Complicated
by Katie
Disclaimer: The usual. Poor Joshua and co. belong to Tribune *hiss*, while Kara belongs to herself. The third in this little series, once again at Kathryn's request. *grin*

* * *

The bar was smokey and loud, as bars are wont to be. A tall, attractive young African American stood on the stage, singing all the latest hits with the voice of a siren.

Sitting at the bar were a young man and a young woman. Men passing by looked at the woman appreciatively, her long brown hair framing a plain but attractive face. None tried to pick her up, as a ring glittering on her right hand said she was already taken. And the glares the young man sent the men who whistled at her told all who she belonged to.

Joshua, Kara's voice was mildly dissaproving, lighten up. They are not doing anything inappropriate.

They're looking at you, Joshua replied sullenly. Kara sighed.

Wow, the worst of all the cardinal sins, she said sarcastically. Why don't you just lock me up in a tower in the middle of nowhere, and have me grow my hair out? Then you won't have to worry about anyone seeing me. Kathryn, oh Kathryn, let down your hair so I can climb the mahagony stair. Her voice had gotten sharper with each word, and she paused for a moment to get it under control. Josh, however much I love the fact that you love me enough to be possessive, chill a bit. Don't you trust me?

Of course I do! Joshua protested.

Then trust me enough to believe I know how far is too far.

Joshua sighed, wanting but unable to protest. Kara was right, but that didn't mean he had to like it.

The tense silence that had settled between them was broken by the arrival of the singer. She smiled as she approached them.

Joshua and Kathryn Jinn? she asked. They nodded. I'm Jeanine Carter. Katie sent me here to get you. She would've come herself, but she's still setting up your bank account and arguing with your future employer.

I thought Renee took care of the bank account. Joshua said.

She did, Jeanine replied, but Katie wants to clean your escape of anything Renee. In case Renee's discovered, you won't be caught as well, and if you're caught, Renee won't be implicated. Protection for all parties. She laughed. God, I've been spending too much time with Katie. Anyway, I'll take you to her place when my shift is over.

You have a lovely voice, Kara said.

Thanks! Jeanine said with a smile. There's nothing I love more than a good ego stroke. With a friendly wave Jeanine returned to the stage, and Joshua ordered another round of drinks.

They sat in silence, enjoying Jeanine's show.

Hey babe, an unfamiliar voice crooned. A handsome young man slid into the seat neat to Kara's, and put an arm around her shoulder. Wanna dance?

Not with you, Kara replied candidly.

Not even somewhere more...private?

Kara flashed her ring at him.

I'm a married woman, slimeball, she said. Slither over to someone else.

This snake is happy right where he is.

Joshua abruptly stood and faced the creep.

What's your name? he asked.

George Hamwick.

Okay, George Hamwick, since you seem to have a skull thicker than Hamwick is wide, here's a message for your brain. Joshua punched Hamwick's eye, causing his head to whip backwards with the force. Bug off.

Hamwick stood, cradling his eye, and looking dangerous.

Make me.

Joshua was just about to level another punch when Kara grabbed his arm.

Jeanine's leaving the stage, she said softly. Let's go.

As they walked by a jukebox, Joshua put a quarter in, and shot Hamwick a dangerous look at Billy Gilman's She's My Girl began to play.

* * *

They met Jeanine outside in the parking lot.

You wanted to start a brawl or something? she asked Joshua rhetorically. C'mon, Katie's place is a short walk from here.

They walked to Katie's apartment in silence. The short, chubby young brunette pushed her glasses back up on her nose, and greeted the threesome happily.

It's all settled, Katie said with a contented look. You've both got your own accounts, as well as a joint one. As J. Street's the one who really made your identities, there's no reason to worry about them. You both are covered.

Where're we living? Joshua asked.

Covington, Kentucky, Katie replied, grinning ruefully. I've got friends and family there. It's extremely low in Resistance activity and membership, and is quiet. Josh, you're a law professor at the local university. Believe me, it's a quaint old place, they don't care that you don't have a teaching degree, and there's very little chance that you'll be seen by somebody who'll know you. Kath, you've got a job in a local web design group. Both jobs are small, but the pay's decent, and the benefits good. She handed them a sheet of paper. You'll be living next door to my grandmother and aunt. That way I can keep a quiet eye on you both.

Sure we'll be safe there? Joshua asked.

If I wanted to burn in Hell when I die, I'd say yes, Katie sighed. No matter what we do, we leave tracks. There's no way to completely hide you, just as there's no way to completely fake a crime scene. But what I'm hoping is that Sandoval is going to blame this on the Resistance, and investigate it as such. Since I'm not Resistance, and none the resources I used are Resistance, he won't catch on. Okay, Jeanine, you're on.

Jeanine smiled.

Are you guys paticularly fond of your eye colors? she asked. And skin tones? Josh, how do you think you'd look in glasses?

Joshua and Kara gaped at each other.

What?

Sherlockian School of Disguise, Katie said with a grin. People see what they expect to see. Alter your apperances a bit, and nobody'll think you're Joshua Doors and Volunteer Kara Burns.

Oh, Kara said. Well, I've always wanted blue eyes. Cool contrast with brown hair, you know. I guess my skin could get darker, but not by much. And I think Josh would look good in glasses.

Joshua shrugged.

Do what you want with me, he said.

Joshua, Kara glared at her husband, you have to feel comfortable and act comfortable in your new self. Therefore, it has to be of YOUR choosing. So choose!

Joshua sighed.

Fine, he grumbled. Green eyes, lighter skin if you can. Glasses are fine.

Katie, who had been jotting this down, looked up at Joshua, concern written in her face. She studied him a moment, then spoke abruptly.

Let's go to bed. These two look tired.

Jeanine shot a questioning glance at her friend, and evidently found her answer. She led Kara and Joshua to their bedroom, showed them where the bathroom was, and wished them a goodnight.
* * *

Wrapped in her husband's arms, and safe in the darkness of their room, Kara finally found the courage to question Joshua.

Josh, what's wrong?

Joshua didn't answer immediately.

What isn't wrong? he retorted with forced humor.

Irritated, Kara rolled over to face her husband.

Seriously, Josh, she said reproachfully. You've been moody and depressed for the past couple months, and possessive to the point of ridiculousness. Now, however much I adore being possessed by you, it's getting a bit confining. What's up? You're acting the way you did right after I spirited you out of the Mothership. After we got married you seemed better, and now this again. Will you please tell me what's going on?

Joshua pulled Kara closer so that she was nestled in the crook of his shoulder.

Do you know how precariously I sit on the brink of insanity? he asked quietly. Too much has happened too fast. I lost my mother when the Taelons came, I lost my father at One Taelon Avenue, and I nearly lost my free will there as well. Then I lost my friends and my life for the two years I spent as Sandoval's punching bag. I never had a strong sense of self before all of this. I was always standing in my father's shadow, so when all this happened, I had nothing to fall back on. Now I have you, and everything in me is screaming that I'm going to lose you, same as I lost everything else. I'd come unglued if that happened.

Josh, you're NOT going to lose me. Kara said firmly.

How can you be so sure? Joshua retorted. It's not like my mom or my dad PLANNED to die on me, it just happened! What if something happens to you that we can't prevent?

Kara sighed, and took one of Joshua's hands in her own, squeazing it reassuringly.

You're right, I can't be sure, she said. Nothing in life is certain. But worrying isn't going to change anything. Clutching me to you isn't going to help. Carpe diem, dearest. Seize the day, or, in this case, just live for today. You can't let your fears for tomorrow taint the happiness of today. She rolled over, and grabbed a prayer card out of her bag, and handed it to Joshua. Read this.

Lord, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference, Joshua read softly.

I can't promise you forever, Kara said, but I can promise you tonight. And tomorrow, I'll promise you tomorrow. And so on and so on, for as long as we're together.

Joshua nodded, and kissed Kara's forehead. In silence and understanding, they fell asleep.

* * *
Finis