A/N: Sorry for the late update - I've had this ready to post, I just haven't had any time today. Thank you guys so much for the Reviews, follows, and favorites! I hope you enjoy this chapter.

This chapter skips from first person to third person back and forth near the end. Sorry if it gets confusing, it was just the only way to have Cassandra and Jacob's POV while Ezekiel wasn't in the conversation.

We were on a mission, we were looking for clues, and Stone and I were split up from Cassandra and Baird. It actually wasn't on purpose, like most of Baird's 'splitting up to cover more ground' schemes are set up to be. No, this one was a unexpected accident – due to a wall in an ancient, underground city tumbling down between us. Yup, there was an ancient, underground city underneath Salt Lake City. Where a piece of the ceiling suddenly became a wall. We'll talk about that another time, point is – it was just me and Jacob. Now I could put this theory I have to the test.

"So, Stone," I started.

He raised a brow at me and grunted out a, "What?" He wasn't too happy about being split up. Which is understandable, considering we have no idea if Cassandra and Baird have a way of getting out of there. We can just go out the way we came, but they were trapped on the other side of the cave-like ruins. Right, get back on track, Ezekiel.

"Worried about Cassandra and Baird, huh?"

Stone looked at me with a furrowed brow. "Yeah, Jones. I'm worried for their safety – like anyone with normal feelings would do."

I should probably take offense to that. "I feel like I should take offense to that."

"Wonder where you got that idea from."

He was a tad crabby – probably from lack of Casandra. "Seem a bit on edge there, Jakey."

"Don't call me Jakey."

"Whatever you say … Jakey."

He growled. Okay so I wasn't really helping my cause much, but irritating him was just so much fun. "So, who would you say you were worried for the most?"

Stone stopped in his tracks. "Who … what?"

"Cassandra or Baird? Whose safety are you worried for more? I mean, mine would be Cassie – just because Baird is used to taking care of herself. Plus, being the guardian and all that stuff. Anyway, you?"

He just looked at me like I was crazy and kept walking. He was a tougher shell to crack than Casandra, that was for sure. I had to try again, but something different. "So, if you were stuck on an island with either Cassandra or Baird, who would you pick?"

Stone wagged his head but seemed to start giving into my nonsense as he said, "Why're you not an option?"

I scoffed. "I think we both know you would never pick me, mate."

His face showed that he seemed to agree. "And Flynn?"

I shrugged. "Eh. When is Flynn actually 'round enough to get stuck on an island with us?"

"All right, fine, then Cassandra."

Ding, ding, ding! That wasn't enough though – who wouldn't pick Casandra? "Good choice, mate. Can I ask why?"

"Don't know," he looked fairly confused now. Not really sure if the confusion is due to his sudden realization of choice, because I'm just that awesome, or because of my strange questions. Probably should go with the ladder – but the first one is always a possibility. "'Cause she's Casandra. What 'bout you?"

"Well, logically speaking I would pick Baird. Baird knows tactical and survival traits I know literally nothing about. But honestly, I'd pick Casandra. I mean, every time I'd get upset about being stuck on a bloody island she'd probably like, make me a sandwich or something. Plus, she's got magic, so that's always a win."

Stone scoffed a little. I forgot, him and magic is a touchy subject. He then spoke up, "I need to call Jenkins. I bet he could open up the back-door for Cassie and Baird."

Okay, so new topic. We were getting away from Casandra. "Good idea, you should do that. But first, new question. If you could marry either Baird or Casandra, who would it be?" I scolded myself the moment it came out of my mouth. This might be what Baird means when she yells at me, 'Subtlety, Ezekiel!'

"Hold your horses," we stopped, Stone just looking at me like I was crazy again. But he also had a slight hint of suspicion in his eyes. "What's with all these questions? Do you," he hesitated, like it was a sensitive subject. "Do you have a thing for Cassandra or somethin'?"

What?! Me, Ezekiel Jones? Yuck. She was like a sister to me. Besides, just a bit old. I mean, maybe not as old as Baird, but still – ancient compared to me. I almost said aloud the same thing I just thought – but then, I held my tongue, and I realized something. What would trigger Stone's fancy for Cassie more than the best known emotion? Jealousy!

"No, me? I - Whaaat … what if I did? Like her, just a bit? Would that make you feel pretty angry, or just your normal Grumpy Bear self?"

"Well, I…" he was really a loss for words. That's good. All of his expressions were micro expressions of jealousy, anger. Perfect, just what the doctor ordered - that's me, being the doctor. "You just a week ago say Cassandra and me could pass for Senior Discounts, Jones."

"That's … how I show my true feelings. With harsh and childish words." C'mon, you can do better than that. "Yup, I'm just like a little child, shoving his crush off the slide ... or something like that." He seemed whole heatedly confused, but also completely enraged. Brilliant.

"So you're just going to go around and treat Cassandra like she's insignificant just 'cause you find her amazing?" The tone in his voice, it was almost threatening. This was great!

I shrugged. "Think you're puttin' words in my mouth there, Jakey. I mean, I wouldn't really say I found her amazing."

Ah, the good ol' Jake glare. "You're kidding me now, right? That woman is one of the most amazin' people you will ever meet – she's a dang Librarian, Jones!" I shrugged again, just to see his anger seem to boil even hotter. "You can't just go 'round sayin' you have feelings for her and then act as if she ain't something special."

"Why not?"

"Because that's -! That's just not how it works, Jones!" He swung his hands in the air, like he always did when he was angry. "Cassandra deserves better than that, she…" He never finished that sentence.

Protective, jealous, seemingly head over heels… seems about right. "What're you gonna do about it?"

"What am I-?" He chuckled out of irony. "I can show you what I'll-"

"Ya know, you're right, mate. She is too old for me – she's probably right up your ally though, yeah? Maybe you wouldn't have to live your whole life completely alone and miserable." I patted him on the shoulder and moved on down the tunnel; Stone confusingly walking closely behind.

Seems to me Ezekiel Jones had to start getting the next phase of the plan up and running – Phase Casob. No, no he needed to work on that. But still, you get the point. Awesomeness, as always.

We had found each other, we found the problem, we needed to investigate it, and Baird was barking up orders again. The reunion was rather anti-climactic, really. Not any hugging, which caused bumps for my plans. Now she was telling us what to look for as we searched so-and-so places. I wasn't really listening of course – I knew enough of what was happening to figure it out.

"We need to split up – cover more ground." Here it came, the usual teaming up. "Stone, you go with Jones to …" she went on. No, no, no, no. That's all wrong. Jake needed to go with Casandra. "Casandra, you can come with me. We'll …"

Guess he had to fix this too, like he always did. They really should thank him more often. "Actually, Baird," everyone looked at me confused. "I think Cassandra should go with Stone."

They all raised their brows. Baird said, "Okay … Why?"

"Yeah, Ezekiel. What're you up to?" Cassandra whispered to me. She may have already been catching on to my brilliance – but that's to be expected. Casandra's too smart to not catch on.

"I just think, from past experience, we are all more helpful and valuable to the team when I go with you, and Stone and Cassandra go their own way." Baird was actually considering it. "Besides, Stone just wants to punch me when I go with him."

That all got them on my side. Baird nodded and gave an agreeing expression. "Can't argue with that. Okay, for Jones' safety and Stone's blood pressure, Cassandra and Stone – you go figure out what the source of this …"

I stopped listening again. What's the point? I have Baird, she'll do all the thinking now. Anyway, I was planning on ditching Baird at one point to follow Cassandra and Stone. I really need a name for them … Casone? No, that's just weird. He'd have to work on that one. But for now, I needed an excuse to follow the two of them.

"Great, you guys have fun. Baird?"

She looked at me expectantly. "Yes, Jones?"

"Gotta use the little boys room. Be back in a jiff. But please, don't feel like you need to wait on me – by all means," I placed one hand on my heart and the other on her shoulder. "You can go ahead, and I will try my best to catch up."

"You're in an odd mood today, Jones." She said, heading out to go find whatever she was finding.

She had no idea. He, Ezekiel Jones, was doing the oddest thing he had ever done in his life, now thinking of it. I'm trying to bring happiness to my closest friends. I'm actually being … selfless. Ha! I really am awesome.

Now, where did they actually go? See, this might've been a flaw in my plan. Listen to know where to follow. After peeking over a few corners, I finally spotted Casandra's bright red hair walking down the side walk, Jacob by her side. Now came the plan.

Cassandra and Jacob walked down the streets of Salt Lake City, both with plenty of things on their minds. They both have been dealing with the weird actions and comments of Jones, making them think a little more than they'd like to about some personal affairs – oh and there was destruction and mayhem everywhere, too. Then, then he made it a point to send them off together – if they were in somewhere like Rome they might be more suspicious than they already were.

Then, on top of that, Cassandra and Baird were almost trapped to their doom – and all Stone could think was what he'd do without Cassandra on the team (thanks to Ezekiel's comments). They had gotten pretty close ever since the team reunited, and he didn't realize it, but he'd grown rather fond of Cassandra, or possibly even … more. But that's impossible, right? Feelings, for Cassie?

Cassandra was just staying as quiet as a mouse. It was better that way – she hated thinking whatever she might say might lead the conversation to somewhere… weird. Cassandra has honestly always had feelings for Jacob – she was surprised not more people than Jones had noticed. The moment he caught her in their first mission, after an episode, and he helped her find a way through the visions – she was head over heels. Time had gone by though, and she became more realistic. Jacob wasn't interested, clearly. She actually never knew anyone had ever caught on, that was until today in the library. Ezekiel had revealed his discovery, and now seems to be up to something mischievous. Something involving her and Stone. Who knows what he's said to Stone, oh gosh… She prayed he didn't tell him how she felt.

It was impossible – didn't Ezekiel see that? Jacob didn't trust her. He stopped trusting her just as fast as she started liking him. She broke his trust, and she wasn't sure if there was any way to ever fix that. She glanced over at Jacob, only to see he was watching her. Making eye contact, they awkwardly smiled at each other and then looked away. Why was he staring at her? Ezekiel must've told him something…

Jacob of course was caught staring – he didn't even realize he was staring until they suddenly made eye contact. Stinkin' Jones, this was his fault. Cassandra and him were perfectly content until he had to start sticking his nose into things.

Stone decided to speak. "I," he cleared his throat. "I um, I'm glad you're okay."

Cassandra looked at him with a warming smile. "Thank you." Her voice was so timid, but sweet. She chuckled a little before saying, "Me too."

Stone gave her a smile, a smile that reached all the way to his eyes. "You guys had me worried there, for a little while."

"Yeah, well," she shrugged, scrunching up her nose. "I had Baird. I knew there was nothing to worry about with her around. I was really more worried for you – you had to deal with Ezekiel and his nagging." She chuckled a little, nervous about what really might've been said.

"Ha," Stone chuckled some. "Yeah, he's been real … fun, today."

Cassandra raised her eyes brows and sighed. "That's a word for it, yeah." They laughed some, and then Cassandra realized there was still a mission – despite Ezekiel's weird behavior. "So … where are we going exactly?"

Stone explained, but honestly Cassandra didn't listen to one word. All she could think about was how humiliated she would be if Jones ratted her out – and, well, how handsome Stone looked. She really had to start paying closer attention - to what was being said, not Jacob's face. Or his arms. Or his- Focus, Cassandra.

Stone had listened to Baird's instructions, and he knew where they were headed. Only problem was that while explaining where they were headed, he realized he had no clue where they were. This wasn't like him at all. What was wrong with him? It was Cassandra – she somehow has become a major distraction for him. Jones, that sneaky son of a –

"Gosh, I'm starved." Cassandra spoke up, breaking Jacob from his thoughts. "I just realized I must've skipped lunch today."

"Well that ain't healthy – wanna stop by a place, on our way there?"

"No, I mean, could we? I'd hate to be pushing it on time – but I do think my stomach has rapidly started eating itself." She said with a slight giggle.

Jacob grinned at her – he couldn't help it. "We got time. Last thing we need is a death of a Librarian, 'specially in such tragic circumstances."

Cassandra giggled again, but much louder than before. "Oh yes, I'm sure my face would cover all the news channels due to such a tremendous tragedy of our time."

He chuckled a little. In all honesty, though the world may not ever think so, Jacob would think so. "Worse than Elvis, or even Carrie Fisher."

She let out a full, blissful laugh now. "I almost said more than Jesus himself, but I realized I might be pushing my fame just a little too far there."

"Blasphemy." He teased her. "But, I couldn't really say I disagreed."

Did he just actually say that aloud? The way Cassandra looked, he must've said it. Cassandra was slightly blushing, a permanent smile plastered onto her face. At least she wasn't giving a bad response to his slip of the tongue. Oh, a restaurant – perfect subject changer.

"Well hey, how does Italian sound?"

Cassandra looked up at the restaurants sign, and then through the open window to see inside. "It sounds wonderful, but I sadly don't think I brought enough money with me for that."

"You like Italian?"

She beamed, nodding. "Might just be my favorite." She then turned, starting to walk down the side walk.

Jacob wasn't about to continue walking when he couldn't seem to control his mouth, and he and Cassie were both starved. Plus, the look on her face was worth it. He grabbed Cassandra's hand and twisted her back to the door. "It's on me." He smiled at her, tugging on her hand. "C'mon."

"No, Jacob, I couldn't."

"You can – 'cause talkin' 'bout food has got me realizing how hungry I am. And I ain't about to pass a golden opportunity to get myself some spaghetti, instead of some hamburger from McDonald's."

Cassandra bit her bottom lip, looking into the restaurant with desire. She got a whiff of what smelled like garlic bread and that was all she needed – Jacob did insist, right? When he's determined about something there's no changing his mind. Plus, she was starved, and the sound of spaghetti was too hard to resist. Jacob opened the door for her and Cassandra practically leaped through, overly but understandably excited for the meal to come.

I watched from across the street, seeing the last flash of a smile on Stone's usually scowling face. I couldn't believe it. They were going to have Italian without me? Wait – though disappointing for me, this was good. Actually, this was great! They're practically on a date already! He hasn't even had to start up the second part of his brilliantly awesome plan and they're already flirting and eating expensive food, along with Stone taking the whole slice of the check.

I grinned and popped a chip in my mouth, or a french-fry as some might call it. A man had to eat. Picked some food up on the way. Suddenly, I felt my pocket vibrate. Baird. She had to be calling. I fished my cell out and there it was, Colonel Eve Baird's name written over my screen. I could practically see the face she was making right about now. I reluctantly answered, flinching as I pressed the speaker to my ear.

Didn't matter though – it was worth it. These chips were great!

If you haven't noticed yet, Ezekiel's "plan" is basically to just get them together - and how he does that depends on his mood. Next chapter they move on from this mission. It's called "Slingshots and Daisies". Hope you guys liked this chapter! Leave a review, they are what keep me updating. :)