I know... I said I would update sooner... to real excuses just took awhile to get this one completed. Not as many reveiws but I appreciate those who did.

I do not own any of these characters, wish I did, but I don't

Ch 10.

As we exited the hospital I offered to take the keys from Burns and drive but he insisted that although I was feeling fine I still needed my rest. The parking lot was busy this morning, not that I could really compare it to any other morning, with several souls coming to the centre to start their day. I didn't mind the long walk to the Jeep parked by itself in the back of the lot at this time, thankful for the lack of souls surrounding it.

As we reached the Jeep my heart fluttered in my chest and I suddenly felt very anxious. I knew it had only been a day since I saw Ian but my body felt nervous. I was unsure if it was due to my accident, not knowing what shape he would be in or if it was from the exchange I had with Burns in the hospital room. Burns opened the passenger so I could get in. I thanked him as he closed the door and I reached over with a shaky hand to pull the seat belt across me as he walked around to the driver's side. I fidgeted my hands in my lap as I was glancing around the parking lot, wanting to ensure nobody was watching us before I acknowledged Ian in the back.

The tarp shifted slightly as Burns closed his door and I heard a very muffled 'Wanda?' come from under it. It was very risky for him to call out to me without knowing whether it was truly us in the car. Though it is true that grand theft auto is not something a soul would ever consider doing – unless you have gone native of course. I looked to Burns and he nodded that it looked safe enough to talk to Ian discretely.

I reached my uninjured left arm back while keeping my body facing forward and slipped it just under the tarp. It was instantly engulfed in one of Ian's large hands followed by a stubbly cheek. I could feel his warm breath on it as he whispered my name once more. I closed my eyes and exhaled a large breath that I didn't realize I had been holding. All my anxieties were gone with that breath.

"Yes, it's me," I said looking out the windshield. "I so sorry I made you worry... but I am better now." I slowly pulled my hand back out from under the tarp as Ian placed a gentle kiss on the top of it. It still tingled as I placed it into my lap.

"We will stop just outside of town." Burns said before he turned the ignition bringing the Jeep to life.

We drove silently through the town. I glanced over at Burns during our drive but his eyes remained on the road ahead. Not knowing what I should say, especially with Ian in the back, so I sat in silence alone with my thoughts. I felt horrible about hurting Burns' feelings, but I was only being honest with him. I had never hidden my feelings for Ian and as far as I knew I had never expressed any feeling like that for Burns. Not that I would really know. I remembered the concept of flirting from Melanie's memories but I don't think I did any of that. I should have realized what was happening and done something to stop it. I thought after being oblivious to Ian's growing feelings to me when I was in Melanie's body I would be able to recognize the signs, but I never thought I would need to know the signs of a soul growing those same feelings.

My inner monologue was interrupted by the crunch of gravel under the Jeep's tires as Burns drove off road and pulled us behind the cover of some trees. Before the Jeep had even come to a stop I heard the tarp move and the thud of Ian's feet hitting the ground. My door flung open and before I could react, my seat belt was off and I was in his arms being whisked away.

Once we were out of sight and ear shot of the Jeep I was gently placed on my feet. My body's fragile emotions took over once more as I felt tears spring to my eyes. I looked at the ground shying aware from his gaze, afraid that I would not be able to hold myself together once I saw him. The events of the last 24 hours were a lot for me to take in.

I expected to feel Ian's hand under my chin, forcing my gaze to meet his, but I did not. Instead I found myself being pulled into his chest, wrapped in his arms so tight I felt like we may fuse together. I took a deep breath and listened to the beating of his heart. It was quicker than usual but as strong as I remember it. I felt Ian's face against the top of my head and he took a breath – not deep as it got caught in his throat.

What he did next was hard for me to see.

He sniffled and swallowed hard, letting his grip on me loosen as he dropped to his knees his head hanging. His shoulders shuddered, his hands now gripping my hips. I placed my hands on the sides of his face, the stubble rough on my delicate skin. I lowered myself slowly to the ground resting on my knees looking up into the face of the man I love.

The beautiful sapphire eyes were red and raw with moisture threatening to overflow them. I couldn't bear that I had caused him so much pain once again. I let my own tears fall as I looked at him.

"Look at me, I-Ian," my voice cracking as I tried to reassure him. "I'm okay. Please don't be upset… I promised I wouldn't leave you and I didn't. I fought to keep this body… for you."

"Burns told me about that…" He said barely louder than a whisper. He reached his hand up lowering my once damaged arm so he could survey the damage for himself, running his thumb along the pink scar on my pale skin. His eyes came to meet mine once more, this time determination was coming through the red. "Your body was not what I was worried about…"

"But you like this body…"

"Yes I like this body," he said, lightly kissing my arm before dropping it to my side. His hand brushing back my hair and resting on my cheek. "But I love you. The beautiful silver ribbon, whether it is in this body or in any other body. That is who I want to be safe. My Wanderer." I felt the blush spread across my face but instead of hiding it I just smiled bring my face closer to his. He closed in the last inch his lips meeting mine softly. It was a light romantic kiss that left me tingling. There was no lust to this kiss, but a tenderness. I lightly kissed every inch of his face engraining every angle of it into my memory.

We emerged from our private spot hand in hand now reacquainted with each other. Burns was patiently waiting in the driver's seat with the engine still running. I assume that was to drown out our voices, ensuring our time together was just the two of us. Ian held open my door before jumping into the back of the Jeep again, this time not completely hiding under the tarp. He reached up and placed a hand on Burns' shoulder from the back so Burns would look back at him. Burns continued to look forward but Ian continued anyways.

"I don't know how I will ever repay you Burns," he said. "But I will try for the rest of my days to find a way to thank you for saving my Wanderer."

Burns just nodded and for the first time I noticed the purple bruise forming on his jaw line. I gasped and reached towards his face.

Ian noticed where I was looking and lowered his head in shame for a moment. "And I am so sorry for hitting you. I should have known you wouldn't hurt her, but I just lost my mind when I saw her lying in Doc's office." He shuddered at the memory.

"It will be healed in no time," he said quickly.

He put the Jeep in gear and once again the gravel was being kicked up behind us. Ian relaxed in the back of the Jeep with one arm reaching between the two seats his fingers laced with mine. We didn't make it very far before we were distracted by our grumbling stomachs. We pulled off the road at the nearest fast food joint. Ian hid under the tarp once more as we pulled to the drive thru window ordering burger, fries and milkshakes for us all. The employee gave us a confused look as he handed the three orders to the two of us in the car. Burns casually told him that we were meeting a friend and wanted to bring him a treat. Luckily his was good at thinking on his feet, something I was going to need to get better at if I was to protect my family.

Once we were in the clear again, Ian emerged from the tarp and I passed him back his food. He happily devoured the burger and moved onto the fries, dipping them into his milkshake as he ate them. I couldn't stop myself from giggling at the sight. He just smiled at me shrugging his shoulders. I filled up on my own milkshake dipped fries only able to finish part of my burger, which Ian happily took care of for me.

We had barely made it back on the road when I felt Ian's hand slip from mine. I panicked for half a second until my eyes took in the back of the Jeep. Ian had somehow managed to sprawl his large body out in the confined space and was in a deep sleep, snoring quietly, catching up on the sleep I was sure he had missed the night before. I settled into my seat and watched the world go by in silence – minus Ian's snores and the low drone of soul music coming out of the speakers.

After what felt like forever listening to the calming music I finally turned to Burns. "You've been especially quiet today." I said.

"I thought that might be best… after everything," he said, eyes still on the road. "I didn't want to upset you."

"Well, for future knowledge, ignoring me only makes it worse."

His lips twitched into the tiniest of smiles. "I will keep that in mind."

"Good," I said, smiling at my friend.

As I looked at Burns I noticed our hidden driveway pass us by. "Oh," I said looking behind us now. "You passed our exit." I started to look around for a place for Burns to turn the car back.

"I know Wanderer," he said, still driving straight. "I am taking myself home first."

"You're What?" I exclaimed. My hand quickly covered my mouth as I realized how loud I actually said that. I glanced back at Ian who was still sleeping soundly – thank goodness he was a heavy sleeper. Removing my hand I quietly repeated the question. "You're what?"

"I am going back to Nate's group - my group."

"But I thought you were staying with us a little longer?"

"I thought this would be a better time," he glanced at me before turning back to the road. "I don't want any awkwardness between us and I think some time would be appropriate."

I started to disagree but he cut me off.

"Plus I know they need me there. I am the only soul for the other groups and they depend on me. It is the responsible thing for me to do."

I nodded, knowing I couldn't argue that point. I would want to be there to help my family and it would be selfish for me not to. It was not in our nature to think of ourselves first.

"Your accident helped to remind me of that responsibility," he said, then mumbled to himself. "among other things…"

I wasn't sure what to say. I knew I didn't want my friend to leave but I couldn't keep him from his family. I also knew he needed this for himself. I remembered how it felt when I had feelings for Jared and knew he only wanted Mel back. I remembered the pain in my chest every time he spoke to her through me. I didn't want Burns to feel that when he saw me with Ian. I had to let my friend have his space.

"I'll miss you." I said. I truly meant it as I felt a lump forming in my throat as the human emotions in my body took over.

"I'll miss you too, Wanderer."

When the car came to a stop I got out to take a look at the ranch, we were too far to see the caves. It was a large 2 storey building that looked vacant of any life. I was sure someone was in there now though, watching us as we pulled in. I wondered what they though seeing a young girl staring at the building. The stopping must have jolted Ian awake because as soon as I stepped onto the dirt road I heard the thump of Ian's feet hitting the ground behind me. His hands were tight around my shoulders not a second later.

"Where are we?" He questioned rubbing the sleep out of his eyes.

"This is Nate's cave," Burns explained as he closed the driver side door.

"What are we doing here?"

Burns was about to explain but I cut him off.

"We are dropping Burns off so he can make sure he is there for his family." I said. Ian's hands loosened their grip on my shoulder and one fell to my waist as he moved to stand beside me.

"Shoot. I never even thought about that," Ian said running a hand through his short hair. "I feel bad keeping you away from them for so long."

Ian was always so considerate of what people were feeling. That was one of the reasons I fell in love with him, but even I was surprised at the quick turn about in his feelings towards Burns. He had just the other day been jealous of our time together, yesterday he had blamed him for hurting me and now he was concerned for him. So much had changed in one night.

Ian extended his hand towards Burns. As he took it, Ian pulled their hands towards him and wrapped the loose arm around Burns, into what can be best described as an awkward hug. He thanked him once again for saving me and gave him a pat on the back. He released his grip and turned back towards the Jeep, getting into the passenger seat. I was grateful to him for giving me a moment to say good bye to my friend.

Burns reached his hand out towards me – much like the first night we had met – but I ignored it, opting instead to wrap my arms around his waist with my head against his chest (probably closer to his stomach). His hands came to rest on my shoulders.

"Thank you for everything," I said in a whisper.

"You're welcome Wanderer," he replied. He leaned his head closer to mine as he whispered in my ear. "Just remember what I said…"

I didn't say anything as he pulled back from my embrace.

"Drive safely, and be careful in the caves please."

"I will," I said in response to both. I waved a final goodbye as I got into the driver's seat and Burns disappeared around the side of the building.

Ian gave me a concerned look. "Do you want me to drive?"

"There may be seekers," I said. "I should drive just in case, but maybe once we get to the desert…"

"Sure." He reached over and put his hand on the back of my head rest. It felt good to have him so close to me again. It was enough of a distraction between him and the road that I was able to push back the guilt I felt over hurting Burns to a small corner of my mind.

When we got to the desert, Ian insisted on taking over the driving. I stopped the Jeep and he walked around to the driver's side. As I got out he stopped me, lifting my chin so he could look at my face.

"Are you okay Wanderer?"

"I'm just tired…"

I could tell he didn't believe me, but didn't want to push after the events of the past day. Seeing the hurt on his face made me feel even worse. I couldn't seem to stop hurting people I cared about today. The guilt was overwhelming to Pet's emotions and I barely made it to the Jeep's hiding spot before tears started to form in my eyes.

As we came to a stop I knew Ian could see my tears, despite my efforts to hide behind my hair. I got out of the Jeep and stood by the door. Ian made it to my side in a few strides and I was wrapped in his warm arms before I knew it. That was all I needed to let the emotions run free. Ian kissed the top of my head as he let me cry into his chest.

"What's wrong Wanderer? Please tell me."

"I feel bad."

"About what?"

"I put you through so much…"

"As long as I have you back you don't need to worry about me," he reassured me. "I have never been happier or more relieved."

"…And Burns…"

"What about Burns?" He asked. "I am sure he was happy to help you Wanderer. I can see he cares for you."

"I hurt his feelings… but I couldn't lie to him."

"Of course you couldn't my love," he said, with a look of confusion on his face . "You could never lie to someone you care for. It's not in your nature."

That just made to sobbing worse. My shoulders heaved under his strong arms and my tears stained his shirt. I could hear his reassurances, trying to no avail to get my tears to stop or at least slow down. I knew the only way to do this would be to get rid of the guilt. I decided now would be the time to tell Ian. As the tears slowed, I tried to calm my breathing but was overcome by the hiccups. His arms loosened enough for me to pull away a couple of inches and look up into his face.

"That's... hick… not true… hick."

His head tilted to the side, trying to read the lie in those words, but none existed.

"I… hick… lied… hick… to… hick… you."

I expected him to release me in response, but instead I found myself being pulled tighter to his chest again. He rubbed circles across my back with his hand calming me down so the hiccups would stop. Once I found myself more in control I pushed back against his chest and he dropped his arms down so he held my hands instead.

"I'm so sorry, Ian," I started. "It was so selfish of me to lie to you…"

"Whatever it is, you can tell me."

I took a deep breath. "I lied about my age." I hung my head, ashamed. "I'm only seventeen."

He cupped his hand under my chin, lifting it so he could meet my eyes. "Actually you are thousands of years old," he said. "So why did you feel you couldn't tell me the truth?"

My cheeks flushed pink. He smiled at the sight. How could he smile when I just confessed that I lied to him?

"It actually has to do with Melanie," I began. "She was my age – my host's age – when she met Jared and well let's just say that it caused a lot of frustration for her… he was very… honourable…"

"Ohhh. I see." I think I actually saw Ian's cheek blush ever so slightly as he realized what I meant.

"I knew that you would be just as honourable as Jared, if not more so…."

"So you made it so I wouldn't feel like I was taking advantage of you."

"Yes… and…" I was too embarrassed to say the rest of that thought aloud.

"And you didn't want to be… frustrated." He had a sly grin on his face now.

I bit down on my lower lip and nodded my head.

Ian pulled my arms behind me, resting them on my lower back as he pulled me towards him once more. He leaned down close to my face stopping just before touching our lips, his forehead resting on mine.

"First, I am very flattered by your little lie," he whispered. "Secondly, age is only a number. I was never basing where we stood on a number, but by what felt right and when we felt we were ready to do those things…." He paused for a moment. "And thirdly… you may be surprised at how… dishonourable I may be."

As he said that last word his lips came crashing into mine, not in a soft and romantic way like after the hospital, but with desperation. Like I was water to a man that has gone without a drink for days in the desert. His tongue tasted mine as they danced together. I broke free of his grip reaching around his neck and grabbing a fist full of his hair, pulling him closer to me. His lips touching my face, my neck and my collarbone leaving a trail of heat behind them before coming back to my lips once more.

When we broke from our embrace I felt reassured that nothing would be different between us. I even felt a little silly for not trusting Ian with this before. We took each other's hands and started to make our way back to the cave entrance. I was a long walk but I was enjoying the comfortable silence, feeling like a weight had been lifted off of me. I knew there was one more thing I had to do before I could feel completely free. When we were within sight of the entrance I knew it had to be done now.

"Ian?"

"Yes Wanderer?" He smiled at me.

"Burns kissed me at the healing centre." I spit it out.

Ian's shoulders tensed and he blinked several times but he didn't say anything for a while. We just kept walking. Finally he spoke.

"Exactly what happened?" He asked quietly.

I told him everything that happened in the healing centre. From Burns asking about my life cycle, to wanting to be buried with my friends, to him promising to wait for me if I changed my mind, which I added was not going to happen – after all it had taken my 9 lives to find my partner and I wasn't giving that up.

We stopped walking when I was done replaying the events. We were within sight of the cave entrance but needed to finish this before we went back in there. Ian stared up at the sun setting in the distance letting what I said sink in.

"It's true…" Ian finally said. "What Burns said is true...I do want you to live forever… but I also want you to be happy."

"I am happy."

We were distracted when there was a commotion near the entrance of the cave. We both looked over and saw three figures running towards us. Mel, being the quickest was the first one to come into focus followed by Jamie and Jared. I lifted my hand and waved at her. I was quickly embraced by Mel and Jaime as they reached us.

"Wanda! What happened?" Mel demanded.

"We were sooo worried about you." Jamie said at the same time.

Where's Burns?" Jared asked Ian.

I took a deep breath and told them what happened while we walked back into the caves together, Ian's arm tight around me the whole time. I left out the part about what Burns had offered me, but that did not mean I forgot. I would never forget what he offered to me, but I also knew that as I walked into the cave – my home – with my family, it was something I was never going to need to take him up on.

Okay so she got everything out and I shipped Burns away... course that doesn't mean I don't have something else coming for them.

Reviews inspire me to update quicker (hint, hint)

Thanks for reading- Mel