The sound of something exploding shook Samantha out of her thoughts. She turned toward the sound to see it had been the direction Fiona had disappeared. Without thinking, Samantha sprinted through the brush. She didn't get far before she found Fiona. She was on the ground, a smoking bush only feet in front of her. Samantha hurried to her side, relief flowing through her as Fiona groaned and rolled over.

"What happened?" Samantha demanded, taking in the burns on Fiona's body. Fiona sat up, hissing as the fabric of her clothes brushed against the burns.

"Mine, I think. I didn't get a good look at it."

Samantha stood up quickly, looking around for any sign of the masked attacker. A few moments passed and Fiona stood up as well. Still nothing. Samantha let out a breath of relief.

"Seems like that was it this time-" she said just before being cut off by a loud roar. Samantha jumped instinctively as a blur of black fur shot past. A strangled scream of frustration and Samantha realized the jaguar was on top of Fiona.

The pair of the them rolled away from Samantha but she could tell Fiona was losing. Samantha pulled up her gun, trying to find a clear shot. Their tussling was too fierce, though, and Samantha knew the possibility of hitting Fiona was high.

"Shoot it!" Fiona screeched. Samantha bit her lip. She didn't and wouldn't have a clear shot. She could kill Fiona. But if she didn't take the chance, the chances of Fiona dying were one hundred percent. Samantha closed her eyes briefly, taking a deep breath before snapping her eyes open and letting out a few rounds.

The tussle stopped, the jaguar falling into a heap on top of Fiona. Samantha stared in horror, waiting for any sign of life. Finally something shuffled under the jaguar's body and Fiona shoved it off with a grunt.

Samantha rushed to her side, grabbing her hand to help her to her feet.

"Are you okay?" she asked as Fiona brushed herself off and reached down to grab the gun she had dropped.

"Fine," Fiona said shortly as she straightened back up. "Duck."

Samantha wasn't quite sure why she didn't hesitate. She dropped immediately to the ground just as Fiona let out a couple of shots at something behind Samantha. When Fiona finally stopped, Samantha turned and stood to see another dead jaguar slumped over on the ground. Samantha turned back to Fiona, letting out a deep breath.

"Thanks, by the way," Fiona said casually as she tucked away her gun. Samantha blinked at her for a moment before shrugging.

"You got me out of that trap back there."

"And I just saved your life," Fiona pointed out. "So we're not even yet."

Samantha stared at her, trying to decipher Fiona's tone. "I guess not," she said slowly. Fiona moved to gather up their supplies and Samantha followed suit, still confused. She would never understand the ex-IRA, would she?

"Sorry about what I said earlier."

No. No, she wouldn't. Samantha looked up to see Fiona was still not looking in her direction.

"Was it true?"

Now Fiona looked over. She paused. "Yes."

Samantha shook her head, hoisting her bag onto her shoulder. "Then don't be sorry."

Fiona continued to look at her for a moment before shrugging and hoisting up her own bag.

"I could've served you one back, anyway," Samantha continued as she began on their path again. Fiona's head snapped up and she stared before scurrying to catch up.

"What?"

Samantha glanced at her. "Do you really want me to tell you?"

"Well it's not like Michael would ever tell me," Fiona pointed out. "I didn't even know you existed until you showed up on his doorstep."

"Wait, then how do you know he left me for you?" Samantha asked, confused. Fiona's mouth twisted.

"He told me. After you left."

Samantha smiled wryly. "Let me guess. To make you feel better?"

Fiona smiled back and shrugged. "Something like that. So what were you going to say?"

Samantha's smile dropped. "After he... thought you were dead..." she started slowly, awkwardly. "We, uh..."

"Did you two sleep together?" Fiona asked with a hard sigh. Samantha watched her expression for a moment before answering.

"Yeah."

Fiona sighed again, looking away deep into the jungle. Samantha continued to watch her for a while.

"You're lucky, you know."

Fiona looked back over to Samantha, disbelief written all over her face. "Define luck."

Samantha shrugged. "You've got Michael. I mean, he left me for you. I guess you could say you won."

"Yeah, but then right after trying to kill me he went and slept with you."

"Point taken."

The two of them chuckled humorlessly. Samantha realized maybe she already did understand Fiona. Both of them had been hurt by Michael too many times. But both of them still loved him unconditionally. They both loved the danger of what he did. They both had careers of their own that weren't exactly safe and legal. They would never understand why he did some of the things he did though they would never stop trying.

Both women, at one time, had thought they were through with Michael forever. They didn't need him in their lives anymore. But then he'd entered their lives again. And now neither of them wanted to let go.

A/N: I love reviewers and live for constructive criticism!