When the last notes died, they were both breathing quite harshly, still staring at each other, neither of them able to speak. Then String looked up, his attention drawn to something else, and the spell was broken.

"We've got visitors," he told her, his voice hoarse and subdued. "Archangel no doubt."

That was another creepy skill she found difficult to get used to. His absolute pitch and acute hearing. Though her playing technique was far more developed, Liona had a feeling that was only because she'd had years and years of practicing in her favor. String was a natural.

Reluctantly Liona put the violin back in its case and String returned the cello to its stand.

Soon the door to the cabin opened and it was indeed Michael – as always impeccably dressed in white – followed by Marella, who stepped inside.

One look at the both of them and Michael rolled his eyes, though his left one was obscured by the black shield. "Well, this is not exactly going as well as I'd hoped. Liona, I won't force you to stay here any longer. Damn, but you can cut the tension in here with a knife, Hawke!"

Oh, there was tension all right… and though it was clear that Archangel laid the blame at String's door, Liona was pretty sure the tension that still hung between them was of a different kind than Michael suspected.

"Look, you did a great job taking out Dumaine's men and I'm more than grateful that you managed to get to her in time. Fortunate thing you were flying-" He clamped his mouth shut.

"She knows about Airwolf, Archangel. I took her back with it."

"You what?!"

The outburst made Liona shrink back. Airwolf… So that big flying gunship had a name! And Archangel? A code name perhaps?

"I took her back with it."

"That was a rhetorical… Oh, never mind! Couldn't you have flown the Wolf back to its Lair and pick her up like a normal human being?"

"If I'd done that, she'd be dead by now. Dumaine had a man on the ground as well. He had someone posing as a FIRM agent and in place before you did."

"Damn, he had things well planned in advance. All he had to do was wait for an opportunity. Which you gave him, Hawke."

Liona had to flinch herself at the cold glare String gave Michael. He, however, didn't seem the least bit perturbed. "Is there anything you can tell us," he asked, directing his words to her, "about why Dumaine would go through this much trouble? Even he should understand we'd never allow you to fall back into his hands again. So, why would he want you dead?"

Feeling a bit woozy, Liona let herself sink into one of the chairs near the fireplace. "I was trained and educated in a very specific direction," she said with a quiet voice. "Once I reached the level of expertise he wanted, he made me…" – she released a shaky breath – "he made me write a computer program. A program that, once installed on any computer or server, would give him access. A backdoor if you will. He forced my dad to get access to various projects so he could install the program and activate it."

Michael released a troubled sigh. "Good God. No wonder Dumaine managed to become numero uno. Since he wants you either back or dead, I take it that…"

"I made sure that whatever information he received, was compressed and encrypted. I'm the only one who can give him actual access to the files my program extracts from other computers. With me gone… all the new data packages he receives are useless to him."

She bit her lip when Michael subjected her to a scrutinizing look and she inched back into her seat when the slow taps of his cane against the wooden floor came closer, until they stopped right in front of her. When she looked up, she found Michael staring down at her with a sphinxlike expression.

"That only explains why he would try anything to get you back into his claws. Why would he want you dead, Liona?"

Swallowing past the lump in her throat, Liona kept her eyes on his. "Because he knows that my program also gives me access to his computers and he has no way of locking me out. Not if he wants to keep all of his data."

Michael whistled through his teeth. "Because of you, all the information he worked so hard to get, even killed for… he could lose all of it? You could destroy it?"

"Yes."

When String subjected her to a scrutinizing look, Liona felt like cringing back. "The night we pulled you from that cell," he said slowly, "he found out, didn't he? Is that why we found you battered and bruised?"

"Yes. For a moment I really believed I'd made him angry enough to kill me. At first he satisfied most of his wrath on me, then he made it very clear I would not have a moments peace if I didn't undo what I'd done."

"Nicholas Dumaine rose to power very quickly and was able to remain number one because of all the information he had at his fingertips." Marella joined in. "Other warlords were too afraid to do something directly against him, out of fear of finding out exactly how powerful he is, and get destroyed themselves in the process. If, however, word would get out Dumaine has lost his upper hand… no more access to powerful technology that can be used against them…"

"It would be seen as a weakness." Michael nodded his head at Marella. "His competitors might start to think perhaps he's not so powerful after all. Maybe even want to test it out. Hunting season would be open."

"Combine that with the fact that Liona, in theory, could destroy the data he does have… Sir, what do you think would happen if we were to leak that information?"

"Dumaine would be a dead man walking. Liona, is there a way you could… get to the information without destroying it?"

Of course. She should have seen this coming. The true reason she was rescued. Was that what String was really after too? Had the plan been to seduce her so she would gladly allow herself to be used for her skills again?

Just when she wanted to lash out at Michael, String crouched down beside her and covered her hand with his. "If she could," he said, answering Michael while locking eyes with her, "she wouldn't do it. She gets access, that information is gone."

Relief flooded through her. Whatever Michael had planned for her, at least String was not in on it.

There was a moment of uncomfortable silence, until Michael sighed and agreed. "It would be a pity," he admitted, "but I understand. I won't force you to do anything you don't want to do. You're safe, Liona, you can be assure of that. In fact…" – Michael turned his gaze to String – "given that String requested your immediate relocation, Marella managed to find you a different place to stay. It's not far, you won't have to travel with a commercial flight and-"

"She's not goin' anywhere," String interjected as he jumped from his crouched position, his voice gaining a steely quality.

"Now, wait a minute, Hawke! Don't you think it's up to the lady in question to decide whether she stays or not?"

"She's not goin' anywhere," String stated again, "but you can ask her yourself if it's that important to you."

It was absolutely baffling to see how easily String could transform from roguishly charming to intimidating and angry. She was just glad that this time his contempt was not directed at her.

"Liona," Marella addressed her with a calming, soothing voice, "you don't have to stay here if you don't want to. During the time between you leaving and returning, I was able to find a very suitable and safe alternative. All you have to do is say the word."

Even with all the misery and heartache he'd already caused her and owned up to, String had shown her how different he could be as well. And, now that she'd gotten a small taste of that, she craved more, even at the risk of her heart breaking yet again.

Then there was the fact she'd simply fallen in love with the raw beauty of this place. Most importantly, she felt safe here, where she knew String would not allow anyone to use her again. Plus, he had an original Stradivarius violin in his possession. That had to count for something!

"It's okay, Marella. We just got off on the wrong foot."

Though String had been adamant she'd not go anywhere, now that she said confirmed this herself, Liona could see him lose some of the tension in his posture.

"The wrong foot?" Marella looked as incredulous as she sounded. "More like the wrong entire leg!"

That made String glare again.

"I don't think I could go anywhere without feeling as safe as I do here. This place sits between two mountains and a lake! And I think leaving Tet behind would break my heart."

The slight tug at the corner of String's mouth didn't go entirely unnoticed.

"Even if that means you have to contend with Mr. Congeniality over there?"

Liona couldn't prevent a light chuckle. How could she tell Marella that String could be much more than just congenial with her? That, when he wasn't acting like a total ass, his kisses made her feel alive?

"He has a Stradivarius," Liona suddenly blurted out, embarrassed about where her own thoughts had taken her.

That very effectively shut up both Michael and Marella. They merely stood there, blinking at her, while String – oh, he could be so annoying when he wasn't trying his best at being charming! – had the audacity to laugh.

"We already knew that, Liona." Michael scratched at a spot underneath his hat. "It's been here all the time. I've even heard him play it."

"I don't think she means the cello, Michael," String added with a grin. He seemed much more relaxed now that he knew she wasn't going anywhere.

"Well, what other Stradivarius is there?"

"I eh, I have a Stradivarius violin. I tucked it away because I don't play. She does."

Marella gave Liona a curious look. "You do?"

String answered before she could. "Better than I play cello."

Michael's eyes – eye – grew imperceptibly rounder and he slowly looked between her and String.
"She does, does she?" He then focused his attention on Liona. "So, you are sure you want to stay here then?"

Liona quickly nodded her head at him.

"Very well, I have one condition. I'm staying here for the night. I want to make sure things are, eh, resolved between you two and there's no chance of me receiving another angry call demanding her, and I quote, 'to be picked up and dropped off anywhere else but here'."

The comment made Liona feel quite uncomfortable and she shot String a nervous look, but she couldn't read his face at all.

"Same deal as before," String muttered darkly, "blankets are in the window boxes. You know how cold it can get at dawn."

"Yes, I do believe we've traveled down that road before."

Liona noticed a brief flash of pain cross String's features but it was gone with a blink.

"Also, and this really is a deal-breaker…"

String's clenched his fists and for a moment Liona was afraid he'd actually take swing at Michael. Until Michael gave him a wry smile and said, "I want to hear first hand if she really can outplay you."

"You gotta ask her," String replied gruffly.

"Wh-what would you want me to play?" She hated how timid she sounded but she was a bit nervous to show such an intimate side of herself.

"Perhaps somethin' other than 'Kashmir'," String muttered under his breath and he gave her such a knowing look that Liona broke out in a sweat. He gave her a lopsided grin when he retrieved his cello. "How about Beethoven's 7th, Allegretto?"

Liona turned at him in surprise. "I'm not sure I know that one."

"We managed before."

She knew he was testing her again. Well, if he was up for it, so was she! Liona nodded at him and took the violin out of its case again.

Marella and Michael shared a brief look that Liona could not interpret. She ignored it and nodded at String that he could begin. She recognized the music piece the moment the first somber, deep notes of Beethoven's 7th started drifting towards her. She closed her eyes, simply mesmerized at the breathtaking sound. Soon she joined him with the melody, as mysterious and melancholy as she remembered. It should surprise her how easy it was to establish the melody with String, without practice, without the sheet music, but it didn't. They were creating their own version merely by listening, following when needed and leading when needed. It was as exhilarating as during their rendition of 'Kashmir' but this time it felt more ethereal.

String challenged her with every stroke of the bow. The deep chords of his cello reverberated through her body and she forced herself to keep up with him, to let the higher notes rise and soar, taking her with them. It felt like her entire being was dissolving, like she was flying, like String was caressing her with the music… all at the same time.

In her mind she could hear an entire orchestra, with drums pushing her to a climax.

The high notes exploded from the Strad, as if a tuning fork had struck on a star, creating something wild, explosive and dangerous. At some point she swore she actually lifted off, leaving String and his cello behind.

When she drifted down from a cloud with the last dulcet notes, Liona opened her eyes and found String smiling up at her, his hand that held the bow resting idly on his knee, his other hand on the body of the cello. She realized that the last part she'd been flying – playing – solo.

She blinked her eyes and she turned her head to look at Michael and Marella. Michael was looking at her with an awe-stricken face, while Marella had a hand clasped over her heart. No one said a word and String seemed to be the only one who was perfectly at ease.

"You're right, Hawke," – Michael finally broke the silence – "she outclasses you so much it's not even funny anymore."

Liona stared open mouthed at him, wondering how String would take such an insult. However, String did not seem to be insulted at all. He merely grinned and said, "Told you so."

\A/

What followed was actually a very pleasant day and Liona discovered that, even though Stringfellow Hawke could really be a hothead and his temper flared easily, he could be equally charming as well. Meaning his cold attitude before really had been a front to keep her at arm's length.

All through the day, Liona could also sense that Michael subjected her and Hawke to a close scrutiny, to see how they behaved around each other, trying to determine if there was any trace of hostility left unresolved. She did her best to ignore it but the truth was, it only made her feel anxious.

She and Marella were engaged in conversation several times and Liona really liked her. There was a no-nonsense streak about her, though Liona detected traces of a wicked sense of humor as well.

When dinner time arrived, Liona had such a miserable look on her face when she saw the dishes once again were only vegetable based, that the others started to laugh. Then String surprised her by placing a juicy looking piece of meat in front of her.

The warm look in his eyes caught her off guard and she could actually feel her heart skipping a beat or two. His eyes widened a bit when he grinned at her and he gave her a wink.

The pleasant mood of camaraderie soured a little when Liona asked what kind of meat it was.

Three pairs of utensils stopped clattering against their respective plates and Liona could see the uncomfortable looks that passed between Michael and Marella. It was String who finally answered her calmly that he'd served her pork tenderloin and then kindly asked her if she liked it.

"Oh yes! It's really delicious!" Liona stopped when she realized how eager she sounded but String promptly promised her that he would make sure she'd get it more often.

After dinner – it was slowly getting dark – String, Michael en Marella were starting to talk business and Liona decided she had nothing to do with what was being discussed. She quickly excused herself and went outside, Tet following right behind her. Outside on the porch, first thing she did was to treat him to a nice scratch behind his ears.

The area behind the cabin had a gentle slope downward, then a bit more steep, until the path disappeared into a woodsy area right underneath the foot of the mountain and then leading up. Though she had traveled well past the deer blind, there was so much ground left to discover! She could very well imagine wandering there for hours and hours with the right gear.

Maybe she could persuade String to lead her deeper into the area.

Speaking of whom… Liona turned around when she heard him call out for her. There was an edge to his voice that put her on guard. Sure enough, when she saw him appearing from behind an outcrop, his usual black scowl was back in place. Now knowing that his look could be darker than his actual mood, Liona decided to wait for what he had to say, instead of instantly becoming defensive.

"You didn't answer when I called you." The scowl was still in place and he sounded a bit angry.

Still, Liona decided to test the waters first, so to speak. "I didn't hear you."

"You shouldn't venture too far on your own. You could get hurt."

And the waters were lukewarm. She smiled at him. "I know. I was careful and I wasn't exactly planning an exploration expedition anyway. Not without you to guide me."

That tiny muscle was ticking in his cheek again and he suddenly seemed less sure of himself. "Good."

When that was his only response for some time, Liona decided to remind him he'd been looking for her before he became hot and bothered at her again. "Was there a particular reason you called for me?"

"No. You were just… gone for some time."

"I guess I lost track of time. Something that can happen very easily, I think, in a place as beautiful and pure as this."

That brought forth a tiny smile. "Yeah," he agreed. String then took a step closer to her though he gazed into the distance. When he finally looked back down at her, Liona discovered his face was closer to hers than she'd expected.

Her breath caught in her throat, yet String seemed to think nothing of their close proximity. The waters were rapidly heating up.

"I hadn't expected Archangel to insist on stayin'," he finally said.

Okay… She had no idea where he was going with that.

"If it's too awkward for you, I can arrange somethin' else."

"I'm not sure I get what you mean," she admitted.

"Where you sleep. Where we sleep."

Oh…

Liona didn't know how to reply to that. All she could think of was him standing so close to her that he'd only need to bend his head just so to…

A tiny gasp escaped from her lips when she felt his hands, fingers, lightly trace over her arms. When his hands reached hers he pulled her slightly forward so she stood flush against him. The air became thinner somehow.

She lamely stood there, looking up at him when his hand traveled up and his fingers lightly grazed the skin on her cheek as the moon up above bathed them in soft beams of light. He slightly bent his head and then his lips lightly pressed on hers. It was a soft kiss, very sweet, almost hesitant in the way he shifted one kiss into multiple feathery light brushes of his lips against hers.

He pulled back briefly and after a single look into her eyes he dipped forward again, only to stop a hairbreadth away. When he pulled back he released an annoyed sigh. His face was troubled with a scowl again. "I guess not even a cabin in the mountains is a guarantee for some privacy. We've got company. Again."

String walked away with that scowl still on his face, giving Marella a withering glare when he walked past her. Liona bit her lip to keep from smiling. Marella gracefully approached her, the skirt of her white dress gently flowing around her legs. Liona couldn't help but wonder if Marella didn't feel cold with such a flimsy dress.

"I'm used to it," Marella said with a chuckle, "Sorry, I could see the question in your eyes. What put him in such a poor mood?" The woman nodded her head in the direction of the cabin. Then her eyes darkened considerably. "He wasn't giving you a hard time again, was he?"

Her conclusion was so far off the mark that Liona had to stifle a laugh. She shook her head in merriment. "No, he was not giving me a hard time again at all."

Marella gave her a scrutinizing but appeared to accept Liona's reassurance. "Then you really are getting along better?"

That's certainly one way of putting it, Liona thought to herself.

"Don't forget," Marella continued, "only yesterday Mr. Hawke was all but ready to throw you out of the cabin."

How could she forget? String had really been particularly nasty that morning. And his cruel words were still fresh in her mind.

Still, he had already shown her how different he could be.

"I know," Liona replied carefully, "but Dom explained some things to me. About him, his past. Things you, I think, know as well."

Marella released a deep breath. "You mean the curse String believes God has bestowed upon him?"

"Yes. Dom told me that after String lost his parents and his girlfriend he started to believe that the people he cared for most were destined to meet a tragic end. And, when St. John went MIA… that just affirmed his beliefs more, so he started keeping people at arm's length and he retreated further from society."

With every word, Marella's brows arched higher. "Well, if you already know all of that."

Liona pressed on, because Marella was still not getting the point. "There was a time that Gabrielle replaced you. And String told me he wasn't very nice to her at first either…"

"Not at first, no. It wasn't until Michael explained Gabrielle that String uses contempt as a-" Marella abruptly went silent and her dark eyes grew larger. "You know about his defense mechanism. How he uses contempt to keep people at arms length. Then you also know… he likes you."

"Yes. He wants me to stay."

"That much is obvious, but, you do realize what he'll be expecting if you… stay?"

Liona gave her a wry smile. "He made that quite clear, yes."

Marcella blinked at her and her lower lip dropped just a fraction. "And you still want to stay?"

"I… Yes."

A cool breeze nipped at them both and they both started to move back to the cabin were they'd find comfort and warmth.

"Look, Liona… I won't say I'm not rooting for him, because I am. After everything he's been through, he deserves some peace and… happiness. But," – Marella stopped right in front of the cabin – "he's a complicated man who still struggles with a lot of demons."

When Liona put her hand on the door handle she was stopped by Marella who quickly placed a hand on her arm.

"He's the first man you've dealt with after your rescue. There are other men who can be very nice, attractive and who are far less complicated than him. Are you really sure you don't want to explore other options first?" Marella whispered. "Because if you decide at some point he's not for you after all… I don't want to see him get hurt. Either of you."

The faces of a hundred different men, Dumaine's men, started to dance in front of her. Creepy lechers, the lot of them and some of them had been very handsome. And they all had their black hearts in common.

"I've had my fair share of encounters with other men. And String is not like any one of them. If he was… I would not be standing here."

"He's a good guy," Marella was eager to admit. "In fact, I think he's a great guy. I'm just not sure he's great relationship material."

"Then I couldn't be in better company because I'm not really sure I'm great relationship material either."

At that Marella finally relaxed and gave her a smile. "I guess I get what you mean. Just, promise me you won't let him overwhelm you? I know how intense he can be."

Bit too late for that, she thought. And, to be perfectly honest, she hadn't minded being overwhelmed by him. It was merely the aftermath that had been very unpleasant.