There's a room where the light won't find you
Holding hands while the walls come tumbling down
When they do, I'll be right behind you
So glad we've almost made it
So sad they had to fade it
Everybody wants to rule the world

Charlie sat there, almost in shock. She really hadn't expected this, especially from Bass Monroe of all people. She realized that she had underestimated him.

"This isn't a game, Charlotte...I'm too damn old for games," Bass said, still looking into her eyes. "It could be the most complicated choice I could have made for a partner, but I'm in love with you."

Charlie sat completely still, just soaking in his words, not quite sure how to respond. Did she love him?

She had never been in love before. Sure, she had the 'puppy love' thing with Jason but that was pretty innocent-clearly nothing compared to the soul-melting connection she had felt with Bass...and not just sexually. When Bass even looked at her, she felt like he could look into her soul. It was such an intense connection where despite all that Bass had done in the past, Charlie truly felt safe with him, like he would do anything in the world to protect her. While he may not need her to protect him, Charlie definitely felt like she would do anything in her power to help make Bass feel cared for and happy...she found that she was happiest now in his presence.

Was this what it felt like to be in love?

Bass let go of her hand and looked thoughtful. "You don't have to say anything in return, that's not what this about...but if there's one thing I have come to realize: Tomorrow is never guaranteed, especially in this world...so I didn't want the opportunity pass to let you know how i really feel about you, no games or ulterior motives...So, now you know..."

Charlie looked into the campfire. "Now I know," she said, breathlessly.

She turned, leaned in at that moment, and framing Bass' face with her hands, kissed him gently.

After a moment, she pulled away. "I have never really had relationships, so I don't have much to compare this to...but I know that I never felt this way about anyone," Charlie said, smiling at him.

Bass' face burst into a grin. He cupped her cheeks with his hands and kissed her again. For a few moments, the two felt blissful- like things could be made right in this world...but it was short lived.

"What the hell is this?!" The voice loomed over them.

15 Minutes Previously

"I'll be back in a few!" Miles called from the porch, letting the screen door swing shut loudly.

He sighed deeply and set out on the path back to the outskirts of town. He had promised Rachel that he would find Charlie and have her come home.

Miles had made up an excuse as to why Charlie wasn't with him when he returned to the Porter house and was promptly questioned by Rachel. He had opted to use Aaron and Cynthia as an excuse- simply telling Rachel that Charlie was spending time with them for the evening. (Miles made a mental note to himself to make sure he mentioned this to Aaron so he wouldn't unwittingly undermine the cover).

Miles had made up another excuse this time to get out of the house, having told Rachel that he was going back out to discuss more plans with the Rangers. He figured that he could get Charlie to come back to Willoughby with him and at least attempt to keep the peace in what was already a volatile household.

Rachel's mood swings were violent these days and she had really taken to almost brow-beating Miles into giving her information about the Rangers and the Patriots. She appeared resentful that he would bring Charlie into the "inner circle," but had allowed Rachel to remain on the outside looking in.

Miles felt remorse about not being honest with her, but given her current state of mind, he figured this was better - he wasn't sure if she could handle it...he figured the more time passed she would get stronger and these excuses and secrets would only be temporary...

He had trudged through the woods quietly, making his way back to the campsite, finally seeing the firelight through the bank of trees. A few of the merecenaries greeted him as he passed through the entrance to the camp and he nodded in response. He could see Bass and Charlie sitting on a log on the other side of the fire, but when he got closer, he almost thought he was imagining things.

Bass was seated beside Charlie, turned to face her but he appeared to be holding one of her hands. The two appeared to be involved in a serious conversation. Miles stopped in his tracks, only watching the scene unfold from across the campfire. What he saw next nearly bowled him over- Charlie Matheson, his niece, was kissing his best friend, Bass Monroe.

Miles felt an anger rise up in him so forcefully as he took two more steps toward them. They had pulled apart by that time, but then Charlie said something else. Bass grinned and was the one who initiated the kiss this time. Neither appeared to care that the mercenaries were around them in the camp, although none seemed to be paying much attention to the two.

Miles stalked toward them, slinging his pack over his shoulder forcefully as he took swift steps.

"What the hell is this?!" Miles shouted, standing over them.

Charlie immediately rose to a standing position and Bass looked up at Miles, trying to carefully calculate his next move.

"Charlie...what the hell are you doing?" Miles asked tersely. "C'mon- you are smarter than this...I expected more from you. He's a jackass- I expected this from him...but never you," Miles said in a biting tone.

"Miles, that's not fair," Charlie said in a low voice and Bass stood slowly from the log.

"You do see that he's using you though, right?" Miles asked, looking from Charlie to Bass. "...and you - you son of a bitch. I knew the moment I saw you again that something had been happening with you two...I wasn't sure exactly what it was, but I knew...because I know you-"

Bass held up his hand, trying to diffuse Miles a bit. "-Miles, it isn't like that, ok?"

Miles shrugged his shoulders, mocking Bass. "Isn't like that- sure, it never is with you, Bass, is it? It wasn't like that with Emma...or Nora...or Rachel-"

Charlie's eyes snapped up from the ground to look from Miles to Bass. "Nora? Rachel?"

Bass didn't acknowledge Charlie's comment, his eyes trained on Miles, silent but looking a little surprised.

Miles read his expression. "Yeah, I knew about Nora and Rachel...are you that surprised? This has become a habit with you. If I have ever been with a woman," Miles looked at Charlie then, "or apparently even cared about a woman, since she's my damn niece, you apparently make it a point to go after her..."

Bass just watched Miles, feeling defeated. He couldn't argue or dispute anything in his past that Miles had just threw out there... to try to reason or explain any of it was a fruitless effort.

Charlie looked like she was going to be sick. "You were with my mom?"

Bass looked at Charlie then, feeling a bit sick himself. "It...was a long time ago, in Philadelphia."

Charlie's eyebrows rose. "Oh, so when she was your prisoner?!"

Miles shook his head and sighed. What a mess.

"It's a little more complicated than that," Bass said and Miles rolled his eyes.

"That's right, it always is with you, huh? 'It's not what it looks like' or it always has a complicated, hidden meaning that somehow justifies your actions in your own mind. Ya know what? I am sick of this shit! This was a mistake- it was a mistake to think that we could ever work together again," Miles said, angrily. He slung his pack over his shoulder again. "Come on, Charlie, let's go."

Charlie started to follow Miles but Bass grabbed her arm to stop her from walking away.

"Charlie, we need to talk," Bass said urgently.

"Right now, I don't have anything to say to you," Charlie said, pulling her arm from Bass' light grip and walking away.