A/N: I'm back! My new muse – my 3 month old son, Bastion – says hello.

Part IV

I decide that heading back to Robbie's house for now is best. Though it is getting dark, I assure him I will be fine walking home once I get my clothes back. This way, he is back home and nowhere near that crazy woman. All I need is to make sure she is gone the next day.

"What's troubling you?" Robbie asks me as we near his home. "You're acting out of character, even for you. Did that woman really insult you that bad?"

I answer, "Yes, she was just terrible. Look, if she ends up saying anything to you, you can't listen to her. I sound really paranoid right now, but you just have to trust me."

He looks at me and smirks. "I'm supposed to take you seriously? You're dressed as a sparkling bunny."

"Very funny, Ringmaster Rotten." We stop in front of his billboard and I add, "Just trust me, alright? It's not often you listen to me."

The way he is gazing at me causes my face to burn white hot with blush. I wonder if he has any attraction towards me, or if it was purely from me napping on him. I wish I knew when it began, for I crave his touch. As if he can hear my thoughts, he places a hand on my bare shoulder. I feel my body shudder involuntarily. With this, his eyebrows rise slightly. My breathing is in double time and I cannot help it.

"I'll trust you," He says with a low, throaty voice. "You're the only one here I've ever trusted. No matter what silly antics I was up to, you gave me the time of day. Never wrote me off like the others."

Oh Heaven! How is anyone supposed to be successful at time travel when love is involved? Robbie pulls his hand off of me slowly, leaving a trail of nerves on fire as his hand falls to his side like a battleax. He turns and starts for his home. We climb the ladder and enter silently. My breathing has evened out. I'm hoping my emotions are not leaving me transparent. This Robbie cannot know how I feel. He offers me some water as I go change back into my normal clothes. When I come out, Robbie has a platter of cheeses and crackers sitting at his kitchen table. I smile.

"Have a snack, if you'd like." He points at the orange cheese, "That one is regular cheddar. The white is sharp, my favorite. I'm going to be cooking supper . . . if you want to stay."

I can't tamper with the past anymore. If I stay for dinner, I'm sure to lunge at Robbie. No, I need to go and hide somewhere for the night where I will not be able to mess with time.

"I have to go, Robbie, but I appreciate the offer." Yes, leave on a friendly term where nothing is changed and we are civil.

"Not a problem," He replies. His eyes search the floor and climb up to meet mine. "Will you . . . Will you stop by again? Maybe a rain check for dinner? Lunch, instead. I make a mean ham sandwich."

"Sure," I say. My heart hurts as I force myself to say goodnight and leave his home. Upon landing off of the ladder outside, I scan the area. The last thing I need is Lorna screwing up my life all over again. I decide to sleep behind a tree and take watch.