AN: So, in the episode with Nathan's Dad it sounded like to me that Archie Grant referred to his daughter as Colleen. As I don't recall any other mention of Ally's mom's name I'm going with that name. This is longer than the others as it went past the word limit for the challenge (thouhg I did manage to created a 500 word version of it for the challenger). You guys get the full version though!

So I gotta ask you,

I can't be afraid

I gotta take a chance at love

So what do you say

-Plug In Stereo ft Cady Groves "Oh, Darling"

Trying to step softly, Nathan slipped into his sister's room. He knew it was late, and if she was asleep then he would come back in the morning. As he glanced toward the bed he notice she was reading a book.

"I got the message you wanted to see me?" Nathan said softly, turning the Stetson in his hand by the brim.

Colleen looked up from her book. As her gaze fell on her brother in his uniform a smile lit up her pale face. "My Nate," she exclaimed. "I wasn't expecting you until tomorrow. I knew you worked late."

"I just got off,' Nathan informed her, stepping closer to the bed as his sister laid the book down beside her. "I figured I'd stop by and see if you were still awake."

"Sit," Colleen said, patting the edge of the bed.

Placing the Stetson on a nearby chair, Nathan did as his sister asked, sitting down beside her.

"My Red Knight," Colleen commented.

Nathan looked down at his folded hands as he felt the heat rise in his cheeks. "I think you give me far too much credit," he told his sister.

"Nonsense," Colleen said, reaching out to take one of her brother's hands. "You've gone from a little boy following his big sister around to being the man of the family. You're our strength, Mom's and mine. You have been ever since Dad went away to prison. Mom's going to need your strength more than ever in a little while."

Nathan looked up at his sister. "I know," he said, feeling the tears threatening to fall. "I can see it. I know you're trying to hold on for Mom and for Ally, but I can tell and I wish I could save you, but this time there is nothing I can do."

Colleen squeezed her brother's hand. "You've done plenty. The fact that you've been here this last month has meant everything to me, especially as Jeff's way of dealing with things is to work long hours. I hardly see him."

Nathan remained quiet. Criticizing his brother-in-law was not what his sister needed at this time.

"But then Jeff never has been good a dealing with emotions. I know he loves me, but I don't think he knows how to deal with the idea of losing me."

"He's not the only one not ready to say good-bye," Nathan admitted.

"I wish I didn't have to say good-bye either but we don't always get what we want in life. You and I both learned that young."

"That we did," Nathan agreed.

"But I know you'll be okay when I'm gone," Colleen added. "And you'll make sure mom is okay. That's what makes this easier for me. However, the reason I asked to see you is I need you to promise me something, My Nate."

Nathan laid his hand over the smaller hand that was holding his. "You know I'll do anything for you."

"I hope that Jeff will be able to do the right thing when I'm gone. I want to believe that he'll be able to be strong for Ally and look after her. However, I have my doubts. Maybe our experience with Dad is coloring my feelings now. I need to know that my little girl is going to be okay. So, if Jeff can't be the father that she needs, will you give me your word that you'll look after Ally. I know it's asking a lot, especially with your job. Not to mention it might make finding that someone special yourself harder but I need to know my girl will be okay, no matter what happens."

"You know I will," Nathan told her. "You don't even need to ask that."

Colleen pulled her hand out of her brother's grasp, and put her arms around him. Wrapping his arms around her frail form, Nathan held his sister tightly against him.

"Ally will have her Red Knight just like I've had these last few years," Colleen said softly as she rested against her little brother. She felt safe in his arms and part of her wanted to remain there forever but she knew that wasn't going to happen.