Jesse walked up the hill towards the main houses, with Cat by his side. They had just spent another long day, working with Rohan and a foaling mare, Sioned. Jesse had been up before dawn and it appeared that it would be well after dusk when he finally got to bed. Again. All jesses days were like this now, little to no sleep and the hardest physical labor of his life. Muscles he didn't even know existed, hurt. And he had been thrown, bitten, and kicked more times then the GSA had been from Shalimar. But he was having the time of his life! Cat had turned out to be this really wonderful, person, and Jesse was very thankful for the opportunity to have meet her. He loved working with her. They not only got along, but had similar methods in dealing with horses. They also shared a lot in common and spend a lot of their time talking about random things. And Dear God, was she funny! He had not laughed so hard since Shalimar and himself first started hanging out. And when you combined all that, and poured it into a small, compact body, and topped it off with a pixie like face, with sharp green eyes, and thick, curling blond hair, you had a near perfect package.
But much to Jesses surprise his feelings towards Cat, were similar as those he had towards Shalimar. Cat Dufresne, with all her fantastic good looks, and charm, turned him on about as much as a sister would. In other words not at all. Damn it. Here he was, on a mission and all he had to do was seduce a beautiful women, and he couldn't! What the hell was wrong with him!
Or may be I should be asking myself not 'what' but 'who', Jesse thought to himself, as he looked ahead to the house. There on the porch, was the 'who,' Lexa. Even falling into to bed every night physically, and mentally drained, thoughts of her keep him…up. It seemed liked she was everywhere he went lately, yet they had not talked much in over the week they had been there. He saw her at meals, and in the stables. He could hear her laugh with Mindy as they visited the colts, and argue with Jack over the best John Wayne movie. He would walk in on her and Anna cooking in the kitchen, giggling like school girls, or she would be sitting on the porch reading a book, when he was headed off to the barns in the mornings. Or he used to when she was getting up before him, but after a few mornings of showering in a bathroom that smelled deviously like Lexa, he decided it would be safer for him, to be up and gone, before she even stirred in the mornings.
"Whoo- hoo!! Jesse" Cat flashed her hands in front of Jesse's face hoping to draw him out of the trance he had fallen into. "Earth to cowboy, you there?"
Rapidly blinking, as if that would take Lexa out of his head, Jesse smiled sheepishly at Cat. "Sorry, I was…"
"…Daydreaming about Lexa again?" Cat guessed, a smiling smugly at the look of astonishment on Jesses face. " What? I am not suppose to notice how your eyes get all misty, and dreamy when you hear her laughing in the stables? Or how tense you get when she is near? Or how that little vein in your forehead dances like crazy when you see one of the hands flirting with her? Or when…"
"Okay, okay I get the point. So I'm that obvious? Oh God, she hasn't noticed has she?" At this thought, Jesse grabbed Cat's hands in his and pulled them both to a stop, as his heart race picked up in un-characteristic fear.
"Take it easy cowboy, she hasn't noticed. Not many have from what I can tell. I've just gotten to know you well over this week, and lets face it. I can now read you like an open book." Taunted Cat, as she placed her hands on her hips, and cocked her head to one side in a playful stance.
Realize that Cat wasn't going to make him talk about this right now, Jesse slowly advanced on Cat, who counter that by taking a step backwards.
"So, if I'm like an open book," he took one more step, and she again took one back, a smile lighting her face at the mischievous glint in his eyes, "you must be expecting this!" Jesse jumped at cat, trying to grab her around the waist. Cat squealed and turned to run away. Jesse chased after her growling, and making her laugh harder. Finally he caught her and swung, her up into his arms and threw her over his shoulder, slapping her bottom for good measure. They were both laughing so hard, that they were both caught unaware, when a cool voice interrupted them from the porch.
"When you two are finished fooling around, dinner is on the table." With that Lexa, turned on her heel and headed into the house.
Cat shivered in response to the coolness in Lexa's voice, and was glad she had not been able to see the glare that had probably accompanied it. Cat had only known Lexa for a week, and already she was all aware of how cold and scary those looks could be.
Jesse lowered Cat to the ground, and she had to smile when she saw the confused look on his face. For such a smart man, Jesse could really be dense, Cat observed.
"What?" Jesse asked, the look of confusion growing on his face, as he looked down into the smiling face of his friend. Didn't she see the look Lexa just gave them? How could anyone look so amused after that?
"You know Jesse, you can be really dumb sometimes." Laughing cat walked up the stairs, an into the house, leaving a really confused Jesse, behind her.
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Lexa attacked the pots with a savagery normally only seen in the deadliest of battles. She had spent the past week in a horrid mood. It seemed everywhere she went, Jesse was there with Catherine. He sure wasn't having a hard time with this mission, Lexa sulked as she scoured the pot to with in an inch of it's life. The damn man was having the time of his life, while she herself had to deal with this godforsaken…..jealously! She had finally admitted to herself tonight that she was jealous. Of course she had known for a while, but no one likes to admit it. But when she had seen Cat and Jesse walking up the hill talking and laughing. The when she had seen Jesse stop and take Cat's hands into his, Lexa had felt like a pot of burning steal had settled in her stomach. Then when he had picked up the petite blond, Lexa's heart shock a little in pain. This was why she didn't let people get close to her. This is why she had sleep with Blake, to push Jesse away. It had seemed that no matter how cold, rude, and mean she had been to him, he just kept chipping away at her walls. And then just as he started to break some down, and she was allowing herself to share more of herself with him, he went and found a cute, little, blond. Damn him! Water sloshed all over her as she slammed her final pot into the water with her anger.
"Damn it! Look what he made me do now!" Lexa cursed out loud, as she tried in vain to dry herself off.
"Well, it looks like someone got you into some kind of mad." Jack drawled as he entered the kitchen an amused expression across his face, and the sound of "The Circle Of Life" faded out as the door closed behind him.
Lexa glanced over her shoulder and glared at him. Then she scrunched her nose up, making a face, and taking some of the sting out of her glare. "I am just sick of always pulling kitchen duty while everyone else has something better to do, like watch Lion King." Lexa stated hoping, that the lie would throw off her very perceptive father.
Quietly walking up behind her, Jack laid his large hands, on Lexa's delicate shoulders, and turned her into his arms. Lexa wrapped her wet arms around his waist, and buried her face into his shoulders. The warmth and security of being held, in the only arms that had ever made her feel safe, Lexa felt tears prick her eyes. Realizing that this man had probably recognized her own feelings before she had, Lexa let out a sigh when she realized she would have to talk to him about it. Other wise he would just nag and nag her until she told him anyways. Snuggling deeper, into Jacks arms, Lexa inhaled the smell of comforting smell of horses, tobacco, and the earthy smell of Jack.
"So are you going to tell me what is wrong, or just go on smelling me all day?" Jacks voice whispered over her forehead, the love and devotion evident in every syllable.
"I didn't realize that it would hurt this much just seeing him laughing with her." Came the muffled replied, against his shoulder.
Jack ran his hands down the length of hair, in the same comforting manner as he always had. "Have you told him, honey?" Already knowing the answer, as the question rolled off his tongue.
Lexa leaned back in his arms, and peered up into his face, her expression clearly saying 'You got to be kidding me'.
"That's what I thought." Jack pulled Lexa back into his arms, and placed a kiss on her head, just as Jesse and Anna came into the room, Jesse stopping dead in his tracks at the sight of his strong teammate being held in her fathers arms, like a child. He had never seen her look this vulnerable, and it Jesse found himself once, again captivated by this softer version of Lexa. Jesse stood there staring at Lexa, with a look of wonder that did not go unnoticed by the other occupants in the room. Anna and Jack exchanged a knowing look, as he pressed one more kiss on top of Lexa's head, and gave her a final squeeze, as he let her go.
Lexa turned back to the pot she had abandoned when Jack had entered, rinsed it of, and drained the sink. "Where's Mindy and Cat?" Lexa asked the room in general, over her shoulder. Thankful that her voice sounded as calm, and normal as ever.
"Cat went home a few minutes ago, and Mindy is in there watching the end of the Lion King." Anna replied as she nudged Jesse in the direction of the table. "I think we all need to sit down for a moment and talk." Jesse and Lexa both exchanged a look, wondering what this was all about, both hoping they would not have to lie to this wonderful couple. Jesse pulled a seat out for Anna, then sat across the table from here, allowing her husband to sit beside her. Jack walked over with two cups of coffee in his hand. One which he set in front of the younger man, accepting the nod of thanks as he sat down near his wife, and took a drink form the second mug. Lexa, was the last to sit down having brought over a cup of hot tea for Anna, while she sat down beside Jesse, with a glass of iced tea for herself.
"Okay, now that we are sitting down, there are a couple things we need to get out of the way." noticing the slightly panicked look come into her daughters eyes, Anna reached across the old, scared oak table, and squeezed that hand Lexa had laced together on the table. "It's okay honey, I know there are something's you can't tell us, and I understand that. But there are something I would liked confirmed, for my piece of mind. First thing is you two aren't just here for a vacation are you?" Lexa lightly shocked her head no.
"Okay I know you don't need me to tell you two to be careful, but i will anyways. It is a mothers prerogative to worry you know." A small loving smile flittered across her face as she gazed at the beautiful, young women sitting across from her. "Just like I know I don't need to say this, but I will. If you two ever need any help, all you have to do is ask. We love you, and would do anything at all for you. No questions asked." Lexa felt her eyes tear up, as they always did when she thought how lucky she was to have found these wonderful people, who had always loved her so honestly and fully. Lexa turned her hands over, grasping Anna's between both of hers.
Taking a moment to make sure she could speak, with out disgracing herself in front of Jesse, Lexa spoke. "I know you both would, just as I would be there for either of you. Because I love you and we are family. And as you taught me and…and L-Leo," Lexa's voice waiver at the mention of her twin, and Jesse sifted his chair closer, till his knee brushed hers, and he was able to place his arm around the back of her chair. "there is nothing more important then family." Lexa paused to take a breath and try to regain in her emotions. She stiffened slightly when jesses hand moved of her chair, and began to rub comforting little circles between her shoulder blades. His touch was magical, and she soon found herself lightly leaning into his side, an she calmed down.
"That respect and love for you guys, is why I can't tell you. It would put you in danger. As long as you know nothing, your completely safe. And that is very important to me. So please don't ask me or Jesse anything, we can't tell you, and neither of us wants to lie to you." Lexa turned her head towards Jesse, not really needing the nod of agreement he gave along with her statement, but just wanting to see his smile. Oh, ohh. warning bells started chiming in Lexa's head. But for once she didn't care. Sitting here in her families kitchen, with her parents sitting across from her, and Jesse smiling at her while he continued to rub her back, Lexa felt the safest she had in a long while.
The smile Lexa sent Jesse, made his breath catch in his throat, and his hand to momentarily freeze on her back. Feeling like he had just run headfirst into a brick wall, Jesse tried to breath around the first that was presently squeezing his heart. Dear god, she is beautiful, Jesse thought when his mind finally starting again. Well she had always been gorgeous, but when she smiled like that, so open and full of emotion…
Jesse took a deep breath and realized he had been staring at her. Luckily she had turned back to Anna, and the two women were talking, their hands still clasped together onto of the table. Jack however, had not missed jesses reaction to Lexa's smile. He gave the younger man a look that clearly said 'be careful with her or else.' Jesses look just as clearly said, 'I would rather cut off my own hands first.' Jack seemed to be appeased by this, for he curtly nodded his head, and turned his attention back to his wife and Lexa.
"But there is something more important that we need to discuss… Mindy"
Lexa nodded her head in agreement as if she already knew what Anna was going to say. "she has been getting gradually quieter and more reserved all week, and I am getting worried. I have tried to talk to her but, she won't tell me anything. Jack has also come up against a stonewall. We thought that you might have more luck."
"This is about Leo, isn't it?" Lexa asked wearily leaning back in her chair, and even more into jesses side although he didn't think she noticed she was doing it.
"Yeah, I think it is honey. We explained to her that her daddy went to heaven, with her mommy, but I am not so sure she understood." Anna's eyes were pools of sympathy at the anguish she knew this would cause both her girls. "I also think you should talk to her soon, before it gets any worse."
Pushing away from the table, Lexa stood up. "well there is no time like the present."
And with that Lexa squared her shoulders and walked towards the living room, where her niece was intently watch the screen.
"Mindy baby, we have to talk." Lexa started, only to be shushed by the little girl on the couch.
"This is my favorite part, aunt Lexa. We'll talk when the movie is over." and with that she went back to watching the crazy monkey run through the forest, making crazy noises.
"well I have been dismissed," Lexa mumbled under her breath as she turned and headed back into the kitchen.
Jesse was still seated at the table, staring into the remnants of his coffee cup. He looked so intense and focused, that Lexa felt a quick unexpected jolt of desire course through her system. From just a look? That wasn't even directed at her? This is trouble Lexa girl, with a capital T, but like before Lexa found that she didn't care.
"Movie not over?" Jesse asked as Lexa collected the mugs of the table, and moved to put them in the dishwasher.
"Right." Lexa put the mugs away, and filled the dishwasher with soap, before starting it. Then she wiped down the countertop, stove, and even the sink. When there was nothing left to clean, she put the towel away and turned to look at Jesse who had been studying her the whole time. He was leaned up against the island, with his ankles crossed, and his arms resting across his chest. His hair had fallen over his forehead, and Lexa had to fight the urge to brush it back.
"I know I have no right to ask you this, and I understand if you say no, but ca…"
Jesse cut her off, as he straitened up, and advanced on her. Lovingly he tucked a piece of her hair behind her ear. "don't worry, I'll come with you to talk to her."
Drawing n a shuddering breath, Lexa gratefully drew from the quiet support he offered her. "I don't know if I could do this alone."
"Lexa, you never have to worry about being alone. You are a part of a team now. And you have this loving family here. And you have…"
It was jesses turn to be cut off, as Mindy entered the kitchen. Jesse had not had much time to spend with the little girl in the past week, but he was shocked that he hadn't noticed before, how sad the little girl appeared. Walking over to her, Jesse pulled the little girl up into his arms. "What do you say, you, me and Lexa go for a little walk outside kido? We have a few things we need to talk about. Okay?" The little girl shook her head yes, and wearily rested her head against his shoulder.
Lexa held the door open for Jesse, and Mindy and the three of them walked off the deck , away from the main house and stables. Both adults recognizing the need for privacy. Not just for the girl, but also for themselves. Neither of them was looking forward to this, and they both realized that there would more then likely be tears involved. Lexa lead Jesse and Mindy over to a solitary tree. When Jesse put Mindy down on the ground, Lexa kneeled in front of the little girl, taking both her tiny hands, into her own.
"Honey what is the matter?" Seeing the little girl raise her shoulders, in a shrug, Lexa pressed on. "Mindy, I know something is wrong, and no one is going anywhere till I know what's matter. So tell me what the problem is."
The little girl seemed to waver between telling Lexa and saying nothing. The she mumbled something under her breath, as she kicked at the ground with the toe of her shoe.
"Honey, I couldn't hear that, can you please repeat yourself."
"I said 'When is daddy, going to come back, Aunt Lexa?'" Melinda innocently asked her aunt.
Lexa's whole manner, stiffened at the innocently asked question. The pain that radiated from her eyes, hit Jesse in the solar plexus knocking the wind out of his lungs. With out even realizing what he was doing, he quickly closed the distance between them, and placed an arm around her shoulders when she stood ups, bringing her trembling frame into contact with his. Lexa gratefully seemed to sag into his supporting embrace, drawing strength from him. For the first time in their relationship Lexa was openly depending on him, and Jesse was not going to let her down. Looking down into the confused eyes of the little girl, Jesse reached out and scooped her up with his free arm, keeping the other one securely around Lexa's waist.
Jesse stood there moment, holding both females in his arms, dealing with the emotions they both stirred in him. He hated to see them both hurting, and wanted to spar them as much pain as possible, but he didn't how to do that. Obviously Melinda had not understood when Anna and Jack had explained about Leo. Jesse also knew the idea of telling Melinda what happened to Leo scared Lexa, and must be filling her with grief and guilt, such as she had not felt since that horrid day months ago. Taking a deep breath, Jesse relaxed his hold on Melinda, allowing him to see her face. At the same time he brought Lexa even closer to him, so that the three of them made a close knit circle.
"Mindy, hunny," Jesse paused to moisten his lips. "Do you remember what Anna and Jack told you about your daddy?"
The little girl nodded her head, causing her curly brown ponytail to pounce. "They said he wasn't going to come back, cause he went to live with the angels." the little girls bottom lip stuck out at this, and started to tremble, a s her big, blue eyes filled up with tears. "But I want daddy to come back and visit me. And daddy always comes to visit me. Or did I do something to make him mad? Maybe he doesn't love me anymore?"
At this heartbreaking question, a quiet sob escaped Lexa. She removed one of her hands from face and placed it around her niece, hugging both the little girl and Jesse. "No honey that isn't it at all. You know your daddy loved you very much, you were his little princess." Lexa tearstained face lifted to cast a desperate look of help at Jesse.
Swallowing around the lump of emotion that had lodged itself in his throat at Melinda's question, Jesse gazed back at Lexa, and nodded his head. After taking another minute to steady his breathing, Jesse looked back down at the expecting Melinda, and tried to explain what happened to her dad.
"Do you remember that movie we watched, The Lion King?" at her nod, jess continued with his explanation. "Well in it, the lion's daddy was gone and lived up in the stars, remember?" once again she shock her head yes, and Jesse hoped that this would work.
"And remember when Simba was in trouble, and all lost and scared? He looked up into the sky and there was his daddy, to help him out. Well that is just like your daddy, hunny. He now lives up in the sky with the stars," Jesse raised his face up towards the dusk sky, compelling Mindy to do the same.
"See how you can't see any stars now?" Jesse felt, rather then saw her nod her head. "well you still know they are there, right? And they always will be. Nothing is ever going to take them away, nothing ever could. They are forever." Jesse looked down at Melinda, and wit such aching sweetness laid his lips on the little girls forehead. " just like your Daddy. Even thought like the stars in the sky, you can't see him, you know he is right here," Jesse removed his arm from Lexa's waist and lightly put his hand over the little girls heart. "inside your heart. And like the stars, his love for you is forever. It will never, ever, go away. So when ever you miss him the most, just look up at that sky, and know that somewhere up there is your daddy. And know that he is looking down on you, and that he loves you SO much."
With that, Jesse slid his arm back around Lexa, and the three of them stood in each others arms, looking up as the stars started to glow, in the rapidly darkening sky.
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Hey guys, I hope you liked this chapter. Sorry for the long wait, but i am in the middle of exams and this is the first time I have had to update. I hope you enjoyed it, and please review and let me know what you thought about it. Thanks, and take care everyone!
But much to Jesses surprise his feelings towards Cat, were similar as those he had towards Shalimar. Cat Dufresne, with all her fantastic good looks, and charm, turned him on about as much as a sister would. In other words not at all. Damn it. Here he was, on a mission and all he had to do was seduce a beautiful women, and he couldn't! What the hell was wrong with him!
Or may be I should be asking myself not 'what' but 'who', Jesse thought to himself, as he looked ahead to the house. There on the porch, was the 'who,' Lexa. Even falling into to bed every night physically, and mentally drained, thoughts of her keep him…up. It seemed liked she was everywhere he went lately, yet they had not talked much in over the week they had been there. He saw her at meals, and in the stables. He could hear her laugh with Mindy as they visited the colts, and argue with Jack over the best John Wayne movie. He would walk in on her and Anna cooking in the kitchen, giggling like school girls, or she would be sitting on the porch reading a book, when he was headed off to the barns in the mornings. Or he used to when she was getting up before him, but after a few mornings of showering in a bathroom that smelled deviously like Lexa, he decided it would be safer for him, to be up and gone, before she even stirred in the mornings.
"Whoo- hoo!! Jesse" Cat flashed her hands in front of Jesse's face hoping to draw him out of the trance he had fallen into. "Earth to cowboy, you there?"
Rapidly blinking, as if that would take Lexa out of his head, Jesse smiled sheepishly at Cat. "Sorry, I was…"
"…Daydreaming about Lexa again?" Cat guessed, a smiling smugly at the look of astonishment on Jesses face. " What? I am not suppose to notice how your eyes get all misty, and dreamy when you hear her laughing in the stables? Or how tense you get when she is near? Or how that little vein in your forehead dances like crazy when you see one of the hands flirting with her? Or when…"
"Okay, okay I get the point. So I'm that obvious? Oh God, she hasn't noticed has she?" At this thought, Jesse grabbed Cat's hands in his and pulled them both to a stop, as his heart race picked up in un-characteristic fear.
"Take it easy cowboy, she hasn't noticed. Not many have from what I can tell. I've just gotten to know you well over this week, and lets face it. I can now read you like an open book." Taunted Cat, as she placed her hands on her hips, and cocked her head to one side in a playful stance.
Realize that Cat wasn't going to make him talk about this right now, Jesse slowly advanced on Cat, who counter that by taking a step backwards.
"So, if I'm like an open book," he took one more step, and she again took one back, a smile lighting her face at the mischievous glint in his eyes, "you must be expecting this!" Jesse jumped at cat, trying to grab her around the waist. Cat squealed and turned to run away. Jesse chased after her growling, and making her laugh harder. Finally he caught her and swung, her up into his arms and threw her over his shoulder, slapping her bottom for good measure. They were both laughing so hard, that they were both caught unaware, when a cool voice interrupted them from the porch.
"When you two are finished fooling around, dinner is on the table." With that Lexa, turned on her heel and headed into the house.
Cat shivered in response to the coolness in Lexa's voice, and was glad she had not been able to see the glare that had probably accompanied it. Cat had only known Lexa for a week, and already she was all aware of how cold and scary those looks could be.
Jesse lowered Cat to the ground, and she had to smile when she saw the confused look on his face. For such a smart man, Jesse could really be dense, Cat observed.
"What?" Jesse asked, the look of confusion growing on his face, as he looked down into the smiling face of his friend. Didn't she see the look Lexa just gave them? How could anyone look so amused after that?
"You know Jesse, you can be really dumb sometimes." Laughing cat walked up the stairs, an into the house, leaving a really confused Jesse, behind her.
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Lexa attacked the pots with a savagery normally only seen in the deadliest of battles. She had spent the past week in a horrid mood. It seemed everywhere she went, Jesse was there with Catherine. He sure wasn't having a hard time with this mission, Lexa sulked as she scoured the pot to with in an inch of it's life. The damn man was having the time of his life, while she herself had to deal with this godforsaken…..jealously! She had finally admitted to herself tonight that she was jealous. Of course she had known for a while, but no one likes to admit it. But when she had seen Cat and Jesse walking up the hill talking and laughing. The when she had seen Jesse stop and take Cat's hands into his, Lexa had felt like a pot of burning steal had settled in her stomach. Then when he had picked up the petite blond, Lexa's heart shock a little in pain. This was why she didn't let people get close to her. This is why she had sleep with Blake, to push Jesse away. It had seemed that no matter how cold, rude, and mean she had been to him, he just kept chipping away at her walls. And then just as he started to break some down, and she was allowing herself to share more of herself with him, he went and found a cute, little, blond. Damn him! Water sloshed all over her as she slammed her final pot into the water with her anger.
"Damn it! Look what he made me do now!" Lexa cursed out loud, as she tried in vain to dry herself off.
"Well, it looks like someone got you into some kind of mad." Jack drawled as he entered the kitchen an amused expression across his face, and the sound of "The Circle Of Life" faded out as the door closed behind him.
Lexa glanced over her shoulder and glared at him. Then she scrunched her nose up, making a face, and taking some of the sting out of her glare. "I am just sick of always pulling kitchen duty while everyone else has something better to do, like watch Lion King." Lexa stated hoping, that the lie would throw off her very perceptive father.
Quietly walking up behind her, Jack laid his large hands, on Lexa's delicate shoulders, and turned her into his arms. Lexa wrapped her wet arms around his waist, and buried her face into his shoulders. The warmth and security of being held, in the only arms that had ever made her feel safe, Lexa felt tears prick her eyes. Realizing that this man had probably recognized her own feelings before she had, Lexa let out a sigh when she realized she would have to talk to him about it. Other wise he would just nag and nag her until she told him anyways. Snuggling deeper, into Jacks arms, Lexa inhaled the smell of comforting smell of horses, tobacco, and the earthy smell of Jack.
"So are you going to tell me what is wrong, or just go on smelling me all day?" Jacks voice whispered over her forehead, the love and devotion evident in every syllable.
"I didn't realize that it would hurt this much just seeing him laughing with her." Came the muffled replied, against his shoulder.
Jack ran his hands down the length of hair, in the same comforting manner as he always had. "Have you told him, honey?" Already knowing the answer, as the question rolled off his tongue.
Lexa leaned back in his arms, and peered up into his face, her expression clearly saying 'You got to be kidding me'.
"That's what I thought." Jack pulled Lexa back into his arms, and placed a kiss on her head, just as Jesse and Anna came into the room, Jesse stopping dead in his tracks at the sight of his strong teammate being held in her fathers arms, like a child. He had never seen her look this vulnerable, and it Jesse found himself once, again captivated by this softer version of Lexa. Jesse stood there staring at Lexa, with a look of wonder that did not go unnoticed by the other occupants in the room. Anna and Jack exchanged a knowing look, as he pressed one more kiss on top of Lexa's head, and gave her a final squeeze, as he let her go.
Lexa turned back to the pot she had abandoned when Jack had entered, rinsed it of, and drained the sink. "Where's Mindy and Cat?" Lexa asked the room in general, over her shoulder. Thankful that her voice sounded as calm, and normal as ever.
"Cat went home a few minutes ago, and Mindy is in there watching the end of the Lion King." Anna replied as she nudged Jesse in the direction of the table. "I think we all need to sit down for a moment and talk." Jesse and Lexa both exchanged a look, wondering what this was all about, both hoping they would not have to lie to this wonderful couple. Jesse pulled a seat out for Anna, then sat across the table from here, allowing her husband to sit beside her. Jack walked over with two cups of coffee in his hand. One which he set in front of the younger man, accepting the nod of thanks as he sat down near his wife, and took a drink form the second mug. Lexa, was the last to sit down having brought over a cup of hot tea for Anna, while she sat down beside Jesse, with a glass of iced tea for herself.
"Okay, now that we are sitting down, there are a couple things we need to get out of the way." noticing the slightly panicked look come into her daughters eyes, Anna reached across the old, scared oak table, and squeezed that hand Lexa had laced together on the table. "It's okay honey, I know there are something's you can't tell us, and I understand that. But there are something I would liked confirmed, for my piece of mind. First thing is you two aren't just here for a vacation are you?" Lexa lightly shocked her head no.
"Okay I know you don't need me to tell you two to be careful, but i will anyways. It is a mothers prerogative to worry you know." A small loving smile flittered across her face as she gazed at the beautiful, young women sitting across from her. "Just like I know I don't need to say this, but I will. If you two ever need any help, all you have to do is ask. We love you, and would do anything at all for you. No questions asked." Lexa felt her eyes tear up, as they always did when she thought how lucky she was to have found these wonderful people, who had always loved her so honestly and fully. Lexa turned her hands over, grasping Anna's between both of hers.
Taking a moment to make sure she could speak, with out disgracing herself in front of Jesse, Lexa spoke. "I know you both would, just as I would be there for either of you. Because I love you and we are family. And as you taught me and…and L-Leo," Lexa's voice waiver at the mention of her twin, and Jesse sifted his chair closer, till his knee brushed hers, and he was able to place his arm around the back of her chair. "there is nothing more important then family." Lexa paused to take a breath and try to regain in her emotions. She stiffened slightly when jesses hand moved of her chair, and began to rub comforting little circles between her shoulder blades. His touch was magical, and she soon found herself lightly leaning into his side, an she calmed down.
"That respect and love for you guys, is why I can't tell you. It would put you in danger. As long as you know nothing, your completely safe. And that is very important to me. So please don't ask me or Jesse anything, we can't tell you, and neither of us wants to lie to you." Lexa turned her head towards Jesse, not really needing the nod of agreement he gave along with her statement, but just wanting to see his smile. Oh, ohh. warning bells started chiming in Lexa's head. But for once she didn't care. Sitting here in her families kitchen, with her parents sitting across from her, and Jesse smiling at her while he continued to rub her back, Lexa felt the safest she had in a long while.
The smile Lexa sent Jesse, made his breath catch in his throat, and his hand to momentarily freeze on her back. Feeling like he had just run headfirst into a brick wall, Jesse tried to breath around the first that was presently squeezing his heart. Dear god, she is beautiful, Jesse thought when his mind finally starting again. Well she had always been gorgeous, but when she smiled like that, so open and full of emotion…
Jesse took a deep breath and realized he had been staring at her. Luckily she had turned back to Anna, and the two women were talking, their hands still clasped together onto of the table. Jack however, had not missed jesses reaction to Lexa's smile. He gave the younger man a look that clearly said 'be careful with her or else.' Jesses look just as clearly said, 'I would rather cut off my own hands first.' Jack seemed to be appeased by this, for he curtly nodded his head, and turned his attention back to his wife and Lexa.
"But there is something more important that we need to discuss… Mindy"
Lexa nodded her head in agreement as if she already knew what Anna was going to say. "she has been getting gradually quieter and more reserved all week, and I am getting worried. I have tried to talk to her but, she won't tell me anything. Jack has also come up against a stonewall. We thought that you might have more luck."
"This is about Leo, isn't it?" Lexa asked wearily leaning back in her chair, and even more into jesses side although he didn't think she noticed she was doing it.
"Yeah, I think it is honey. We explained to her that her daddy went to heaven, with her mommy, but I am not so sure she understood." Anna's eyes were pools of sympathy at the anguish she knew this would cause both her girls. "I also think you should talk to her soon, before it gets any worse."
Pushing away from the table, Lexa stood up. "well there is no time like the present."
And with that Lexa squared her shoulders and walked towards the living room, where her niece was intently watch the screen.
"Mindy baby, we have to talk." Lexa started, only to be shushed by the little girl on the couch.
"This is my favorite part, aunt Lexa. We'll talk when the movie is over." and with that she went back to watching the crazy monkey run through the forest, making crazy noises.
"well I have been dismissed," Lexa mumbled under her breath as she turned and headed back into the kitchen.
Jesse was still seated at the table, staring into the remnants of his coffee cup. He looked so intense and focused, that Lexa felt a quick unexpected jolt of desire course through her system. From just a look? That wasn't even directed at her? This is trouble Lexa girl, with a capital T, but like before Lexa found that she didn't care.
"Movie not over?" Jesse asked as Lexa collected the mugs of the table, and moved to put them in the dishwasher.
"Right." Lexa put the mugs away, and filled the dishwasher with soap, before starting it. Then she wiped down the countertop, stove, and even the sink. When there was nothing left to clean, she put the towel away and turned to look at Jesse who had been studying her the whole time. He was leaned up against the island, with his ankles crossed, and his arms resting across his chest. His hair had fallen over his forehead, and Lexa had to fight the urge to brush it back.
"I know I have no right to ask you this, and I understand if you say no, but ca…"
Jesse cut her off, as he straitened up, and advanced on her. Lovingly he tucked a piece of her hair behind her ear. "don't worry, I'll come with you to talk to her."
Drawing n a shuddering breath, Lexa gratefully drew from the quiet support he offered her. "I don't know if I could do this alone."
"Lexa, you never have to worry about being alone. You are a part of a team now. And you have this loving family here. And you have…"
It was jesses turn to be cut off, as Mindy entered the kitchen. Jesse had not had much time to spend with the little girl in the past week, but he was shocked that he hadn't noticed before, how sad the little girl appeared. Walking over to her, Jesse pulled the little girl up into his arms. "What do you say, you, me and Lexa go for a little walk outside kido? We have a few things we need to talk about. Okay?" The little girl shook her head yes, and wearily rested her head against his shoulder.
Lexa held the door open for Jesse, and Mindy and the three of them walked off the deck , away from the main house and stables. Both adults recognizing the need for privacy. Not just for the girl, but also for themselves. Neither of them was looking forward to this, and they both realized that there would more then likely be tears involved. Lexa lead Jesse and Mindy over to a solitary tree. When Jesse put Mindy down on the ground, Lexa kneeled in front of the little girl, taking both her tiny hands, into her own.
"Honey what is the matter?" Seeing the little girl raise her shoulders, in a shrug, Lexa pressed on. "Mindy, I know something is wrong, and no one is going anywhere till I know what's matter. So tell me what the problem is."
The little girl seemed to waver between telling Lexa and saying nothing. The she mumbled something under her breath, as she kicked at the ground with the toe of her shoe.
"Honey, I couldn't hear that, can you please repeat yourself."
"I said 'When is daddy, going to come back, Aunt Lexa?'" Melinda innocently asked her aunt.
Lexa's whole manner, stiffened at the innocently asked question. The pain that radiated from her eyes, hit Jesse in the solar plexus knocking the wind out of his lungs. With out even realizing what he was doing, he quickly closed the distance between them, and placed an arm around her shoulders when she stood ups, bringing her trembling frame into contact with his. Lexa gratefully seemed to sag into his supporting embrace, drawing strength from him. For the first time in their relationship Lexa was openly depending on him, and Jesse was not going to let her down. Looking down into the confused eyes of the little girl, Jesse reached out and scooped her up with his free arm, keeping the other one securely around Lexa's waist.
Jesse stood there moment, holding both females in his arms, dealing with the emotions they both stirred in him. He hated to see them both hurting, and wanted to spar them as much pain as possible, but he didn't how to do that. Obviously Melinda had not understood when Anna and Jack had explained about Leo. Jesse also knew the idea of telling Melinda what happened to Leo scared Lexa, and must be filling her with grief and guilt, such as she had not felt since that horrid day months ago. Taking a deep breath, Jesse relaxed his hold on Melinda, allowing him to see her face. At the same time he brought Lexa even closer to him, so that the three of them made a close knit circle.
"Mindy, hunny," Jesse paused to moisten his lips. "Do you remember what Anna and Jack told you about your daddy?"
The little girl nodded her head, causing her curly brown ponytail to pounce. "They said he wasn't going to come back, cause he went to live with the angels." the little girls bottom lip stuck out at this, and started to tremble, a s her big, blue eyes filled up with tears. "But I want daddy to come back and visit me. And daddy always comes to visit me. Or did I do something to make him mad? Maybe he doesn't love me anymore?"
At this heartbreaking question, a quiet sob escaped Lexa. She removed one of her hands from face and placed it around her niece, hugging both the little girl and Jesse. "No honey that isn't it at all. You know your daddy loved you very much, you were his little princess." Lexa tearstained face lifted to cast a desperate look of help at Jesse.
Swallowing around the lump of emotion that had lodged itself in his throat at Melinda's question, Jesse gazed back at Lexa, and nodded his head. After taking another minute to steady his breathing, Jesse looked back down at the expecting Melinda, and tried to explain what happened to her dad.
"Do you remember that movie we watched, The Lion King?" at her nod, jess continued with his explanation. "Well in it, the lion's daddy was gone and lived up in the stars, remember?" once again she shock her head yes, and Jesse hoped that this would work.
"And remember when Simba was in trouble, and all lost and scared? He looked up into the sky and there was his daddy, to help him out. Well that is just like your daddy, hunny. He now lives up in the sky with the stars," Jesse raised his face up towards the dusk sky, compelling Mindy to do the same.
"See how you can't see any stars now?" Jesse felt, rather then saw her nod her head. "well you still know they are there, right? And they always will be. Nothing is ever going to take them away, nothing ever could. They are forever." Jesse looked down at Melinda, and wit such aching sweetness laid his lips on the little girls forehead. " just like your Daddy. Even thought like the stars in the sky, you can't see him, you know he is right here," Jesse removed his arm from Lexa's waist and lightly put his hand over the little girls heart. "inside your heart. And like the stars, his love for you is forever. It will never, ever, go away. So when ever you miss him the most, just look up at that sky, and know that somewhere up there is your daddy. And know that he is looking down on you, and that he loves you SO much."
With that, Jesse slid his arm back around Lexa, and the three of them stood in each others arms, looking up as the stars started to glow, in the rapidly darkening sky.
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Hey guys, I hope you liked this chapter. Sorry for the long wait, but i am in the middle of exams and this is the first time I have had to update. I hope you enjoyed it, and please review and let me know what you thought about it. Thanks, and take care everyone!