Thank you, to those of you who have reviewed honestly. I really do appreciate your opinions.

And, I prey that those of you who anonymous and don't log in, start doing so.

I like to respond to what you say.

That is all…

Wait, I lied.

I've been thinking of where I'm going to take this story and I might have a destination…

But it will be a while before it gets there.

I promise, you won't get it unless you think like me.

- Scitah

Amanda couldn't help the slight fear of word getting out about her morning state. Normally, she knew, things like this would not bother her. But, through some unrealistic way, she feared the other team might find out and that… Bastard would hear and come to hurt her.

She couldn't even make it past her own mind to understand herself. And because of that, it intensified the fear. The base seemed more susceptible and violent towards her. It nearly took Amanda an hour to make it back to her room. When she finally did, she slammed the door shut and slid down it.

Covering her eyes to stop looking at the floor ceiling and walls, she waited. She had to. Everything was jumping and dropping. There were shadows everywhere, despite the lights being on. Also, there were these little whispers.

She wasn't quite sure what they were saying, but they were there. They only stopped when she felt, rather than heard, a knock on her door. The vibration on her back made her nearly leap from her own skin!

Maybe if she were quiet, they'd go away? Because, what if it were HIM? What if he already knew and was looking for her?

"Oy! 'Manda! Let's go girly." came Janine's voice. Amanda never thought her brash voice would sound so heavenly, but it did. "I know y'ain't in Spy's room. I checked. Op'n th'door."

Amanda was on her feet and pulling open the door within mere moments and smiled gratefully at the ginger. "Janine." She had to confirm it was her verbally. She wasn't sure why, but she had to… As if hearing the name from her own voice would solidify the fact.

Janine nodded, "Yeh. Y'alright? Y'look a bit peckish…" she reached forwards and gripped Amanda's shoulders tightly, "What happened?"

So, Amanda explained the morning's events, giving almost too much information without meaning to. She just barreled through, leaving no room for Janine to interact to what was being said. When she finished, Janine took a long breath for Amanda, feeling as though she'd suffocated herself.

"Well…" Began the ginger. She wasn't quite sure where to start. "So, you slept with Spy, then?"

Amanda nodded and made a show of throwing her arms out only to rush them back to catch the sheet. Amanda turned pretty red at that. Her intention was not to flash Janine.

"Well…" The cook repeated herself. "First thing is first! Let's get you dressed." and she stepped in to shut the door behind herself. Minutes later, Amanda was dressed and Janine was escorting her to Shada. "Now, you go on about business with Shada… Then you come on back to the kitchen to help me. Alright?" When the Irishwoman took her time to speak, it was so much easier to understand… Her accent was still there, just not garbling the words.

Amanda nodded, "Thank you. It's strange… I've never had trouble like this before and it threw me through a loop or two."

"Oh, I can see that." Janine chuckled and knocked on the Laundry door. "All is well, dear. Just focus on your work and everything will get better."

Another nod came from Amanda as the door opened to Shada's dark face. "Hallo!" she greeted happily.

"Hello." both native English Speakers responded.

The day passed slowly for Amanda. It seemed harder today to see the floors and walls where they actually were. By the time the day was over, Amanda was passed out in her room, cradled around herself. She was so knocked out that she didn't hear the soft knock nor someone pick her lock open.

Subconsciously, she felt someone get into bed with her. Felt them uncurl her and hold her to their chest. Heard them whisper French words.

Subconsciously, she smelled the cigarettes and cologne and relaxed a little. Her restless dreams soothed and her heart calmed. Outwardly, she sighed with content.

This was what she needed… To be held.