Disclaimer: See chapter 1

Author's Note: Thanks to those who read and reviewed. Keep it up please, it lets me know someone has read it.

Chapter 4- A Homecoming

"Be it ever so humble," Ned said to himself as the tree house came into sight. He had not realized how much he missed being here, among friends, no family, until he had left. He made his way through the electric fence and up the elevator.

"Hello," he called stepping out of the elevator. "Anyone home?" He set his pack down on the table and headed down to check Challenger's lab. "Challenger, Roxton, Marguerite?" he called again when he found no one in the lab. "Not exactly the homecoming I expected," he said, putting on a pot of coffee.

Leaving the coffee to its own devices, he grabbed his pack and headed to his room to unpack. He knew that he owed everyone an explanation, especially Marguerite. He had come to think of her as a sister and as such, he should have explained things to her before he left.

Hearing movement in the common room, he headed back that way. He needed to check on the coffee anyway. He barely made it two steps when a crossbow blocked his path.

"Who are you and what are you doing here?" the blond behind the crossbow demanded.

"Calm down," Ned said raising his hands. "I could ask you the same question."

The blond took a threatening step towards him. "Last time, who are you?"

Ned sighed. "I'm Ned Malone, and I live here. Now who are you?" he asked again.

"Are you really Ned Malone?" Finn asked suspiciously but lowered the crossbow a fraction of an inch.

"Finn, who are you talking to?" Veronica asked as she stepped out of the elevator.

"Veronica, thank God! Can you please tell whoever this is that I'm me?" Ned pleaded.

"Malone?" came Veronica's joyful response. "Ned, is that really you?" she asked tearfully.

"Veronica, it's me. I'm home, " he answered with his trademark grin.

Finn had to take several steps back to get out of Veronica's way as she rushed the reporter. Veronica hugged Ned and then kissed him.

"I guess he really is Malone," Finn commented as the two still embraced.