Title: Heart's Debt Author: Tabitha R. Jones (me in other words)
Fandom: The Tribe Pairing: Jay/Pride (possible others as the story progresses.... if you don't like slash, please don't read)
Disclaimer: I do not now nor have I ever owned the Tribe or its characters. They are all the property of Cloud 9, and I am just playing in their world.
Rating: This chapter, PG-13. Future chapters? Probably R!
Summary/Genre: Action/romance/slash/drama (come on, it's the Tribe...). Jay and Pride are troubled by something-- could it be a desire for hot man lovin' with each other?! 971 words for part four. This chapter is mostly angst.
Archiving: Ask me first. I will be posting it to and to my LiveJournal.
Comments: Yes, please! Thanks to everyone who commented before, sorry this chapter was so late! What can I say, I had a case of writer's block.

Episode 4

The next day found Jay working in his office, methodically checking over bits of programming, paperwork and security clearances. Unfortunately, the almost mindless, bureaucratic nature of the work meant he had little to distract him from the previous day's events. Time and again, he found his mind drifting away from the lists of names and columns of numbers as he imagined Pride's body over his, Pride's lips on his own. His thoughts were so captivating, he didn't even hear Ebony enter the room and was surprised to look up and see her standing before his desk.

"Well," she proclaimed, folding her arms over her not inconsiderable chest, "Anything you might want to tell me, Jay?" Her eyes were cold and her full lips were set in a hard line.

"I haven't a clue what you're talking about, Ebony," Jay said, taking up another sheaf of documents to cover his nervousness. Her timing was unbelievable- as though she could read his thoughts! Jay's grip tightened imperceptibly on the papers as he schooled his features into their usual impassive facade. Of course, he logically knew she couldn't read minds, but her ability to read a person's body language was impressive.

Ebony stared at him silently for a long moment, a slight sneer marring her lovely face. Jay forced himself to continue his work, feeling the first prickle of guilt over his secret meeting with Pride. Although nothing had really happened, he felt disloyal to Ebony.

"So, where did you go yesterday?" she asked, taking him by surprise. Her soft, measured tone spoke volumes- obviously, she knew more than she was letting on. Jay silently counted to five before answering.

"I was checking on a security lead," he lied, signing a document as though it was infinitely more important than Ebony's questions. "Why, did you need me for something?"

Ebony narrowed her eyes, "I just wondered where you were, that's all. I was.... worried about you." Her tone sounded anything but concerned.

Jay looked up and straight into Ebony's eyes, trying to catch a clue of what she was talking about. But her face gave away nothing but the very obvious fact that she was fuming. He frowned slightly.

"I'm sorry I wasn't available for you," he finally said in a carefully controlled voice. "Is there anything you need from me right now?"

That was obviously not the correct answer for Ebony. Her eyes narrowed further and she crossed to the open door.

"No," she sneered, "I'm sure I can get whatever I need from Ram. He's always available whenever I want to see him." She turned on her heel and stalked out of the room. Jay tossed his sheaf of papers onto the desk and sighed heavily. There was definitely going to be some unavoidable tension in his future.

Pride was lying on his bed, arms behind his head, staring at the ceiling. Salene watched him from the doorway, her wide eyes drinking in the sight of his chiseled profile and strong features. She wondered what he was thinking. He'd been quieter than usual ever since he'd come back to the Mall the evening before. He gave no explanation of where he'd been, or what he'd been up to. Salene sighed quietly, then raised her head and straightened her shoulders. She entered the room and crossed to the bed.

"Room for me here?" she asked, smiling down at him. She exhaled in relief when he silently moved over to give her room to sit. Pride continued to stare at the ceiling, so she carefully reclined next to him, propping her head up on one hand so she could continue to look at his face. It was impassive, unmoving, his eyes focused on the ceiling as though it held the secrets of the universe. She reached over with her free hand to brush a stray lock of hair from his face.

"Penny for your thoughts?" asked Salene, trying to keep her tone light and playful. She hoped it would mask her worry.

Pride seemed to really notice her for the first time. He gazed at her cherubic face, then sighed.

"Nothing, really," he said. "Just thinking."

"Anything interesting?" she asked, as she started to stroke his forehead in a soothing manner.

He almost frowned, she felt the faint constriction as his brows almost met. But instantly, it was gone.

"I said it was nothing, didn't I?" A hint of irritation crept into his voice. Salene looked down at the bedspread, trying to hide the worry she was feeling. He was being so distant. Not a week before, he would have noticed her fretful mood and reassured her. Now, it felt like there was something between them, a wall that blocked her from him. Trying to keep from pouting, she moved closer to Pride, hoping to snuggle against his warm side.

He moved away immediately, sitting up so quickly the bed squeaked. Shocked, Salene followed suit, her eyes prickling with tears.

"Pride," she said, her voice a low, frantic whisper, "What is it? Have I done something wrong...?"

He looked at her for a long moment, then smiled a bittersweet smile.

"No, of course not," said Pride, putting his arm around her shoulders and pulling her close for a brief hug. "I'm just feeling restless. I shouldn't take it out on you." He kissed her forehead, and she felt a tear slide down her cheek. She leaned into his side, and slid her arms around his waist, immediately relieved and reassured by the close contact.

"It's all right," she said, hugging him tightly, "Everything will be all right. Don't worry, things will be fine."

Pride held Salene, listening to her whispered litany of soothing assurances. If only he could believe them- he knew his life was going to change, and change fast.