LVM- lol, thanks.

Ashnan-Thanks, I appreciate that.

EXPLANATIONS

"Sorry, did Ah wake ya up? Didn't think anythin' could?" she told him smiling. He however seemed to still be in shock. This is Marie, how long had he been away from the mansion.

"No, how long have I been out?" she grabbed a towel and tried to wipe some of the grease off of her hands.

"Quite a while. So, what'cha doin' all the way out here anyhow?" he raised an eyebrow and leaned against the truck, pulling out a cigar.

"Could ask you the same question."

"Yeah, but Ah asked ya first." he grunted.

"Just passin' through darlin'." she stood back a little bit shocked, but it quickly turned into amusement. She was so used to her calling her 'kid', but then again, they hadn't seen each other in a long time. She tossed the towel into a tin can, not far from them, turning around to go and shut the hood.

"Figured as much, sug, but so was Ah." she told him with a small laugh. He stood up straight, and looked at her, "Why aren't you at the Institute?"

"Had ta get away for awhile. Ya know how it is. Got stuck out here in the middle a'nowhere and got stuck. Ran outta money and what not, but when they saw how good Ah was workin' in here, they gave meh a job."

"You're the mechanic." he said skeptically. She smirked and sauntered over to him, opening the driver's side door for him, gesturing for him to hop inside.

"Don't believe meh, try it out." So he did, what did he have to lose. He turned the key and the truck started up without any problems, running like it hadn't in a long time. He shut it back off, looking at her, "So Cyke actually taught you something worth anything?" She looked down uncomfortably.

"Yeah, not ta mention othah people's memories." she told him looking everywhere but at him. He hoped out of the truck gesturing to her clothing, "So what's this all about?"

She smiled at him changing the subject, "What, a girl can't stay covered up forever." He smiled as she laughed. "Naw, Ah got control ovah it. 'Bout time too, don't know if'n Ah could evah handle all those clothes when it's hot and muggy out." She turned and started to walk away towards some office on the side, giving him a good view of her backside.

"So what's the damage?" he called out to her. She paused, and turned her head to the side calling out over her shoulder, "Don't worry 'bout it. Got it covered." then she made her exit.

He waited for her to come back but she never did, so he drove his truck around the shop and parked it next to a little black jeep. He figured that it had to be hers, so he sat there and waited. It was about another thirty minutes before she came out and headed towards him. He got out of his truck and met her part way. She had cleaned herself up in the time that he had waited for her. There wasn't any grease left on her, just some light makeup on her face, and her hair was down. She had a tight pair of jeans on and another black tank top.

"S'there a problem sugah?"

"No, just thought that maybe we could catch up." he smiled down at her. She smiled back.

"Ya don't have a place ta stay, do ya?" she raised an eyebrow and put a hand on her hip. He snorted.

"You know me too well Marie." she nodded and pointed to the two vehicles.

"Get ya truck and follow meh. Ah'm hungry though so Ah might make a stop first, alright?"

"Sounds good."