Author's Notes: Thanks to those who reviewed the first chapter! I was pleasantly surprised to find that someone actually read this fic. I hope that I can continue to satisfy my readers with this next chapter. In this chapter, Rocky meets a new character who I based on a friend of mine. This is where you probably can guess what happens. He falls in love, etc., etc. And I know I said that this would be a Rocky/Adam story and it will be! But you wouldn't think that I would just straightaway put Rocky and Adam together, now did you? Of course not! They have to face challenges separately in order to realize how much they mean to each other together. So, for this chapter, we'll see our new character, Elizabeth Watson, and how she steals Mr. DeSantos' heart. In the next, I think I'll refer to Adam and how he deals with Rocky's departure. Ok, I rambled enough already. Enjoy!

Chance Encounter

Rocky wiped the hot tears still damp on his face. He glanced at the newspaper in his hand and then back at the townhouse in front of him. He had visited two of the prospective apartments he could move into, and they really didn't suit him. He had no idea why, because the apartment was suitable, the price reasonable, and the tenants friendly. But he felt something was missing from the apartment.

This townhouse was inhabited by a Miss Elizabeth Watson, as declared on the newspaper. Rocky half-expected this Elizabeth Watson to be one of those old, unmarried ladies who lived in fashionable, rich houses with smelly old cats. Nonetheless, he needed to see this townhouse. It was the last item he had circled in his newspaper, and the price was surprisingly reasonable for such a grand townhouse.

He got out of his car and strolled to the door, ringing the doorbell. Waiting for the "old lady" to come out, he was genuinely surprised (and entranced) by a young woman around his age opening the door. She looked to be around her early twenties, with straight, cinnamon-brown hair and the brightest green eyes. She relaxed and smiled when she saw who it was.

"Hi, you must be Rocky DeSantos?" She held out her hand. Rocky accepted it, feeling a sudden rush of warmth. He smiled back at her, just as warmly.

"Yes, I am. Elizabeth Watson, I presume?"

"That's me, alright." She laughed and stepped to the side, letting Rocky in. "Come on, I'll give you a tour of the house and then we can discuss the other stuff."

Half an hour later, Rocky and Elizabeth collapsed into fits of laughter at the kitchen island. Rocky mused over his current situation. Only about an hour ago, he was in his living room arguing with his "best friend", hurt and furious over Adam's lack of understanding, and now here he was, in a stranger's kitchen, laughing as though he couldn't get enough of it. He had to admit, Elizabeth Watson was one of the funniest and most charming women he had met. She had a natural flair of comedy, and she used it wisely at appropriate times to cause the two of them to fall into laughter. She was also very open and welcoming. For Rocky, this was a new feeling, as being a Ranger made him always feel somewhat restricted and corrupt, but he figured that if Elizabeth could make him feel like he was floating on top of the world, then this openness must be beneficial. Especially for him. He could also tell she was honest and not to mention, very attractive, though not shallow or vain.

"You know, I have to tell you, you really made my day." Rocky said after their laughter died down a little. Elizabeth smiled shyly.

"Thanks. You made mine too," she flashed him a brilliant smile. "Now, let's tackle down the rest of the stuff. What else do you wish to know about this house?"

"Actually, I don't think I need to know anything else. I think this place is perfect for me. I want to move in. ASAP." He replied, and felt his heart flutter slightly as he saw Elizabeth's eyes light up.

"Oh that's wonderful! Well, if you're absolutely sure, we can fill in the paperwork right now, and we'll be roommates by tomorrow." She rummaged in her packet and pulled out a sheet of paper. Rocky signed the bottom with a flourish.

"Excellent. I'll process this by tonight and you can move in tomorrow morning." Elizabeth nodded as she placed the sheet of paper beside her. Rocky felt a sudden dejection in his heart as he realized that he had no place to stay between now and tomorrow when he could move in. He couldn't possibly go back to Adam's apartment, and he really didn't want to face any of his other Ranger friends to ask for help. He was in a dilemma.

"Is something wrong?" Elizabeth asked gently as she noticed the torn look on Rocky's face.

Startled, the ex-Ranger shook his head dazedly. "Oh no, it's nothing. I..uh..I guess I better get going." He forced a smile, and stood up. Elizabeth followed suit, still concerned.

"You still have a place to stay tonight, right?" She inquired.

"Uh..." Rocky didn't know how he could explain his present situation. How was he to explain that he kicked himself out of his own apartment, left his best friend, and took a chance to get an apartment by tonight? Thinking back, Rocky regretted his hasty decision.

"You can stay here, if you don't have a place," Elizabeth suggested. Rocky sighed with relief.

"Thanks. I kind of have a place, but my roommate and I are, um, going through some rough times right now, so I don't really want to go back." He explained to a patient Elizabeth.

"That's fine. You can stay in whatever guest room you want. And I'll got towels and stuff for you to use. You're going to have to suffer shower-wise tonight though, because I've only got Trésemme shampoo and I don't use bar soap." She said.

"That's okay," Rocky replied. "I'm just grateful you're letting me stay."

"Well, why don't you go up and just drop off your stuff and then come back down and I'll make dinner. Do you like spaghetti?" She asked.

Rocky laughed as he climbed the stairs. "You've got a lot to learn about me." Elizabeth couldn't help but smile as she watched Rocky's retreating figure disappear.

Concluding notes: Sorry if this chapter isn't as long as the first, or as detailed and thoughtful. It's a general overview of Rocky's new friendship with Elizabeth. Next chapter, we'll be seeing things from Adam's side, as he struggles with his loss.