Whew… I know, I know. I'm an evil fanfic writer who should update far more often. But the last couple of weeks have just been apocalyptic. I've had this chapter in my head for ages; it was just a matter of getting it written down.

Gater101 – Thanks heaps for your reviews and endless support! How about we make a deal: you update the next chapter of "Uninvited" and I'll post Chapter 10. Okay? ;)

anonymous01 – Wow, thank you so much for your review. That means a lot coming from someone as talented as you – I'm a huge fan of your writing.

Spuffy-Spike-91 – Thank you for your awesome support. I hope you enjoy this chapter! I spent most of today watching my Buffy 7th season boxed sets… yes, I watched Touched about 5 times. I'm just a big sucker for that Spuffy scene :)

Disclaimer: The lyrics contained in this chapter are from the song "Quiet" by Rachael Yamagata. If you've never heard this song, I suggest you find a way. Seriously, I don't care if you have to do something illegal to get it, just do it, because it is the most amazing song.

Chapter 9 – Quiet

All the waves of blame arrange as broken scenery

As they steal your best memories away

What if I was someone different in your only history?

Would you feel the same…

"Thanks for taking me… home," Sam told Luka awkwardly, standing outside the front door. God, this is ridiculous, she thought. I can't believe I blubbered at Luka like that. He must think I've completely lost it. The car ride back to the apartment had been spectacularly uncomfortable. Neither of them had said so much as a word to the other. Luka had kept his eyes fixed on the traffic and Sam had been content to stare out the window, avoiding any glance he might shoot her way.

She fumbled in her purse for her keys as Luka mumbled a weak platitude. Fishing them out and holding them aloft, she said bluntly, "Luka. This is stupid. I shouldn't even still be here. This is your apartment. Not mine. And you're staying in a hotel, for gods sakes."

Lifting his eyes to hers, Luka smiled gently. "Don't worry about it for now. We'll… we'll figure something out once they find Alex."

"Right," Sam replied dully. I'd be more inclined to lean towards 'if' they find Alex, myself. She felt a familiar sting behind her eyes and tried to blink it away. I'm so tired of crying.

What happened? she thought miserably. How could we both let things go so incredibly wrong?

Why did we let things go so incredibly wrong?

"Hey." Luka's soft voice broke into her gloomy thoughts. He looked at her hard. "They'll find him, Sam," he told her, trying to keep his voice reassuring despite his own grave doubts and his heavy heart. "I promise," he added recklessly, knowing that this was a vow he might not be able to keep but wanting so badly to ease her worried mind.

Sam felt herself brighten, albeit very slightly. Is it wrong that I feel like all my problems can be solved when he's around? she pondered, ashamed at her own musings.

"Thanks," she told him, hoping he knew just how much he had helped her that day. "Really."

He nodded once and turned to go. She, too, turned, inserting the key in the lock. Well, trying to sleep tonight is going to be great, she reflected sarcastically. Hope there's a few more boxes of tissues lying around somewhere.

I can't do this.

Pausing with one hand on the door, she pivoted to watch Luka's retreating form.

He said I don't have to do this alone. And what if I really can't?

Take care

I've been hurt before

Too much time spent on closing doors

You may hate me

But I'll remember to love you

Goodbye

Don't cry…

"Hey," she called out to him, the slight tremble in her voice betraying her thoughts.

Luka stopped in his tracks and turned to face her, his expression expectant.

Sam was suddenly reminded of the time she and Luka had finally gotten together, after numerous false starts and too many arguments. She was planning to watch a horror movie with Alex that night when he had turned up, apologizing for everything that had gone wrong since Gillian had shown up again. He had turned to go and made his way across the street before her heart had melted. Her voice cracking, she had called across the street to him and that had been it. She was finally ready to let go. To let go of her tormented past and let someone get close. They had spent the remainder of the evening together, she burying her head in his shoulder in the most terrifying parts of the film while he and Alex laughed.

We were like a family.

Now, she cleared her throat and asked quietly, "Do you want to… stay for dinner?" Hurrying to explain herself in case he refused, she added, "I just… I just don't want to be alone yet, you know?" Her voice trailed off and she looked at him uncertainly.

They regarded one another silently.

A look, a moment, a soft inhalation, and a wish…

"Sure," he said softly, walking back over to her.

Sam sighed with relief and pushed the door open. Moving further into the apartment, she peeled off her coat, dumping in on the couch. Luka did the same and followed her into the kitchen, hands in his pockets. Raising a quizzical eyebrow and smirking slightly, he inquired, "So what are we having?"

Sam grinned sheepishly and eyed the phone. "I was thinking of making my famous 'phone call to the pizza place'."

He laughed lightly and shook his head as she dialed. "Everything but onions and anchovies for you, right?" she smiled. He nodded in agreement and moved to sit in a nearby armchair. Sam joined him in the lounge a moment later. "They said fifteen minutes, but that remains to be seen," she chuckled, flopping down onto the couch.

"So how did it go with that patient you had before we left today? The elderly guy?" she asked, maneuvering to face him.

Luka's face brightened as he answered. He's a good doctor, Sam thought to herself.

They talked animatedly about work for the next twenty minutes. Wasn't this always the way? Sam reflected. We could talk about anything but us. Our issues and our problems. It was so easy for us to be together, but so hard for us to communicate.

The sound of the doorbell echoed throughout the apartment, interrupting their conversation. Sam rose to answer it and paid for the pizza, carrying it back over to the couch and placing it on the coffee table. Lifting the lid, she leaned forward and inhaled deeply. "That smells soooo good," she remarked, a grin spreading across her face. She heard Luka snicker and whirled around. "Something funny?" she demanded in mock-anger.

"You," Luka answered, pointing to her with a laugh. "I've never seen anyone get so excited about pizza."

"Hey," she informed him, grabbing a slice and beginning to devour it. "Don't knock it till you've tried it." She pushed the box in his direction, her brown eyes mischievous.

Luka reached over and took a piece, biting into it. The overwhelmingly salty taste of anchovies hit his tastebuds immediately and he almost gagged. Glancing at Sam, he saw her impish smile.

"Very funny," he told her, reaching for another, untainted slice.

Sam dissolved into giggles but suddenly stopped, straightening up and placing a hand over her mouth. She looked horrified.

"What's the matter?" Luka asked her between mouthfuls.

Sam's expression turned sad as she answered him. "I just… I just feel like I shouldn't be laughing. About anything. My son is missing. And no one has any idea where he is. I should be out there looking for him." Her voice grew quiet and she curled her legs underneath herself, resting her chin on her knees. She closed her eyes as a single tear wound its way down her cheek. Sticking her tongue out of the corner of her mouth, she caught it before it fell onto her chin.

Luka moved to sit with her on the couch. Taking her hand, he chuckled slightly, despite the severity of the situation. "What was that?" he queried, trying to keep the amusement out of his voice.

"What was what?" she asked him, opening her eyes.

"You… you just licked your tear away," Luka said, smiling sweetly and pointing to her cheek.

"Oh. That." Sam brought her hand to her face and cast her eyes downward, embarrassed. "When I was little… my mom used to read me this book about a little duck. I can't remember his name. But I just remember that everytime he cried, he stuck his tongue out to catch the tears before they fell too far. It was my favourite book and ever since I can remember, I would do the same thing as that little duck. Made being sad a little easier." Now she felt like a total idiot. "It's stupid, I know," she murmured, blushing. "I can't even remember the title."

To her surprise, Luka was gazing at her, all traces of mirth gone. His blue eyes were filled with something that Sam couldn't quite put her finger on.

He inched closer to her then and placed a gentle hand on her cheek, tucking a wayward curl behind her ear. "I don't think it's stupid at all," he whispered, his accent husky and strong. He locked his gaze with hers, imploring her not to turn away. "I'm here, Sam," he said meaningfully. "And they'll find Alex."

With that, he leaned forward. Sam's breath hitched in her throat as his lips touched hers.

And his kiss was for Sam, for all her pain and her grief. And Sam kissed him back, forgetting everything that had happened between them. Forgetting her past. Forgetting his.

Forgetting all of it.

Luka broke the kiss, his hand still on her cheek. They were both breathing hard, their noses still just touching. Her silken curls danced just near his face and he inhaled their honey scent.

But his thoughts turned back to their argument. Everything they had said to one another.

"And as for my past, at least I can try and move on from it. At least I can try and talk about it."

He raised his eyes to hers and murmured, "I think… I think I should go."

He pulled away and her cheek tingled where his hand had grazed it. She glanced up at him, and saw the look, both troubled and pained, that flitted across his face.

Too much hurt.

"I'll let myself out," he told her softly and dazed, she nodded her assent. Grabbing his coat, he called a hushed goodbye over his shoulder and left, shutting the door quietly behind him.

"Bye," Sam replied faintly, remaining frozen on the couch.

And it'll be just as quiet

When I leave

As it was

When I first got here

I don't expect anything

I don't expect anything to change

When I leave…