thanks for the revieewws! I 3 getting them! sorry you had to wait. I have 7 mid terms before xmas this year-aaahhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!! okay, so since i just spent 4 hours studying for my ap us mid term essays-im going to give you the juicy chptr i so conveniently (sp? haha) stopped right before! keep the reviews comin loves! (btw-i started off which the boys having perrty heavy accents-its too much so forigve the let off. its still there a bit dont worry!)

Chapter 8: Pacified Tears

Blink led Gabrielle to the door of the door of the lodging house and held it open for her. He tookher up to the bunkroom where many of the younger boys were already fast asleep. The older ones were playing a game of poker. She knew Race and Jack and at least recognized most of the others.

"Heya baby-doll. Wanna play a game of 7-card stud?" Race asked, cigar hanging loosely from his mouth.

"She's not here to see you Race..." Blink gave him a hard stare.

"That's fine-just thought I'd offa...Anytime you wanna play!" she smiled.

Blink led her to the fire escape, "Just go up the stairs, I think he's already up on the roof..."

"Thanks Blink..." he smiled and she made her way up.

She saw him-he was laying on the ground, looking up at the sky with his hands clasped behind his head. Instinctively she wanted to just drop everything and curl up right next to him. He sat up when he realized she was there, "Come and sit-I wanna show you something..." he said, leading her to the edge of the roof.

She sat down next to him, their legs hanging over the side of the building, "You know, Manhattan seems awfully dingy and crowded when you're stuck in the middle of it during the day doesn't it?" she laughed, "Look at it now..." she followed his gaze, "Everything is so peaceful. The darkness hides most of the filth."

"The lights are beautiful..." she added, looking at all the candels shining in windows.

"I love seeing the city from this point of view-the city I love."

Suddenly her heart sank-she had completely forgotten about Europe, "Mush...I have to tell you something, but I don't want to say it..."

He reached over and grabbed her hand, "Mush my parents are...sending me to Europe..."

"That's great! You'll have such a great time!"

"No Mush...for two years..."

He stopped and sat back, "Two years?" he said in disbelief.

"It was only going to be for the summer, but then they found out about-" she hesitated, "You..."

He dropped her hand and got up before walking to the other side of the roof. Tears began to fill her eyes as she followed him, not knowing what was going on in his head.

She placed a hand on his back, "Mush-" she stopped.

He turned to look at her and she let the tears fall. She had never seen a man truly upset before, and though he wasn't actually crying, she could see the hurt in his eyes.

"I'm so sorry..." was all she could whisper before walking back across the roof.

He caught her hand and pulled her back. Without a word he pulled her in close, kissing her hard. Tears flowed uncontrollably down her cheeks as her body collapsed into him, arms hanging at her side. As his tounge invaded her mouth her arms flung around his neck, pulling him closer. He gently placed a hand on her cheek, fingers into her hair.

Suddenly she broke away, the tears never ceasing, "Mush...I can't...I don't know..." she stumbled-Confused. Upset. On fire, "I love you..."

He brushed a hair from her face, "I love you too..."

He smiled and took her in. Eyes welled with moisture, cheeks red, hair out of place-she was so beautiful. Only pausing for a moment, she plunged back in. Her fingers entwined in his hair she struggled to stay standing. Her legs felt like they would give any moment. Mush felt her unsteadiness and held her up, hands firmly on her waist. They had kissed others before...They had kissed once before. But this was different. Gabrielle's stomach felt like it was going to explode-as well as her head. She felt sick but in a good way. Mush didn't want it to end. Europe-he couldn't let her go. A lot can happen in two years...what if she met someone else? He pushed everything out of his mind and absorbed what might have been his last moments with her...

Two hours later they were laying on to roof, curled up, looking at the stars. Gabrielle was exhausted. Emotionally. Physically. Mentally. She layed her head on Mush's chest as he wrapped his arms around her. She lightly traced the veins on his arms, sending chills through his body. That was it. She could stay that way forever. She knew she had to do something- she couldn't just leave! This was the best and worst thing ever to happen to her. She felt her eyes getting heavy...

"Mush-I can't stay awake much longer..."

"Me either. Come on, let's get you home..."

He helped her up and they made their way quietly out of the lodging house. He slid his arm around her small waist as they walked, wishing he didn't have to take her back. When they reached her doorstep she faced him. He pulled her to him. She layed her head on his chest.

"Don't forget about me..." she said, almost whispering.

"That's like asking me to forget to breathe..." she looked up at him.

He lightly pulled her chin up and kissed her one last time. It was soft but passionate. Finally she had to pull away. Letting her hand slowly slide through his as she walked inside, she whispered'I love you.' Once she had closed the door behind her she leaned against it. Rosie appeared from around the corner.

"Come on chica, let's get you into bed..." She took Gabrielle's hand and led her upstairs to her room where she fell asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow.

A/N: deeeep sigh So i have NO idea where its gonna go now! exciting stuff. Ill update again prolly after midterms meaning maybe thursdayish? unless i come up with something and find time! give suggestions of what u might liek tosee happen next. ill take em into consideration since i havent thought it through yet! revieeewwsss poorrr ffaavorrrrr! :)