariana?" He asked her. The girl mentally kicked her self and straightened up, her shock replaced with anger. "I should be asking you the same thing. Last I heard, you were dead." She spat.

"Sorry to get your hopes up." Washington's expression was cold, emotionless, as he surveyed the girl who was once his closest friend. Ariana hadn't changed much, though her hair seemed longer, which didn't help her childlike demeanor. She was wearing her usual tank top, shorts, and combat boots. He noted with some curiosity that she still had the heart shaped hair clip he'd given her on her 20th birthday, and that, even though she was covered in dirt from their skirmish, he could still catch the faint scent of strawberries coming from her. She always smells like f***ing strawberries. He thought with amusement.

During this little spat between the two ex-Well, whatever they were, the rest of the soldiers had stood by and watched with anticipation- and mostly confusion- until finally Tucker spoke up. "So…. You guys know each other?" he enquired. Ariana looked over at him in surprise, like she had forgotten the others were there. She exchanged glances with the former freelancer next to her before they both replied with a muttered; "Something along those lines." which instantly resulted in both of them glaring at each other for saying the same thing at the same time.

"We… worked together in Project Freelancer." Washington explained. "Oh, so she's a freelancer?" Simmons asked, "Why isn't she wearing any armor?" "I'm not a freelancer." Ariana told them, a little too sharp. "I'm an assassin; we're not required to wear armor." "Then how…?" "My boss had connections with the director. I was a relatively new but promising assassin, so he sent me to work and train with the Freelancers, hoping I could better my…. Education." She finished with a sly smile.

"So… you're an assassin…" Tucker began, "You wouldn't happen to be here on a job would you?" He asked, backing away for good measure. Ariana held back a laugh, shaking her head. "Don't worry, I'm here on vacation." Tucker let out a sigh of relief. "But wait. Why did you throw a knife at my head?" Ariana shrugged sheepishly, "Eh, sorry about that. That's sort of a habit. Though I'll admit, I've been a bit on edge since that chick in the pink armor snuck up on me while I was stealing-I mean borrowing- from the their food storage."

The Reds cast a sheepish, almost guilty look at Washington, who answered with a look that said, "Told you." "Sorry." He heard one of them whisper. "Wait, what about those creepy ripping and crunching noises, Tucker told us about. And the blood on the cave floor?" Grif asked. Ariana fished around in her pocket, before she pulled out what looked like a bag of chips and tossed them at the orange solider. "Not the most nutritious meal, but it's still food." She shrugged. "As for the blood," She lifted the hem of her tank top a couple inches, revealing several red marks on her back. "Let's just say I got into a bit of a… misunderstanding."

The other soldiers nodded. "I guess that makes sense." Sarge mumbled, half to himself. Ariana smiled and did a tiny bow, "Right. So, I'm really sorry for scaring you, but I have to go now." She apologized, as she attempted to walk off, but Washington stopped her. "Hold on a second, Ariana. What are you doing here?" He asked, his voice incisive. The small girl fidgeted with the edge of her top, but didn't look away from the former freelancer. "I told you, Wash. I'm on vacation." "Right…" Washington narrowed his eyes, "A vacation where you live in a cave and have to steal food. It sounds absolutely wonderful." Ariana laughed nervously, "What can I say? Hotel prices are getting pretty high these days."

Washington crossed his arms. "Cut the crap, Ari. What's going on? Are you in trouble?" Ariana glared back at him, growing impatient. "I'm fine Wash; you're the dead man here." She retorted. "Besides, why should you give a damn about me?" the girl looked down at the ground, trying to hide her anger. "It's not like you've been all that interested in my life the past five years, anyways." Washington drew back, her words cutting through him like a knife.

"Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to enjoy the rest of my vacation from the comfort of my… cave." She quipped, brushing past him. Washington stood there for a moment, still somewhat stunned by her sudden outburst. The others remained abnormally quiet, watching to see how things between the two ex-partners would unfold. "Goddammit." Wash muttered finally, angrily jerking his helmet back on and running after her.

"Hey Caboose, are you think what I'm thinking?" Tucker asked. Caboose gasped, "You're thinking about getting a puppy, too? That's great! Now all I have to do is convince Agent Washington!" Tucker glanced over at his team mate in confusion. "What? No! I mean about Wash and that superhot assassin chick." "Oh." Caboose sighed. "What about them?" "Well, don't you think they might have a history?" Caboose laughed. "Oh Tucker, you're silly. Why would Agent Washington have a history class with the scary, pretty girl? He is not in middle school!" Tucker shook his head. "You know what man? Never mind. Just, stop talking. I'm gonna follow them." "Okay."

"Hey, wait!" Wash yelled as he caught up to Ariana. She didn't answer, but kept walking until Washington grabbed her arm. "Let go!" She snapped, not looking at him. "Not until you tell me what's going on." Wash demanded. "It's none of your concern." Ariana replied curtly, jerking away her arm and continuing on. Washington sighed, "I hoped I wouldn't have to do this, Ari, but you leave me no choice."

Ariana whipped around, emitting a small shriek of protest as Agent Washington's hand closed around the back of her shirt and he lifted her into the air. "P-put me down!" she stuttered, lashing out and trying squirm out of his grasp. Washington lifted her higher, "Only after you explain yourself. For now, this amuses me." She punched the air, trying to hit him to no avail.

By the time the other soldiers approached, Ariana had already tired herself out and was shooting daggers through Washington's soul with her eyes. Unaware that his soul was in danger of the girl's imaginary weaponry, Wash smirked, "You done?" he asked. "Because, you know, I can always wait for you to throw another fit and act like a child, if you want." Ariana kicked out. "You're a real bastard, Wash." She spat, attempting to rip away from his grip again. She continued this little charade, letting out sharp shrieks of fury every now and then.

"Okay! You win!" She proclaimed, throwing up her arms in defeat. "I ran away, alright?" Washington promptly dropped Ariana, ignoring her complaints as she hit the ground. "What did you do?" he asked as calmly as he could possibly manage. Ariana refused to meet his eyes as she dusted the dirt off her clothes. "Well… let's just say I got into a bit of a…. disagreement with my boss. A few shots were fired, a couple guys went down, and the next thing I know I'm in my apartment trying to pack up my few possessions before the police show up." Ariana finished with a nervous smile and a small shrug. "You know, same old, same old."

The former freelancer resisted the urge to grab the small girl by her shoulders and shake her until she was nauseous, "What the hell were you thinking?" he yelled. Ariana didn't flinch, just crossed her arms and stared back. "I was thinking that I had to get out of that hell-hole before McAlister killed me. Or worse." "Wait, I'm confused. Who's this McAlister guy?" Simmons interjected. Ariana turned away, her expression filled with anger. "No one. Just my manipulative, sick, creep of a boss." She muttered, bitterly.

Ariana shook her head, her smile returning, though it seemed forced. "Anyways, I'm sorta being hunted down by McAlister's top assassins so, I decided to drop off the radar for a while. Hang out somewhere no one will suspect, you know?" Washington crossed his arms. "Yeah I understand. Now get out." He ordered bluntly. Ariana looked up in shock. "Wha-What do you mean?"

"If McAlister finds you, he'll find us. And with my luck he'll either kill us all, or recognize me and turn me in. And I am not going back to jail! That's the whole reason I faked my death and followed these idiots to this stupid canyon in the first place. I'm not risking it." He sighed, trying not to make eye contact with the girl "Sorry Ariana, but you're on your own."

Ariana nodded grimly. "I understand, I mean, it's not like you owe me any favors. I never took a bullet for you or anything." Her bitter sarcasm stung Agent Washington. The phrase "salt in an open wound" paled in comparison as the girl turned sharply on her heel to walk away. "Don't worry; I'll pack my bags. It seems I've bothered you enough for today, Agent Washington."

Washington opened his mouth to add a sharp retort, but his eyes traveled down to the bruises on her arms and legs. Did McAlister do that? He wondered, a feeling of guilt creeping up. "Hey, Ari, can't you stay with family or something?" He asked, trying not to sound as concerned as he really was. The girl stopped, throwing a glare at him from over her shoulder. "No Wash, You should know that. You were there when they found my parents' bodies, remember?"

She turned away, not wanting him to see the doubt crossing her features. "Honestly, I don't have anywhere to go. No friends, no family, nothing." She kicked a rock, spitefully. "But it doesn't matter; I can take care of myself." Ariana cast one more half-hearted smile at Wash, before walking off. "See you around, Dead man." She said in farewell.

Washington felt a strange, dull ache in his chest as she walked away.

"Hey Wash, aren't you going to help her?" Tucker asked quietly. Washington glanced over at the teal private almost absentmindedly. "What do you mean?" Tucker shrugged. "Well you two seem like you were friends, I just thought-" "We're not friends, and I'm not helping her." "But Wash she's in danger!" Tucker pleaded "We can't let a gorgeous lady like her live in caves!" "What do you expect me to do? Slay a frickin dragon for her?"

Tucker shrugged "I don't F**king know, man. We could at least find her somewhere better to stay." Washington scrutinized the soldier next to him. "Tucker, just a few minutes ago she tried to kill you. Why do you really want to help her?" he asked. He thought heard a grin creep into Tucker's tone. "Aw, come on Wash. You know how it goes. The hero rescues the damsel in distress and then the chick is all like: 'oh my gosh! Thank you for saving me! How can I ever repay you?' and then the hero says: 'Well how about you come over to my place and we can-'"

"Okay! Stop right there! I'm sorry I asked." Wash shouted, his hand reaching up to helmet as if he were trying to block the image out of his head. Tucker laughed, "Come on Wash, you know you want to. Bow-chicka-bow-wow!" He teased. The former freelancer lifted his face slightly, sending out a death glare from underneath his helmet. "You sicken me." He growled.

"Tucker has a point though. We can't just kick the poor girl out into the street." Sarge said thoughtfully. "Maybe we could find somewhere for her to stay till she gets her feet on the ground." He looked at his Red subordinates. Grif shrugged, Simmons shuffled his feet, "Um sir, if you're referring to our families, I would just like you to know that I'm no longer speaking to my father, and Grif's mom is still working in the circus." He explained. Tucker shook his head when everyone turned to him. "Sorry guys. My family is F**ked up as it is." "Maybe she could stay with Donut's parents. I'm sure they would like another daughter." Grif suggested.

"Hey! I've got an idea!" Caboose shouted. Everyone turned to him reluctantly. "Washington's lady friend could just stay with us! Here at blue base!" He declared. Washington sighed. "Caboose did you miss the part where I explained exactly why she cannot stay here?" he asked. The blue soldier smiled like he was in on a joke that no one else knew about. "Yes. But what if we disguised her as a blue soldier! Or maybe we could hide her! That way the bad guys would not suspect anything if they came here. Just like the Canadians did when Hitler came after them."

Washington knew Caboose was confused on… well a lot of things, but he actually had a point. "That might just work." Washington agreed. "Well, what are you waiting for?" Tucker asked pushing him in the direction of the caves, excitedly. "Go rescue your damsel, Prince Washington!" "Promise you'll never call me that again, and I'll try." He muttered as he began walking. "By the way, if you here gunshots…. Run." The former freelancer advised.

Moments later as he walked into the caves, Washington watched as Ariana struggled with tying a bandage around a small gash on her arm. She had part of the gauze in her teeth, trying to find a way to wrap it around the wound with only one hand. The task must have been taking her full attention, because she didn't seem to notice when Washington crouched down next to her. The small girl jumped a little as the soldier's hands grazed over her own, taking the strip of fabric and removing it from her grasp. They were both silent as he wound it around her arm and tied it gently.

"What happened?" Wash asked softly, dropping his hands. Ariana hesitated, refusing to look at him before pulling her knees to her chest. "McAlister has taken care of me since I was a teenager. Given me somewhere to stay and the opportunity to work with some of the military's best operatives. I'm in debt to him, but-" she sighed. "I did the numbers. With the money I make as an Assassin along with some of my side jobs I paid him off two years ago. He was just... using me. So, I left." She shrugged. "Granted, it did involve some gunfire, but it got the point across."

Ariana attempted to laugh, but to Wash it sounded more like a choked cry. He stood up and crossed his arms, "Do you want to stay with us?" He asked after a moment. Ariana looked up in confusion. "I thought you said-" "Yeah, well I changed my mind." The former freelancer had suddenly become much more interested in the cave walls. "Look, it's only until I can find somewhere else for you to stay, but it's better than living in a cave, and a lot safer for all of us."

Ariana opened her mouth, trying to say that she was fine on her own, but she stopped. Washington could see why, her eyes flashed in fear and doubt as she realized what trouble she was in at the moment. Her shoulders slumped in defeat. "Thank you." The tiny girl whispered, reaching out and wrapping her thin arms around the armored soldier.

Washington stiffened, glad that his helmet hid the blush creeping over his face. He pulled away slowly, distancing himself from the girl. "Don't thank me." He told her gruffly, turning away. "I'm not helping you because we're friends." Ariana tilted her head, her eyes staring through him, just like they always had. "Then why are you?" she asked softly. Washington was silent as his gaze moved over the scar right bellow Ariana's collar bone, a familiar sense of regret and something else he didn't want to register seizing him as he began to walk away.

"Because, we were….. Once…."

Oh Thank God! It's finally done!

I do not like how this chapter turned out. I had so many ideas for this scene and they all sorta jumbled together. At least I fit in Tucker's catch-phrase.

But I sorta like the flash back in the beginning. Even though I can't write make out scenes worth crap. -.-"

Also, I am SO SORRY that this is so late! I can make so many excuses about writers block, and the oral surgery that had me knocked out for about a week, and school starting, but still this took Way Too Freakin Long!

Anyways, its past midnight and I have to get up before noon tomorrow so Imma go to sleep! Bye!