A/N: Yeah, I know. This chapter is long. This chapter is really looong, well maybe not really. But I hope you guys have the patience to complete reading it, (It took me awhile to write). And you know what? When I first started this story, I planned to originally end it somewhere around chapter twenty or so. But apparently, that doesn't seem to be the case anymore, because a whole flood of ideas hit me instantly. So yeah. . . This story is probably going to wrap up well beyond chapter twenty. Just giving you all a heads up. . .


Chapter 11: Rekindled Love and Hatred

Virginia

The next day started off late. Jet was the first to awake very early in the morning, then Gallows, and eventually me. I was rushing around, washing up from my deep slumber. Frantically, I brushed out my hair and braided it sloppily (some of my hair was sticking out, so I must have looked like a total idiot). I fumbled with my ARMs and quickly got together the items I thought we were going to need for today's workout. Thinking I was the last to keep everyone waiting again, I quickly rushed into the living room where Jet and Gallows waited; only to find that Clive was still sleeping. Now that's new. . . He was usually the early bird. But on the other hand, I was glad that I wasn't the one keeping everyone for the first time. I always was the one who everybody had to wait on, so it was nice that the pressure wasn't on me for a change. But it wasn't like Clive to oversleep like that. . . I wondered if he stayed up late last night? Well, he was back together with his wife again after a long time so. . . . . .

No! You shouldn't be think about stuff like that! Bad Virginia!

I felt my face burning bright red just having that little thought for a moment.

Jet paced around the room impatiently, "Damn, he tells me to try and be a good leader. I followed his advice for once; I took the effort of gettin' up at the crack of dawn, as a real leader should, ready for the long, burdensome day ahead of us. He even said he'd support me. . . . And what does he do?! He sleeps in! Can you believe that shit?! This is the last time I'd do any favors for anyone, ever again! You go through all this crap, tryin' to be the good guy for once, and you don't even get anythin' outta it!" He complaint bitterly. Apparently he was anxious for us to get the training started already; which I found rather odd, since he always hated to do it.

Just then Clive appeared, still a bit too tired. His expression was dreary and his eyes were bloodshot as well. As soon as he saw us however, his dead expression lightened into a warm smile. Apparently he did stay up late. . .

"Well, well! Look who decided to wake up all of a sudden." Gallows said, taking his gaze off an unfamiliar magazine (which he did his best trying to hide it from the rest of us).

"Ah! I apologize everyone, it appears that I've slept in." Clive replied embarrassingly.

"You think?!" Jet mocked, "Well Mr. Reliable, thanks to you we already lost three hour's worth of trainin'!"

"Forgive me Jet, I am truly sorry. But I do have an excuse as to why I slept late. You see, I was going through my collection of books last night. After witnessing all the commotion these last days; the failed rejuvenation records at Leyline Observatory, the golem Asgard, my sudden urge to research caught the best of me again. . . As a result, I got a little overboard on my reading last night. . ." Clive explained.

"Well good for you, my man! You've suddenly got a new lead on your 'Finding the Lost Memories of Filgaia', huh?" Gallows responded cheerfully.

"That's right. I was rather relieved. For a while, I began to loose any hope that I would find anything new. . . By the way Gallows, may I ask what you are reading there?" Clive asked curiously, trying to get a better glance at the magazine hidden behind him.

"Uh--! N-nothin'!" He hastily stashed the magazine away, "H-hey, we've been wastin' enough time already! Shouldn't we be headin' on out for some thrashin'?"

"Gee Gallows, you think that would be a good idea?" Jet responded, still using his sarcastic tone.

I giggled at his irony, sometimes Jet could be funny. Although it probably wasn't right, since he mainly used it to downcast Gallows's intelligence. Then, catching me off guard, he looked at me as I laughed. His tough expression melted into a soft one as he laid his eyes on me. I stopped immediately.

What's this? Why is he starin' at me like that?! How rude!

My gaze fell over to Clive absentmindedly. He was looking at me too, with his dazzling smile. I immediately became flustered. Then he walked up in front of me, looking down to me as he was still grinning broadly. I quickly dropped my gaze to my feet. He paused for a moment then. . . He began stroking my hair!

Oh jeeze. . .!

"Virginia?" He said softly.

"Y-yes?" I shyly responded.

"Have you looked in the mirror lately? Your hair is looking rather disarranged."

"Huh?!" I rushed over to one of the mirrors kept in the room. Sure enough, my hair was so wildly tangled and sticking out in all sorts of places from my braid. My clothes were wrinkled as well. This time, I allowed my blushing to get the best of me, because I was utterly embarrassed of myself for hastily getting ready this morning.

"Um---! I-I'll be right back!" I squealed, dashing out of the room to properly groom myself.

"Hurry up!" Jet grunted harshly, returning to his mean self again. I could hear Clive chuckling and Gallows howling with laughter from the other room.

"Can't start off the day with some bad lookin' hair, Virginia!" He hollered.

Clive

As soon as Virginia's little humiliation was over with, we began with some serious training. . .if you wanted to perceive it in that way. We started off with target practices again. I assumed Jet was primarily trying to increase our accuracy rate, because Virginia wasn't exceedingly good yet and Gallows unmistakably was no expert either.

"GALLOWS!! What the flippin' hell?! Two days now and you still can't hit worth a shit! In case you didn't noticed, you're trying to hit the target, not around it! You giant bastard! You haven't been focusin' for one single moment since we started! And put that magazine away already, will ya?!" Jet howled.

"Well excuse me. But in case you didn't noticed, some of us just happened to naturally suck, okay?! So lay off me, man!" Gallows cried.

There has been something on my mind lately concerning Gallows' position. And seeing that Jet was not going to realize what he should have done awhile back, I began to speak my mind, "May I possibly make a suggestion, Jet?" I requested.

"No." Jet responded coldly.

"Perhaps we've been doing this wrong from the very beginning." I continued, ignoring his denial. "Perhaps we've all portrayed Gallows the wrong way. You see, he was never meant to be skillful with that ARM of his. His forte was never to be a physical attacker in the first place, yes of course, but to be a magic user. I honestly don't think that a person could be skillful in both categories. He's much more agile with magic, we've all seen that before. So why not have him focus on building up his magic power? Instead of having him build up physical strength that we all know he would rarely use. Besides, his main weapon of choice has always been to use Arcana."

"Yeah, listen to him Jet. I ain't no gunsman just like I told ya before." Gallows agreed, returning his interest on the mystery magazine.

"You shut up over there, you Baskar idiot! Now see hear Clive, I'm the leader now, so don't think I'd have ta listen to you anymore! I'm the one runnin' the show now, just like you wanted me too, so back off and let me do my job, got it?!" Jet grunted.

I gave a sigh of defeat, then turned to Gallows. "Although I may not agree with Jet on some points, I must say that you do need to be concentrating here Gallows."

"Uh-huh. . . Sure thing leader---uh, I mean Clive. . ." Gallows responded inattentively. Still reading the magazine.

"Gallows, are you listening to me?" I walked up to him and quickly snatched the magazine away from him.

"H-heeey, come on, I was lookin' at that!" Gallows protested, trying to grasp it back.

"What is it about this peculiar magazine that has been grabbing your attention lately---?. . . . . . . . .!? Gallows?! Is this. . .pornography?!" I exclaimed shockingly, as I flipped through the pages.

"Well yeah, whaddya think I was lookin' at, a colorin' book?" He said in a sarcastic tone.

"May I ask where on Filgaia did you get your hands on such obscene material?!" I scolded. It was no wonder why Gallows wasn't concentrating.

"Hey, chill out man! I got it back at the Leyline Observatory, I guess some of them scientists there were real perves if ya know what I mean." He responded, shrugging his shoulders.

I gave yet another sigh in disapproval, "Well, I'd advice you to focus here! You can have this smut back after we're through training."

I was about to return to my original position. Just as I was about to turn, I thought I heard Gallows murmur, "Gee Clive, if ya wanted to sneak a peak, you shoulda asked. . ."

I abruptly twisted around to him, have my ears deceived me? "Excuse me?! What was that you just said Gallows?!" I asked astonishingly.

"N-nothin'! Heh, heh, I think you're hearin' things Clive, you might wanna take it easy for a while. Sheesh!"

I gave him a suspicious look, then returned to my post.

I was sure my ears did not deceive me!

Virginia

As I aimed and steadied my Rapier Ex and Bantorain 93R, I looked straight ahead of me at the target; that mischievous bottle! I squinted my eyes and concentrated with all my might, shut my eyes, then pulled the triggers.

BANG!!

I slowly opened my eyes, praying that I hit the stupid bottle this time. Yet to my disappointment, looking above my smoking pistols, there it continued to stand, mocking me!

"Darn it!" I cursed. I reloaded my ARMs again (I used up a full round trying to hit it), then huffed in frustration. I did the same process again; focus, aim, then fire. That's what Daddy always taught me. . . What was I doing wrong? As I eyed the bottle, I closed my eyes and imagined that I would hit it, another pull of the triggers. . .

BANG!!

I fired both at once, just as I've always done. This time I went flying backwards, landing to the ground, probably from concentrating too hard. I looked again, but it was still standing in one piece! "ARRRGHH!!" I screamed in frustration.

I sadly got up to my feet again, dusting my dress off. Then searched around the hot wasteland, only to spot Clive observing me. My body froze, paralyzed by his gaze. And then, he began to walk toward me from the distance.

Oh crap. . . . . . . !

I immediately began to experience the all too familiar feelings I had thundering inside of me. I began to panic. My heart slamming against my chest. The heat began to rush up my face, then scattered throughout my body. And what was making it worse was the dry, hot desert. Should I run? Oh, don't be silly! Where could I possibly run to hide?! There's nothing but the flat, dead land surrounding us. As he got nearer, I began to tremble, feeling my knees beginning to give out. This heat is getting to me. I was about to faint. I wanted to faint right then and there! He's getting too close now! Oh gosh. . . This feeling has gotten way worse than before!

"My, this certainly hasn't been your day, has it? Seven shots and you still couldn't manage to accurately hit your target. You hardly ever miss. I'm afraid it seems that Gallows' jinx has rubbed off on you." He said, grinning affectionately.

I stared at him terrified, gushing with redness and too shy to respond.

He continued to smile calmly, "Here, allow me to show you how it's properly done." He walked behind me then wrapped both his arms around me, holding his hands firmly, but gently, on mine. As if that wasn't worse enough, my heart began to furiously pound inside of me like a wild sandstorm. I was sure he could have heard it, or at least feel it. I was so hot right now; both from the scorching heat and having him firmly grasp me from behind.

He gently lifted his arms up, which bought mine up with his, and aimed forward. Still holding both my dual pistols, my hands began to shake unsteadily, almost violently. He firmly pressed against my body for a better grip of my clumsy hands that were pointing forward to the bottle, causing me to go red all the more. Trembling far worse than before, I tried to control it but my brain was too stupefied to tell what my body to do.

"Now, what you want to do is look hard at your target with determination." He explained softly. His hot breath on my ear increased the heating sensation, causing me to feel woozy and lightheaded. "Look carefully, Virginia. Think of your target as the one thing you hate the most. Anything. It could be a certain food you don't like, or perhaps something that peevishly gets under your skin. Now, concentrate!"

Yeah, easier said than done with him holding me like this! But I did what he asked, I look hard at my target.

I began to close my eyes, but Clive scolded me lightly, "No, no. Don't you ever close your eyes on the approaching target, Virginia. Hold your ARMs tighter, you're holding it far to loosely." He tightened his grip on my hands, "And now, have you thought of something you hate most?"

I thought hard, Gee, I wonder what really annoys me? Hmm. . . What was my pet peeve?

A sudden burst of anger shot through me as I saw the bottle turn into the image of the cursing Jet; who, once again, shouted at me for being a wannabe Drifter. With fury taking its control of me, I fired with no hesitation.

BANG!!

In the distance, I heard a shatter and witnessed the bottle fracture into a million pieces. I smiled to myself, relieved. Then I congratulated myself, until I realized the real reason of my success was still standing behind me. I swiftly turned to him, who continued to smile warmheartedly at me. I returned it back with a rather shy, innocent one. Darn it! My cheeks were turning crimson again!

Just then, a very rude Jet came barging out of nowhere by roughly bumping Clive out of the way, nearly knocking him over. He stormed up to me and forced himself behind me as his steel, hard arms imprisoned me. "That's not how you do it at all! That was a cheap shot, Clive! You were just lucky you hit the damn thing! This is how real Drifters do it!"

I protested bitterly, kicking and shoving him off of me, but with no luck he easily grabbed my arms, seizing them harshly. I squirmed helplessly in his tight arms, he was hurting me! No matter how much might I used, he overpowered me with little effort. Feeling his hard grip on my fragile hands, he forced me to point to another bottle. "Look there! You see that bastard starin' you down?! You just gotta show him who's boss and-- Would you quit your damn wigglin'?!"

"Y-You're hurting me!" I cried in agony.

"Shut up!!" He yelled in my ear, "Now pay attention, you weakling! All you have to do is just believe that you're better than him! Once you do that, then there's no way you'll ever miss! The key thing is to have confidence. No brainer, right?! Aim, fire, and shoot!" Jet didn't even allow me to take back my control of myself. Instead he firmly griped my hands even tighter as he pointed and pressed down hard on my fingers to pull both triggers. The kick caused us to fly backwards. I landed hard on top of Jet, as I heaved for breath from the impact.

The bullets fired alright, but it didn't hit the bottle; in fact, it wasn't even near the direction of the target at all! We all saw Gallows take a funny, rapid sideways dance. "H-HEEEEY!! You almost shot me!!! What are you, a retard Jet?! Look who was all braggin' that he was a professional Drifter and all that!!" Gallows cried out.

Still recovering from the brutal griping, I did have the energy to turn to him and put all the effort I possibly could into my hand.

SLAP!!

A red mark burned on Jet's cheek. He slowly lifted his hand to his cheek and looked at me dumbfounded. "Y-You! Don't you ever hurt me like that again, you-- you---!! Jackass!!!" I screamed at his face. He still continued to look at me with that shocked look in his expression.

"Hmph!" I gathered my ARMs and stomped my way back to Humphrey's Peak. I tried not to cry from the severe pain I felt on my throbbing wrists. I was done practicing. I didn't care anymore. Even more depressing was having that jerk ruining my precious little moment with my savior.

As I was a few meters away from them, I heard Jet shouting to me terrified, "V-VIRGINIA!!!!"

I didn't bother to turn to him. Suddenly, I felt something very hard ram against me, slamming me to the hard, dirt ground face-flat. The impact was so strong that I lost all my breath within my lungs.

Jet

I felt the stingin' blow to my cheek from Virginia's hand. I was totally not expectin' that from her! Damn. . . It hurt too. . . After she screamed at me, I saw here barge off toward Humphrey's Peak. When suddenly a monster came gallopin' toward her from the side. She was totally ignorant of it approaching her. I felt an intense sinking feeling inside me. I wanted to dash over to her and knock her outta the way, gladly takin' the blow for her. But she was too far away and I wouldn't have made it in time. All I could do was cry fiercely to her.

"V-VIRGINIA!!!!"

But it was too late. The goddamn being slammed heavily against Virginia, as she thudded on the ground. It began attackin' her!

Without a moment's hesitation, I bolted toward her in a heart beat. I busted out my Airget--lahm and fired madly at it. The monster flinched, but apparently that wasn't enough to keep it from viciously beatin' on Virginia. I gave a cry of fury as I mercilessly fired at it. I was for sure gonna be the hero this time! Not Clive. Me! I'm gonna make sure that I'd save Virginia alone. Just to show her what I'm made of! I will be the one to save the day! I must!

My overly confident attitude backfired, though. The monster unexpectedly turned on me and began to assault me. I was too busy firing at it than preparin' for its counterattack. The giant beast knocked me to the ground. I thought I was totally screwed then.

Until a familiar figure came gracefully dashing into my view.

No! Not you! Get outta here, this is my time to shine, not yours!!

Clive fired a bullet at it, then smoothly dodged a surprised counterattack. He did the same process over and over again, easily dodging the attacks the monster tried to lay on him. He was a very skilled fighter. Hell, I won't lie, he's a damn good fighter. What pisses me off was that he was a lot more better than I was. After some time, he stood back and took his time aimin' at it. I knew he was doing a Lock On. Then he annihilated the fiend with one, single shot. The monster cried in agony, then fell to its death.

Afterwards, Clive calmly walked over to Virginia and kneeled down to her. He lifted her up in his arms, inspecting any injuries; only to be surprised when she flung her arms around him. "Oh, Clive!" she cried in relief, "You saved me. . .again. . ." Then she flinched and her arms fell from him.

"Its alright now Virginia, you're safe. But---! You're injured! I must take a look at that arm." Virginia weakly lifted her bloody arm, Clive observed it carefully. "Oh dear. . . This doesn't appear to be good. . ." he replied with deep concern.

"It doesn't matter, you saved me. . . That's all that matters. . . I'm eternally grateful to you, Clive. Forever." Virginia said, in that stupid amazed tone of hers. She laid there in his arms, still in awe with his performance.

As I still laid on the ground, I dropped my head back down in the dust, defeated. Clive took my victory away. . . Goddamn him. . . I felt a swirl of disappointment inside of me.

I was suppose to be the hero. . . I was suppose to be glorified by Virginia's praise. . . Not him!

I closed my eyes as I laid there. . . My overwhelming despair twisted into a fury like I've never witnessed before. A flared explosion erupted in me. I tossed myself up to my feet and stormed my way towards them.

I was pissed. . . I was really pissed. . .

Unable to handle this situation, I took all my wrath out on the very first person I could possibly think of.

"YOU STUPID BITCH!!! WHAT THE HELL WHERE YOU THINKIN'!?! BARGIN' YOUR WAY BY YOURSELF IN THE DANGER FIELDS LIKE THAT!!! YOU COULDA GOTTEN YOURSELF KILLED!!! COULDA GOT ME KILLED!!! WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU!?!" I screamed in outrage.

In truth, I was really angry with Clive takin' my triumph away, but unable to control my wrath, I took it all out on Virginia, even though it wasn't fair. No, I wasn't angry with her at all. But I didn't want anyone to get any ideas that I was cryin' like a bitch just because I wanted to play the hero. If they suspected that, then of course they're gonna find out that I risked it all just to be praised by Virginia. Hell no, couldn' take any chances with that!

"Jet, please control yourself. It was an honest mistake. We could have been ambushed at anytime, so there is no need to outburst like that." Clive said calmly.

I gave him the most hateful glare I could possibly make yet. I hated this bastard more than anythin'. How dare he took my glory away like that! My glory. Damn him for always bein' such a clever bastard! Damn him for always havin' that composed disposition that I hated so much! Damn him for always gettin' the credit for everythin'! Damn him for bein' such a skilled Drifter! Damn him for actin' so cool and collective, as if he doesn't have any problems in the world! Damn him for always havin' it easy all the time! Damn him!! I've never felt this kind of hatred before. He continued to stare at me with a shocked expression.

Engulfed in my flarin' hatred, I could do nothin' but heave in and out frustrated breaths. Quiverin' in anger, I turned and stomped my way back to Humphrey's Peak "TRAININ'S OVER!!!" I yelled furiously.

On my way back, Gallows ran toward us, pantin' out of breath. Idiot. The battle was already over with by the time he came here.

"Whoa, hey--- whoa! What just happened?!" He asked anxiously. I ignored him and continued to stomp forward.

Gallows

After the surprisin' scene, we were back in Humphrey's Peak. I tell ya, that was the most scariest moment I've ever seen yet. . . As I saw Virginia gettin' pummeled by that monster, I thought she was a goner for sure. And you wanna hear somethin' strange? Jet came to her like a speedin' bullet, then open fired like a madman. Huh, I guess he does sorta cares for her after all. I'm sure he wasn't that heartless to have just let her die. Too bad for him though, because that monster was too much for him to handle. Luckily Clive was there to fill the void. Yup! Good ol' Clive came to rescue the day once again! But why did Jet have to go all off on Virginia like that? That was so uncalled for! Never saw him so pissed off before either. Well I guess he was bound to explode sometime during our little adventure. If not now then later at some point. . .

Me and Clive quickly rushed Virginia into the house and set her carefully on the couch. Clive attended to her arm.

Just then, Catherine entered the room, terrified at the sight. "What happened?!" She shrieked.

"Oh, um, n-nothing! I just got a little hurt is all!" Virginia croaked, tryin' to sound as if everythin' was going all smooth.

"A little? Oh no, Virginia! You're bleeding!" She said worriedly. "I'll go get a wet cloth to clean her off." She quickly disappeared into the other room.

"N-no Catherine, really! I'm not that badly hurt at all!" Virginia tried to plead.

"Will she be okay?" I asked curiously.

"Oh, she'll be fine. The cut may be bad, but it isn't that deep. Fortunately, it isn't that serious. She'll be okay." Clive said positively, with a relieved tone.

"Good. . . I was startin' to worry a bit. . . Anyways, have you seen Jet? I thought I saw the little queer headin' on over here to town." I questioned.

Clive sadly shook his head. "No, I'm afraid not. I believe he may still be out there. I think it would be best to let him blow off some steam for awhile." he said sadly, pushin' his glasses to the bridge of his nose. He looked as if he was lost in thought for a sec, because he was just starin' off into the distance. Huh, I wonder what he was thinking about?

Catherine appeared then, rushing her way to Virginia. She gently wiped the blood away, still havin' that distressed look on her beautiful face.

"It's okay, really! Catherine you don't have to do this, I-I can take care of myself, honest!" Virginia said hoarsely, still tryin' so hard to assure Catherine that the injury wasn't serious.

"Oh, well. . . Alright then. Please let me know if you need anything. Would you like me to make you some tea?" she kindly offered. Even though Virginia was well and all, Catherine still had that motherly tenderness that just soften my heart all the more.

Wow. . . She sure is somethin'. . . .

"Yes! I would like that!" Virginia said eagerly, jumping up off the couch. But she winced and carefully laid herself down again.

"Don't strain yourself too much Virginia. It would be wise for you to just relax for awhile." Clive suggested, "In fact, why don't we all relax for a bit? I suppose I'll spend some time with Kaitlyn now, so don't you be doing anything reckless while I'm away."

"Uh, sure thing!" Virginia replied cheerfully, gettin' herself comfortable on the couch.

Catherine smiled sadly, then went into the kitchen. Clive went off to little Kaitlyn's room. And Virginia laid her head on a soft pillow and quickly drifted off into a nap. Which means. . . . Catherine's alone in the kitchen, all by herself! With no scary husband around to worry about! OH YEAH!!

I grinned mischievously to myself and walked merrily into the kitchen. "Knock, knock. Want any help with anythin', ma'am?" I asked innocently.

"Oh, Gallows. No, no! I'm fine, you don't have to--" She waved her hand reassuringly, but as if that was gonna stop me!

"Aww, heck ma'am! I wanna! Can't leave a beautiful woman to do all the housework all by her pretty lonesome self! A man's gotta do the job sometimes to, you know! I'll be happy to clean off that table for ya!" I replied optimistically.

She gave an adorable giggle. "Why, thank you Gallows." She smiled that pretty smile that got me all warm and fuzzy inside. Man, that smile was so heavenly. . . It was like a gift of the angels. I began feeling butterflies in my stomach. I flashed a big smile, excited that I could steal some of her time away from Clive.

Come on, that ain't wrong, right? Right?! AM I RIGHT!?! You bet I am! It's all innocent flirtin', not like I'm sleepin' with the woman or anythin'! I'm sure Clive won't mind that. I mean, who would wanna pass up the opportunity of spendin' time with a pretty lady?! Especially one who's as pretty as she is!

"Ma'am, may I account that you have rather beautiful shiny eyes that just casts away all the shadows from within me?" I said playfully, tryin' to use some of my best pick up lines.

She giggled at my statement. "Th-thank you, Gallows." She said, "I must say, Clive hardly ever helps me clean around the house. Every time he comes home, he just locks himself inside his study, researching all day! So its really nice to have such a kindhearted man, such as yourself, to gladly volunteer."

"You don't say. . . How awful of him! Can't even do a single decent thing for his wife! It's such a shame that he doesn't appreciate a captivatin' soul like you anymore! Don't worry, ma'am! If you ever feel that you need to talk to someone about anythin', or if you have somethin' on your mind, or if you just want a shoulder to cry on, I'm at your service!"

Catherine gave a lyrical laugh, "Why, that's mighty kind of you, Gallows." I gave a little sigh of admiration inside of me. . . Her voice was just sooo soft and silvery, I had to catch myself from droolin' absentmindedly.

"Ma'am, think nothin' of it! Hey, listen--- You think that sometimes, uhh, you might wanna have lunch together? Uhh-- Alone of course. But---! Just as friends, you know?! Heck, maybe we can have dinner together or some----"

"Ahem!"

I twisted around abruptly, I thought it was Jet at first, because I was gonna yell at him for ruinin' my moment here. Until I saw a pair of cold blue eyes starin' at me dangerously through round glasses.

Oh crap. . .!

"And when do you propose that I'll ever let you take my wife out for lunch? Or dinner for that matter?!" Clive said, in a scary even toned voice.

Knowin' that I was seriously busted here, I gave an embarrassed laugh, I struggled in my mind to think of what to say, "Heh, w-what?! Come on Clive, you know I'm only playin' around! Just kiddin' around, ya know?"

He gave me that scary suspicious look. I put on my most innocent-lookin' face, which I knew he'd see right through it. Still continuing to stare me down, I sighed "Alright, going to the other room. . ." I annonced depressingly, slumpin' my shoulder down.

Catherine gave a tiny giggle at my situation, also knowin' Clive caught me red-handed. "That's what I wanted to hear." He said firmly. I started to walk on outta the kitchen, and Clive followed after me. As Clive shifted sideways however, a magazine came tumblin' out of his coat.

Ha! It was the Adult Mag he snatched away from me earlier!

Catherine picked it up and stared at it. It didn't take her long to figure out what it was. Her beautiful eyes widened with shock. She abruptly turned to her husband with a very serious look.

"C-Clive?! Is this a dirty magazine!?" She scolded him.

To his horror, Clive's eyes also widened, almost as if they were gonna pop right outta his head! His mouth fell open in bewilderment and complete shock.

Making the best outta this opportunity, I made a dramatic gasp, "Clive. . . . .?! You lookin' at pornos?! Oh, that's just sick man! And I thought you said you were a gentleman! Come on, have some dignity, will ya!? Sheesh!" I mocked, pretending to be shocked as Catherine was.

He quickly shook his head frantically in disagreement. You shoulda seen that priceless look on his face! It was flippin' hilarious!!

"I mean, what are you, some kind of a pervert?! Jeeze Clive, I don't know why you need this crap when you already have a stunningly attractive woman right here in your own house!" I continued on with my sarcasm.

"N-no! Don't you dare try to bring this upon me Gallows!" He cried. "Do not even try to blame this one on me! You very well know that this was in your possession!"

Catherine looked from her husband to me, confused on whom to believe.

"Whaddya mean? You were the one who kept on lookin' at it since trainin' started this mornin'." I lied.

"I begged to differ! I very well believe that it was you Gallows! Don't you think that I'm possibly more mature than this?!"

"Apparently not, if that filth came fallin' out from your coat, buddy."

"I assure you, Catherine! I merely took it away from him so he could act attentively in training today!" He pleaded to his wife.

"Oh! I don't care whose fault it is! Just get it out of the house before Kaitlyn gets a hold of it!" She cried.

Man, it's fun messin' with Clive sometimes!

Clive

After that ridiculing episode, I decided to check up on Virginia. I had already put Kaitlyn to bed and the rest went to sleep as well. I'm afraid Jet never bothered to show up. It was dark outside and I began to worry that something serious must have happened. Yet after that combustion of his this afternoon, I fear that he may still be in that mood. So I thought it wise to avoid searching for him.

Virginia was still asleep on the couch from her nap earlier this evening. I was glad she did what I told her to do. She needs all the rests she can get. I looked at her while she still slept. I secretly struggled with my situation regarding her. Much time has passed now since my awareness of her infatuation. And she still appeared to have this particular feeling. I didn't tell Catherine about this matter of course. I thought it would be best to keep it to myself for a little longer. Perhaps then, Virginia would finally come to her senses.

She began to stir and slowly opened her eyes. Her dreary expression instantly dissolved into a surprised one, when she caught me gazing at her.

"Err--! H-hey, what's going on?" She stammered, quickly sitting up.

"Oh, nothing. I just wanted to see if you were feeling better." I replied calmly.

"Yeah, never better!" She exclaimed in her usual upbeat attitude. She displayed her confident grin.

I smiled to myself, she did appear to be well. "I'm glad to hear that. Tomorrow, if Jet decides to come around, we can persuade him to let us go to Gemstone Cave. I think that I may be able to find some more clues there. There are supposedly crystallized gems hidden within the cavern. Those gems are said to be shards of the planet's life."

"Sounds great! Wait--?! Jet's not back yet?" She said, almost sounding as if she was worried.

I shook my head, "I'm afraid not. To be honest, I believe he may still be heated up a bit from this afternoon. He was very outraged, as I recalled."

"Oh really? Hmph! I don't care if he ever comes back. We should just leave without him tomorrow. I'll bet it'll be a lot more pleasant." She responded with bitterness.

"Let's just wait and see if he shows up tomorrow, then plan what we'll do. Until then, we should get some sleep so we can be well rested for tomorrow's trek. Good night, Virginia." I said. Giving her one last smile to reassure her all was well.

"Uh, g-good night!" She replied, her cheeks turning a light shade of pink.

"Oh! And Virginia? Let's not tell anyone, particularly Jet, that you imagine him has your target practice this afternoon. You might shock everyone."

"Huh?! Oh---! Yeah, of course!" She stammered.

I retired to my room, preparing myself for bed. As I took off my overcoat, I couldn't help but think about that afflicting glare Jet stowed upon me. It was as if he was angry at me. But why, I wonder? Throughout this journey, all I tried to do was offer some helpful advice and to make sure he was safe. Although he never appreciated my kindness, I still continued to look after him, as well as the rest of the team. Yet he still acts harshly to us. I suppose that's just the way he is. . . I gave a light sigh of exhaustion.

"Is something wrong?" A soft voice alerted me from behind.

I turned to look at Catherine. "No, its nothing." I said casually. She looked at me for awhile, then her lips curved into a smile. Yes, I knew she could see right pass my words. "Ah, I suppose I'm just rather tired from staying up late these passed several nights." I half admitted.

"I don't blame you. Why not take a night off from your research? You always work so hard all the time. I worry about you. . ." She said sadly.

I took her into my arms, "I suppose you're right. I need to rest up for tomorrow." I replied, agreeing with her this time.

"By the way, how is Virginia? Is she feeling any better?" She asked, still worrying about her condition from this afternoon.

"Yes, quite. But I must admit, she reminds me a lot about you when you were around her age. Virginia can be a bit clumsy at times, but you were exceedingly clumsy when I first met you. Although she isn't as coy as you were." I confessed.

"Me? Oh you're terrible! I was hardly that clumsy and--- yes, I was very shy, wasn't I?" She admitted herself.

"Why, yes you were! Especially around me. I do remember that you wouldn't even let me come within a few feet around you. You would hide yourself in those books of yours and walk off from me! Or you would run to your father for protection."

She smiled widely, then laughed, "Yes I remember. But I'm glad. Glad that you have the patience to run after me, even though I was terribly shy. I'm also glad that you fought for me that day to claim my heart. Do you remember?"

A faint image from the past ruptured into my mind. Yes, I recalled all those years ago that there was another gentleman who had his eyes cast upon Catherine too. He was also a formidable rival of mine as well. . . Hmm. . . What was his name? Oh, I suppose it doesn't matter now. I have my prize right here in my arms right now and that's all that matters. Although I was proud that I won the right to propose to Catherine, I wasn't proud of how I won. . . It still continued to haunt me to this day.

"While we're on this particular subject, why did you allow Gallows to flirt so carelessly with you like that?" I demanded lightly.

She giggled at my reaction, "You're not jealous, are you? Oh honey, lighten up. He was just being playful. In fact, it was rather nice to have someone shower me with attention, since you hardly ever do that anymore."

I was shocked and a bit hurt by her words. Then after gazing into her eyes for a moment, I gently kissed her soft lips, "Well then, how about now?"

"Right now? Do you really want to spend some time with me this instant? Or would you rather continue to gawk in that filthy magazine of yours?"

"What?! No, of course not! I told you, that smut belongs to Gallows! How could you even think that I could possibly be interested in that, Catherine?! As Gallows said, I don't see why I need that when I already have a stunningly attractive woman right here."

She gave me a questionable smile, "Whatever you say, honey." She replied mockingly.

Jet

It was already in the dead of night. And here I was, gazin' up to the full moon. It was silent, except for the whistle of the crickets. I didn't even want to return to Clive's house. Virginia would probably just gloat on about how her hero saved her today. I felt instantly crushed, I'd thought that she'd be the one gloatin' on about me right now. I shoulda been the one!

My strong hatred for Clive continued to burn furiously than before. Couldn't help it. Its hard to believe that I would actually despise the sniper this much. Before all this mess happened, I used to actually like him the most outta this band of idiots. He was the only one I could stand to be around, because he hardly ever jabbered mindlessly. Yeah, that was the reason why I used to think he's was okay. He didn't ramble on about whatever popped into his head, like some numbskulls I knew.

But times have changed. I started to hate this bastard for who he was. Does that mean I was jealous of him? Nah, couldn't be it. . . Just hated him I guess.

I'm gonna make sure not to let that bounty hunter get in my damn way!


A/N: Okay, so I'm going to start something new for each chapter from now on: a chapter review! Why? Because I feel like it, that's why. And who knows, maybe some of you might find it helpful. . .or maybe not.

Chapter Review:
Things begin to heat up with our four Drifter heroes: Virginia's feelings for Clive starts to strengthen, Jet gets dangerously jealous of him in the process, and Gallows grows more fond of Catherine (which greatly worries Clive). And too bad for Jet that he can't catch a break with Virginia, huh?