Just a little something to hold you over until i write more... hopefully won't be long...

Mark crept into Rachel's room, perching on the edge of the unfamiliar bed. She stirred and opened her eyes a little. When she didn't recognize the room she propped herself up to look around.

"You feel asleep on the sofa so Susan invited us for the night." He explained.

Rachel's eyebrows rose, not sure what to make of that.

"I was in the other spare room." He cleared that up. "We're not… well…"

"It's okay Dad. She's cool." Rachel smiled, "What time is it?"

"Six a-m"

"Why am I awake?" she dropped back onto the pillow, expecting to be dragged out of bed and home so her dad could get to work on time.

"Don't worry, you can go back to sleep. I, on the other hand, have to be at work in an hour." He stood. "Susan offered to take you home when you're ready so…"

Rachel smiled. "Cool."

"Good. Okay. See you tonight." He backed away, watching her rearrange herself aiming at getting more sleep. He was jealous – he'd had all of three hours and Rachel got to spend the day with Susan. More sleep and that… dreams are free Mark. "Hey, be good to her."

"I will." Rachel mumbled sleepily.

Mark crept down the hall towards Susan's room and pushed the door open slowly. She was still asleep. He grinned and snuck in, sitting on the side of her bed so she'd stir.

She opened her eyes slightly then shut them again and smiled, "hey."

Mark couldn't speak. Breathing was enough to ask.

She looked up at him when he didn't say anything. "You okay?"

He nodded. "Better than okay." He touched her cheek lightly, like it might disappear. He took a deep breath. He needed to leave. "I'd better go."

She nodded and sat up but he didn't move. "Is Rachel up?"

He shook his head, "It's still early. You should sleep in – it's your day off."

"Then why'd you wake me up?" she teased with a grin that gave her away: she didn't mind in the least.

"Can't think of a better way to start the day. Plus, I'm essentially selfish." He kissed her forehead but she took his face in her hands and met his lips with her own.

"Sorry, I know you have to go." She pulled back.

He nodded, smiling cheekily, "I'll see you tonight."

Susan nodded, watching him leave, holding his eyes and smiling.