Brass came back a quarter of an hour later pushing a larger than necessary wheelchair. A big smile lit his handsome face and Preston felt her heart give a little lurch at the sight. Her lips still tingled from their short kisses earlier and all she could think was when can we do that again.

"Ready to get outside? Doc Trisha has cleared it." He asked pushing past the doorway and stopping a foot away from the bed.

Preston gave a short nod and stood. Her sore muscles and cracked ribs protested the movement and made her movements jerky and stiff as she waddled over to the wheelchair. Brass helped ease her down again and the two of them were soon outdoors. The sky was partly cloudy with the sun filtering through in spots.

"Where are we?"

"You are at Homeland."

"It's beautiful."

"Yes, we have many, many acres here for us to use. Would you like to see one of my favorite places?" He said with a slight smile.

Preston tilted her head back so she could get a better look at Brass before answering, "Yes."

Slowly Brass pushed her away from the many buildings in Homeland and soon found herself on a hard path leading uphill. The path was surrounded by tall trees that heavily shaded the area. The trees increased in size the further in the two traveled. Preston could hear the sounds of a creek nearby and once they turned around a bend she could see a shallow creek traversing the forest.

"This is were I come to think sometimes. The creek calms me." Brass said stepping away from the back of the wheelchair and squatting down next to her.

"I can see why. This place should be on a postcard." Preston responded only to hear Brass give a chuckle.

"Are you cold here? The temperature drops in this forest."

"A bit." Preston's eyes widened as Brass slipped his hoodie over his head.

"Arms up." He said stepping close to her. Preston felt her arms automatically lift up. He stooped down and pushed her hands through the shirtsleeves. She felt his hands graze the sides of her breasts as he pulled the hoodie down towards her waist. A little thrill coursed through her at the contact and she could have sworn she heard a small sniff come from Brass. When the sound repeated she blurted out, "Are you okay? You sound like you're getting a cold." Stunned eyes met hers and he quickly stood up and stepped away from her.

"No…no I'm not. Just a sniffle. We should probably head back so you can rest." Brass quickly said before stepping back around her and pushing the wheelchair back to the medical building.

The trip back to the building felt shorter to Preston or maybe it was just she enjoyed being with him and time progressed differently. When Brass returned her to her room, Preston realized how exhausted she felt. "I'll let you get some rest; but, I'll be back later this evening."

After tucking her back into her bed, Brass turned and exited the room. Preston felt a swell of disappointment rise up in her. She wanted him with her, laughing with her.… smiling. He had a pretty great chuckle and a smile that lit up a room. He just didn't do it often enough for her likening. That was her last thought before drifting off to sleep.

—

Brass paced outside the hallway of Preston's room the next morning. He had spent the night with her while she slept; but, sleep had evaded him. "Are you sure she is okay to be released? She's only been here a couple of days."

"She's good to go. She still needs rest but there is no reason for her to stay here any longer." Trisha said while she continued to lean against the wall. "She can go home, Brass. I'm sorry."

"But… the other man has not been caught." He stated with a growl. "He could hurt her."

"Brass, the police will catch him. She's safe. You made sure of that."

"I won't see her anymore. Tim banned me from going back out with the task force." He said with a short whine.

"Did you just make that noise?" Trisha asked. At Brass's stiff nod, she continued, "I've never heard a New Species make that noise before." Brass shrugged his shoulders at her response and continued his pacing.

"Have you talked to her yet?" Brass shook his head no. "Brass you've only got a few hours before I discharge her and she leaves for home. Get your head out of your ass and talk to her."

—

Preston was looking out the window of her hospital room when she heard the knock. Looking over, she saw Brass standing in her doorway uncertainty showing on his face. She couldn't help the smile that formed. "Morning."

"Good morning Preston." He said in his gravelly voice.

"Guess what. I'm getting discharged today." She singsonged. When a hurt look passed over his rough features, Preston felt tension twist its way through her shoulders.

"Trisha told me." He solemnly said. "How are you feeling?"

"Better today, not as sore."

"Good." He answered looking at the wall behind her head.

"What's going on Brass? You're acting weird." Preston asked while squinting her eyes at him.

"I will miss seeing you." He blurted out before reaching up and tugging on his long hair.

"I don't understand."

"I'm not allowed to rejoin the task force. I must stay here. I will not be able to walk you home anymore." He admitted with a soft whine.

"Is it because of what you did? They can't punish you for that. You saved me!" She yelled with anger lacing her words. "When will I get to see you then?"

"I do not know. I broke the rules. I was not supposed to leave the task force building."

"Why did you then?"

"I…grew restless. I could not stand to be confined for long because of what happened before in my past. So, I slipped out."

"And that's how you met me."

"Yes." He answered stepping closer to her bed.

"I don't want this to be goodbye." Preston said quietly as she felt tears prickle her eyes.

"Then stay here…with me." Brass said sitting next to her on the bed.

"Brass, what are you saying?" She said looking up into his onyx eyes.

"I care about you, greatly. I do not want you to go back." He said reaching up to caress her face. "Stay."

"But, I can't. My job. My apartment." She whispered into his palm. Abruptly Brass stood from the bed and walked away from her.

With his back turned he gruffly stated, "I understand. I thought…maybe… Goodbye Preston."

He quickly left the room leaving Preston stunned. She sat on the bed staring at her blanket for seconds maybe minutes before she felt tears trickling down her face. Brass leaving the room like that hurt. God how it hurt. Preston had only known him such a short time; but, somehow he had imprinted onto her heart. Somewhere between their short walks every night and him saving her she had fallen for the huge man.