OK, another slow update here. Sorry about that. I've got way too many stories going at one time, but I'm working on getting through them all.

Drop a review if you have the time. :)

I own nothing of Revolution...what else is new. If I did, my comic book would have loads of Charloe.


"Bass, let's watch this one." Charlie held up a DVD for his inspection; she was sitting cross-legged on the floor leafing through a pile of movies.

He chuckled. "That's a good one."

"I think Miles mentioned this on our way out here. Something about Shawshanking our asses...could he have been referring to this?" Flipping the package over, she scanned the cover art.

"If you were trying to make an impossible escape, then yeah." He smirked.

"We were trying to escape from your soldiers." And the grin fell right off Bass's face. Charlie said it very matter-of-factly, but it still hurt to hear. She seemed to realize her choice of words and backpedaled. "Bass, I'm sorry...I didn't mean..."

"No, it's not your fault. It's true." She didn't do it out of spite. Sometime in the last few weeks, she'd stopped egging him on completely. In fact, they'd become downright friendly, with her asking him questions about what his life had been like pre-Blackout. But everything he'd done to her and her family was still almost impossible to ignore.

Yet he was determined to show her he was a different man now. For her...because of her. "Let's watch it."

They'd spent every night for the last two weeks watching movies. They'd gone through Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, and for her, he'd watched all the Harry Potter movies, including the one that altered his entire life. To her, it was as if a whole new world had opened. To him, it was like having his Charlie back again.

Dropping the touchy subject, she changed topics completely. "We still have to decide what to use for the opening night."

"I thought you wanted to start with the first Lord of the Rings." He handed her a bowl of popcorn as she took her spot next to him on the couch. "Something epic, you said."

"Do you think that's a good idea?"

"Charlie, they're going to get to watch a movie for the first time in over a decade. I think any choice will be pretty well received."

She smiled at him, and his heart leapt once more. They were getting closer, she was really starting to trust him, and he could hardly contain his happiness anymore. Miles had commented on it just the other day; Bass just blamed it on the success the republic was having.

To test out some of their new entertainment theories, a few makeshift games of football and baseball had been set up. The response was overwhelmingly positive. The people seemed to really enjoy themselves, and more than a few had been stunned into silence when their president not only joined in, but also hit a home run in a pick-up baseball game.

"So how's Danny like the horseback riding?" They'd also established a riding facility; it was a great place to use some of their older horses and give the people some enjoyment as well. Charlie's brother had taken to it like a fish to water.

"He loves it." The enthusiasm in her voice brought a smile to his lips. "It's almost hard to get him off the horse."

"Is he going to register for the games?" He might have been going a little overboard, but since Charlie first broached the subject of introducing fun to his country, he'd been unable to stop coming up with new ideas. The Equestrian Games was another contribution he thought might be a hit.

"Oh yeah. He's working his ass off. Thanks for letting him work with your trainer. He's coming along really well."

"I'm glad."

"I keep trying to tell him there's a lot of competition. A lot of people have entered, Bass."

"Yeah, seems like it's really going to work out."

"I appreciate you doing something that has made my brother so happy. His allergies always seemed to hold him back. But this...he's really thriving." The tender look she shot him traveled right from his heart to his groin. Down boy, now was not the time.

"He's a good kid. You all deserve some happiness." He was getting lost in her big blue eyes, in the softness of her face. The movie spun through its menus, popping up to the main site, the loud music startling him out of his stupor. Cleaning his throat, he glanced away. "Your popcorn's getting cold. Shall we start?"

She grabbed a handful and stuffed it in her mouth, nodding her answer as she chomped. He blew out the two candles on the end table and pressed start. As the movie got underway, something new happened. Charlie leaned her head against his shoulder with a tiny sigh.

If he died right in that moment, he would go a happy man.


A week and a half later, Jason Neville came to town.

Charlie ran into him quite by accident, and Bass swore he would have told her he was there sooner or later; he was just rather hoping for it to be later. But once more, fate took that choice right out of his hands.

"Bass!" Charlie shouted, as she busted into his office without knocking. She had free reign to do so, and he wouldn't have stopped her for anything. Except at the exact moment Jason was standing in front of his desk, the look on his face indicating how uncertain he was of his own future. "Oh, I'm sorry, you have...Nate?"

"Charlie?" He glanced at Bass, then back at her. "What are you doing here?"

"I might ask the same of you." She turned from Jason, her blue eyes locking on Monroe's. "Bass?"

"Bass?" Jason spit out, her nickname for the president coming out of his mouth in disgust.

They both ignored him, silent words passing between them. "I brought Jason here, Charlie."

"Oh, that's right. Nate's not even his real name. It's Jason Neville."

"You know?"

Her eyes shot back to the man in question. "I do."

"Charlie, please, just let me handle this," Bass said. He could practically feel the anger seething off her. "Charlie, do you trust me?"

At that, she focused her full attention on Bass. It was the moment of truth for him. She was silent for several minutes before answering. "Yes."

He sighed, releasing the breath he'd been holding. He wanted to close his eyes and savor the moment, but he needed to get things straightened out. "Then let me explain everything. Sit."

She sauntered right past Jason and plopped in her favorite seat. He couldn't hold back the chuckle at her audaciousness. Jason for the most part returned all his attention to Bass. "Sir, I understand I did a lot of things wrong. But joining the rebels wasn't one of them."

"You joined the rebels?" Charlie asked.

Jason's eyes remained on Bass. "I couldn't allow some of the things that were happening to keep happening."

"I understand that, Jason. And in spite of what you may think, you're not in trouble here." The young man's eyes widened. "Your father has been placed under arrest. For a lot of different reasons. One of which is her father's death. I know he sent you on this assignment to track down Charlie's family, and I know it wasn't your idea, but there are a lot crimes he has to answer for."

"He deserves to be in prison," Jason said. "But then, so do you."

That caught Bass by surprise. The kid had always been a little skittish in his presence, and considering what crimes Bass could have charged him with, he hadn't expected a rebuttal from Jason Neville. But that was exactly the sort of man he was looking for in his new militia. He had to learn to accept the criticism of his men; he certainly deserved most of it. "Yes, Jason, I did a lot of things very wrong. But now I'm trying to make them right. Things have been...changing. The republic is becoming something different, and I'd like you to be a part of that."

Jason appeared confused. "So you're not throwing me into prison?"

"No." When Jason scoffed, Bass shook his head. "You don't believe me."

"Well, forgive me, Sir, but you did have me beaten once before." He pointed at Charlie. "For asking about her well-being if I remember correctly."

Charlie gasped, and Bass prayed he wouldn't lose everything he'd just gained with her. "Jason, that was a horrible thing for me to do. I shouldn't have. I know you were concerned for Charlie, and I can't really give you anything that won't sound like excuses. But nothing like that will happen again."

"You say that now."

"I mean it." Bass stood, circling the desk to stand by the young man. "Look, what if I let you look over some of the changes we've been making. If the new republic seems like something you'd be interested in, we can talk more."

"And if I say no?"

"Then you walk out of here clear as day." He meant every word; he just hoped Jason could understand that.

Jason looked at the woman on the couch; the one Bass suspected they both loved. "And Charlie?"

"Charlie's not a prisoner. She's here of her own free will."

Jason's expression darkened, as if Bass was secretly holding her captive. She sighed and glared up at her enemy's son. "It's true. I volunteered to stay."

"She's in no danger from me. Please, I know this is a lot to take in, but think it over. You'll be given a suite to stay in. You're free to come and go. You can even see your father if you want, but unfortunately the visits will have to be supervised."

He glanced at Charlie, and Bass could tell he was giving her one last chance to relate that she was in trouble. Realizing he was getting nothing, Jason relented. "Fine."

Bass opened the door and called for one of his guards to see Jason to a room. Closing the door again, he turned to Charlie. "You okay?"

"He lied to me...from the beginning."

"I know. I'm sorry."

"I just thought..." She glanced down and cleared her throat. "It doesn't matter."

His own throat was suddenly dry as a bone, and the ache in his heart grew. She thought Jason liked her and it hurt her that the kid hadn't been sincere. Bass had been hoping with the way they'd been getting along that maybe she was starting to feel a little something for him. But it seemed as if Jason Neville was still in her heart. "Charlie, we can talk about it if you want."

She shook her head, and he caught her discreetly wiping her eye. "It's not a big deal."

"It is if it's hurting you." She looked over at him, her blue eyes shimmering. "You can tell me anything."

"I know I can. And thank you." She sighed. "It just makes me feel stupid. You know the worst part is I lead him right to my uncle."

He crouched beside her and rested his hand on top of hers. They'd gotten friendly enough that she let him do it without a second thought. "You're not stupid. Not even a little."

A small chuckle escaped her. "Bass..."

"I told you Jason cared about you. He questioned a lot of what he had to do." He turned his head away from her. What he was about to say might shatter any hopes he had for the two of them, but she needed to know the truth. "The reason Jason was beaten was because he disobeyed an order from me. The order to leave the matter of you and your uncle alone. But he wouldn't let it be. I sent Strausser after you. And Jason...I think he was going to follow."

"Why?"

"Because he was concerned that Strausser might hurt you. He was concerned, Charlie...I wasn't." His voice broke on the last word because it was the truth. Back then, he hadn't cared; all he'd wanted was his brother back and the destruction of the forces against him. And power. He couldn't stop the tears that filled his eyes. "I'm sorry."

To his immense surprise, she covered his hand with hers. "I know you are."

Their eyes locked once more, and he felt himself falling and drowning. He didn't even know it was possible to love someone to this extent. "Charlie, I don't want to be that man anymore."

A few tears fell down her face. "You're not. Bass, you're not."

His head dropped forward, resting against their hands. "I can't ever go back to that. I want to be a good man. For my people, my country, my friends...for you."

He lifted his head and their eyes connected. She pressed her hand against his face, her fingers tickling the new beard he'd grown. "You are changing. You've made changes, Bass. You've done great work. You never have to be that man again."

She seemed to realize how close they were, how they were touching, their hands linked, one of hers on his cheek, and she pulled back a bit. She didn't yank away, but she did place a little distance between them. He swallowed, grateful for whatever peace and understanding she'd given to him, and stood. Slowly walking back to his place behind the desk, he allowed the moment to pass.

"Listen, Charlie, about Jason. He is a good man. I brought him here because I want men who question orders if they find them to be against their own set of morals. He did that when he thought innocent people might get hurt. It was the right thing to do."

"I get that." Standing, she rested a hand on the front of his desk and looked at him. "I just don't know if I can forgive him."

But he knew she would. Charlie had too big a heart not to. Still, he would leave that up to her.

"Understood. You never have to see him if you don't want to." She nodded and headed for the door. "Hey, what did you come here for? You bounded in as if there was some big news."

"Oh." She turned back to him. "Danny got his number for the Equestrian games. I just wondered if you wanted to go to see him practice on the field tomorrow."

She was inviting him to something that was very important to her. There was no way she could ever understand how much that meant to him. "I would love to."

"Great. See you later for dinner."

"Yeah," he murmured, but she was already out the door. Maybe Jason Neville wouldn't steal her away from him after all.


A few days later, he caught the two of them on his way to the stables. Although, caught wasn't the proper word as they really weren't doing anything. He heard them talking just before he turned the corner and as much as he knew it was wrong, he couldn't stop himself from listening to the conversation.

"Come on, Charlie, you've been ignoring me since I got here," Jason said.

"Maybe that's because I have nothing to say to you."

"Charlie, I'm sorry."

"For what exactly?" she asked. "For lying to me the whole time or for throwing me off a train?"

Wait, what the...she'd never mentioned anything about that, here or in the other world. Jason threw her off a train? His train?

"I did that to protect you."

"You let your father get away with my brother. He brought him here."

"Where he's riding horses and living in a big suite." Bass bristled at the kid's tone. "Yeah, Charlie, he looks like he's really suffering."

"Well, he could have been if Bass-"

Jason cut her off. "Bass? Yeah, what's up with that? General Monroe is a hard ass son of a bitch who you were determined to save your brother from."

Bass swallowed. Jason wasn't wrong, but Charlie didn't need any reminders of that. "He's changed."

"Oh, he's changed? And you just believe it?" Jason sighed. "Charlie, you can't be that gullible."

"I'm not being gullible. I've seen it with my own eyes." Her voice grew soft. "I don't blame you for doubting him. I did when I first got here and he said he wanted to make things different. But I've watched him. I've watched him implement plans that are making the republic better."

"Charlie..."

"Jason, you've lied to me far more than he ever has. Don't you dare badmouth him to me."

"Alright." Jason cleared his throat. "You say he's making things different, I'm going to believe you. If you truly think this republic is something to be proud of, I'm in. But if you gave him a second chance, don't I deserve the same?"

There was silence for a few minutes. "I suppose so. And you did save my life that one time."

"I'm sorry, Charlie, I really am."

"Yeah, I believe you."

He heard nothing else, making his getaway when he realized the conversation had taken on a more intimate tone. He shouldn't have been eavesdropping on her anyway...it wasn't right. But it was hard having the kid in Philly; she'd loved Jason back in the world he'd come from, so there was no guarantee the same wouldn't happen here.

He'd been making things better, changing the republic to make it a better place. He had Charlie and Miles at his side. He was beginning to think that he really had died and he'd wound up in some type of heaven. But maybe that was all just a lie. If Charlie chose Jason and he had to watch them be together all the time...

He loved her enough to be happy for her, but he would be living in hell. A hell he knew he rightly deserved.


He watched them from the office window that overlooked the park. They were playing catch, Jason tossing the ball to Charlie as she worked on snatching it in her glove. They'd been out there every day for the last week. She hadn't been very good when they'd started, but having excellent hand to eye coordination, she had improved greatly over the past couple of days.

It killed him to watch them. The kid had only been in town for two weeks, and he'd already found his way back into her good graces. She'd obviously decided to give Jason another chance; they were laughing as they fooled around in the bright sunshine. She still watched movies with Bass every night, but she'd only rested her head on his shoulder that one time. And they had attended Danny's practice once or twice, but nothing even remotely inappropriate had occurred there.

He really couldn't blame her; even his Charlie had loved Jason, and if things had been different at the Tower, she might have ended up with the kid permanently. Then she never would have been on the road with him, snuggling up in his sleeping bag and turning his world on its end. And this Charlie fit with him even less than his own did. This one hadn't seen all the horrors the world had to offer; this one hadn't lost all of her innocence and hope. Maybe the exact thing she needed was someone her own age, a good man like Jason Neville.

She popped into his office a few minutes later, still out of breath from running around in the park. "Hey, what's up?"

He wanted to be angry; he wanted to be pissed off and hurt that she was spending so much time with Jason. But more than anything he wanted her happiness. And she'd never actually promised him anything, except that she would remain in Philadelphia. So he just couldn't find it in his heart to take any of the pain he was feeling out on her. "Nothing...working."

"It's a nice day, Bass. Why don't you come outside for a bit?"

"I'd love to, Charlie, I just have a lot to do."

"You can do it later. Come on."

He couldn't keep allowing her to get under his skin. His heart was crushed every single time he let her back in. Maybe it was finally time to cut the ties completely. To let her go. To be nothing more than a co-worker. "I can't."

"Okay...well, what movie do you want to watch tonight?"

God, this broke his heart. "We might have to skip it tonight, Charlie."

"Oh." Her voice sounded so small and quiet. But he couldn't bring himself to look up at her, to see those beautiful eyes looking back at him in confusion. This was for the best, for both of them. "Well, um, we are still going to the games this weekend, right?"

"I might have to go alone, Charlie. In a presidential capacity."

There was silence for a minute or two, and it took every ounce of energy to keep his head down and his eyes focused on the papers on his desk. Her voice was shaky when she answered. "Well, OK...sure."

He heard her walk to the door before he'd even risk a look up at her back. But she caught him off guard. With her hand on the knob, she paused, speaking to him again without turning around. "What did I do wrong?"

The question confused him. "What?"

"I must have done something if you don't want to spend any time with me."

The sadness in her voice tore his heart to shreds. She couldn't seriously think that he wanted to be away from her, could she? "You haven't done anything wrong. Nothing, Charlie."

"Then why are you cancelling on everything we used to do together?"

Was he really doing that? He was just trying to save himself from all the heartache and disappointment. But he didn't want to hurt her in the process. "I wasn't trying to."

She turned her head to look out the window. "I wanted to walk with you today. I always look forward to our movies at night. And I want to go to the Equestrian Games with you this weekend."

"I'm sorry." He stood and took a few steps towards her. "I just thought maybe you'd enjoy going to the games more with Jason."

"With Jason? Why would you think I-" She stopped, her gaze locking on his. And he saw something shift within her eyes. As if she realized something. She smiled slightly, then started walking again, crossing the room to be closer to him. "Jason, huh? You think I should go with Jason? Really?"

"I want you to do whatever makes you happy."

"Do you want me to go with Jason, Bass?" She came to a stop right in front of him, only a little distance between them remaining. At his continued silence, she tilted her head. "You've been honest with me since we got here. Don't stop now. Do you want me to go with Jason?"

He swallowed thickly. There was no going back now. "No."

"Why not?"

"Because I want to go with you."

"So why would you tell me to go with him?"

"I thought it might be what you wanted." He glanced down, uncertain of meeting her eyes, then realized that was the coward's way. And he wouldn't be a coward with her. He looked back at her, that direct connection between them as strong as ever. "You've been spending time with him."

"I've been spending time with Danny too. And Miles. Aaron...and with you." Well, she had him there.

"I don't know what to do here, Charlie." This was new, being completely at a loss where a woman was concerned. But it was Charlie; everything was always new with her. "I don't know what to say."

"Tell me why you really think I'd want to go with Jason."

"I want what's best for you, and he's your age. He obviously cares about you and you about him. It seems that you've made up. And I just thought you might want to be with him."

She nodded, then pressed the palm of her hand against his cheek, her thumb stroking his beard. "Jason's not the one I want."

Closing the remaining space between them, her blue eyes focused entirely on him, her lips crashed against his as she drew him as close as she could.


OK, so smut is coming next chapter, Irish...sorry 'bout that. ;)