I had an extremely difficult time with this, and I hope it reads better to you guys than it does to me. I just got fed up with trying to write for Tim and Claire...and...the sad thing is Tim does not really have that big of a role this chapter...but still....uhg it was hard. I have finals in two weeks- but then its summer break. Hopefully I can write more then ^^ Hope you guys find this somewhat enjoyable. And...since its been awhile- please welcome back the review replies! XD

HmGirly- yeah...it didn't take as long but...well...yeah. I hope this helps you keep that Graire attitude. And go update Staring Over damnit!

ShadX- I think at this point Tim's purpose is to be a pain in Gray's rear end. Only time will tell if that ends.

Miss Psychic Lady- I sprinkled in some Gray fluff for you here. I hope its satisfactory.

Eevonne Deevonne- Well...I'm sorry you feel that way. Tim will have his moment, but he isn't the leading man- so no worries.

Ninny-na- I tried not to leave it on such a cliff hanger this time. You' have to let me know if I did a good job or not.

Ginriku- Progress? There is a tiny bit every chapter- you just have to look for it ;)

DoubleKK- don't be scrolling this time. Read it all in all its drama goodness. The next chapter will have to be filled with some type of epiphany though, wont it?

Artistic18- No worries. There is always hope. But it is rather sad things have escalated so far for Gray to admit his feelings- be it...somewhat

Chocobo86- No worries on that. I promise that eventually everything will fall into place.

AiOkami- Thanks so much. Woot for that- it only took him 27 chapters to do...I hope he's more speedy in trying to act on those feelings than he is in realizing it.

Icefire 149- mostly because drama makes for good plot. But things will work out.

Sarah303- well...it could have been 30 or more, huh? XD

arianax3- I honestly don't hate Tim. And I have no choice but to ultimately redeem him one day soon. But unfortunately Gray is the leading man in this drama.

schoolisboring- well thank you very much. I can't believe you read it all in one go! I'm sorry for all the mistakes earlier on. one day I'm going back to fix them. But I hope you like this chapter as much as the others.

Moomoo- that seems to be a majority of the readers opinion. But I hope that you don't hate him completely. He isn't that evil of a guy...

Sambreo- Its a lovely triangle thing going on, isn't it? No so long this time, but I hope you still like it.

Kairi Tsubasa- Well I'm trying to stray away from the POV thing in my other stories, but I suppose it ended up working well for this one. I'm glad you like it because it is VERY difficult to come up with different types of personalities. I hope they dont come off as redundant and very similar. But thanks- and I hope you dont scream at your computer this time.

quickcutie- you know what? I'll give you a reason to like Tim. If Gray ever is in a life or death situation- its up to Tim to save him. Give the Doc a little love so he'll save our boy xD

Tinkies- I agree. I'm ready for the tension to be over. I'm just going to skip the next few chapters and out it already xD

sugarapplesweet- they are rather proper arent they? We'll see what you think after this one. I'm going to miss Kai so much too. D:

Crazy Cinnamon Goodness- yes, about time, and sadly about....what...four or five chapters to late?

AsianFlipGurl- yes its all a mess. But things fall apart at the wrong time to come back together at the right one XD

On a side note- I demand that all of you go read and REVIEW Nine to Five by sugarapplesweet. It is an awesome fic- and I beleive everyone will like it. (Shamelessplugging) It inspiried my AU thing that I posted last week- and I will be continuing because Gray with an accent was to hard to just give up. Also I have a new poll up. For anyone who cares most votes said that I should write romance, and the vote between longfics and oneshots was tied. Humor came in second in the genre. So I'll keep that in mind when I'm planning my next writing adventures.


Mary's POV

I blinked at the man, in obvious distress, and as much as I had hoped this moment would come many times I couldn't help but to feel so bad for him. Because in a way it could be said that it was just too late. Claire was no longer single. But a part of me, that hopeless romantic, burned for this, resounding what I believed and what Kai's motto was.

It was never too late when it came to love.

"Gray…how…how long have you," I began but shook my head at myself. It wasn't important was it? Everyone had always suspected there was more to the dynamics of their relationship then contempt.

"Look…Don't you dare tell anyone," he growled, his fierce blue eyes cutting me to the core. I blinked at him, not exactly sure what to say to the man. I settled for nodding, and as soon as I did he cut his eyes away from me. "It's nothing more than a damn infatuation. It will go away soon," he stated sternly, though his expression was somewhat unsure.

I pushed my glasses up my nose, closing my eyes as I took in his words. So this was not an admission of love…but rather an admission of like. Though I wasn't surprised given the stubborn man and his inability to realize his own emotions. It would be a little longer until he could admit to being in love.

"Do you mind me asking what brought this to your attention all of a sudden?" I asked quizzically, my eyes opening as I stared at him expectantly.

"I…" he trailed off and muttered something inaudible. I furrowed my eyebrows, turning my head slightly to the side and feeling my braid tumble over my shoulder.

"I'm sorry. I didn't quite catch that. Could you use some audible words?"

"I…started noticing how I felt…when Claire started seeing Tim," he muttered out, each word forced to be as loud as it was. I raised my eyebrows again and gave a small nod.

"I see." I murmured, walking quickly to my desk, unable to stop the habit of searching for my notebook when an idea hit me. And for some reason this was giving me inspiration on new scales, despite the severity of the situation for the man. I pulled out the note book and flipped it to a new page, pulling out my favorite blue ink pen and removing the cap. I paused with my pen above the paper, eyes meeting Gray's as the question left my lips.

"So you're jealous?" I already knew the answer. I knew the man would deny it, possibly get angry and storm out of here. Because he would never admit to something such as that- being jealous because the doctor was with Claire. I looked at him expectantly, and watched as his eyes fell to the ground, his shoulders slumping. I took in each reaction to the question and jotted it down on the paper.

"Yes…yes I am," he muttered, his expression bitter as his lips curled upward as if disgusted at himself. "More so than of you and Kai even…only worse because I can't bring myself to see anything positive in this.." he trailed off, running his large hand through his messy hair and staring at the wall. "And just like then…I've no damn idea how to deal with myself. Only…"

"You don't have her to help?" I offered, stopping myself from writing. I was sure Gray might find it rather irritating.

"That is one way of putting it," he chuckled out, giving me a half hearted smile. "But…it's just different this time. I don't really know how to explain it…" I nodded at him and gave him a reassuring smile of my own, my eyes flickering from his to down at my notebook and then returning to his eyes.

"When you find the words to explain it, I'll be ready to listen," I said gently, my eyes shutting as a small giggle left me. Gray nodded somewhat hesitantly and bit his bottom lip.

"I meant what I said. About this staying between us. I don't want to cause another fight with Claire. If…If she wants to be with that guy, then I have to deal with it or stay away from her," he stated quietly, finally bending down to pick up his hat and placed it on its rightful spot on top of his head. He stuck his hands in his pockets and seemed to have found something that he didn't recognize, pulling out a small wrinkled envelope and eyeing is before returning it to his pocket.

"I won't tell a soul Gray, you have my word," I assured him, finally taking a seat at my desk. "If you'd like to finish the book you were reading it's on the table by your chair," I offered, gesturing to the area where the man usually sat. It was an area that had become silent and vacant over the last season. Even if he hadn't been the most conversational person in the world I still missed him. I did after all consider him as one of my closest friends.

The future seemed to be filled with promise, though of exactly what I wasn't sure. But I looked forward to it, and I welcomed it. I only hoped that it would bring more good things than bad. As if to answer my hopes, the library door opened revealing an all too familiar blond, and unfortunately an all too familiar white coat.

Claire's POV

I smiled at Mary as I walked through the door, holding a box full over some random things I had gathered on Mother's Hill today with Tim. I knew she loved mushrooms and for some reason the poison toadstool. Not sure why, but I figured she would like to have one. I think she might give them to her father so he could conduct some type of plant experiment.

A quick image of Basil laughing manically over a strapped down daisy on an operating table filled my head and I had to bite both corners of my mouth to keep from laughing. Dr. Basil…registered evil plant genius. Yeah that would make a great parody movie. I placed the box down on her desk and pulled out the single blue flower I had found by the hot spring. Tim claimed there was a whole meadow of them across the bridge, but he still couldn't convince me to go over it.

"Flowers for my lady," I said with my best imitation of Kai's voice. Mary rolled her eyes upward and shook her head, a bemused smile on her lips.

"Thank you," she said gently, placing it in a vase with at least a dozen dried pink toy flowers. I shrugged my shoulders and pointed to the box. "Brought you some of the fungi you like to examine as well," I said, my nose wrinkling at the thought of it. I wasn't big on any fungus or mushroom that wasn't cocked and edible, and it had darn sure better be in spaghetti or on some pizza before someone handed it to me.

"Father will be happy," she murmured out, returning her attention to that darn note book. I felt my shoulders slump some, though I knew what the cons were of being friends with an aspiring writer. I suppose I wouldn't get to spend much time with her today.

"I'll be upstairs. I want to look at some new medical books," Tim said quietly from behind me, his hand squeezing my shoulder. I turned some and nodded at him before returning my attention to Mary. I could hear Tim make his way up the stairs and I sighed again as Mary continuously scribbled in her book.

"You know…" she finally said, not looking up at me a she continued to write. "You can talk to Gray until I get done," she stated simply, a small sigh of her own leaving her lips. I raised my eyebrows at her words and turned to the opposite side of the room. Sure enough there was Gray, reading a book and oblivious to everything around him.

He seemed to have felt me staring and his eyes met mine for a moment. I smiled at him and timidly approached him. I was kind of hurt that he didn't come to dinner the other night, but he hadn't promised. I understood that…with Tim in the picture that Gray might distance himself. I knew the two men didn't get along. But Tim had said he would try- even if after Gray was a no show he couldn't hide the relief on his face.

"Hey…" I said, sitting on the couch across from him.

"Hey…" he said back, his gaze quickly going upward and then back down. I sighed and closed my eyes. I guess we weren't on the good terms I thought. This was somewhat awkward.

"So you decided not to come the other night," I stated, not trying to hide my disappointment.

"I…didn't think it appropriate," he offered, his gaze going back to his book. I furrowed my eyebrows at him, shaking my head.

"How so?"

"Well…I just…didn't." he said and leaned in, looking at me with pleading eyes. "It's not something I want to talk about at the moment," he added in a small whisper. I almost protested, but thought better of it and nodded. Gray returned his attention to his book.

"How is work?" I said absentmindedly, trying to make conversation. Gray sighed and shook his head, closing his book and turning his head to the side as he looked at me.

"Tiring. I'm doing almost all the work now…" he said as he closed his eyes, rubbing his temple. "Gramps wants me to start going to Forget-Me-Not-Valley on Thursdays to make deliveries this winter. It's just…time consuming." He paused and rubbed his chin, watching me. I frowned at him, protesting before I could stop.

"But Thursday is your only day off. He shouldn't expect you to work seven days a week." Gray nodded, giving me the tiniest of smiles, which I probably would have once confused for a smirk.

"You do it…so can I," he said simply, shoulders shrugging. "Gramps asks about you a lot. You ought to come by so he'll let me get some work done," he trailed off and I nodded, feeling somewhat guilty.

"I'll do that. I've been meaning to…" I began to whisper. "but I've just been busy." I began ranting, my voice growing louder. "What with helping you and Ann, and May and Stu, and the farm work. Plus there is a lot of foraging in the fall, and I'm trying to get my horse ready for the race…" I was interrupted by a shush and I glared at Mary, who was holding up a finger in a gesture for silence. Gray chuckled and shook his head, putting his finger over his lips and leaning forward.

"Come by tomorrow and well talk about it. Ann wanted to show you her enormous dress anyways," he said quietly, reopening his book. I gave him nod and stood, making my way upstairs.

It was probably just me over thinking it, but some how the way that conversation just played out didn't seem right. I couldn't quite put my finger on it, but I knew that Gray did seem somewhat distant. Of course…it might be because we were in here after everything that happened. Or it could be the tension that I felt.

I stood next to Tim as he skimmed through books, taking some out and handing them to me to hold. I don't think I could understand how everything could feel so right and so wrong at the same time. I sighed and shifted the books, looking over the railing and down at the blacksmith. I watched as he read, eyes narrowed as I tried to figure out what exactly was different.

I could feel it between us when we talked, and I wanted to know what exactly it was. Maybe he was depressed, or in a bad mood. But he didn't seem to be exhibiting any characteristics. Maybe I was just feeling something of my own creation since we had fought. From what I observed Gray seemed perfectly normal, so what I felt…it had to be on me.

"Do you mind telling me why you keep staring at another man?" Tim's voice was low, and dripped with agitation when it came to my ears. I narrowed my eyes at his tone and turned back towards him. When I met his angry glare I felt that this would not go good at all.

Gray's POV

I raised my eyebrows and glanced up to the second floor, seeing Claire from behind evidently talking to Tim who I couldn't see. I had noted the murmured talking and muttering the last few minutes, and hadn't been able to decide if they were talking or arguing. But seeing her stance, I now knew the answer. Claire was apparently angry…

There was the sound of something heavy slamming against the table upstairs and my eyes widened as Claire moved from her spot.

Correction. Claire was pissed off.

And for the first time it wasn't at me. I heard her storming to the stairs, followed closely by heavier steps.

"Claire come back here," Tim's voice called in frustration as she angrily came down the steps. She didn't dignify him with a response as she yanked the door open, hurrying out it without a word to anyone else in here. The door shut with a heavy slam, the bells jingling dangerously. I met Mary's curious gaze and then looked back to the doctor that had just came down the stairs, books in hand as he shoved them on Mary's desk.

"I'll be back in a few minutes for these. I need to go calm her down." he muttered, moving to the door.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you," I said loudly, closing the book in my hand and not flinching when Tim glared at me.

"No one asked you for your input, did they?" he snarled, hands tightening around the door knob. I shrugged my shoulders and closed my eyes as I relaxed into the plush chair.

"No. But I have had plenty of arguments with her to know when to let her be. If you go after her right now you'll just make it worse. And Claire can get violent. She might deck you," I said, eyes opening to watch Tim.

He didn't say anything but his face fell to the floor. He knew inside that I was right about what I was saying. Well for the most part. It wouldn't do him any good to go chasing after her. I don't think Claire would really hit him. Not unless he crossed a line. But regardless of Claire's capacity to strike those she was angry with, I stood, returning my book to its proper place on the desk and pulling the brim of my hat down.

"Well Mary…I suppose I'll see you tomorrow," I offered, walking past her desk and opening the door. I turned my head back towards her, and Mary nodded her head at me in recognition. I didn't pass Tim another glance, stepping out of the library and letting my shoulders slump some as soon as the door shut behind me.

I took one step forward in the direction of Claire's farm and then hesitated. It wasn't my place to go see her and try to calm her down. And truth be told I would probably make things worse and then we would end up arguing. I scratched the side of my head and let out a heavy sigh. Sometimes- though very rarely- I missed the days when I could care less if we didn't speak for days on end. It certainly made things easier. I turned and took the path by the supermarket, and then turned towards the inn.

Becoming friends with Claire, and developing what ever feelings I had for her…well it made things complicated. Twisted. I hated to admit it, but part of me was glad that Tim and Claire had fought. But then another part of me…that part that spoke out against him going after her…that part didn't want to see Claire upset. Then there was my subconscious, telling me I should go find Claire and some how try to make things worse between her and Tim.

But I was a full believer in karma, and when I gave bad karma, karma was a bitch right back. Better to let things run their course.

I walked into the inn and blinked as two women in front of me were in awe over a rather large and heavy looking dress. One of the women was my own sister, and the other was what I had believed to be a fully irate woman ten minutes ago. Ann's eyes landed on me and she gestured for me to come over.

"Are your hands clean?" she asked as she studied them. I held them out, rolling my eyes, Passing her inspection she placed the dress in my hands and pointed up. "Please hold this up so Claire can see it."

I rolled my eyes as I lifted the dress upwards, eyebrows furrowing at the weight of the material. I looked over the top of it and down at Ann who was smirking at Claire. Claire was studying the dress, her fingers running lightly over the material and the embroidery.

"It's beautiful Ann," Claire said quietly, pulling the bottom of the dress out and pulling one of the sleeves as well. "I'm sure it looks amazing on you," she added as she took the dress from me, holding it against her. She frowned when she realized the dress was dragging the ground and then placed it against Ann. "It's too long for you to wear without high heels," she warned, holding the dress up more and sighing.

"Well I'm sure it will be fine."

"Ann…you're going to need at least four inch heels to wear this thing without tripping over it," Claire said, exasperated. Her gaze met mine and she shook her head. "I feel sorry for you if she steps on your feet in heels." I blanched at the realization and cut my gaze to Ann, making sure I was doing my best to glare.

"You had better spend the next week walking around in nothing but high heels. I don't care if your feet bleed."

"Ellen can't hem it up for you?" Claire asked, her expression skeptical. Ann shook her head and grabbed her dress, clinging it to her.

"It is absolutely perfect just the way it is," Ann insisted, glaring at Claire for even suggesting the dress be altered.

"Let her be Claire. It's probably the only dress besides her wedding dress she'll ever wear. If she wants to trip and fall on her face it's her decision."

Claire's POV

I crossed my arms at Gray's statement, not finding it as humorous as he probably intended it to be. It was frustrating to try to act like I wasn't upset about what had transpired in the library. I hadn't expected Gray to leave the library so soon after I did. But I knew that if I went home Tim would most likely follow me. The man didn't understand that I sometimes needed a cooling off period.

"I think I'm going to go…" I trailed off absentmindedly, rubbing the back of my neck in frustration. It was hard for me to be around people like this and not want to vent. But the fact was Ann was not the best person to vent to about Tim.

Honestly if I did she would more than likely storm Mineral Town looking for him, her frying pan of doom in hand. She already didn't like him and I wasn't about to give her an excuse to go hunt him down and ream him out. Or beat him. Even if the jerk deserved it.

Gray…well the last time I had brought up Tim we hadn't spoken for nearly two weeks. So I suppose he was out of the question as well.

"Come on Claire! Stay and hang out for a bit," Ann pleaded, carefully placing her large dress back in the bag. "I swear. You never have time for me anymore," she pouted, giving me the puppy eyes. I closed my eyes and felt my shoulders slump in defeat. I really should build up immunity to puppy eyes. Their affect on me often leads me to doing things I later regret.

"Alright then Ann, I'll stay for a little longer," I mumbled, pulling at a bit of my hair in frustration. I felt a light smack on my hand and tuned my attention to a scowling blacksmith.

"Don't do that. You'll end up bald," he said, cutting his eyes away from me. I rolled my eyes at him and shook my head.

"You're one to talk hat boy," I muttered out, though I let go of my hair and decided to clench my fingers into a fist, hearing knuckles pop in the process.

"Alright you two. Play nice, I'm going to go put my dress away," Ann called out, walking through the door that led to where she and Doug resided in the inn. I sighed when door shut soundly behind her, leaving me and Gray alone.

"You want to talk about it?" his gruff voice asked, somewhat timidly. I felt my eyebrows raise and I turned to him completely.

"Talk about what?" I asked, finding it hard to believe that he could be meaning what I thought he did.

"About why you stormed out of the library without so much as a good bye," he offered, shrugging his shoulders. I blinked at him, and opened my mouth to say something. Then I quickly snapped it shut and shook my head.

"I think it's best not to Gray. I don't want to fight with you too," I said quietly, rocking on my heels nervously.

"I won't get mad this time. I promise," Gray insisted, placing his large hand on my head, ruffling my hair and forcing me to look up at him. I felt my breath catch at the expression on his face, and the large smile that he wore. I don't think…I'd ever seen him like this before. "I'm just worried about you. You're not one to run from things…" he trailed off and I felt my eyebrows furrow.

"I'm not running from anything," I insisted, shaking my head so his hand fell off. "He was just being a jerk." I grunted, crossing my arms over my chest and glaring at the floor.

"How so?" he pried, and I found myself not angry at him for doing it. If anything I was slightly relieved.

"He's insecure…and just…" I closed my eyes tightly and shook my head. "He's a man. They're always insecure about such things. They don't trust a woman to be honest because men are all dirt bags deep down I guess," I muttered out, my eyes falling to the floor again. I could feel my eyes stinging some, and I closed my eyes, taking in deep breaths to calm myself. I wouldn't cry over this. It really wasn't worth it.

I felt Gray's large hand on my head again, more behind it than anything. He stepped closer and I could feel my forehead resting on his chest as he patted my head lightly. I stiffened some at first, but then I relaxed, stepping in closer to him and hugging him. It was so unlike Gray to show this side of himself. But I was thankful. He had told me before hadn't he? That I didn't have to worry about being alone, because I had him.

I stayed in his awkward embrace for a few moments before stepping back, my cheeks heated some in embarrassment. It wasn't like me to want to be comforted at all. But regardless I had evidently needed it more this time than I had thought. I sighed and looked up at him, a small smile playing on my lips.

"Thank you," I murmured, my eyes holding his for a moment before I was distracted by Ann's entrance back into the main part of the Inn.

"Alright Claire, come on, we need some girl time," she insisted, grabbing me by the hand and dragging me towards the door. I looked helplessly back at Gray, who simply chuckled and shook his head, offering me a half hearted wave. "We need to pick up Popuri and go to the Goddess pond," Ann continued to ramble on as she pulled me out of the inn, but I tuned most of her out. She would repeat it when we picked up Popuri.

Tim's POV

I unlocked the Clinic door, the keys shaking in my hand. It was hard to try to remain as clam as possible on the outside when all I really wanted to do is scream. Why did my emotions have to make this so difficult? I'd never been in many serious relationships before, and even when I had in my younger years I was not this emotionally involved. But that was simply how I was. I was an emotionally distant person. I had to be that way so things like failure and patients' death didn't bother me.

It constantly slips my mind how much younger Claire is than me. Mostly because when I'm around Claire she seems so much older than her young age. But the nine year gap really shined through today. As well as my own insecurities and jealousy. Claire was so much more mature in nearly all aspects of her life than women her age, but when it came to her temper. Goddess help me I just couldn't handle it today.

To handle that woman's temper I could not be upset. I could not be angry myself. Because look what happened when I was. I couldn't stop retorts from coming from my mouth, and trust me some of them had been highly uncalled for and inappropriate. Regardless of looking at this retrospectively, I knew in laymen terms I had seriously screwed up.

I was glad Elli has visiting her grandmother, or in Forget-Me-Not-Valley or doing what ever it was she now did on her days off. I'd lost track some time ago and hadn't bothered to keep in mind where she would be if an emergency arose. It's not like such things ever happened here, unless you counted Jeff's random stomach aches. But I was glad I could lock myself in these walls and release my agitation at the situation with out my nurse looking at me like I had two heads.

I slammed the books on the counter that served as Elli's desk, and closed my eyes in frustration. I could feel my heart pounding angrily in my chest, aching slightly as the magnitude of the argument set in. The fact was I shouldn't have reacted in the way I did.

I knew going into this that there were unidentified feelings between the two. I knew that those feeling were more than likely on both sides. But knowing that didn't make accepting that any easier. And it certainly didn't calm my nerves any when I saw her looking at him, fretting over him and damn sure wanting to be able to help him.

I let out frustrated growl and turned, storming over to the storage closet and retching the door open. I might as well clean up while I was frustrated. I angrily snatched boxes, scanning the contents and placing them elsewhere were they would be out of the way.

The only sounds echoing in the small space where the dragging and slamming of the boxes, my labored breathing and random under my breath mutters. I would have to make this up to her. I would have to find a way to woo her like I haven't already. But she didn't seem like the type that wanted to be swept off her feet, as if I would even have a clue how to do that if it was what she wanted. As angry as I was I couldn't stop from standing up straight, eyes wide when a thought hit me.

How was I going to apologize to Claire? How was I going to return to her good graces, if I even could? There was no point in me thinking of ways to make up if she decided she didn't want to be around me at all.

I closed my eyes in aggravation and kicked a box, a curse leaving me as I began to hop on one foot, nursing its throbbing twin as I glared at the heavy box. My eyes widened when I saw its contents. I'd never seen it before I believe, and the contents surprised me. It was full of folders, paperwork, but sitting in the corner, the metallic silver shinning in the light was a recorder.

A digital voice recorder.

Claire's POV

I closed my eyes as I slumped into the couch, bowl of soup in hand. The last two days had been very frustrating. I suppose it was officially over then, sinceI hadn't seen the man that claimed to be my boyfriend. Some might say that it was a two way path to the Clinic from here, but considering I wasn't the one who got all pissed off about something utterly ridiculous there was no way and hell I was going to hunt down that man and apologize to him.

Gray agreed with me. As a matter of fact the man agreed with everything I'd said in his presence over the last two days. Of course that could have something to do with him not wanting to incur my wrath if he disagreed. But I knew that he was being honest. It was no secret that the blacksmith didn't care very much for the doctor. And he had told me so many times that I was 'better off' that I had lost track of them. But still I was aggravated about the whole situation.

You would think that he would at least have the courage to come and talk to me like a freaking adult. But yet here it was, the end of another day that the bastard hadn't come. And I think what pissed me off the most was that actually cared. Before I hadn't worried about visitors or not, but now that I had grown accustomed to having people in my life again, the thought of being alone scared me. It's why I was so out of sync when Gray and I had fought, and it was why I was so damn bothered by this fight with Tim. It sure did make it damn frustrating in life when you cared whether or not you saw someone on a daily basis.

I dropped the half eaten bowel of soup to the table, glaring as some of the contents sloshed out and onto it. Just perfect. Now I had to clean that up. I stood up, ready to head over to the kitchen when a knock on the door drew my attention. I narrowed my eyes and carefully approached the door, opening it slightly to peer outside.

"What do you want?" I muttered darkly, realizing that this reaction might be the exact reason the man hadn't come. Evidently- even though I hadn't realized it, I was still pretty mad with him.

"I'm here to apologize," he began, taking a deep breath and clearing his throat. "I was insecure and handled myself irrationally and said things that were not true and completely unnecessary," he bowed his head as he took another breath, evidently not done yet. I raised an eyebrow, not really expecting him to give me an obviously rehearsed speech and opened the door more, shoulder resting against the door frame.

"I was rude and said some hurtful things because of this, and for that I offer you my sincerest apologies. It was not my intentions to act like a…" he trailed off, obviously forgetting the term that he planned to use.

"Jerk off? Asshole? No wait…I think the term you are looking for is Jack Ass," I offered, scowling at him. He shrank back some and nodded in agreement.

"For lack of a better term…yes. And I'm truly sorry."

"That isn't going to cut it mister," I began but stopped when Tim kneelt down, hands clasped together. It was very idiotic and very out of character for him, and I watched with wide eyes.

"I'm begging you to please forgive me," he pleaded, looking up at me with the most pitiful expression I had seen on a man since Tamaki had been alive. I narrowed my eyes at him and slapped his hands.

"Get up you fool! You like stupid down there like that," I hissed, reaching up and grabbing his jacket to pull him back up. But he was entirely too heavy for me lift.

"I will not get up until you say you forgive me," he muttered, his face faltering as he looked down. I blinked down at him, feeling my face flush bright red when I heard the distinct shout of

"Duke! Get out here and look at this!" from Manna's loud and suddenly very obnoxious voice.

"Tim please get up. Everyone will be coming out to see what she's making a big deal out of," I pleaded, still not wanting to forgive him. I did think he should have to suffer for a bit, no matter how pitiful he looked on his knees. I blushed all the more, the heat in my face becoming downright painful when Tim's hands grabbed my ankles, his head shaking no vigorously. "What the hell is wrong with you? Did you take a pill you found on the clinic floor?" I muttered out, rubbing the back of my head nervously and glancing around to see both of the winery owners outside, as well as an amused looking Cliff. The sound of giggling brought my attention across the field and to the Poultry Farm where Rick and Popuri were on looking as well.

"For Goddess sake get up you stupid man. You are embarrassing me to death," I growled, my closed fist shaking with the sudden urge to bop him on the head.

"Forgive me and I'll get up," he insisted, even going so far as to kneel lower into the dirt.

"Oh good grief. Fine! Just get the hell off the ground!" I demanded loudly, my eyes shutting as I tried to block out the 'aws' and chuckles of the nosiest neighbors in the world.

Gray's POV

I stepped outside, wanting to know what was so damn interesting that Gramps was out in the street for. But when I walked out I wasn't all that thrilled with my discovery. I mean I should have been glad to see Tim nearly belly down in the dirt like the worm I thought he was, but the fact was I knew exactly what he was doing. And when he stood up with a triumphant smile I narrowed my eyes distastefully.

Claire was a pushover when it came to such things. She should have told him to hit the road. I watched passively when Tim brought the small woman into his arms, hugging her tightly and lifting her off the ground some. But I raised a curious eyebrow at Claire's reaction.

He must have said something to her in her ear, because her eyes widened in brief shock before becoming softer and more distant, her arms slowly coming up to hug the man back. After a moment she hugged him all the tighter, burying her head in his shoulder and hiding her face.

But I had already seen that expression that she had held. And I couldn't help but to wonder exactly what he had told her to make her look so damn fragile now. What was it he said that seemed to break down her defenses and show how much she really needed a pillar of strength?

That look on her face hadn't been one of happiness, or even relief. It had seemed that for a brief moment that Claire was thinking of something rather painful for her, and that in itself weakened her defenses.

"Boy…are you alright?" I snapped my head in direction the question came from, my eyes meeting those of my grandfather's. He was looking at me in rare concern, they eyes that seemed to be shared in our family- that dark blue- watching me intensely.

"Why wouldn't I be?" I muttered out, turning away from the scene and going to walk back into the shop. I felt his strong grip on my shoulder, and I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. "What happens between them is none of my business."

"That might be true…but…you still have your feelings about her," he began unsteadily, seemingly having his own inner conflict. I didn't bother trying to hide my surprise, and voiced the words before I thought.

"You mean even you can see it?" I mumbled out, slapping my hand over my face in disbelief. Maybe I really was the numbskull the majority of the town thought I was. Gramps nodded and then gave me a rare smile.

"Boy…you…have to do what you feel is the best. I only hope you don't regret it like I did." That said Gramps disappeared into his room, leaving me to clean up the shop and take my leave when I was ready.

I needed to just let her go, and my feelings as well. I couldn't harbor these feelings and watch her with Tim. It would end up bad for everyone, and chances were that I would just take it out on Claire by snapping at her. I didn't want to fight with her anymore, I didn't want to cause her any stress. I wanted Claire to be happy. And if Tim made her that way, then I would have to accept that.

But I couldn't shake this feeling about what I had seen on her face….

And when I kept seeing it, several times a day when she was with that rat I couldn't stand it. And I damn sure couldn't accept that! It was driving me crazy!

"What the hell can I do to help her?" I growled out, slamming my hand down on Mary's desk, causing the timid woman to jump up.

"Nothing if you can't figure out what is wrong with her," she mumbled, adjusting the glasses that had become slightly askew when she jumped. She sighed and looked at me warily. "You need to calm down so you can think this through. What exactly is it about her that you think she needs help about?"

"Am I the only damn person that can see that look when she's with him? Goddess," I muttered, rubbing my temples and shaking my head. "When they…when they're together he says things…that make her look like she…like she is hurting, you know? Like…like its triggering something in her- reminding her of something else. I know she's a blond, but Claire isn't an airhead, and the way she acts when he does whatever it is he's doing…that is not Claire. That is not the Claire that I know!"

Mary took in the words, a thoughtful look coming over her and she drummed her fingers on the desk. Her forehead creased some as a worried expression came over her, and she bit her bottom lip and nodded her head.

"I know what you're talking about. I've noticed it too, over the past couple weeks. I just thought…I was looking too much into it," she whispered and cradled the side of her head and looked at me. "The question is…what can we do about it?"

"You already said that if we can't figure out what it is that we can't," I grumbled and plopped down in the library chair, despite the disproving look that Mary gave me in return. Some damn Moon Viewing festival this was. The girl I'd even consider going with was going to be going with a guy that I couldn't stand, and wasn't even sure if his intentions toward her were what I thought they were originally. Why would Tim continue to do something…that seemed to bother Claire in a bad way?

"What are we going to do to figure that out? Spy on them?" I grunted, glaring at the ceiling and closing my eyes as a headache began to set in.

"Gray…You're a genius!" Mary squealed, clapping her hands excitedly as she jumped up from behind her desk and grabbed my jacket sleeve, pulling me back to my feet.

"I am? Why?" I asked confusion evident in my voice as she dragged me out the door.

"No time. Come on we've got to go find him."

Rick's POV

I frowned at the three people in front of me, my pointer finger shoving my glasses angrily against my face as I glared at them.

"How should I know anything about stalking?" I muttered out darkly, placing the chicken in hand back into the enclosure. I stiffened when I heard Karen snort at my response.

"Because its all you do every summer for the past several years," she retorted, and I turned to glare at my girlfriend. She looked at me with her piercing green eyes and placed a hand on her hip.

"That isn't stalking. That is spying. There is a difference," I insisted, and felt my ears turning red when Karen laughed at me.

"And what is the difference Rick?"

"Stalking insinuates that I'm obsessed with a person," I said with a matter of fact tone. Karen doubled over in laughter at that point and I rolled my eyes before turning my gaze to the other two.

Gray was standing there, very much confused about what was going on. At least that was what I got when he kept scratching his head and looking back and forth between Karen and myself. Mary looked rather amused as she did the same, but then her large eyes landed on me.

"Rick…we need you to teach us how to spy," she explained, adjusting her glasses as if she was asking about something as causal as the weather. I raised an eyebrow at her curiously.

"And why exactly do you need to know that?"

"Both Gray and I are concerned with how fast Tim and Claire's relationship seems to be moving. I heard rumor from my mother that he has gone so far as to order a blue feather from the supermarket," Mary began to explain, her face becoming slightly worried. I also noticed that Gray evidently didn't know this since his jaw dropped for a moment.

I suppose that was rather fast considering they had only been dating near a season. But those were not the right reasons to be spying on someone. When I spied on Kai and Popuri it had been to protect my sister's virtue.

"That doesn't justify you wanting to spy on them," I began, but was interrupted when Gray stepped forward.

"I'm worried," he blurted out, his eyes shut as he scowled down at the ground. "Recently…Claire has been acting so different, and it's not in a good way. She seems distracted and…to be…thinking about things that bother her. And it's always worse when she leaves Tim's side," he explained quickly and quietly. "I want to know…that he isn't taking advantage of her, or isn't forcing her into things she doesn't want." He looked up, a look of determination on his face. "Claire isn't the type of person to hurt another person's feelings. She'd rather go with the flow than chance hurting anyone. But I don't want her to end up hurting herself…" he trailed off, turning his head away as his eyes closed again. He took a deep breath and then looked at me once more. "I don't know if what Mary has suggested is the best advice. I honestly think Kai has affected her judgment. So please…tell me what you think I should do?"

Those reasons that Gray had listed were more than justifiable, and I couldn't help but to smile at them. I placed my hands behind me and arched my back, feeling it pop before tilting my head to the side.

"You want to protect her," I stated as a question, though he had just admitted to that. The man nodded his head firmly and I returned the gesture. "I'm not sure what to tell you. But I do think it's wise to get a feel for what is going on between the two. However, I am not approving this if you guys go and spy on them," I warned and both Mary and Gray nodded.

"Oh Rick you're such a hypocrite," Karen snickered and I shot a glare at her.

"I'm not proud of what I did to Kai and my sister," I shot back, pinching the bridge of my nose in frustration. How could I love someone who took such blows to my ego? I turned my attention back to Mary and Gray. "There are only two rules. The first is to obtain the information. The second is not to get caught." I stated seriously, despite the fact that Karen was giggling to the side of me.

"And how do you suggest we not get caught?" Mary asked, her eyebrows raising highly and amusement dancing in her magnified eyes.

"I've found bushes to be excellent hiding areas," I muttered out, shaking my head at the whole situation. Here I was giving advice on how to spy on other people. Is this truly what everyone in the village thought of me? If you need to get something done without being seen ask Rick for pointers.

"And how would we know if they were coming to the area this particular bush is in?"

"Well…you go to an area you'll know they'll be in…and tail them until they stay put. Then you find a hiding place," I explained hesitantly, with every word groaning inwardly as I realized exactly how stalker like I sounded.

"We might need you to help us out," Mary finally said, pressing her hands against her pleated skirt and pulling at the hem of it.

"I don't think…" I began warily but felt Karen's iron grip around my neck.

"We'll be glad to walk you through this first one tonight," Karen offered, squeezing me a little tighter around the neck and causing some extreme discomfort. I blinked at her, somewhat confused.

"Aren't we supposed to have a date tonight? Isn't it the Moon Viewing Festival?" I asked skeptically, my glasses sliding down my nose as I looked down at the shorter woman.

"Well…we'll just have to take it to the bushes, wont we?" Karen said with a laugh, slapping me on the back as she let go of my neck. I adjusted my shirt as she stepped forward, explaining the so called plan to Gray and Mary.

"Just met us here at dark. We'll find a place on Mother's Hill to wait for them to come up." Mary nodded and began to lead a reluctant blacksmith away, and as the exited the property I distinctly heard his rough voice saying

"I don't think this is such a good idea…"

Mary's POV

"Look Gray…you don't have to do this if you don't want to," I began, and inwardly rolled my eyes when the man blinked skeptically down at me.

"Is that why were crouching down in the cemetery staking out the freaking clinic?"

"You can leave at anytime," I snapped back, pushing my glasses up my nose. "I'm doing this with or without you. Claire's change in behavior has me worried too, and I'm going to do my best to get to the bottom of it." I heard a sigh come from his form as he leaned against the stone wall that outlined the cemetery.

"Is it wrong of me to want to believe that maybe this is all in our heads? That…that Claire isn't acting odd because of Tim?" I blinked at the man, his hat covering his face as his arms rested on his bent knees.

"What do you mean?"

"Tim told me before…that he loves her. I want to believe…that because of that he wouldn't intentionally hurt her in anyway. I mean…I would never…" he stopped his hands clenching into fists as he took a deep breath. "I have to believe that he will take care of her. If …if he hurts her I don't think I can ever forgive myself."

"Forgive yourself for what?" I asked gently, resting my small hand on his broad shoulder. Gray shook his head, blowing his bangs out from his eyes, though his hat kind of defeated that purpose.

"For just letting him have her. If…if Claire is happy I can let it go…but…if he isn't doing right by her…" I placed a single finger over his lips, hushing him as the clinic door opened and Tim stepped out, a set of earphones on his head as he mumbled to himself inaudibly. I waited for him to get out of sight before I moved my fingers from Gray's mouth, kneeling on both knees in front of him and cupping his face, forcing him to look at me.

"Claire isn't a prize to be won by anyone. You can't let him have her. A woman's heart is something a man earns by his own ambition. If he lies…if he manipulates a woman's heart he can still have her. But…but it won't last Gray. It never does. I'm not saying that I think Tim is doing anything weird. But…Claire just seems to be so conflicted emotionally…and that is why we need to be there for her when everything is said and over."

Gray didn't say anything for a long time, and I sighed and shook my head. Gray wasn't a dense man, but he was slow when it came to emotions. He was no doubt still trying to convince himself that what he felt for Claire was a mix between a crush and friendly concern.

"Gray…put aside all the feelings that you're not sure of, from the entire situation. Don't think about wrong or right, or if you feel they should be together or not. Think about Claire…and just her," he slowly nodded and I couldn't help but to let out a small chuckle. "Now what do you want?"

"I want…" he faltered some, his face becoming somewhat distressed, as if he had a inner revelation. But his eyes met mine, determination shining through his own confusion. "I want to protect her."

"Well then…lets go," I said gently, tugging him to go after Tim. Gray grimaced as he got to his feet, tiredly shaking his head as he mutter under his breath

"I'm still not sure this is a good idea…"

Gray's POV

I had done a lot of things in my life that I considered difficult. I did things that were hard on both body and spirit, and I had persevered. Some things I didn't even want to think about, and just trust me when I search inside myself and I say not a goddamn one compared to how difficult this was for me.

Because it was downright painful to watch her with him.

"Gray we can go at anytime," Mary whispered to me, and then returned her attention to her note book, her small key chain flash light illuminating the words she was writing. I frowned when I realized she was recording my reaction to the situation.

"I don't even know why you decided to drag me over here. If you ask me Kai is rubbing off on you entirely too much," I muttered out, refusing to peak through the foliage anymore. It was wrong, but more so it just really pissed me off. I glared at the loud rustling behind us as Rick and Karen came back into the large covering of bushes.

"What did you do with Ann?" Mary asked, eyebrows furrowed at the couple.

"Ann decided she wanted a better vantage point, and climbed a tree," Karen said with a shrug, grabbing Rick's binoculars and looking out the bush. "They're getting quite cozy."

"It's their business you know. I still don't see why I was dragged up here by you lot," I sulked, crossing my arms over my chest. I smirked when I saw a pine cone was hurled in the direction of the couple, knowing good and well that the closest pine tree was a good twenty feet away. The pine cone in question nearly grazed Tim's head. At least Ann was trying to put some space in between the two.

"I agree with Gray," Rick began, pushing his large glasses up his nose. "What Tim and Claire are doing isn't any of our business…"

"Why don't you just pretend like twelve hands Kai is out there with your sister then," Karen snapped, turning her head to glare at Rick. She then gave Mary an apologetic glance. "I'm using his words Mary, not mine. Sorry to speak ill of him in front of you."

I watched as Mary nodded, not removing her eyes from her small notebook as she simply began to scribble more furiously.

"I wouldn't care if it was Kai out there," Rick began to protest, a little too loudly. Karen turned and slapped her hand over his mouth as she glared at him once again.

"It wouldn't matter if it was Ellen out there with Kai, you would still be spying on him you stalker," she growled out, eyes shutting in annoyance. She carefully removed her hand and Rick glared at her in his own annoyance and dented pride.

"I happen to think these two make a nice couple and…" He trailed off, moving his head to look past Karen. "Oh my…" he mumbled, pointing in the direction of the happily oblivious couple. Perhaps a little too oblivious.

I followed Rick's finger and felt my stomach lurch at the site. I was literally going to be sick. Tim was kissing Claire. I gripped the dirt under me, my fingers digging into it and holding handfuls of it in my frustration. And when they broke apart…well it didn't seem like Tim has satisfied with what had occurred.

"Seems like Kai isn't the only one with twelve hands," Rick mumbled, looking away from the sight and removing his glasses. I closed my eyes and tried to regulate my breathing hands clenching and unclenching in the dirt and trying not to see his hand running down her side.

"Tim…stop it," Claire's voice carried over to us, and my eyes shot open as I moved closer to the front of the bushes. Do it you bastard! Give me one damn reason to come over there and kick your ass!

"Why?" Tim' asked, his half lidded eyes looking down at her in question. He bent forward to kiss her again and her finger rested against her lips.

"Because it's inappropriate," she countered, shaking her head. Sitting up as she crossed her arms over her chest, I was able to see the nervousness in her expression, be it somewhat blocked by the foliage and Tim's stupid big head.

"I told you how I feel," Tim muttered out, somewhat dejectedly as he propped his head up on his elbow.

"I know. But this…this isn't the time or the place. There are other people around you know," Claire began, pulling her knees up as well and resting her chin on them. I could tell from her posture that she was uncomfortable now.

"Claire…everyone is at the peak of the mountain," he said, his large hand reaching over and grabbing her small one. I bit the inside of my cheek hard, moving to a squatting position. Like she even needed an explanation to give him. She said no and that sure as hell would have been enough for me- and it damn sure should have been enough for Tim.

I prayed to the Goddess for patience. Because I was fairly sure if I lost my temper and came storming out of this bush that my intrusion would not be welcomed- even it was to save the woman from what suddenly appeared to be a giant octopus. She would probably think I was really a crazy stalker. I mean look at me…hiding in a bush watching them.

"Does it really matter? I asked you to stop, and as a gentleman you should have enough control to do it," she finally snapped, looking away from him and pushing his hand off from hers.

"Oh for Goddess sake," he muttered, sitting up and clearly annoyed, as I glared at the woman. "You're over reacting to a little kissing you know? You're fixing to be twenty- three years old. And you should be able to let your boyfriend kiss you," he ranted, his pride damaged. "It's not like you're an innocent young girl," he was staring at her when her head snapped in his direction. From this point I could see Claire's face clearly, and my chest constricted at that look. He stopped suddenly, his mouth opening slightly.

Because judging from that expression the good doctor had hit the nail on the head.

"Oh…I'm…I'm sorry…" he muttered, looking away from her as his face turned a heated red. Claire remained silent, and stared straight ahead. "I didn't mean…to offend…I just…thought you…didn't want me to."

"I don't," she snapped suddenly, hiding her face in her arms and sighing. "And that is exactly why. I grew up with seven other boys around me constantly, and I know what kissing leads to," she hissed out, huffing out as she ended her statement. There was a long awkward silence between the two, and I couldn't help but to close my eyes and stop looking at them.

The more I learned about Claire as a person, as an individual, the deeper I got. And the stronger these feelings became the more this need to be there for her-with grew inside me. I wanted to protect her.

And in this moment I wanted to protect her from that man she was with more than anything else in the world. He had no business being with her, trying to taint her when she clearly didn't want it. Claire might be a strong woman, and she was certainly stubborn as hell, but she had evidently been protected most of her life by her brothers.

I wonder what exactly changed that. Why would she leave that…to come here?

I looked at the ground beneath me, thinking it over for a long time. It wasn't to long after I stopped watching them that Tim and Claire packed their belongings and headed down the mountain. And yet I remained in my place, knuckles pressing against the ground and popping when I finally decided to move, my body shifting towards Mary.

"Mary…I want you…to tell me everything you know about Claire," I said firmly, my eyes pleading with hers.


Thanks for reading. Don't forget to leave some feedback. See you guys next update! - Jean Cooper