A/N: Hey guys here is the latest update for Into the Woods! As you probably already can tell this is a much lighter fanfic than my 'Live For The Moment' fanfic. Sometimes I like reading stories that follow the buildup of the relationship between Jeff and Trish. In saying that though, I can guarantee Jason and Candice will bring some much loved drama into the story and I still aint quite sure where I want this story to go, so it could change along the way. Anyway, hope you enjoy the latest update. Please continue to follow, review and let me know what you think about the story so far. I know that this may not be a fan favorite for everyone, but sometimes writers need a change up to keep their creative juices flowing. Anyway, enough blabbing. Enjoy chapter four and as always...happy reading =)

Chapter Four

A couple of days had passed and everyone seemed to have settled into their new environment well. Though there was still tension amongst the group, everyone still went about their day choosing to avoid the elephant in the room.

Trish had woken up early one morning and although she tried, she couldn't get back to sleep. Even though she had managed to remain in the house for the last couple of days, she found it exhausting trying to avoid Jason and Candice every time they would set foot in the room she occupied. Each time that Candice and Jason would enter the room that Trish was in, Trish simply smiled and walked out and searched for another place in the cabin to occupy. She was thankful that the cabin was big enough for her to find a place of her own each time. But it was taking a toll on her, she felt she couldn't be comfortable. She always felt on edge, always expecting them to walk in and having to stop what she was doing each time and remove herself from the situation just to keep the peace. She didn't know whether she would be able to keep this up for two weeks. Sure, she was here to tackle and confront her demons, but it was a lot harder than she thought it was going to be. Even with the support of her friends, she still found it difficult to be in the same room as her ex and his new girlfriend. Being under the same roof was a big step in itself, being in the same room, now that was the next step.

She decided that maybe a walk would do her mind some good and help clear her head. It was dawn and the sun was slowly lighting up the sky as it's rays of light peaked through the trees. Once outside, Trish took a moment to feel the cool breeze across her skin, it was such a refreshing feeling, the cool sensation causing her to wrap her arms around herself as she felt it's chill.

"Heading somewhere?" Came a soft southern voice.

Trish jerked in surprised.

"Jesus Jeff! You scared me half to death." Trish stuttered, her hand placed over her heart in attempts to calm her racing heartbeat.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to startle you."

"What are you doing up so early?" Trish asked as she took a seat next to Jeff.

"Adam. The dude snores as loud as a hurricane. No wonder he doesn't have a girlfriend." Jeff teased causing Trish to giggle slightly.

"Yeah, I should have warned you about that. Everyone hates rooming with him because of it." Trish admitted.

"Gee thanks. Could have used the information earlier." Jeff replied causing Trish to giggle once again.

"Do you play?" Trish asked pointing to the acoustic guitar in his hands.

"Not very well, but I can play a tune or too." Jeff replied modestly. "So where were you off too?"

"Nowhere in particular. Just thought I would take a walk to clear my head. We have been here for a couple of days and are yet to venture off into these woods."

"That is true. Well I wouldn't be a gentleman if I didn't accompany a lady into the woods." Jeff said placing his guitar on the ground and leaning it's neck up on the wall. "If you don't mind having company that is" he added.

Trish couldn't help but smile. "Sure. I'd like that. Besides I wouldn't want to run into a big bad wolf." She joked.

"Oh I wouldn't stress, I heard they like to dress up as grandmas and eat baskets of goodies." Jeff replied referencing the story of 'Little Red Riding Hood'. This caused the two of them to laugh as they stood and walked down the steps of the porch and made their way into the woods.

"As isolated as we are, this place is absolutely beautiful" Trish said as she looked up into the evergreen tree tops which were lit up by the rays of the morning sun.

"It is amazing. This is what it's like back home…on my dad's property. He has hundreds of acres and we have trees that go on and on which eventually opens up to a big lake. I guess that's why I feel so at home here." Jeff replied as he also took in the scenery.

"It's funny, I feel more comfortable here, than I do in that big cabin." She confessed as she walked along side Jeff. The sounds of the fallen leaves crunching under the feet echoing as they walked along.

"I noticed that you leave the room every time Jay and Candice enter it. You shouldn't have to do that. It's not fair, this is your vacation too."

"I know. It's just easier that way. Everyone just knows the whole story between Jay and I and I can tell that everyone glances over at me every time they step foot into the room, worried about me and contemplating whether they should stop what they are doing and come over to comfort me or protect me. I feel so fragile that way and there's no way I can become stronger if I'm treated like I'm going to break each time. It's just easy for me to hold my head up high, smile and walk away." She answered truthfully.

"I don't know your story." Jeff replied. "You could always come and sit with me. I promise, I don't bite."

This caused Trish to smile. He was right, he didn't know her story. He never looked at her the way everyone else in the house did. He just simply made her feel like a normal person, rather than something that could shatter at any moment.

"Noted" Trish smiled back. As they continued their walk, Trish found herself glancing every now and then at the blue haired man beside her. He was just so intriguing – in a good way.

"I have to ask." Trish eventually said. "The hair" she continued at she pointed to the obvious.

Smiling a small smile, Jeff adjusted his bandana.

"I don't know. I guess it's just a way of expressing myself. I'm always trying to find new and different ways to express myself. I don't want to be like everyone else. I want to be different. I want to be the one that people talk about like "remember that guy that had the blue hair?" Good or bad, at least they remember me." He answered.

She looked at Jeff with a genuine smile. His way of thinking and the way he approached life was refreshing. She had never met anyone quite like him but she was glad that their paths crossed because she was really enjoying his company.

"Well I think that's a great approach to life and I think the blue hair suits you." She complimented.

Jeff smiled back, grateful for her comments. He noticed what a beautiful smile she had. It was a shame that she didn't feel comfortable enough in the house to be able to smile more.

"I'd like to see more of that around the house." Jeff said pointing at her face. Unsure what he was pointing at, Trish gave him a puzzled look. "Your smile. I think you have a beautiful smile. I'd like to see you smiling more." He continued.

Trish felt her cheeks heat up and looked away towards the ground, trying to conceal her growing smile. "I'll try" she said softly, smiling to herself.

They soon came across a large lake with the perfect mixture of green and blue shades glistening in the morning sunlight with the reflection of the trees in the water making it so scenic. A group of ducks waddled from the bank of the lake and into the water, gliding across so effortlessly. It was so peaceful. Even the ducks weren't making a sound. A small dock ran across one side of the lake, whilst a gigantic tree branched out from the bank and hung above the water.

"Wow!" Trish's gasped in awe. "This is stunning."

"Just like home." Jeff added, taking in the scene.

"To be perfectly honest, I would be perfectly comfortable camping out here, rather than in the cabin. It's just so tranquil here." Trish confessed. "And that says a lot, because I really don't like camping." This caused Jeff to chuckle.

"I'm sorry, but I couldn't picture you camping." He smirked.

"Hey. I'll have you know that I was an excellent girl scout." Trish teased before they burst out in laughter. "Yeah right. I wouldn't even know how to pitch a tent to save my life."

"Trust me, camping can be fun. Perhaps I'll have to show you one day." Jeff suggested.

"I'd like that." Trish smiled her cheeks unknowingly turning a rosy colour.

The two of them stood side by side on the bank of the lake, watching as the shadows that encircled the lake started to slowly disappear as the sun began to rise higher into the morning sky. A light cold breeze blew past them, causing goose bumps to form on Trish's skin. Of course in her spontaneous decision to go for a walk to clear her head, she had forgotten to dress appropriately. Instead, she was still in her oversize t shirt that she liked to wear to bed and her short shorts, which were only bedtime appropriate. Her slight shiver from the chill of the breeze didn't go unnoticed by Jeff. He, unlike Trish, anticipated a cool morning and had thrown on a hoodie before he headed outside to the porch.

"Here." He said as he unzipped his hoodie and held it out for Trish to put on.

She looked at him, surprised by his kind gesture. She wasn't use to things like that. In their six month relationship, Jason never paid attention to her needs, but rather worried about fulfilling his needs first.

"Thank you." She replied slipping her arms into the sleeves of his hoodie before zipping it closed. The hoodie was oversized for her petite figure, and her hands were completely covered by how long the sleeves were on her, but it was cozy and warm. Without even thinking she brought the sleeves to her nose and inhaled, smelling his intoxicating, masculine scent. She used to do the same when she was together with Jason, getting much enjoyment wearing his t-shirts or hoodies to bed at night and having his scent close to her.

"I'm sorry. I did have a shower when I woke up." Jeff apologized.

"Huh? Oh my goodness no." Trish replied a little embarrassed. "I'm so sorry. I use to wear Jason's clothes all the time and I would always smell his scent, it was comforting. I guess it has just become a habit."

"Well sorry if it doesn't smell like how Jay's clothes use to smell."

"Actually. It smells ten times better. Sexy and comforting at the same time to be perfectly honest." Trish replied so carefree before her eyes widened at the realisation of what she had just said. "Oh my God, I…I…" Trish stuttered, struggling to get any words out.

"It's okay, I'll take it as a compliment." Jeff laughed off, noticing how red Trish's cheeks became. "I'm glad to know that I smell ten times better than Jay." Jeff teased.

Trish let out a small laugh to herself, choosing not to say anything in case she embarrassed herself any further.

"How did you describe it again…sexy and comforting?" Jeff continued to tease, resulting in a playful whack across the chest from Trish.

"Okay, you've had your fun." Trish said as she laughed along with him. She hadn't smiled, giggled and laughed in a long time as much as she was doing now. It felt good. She felt as if her heavy heart was a little lighter. Like a little weight had been lifted from the burden she carried. She didn't want to get her hopes up, but she was happy that she had chosen to stay.

After they had composed themselves, Trish and Jeff took one last look at the picturesque scene in front of them.

"We should all come here for a swim later today." Jeff suggested. "I reckon we could have a lot of fun." Trish didn't reply, she just stared out at the water. She would love to have a great time with her friends swimming in the lake, but she still had Jason and Candice to worry about. Jeff noticed her silence and took a look over his shoulder. "We should head back, I can just imagine Matt freaking out if he can't find me." Jeff suggested.

"Yeah, Amy is the exact same."

The two made their way back through the woods back towards the cabin.

When they approached the front door, they could hear Matt's voice yelling from inside the cabin.

"Where the hell could he have gone! This is the fucking woods we're talking about! There could be bears, wolves….or worse! Jeff! Jeff! Jeffrey Nero Hardy!" he yelled.

"Oh that's bad. When he uses my full name, that means he is beyond angry." Jeff informed Trish cringing his face a little as he rubbed the back of his neck, contemplating not walking through that door.

Trish let out a small giggle as she placed a hand on his shoulder. "It's okay, I can work a little magic with Matthew. He has a little soft spot for me because his girlfriend is my best friend" she reassured.

Just then the front door opened and there stood an irate Matt Hardy, staring from his younger brother to the petite blonde and then back to his brother.

"Where the hell have you been?" Matt yelled. "I have been worried sick about you!"

"Relax, we just went for a walk." Jeff replied, showing no signs of being bothered by his brother's anger.

Matt was about to unleash his wrath even further but then paused for a moment. "You…and Trish? You two? Went for a walk? Together?"

"Yeah and…what's the big deal? We just went for a walk. We're back now and perfectly safe, can you relax now?"

Matt shot a glance over his shoulder and looked at his red-haired girlfriend who was standing further in the entrance of the cabin with her hands on her hips. Amy didn't say anything, all she did was take one look at her boyfriend, then a quick glance at the blonde and blue hair beings standing in the doorway before smiling to herself and walking off into the kitchen.

Matt turned to his brother and looked him up and down to make sure that he actually okay before turning to Trish and giving her a once over as well.

"Nice hoodie" he said before turning and following Amy into the kitchen.

Trish and Jeff exchanged confused glances at one another, unsure of what happened before they made their way inside closing the door behind them.

"So…uhh…where was the so called back up?" Jeff teased.

"I froze, I'm sorry, I've never seen him that mad before."

"Remind me never to commit a crime with you. You would make a terrible accomplice."

Trish gasped mockingly, offended by his statement which just simply made Jeff laugh.

The two followed their friends making their way to the kitchen as they tried to contain themselves from bursting out in laughter.

-End of Chapter-