Chapter 15

The hitter was so glad the job was over. Mississippi in July was never a good idea. He was admittedly exhausted, but the shower had been a priority.

He never wanted to see algae or duckweed again.

Towel wrapped around his hips, he began pulling out a pair of sweats and a tshirt. His goal right now was comfort, and there was a beer and a baseball game calling his name. His phone however, didn't get the memo.

"Couldn't sleep?" he greeted once he saw the caller id.

"Eliot?" she whispered, almost desperately. "I think someone's trying to break in. I thought it was Parker at first, but she was a lot quieter when she did it the last time."

A month after Ally had moved in to her new place, Eliot had received a call from her at three in the morning, scared, because someone was in her house, and at the time, she hadn't given anyone else key cards. By the time Eliot had gotten there ten minutes later, breaking over fifteen traffic rules to do so, it was to find Parker and her on the couch talking over an indecent amount of chocolate that the thief had brought over to share. Ally told him she tried to call him back, but he didn't answer, and when he glared at the blonde, she just shrugged and said she needed to test her security, which she found lacking. Hardison had upgraded it a few days later.

The hitter froze as the smile he had been wearing was wiped from his face. "How many?" He was already grabbing a pair of jeans instead.

"I can hear two different voices. Eliot…they're doing something outside the door." The fear in her voice sent a chill up his spine.

"Ally, I want you to hang up and call the police," he ordered her, yanking a shirt over his head and grabbing his shoes and a pair of socks.

"I tried already. They put me on hold." Eliot's expression darkened. "I tried Jim downstairs, but someone else answered. He said he would call the guard, but we have security on site."

"Can you call them?"

"I don't have the direct number, Jim usually calls them on his radio."

"Damn it," he hissed as he grabbed his keys. "Ally…activate the alert on your alarm and then barricade yourself in your room."

"Okay," she rushed out, she slowed her breathing, and made her way as quietly as she could to the front door, trying not to panic at the voices on the other side. "Eliot? My alarm's not active."

A chill raced down his spine. That's what they were doing at the door, they were disabling the alarm. "What about your personal panic alarm I gave you after you got mugged?"

"That's in my purse, I didn't think…one second." He heard her squeak, and her breathing picked up as she searched her purse. "Slow your breathing Ally," she murmured.

He heard her try, heard her counting, using the technique he showed her when she had panic attacks.

"I'm pushing the button for the guard, I don't know if it's working though. Let me try yours."

A moment passed, and his phone didn't alert him. They had blocked the signal.

"Forget the alarm. Grab your taser, and lock yourself in your bedroom. I'm on my way," he told her, channeling the creeping worry in his voice into anger as he started his Harley.

Placing his Bluetooth in his ear to allow him to keep her on the line this time, he sped off.

"Once you're in your room, lock the door and push your dresser in front of it. Can you do that for me sweetheart?"

"Okay, doing that now," she told him. The fear in her voice was obvious, but he couldn't help the pride he felt that she was controlling it and listening to what he was telling her.

He was doing well over 30mph the speed limit, but he estimated another two minutes time before he would get there though.

"I can't move the dresser by myself," she panted breathlessly in his ear, seconds before she whimpered. "Eliot?! They're in the house!"

"Lock yourself in your bathroom, I'm almost there."

"Please hurry."

He skidded his bike to a stop at the front entrance of her building a minute later, and was through the doors in an instant, barely pausing long enough to turn it off and put the kickstand down.

"Excuse me sir, who are you here to see?"

The guy wasn't Jim. "Allyson Hayes, twenty second floor, she's expecting me." The guy wasn't wearing the uniform Jim did. The haircut, the boots.

"You'll have to wait while I ring her up." The guy came around the counter to stand in front of him.

Eliot saw the bulge in his waistband. A quick punch to the face knocked him out.

"Eliot? Are you almost here? I can hear them trashing my living room and office," she whispered frantically. The elevator was only at floor eleven.

He heard her choke back a gasp, before a whimper escaped her. He did not like hearing her make that sound. "Ally? What's wrong?" When all he heard was her breathing increase, he began to grow uneasy. "Sweetheart, talk to me…what's goin' on?"

"I think they know I'm in here," her frantic voice hissed. "They're doing something to the deadbolt."

"On my way up. I'm almost there darlin', just stay quiet and sit tight…okay?"

"Alright," she whimpered, clenching something in his chest.

He was out of the elevator before the doors had even fully opened, and at her door seconds later.

It was closed. No damage to the doorknob, or card reader, meaning they had bypassed it.

Using his card, he silently and slowly opened the door, entering quickly and closing it behind him. Noting quickly that no one was in the living room or kitchen, he turned down the hallway as her bedroom door was thrown open.

Eliot quickly moved on the guy in the hallway, putting him in a chokehold. He heard Ally cry out as the guy finally passed out, and he dropped him to the ground.

By the time he entered the bedroom, the other man was on to the fact that there was another player, and had Ally in front of him like a shield, his left arm around her neck, and a gun pointed at Eliot.

"I wouldn't try anything if I were you," the man warned, before addressing Ally. "How about you reach back slowly into my front pocket. You'll find some zip ties. Get 'em and throw 'em to your knight in shining armor."

"I will not," she managed. Eliot smiled.

The goon leaned in too close for the hitter's liking and murmured in her ear. "You can get the ties or I can shoot him. Your choice."

Her eyes widened, and Eliot could see them watering up as she fumbled behind herself reaching into his pocket.

"Watch what you're grabbin' for in there, pretty. Shame you're blind."

She managed to free the zip ties and then tossed them forward until they landed near Eliot's feet.

"Ally…remember what I showed you a couple of weeks ago for a situation like this?"

She hesitated for a moment. "Yes."

"Your bed is two feet to your right."

"Eliot, I don't…"

"I don't know what the hell you both are talkin' about, but I'm the one with the gun, so I suggest you…"

"You can do it sweetheart…trust me," he assured her.

"I do," she replied quickly.

Reaching up, she grabbed the guy's arm and pulled it down enough for her to twist and slide from his grip, shove him to the side and fall backwards across her bed. Eliot lunged forward and grabbed his gun hand slamming it against the wall, making him drop it. Ally crab walked across the bed and hit the floor on the opposite side, and proceeding to press herself as far into the corner as possible as she listened to the two men fight.

The hit to the guy's sternum stunned him momentarily, allowing Eliot to grab him by the throat and shove him against the wall. "Who hired you?" he growled.

"I don't…know…what you're talkin'…about," the man gasped, trying to find his breath.

"Don't give me that crap. Her alarm was disabled. You knew about it, and you knew she was blind. I won't ask again. Who…hired…you?"

"Fuck you," the man hissed, before lashing out and catching Eliot in the jaw. Once the hold on his throat was gone, he kicked Eliot in the chest, making the hitter stumble backwards before catching himself. He then dodged the incoming punch by leaning down and punching the guy in the crotch, before elbowing him in the back of the head on the way down, finally knocking him out.

Threats eliminated, he ran around the bed to drop to the floor in front of Ally. Only to have her jerk back and scream out when he reached out to touch her. "Ally! It's me sweetheart. It's Eliot."

A chocked cry escaped her lips as she lunged forward and wrapped her arms around his neck, clinging to him.

"It's okay, I got you," he told her, holding her tight. It had been too close. If he hadn't lived nearby…hadn't gotten here when he did…

They stayed like that for a few more moments as her breathing began to calm and her body began to relax. Neither were in a hurry to move.

"Are you okay?" he finally asked, pulling back a little to look at her.

"I'm fine," she tried to assure him, even as his hand gently ran over the red area along her jaw making her wince. "Other than the lovely bruise I'll have tomorrow," she added, not seeing the look of fury on the hitter's face.

He stood up, pulling her with him. "I'll call the police. Do you wanna call your dad or Kieran?" he asked, leading her through the hallway to her living room couch.

"Daddy and Kieran are in London on business right now. I'll call them in the morning."

Minutes later, after Eliot was assured that a patrol car and ambulance were on their way, he called Nate to inform him of what had happened, and barely had a chance to warn him of the third man unconscious in the lobby before the older man hung up with a short, "I'm on my way."

"I'll be right back," he told her, going to her bathroom to get her first aid kit.

Her startled movement as he sat next to her moments later, told him she was still coming down from the adrenaline. "Cold compress." Was her only warning before he placed it against her jaw, making her hiss. "Keep it against the bruise. You have any duct tape?"

"There's some under the kitchen sink. Why?"

"Can't have our friends leavin' before the cops get here, and those zip ties he had were flimsy as hell."

She listened to the sounds of bodies being dragged across her floor and then the unmistakable sound of duct tape being torn as she sat there, curled into herself.

Nate and Sophie arrived minutes later, the latter immediately rushing to Ally's side to check her over. "I'm fine Sophie. A little shaken, but it could have been worse."

"It was bad enough," Eliot muttered, finishing up the task of binding the intruders, before looking at Nate. "This wasn't a coincidence," he informed the older man softly. "Her alarm was disabled, they closed the door behind them, and they ransacked the place quickly, and went straight for her."

"Why does it matter that they closed the door behind them?" Sophie asked.

"They didn't want to alert anyone they were here, but they wanted her to be scared," the hitter answered.

"Do they have identification?"

"I searched 'em…found nothin'."

"I'll have Hardison check into Patrick's business and see if he's made any enemies," Nate replied, taking out his cell phone.

Eliot saw Sophie pat Ally's hand and then begin to pick up papers that had been strewn all over the floor. Taking a page from the grifter's book, Eliot began up righting furniture and picking up the now broken television.

Two cops and a couple of EMTs arrived not but a minute later. The surprised expressions on the officers' faces when they saw the two intruders bound in duct tape probably would have been more amusing had they not been so worried about Ally. One of the Emts checked Ally over quickly and efficiently, giving her a clean bill of health moments later with simple instructions to keep applying the cold compress to her jaw. One of the cops took her statement of the events that occurred, while the other questioned Eliot on the men's condition.

"So you arrived after they had broken in?"

"Yeah."

"And then you…" the cop paused and glanced at the intruders before leveling Eliot with a raised brow, "subdued them?"

"Yeah."

"You must have some training then," the officer prodded.

"Some," Eliot agreed, not giving him any more information than needed. He had to hide a smile when curses sounded out as the EMTs removed the tape from the intruder's mouths. "You get the guy downstairs?"

The cop sighed and nodded. "He's been looked over and detained. It's a good thing you lived close by. Is there a number you can be reached at if we have any more questions?" The hitter nodded and proceeded to give him the number to the disposable phone he always kept on hand.

"Thank you Mr. Kane" the officer told him, before walking over to his partner.

An hour after arriving, the Emts and officers; two handcuffed intruders in tow, filed out of the apartment. The one that had grabbed Ally suffered from a concussion and a bruise sternum. Upon inquiry, Ally learned that Jim would be fine, other than a concussion, as he had only suffered a minor blow to the head.

"You three should go home," Ally stated. "I appreciate you coming over, but I'm fine now and it's late. I'm sure you would like to get some sleep."

"Sweetie I don't think…"

"Not a chance in hell," Eliot snapped.

"Eliot, I don't need to be babysat," she argued with a slightly frustrated look.

"We know that," Sophie began. "But you shouldn't be alone for tonight."

"You can…"

"Stay with me," Nate interrupted the hitter, raising a brow at him.

"Uncle Nate, I don't want to put you out."

"It's no problem sweetie," Sophie stated, urging the young woman to stand up with a gentle hand on her elbow. "I'll help you pack a few things," she suggested. Eliot had never been happier of Sophie's soothing, convincing abilities; Ally would be safe tonight.

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

The sun was barely rising as Eliot made his way quietly into Nate's apartment. He didn't expect anyone to be awake yet, he just hadn't been able to sleep, and fidgeting around his apartment wasn't doing him any good. Especially when he had been concerned about Ally all night. Hardison hadn't found anything. Even staying up until four in the morning, the hacker had not found any red flags within Patrick Hayes' company. He was honest, fair, and treated everyone that worked for and with him, with respect. And all Hardison had found on the goons, were their names, rap sheets with several charges of burglary and assault, and no bank accounts to trace any payments back to the source. They had hit a dead end.

But instead of finding the quiet apartment he had expected, he instead found a familiar form in the kitchen, preparing what smelled suspiciously like fried tomatoes and potatoes as she moved in time to a dance song playing softly on the radio. And while the smell of the food was enticing, even making his mouth water, it took a backseat to the sight of the two piece, teal tank set that she was wearing. Shorts riding low on her hips and the top showing off her shoulders and arms, it was the most exposed skin he had ever seen on her.

"Hey you," she greeted, not even turning from the stovetop.

"How do you do that?"

"Haven't you heard? Blind people have super senses." There was that sense of humor he was seeing more of lately. "I felt someone in the room with me, and I only know of two people that move that silently. Parker would already be sitting on the counter with a bowl of cereal, so that left you," she explained, turning to him with a smile.

"Is that…a fairy on your shirt?"

"First my Muppets PJs, now Tinkerbell? What did she ever do to you?" she quipped. "Are you hungry? I've made plenty."

"So it seems," he replied, taking a look at the vast array of sausage links, fried tomatoes, potato pancakes, eggs, sautéed mushrooms and buttered toast. "Comfort food?"

She chuckled. "I guess. Cooking also calms me. I was going for a full Irish, but Uncle Nate didn't have any black or white pudding, or beans though."

"Why are you up so early?" he wanted to know as he retrieved plates, glasses and silverware.

"Never really slept," she admitted.

"You doin' okay?"

"A little shaken, but I'll be fine," she assured him as she plated the last of the eggs.

"I knew I smelled something familiar," Sophie greeted as she glided down the stairs wearing a calf length, burgundy, silk robe.

"I made enough for everyone," Ally told her with a smile. "Help yourself."

Sophie watched the pair out of the corner of her eye as she fixed two plates. A secret smile adorned her face as she watched them move around the kitchen in harmony.

"I'm going to treat Nate and myself to breakfast in bed I believe. You two have an enjoyable day," she announced, picking up a tray with two plates and coffee mugs. Eliot cocked a brow at the glint in her eyes. It was the one she wore with she was amused and knew something the others didn't.

"So what are your plans for today?"

"Didn't really have anything planned," he admitted. "What about you?"

"I was going to stop by the clinic, and then I promised Marisol's kids that I'd join them for movie day. I suppose I should also look for another television as well."

"What movie?"

"The Lorax."

"Haven't seen that one yet."

"That's because you don't like animated movies," she answered in confusion.

"Could be fun," he replied casually, taking another bite of sausage.

Ally smiled. "You do enough for me Eliot, I'm sure you can find better things to do with your time then watch a movie you won't like. Why are you here so early anyway? I thought Uncle Nate gave all of you a week off?"

"Yeah well…I wanted to check up on you," he admitted.

She sighed. "I appreciate that. I do. But….." she pinned him with a suspicious look. "Is that why you're offering to watch a movie I know for a fact you won't like? To…babysit me?"

The image of her curled in to herself in the corner of her bedroom after the attack flashed through his mind.

"You need a ride, and I'm not busy."

Her fork paused mid movement as she considered him for a moment.

"I'm not sure if I'm impressed or saddened by your ability to tell the truth while not fully telling the truth. But since I know that's all I'm going to get from you, I'll leave you to do the dishes while I go get dressed," she concluded, getting up from the table, and making her way into the guest room.

He'd get to keep an eye on her for the day, and that was good enough for him.

Thirty minutes later, they were heading to her first stop, and he couldn't stop looking over at her as he drove. Even though Sophie had done an impressive job with the concealer, he could still see the bruise on her jaw faintly.

"It's not nearly as bad as it looks," she said, startling him from his thoughts.

He reached out unconsciously to touch her jaw. "I should have got there quicker," he said, aborting the movement midway.

She reached out and caught his hand, surprising him. "Eliot, you can't teleport. You arrived as quickly as you possibly could. It would've been a lot worse had you not shown up." she reminded him, giving his hand a gentle squeeze before releasing it.

"Did you call your brother or dad?"

The pained sound she released told him not only that she had, but that it hadn't gone well.

"Kieran was already booking a flight before we ended the call, and daddy…he immediately demanded that I move back home and that it wasn't safe for me to live alone."

"What did you tell him?"

"I might have…ended the call a bit abruptly shortly thereafter."

It only took him a second to process what she said. "You hung up on your dad?" He didn't even fight back the smirk.

Her cheeks flamed. "It was terribly disrespectful, and I regretted it immediately, but…" she bit her lip in frustration, "I've worked hard to be independent these last few months, and he was talking to me like nothing had changed, and it just….pissed me off."

"When will they be back?"

"Tomorrow evening. I don't see the conversation that will follow going well."

"Maybe it won't be that bad."

"I can only hope," she sighed.

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

The trip to the clinic had been quick. It had mostly consisted of Samm giving Ally a one month report. The results of which proved, at least to Eliot, that putting the blonde in charge had been the right move.

Finding a new TV proved quicker than the hitter expected. She wasn't too picky about the size or visual aspects, as long as it had good sound and an option for audio description. He was however, irritated on her behalf that the salesperson kept deferring to him, even though it was obvious the purchase was for her.

Once again, he watched as the salesman…Tommy, brushed off her question about the features on the 50" television they were looking at, to return his attention once again, to Eliot.

"The great thing about this tv is the Trumotion feature. It allows you to fine tune the refresh rate and smooth out the picture when watching your favorite sports. And you…"

Sometimes Eliot had to remind himself that punching someone wasn't always the answer.

"As my friend has said twice already, the Tv is for her, not for me, maybe you should be focused on what she's already said she's looking for."

Something in his expression must have unnerved the man, because his eyes widened, and sweat formed at his temple.

"Of..course, my apologies." His attention turned back to Ally so quickly that Eliot was surprised he didn't give himself whiplash. "You said you were looking for good sound…well then the LG is your best bet. If you will follow me, I'll show you the two models…"

Tommy started walking away, looking back to make sure they were following, as Ally shook her head and took Eliot's elbow.

"You really need to turn down the growly face," she whispered in amusement. "It sounds like you almost made him wet his trousers."

"He was bein' an ass."

"It's nothing I'm not used to."

`"Not somethin' you should have to get used to." She smiled softly at his words. "And I don't have a growly face."

She just chuckled quietly and patted his arm as they followed the salesman.

Marisol and the kids were in the arcade portion of the theater when they arrived an hour later. Again, Emily and Stephen were playing against each other on a racing game, Reggie was working on what looked like the fourth stuffed animal on the claw machine, Sumiko and Isabelle were laughing back and forth as they hit the puck back and forth at the air hockey table, while Nicolas was doing his best, shooting up a crowd of zombies. Marisol sat off to the side, watching with a fond expression on her face.

She looked up as they approached, a warm smile gracing her face. "Mija, there you are." She reached out and pulled Ally into a hug, looking over at Eliot. "We didn't expect you to bring a plus one today," she commented with a smile. "Hello Eliot. It's nice to see you again."

He nodded in greeting. "Mrs. Espinosa."

She looked affronted. "No, none of that. It's Marisol to you. Especially if we'll be seeing more of you."

"Marisol…"

With a teasing grin, she turned back to Ally, "What? I'm just remarking how nice it is to see Eliot again."

"He's my watcher today, apparently."

The smile faded from the older woman's face as she took in Ally's appearance. "What happened? Was it Josh? I swear si ese gilipollas te vuelve a hacer daño le voy a arrancar los testículos y..." *

"No, it wasn't Josh. Some guys broke into my apartment last night." Marisol gasped, as Ally tried to reassure her. "I'm alright. Eliot got there in time to stop them. I promise, I wasn't hurt. It just scared me."

Marisol pulled her back into her arms. "Of course it scared you mija. I can only imagine. Why didn't you call the police?"

Ally's reply was cut off by a very familiar voice, "ALLY!" Isabelle was a blur of brunette curls as she hurdled herself at Ally, making the red head stumble.

"Hi there sweetheart," she greeted, leaning down to pull the little girl into her arms, mouthing 'Later' over her shoulder to Marisol.

The other kids made their way over, Ally's presence having been known so vocally. Hugs were exchanged, and Eliot was taken by surprise when Isabelle latched on to his legs, wrapping her little arms around him.

"I think drinks and snacks are in order, what do you lot think?" Ally announced. The strained expression that she masked with a smile, and her happiness in being around the kids, did not go unnoticed by the other two adults. A look of acknowledgement passed between them, as the kids led Ally to the snack counter.

The movie, which was apparently about a mythical creature that protected the forest, and was a lesson in deforestation and pollution, was a hit. Eliot originally had thought that Ally would get a set of headphones for the descriptive audio option, but it seemed that Kumiko took extreme offense to the thought of an impersonal voice doing what she was perfectly capable of. Apparently it was a regular thing whenever Ally watched movies with them. So Eliot sat on her right, and the girl took the left, occasionally whispering softly in her ear when the words on screen weren't enough to picture what was going on. Surprisingly, the hitter liked the movie well enough, not that he would ever admit it, but it was a well done adaptation of the Seuss story, showing kids the benefits of trees and how important they were for the environment.

"Ally! Are you and Eliot going to come over and swim with us?" Emily asked, wrapping her arm around Ally's elbow.

A bright smile appeared on the red head's face. "It arrived then?"

Eliot was confused for a moment until he saw the look of fond exasperation on Marisol's face. "You shouldn't have, it's too much."

"Nonsense. It's summer and the kids deserve to swim. I know it's difficult to take them to the public pools by yourself."

"I told you a swimming pool would be too expensive."

Now the hitter understood. All he could do was shake his head as they exited the theater.

"Yes, the in ground swimming pool I wanted to buy you would have been, that's why I got you an above ground one. Much less expensive," she concluded, with a self-satisfied expression.

"They installed a deck around it as well."

Ally's eyebrows rose. "They did? Well that was nice of them." She must have known Marisol was giving her an unimpressed expression, because she replied with a shit eating grin. "Seems like Santa got in on the gift as well."

"It's July."

"Shame on you Marisol, you should know that Santa is always watching."

Stephen paused at their car and turned to the adults. "Jimmy at school says Santa doesn't exist."

Eliot could see the beginning of the devastated looks on Isabelle and Nicolas' faces.

Ally's eyes widened. "Of course he exists! Those sound like the words from someone that knows they were very naughty. Do you guys like the pool?"

"Of course we like it. But it's much too expensive a gift Allyson." Eliot was impressed by the quick change of subject.

"Uh oh, she used my full name, I think she's serious," she mock whispered as she leaned into Emily, earning a giggle from the others. "Consider it a family Christmas present."

"For the next three Christmases."

Ally looked horrified. "Now that's just too…."

Marisol crossed her arms. "I can have it returned."

A smug expression appeared on Ally's face. "You can't. Only a replacement is allowed."

"I can have Alonso dismantle it, and we'll donate it to another family," she tried.

"You would do that? Look at these faces," she exclaimed dramatically. And as if it had been rehearsed, all six children turned on their best puppy eyes on their mother.

Knowing she had been bested, Marisol sighed. "Two Christmases and our next birthdays."

The kids looked at each other and had a quick, silent conversation, before nodding their heads. "We're okay with that, Ally," Kumiko announced.

Ally bit her lip, and knowing her like he did, Eliot knew she was trying to find a loophole. He was not convinced by the agreeable expression she donned. "Alright. Fair enough." Marisol nodded, and unlocked the van doors for the kids to get in. "We're having tacos for dinner, I made enough for the both of you as well."

"I don't have a suit," Eliot announced.

He was given a quick once over. "Alonso Should have a pair of trunks that fit you. I have an extra that Ally can borrow."

"Does tha…that mean you're com…comin' swimming wi…with us?" The happily hopeful expression on Isabelle's face could weaken the strongest of wills. Maybe one day someone would say no to her, but today was not that day, and he refused to be the first to do so.

"Of course we are," Ally answered for him. "We'll meet you there."

Smiling brightly, she hopped in the back of the van.

Eliot pulled out of the parking lot moments later, following behind the blue van. "Has anyone ever told that girl no?"

Ally chuckled. "Marisol swears she has, but I've never seen it.

The hitter wasn't surprised. "You agreed much too easy on the no gifts."

"What makes you say that?"

Her innocent expression wasn't fooling him, which she must have known, especially when it morphed to a devious one.

"Well, I figure there's always Spring Break, Easter, the 4th of July, Labor Day, and Thanksgiving."

All he could do was shake his head in silent amusement.

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

Once he had changed into the swim trunks Marisol had given him, he headed to the backyard to wait for everyone else. The look on Marisol's face when she had led Ally to her bedroom, told the hitter that there would be a conversation happening about the break in.

The backyard had definitely changed since he had last been there with Ally a couple months ago. The small garden was in full bloom, he could see numerous peppers, tomatoes, and cabbage, ready to be picked, there was now a small fire pit with lawn chairs surrounding it, the picnic table was still near the back door, and then there was the pool. It easily took up a third of their yard, and was more than large enough for the family, with a small deck at one end, giving people enough room to get in and out, and jump into it easily.

The kids started trickling out a few minutes later, followed by Marisol and Ally. And all he could do was stare. It was a simple cobalt blue one piece with ruched sides, but she looked amazing.

"Are you and Ally dating?"

He turned his attention to Kumiko, who had somehow managed to appear next to him without his noticing. "What?"

Her gaze turned to Ally climbing the deck steps, and then back to the hitter. "You look at her like my dad looks at mom."

"We're friends."

"So are mom and dad."

"We're not dating."

"Why not? Is it because she's blind?"

He could see the warmth begin to seep from her expression, as she prepared to come to Ally's defense. It was good to know his friend had others in her corner.

"No, it's not because she's blind," he assured her.

The little girl tilted her head. "Do you not think she's pretty?"

Reflexively, his gaze turned back to the red head. She had her hair pinned up in a messy bun, which highlighted her deep set, sea green eyes. He couldn't see them from here, but the pale freckles that he knew she hated, dotted across her upper cheekbones, enhancing the uniqueness of her diamond shaped face. Her bright personality bled through, radiating outwards, and when she smiled like she was doing now…

"She's beautiful." There was no hesitation in his voice.

The little girl sighed. "Adults are so confusing."

He realized he was still staring at Ally, and turned his gaze back to Rumiko. "What?"

An amused huff escaped her. "You getting in the pool?" She asked with an upturn to the corner of her mouth.

He nodded and followed her, wading over to Ally after getting in. Her hand on his arm got his attention, and he realized she had said something.

"Eliot? Are you alright?" she whispered, an expression of worry filled her lovely face.

He had no idea why he was distracted, but was quick to reassure her. "I'm fine. Promise."

"Alright, if you're sure." She smiled. "Maybe you could team up with me and help me stay away from Stephen."

He was confused for a moment until the boy in question yelled out 'MARCO!', and then he grinned, leaning down to her ear. "Don't worry, he's not getting near you." He barely noticed how she stilled, before he was gently pulling her away from the oncoming boy.

Author Note: I'm sorry this took so long to get out. Chemo took a lot out of me, then there was surgery, recovery, & radiation. But I've enjoyed the new reviews I've gotten, and I love seeing the new readers. Thank you for your patience. =)

* I swear if that asshole hurts you again I'm going to rip his testicles and