Hello my lovelies! I'm so sorry this has taken me ages to post, this chapter did NOT want to be written and real life is rather hectic at the moment so I'm going to be a bit slower with the posting rate but I promise to try not to keep you waiting too long! Here is a new story for you all, a two parter at least if not more…

Please be warned there's a bit of cursing towards the end of this chapter!

As always, please let me know what you think!

Avian- so sorry to keep you waiting! But I'm glad you enjoyed the last chapter so much! :)

Egyptian Angel- I'm so glad you enjoyed the last story, I will do my best to work your request in! Thank you! :)

The heart of the matter

If you had asked Sacagawea last week what exactly it was about Theodore Roosevelt that made her heart quicken, that made her feel like she was the luckiest woman on the planet every time he took her hand, that made her knees feel weak every time he leaned in for a gentle kiss—she honestly couldn't have said.

Now, after everything that had happened, she knew exactly what it was that made him the man she loved completely and irreplaceably.

It had been a normal Sunday evening.

It was usually a quieter night in the museum, since Saturday night was always the party night or when something else big happened. It was one of the few nights of the week Nicky could come visit since it was hardly fair to demand a young boy to follow their nightly patterns when he had school in the morning. Friday nights he usually caught up with Ahkmenrah, did any homework he needed help with and played with the exhibits. On Fridays he was usually in bed by midnight, tired after a long week of school. Saturday nights however, he was usually bouncing with energy until at least 3am.

Sundays were of course a school night so no visiting for him. Sacagawea always thought Ahk looked rather despondent on Sunday evenings, especially early on. She'd never bring it up but it was clear he missed Nicky. He was the only person Ahk was comfortable acting his real age around. She liked watching their friendship grow; they were good for one another. Ahk had a lot of wisdom to share and Nicky was skilled at getting the pharaoh to relax out of regality. Sometimes their roles were reversed as well and both were clearly growing from the experience. Ahk was certainly finding his feet here and Sac could see Nicky growing into a fine young man.

She had spent part of the evening chatting to Ahk and Anna before she headed back to find her bear, leaving Anna teaching Ahk more Dutch. Sac and Teddy had planned to settle for the later part of the evening and watch a film together. It was still rather a novelty, sitting down to watch a performed story on screen. Larry had collected several such performances stored on shiny discs he called DVDs. They'd picked a story called Robin Hood. He was one Teddy's heroes as a boy and Sac was rather interested in learning folk tales from other cultures. The fact there was a lot of archery too only made it more appealing.

They settled comfortably on the sofa together. Sac was bootless, curled up to a gloveless and hatless Teddy with Jean-Baptiste nestled sleepily between them. It was an exciting enough adventure; plenty of action, the archery wasn't too terrible and the hero won the hand of his lady. Sac smiled. Teddy had rather done the same for her, when he pushed her out of the way of Cecil's stagecoach.

She been admiring him for years stuck behind her glass; at the purpose he set himself, and that he always seemed to be doing something. But if she was honest, she was also rather captivated by his appearance. That easy smile and once, just once, years ago she caught a glimpse of his eyes, bright blue and so very full of warmth. The thought of them had kept her going for a very long time.

They dozed off, nestled together in the dim light of the room. Teddy fell asleep first, arm wrapped about her with their fingers intertwined. It was funny, thought Sac, that the others had never seen Teddy sleep before Larry started at the museum. Probably because he was too busy trying to keep order. As modelled exhibits, they didn't need to sleep, unlike Ahk who had at least once been a living human, but they could if they wanted to. Anna said it was because Teddy was now at peace with her. Sacagawea had been deeply flattered by the thought that her presence brought as much peace to him as it did to her.

She settled against her bear, enjoying the peace between them and taking comfort in his solid form. As she listened to the sound of both of her men breathing easily, Sac drifted off into a dreamless slumber.

Monday night began as usual.

Sacagawea felt the glow of life blossom in her chest, flowing like a warm bloom and flooding her with energy. She felt Jean-Baptiste stir and snuffle against her back, sighing contentedly before dozing off safe and assured next to his mother.

"Little Pomp's having a slow start today," said Clark with a smile. "It's good to see him settled in here properly now."

"It is." Sac agreed, "He's taken to the museum much faster than most of us."

"Well I suppose once he knew he had his mother near and got to know everyone else life wasn't too bad."

"No, it isn't." Sac smiled as she thought of the way her life was now.

Clark regarded her with a brother's knowing smile. "Where's your gentleman caller?"

"You know he's called Teddy, William."

"I know, but I like to make you blush. You have the same smile every time you think of him."

Sac thought about arguing with him but he was right, she knew she did. That smile was now as familiar to her as Jean-Baptiste was.

"I'm very happy for you my dear Sacagawea, you do know that I hope? We both are," Clark said.

Lewis stepped up beside him and nodded happily. "We've watched you watch him for years. We're glad you've found each other at last. Who'd ever have thought cannon balls could be so constructive?"

They laughed. "Indeed," Clark said. "And you have dear little Pomp back. We've been rather fortuitous."

Sac nodded. "More than I could ever have dreamed of."

"Are you meeting him here as custom? If you'd like an evening together we can happily take Pomp."

Sac smiled. "You know it's Anna's turn next on the rotation."

Clark was dismayed. "But we are his uncles! In honour at least!"

"And as such Anna is his aunt!"

"We've been family for much longer than the others!"

"And now we have a bigger one. You'll just have to share, William." Sac took in the crestfallen expression and decided to remedy it. "You know he loves to spend time with you. No one makes him laugh like you do when you jig with him."

Clark looked ridiculously pleased.

"Oh very well my dear, I'll wait my turn like a good uncle."

"You're an excellent uncle." Sac smiled, turning to look at both of the men she'd come to consider as brothers, bound forever by both their expedition and their time trapped in their exhibit. It wasn't anywhere near as bad as what Ahkmenrah had gone through of course, but it had been trying for them all the same.

Over the years they'd talked freely, gotten to know each other far better than they had originally. They'd comforted each other when all seemed hopeless, doomed to spend eternity in their glass prison. Of course they'd argued occasionally, the situation would have driven anyone mad, but they endured. Sacagawea would never forget their support in their first few frightening nights.

They'd demanded to know what was happening, what was going on, for anyone to help them. The civil war soldiers were useless, stuck in the middle of battle, heedless of the cries of three trapped exhibits. Banging on the glass did nothing, muffling all their voices and attempts to escape. At first they agreed it was a terrible hallucination, they must have eaten something that disagreed with them. Yes of course that was it.

By the third night Sacagawea was ready to scream.

The faceless puppets continued to murder each other, the glass was solid and HER BABY WAS GONE.

Sac snapped when what looked like a bronze statue with a map clomped past. He paused to wave cheerily at all three unhappy exhibits.

With a scream of rage she launched herself at the glass, beating and kicking for all her worth whilst shrieking in Shoshone. She WOULD get out of here, she WOULD find her child even if she had to rip this new hell apart with her bare hands.

Clark and Lewis were startled at her outburst. She was usually so calm but desperate times called for desperate measures.

It was Clark who was by her side first, just in time to see three angry looking young men in grey uniforms. There was something in their stares that unsettled Clark. There was a wildness, an unhinged look that made all his hackles rise. These looked like men on the raggedy edge; men capable of anything.

His keen eyes took in the heavy looking black cudgels and the sliver keys.

'So.' Though Clark, 'These men were their jailers.'

Lewis tried to parlay amiably whilst Sac continued to fight for freedom.

All three men shook their heads ominously. The shortest one ran a threatening finger across his neck.

Clark didn't hesitate.

He wrapped his arms around Sacagawea in a manner that would have had her husband baying for his blood and pulled the frenzied Shoshone woman away from the glass, turning her towards his own chest.

She fought him with everything she had.

"Sacagawea! Sacagawea! 'Wea PLEASE! If you don't stop our jailers will kill you. Please! Please my dear, I know this is beyond hellish but we can't lose you, too. Please, please calm down."

The look that flashed across her face scared him to his very core.

"They. Have. My. Baby."

She turned to face the hated glass. With barely controlled fury, she pointed to each of the guards in turn, then motioned the act of rocking a child. Real confusion crossed their faces.

She repeated her gesture.

They realised what she meant. Two of them shrugged a little helplessly. The third considered, looked her up and down before his eyebrows raised in recognition. He gestured around the room whilst shaking his head.

Sac felt her heart break.

Her baby hadn't come with them.

It was just the three of them, trapped and silenced with unsympathetic guards.

All the fight left her. She would have fallen had not both men caught her. She turned to the nearest shoulder, Clark's, and howled.

Before their imprisonment, both men rarely touched Sac. She was another man's wife after all and they were not close family. However, after this they all touched regularly to reinforce the idea that the others were still there, still whole.

They sought comfort in each other's presence, imprisoned with no chance of escape. It took them a week to realise none of them were hungry. Something was very, very wrong.

Once, maybe three weeks into their confinement a man walked into their room looking worried. He was clearly looking for something. He scanned the room urgently, his eyes flitting over the stagecoach and the brawling faceless ones until he fixed on her.

The man, smart and sure and positively thrumming with energy went completely still. His eyes widened until she could see the blue of the lakes of home looking back at her. She reached a hand to the glass, to call him, to ask for help.

He started towards her, striding purposely. Sac felt her heart skip a beat.

He was halfway across the room, mid-stride when he stopped. He turned his head back like he'd clearly been called by someone. Someone he didn't like. With the most apologetic look Sac had ever seen, his shoulders slumped as he turned unenthusiastically away from her and trudged back to the doorway.

She'd been so close.

He was as much a prisoner as she was.

Now 54 long years had passed.

The old guards had gone and the new guard took all of three nights to free them via an impressive application of cannonball.

Teddy had apologized again and again for his lack of saving her, for his cowardice. All whilst he was in two pieces having literally just saved her from being trampled to pieces. She smiled and explained simply that he had been as much a prisoner as she had. He blushed at her forgiveness and fell quickly into one of his many tales to change the subject.

Sacagawea, stood now in her exhibit as she always had, wondering how could it only have been three months ago all that had happened. Three months and she had not only her child back but she was freed to be with the man she loved. A man who always came to her at sunset.

Except tonight.

"He's rather late this evening isn't he?" Lewis commented, looking mildly puzzled.

"Maybe something has delayed him. Are we to receive any new additions tonight?"

"No," Sac said thoughtfully. "At least, no one has mentioned anyone joining us."

"Probably chatting to Larry then, or Ahkmenrah. You know how quick the pharaoh is to leave his exhibit."

"True." She nodded, "I shall go and seek him out."

"If anyone can find him it's you." Clark beamed.

She grinned at their old endearment.

"If he comes by, tell him I have gone to the main lobby and onwards to Anna if he misses me."

"Of course."

"Where are you two off tonight?" Sac asked, interested to see how far they'd explored, her friends, like herself couldn't bear to stay in their exhibit a moment longer than they had to. Plus, they had 54 years of exploring to catch up on!

"We're teaming up with Columbus tonight," Explained Lewis enthusiastically, "we're going to explore the far-east wing."

"Have fun my friends and—"

"—stay away from bookcases," Lewis finished with a barely contained sigh. "Yes, we know!"

"Are you ever going to drop that?" Clark huffed.

"Not for at least the rest of this year. I've seen you best mountains and rivers that could stop a seasoned traveler in their tracks, and you were felled by library stock. I am sorry my brothers, but there is a good deal more amusement to be had from this before I am done."

Clark sighed heavily. "As you wish Sister-Sac."

She grinned. Both men came forward for their customary kiss on the cheek and the wish of good fortune. Then they each hugged her and kissed Jean-Baptiste in turn.

"Till the morning then."

"Till the morning."

They parted ways outside of their exhibit heading out into the main museum.

Sac reached the main lobby quickly. There was no sign of her bear but Larry and Ahkmenrah were discussing something at the main desk. Larry spotted her first.

"Hey Sac, how's it going?" He turned to the baby on her back, "How're you doing little buddy? You being good for mama-Sac?"

"He's always good," Ahk said with a grin. He moved in to hug Sac in greeting and kiss the sleepy baby. Neither Larry or Sac felt it was necessary to point how positively gooey-eyed Ahk went whenever he was near JB.

"Most of the time that's true." She smiled at the Pharaoh. "Have either of you seen Teddy?"

"No, not since first dark," explained Larry. "He rode off towards Ocean Life I think. Why? You guys not got something planned?"

"No, I haven't seen him at all."

"Huh, doesn't he usually come by your exhibit first?"

"Usually, but maybe something was pressing this evening. If you see him can you tell him I shall be in the Dutch exhibit?"

"Ah, Anna's turn I take it?" Sac nodded. "Sure thing, Sac."

The Shoshone woman smiled at the pair of them then headed off.

Larry knew his imagination could be a bit wild sometimes but he could have sworn Sac was walking a little slower than usual.

It was definitely weird for Teddy to just take off like that. He could try and rationalize it any which way he cared to but honestly? His museum sense was tingling. Something was wrong.

Teddy led Texas on a gentle trot through the oddly peaceful halls. He didn't remember it being so calm last night. Last night he'd had to stop outright war between the miniatures. Which reminded him, he'd not seen the guards so far this evening. He hoped to God they'd remembered to close the dioramas this time. The fiery cowboy and arrogant general would be the death of him. And he didn't even want to think about the Mayans. Vigoured with urgency, Teddy spurred Texas into a canter heading for the hall of miniatures. He hoped he wasn't too late.

To his horror, his worst suspicions were confirmed.

The dioramas were open and the Romans and Cowboys were fighting. Again.

Teddy sighed, shoring up his patience as he marched over to the center of the chaos. "Gentlemen! Can't you spend one night in peace for pity's sake! Anyone would think you animals for all your conflict!"

A de-armoured and rather irked Octavius released Jed from the grapple he had him trapped in. "What's the matter, my President?"

"Yeah!" Jed sat up looked mildly annoyed at being interrupted. "What's the row, el Presidente?"

"I cannot leave you for an hour before you're at each other's throats! It's ridiculous!"

"What are you talkin' about? This here's sparring! Toga boy and his troops are teachin' my boys how to wrestle Roman style." Jed pointed to the red craft foam square Larry had given them to use as a sparring mat. It was currently populated by members of both civilizations all practicing harmoniously.

"It's only training, my president," explained Octavius graciously, "You know we share skills on Monday. We've been doing so for months, it broadens our capabilities and strengthens our teamwork."

"Capabilities? Teamwork? What the devil are you talking about?"

"Teddy, um . . . Mr. President, are you okay?"

"Is everything well with you?"

"Yes! Of course! Perfectly. Well, if you insist you're not trying to murder one another I can let this slide. Just don't let those guards catch you out of place. Understand?"

"Um, sure thing Teddy."

"You have my word."

"Good. Well, onwards!"

Teddy remounted Texas and cantered away.

"What the hell was all that?!"

"I have no idea," Octavius said. "He was, he was rather like—"

"Like he used to be, before Gigantor and Sac calmed him down."

"So you think so as well?"

"Let's get Gigantor. Now."

They headed for the car.

Things were decidedly odd, thought Teddy. All was calm; far too calm. He'd not seen a single sign of the guards who usually patrolled with the rigor of drill sergeants. The Huns were nowhere to be seen nor were the Vikings. Not to mention the fact that the miniatures looked like they actually appeared to be getting on. Teddy didn't like it, didn't like it one bit. Trouble was clearly brewing. The one welcome bit of peace was that he couldn't hear the pharaoh screaming. Maybe it was a siren night? He resolved harder than ever to avoid that exhibit at all costs. No malice-less being could make noises like that.

Hmm… it was worth checking the main desk once more, he thought. He was rather in a hurry when he woke up. He steered Texas for the main lobby.

Sac headed over to Anna in her exhibit. She stepped quietly as was her custom, Jean-Baptiste fast asleep at her back. Anna didn't hear her approach so Sac was treated to a vision of Anna carefully repairing a piece of fabric that looked decidedly non-Dutch. In fact, Sacagawea knew she'd seen it across the shoulders of a certain Viking. Sac smiled. She liked how it wasn't just her who had been finding people could be more than just friends and fellow exhibits since Larry had taken over guardianship of the museum.

"Hello, Anna."

"Oh! Sac! I wasn't expecting you so soon! Hello!" She got up attempting to hide the cloak in her sewing basket whilst looking nonchalant. Sacagawea had to bite the inside of her cheek to keep herself from laughing at her friend's awkwardness.

"I've been looking forward to cuddles all week!"

Sac tried to smile but she could quite make it reach her eyes. They still couldn't understand each other's words fully yet, though Anna took to English rather quickly. It got harder to understand her when she was excited or angry, but by and large they communicated easily.

It helped they were both grateful to have a friend in each other, Sacagawea especially. She'd spent so long with her boys it was refreshing to have a female friend again.

"How are you?" she asked.

"I'm good thank you. Keeping busy!"

"I can see that!" Sac's eyes slid to the ill-concealed fabric. Anna blushed scarlet. "He's lucky you have such fine needlecraft."

The Dutch lady smiled, "It's not as good as I want it to be. These needles aren't mine. They're too coarse."

"I suspect they were never made to be used."

"No, I suppose not."

"I'm sure you could ask Larry to find some for you," Sac said.

"No, he does enough for us as it is."

"Yes he does a lot but he likes to help, he's a good man."

"Speaking of a good man, where is yours? Are you meeting him later?" Anna caught the shadow that passed over Sac's face. "What's the matter?"

"I haven't seen him today."

"Oh."

"I'm sure I have just missed him," Sac added quickly. "He's probably off talking to someone."

"Well, he is known for that!" Anna grinned despite the uneasiness settling in her belly. Teddy wouldn't just dash off. He hadn't done so since Sacagawea had been freed. Something wasn't right.

"Shall I take 'Baptiste for you?"

Sac smiled at the name since it was what she had often called her child before the museum. Originally, Anna hadn't caught his full name properly and 'Baptiste' had stuck. Sacagawea liked to hear the different names ascribed to her child. Each one held love and a link. To name something as special meant you marked it on your heart. It filled her with joy to know how many people cared for her child here.

"Not just yet. He's tired today so it's best he stay in the carrier till he's deeply asleep." That, and with the absence of Teddy she wanted her child close for a little longer. "I just wanted to say I had not forgotten it was your turn this evening."

"Do not worry, I shall await him happily, I would rather he were settled than startled. He will be good company for me when he returns."

"When other good company is not near at least." Sac couldn't resist the tease.

Anna blushed but said nothing, refusing to rise to the bait.

Sac grinned. There was a large bar of chocolate riding on when declarations would be made. Ahk was way too conservative with his guess she felt, still probably caught up with properly courtly behaviour and timings. Sac knew hearts didn't lie.

But it would be fun to watch in the meantime.

"Go and find your man," urged Anna. "I shall be here if you need me."

Sac headed back into the main museum, intent on finding her man. There was something not quite right in the air tonight. Every sense was off, just slightly. Sac did not like it in the slightest. Part of her thought she was being ridiculous but another part, a part that would not be silenced urged her to find Teddy. Find Teddy and assure herself of reality. Once she found and held him, then things would feel right again. This she knew for certain as much as the sun set and rose once more.

Luckily for her, Texas's tracks were not hard to find, the sweat of his hooves and sheen of heat were enough to go on. She followed them carefully back towards the main lobby.

Jed and Octavius were in their car with Jed driving like a bat out of hell. Something was wrong with Teddy and if there was something up with TEDDY then they were seven kinds of screwed. They had to find Larry. He was hands down the best at dealing with problems like this, but if it was the tablet screwing up maybe they'd best find Ahk too.

For once, luck just seemed to be on their side. They aimed for the main lobby first. It was well known by the exhibits that on quieter nights when nothing much was planned Larry could usually be found at the main desk. He'd be reading, doing his own paperwork or just catching up on life in general since he usually slept through all the day news.

Today Larry was leaning against the desk listening as Ahk explained something enthusiastically to the amused night guard. It never failed to surprise the miniatures how much younger Ahk looked when he got excited about something.

"Um hey, Gigantor? King Tut? Sorry to interrupt y'all but we have a situation."

Both men turned to face them, all amusement forgotten.

"What's the matter, guys?" Larry asked.

"My liege we fear there is something wrong with our president."

"Teddy? Why? What could possibly be wrong with Teddy?"

"He was acting all weird, like he was surprised to see us sparring, thought we were tryin' to kill each other. Y'know." Jed looked a little shame-faced. "Like we used'ta."

"We were wondering if something's gone wrong with the tablet, my pharaoh?"

All eyes turned to Ahk who'd gone the colour of milk, the idea of something being wrong with Teddy upset him more than he'd care to share.

"There didn't seem anything amiss with it when I awoke but I shall retrieve it and check. Exactly what else was wrong?"

They got the sense he wasn't asking just to know how better to investigate the tablet for any issues, rather for the state of man he considered a mentor.

"Well, he . . ." Jed trailed off, trying to find the right words and failing miserably, "I dunno, "He flailed despondently, "he just didn't feel right. He was just off, y'know?"

"Has anyone else seen him?" Larry was trying to keep a level head. Everyone had off days surely, even wax figures.

"Yeah."

"We know you've seen him, Jed."

"I mean right now! Here he comes!"

The 26th President of the United States galloped into the main lobby.

"Aha! Finally!" He dismounted and reached the desk, glad to see someone in authority. "Are those other chaps still about or are you replacing them this evening?"

"Other chaps?"

"The guards boy! The night guards who rule this museum."

Larry distinctly disliked the word 'rule'. "Um, well I'm the only night guard now, Teddy. Have been for a while."

"Really? You weren't here yesterday!"

"I really was. Are you okay, Teddy?"

"Of course I am my boy! Fit as a fiddle." Teddy was being more bombastic than usual, which mean he was nervous as all hell. Great.

"Well, that's good to know. I'm Larry, the current night guard at the Museum of Natural History."

"Well you look like you've got everything in hand. The miniatures weren't trying to murder each other, most impressive!"

"Hey! We're right here you know!"

"Good Lord!" Teddy gasped. "You've given them transport?!"

"Yeah, well, see how you like getting places on foot when you're three inches tall!"

"I see." The President turned to Larry. "I hope you know what you're doing Lawrence."

"Sometimes. I even know how to- "

Teddy cut him off by extending a hand to Ahk. "And who are you my boy? I don't believe we've met."

Ahk stared wide-eyed at Teddy before his manners kicked in hard overriding everything else. "Oh do excuse me. I don't like to stay in the same place if I can help it."

"Noble mission. Men have to move, onwards and forwards! Your name?"

Oh crap. Larry's brain was playing catch up. If Teddy didn't know who Ahk was then it was pretty damn likely he still believed the whole 'evil pharaoh' rubbish the guards had spread. Terrific.

Ahk opened his mouth to answer with a fixed smile. The one he used when he was really scared a situation was about to explode catastrophically and he had no idea how to avert the danger.

"Teddy? My bear! There you are! We have missed you this evening."

Sacagawea suddenly appeared by the desk, beaming at the president while looking decidedly relieved.

Teddy gaped at her, slack-jawed and goggle-eyed.

OH. CRAP. Larry fought the urge to moan. This could not end well.

"Sac-Sacagawea how lovely to see you."

The Shoshone woman made her way over to him quickly, hugging him closely. Teddy hugged her back instinctively

For one glorious split second Larry thought everything would be fine. That it was just a quirk of the tablet and Teddy was now himself again.

"Y-You are even more beautiful up close." Teddy's face was flushing crimson.

CRAP.

"That is very kind of you to say my bear. We missed you this evening, did you have something to attend to?"

"This evening, well you know, keeping things in order that sort of thing." He paused. "We?"

"Jean-Baptiste of course. He's quite tired tonight but he will be grumpy if he does not see you before I hand him over to Anna."

"Jean-Baptiste?" Teddy looked utterly confused.

Sac seemed very unsure suddenly. "My son, the one who was returned to me." She turned to show him off in his carrier.

Teddy's eyes went wide then tried to recover himself.

"Handsome little fellow isn't he?"

Teddy's words registered with the child who awoke with a cry. He glanced around himself, saw Teddy, then burst into a toothless smile and reached for him. "He's a friendly chap. May I?"

"Of course." Sac looked puzzled. "You don't need to ask."

"It's only polite."

All the warning bells were beginning to ring in Sac's ears

Teddy lifted the child to him who instantly patted for his moustache before leaning in for a customary licky kiss. Teddy startled as his cheek was slobbered. He instinctively pulled the child off himself and held him a little further off. "Ah!" He tried to cover his discomfort with a chuckle. "Affectionate little tyke, isn't he?"

Jean-Baptiste stopped and looked up at Teddy with a frown. He patted the president's face again more carefully as though looking for something.

He didn't find it.

His little face scrunched up in disappointment and more than a little bit of fear. Jean-Baptiste let out a wail of loss, crying the awful hollowed cry of the bereft.

It confirmed everything in Sac's pounding heart. This was not her Teddy. What he was, what he had been, to her, to Jean-Baptiste—was gone. Something dreadful must have happened.

Sac felt her part of her soul shatter.

It took all of her composure not to reach out, to touch his face; grab him, shake him, demand he remember or tell her where her real love was.

She couldn't process it all. Not yet. Not now. She needed to get away. Now, before she fractured and cracked beyond all recognition.

Summing the last shreds of her courage, she forced a calm smile onto her face whilst her eyes were screaming. Sac took back her wailing son and made herself speak. "Yes he is, but he's not so sure with strangers."

That comment was not lost on the others. Ahk's breath caught almost inaudibly.

"Then I hope we may become more acquainted in future." He sounded so sincere, just like her bear. Sac wanted to shriek.

"I am sure that may be managed." She gave her most formal of smiles, "Now I will leave you gentlemen to your evening, my son needs attending."

The desperate look she sent to the other men would stay with them forever.

"Of course." Teddy bowed formally.

"Sure thing." Larry was the only one capable of speech, the others too horrified to even react. "See you later, Sacagawea."

"Until later."

With as much dignity she could muster, Sac turned and walked away from the man who was no longer hers.

I am so sorry to leave it on a cliffhanger! I promise to try and get the next chapter up ASAP!

Thank you for reading! Please let me know what you think!