A/N-Sorry for the delay in updating! I promise to work quicker next time. For some reason the middle parts of this story gave me problems but I feel I found my inspiration again. The ending is all ready written-I have maybe 2 more middle chapters to write so the updates should be a lot quicker!

Sorry again-please enjoy and review :)


"Take a leap of faith."

Dom returned to these words every so often, letting them roll around in his head. Words given to him by his deceased wife and a friend. They were good words to live by but he didn't really know if they should be his words.

He told himself as much as he drove to Hollywood.

He justified that he wasn't really breaking any of his established rules. He wasn't engaging him he was merely trying to understand-to catch a glimpse.

He still felt like some sort of stalker.

Miles had come to stay with them having a break from school-some sort of French holiday for the college. Ariadne had talked of coming too eventually though she wouldn't fly in with Miles even after Dom insisted on paying for her flight. He realized he was dying to see her and Miles-people from his past life. But she was wildly independent and very determined to do everything by the book. She didn't want it to look strange that she was flying from Paris to LA and having someone else pay for her. She didn't spend much of the inception job money not wanting to attract unwanted attention as well. He admired her for being so practical and safe but he had to also remind her that it was almost two years ago and she needed to let go a little, indulge, maybe attracting some attention would be a good thing for her.

She teased him back saying he needed to do the same thing. He realized later when he got that feeling in the pit of his stomach that she was right. She had that way about her-always making Dom realize things he couldn't. He liked her and hated her for it. After their long talk she conceded that she would come the following week and of course would stay in a hotel. Though never spoken between them he had picked up on her thoughts about him. Dom wasn't stupid enough to chalk it up to hero or authority worship. That and Miles had overheard a few things that Ariadne's classmates had said about him.

Dom knew of her true underlying feelings for him and though he trusted her he thought this was a good idea that she didn't stay in the house.

He was nearly there. He was so caught up in his own thoughts that he wasn't even aware of how close he really was. Now that he was here, staring up at his gorgeous new home he wasn't sure what to do. Park and ring his bell? Come inside?

He ran a hand through his hair, resting his hands back on the steering wheel, clenching it and laughing to himself. Is this what his life's been reduced to? Chasing shadows? Stalking a man that haunted his dreams?


He asked Rick to watch Julian, something he wasn't hired for but he did act as bodyguard for them both. He wasn't happy about it but he agreed, Robert explaining he would only be gone a couple hours. Rick of course thought it was a bad idea to go without protection but Robert waived off his concern. He needed to sneak away and even though he sounded confident to Rick he was anything but. He decided he wouldn't involve Rick after all, this was a journey he wanted to take by himself.

Robert had been trained to use a gun before but never really had to use it. He had one locked away in a small safe in his bedroom and he took it with him telling himself it was just a precaution and wouldn't really have to use it. He took the SUV wanting its size and protection and hoping it wouldn't draw unwanted attention. He had done research on the Midnight Tavern and it wasn't in the best area of LA of course. Why were shady, last minute meet ups always in the worst parts of town?

As Robert was pulling out of the long drive and onto their street he noticed an SUV parked across the street, engine running, lights dimmed but someone inside, a man maybe, watching him intently. It gave Robert an odd feeling instantly and as he was reaching for his cell phone to call Rick he saw the car do a Y-turn, lights cutting through the gloom brightly, almost blinding him and speed off down the street into darkness.

Without thinking Robert punched the accelerator and decided to follow the car. He couldn't explain the feeling only that he felt he had to do it. After the disbandment of his father's company and the custody battle it wasn't uncommon for cars or vans to be parked outside his new home, reporters jumping out, trying to intercept him. Rick and his other security had done a good job at thwarting them and as the months rolled on the cars sitting outside, waiting for him had appeared less and less. This time was different though-they always jumped out of their cars wanting to speak to him, wanting something, not peeling away in a rush in an attempt to get away. The very opposite of everyone else, this person didn't want something from Robert.

The oddity of the situation fueled him and he again was struck with the feeling that it wasn't a coincidence.

He had never tailed someone before and tried his best to keep his distance. The other car was taking the freeway; Robert struggled to keep the SUV in his sights and followed him. He was barely able to keep him in his sights but he managed and got off on his exit about fifteen minutes later-thinking with every passing minute that it was a bad idea to follow the stranger, the person that had been parked in front of his house. Could it be someone working for Natalia? Or was it someone working for the mysterious caller? He all ready missed the meet up, had thrown away all leads on Mr. Charles in a lame attempt to satisfy some need. But for what? Robert wasn't sure. He was only sure that this was the stupidest and most adventurous thing he had ever done in his entire life.

They were in the suburbs of East LA going through a nicer, upper middleclass neighborhood from what he could tell in the limited light of the moon's glow.

They passed a beautiful park; one that Robert thought was lovely, something straight out of a movie. The weeping willows and other trees surrounded a little lake; there were fields for soccer and other sports he guessed. And benches, lots of space and benches. He knew without a doubt that he would come back here with Julian. Despite the wild goose chase he was on at least he was able to do something productive, to find a new place that Julian would enjoy. Julian loved playing outdoors and despite it being colder out he obliged him.

Robert was caught up in a daydream, one where him and Julian were playing at a park, something his own father never did for him and he wasn't aware that the SUV he was tailing was slowing. Robert swore loudly and had to practically slam on his brakes and wait for the other SUV to get ahead of him more. He followed the other car through a subdivision-again something out of a movie Robert thought, a peek into a life he was never allowed to see.

The SUV slowed and Robert could see that it pulled into a driveway. Robert pulled up to the side of the road, three houses away and parked. He had his cell phone out, his hands constantly jittery, waiting for the other man to get out. He had an amazing thrilling feeling take over him, he felt very much alive. Despite the danger, risk and overall idiocracy of the evening he felt vindicated in his choice.

The man had gotten out and was walking around the side of the car.

Robert's heart stopped. Even in the faint light of the street lights and the moon's glow he couldn't mistake the silhouette. It was one he had seen every night in his dreams-he would know it anywhere. That flash of slicked back, dirty blond hair, square shoulders, even his gait were all the same.

Robert felt his eyes grow wide and his breath caught in his throat as he leaned in towards the windshield in a lame attempt to get closer.

"Mr. Charles," he released in a whisper without thinking.

Another car was parked on the driveway and Mr. Charles walked around it to the front door. Robert could just make out that a woman (there was no mistaking the smaller stature and long hair) met him at the door, a huge rush of light illuminating behind her, spilling out from the warm and inviting home. He also could make out two, smaller silhouettes, those distinctly of children. Robert's heart skipped a beat at the sight, turning into a crushing revelation.

He was married and had children, it had to be.

Robert twisted one hand on the steering wheel, the other desperately fumbled with his seat belt.

Was he actually going to run out of his car after following him, up to his house and ring his doorbell?

Mr. Charles entered after a couple moments. The door closed, shutting out the inviting light. Robert imagined him being greeted by his spouse with a kiss, the children clinging to him. He had a life of his own.

Robert's hand that was on his seatbelt went slack and he sat there for a good long while, completely dumbstruck, feeling numb.

After what felt like an eternity he heard his cell phone beep-alerting him he had missed a call. He didn't even hear it go off. It broke him out of his trance. He felt so many things then bubbling up to the surface, the wave of emotions slammed into him and he rested his head on his window feeling overwhelmed.

He was angry, crushed, alone, jealous, scared, but above all else he felt betrayed. Robert ran a hand through his hair and the laugh he released was small at first but then took over him completely and echoed through his car, seeming to rattle it completely at the loud sound.

He had blew off his one chance to find out who the enigma, Mr. Charles, was to only end up following him to his very house and find out that he lived so close to him! He had been searching for this man for almost two years and he only lived 20 minutes away! It was almost too much. Robert laughed until his stomach ached, knowing it was a defense mechanism otherwise he would break down and sob. He felt betrayed! How absurd! Just because he dreamed of him every night didn't mean he belonged to him. He stared up at the house where Mr. Charles lived, it was now dark inside and the outside light was off, it must be late. He imagined Mr. Charles and his wife snuggled close under the covers together.

Robert's laughter died in his throat. He felt the shuddering of a cry coming on but he suppressed it, pushed it down. This whole evening had been ridiculous and he was acting utterly childish. What did he hope to accomplish by finding Mr. Charles anyway?

He started up the car and sped away, not bothering to get a look at his address. He knew he would never be back. The search was over. Mr. Charles may have been looking for him for some reason but Robert was closing this chapter on his life. Even though he had countless questions for the other man specifically why he was at LAX that day he came back from Sydney and why he was outside his house he couldn't pursue him anymore. Robert wiped away a runaway tear, his pent up wall of control crumbling.

He had a family-he would never interfere to God forbid breakup a family. Robert knew the sanctity of family having grown up without a normal one and he knew how lucky he was starting his own, taking the right path to raise his son. Mr. Charles was married; Robert would never want to come between that. As he drove out of the subdivision, back onto the street through the posh neighborhood he realized he could just ask him some questions-what was the harm in that? But Robert selfishly wanted more than just getting his questions answered. He wanted him-plain and simple. No, he would never be able to see him again, he didn't trust himself.

He was proud of himself that he didn't start crying until he was parked in his driveway, tucked away, safe and sound, out of sight of Mr. Charles' territory and neighborhood, his perfect life with marriage and children.

The sobs rocked his body, bringing on waves of tiredness.

He didn't realize he had cried himself to sleep until he heard a knock on his window, jerking him awake. His body was stiff, his eyes were crusty and sore; Rick's face looked embarrassed as he assessed Robert's condition.

"Bad night?"

Robert was not a suicidal person but he really felt like dying was so much easier at that moment. He couldn't even imagine how bad he looked to him.

"Yeah, you could say that."

Rick was polite enough not to comment. He was a man of few words which Robert liked.

"He's been asking for you."

Robert rubbed at his bleary, painful eyes and nodded.

Although he was giving up Mr. Charles he was not giving up on his son. His dream was to have both men but he would have to settle on the more important one.

Julian greeted him warmly, not able to judge him for his rumpled and shoddy appearance, Robert thankful for it.

They made breakfast and Robert tried desperately to smile even though his heart was breaking. All he could think of were the three silhouettes that greeted Mr. Charles in his wondered if he would still dream of him.


Dom could only think of one thing and one word as he drove home: Shit.

He said it over and over in his head like a mantra, the way he always used to when something went wrong during an extraction, when something that him or Arthur didn't anticipate showed up or happened.

He hated not being in control.

Being followed was definitely not something he anticipated-he was getting soft, he had been away from the job, the lifestyle too long.

But he definitely was being followed and although he liked to tell himself it wasn't Fischer himself, he knew damn well it could have been.

So why didn't he just lead this person to a public place or just drive around to lose him?

He didn't know. Again, he felt he was getting soft, being away from the job had eased his mind and he was lulled into a false sense of security which was funny since he told Fischer he was head of his security.

By leading them to his house he just put his family at risk. He was still believing that person following him wasn't Fischer. He was tired, needing sleep.

He pulled up onto his street and saw the other car in his drive; Miles must have taken the kids somewhere. He thought it was strange but everything about this evening had been. He couldn't shake the feeling he was being watched as he stepped out of the car and around Miles' rented one to the front door. He was all ready setting up a plan of action in his mind of what he needed to do, to take necessary precautions. He was going to get the kids packed and inform Miles he thought he was followed. They would all stay in a hotel for a couple days and wait it out. He wasn't expecting Ariadne to open the door for him before he got there. All his plans went out the window.

He paused, waiting for her reaction. Experience told him to let the other person react first.

"Hi," she gave a slight wave. She was searching his eyes. Her hair was a little shorter but she looked exactly the same as how he remembered her when the parted ways at LAX. Sweater despite the warmer climate of California, scarf draped around her neck, there were markers and colored pencils sticking out of her small jeans pockets and Dom resisted a laugh. Apparently his pride and joys were making her draw things for them.

"Hi," he managed to get out and returned the wave feeling odd under the intense stare.

Speak of the devil; they rushed to her side, curious at who was at the door, their faces lit up when they saw him.

"Hi Daddy, Ari drew me a maze! I can't figure it out," James seemed defeated but happy at the same time.

"Dad, can we stay up and watch a movie with her?" Phillipa was giving him her most eager face.

Ariadne blushed a little and her familiar smile took over her face.

"I know I said I wasn't coming till next week but you and Miles were very convincing. I just got in a couple hours ago, Miles picked me up. You must have had your phone off?" She seemed embarrassed, shy.

Dom realized he did as he didn't want to be distracted as he drove to Hollywood for his stupid, selfish reasons.

Dom shook his head, returning the infectious smile. "No, its fine and yes I did." All plans for necessary security abandoned.

His kids were asking more questions now and were pulling at Ariadne, their plaything-wanting her attention. Dom came inside and was greeted by Miles in the living room who gave him a knowing look-he always had a way of knowing what Dom was up to. That was a discussion for another day he told Miles with his eyes. Ariadne insisted it was fine and she let the kids have their way with her, drawing them mazes and other things until they went to bed about an hour later to the complaint of Phillipa who still wanted to watch a movie. The architect was quick to respond that she would definitely watch a movie with her some other time before Dom could scold his daughter on being rude to their guests.

He loved that Ari was good was his kids and felt something stir inside him at the thought. He looked at her as she brushed her hair behind her ear, wineglass in hand, talking to Miles now in the living room. Why couldn't he love her back? The way she looked at him was harbored with such love and adoration, he almost felt shy and stupid he couldn't reciprocate it.

His heart wouldn't allow it. After the dreams he had every night he felt he was standing on his head, everything had been turned upside down. And now Fischer had followed him, knew where he lived. At least he could admit it. Dom fumbled with his totem in his pants, backing further into the kitchen to seclude himself. He gave a quick glance outside in the back yard just to make sure no one was there. He turned his head around and was greeted by Miles, standing directly in his path giving him another one of his all wise and knowing looks.

"We need to talk," he said in hushed tones, rinsing out his wineglass. Dom gave him a curt nod and directed his attention to the architect who was getting up from the couch.

Ariadne bid them goodnight, saying she was tuckered out from the kids and that they would catch up more in the next couple days.

Dom hugged her fiercely to Ariadne's surprise, a blush creeping up on her face. Despite the unspoken awkwardness of their relationship he did admire her and respected her greatly. She was a great human being and he silently wished her to find someone that would make her truly happy. She deserved it.

After she left and the house was full of an empty silence Miles wasted no time wanting to get down to business.

When Dom deposited himself in his favorite chair Miles was on him at once.

"What's going on? Why are you constantly looking over your shoulder, checking windows and exits? Do I need to get my grandchildren out if here?"

He cared for Miles deeply but he had an annoying habit of getting straight to the point, pleasantries aside. That and he was always four steps ahead of Dom which was annoying too but he had to admire.

Dom leaned forward, towards him and told him everything-airing out all the dirty laundry finishing with his theories on Fischer following him home. Miles listened to him without interruption, his face impassive, only nodding slightly to let him know he was understanding.

Dom felt so free having the weight of the knowledge and secrets off of him.

Miles yawned and stretched, getting up from his position on the couch. He scratched his back, a glimmer in his eye. Dom was more afraid of that look than anything else Miles shot his way.

"You got me all worked up for nothing, that's dangerous for someone my age. I'm going be bed. You should do the same."

Dom repressed the urge to gape at him; he released a sarcastic laugh instead.

"That's it? After everything I just told you about Fischer, the dreams, everything and you want to go to bed?"

Miles gave a very slight shrug. "I all ready told you to find someone that makes you happy. There's nothing left to talk about. You always do the right thing, Dom…" he looked him up and down scrupulously. "Eventually that is…" He yawned again saying goodnight, shuffling down the hall.

Dom was alone with his thoughts again which lately had become scary. Thankfully his feelings didn't turn on him.

"Take a leap of faith." He turned the phrase over and over in his mind beginning to think he could get used to the idea.