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Title: Best Laid plans
author: Cindy Ryan
pairings: Aaron/Marta

Marta awoke enough for Aaron to feed her some of the reheated broth. Unfortunately she wasn't coherent enough to have the lengthy conversation needed. As she slept Aaron spent the remainder of the day going over their options. They still had the forty thousand dollars he'd stashed in the liner of the jacket. If he was able to obtain the fishing boat cheap enough they could stretch the remainder of the money for a long time. Maybe eventually put it in an interest bearing saving account under an alias.

The more Aaron thought about it the more he liked the idea of them living on a boat. If they stayed somewhere on land there was always a chance the owner or landlord would turn them in. They'd have to shoot their way out and run. That was something Aaron didn't want to put Marta through again. With the boat they could duck into some unpopulated cove or bay; their only enemy being mother nature. It would also shorten the time they'd have to stay with Mario and Carlos. Aaron could handle the boat on his own while Marta recovered.

Satisfied with the plan Aaron refolded the maps and put them in a small gray backpack. He placed the backpack next to the cooler and picked up the thermometer. He checked Marta's temperature once more to find it was a little lower. With a yawn Aaron set the thermometer back on the small crate by the cot. He sat back down in the chair and took a nap.

Fingers closing around his woke Aaron. He jerked upright almost rising to his feet. It was only then that he realized Marta was awake and her left hand was holding onto his. Sitting back Aaron saw with relief that Marta's dark eyes were clear and showed no sign of disorientation or confusion for the first time in days.

"Aaron."Shearing greeted with a weak smile as she slowly sat up.

Marta's voice was dry and hoarse but it was music to Aaron's ears. Cross squeezed her hand briefly before releasing it. He reached over to the cooler and opened it retrieving a bottle of water. He took the lid off and pressed it into his companion's left hand.

"I know you're thirsty but drink it slow."Aaron cautioned as he retook his seat.

Marta followed the instructions and took several small sips. After a few moments she met her friend's gaze.

"What happened?"Shearing asked.

Aaron leaned forward resting his forearms on his knees

"You were sick...Dengue fever it's transmitted by mosquitoes."Cross explained. "Had a high fever for a couple of days."

"Explains why I feel like I was hit by a truck."Marta replied wearily. "What day is it?"

"Thursday."Aaron replied as he glanced at his watch. "Just after six p.m."

"Have you taken care of me this whole time?"Marta inquired after drinking more water.

Aaron nodded. "Carlos and I switched off a few times but mainly me."

"Thank you."Marta acknowledged quietly.

"You did the same for me."Cross commented as he reached once more to pick up the thermometer .

Cross went through the now familiar routine of taking Marta's temperature. After a few minutes he pulled the device out of her mouth and held it up to read. A wide smile broke as Aaron saw the results.

"Your fever finally broke."Cross exclaimed happily as he set the thermometer back on the crate.

Marta closed her eyes and rested her head back against the wall. "If you say so. I still feel like crap...and I thought having the flu was bad."

"Do you think you could eat something?"Aaron asked.

Shearing opened her eyes and nodded.

Aaron moved over to the cot and touched Marta's right arm briefly. "I'm going to go see if Mario has any of the broth left. Be right back."

"Okay."Marta acknowledged.

After Aaron left Marta forced herself to drink more of the water. She knew that keeping herself hydrated was one of the best ways to rid her body of the sickness. Despite how awful she felt Marta found herself smiling at Aaron's tenderness towards her. Marta was constantly amazed at how much he had changed in the short time they'd been on the run. She was seeing glimpses of his old self before the meds and training of Tredstone had taken over. Marta was fortunate to have him in her life.

Gingerly easing herself to the edge of the cot Marta placed the bottle of water on the small crate that was acting as a nightstand. As she straightened she saw the maps sticking out of a gray backpack. A nagging sense of alarm trickled into Marta's thoughts. Aaron had told her before the storm that he thought they were safe here. Why then did it look like he was looking at options? What had changed? Curiosity won out and Marta carefully reached to pull the maps out of the bag. A light wave of dizziness hit her and she waited for it to pass. Once it did she grasped the maps and took them out before sitting back onto the cot.

With her hands trembling from a mixture of fear, sickness and anxiety Marta pulled the two maps away from each other. When she did a newspaper folded in half fell into her lap having been tucked between the maps. The former scientist straightened the paper and saw that not only was it in English but it was the New York Times. Marta scanned the front page for a date and saw it was from a week ago. The top half of the page contained stories of the FBI investigation into Tredstone and the ongoing search for Jason Bourne. Frantically Marta skimmed the articles and was relieved that there was nothing new. She was about to set the paper aside when Marta discovered the top corner of the second page had been folded under. She flipped to that page and was startled to see a picture of Aaron staring back at her.

It took Marta several minutes to calm herself enough to focus on the article. Even longer for her brain to make sense of the words. The length of the story was barely two paragraphs. Long enough to tell readers who Aaron Cross was and that he was a wanted fugitive for the ongoing FBI investigation into Tredstone. These people had taken her life without a second thought. Turned her world upside down and inside out after everything she had done for the outcome program. All the endless shifts, no personal advancement and secrecy amounted to nothing. The only thing she had left was the fragile new beginning she was building with Aaron. Marta was so engrossed in the newspaper that she didn't hear the door open. Didn't hear Aaron's footsteps as he approached. The young woman jumped a mile when he spoke.

"I was going to tell you."Cross began quietly as he sat down in the chair bowl of soup in hand. "You're just starting to get better...I didn't want to scare you."

Marta set the paper in her lap watching as Aaron tripped over his words trying to explain the newest threat. She pushed the maps aside but still held onto the newspaper.

"When did you get this?"Shearing asked softly.

"Yesterday."Aaron stated. "Mario got it from a friend of his who has a rich client. The client sends the Times as an incentive to get fresher fish. Mario thought we'd like some news from home."

"Does he know?"Marta inquired.

"No."Cross confirmed with a shake of his head.

Marta's hands tightened around the paper. "They must know I'm still alive. Why does it only mention you?"

Aaron passed the bowl of soup to Marta. She reluctantly let go of the paper and took the nourishment.

"Byer's trying to flush us out."Cross explained with a sigh. "Just going to have to be more careful...wear disguises."

Marta looked down at the bowl in her hands. As she stared at the liquid she tried to conjure up courage to ask her next question. The one dealing with what had become her greatest fear since discovering the newspaper. Finally Marta set the soup on the crate and took a deep breath.

"We're splitting up, aren't we?"Marta asked hating how weak and shaky her voice sounded. "Is that the new plan?"

Aaron scooted forward in the chair taking both of Marta's hands between his own. "No. I told you that you'll always have me and I meant that."

Marta continued to look at their entwined hands. She wanted nothing more than to believe him. However her luck hadn't been the greatest lately.

"Doc, look at me."Cross urged as he untangled his right hand and touched Marta's chin forcing her to meet his gaze. "I did for half a second consider splitting up when I saw the article. Thought it would be safer for you if I left. I could give Byer a few false leads draw them away from this area. But I came up with a better plan that'll keep us safe...keep us together."

Marta felt relief wash over her. Aaron could easily have saved himself...start over somewhere; new identity. Instead he stayed despite the risk.

"Trust me."Cross said softly.

"I do."Shearing replied.

Aaron broke contact as he rose to his feet. He sat down next to Marta and eased back so he was leaning against the wall. Aaron took her right hand and pulled Marta back against him into an embrace. Marta melted into his arms. The little strength she had gained earlier had left and she felt exhausted. Marta turned on her side and nestled against Aaron using his chest as a pillow. She didn't want to think about anything right now. No Tredstone, No Byer no guns and death. Marta didn't have the strength to worry any more. Aaron placed a light kiss on her forehead as he rested his chin on top of her head.

"We'll be okay."Aaron promised.

As she drifted off to sleep Marta's last thought was that she believed him. Some how they would be okay.