Final chapter, uploaded and complete before tonight, as promised!
Enjoy the final instalment. :) And enjoy the episode tonight!
Disclaimer: I do not own anything you may recognize. Any relation to my version of the characters and real life persons is purely coincidental. There is no copyright infringement intended.
I knew this would happen. Charlie glared at Monroe, calling him Monroe detached him from the man she thought of as Bass and reminded her she was angry. He stared back at her, the slight quirk of his eyebrows and quick tightening of his lips before he relaxed them into a devil-may-care smirk told her he understood she was blaming him for Miles' sudden appearance.
'Hey Miles.' Bass flashed his grin at his former best friend. 'Fancy seeing you here.'
Miles' expression tightened, mouth in a thin line and brows furrowed. He stared at his friend for a second before turning his glare back to his niece – who, he noted, was avoiding meeting his gaze head on, which was unusual for her as she had mastered the Matheson glare perfectly. He looked back at Bass. 'Someone care to tell me why you had my niece backed up against the wall.'
'We were-'
'I was-'
The two of them spoke at the same time, stopped and glared at each other. For some reason Bass was feeling like a teenage boy caught with his hands down his pants and was now facing a good scolding. He chuckled, shaking his head when the two Matheson's looked at him with identical what?! expressions.
Monroe's laugh stirred something in Charlie's stomach, it was so entrancing and the way his eyes crinkled- no, she buried it down and let her boiling anger take over to block it out. He was laughing. The dick. She shook her head and growled under her breath. 'Monroe wants to restart the Republic.'
The man in question immediately stopped laughing and snapped his mouth closed, his head shot up and he stared at her. He was shocked she called him out? Charlie narrowed her eyes at him, with the way he was acting it was no wonder. She gritted her teeth and turned away from him.
'What?' Miles frowned, Charlie's words slowly processing. 'You're what?'
'He's going to restart the Republic.' Charlie knew she didn't really need to repeat herself, but she was pissed and therefore she wasn't in a patient, or forgiving mood.
'This true?' Miles eyed his friend and Bass raised his head, meeting Miles' stare head on, their eyes locked in a silent battle of wills. Miles was searching Bass' face for the truth and when he saw the sliver of guilt that his friend was desperately trying to hide he tore his eyes away and glared at the wall behind them. 'What the hell Bass?'
Bass had the decency to look a little guilty but remained silent. He could tell Miles was riling himself up and knew it was best to remain quiet, best not to piss him off any more than he had too. He still had to persuade him it was the right thing to do.
Finally Miles looked back at him and ran a hand impatiently through his hair, tugging on the strands a little harder than necessary. He was trying to keep himself as calm as possible as they didn't need unwanted attention. 'You want to restart the Republic. Why? Because it worked out so well the last time.' Miles took a needed breath through his mouth, the air hissing as he sucked it through his teeth. 'What are you thinking? Do you want to get us all killed?'
Bass opened his mouth to reply but Miles cut him off, raising a hand and sending him a look that firmly said shut it. 'The Republic's gone, blown to dust and ash. What, are you expecting to just waltz back in and take control? In case you don't remember I'll enlighten you, by the end your own men were shooting at you. You think there's any support left out there? You idiot. There's nothing left to rebuild-'
Charlie watched her uncle rant, his hushed angry words quickly became not enough to vent and he resorted to pacing. Back and forth in front of the two of them, before stopping and stuffing his clenched hands into his pockets. Charlie didn't think she'd seen her uncle talk so much at once.
Miles stopped in front of Bass, frustration and turmoil swirling as he ran out of things to say. He settled on, '-you prick.'
Bass watched Miles throughout his raving and finally when the air fell silent with Miles' final insult did he feel it was probably safe to speak. He turned a little, so it was clear he was speaking to both Matheson's. 'The both of you are really fucking crap at listening to explanations.' He set his jaw and matched their glares. 'Yes Miles, I know Philly is gone and I know most of the men are scattered in the wind. I also know, Charlotte, that I screwed up the last time. I got your father and your brother killed and I never expect you to forgive me, trust me no one feels shitter or more drowned in remorse than I already do but-'
'-How is there a but Monroe? You cast so much death and disaster over everything. Blood practically flowed in rivers, and yet you still want to bring it back?' Charlie wasn't looking at him, her eyes were brimming with unwanted tears and she utterly refused to cry in front of him. The events over the last few days had taken their toll and she'd reached her breaking point. 'How can you want to bring so much pain and misery back?'
Bass didn't miss the crack in Charlie's voice as she spoke, she was usually so tough and head-strong and seeing her subtly break down and struggling to remain together broke a little part of him. But they were facing a losing battle and they needed a strong resistance – they were presently useless and getting nowhere. 'I promise it won't be like the last time.'
'And how do you know that?' Miles sighed. He was staring at Bass, but glancing at his niece from the corner of his eyes. He wanted to pull her in, comfort her, but he knew she wouldn't appreciate it. Not anymore. She was too much like him, it would be showing weakness and she'd run. He swallowed and forced himself to look away. 'What makes you so sure it won't end in disaster?'
'Because I planned on handing it down to Connor-' he paused, he knew that wasn't enough and by the disbelieving look on Miles face and the small shake of the head from Charlie they saw Connor as younger version of himself – despite Charlie sleeping with him, Bass pushed that thought away (for the time being) and made a snap decision, nodding to himself knowing it was the right one to make, albeit hastily, '- and Charlie.'
Charlie's head snapped up, unsure if she had heard him right, 'and who?'
'And you.' Monroe's lips twisted in amusement.
'You're planning on handing the Republic to Charlie?' Miles blinked, taken aback.
He rolled his eyes. 'Well, and Connor.'
'Why?' Charlie may have whispered the question, but it was clear in the confusion in Miles' eyes too.
It was obvious to him, and he wasn't sure why he hadn't thought of it before as it could have lessened the earlier explosion from Miles. Knowing he wasn't going to be taking full control permanently would have softened the blow. 'It's only right that it be handed down to the next generations. Connor is my son and you've practically adopted Charlie, she's the closest thing you have to a kid.'
'Gee thanks.' Charlie grumbled, sounding very much like Miles in that moment.
Monroe smirked at her. 'You know what I mean.'
This time she rolled her eyes. He was surprisingly happy to find that she wasn't blowing seething anger at him anymore, she was still mad but it was no longer utter life-threatening fury.
'You want Charlie and Connor to run the Republic?' Miles was still struggling to come to terms with this admittance from Bass and was finding it hard to accept his friend, the former President of the Monroe Republic, would so willingly hand it over to two, still capable and equipped to handle it, but less experienced kids.
'Well, we'd start it off obviously.' Bass grinned widely at his friend and Miles exasperatingly shook his head. 'Teach them the ropes and help them learn from our mistakes. When it's apt and strong enough we'll hand it to them.'
'You have this all planned out don't you?' Miles glowered.
Bass hadn't really thought it through, at all, the words were just spilling from his lips. But the more he talked, the more a plan was forming. This was how he worked best, discussing tactics and ideas with Miles (and Charlie, and he hoped maybe one day he could include Connor) helped him organise his thoughts into logical effective order. 'Nope. This is my attempt at stopping you from threatening to end my miserable life.' He said it as a joke, but there were a few underlying truths to his words that they all decided to ignore for now.
Charlie cracked a small smile, her temper had burned back to a small sizzle, she was no way dropping this topic but it seemed Bass was willing to make it a team effort this time. That gave them hope. Maybe she could still talk him out of it… but it seemed even Miles was coming round. At least she could try and swing it in a direction she wanted…
'Charlie?'
She hummed, before flushing and sheepishly averting her eyes, she had been staring at Bass without realising it. She inwardly frowned, she'd called him Bass again, what is it with her and being unable to hate him? She let it slide, she'd think about it later. She had a lot to think about later.
'What's going on in that head of yours?' Bass had one eyebrow raised and was looked at her in amusement.
She shot him an impish grin. 'Plotting ways to end your miserable life.'
He scoffed but sent her a small appraising smile, with the exception of Miles there weren't many people who were as sharp-witted and quick-on-the-trigger with comebacks as him. But before he could answer there was familiar voice shouting his name that quickly drew all their attention, all their heads snapping in the direction of the voice as it called again.
'Monroe!'
'Charlie?' The voice was a little louder this time and Charlie winced, ducking her head lower. Miles looked at her curiously.
Connor's voice was loud, and quickly ruining their success at being discreet. Bass rolled his eyes and stepped out from their hiding place, only to grab his son and pull him back with him. He had his mouth covered as Connor called out in shock and struggled. He stilled when he realised who had him, and his eyes widened when they fell on Miles standing next to Charlie. Bass regarded his son slowly, once satisfied he wasn't going to cry out he carefully released his hand. 'When did he get here?' Connor blurted as soon as he was free.
'Hello to you too.' Miles grumbled. Charlie nudged him in the shoulder, be nice, he rolled his eyes at her but tried to comply. 'Not long ago. We were just discussing the return of the once mighty Monroe Republic.' He did try to be nice, he just wasn't very good at it. Now it was Charlie's turn to roll her eyes at him, but she said nothing.
'What? We're not-'
'Drop it Connor, they know.' Bass cut off his son's immediate defensive denial and shook his head. 'I told them.'
'You told them?' Connor glared at his father, affronted that he had so readily spilled his guts.
Charlie cut in before Bass could answer, smiling sweetly and answered in a sugary sweet voice. 'You didn't think we weren't going to figure it out?' Her smile twisted into a smirk. 'Come on, we're not stupid.' Charlie was feeling a little betrayed. She had told him the truth when she said she didn't care after they slept together but she thought he cared enough not to keep such a vital thing from her.
Bass could see Charlie was working herself up and quickly diverted the conversation before it could erupt into another temper-fuelled ranting – this time from the younger Matheson. 'So Miles, you never told us why you're here.'
'You were over a day late.' Miles said by way of explanation. 'Rachel and Gene are managing camp till we get back.' Which had to be soon, it didn't need to be said but Rachel and Gene weren't exactly the best line of defence if anything went wrong. Miles was looking at them, searching for an answer to his unasked question.
Charlie looked at Bass, who shrugged a shoulder silently telling her it was up to her. She grimaced, 'I got shot,' and shrugged, figuring it was probably best just to tell him before he noticed her wincing and she had to own up to her wound to an irritated uncle who would then hypocritically moan at her about not hiding injuries.
Miles sucked a breath in through his teeth and tugged a hand through his hair. 'Where?' He demanded.
'Stomach.' Charlie answered. Miles moved forwards, as if he was going to check her for other injuries or maybe demand he see her wound had been dressed right. She moved backwards and held her hands out. 'Miles, I'm fine.' She looked him in the eyes. 'Seriously.'
He turned to Bass, and Charlie sighed at her uncle needing the confirmation. Bass glanced at Charlie then back at Miles, looking at this friend sincerely. He knew Miles did not and would never take Charlie's safety as anything else than top priority. 'She'll be fine. I've been checking and redressing her wound myself.'
Charlie's eye's bulged. He's been addressing her wound? Why was he checking her wound, she was sure there were plenty of good medics around here. Duncan wouldn't leave that to chance. The thought of him seeing her body, even if only partially had her more unsettled than she thought possible, but not because he was seeing her but because she was injured and unconscious. She was unprepared for the realisation that she was unsettled because he would probably never see her as more than a patient now.
Miles was scanning Bass' face carefully for any signs of mistruth. He was a little disturbed that his friend had been checking his niece. He pacified himself by thinking that Bass knew his stuff, and was probably the best person to make sure she was okay because he knew how much Charlie meant to him. The little scene he had stumbled into earlier hadn't meant anything, just Bass stopping Charlie from marching away shouting his secret to the world – somewhere he knew he was in denial but he wasn't going to accept that. He nodded sharply at Bass and turned away, satisfied at least that Charlie would be okay if she was checked and re-dressed daily. 'We're leaving,'
'We had planned to leave tomorrow.' Bass answered, shooting a look towards Charlie who looked to disagree with him. He knew she wanted out of here. 'Charlie needs the rest.'
Miles grimaced, concern apparent on his face, and nodded stiffly. 'Okay, tomorrow it is.' It was unspoken where Miles would be sleeping. He would watch Charlie while Bass slept and then he'd crash in Bass' tent why he kept watch.
Charlie sighed sullenly and looked at the two older former Generals stood around her. 'I'm not going to get a moment alone tonight, am I?' They both shook their heads. Neither man would be willing to leave Charlie alone tonight.
XXX
It fell dark pretty quickly, the sky darkening and swirling clouds blocking out the sun casting shadows over everything. Yet another sign that there was an upcoming storm. She had poked around the camp, wondering why no one seemed concerned and quickly figured out that they were all oblivious. She rolled her eyes, for battle hardened war clan members they were clueless when it came to nature. She couldn't find her uncle or Bass – they had Connor tailing her all evening to her annoyance, but she figured they needed time to talk so she let it drop and pretended she hadn't noticed – so she would have to warn Duncan herself.
She waved at Connor, he frowned and turned his head looking around before pointing to himself, she rolled her eyes and signalled him over. He carefully approached her. 'You need to work on subtlety, it's not working.' She smirked at his feigned innocent smile.
'I don't know what you're talking about.'
'You've been trailing me all day.' She shook her head, eyeing him and raising an eyebrow. 'I get it, Bass told you to watch me while he spoke with Miles.'
'You've way to observant for your own good.'
She cracked a grin and shrugged. 'You're just bad at sneaking around.' Her eyes lit up wickedly. 'I could teach you if you like.'
He could tell she was teasing so he simply smirked and shook his head in good humour. 'Nah, I think I'll be okay.'
'Suit yourself.' She laughed, flicking her hair over her shoulder as it blew into her face. The sudden wind reminded her why she called him over in the first place. 'Can you show me to Duncan's tent?' She cocked an eyebrow, daring him to object. He'd been here two days, if he was anything like his father then he'd have scouted the area and knew where Duncan bunked.
To her surprise he nodded, looking up at the sky. 'You gonna warn her about the storm?' He sent her an appraising look for reading the weather. 'I lived in Mexico, I know the signs.' He said by way of explanation.
Charlie tilted her head in acknowledgement. 'Least I'm not the only one around here.' She gestured with her head. 'Shall we? I don't know how long before it hits.'
'Right.' Connor grinned. 'It's this way.' He led her in the direction of the command tent, circling around it and on the other side a modest sized tent emerged. Charlie guessed it was where Duncan had vacated to earlier when she'd left Bass alone in the command tent. 'After you.' He smirked, gesturing with his hand towards the entrance. His eyes were shining with amusement from the sounds inside, from the loud moans it sounded like Duncan was enjoying herself. 'Ladies first.'
Charlie rolled her eyes and brushed past his shoulder, refusing to seem daunted at what she could be walking into. She bit her lip slightly and half wished there was a door she could hammer loudly so she didn't stumble onto anything her eyes wouldn't appreciate. She shot a brief look at a smirking Connor, he was finding the situation very entertaining. 'Knock knock.' She raised her voice so it would carry over anything that was going on in there.
There was a pause because Duncan's voice echoed out. 'Come in.'
Charlie looked at Connor and he shrugged nonchalantly before moving to walk past her, she stepped in his way and shoved past him – there was no way he was going in there first. She heard his faint chuckle behind her but she ignored it. She pushed her way into the tent, quickly surveying the situation and forcing back a flush at the scene in front of her. Duncan was lying underneath a younger guy, who was sending her a presumably understandable irritated glare – she was interrupting and he wasn't happy. There was a thin sheet covering the two of them, covering any important parts so Charlie could look directly at them, she would not let Duncan see she was uncomfortable. 'We need to talk.'
Duncan slowly raised an eyebrow, lips lifting into a lofty smile as she propped herself onto her elbow effortlessly. 'And it can't wait till later?' She waved a hand at guy still on top of her. 'As you can see I'm pretty preoccupied.'
Charlie grimaced at the image that sent to her head and shook it away before it could take hold. 'It's important.'
Duncan was looking dubiously at her.
'She's right.' Charlie hadn't heard Connor move in behind her, but she figured it was probably stupid to think otherwise. He didn't seem the type to wait outside. Duncan looked past her, only just acknowledging the young man standing behind her – if Charlie guessed right she'd say Connor was about the same age as the guy currently on top of Duncan. She scrunched her nose up that that.
Duncan seemed to realise that too as her lips twisted into an alluring smile as she appraised him. 'Well, hello there.'
Connor grinned crookedly, looking over the scene in front of him completely unabashed and nodding back. 'Hi.'
Charlie inwardly sighed, and nudged Connor with her arm, her voice low and hushed. 'Think about your libido later, we have more pressing matters.'
He grinned down at her, eyes sparkling. 'Jealous?'
She pulled a face. 'No.' If Connor wanted Duncan he could have her, it would hopefully keep her attentions away from the elder Monroe. Charlie shook her head away from that thought and set Connor with a pointed glare, he partially rolled his eyes at her. 'Duncan. There's a storm brewing and your men need to prepare.'
Duncan's gaze flitted back to her easily. 'And you would know this how?'
'I can feel it. The heavy air and bitter wind are warnings that it's gonna be a bad one.' Charlie could tell by Duncan's raised eyebrows and cool smile that she didn't believe her. 'I'm right.' Charlie didn't have the time to be battling wills with Duncan – not right now - if the storm hit and the tents weren't tied down properly they were in for some serious trouble. 'Please listen to me Duncan, if you don't I can't promise your camp will be here come dawn.'
'Listen darlin', as much as I appreciate your wilful participation in rescuing Sebastian and Connor, I don't need you telling me how to run my clan.' Duncan flashed a smile at her, and Charlie recognised the look, she was slowly becoming intolerant of Charlie's presence. Charlie figured her short temper probably had something to do with the guy who had now pushed himself off her and was trailing his finger over Duncan's stomach through the sheet. 'I think you better go now.'
'Duncan-' But Duncan simply raised an eyebrow and turned slightly away from her. Charlie sighed, resigned, and looked at Connor. He was shaking his head slightly at her, mouth set in a hard line. Charlie, for the first time, wished she could just command Duncan to listen to her. That way her incompetency about the weather wouldn't matter as she would have no choice in the matter. 'You may be the leader of a war clan Duncan, and you may well be more experienced than me, but in this you're wrong.' Her voice was sharp, she was pissed and now she figured she'd have to trek across camp and try to get Julian – who was probably still mad at her – to listen. She turned and went to leave the tent with Connor hot on her heels, and stopped abruptly.
'Does someone wanna tell me what all the yelling is about?' Bass was standing in the entrance, blocking her exit. He had his head partially tilted to the side and his gaze flickered to her, Connor and then to Duncan in the bed. A smirk flitted across his features for a second before he registered Charlie's trademark biting of the lip which she did when she was uneasy or uncomfortable and Connor's troubled frown. 'Okay, seriously. What the hell did you do them Duncan?' He focused on his ex-lover who was now smiling rather suggestively at him. He set her with a stern glare, demanding to know what happened.
Duncan's smile turned irritated and she rolled her eyes. 'Nothing, I just told your plaything to go away.'
Bass looked carefully at Charlie at Duncan's statement, judging her reaction. Charlie levelly looked back at him and Bass grimaced. Whatever was bothering was more serious that Duncan's jibe or she would have mentioned it. 'Charlie, what's going on?'
'There's a storm on the way, and Duncan can't seem to grasp that we need to prepare before it hits.' Charlie shook her head and ran a hand harshly through her tangled hair, irritated that no one seemed to believe her.
Bass looked at Connor who nodded his confirmation. Then he remembered what Tom Neville had said when giving him the lowdown of his trip back to Philly, back when he'd been President of the Republic. Danny had sensed the storm before it hit and thankfully they had heeded his warning. Bass swallowed and looked over Charlie's shoulder at Duncan. 'You should probably listen to her.'
'Why would that be?' Duncan shoved the man's hand out the way as it began to climb higher.
'I grew up in the country after the blackout.' Charlie sighed, feeling drained. 'I, along with Danny and the rest of the kids knew when there was going to be a storm. It's easy to pick up once you know the signs.' She gestured to where the wind had started to pick up outside Duncan's tent. 'We don't have much time.'
'She's right, we grew up in this world. We never had the fancy technology you had before the blackout to tell you when there was going to be a storm. We had to learn by ear.' Connor looked at his father. 'We should make sure the tents are secure, bring everything inside and bunker down for the night.'
Bass looked at his son, and then at Charlie, both wearing matching desperate expressions. It was obvious they needed to hurry. He looked at Duncan who was starting to push herself off the bed, sheet wrapped around her as she stood. 'Okay. But I'm taking your word for it, if you wrong…' Duncan's threat fell on empty ears. She wouldn't dare go near Charlie or Connor and they all knew it. 'I'll tell the men.' She sighed.
'Better put something on first.' Bass smirked.
Duncan dropped the sheet, and Charlie immediately turned away and clamped her eyes shut. Both Monroe men watched her as she strolled across to her clothes and scooped them up. She quirked an eyebrow as she yanked on her jeans and pulled her top over her head. She strolled up to him and patted Bass on the cheek. 'Shame, you could have joined me.' She purred.
Bass didn't miss the frown that flitted across Charlie's face as she felt Duncan push through them. He chuckled as she remained where she was; head turned away and eyes squeezed shut. 'She's gone Charlotte.' She pried one eye open and when she didn't spot the woman anywhere she opened the other and glared at the two men staring at her amused. 'Time to go.' She blurted, swivelling on her heel and walking away from the two men she knew would be following her. 'Where's Miles?'
'Around, somewhere.' Bass answered.
'That's no help.' Charlie sent him a non-amused tilt of her lips over her shoulder. As they rounded the command tent and walked towards where the main campfire was still glowing people darted around them carrying boxes and supplies, stuffing them into tents. Other scurried around, pulling the ropes for any give and checking for weaknesses.
Connor whistled in appreciation. 'Duncan got the news around fast.'
Bass watched Charlie walk in front of them, keeping his eyes – which much effort – firmly above belt. 'She isn't a war clan leader for nothing.' He didn't need to see Charlie to know she was rolling her eyes. They didn't get very far before Miles appeared in front of them, hands by his sides and brows furrowed in confusion. 'Hey Miles.' Bass grinned.
'What's going on?' He gestured at the commotion around them.
'Charlie and Connor sensed a storm was on the way. We persuaded Duncan to take precautions.' He answered, not stopping so forcing Miles to fall beside him as he walked. 'Speaking of, Charlie?' Charlie slowed down and turned her head slightly to acknowledge she'd heard him. 'You can teach me and Miles the signs…for next time?'
She tilted her head. 'So next time you can interrupt Duncan's personal time?' Her voice was amused. 'Better you then me I suppose.' She said by way of agreement. Connor grinned when Miles turned his head away, he did not need to know.
A young clan member jolted to a stop in front of them, too-long straggly brown hair tied back and two rabbits hastily strung over his shoulder, his eyes flicking from Miles to Bass to Charlie and Connor then back to Miles. Miles looked at the kid, irritated that he was blocking his way. 'What?' He grumbled.
'Um, Duncan told me ya'll could sleep in the command tent tonight.' He shrugged seeing Bass' questioning expression. 'She figured you'd wanna stay together when storm hits.' He turned to Charlie who hadn't blinked since he'd appeared in front of them. 'Julian's looking for ya, he wants to talk.' He spoke in a rush, running a hand quickly through his hair. 'Think that's all, gotta go.' And then he disappeared as quickly as he appeared.
There was a brief pause. 'Well that was weird.' Connor announced, looking at his companions. 'Back to the command tent I suppose.'
Charlie watched the young man jog away and vanish around the corner of a tent two burley men were struggling to tie down as the wind picked up. The wind was bellowing the tent up like a kite, and the men were holding on to stop it blowing away, both shouting at each other but their voices were lost to the wind. Charlie was grateful where they were standing was partially sheltered by the other tents.
She frowned, feeling a little light headed at the fast encounter. She followed Connor as he turned back in the direction of the command tent and felt rather than saw Miles and Bass fall into step beside her. Julian wanted to talk to her? Was he still upset with her or did he want to speak to her for some other reason? She wasn't really sure if she wanted to talk to him but as they approached the command tent he was already standing outside, watching as they walked up, his arms crossed and eyes attentively watching them from under his hat.
'Who's Julian?' Miles' voice was low, only audible to her and Bass. 'And why does he wanna talk to you?'
Bass grinned, chuckling deep in his throat. 'He's her new best friend.' He looked at Charlie, raising an eyebrow inquisitively. 'No more Cowboy Joe?'
She shrugged, grinning cheekily at him. 'Cowboy Julian still has a ring to it.'
He pondered for a second, looking at her from the corner of his eyes, before an evil smirk curled on his lips and he nodded. 'It does.'
Charlie nudged him hard with her shoulder in warning, don't try anything, unprepared for it he stumbled to the side a little. She laughed when he glared at her, regaining his balance and knocking himself back into her, sending her careening into Miles. He pushed her off him and growled, shaking his head. 'Pack it in.'
Charlie beamed at him, despite him showing up at the most inappropriate time possible it was nice to have him here, without her mother, it felt almost like last year – expect with Bass… and Connor. She found it rather baffling, they were a dysfunctional and utterly incomprehensible group. If someone told her last year that she and Miles would be on the same side as General Sebastian Monroe and his long lost son she would have laughed in their faces. It was scary how circumstances could drastically change, but it taught her not to deny anything that seemed implausible – because it just may happen.
Connor barely acknowledged Julian as he side-stepped around him and entered the tent, calling back that he was hungry and could they start a campfire inside. Bass grumbled to himself for the sometimes stupidity of his son and followed him, nodding to Julian as he walked past and smirking a greeting, 'Cowboy.' He quickly disappeared inside the tent before Julian could retaliate.
Julian, however, shook his head and ignored him, setting his gaze on Charlie and nodding. 'Matheson.' He drawled by way of greeting, his eyes flickering to Miles in interest.
Charlie laughed despite herself. 'This is Miles. Miles this is Julian Rhodes.'
Julian's eyes widened a little. 'Your uncle Miles?'
There's only one Miles she thought rather bitterly, but nodded, sending a pointed look at her uncle. He looked down at her, lips twisted in an amused smile. 'I see my reputation precedes me.' The purposely ironic statement had Charlie glaring at him, but she didn't seem too pissed so he shrugged and extended a hand in greeting. He may as well try not to make any more enemies, especially as this one seemed to be rather fond of his niece. 'Suppose I should say it's nice to meet you.'
Julian clasped his hand. 'Good to meet you too Sir.' Charlie watched the way Julian's posture straightened and he tilted his hat up to look Miles in the eye. He was trying to make an impression. She couldn't figure out why. His whole laid back posture had transformed, he was now rod straight, arms at his sides.
Miles smirked. 'Haven't been called Sir in a while.' He turned his smirk down on Charlie, she arched her eyebrows at him. 'What have you been saying about me?'
'Just that you're a grumpy old guy with an unhealthy attachment to my mother.' She grinned. Miles just rolled his eyes. Before Julian could say anything else, or suck up to her uncle anymore – for God knows what reason – she interrupted whatever he was going to say. 'What you looking for Julian?' She eyed him carefully. 'You're not gonna walk out on me again?' Miles looked at her curiously, but she shook her head – she'd tell him later.
'I didn't walk out. You dismissed me.'
'I never-' by the look he was sending her he wasn't believing her, she snapped her mouth closed and sighed. 'It wasn't meant like that. That's not my place.' A little voice in her head was telling her, not yet anyway.
He raised an eyebrow but nodded. 'Right. Either way, I'm here to do the exact opposite.'
She frowned, confused. 'What?'
He looked at her carefully, searching her face for something, whatever it was she figured he found it. 'I thought about what you said, about fighting back-' he paused and she nodded at him to continue. He looked a little hesitant. '-I'm willing to help you.'
Charlie blinked. Well, she wasn't expecting that. Shelooked at her uncle from the corner of her eye, he was watching the conversation silently with a slight frown on his face, no change there. Her eyes widened a little in understanding. It was starting to make sense why he straightened up in front of Miles – why he was trying to make an impression. 'You're willing to help us?' She still wasn't quite believing her ears. 'Why the sudden change?'
'I overheard Duncan talking about taking over New Vegas now that Gould's gone.' He shook his head. 'I realised I didn't want to simply sit back and watch while these patriots, if they're as bad as you say they are, storm in and take over.' He turned his gaze to Miles, as if asking for permission. 'I want to help.'
Miles shrugged a shoulder, looking at Charlie. 'It's not my decision.'
Charlie grinned at her uncle. He was letting her choose, it was the logical thing to do because he didn't know Julian, but just that Miles was trusting her to make the right choice made her feel that little bit closer to him again. He hadn't completely pulled away from her, and she clung onto that as she nodded. 'Welcome aboard Team Resistance.'
Miles groaned. 'We are notcalling ourselves that.'
She smirked at him. 'Well, until you can come up with a better name that's what we're called.' She laughed as he glowered at her, the name was rather cheesy but she didn't have anything better. She'd let Miles (or Bass) figure that out. 'Now come on, there's little time to the storm arrives and we better go see if Bass and Connor haven't burned the tent down.' Miles laughed as she disappeared into the tent, already shouting at them for wasting meat on a perfectly good rabbit.
Julian turned to Miles. 'There are some men who are loyal to me and they're willing to come with us.' He informed him. 'There's not many of us, about fifteen, but they're capable fighters.'
Miles nodded, still half distracted by Charlie who was shouting at him to get his ass in there and whack some sense into the Monroe's. He looked at Julian. 'We need all the help we can get. These patriots are organised, their plan is thoroughly thought out and I wouldn't be surprised if we're the only ones willing to fight against them.'
Julian smiled slightly. 'Well, glad I can help.' A sudden bitter wind wrapped around them, blowing Miles' hair into his face and his coat up around him. Julian held onto his hat and grimaced. 'I better go.' Miles nodded gruffly at him and he nodded back, calling out to a clan member who was walking past and they both jogged off together.
Miles watched him for a second before shoving his hair out his face and making his way inside the tent. He took in the sight and debated whether or not he should turn around and walk out again before any of them realised he was there. Bass was slouched on a wooden stool skinning a rabbit with Charlie was standing over his shoulder, one hand on hip and glaring. Connor was leaning against the desk, whiskey in hand, looking exhausted. Charlie looked up as he entered – so much for his escape – 'If you taught Bass how to skin a rabbit then you did a crap job.'
Bass glowered, still focusing on the task at hand. 'I know perfectly well what I'm doing thank you.'
'That skin there-' Charlie pointed to a bucket with small clumps of rabbit skin –'still has plenty edible meat left on it.'
Miles ran a hand through his hair, approaching them warily and peering in the bucket. She was right. He guessed Bass was out of practice with preparing his own meals – hell he was too – Charlie generally took it upon herself to catch the game and skin it. They simply cooked. He shrugged a shoulder at his friend when he looked up at him. 'Hate to say it Bass but she's right.'
Bass growled in his throat and kicked the bucket towards Charlie, she caught it with her foot before it toppled over. 'Fix it then.'
She scowled at him. 'I will.' She sat down, cross-legged and pulled the bucket towards her. 'Because I know what I'm doing.'
Miles couldn't help let out a loose chuckle as he watched his niece busy herself checking the meat, muttering to herself about the incompetency of Bass' cooking skills. They both glared at him, he smirked and gestured towards the two of them. 'It's like some weird form of domestic cookery show from before the blackout.' Bass blinked and let out a sudden bellowing laugh, Charlie simply smiled not really knowing what he was talking about. Miles shook his head and moved away, leaning against the desk next to Connor.
'Shall we tell them there's no way we can cook the rabbit they're so desperately slaving over?' Connor muttered. He had realised the problem when Monroe had told him he couldn't light a fire inside: do you want to burn the tent down? He'd dug through their packs, which had somehow materialised in the tent – he guessed that was Julian's doing - they had a few packets of dried meat that would have to do till morning, when the storm had hopefully passed and they could go hunting.
Miles raised an eyebrow, watching the unlikely pair bickering and shooting small jibes at each other, and shook his head. 'It's keeping them preoccupied.' He smirked. He wasn't sure what he felt about his niece and his former best friend getting along so well, it left questions and suspicions that were growing every time he saw them together. Charlie had spent more time with Bass lately than she had with him, he supposed that was partially his fault – he was so wrapped up in Rachel that it had taken him a whole day to realise that his niece was late back from New Vegas. Charlie laughed drawing his attention back to reality, Bass was smirking at her rather proud of himself. Miles wondered what he'd said, but from the look that passed between them it was for their ears only. He vowed to himself that he'd pay closer attention, and stop letting his own feelings distract him.
It took the storm to actually hit before it dawned on Charlie and Bass that what they were doing was pointless. The wind picked up and the heavens opened, rain pouring down and hammering against the thin tent material. The tent rocked on its ropes around them, the wind threatening to heave it from the ground.
As the night drew on the four of them huddled closer together for warmth. Connor had managed to fall asleep, head resting on his pack for a pillow. Miles could always sleep through anything and if his light snores were anything to go by he was out for the count. Charlie was lying on her back, one arm as a pillow and the other slung across her face, her breathing was deep and even. Bass had volunteered first watch, hoping that by the time he woke Miles for second watch the wind would have died down a fraction that he would actually be able to catch a few hours before morning. They all knew a watch wasn't really needed, but between Charlie injured and the storm they figured it was probably best to be safe. Charlie had grumbled about not having a slot, but Miles and Bass shot her down and really she knew the more she slept the more she'd recuperate. So despite the grumbling she'd agreed and settled down for the night.
'Bass?'
He looked up from where had been staring at his swords, not really having anything else to look at and staring at the sleeping people would have been rather creepy. Charlie had angled her body towards him, eyes blinking wearily. He regarded her for a minute, eyes scanning over her body slowly before swallowing and looking away. 'Go back to sleep Charlie.'
She shook her head and yawned. 'Can't.'
He sighed, rubbing a hand over his face. 'Why?'
'I used to check on Danny in storms, when he was little he was terrified of them.' He winced at the mention of her brother, guilt flooding through him, but there was no animosity in her voice. She was just explaining why she couldn't sleep, remembering a time that seemed so long ago. 'We used to share a room, I woke regularly to check on him.' She yawned again and buried her head in the arm she was still using for a pillow.
'I'm sorry.' He couldn't really think of anything to say. Danny's death was his fault, it was on his command those helicopters flew.
'It's not your fault.' Charlie mumbled, her voice slightly hesitant. They usually avoided these topics, it only disturbed hurtful memories. But Charlie was lacking the usual aversion due to tiredness, she just didn't have the energy to hate. Bass was looking at her warily, as if was worried she would suddenly lash out. She shook her head a little. 'I tried to get Danny to sit back but he wasn't having any of it, the Matheson stubbornness runs in the family and he died defending what he believed in.'
He still didn't look very convinced but remained silent staring at the tent behind her. She watched him for a minute before trying a different approach. 'Look I'm not saying you didn't have anything to do with it. You ordered those helicopters to fire, ordered us all killed, but you weren't directly involved. What was the point of keeping Danny alive all that time if you were just going to have him killed?' She sighed quietly, closing her eyes again, feeling the empty hole where there used to be such hope and positivity. 'You played your part. Just like Miles… just like me.' She added the last part quietly, knowing she couldn't blame it all on Miles and Bass, she had part of the blame on her shoulders too. The many she killed, slashed down without a second thought, they were only soldiers fighting for what they believed in. They probably had families of their own; their own brothers, uncles, best friends and she'd taken them away from that. What would they think of her? She sometimes found herself wondering if she was just as lost as Bass and Miles, somewhere along the way she'd turned into the person she'd vowed never to become.
'Charlie.' He coaxed her name and she opened her eyes to find a very unfamiliar look on Bass' face. He was staring at her with compassion and empathy, his electric blue eyes serious as he spoke. 'None of it's your fault.'
She shrugged a shoulder, which was difficult because she was still lying down. 'Wish I could be as sure about that as you.' She wasn't meaning to sound so desolate and Bass just shook his head sadly, eyes dropping to where her arm was lying across her side, fingers absently tapping against her bed roll.
He watched them for a second before speaking, his voice lower than it had been that she had to strain to hear it. 'When Miles and I started the Republic it was supposed to help people.' He looked up at her, and she was slightly taken aback by the pain in his eyes. 'But we both had lost so much, and somewhere we lost our way. It became more about the power than the people.' He snorted a laugh, short and bitter. 'I don't even know where it went wrong. I had no clue about Miles' intentions, and the betrayal when he left tore apart whatever humanity I had left.'
She blinked when he locked eyes with her, the anguish and torment was a mirror of her own when she dropped her guards enough to look at herself in the mirror. She swallowed against the swirl of heartache. 'If we do this, then we do it right this time.' She whispered.
Bass didn't pretend he didn't know what she was talking about. His eyes flickered away for a second, staring at something only he could see in his head, before relocking onto hers and nodding. 'I promise.'
There was a shuffle from behind them, Bass and Charlie immediately tensed but relaxed when they realised it was Miles turning over. 'What are you two whispering about?' Miles blinked open his eyes, focusing in on Bass and then Charlie.
Bass shook his head. 'Nothing.' He mumbled. 'Go back to sleep Miles.'
Miles grunted, pushing himself up. 'Bout time for my watch.' He looked curiously at Charlie who was watching him move. He frowned at her in question.
She shrugged. 'Can't sleep.' The wind hit the tent in an extra hard gust at that moment, rattling its foundations and emphasising her point. Really she was wondering just how much he had heard, how long had he been awake and pretending to sleep?
He studied her for a second before nodding, remembering the difficulties she had in sleeping when they were travelling last year. He knew why; Danny. And by the way Bass was looking at her sadly she'd told him too. He'd heard the trail end of their conversation, and decided it was probably best to wake up before it delved any deeper. He wondered what had gotten them there in the first place, late night confessions seemed the best way to talk for both Charlie and Bass. 'Bass you may as well try and catch a few hours before dawn.' He rubbed the sleep from his eyes. 'You too Charlie.'
She opened her mouth in protest but a stern look from him and she grumbled, rolling away from him. 'I'll try.' She squeezed her eyes shut, willing herself to sleep, but the howling wind and the heavy patter of rain had her on full alert. She sighed deeply, it was no use, there would be no sleep for her tonight.
Bass nodded to Miles as he took post and moved to get comfortable. A few hours of sleep and they would be on their way, despite wanting to stay for Charlie he would admit that right now he'd prefer to be far away from here. Miles had told him about Julian, and how Charlie had persuaded him to join their cause along with a few others. He could tell Miles was proud, even going as far as 'you did good kid' at Charlie while he was explaining to Bass. Charlie had simply shrugged, smiling a little before going back to munching on the last packet of dried meat.
By Charlie's loud sigh he could tell she wasn't sleeping, or probably anywhere close to sleeping. It was programmed in her to keep an ear for Danny and it was hard to break self-training like that. And he wasn't going to be sleeping while she was so alert. He bit his lip for a second, glancing at Miles from the corner of his eyes but he wasn't look their way, indecision floating around his head. After another low sigh from Charlie he decided, he rolled onto his stomach and shuffled up a little bit, throwing a hand forward over Charlie's legs. He framed it so it seemed like he was moving in his sleep and he felt Charlie tense up for a second before relaxing. He smiled to himself as he heard her breathing slow, the human contact had grounded her and she finally fell asleep. He left his hand where it was, hoping Miles wouldn't throw a fit, and closed his eyes, using his other arm as a pillow. He quickly drifted off to sleep.
When Charlie awoke the next morning the air smelt like campfire smoke and the storm had died down to a light wind. She opened her eyes, wondering how much havoc nature had reigned down last night. She pushed herself up and looked around, only Connor was still in the tent with her. He was lying on his back, mouth open and snoring. Charlie climbed to her feet and stretched.
Her movements roused Connor and soon he was peering around the tent, rubbing his eyes. 'Where 's everyone?'
Charlie smirked at the sleepy slur to his words and shrugged. 'No idea. Cooking by smell of it.' Her stomach growled at the thought of food, she'd barely eaten for days and the thought of roasted rabbit had her mouth watering. 'Get up and we'll go see.'
Connor groaned as he pushed himself up, body stiff from undisturbed sleep. 'Yes ma'am.' He stretched, yawning and sending a sleep smile in Charlie's direction. 'How'd you sleep?'
She bit her tongue. 'Fine. Thanks.' Charlie flushed, remembering how Bass had thrown a hand over her legs to help ground her and how quickly she had fallen asleep. The contact helped remind her subconscious where she was and she was able to sleep through the rest of the night. She wondered if she should thank him, but he'd framed it as though he was asleep so maybe he didn't' want her to mention it. She could still feel the warm contact his touch had given her, but she shook herself from her thoughts when she spotted Connor eyeing her suspiciously. 'Let's go.' She mumbled, walking away before he could scrutinize her any longer.
They emerged from the tent to find Miles had set up a small campfire outside, he was watching the spit-roast as it turned and looked up as Charlie and Connor appeared. 'Morning.' His gruff voice still rough with sleep.
Charlie smiled. 'Morning.' She noted that Bass was nowhere to be seen, and looked around to see if she could find him but he was nowhere in close proximity.
Miles watched her for a second 'He's with Julian, they're saddling horses.' Charlie raised an eyebrow inquisitively but nodded and plopped down beside him. 'We're leaving in an hour, Julian and his men are following tomorrow. That way we won't draw too much attention.'
Charlie nodded, it was a solid plan and in the few days they would be back at the abandoned farm house they were calling home for the time being. Back with the others, and the added company of Tom and Jason Neville. Miles had filled them in last night, not to say Bass was not thrilled. It was in silent agreement that they'd be keeping tabs on them. Her stomach growled and all thoughts of travelling were pushed to the back of her mind, right now she needed food. 'How long till we eat?' She grinned at Miles.
He chuckled, shaking his head, put moving over to check the rabbit. 'All you think about is your stomach.'
She playfully glared at him. 'Shut up.' He laughed.
Before long they were all fed, packed up, and ready to go. Charlie was finishing tightening the straps on her saddle, eavesdropping on Bass and Miles who were disagreeing quietly a few feet away. Charlie shook her head when she caught Connor's eye as he headed towards them. The two were behaving like children, and as amusing as it was it was best to watch from a distance. Connor regarded them for a second, still bickering, before smirking at Charlie and changing direction, walking over to her. 'What's with them?'
'They're disagreeing about the best route back to Willoughby.' She shrugged at Connor's raised eyebrow. 'Miles wants to take the quickest route but Bass wants to draw as little attention as possible.' Miles was arguing that it wasn't safe to leave Gene and co alone any longer than needed. Charlie thought he probably just wanted to get back to Rachel, but that wasn't what had Charlie scrunching her nose up. His route took them through three small villages which Bass thought would be dangerous and Charlie agreed. She wasn't too thrilled with the idea of parading through villages when Bass was still supposed to be dead, and even if he wasn't recognised then the four of them riding through on horseback would certainly draw scrutiny – maybe enough for the patriots to come looking.
'What'd you say Charlie?'
Charlie looked up from where she had been staring at her saddle and over at Bass. She feigned an innocent expression and tilted her head. 'Hmm, what?'
He smirked, clearly not buying her pretence. 'What's your opinion?'
Bass had one eyebrow raised and Miles had his hands on his hips. They were both staring at her, each wanting her to follow their plan. Charlie grinned widely at them and shook her head. 'I'm avoiding confrontation and refusing to pick a side.'
'It isn't about sides.' Miles grumbled, dropping his hands to his sides.
Charlie chuckled, turning back to her horse and double checking the saddle, sliding a foot into the stirrup. 'Oh Miles. It's always about sides.' She jumped up and swung herself round, settling into the saddle and smirking over at them. 'Even when you're getting along.'
The both glowered at her and then looked over at Connor who was already sat in his saddle. He laughed, holding his hands up and shaking his head. 'Don't get me involved.'
'So much for having kids to back you up.' Bass grumbled at his son who grinned back.
Connor inconspicuously moved his horse along next to Charlie's when the two weren't paying attention and smirked. 'You want the longer route, right?'
Charlie chuckled, grinning her agreement and nodding. 'Just waiting for it to dawn on Miles.'
They were still bickering ten minutes later when they were finally setting off. They had at least an hour to go before a decision had to be made so Charlie sat back and listened, highly entertained. The childish bickering that Bass and Miles were firing back at each other was evidence that there was hope for all of them. If they could get along, after everything, then maybe there was a chance for them in this war after all.
'I'm right.'
'Nope, you're utterly and hopelessly wrong.'
'Prick.'
Well, when Miles finally got over himself and realised that he was outnumbered three to one. Idiot.
A.N/ I've decided my favourite insult is now 'prick' ... it shall forever remind me of Miles Matheson.
Thanks for the continued reading! Hope you enjoyed. :). Will be writing new stories in the future, so many ideas and so little time.
