Author's Note: Thank you so much for the reviews, PM's, fave's and follows. I appreciate everything so much. I hope you will enjoy this chapter as well.

Chapter 6

With each new day Charlie became more involved with her surroundings once again. Whereas, the past month and a half she had simply existed, at times barely functioning, now she was feeling 'awake' again- aware of the people around her and the goings on at camp.

She started helping out more with the everyday activities again, even helping Gene in the kitchen at lunch. She avoided working breakfast with him, as that was when Rachel helped out.

She and Rachel had talked off and on in the past month but Rachel always found a way to bring the conversation around to Bass, prodding her daughter for information while also insisting she avoid him. Charlie always stopped the conversation right there; often walking away when Rachel ignored her protest's and continued talking.

As she walked away this time she turned her mind to Bass. He wasn't in camp at the moment; he, Miles, Connor and Scanlon had gone on a Patriot scouting mission. They felt sure something was up and that their relative peace at camp wasn't going to be around much longer. They were trying to figure out exactly what to expect and how they might be able to thwart it.

Charlie knew Bass had feelings for her- he had told her he had things to tell her and the closeness of their relationship had grown so much. She felt like she could talk to him about anything. But to the extent of his feelings she was not sure. She really hadn't wanted to think about it much up until now because with everything else she'd been going through it was rather overwhelming to her to contemplate what it all might mean.

When he was around he was just Bass—someone she had come to depend upon for support and friendship, who made her laugh when she needed it and gave her a shoulder to cry on when she needed that too. She enjoyed spending time with him.

It was when he was away that she tended to over think things. It was at these times when she couldn't help but think about the bigger picture—the fact that this man was thee Sebastian Monroe, former president of the Monroe Republic, someone who barely a year ago, she'd wanted dead more than anything else in the world.

She reasoned to herself that he was no longer that man anymore. He was so different from the man she had met in Philly so long ago; sometimes she thought it had been two different people. To know him now, she could see why Miles still loved him, even after everything that had happened and why he hadn't been able to kill him when given the chance. Their relationship certainly wasn't perfect but it seemed to Charlie, that they had come a long way.

She thought now about her own feelings towards Bass. She cared about him a great deal and found herself worried about him when he was away from camp. They hadn't done more than hold hands and cuddle together while sleeping but there were times when he touched her or even just kissed her forehead that she felt shivers down her spine; and she had to admit, even the hand holding was really special to her. She felt a bit too girly when she thought like this but she couldn't deny it. She loved it when he held her at night, loved feeling his body next to hers, his arms embracing her tightly- all of it made her feel safe and cared for, something she had greatly needed these past weeks. But when she was honest with herself, like now, she knew it meant even more than that. Just the thought of his mouth on hers set her nerve endings on fire but also left her feeling a little anxious. Now that she was beginning to get back to herself she had to laugh at her feelings of anxiety. I've slept with totally random guys, she thought to herself. Why should I be nervous about Bass Monroe? Because Bass is different, she concluded.

As if on cue, there was a tap on her shoulder.

"Hey," Bass smiled, "penny for your thoughts."

"I only accept diamonds," she quipped.

He laughed, "Glad to see you're getting your sense of humor back, Charlotte. I missed it." He looked at her. "How 'bout I help you serve lunch and then we take some up the hill to your little house?"

"Okay," she smiled.

They made their way to the top of the hill and sat down in her usual spot- against the back of the house, facing the valley below.

"How did the scouting trip go?" she asked, taking a small bite of some kind of hash.

"There are some concerns," he said, looking at her. She met his gaze. "We found signs that they've been spying on us, about a half mile from camp. Then when we scouted out Willoughby it looks like they just got a shipment of something…something big, although we couldn't tell what it is." He looked troubled. "Charlotte, after today I want you to stick to camp. I don't like the thought of you being up here by yourself. Something's up and we're fully expecting some kind of attack."

"Should we leave?" she asked.

"We talked about that but Miles suggested we'd be better off standing our ground and fighting them from here with the buildings and walls for cover," he replied.

"Oh, so you're listening to Miles now, huh?" She eyed him curiously, "Since when?"

He smirked, "Since he comes up with good ideas…at least every once in a while. We're bringing everyone in tighter so that we have a smaller perimeter around camp but a stronger one…two men every twenty yards."

"Can I help?" she asked. She saw his look of hesitation and added, "I'm ready…and I'm not about to do anything stupid."

"All right," he acquiesced, "but only on perimeter if you're with me."

She groaned. "Bass, I don't need you to babysit me; I already told you I won't do anything stu..."

"That's not what I'm doing, Charlotte," he interrupted her. He paused, looking at her carefully. "If anything goes down I want you with me. I wouldn't be able to focus on fighting if I didn't know where you were…if I didn't know you were safe. I want you fighting alongside me." They held each other's gaze.

"Okay," she said.

"Okay?" he asked incredulously. "No argument? No 'well, that's still called babysitting, Bass'?"

She shook her head. "Okay because if we're fighting the patriots I will want to know where you are too…I worry sometimes…when you're gone from camp. I worry about you taking unnecessary risks like you have a way of doing." She looked at him pointedly, rolling her eyes.

He smiled at this new information. "Well, Charlotte, you don't have to worry. Like I said, I've been listening to Miles more." He hesitated before continuing. "See, I'm hoping to get on his good side so that it'll soften the blow when I tell him."

"Tell him what?" she looked confused.

"That I'm," he paused, taking her hand in his, "in love with his niece."

Charlie's eyes grew wide. "Wow," was all she managed to say. She looked away from him, turning instead to look at the ground. Her heart began pounding.

Bass stared at her. She looked like she was going to panic. Damn it, he thought, what a stupid ass way to spring it on her!

"Charlie," he said, worried, "are you okay? I didn't mean to shock you. That was really stupid of me." He stopped. "Breathe," he said, very concerned. She was shaking ever so slightly. He gently rubbed the back of her hand. He didn't speak, just slowed his breathing, hoping she would follow suit. Eventually she did.

She squeezed his hand and looked at him, finally. "You…love me?" Her voice was barely above a whisper.

"Yes," he said calmly. "I think I have for a long time now but I only just recently admitted it to myself." He paused. "Don't worry- you don't have to say it back and its okay if you don't feel it too…I just wanted you to know. I'm sorry for the stupid ass way I ended up telling you. I practiced it a million different times and believe me, that was not one of them." I'm such an idiot, he thought. Very romantic, Monroe.

"A million times, huh?" a small smile crinkling her mouth.

"Yea, pretty much," he started to relax.

"I'm sorry," she finally spoke, "for freaking out."

"You have nothing to be sor…"

"Let me finish," she interrupted him.

"Okay," he said, giving her his full attention.

"I'm sorry for my reaction," she said, holding up her hand when he began to protest. "I feel like such an ass. In my defense, though…any of your other millions of ways probably would've been better." She smiled at him. "Bass," she started slowly, more evenly, "that night we spent out in the forest was one of the lowest points of my life. I was feeling so awful, so wretched about Jason that I wanted to die. You saw me try to do something to make that happen. I cried like a baby to you that night and hated myself for it- in case you haven't noticed I don't like appearing weak in front of you."

He nodded slightly.

"I consider myself to be a strong person but with all the loss in my life, Jason just felt like the last straw. I mean my dad…then Maggie. And then….Danny…" her voice choked a little over his name. "Jason helped me with my grief over Danny. And then losing him—and the way I lost him…killing him…well, it almost killed me." She paused, taking a deep breath and quietly exhaling again. "Almost," she said.

Bass lightly squeezed her hand.

"But you were there and somehow you knew exactly what to say, exactly what to do and you never judged me or pushed me in any way…well, except to get me to eat…" she smiled. "You were just there. You told me about your own experience, even though I know it was still very painful for you to talk about. You gave me your trust and I learned that I could trust you as well. You've made me feel safe and cared for and you even helped me memorialize Jason, a man who once betrayed you."

Bass could feel his heart sinking; he could feel what was coming- she thought of him as a friend, nothing more. How could he have been so dumb and thought that it could be anything more than that? She was still in love with Jason.

Charlie touched Bass' cheek to make sure she had his attention, as if she knew his mind was wandering. "When I was in that place, when I was feeling so sad and alone and wanting to die- the whole world felt dark. It felt like the darkness was swallowing me up and I had no way of escaping it and lacked even the will to try. You," she said, locking eyes with him, "You changed all that. Somehow, some way you found your way to me through all that darkness…I don't know how but you did- you were the only light I saw…and once I found you I knew I was not letting go. I held onto that light for dear life knowing it…you…were my only chance of making it through everything alive. And I did, Bass, I made it. And I owe so much of that to you. So thank you." She smiled at him, the warmest smile she'd shared in a long while. She slowly, sweetly, leaned over and kissed him on the cheek.

So there it was, Bass thought. Well, if he could only have her as a friend he would gladly take it; but it still didn't stop his heart from aching.

Charlie saw him looking down at the ground, slightly sad. She lifted his chin so he was looking at her when she added, "Oh, and about that news you have to break to Miles?" She eyed him carefully. "Any ideas on how I can tell my uncle that I've fallen for his best friend?"

He stared at her, incredulously, feeling his own heart begin a wild ride to leap out of his chest.

"I love you too," she breathed.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

They decided they should move ahead slowly. Actually, it was Bass' suggestion based on Charlie's initial reaction- he didn't want her to feel overwhelmed at all about the prospect of their relationship. Charlie found that she was actually grateful for this, albeit feelings of silliness for having to go this route with him.

One morning they were lying on their bedrolls, holding each other and kissing. She hadn't underestimated the power of his mouth on hers; every time he kissed her it was like sparks being set off within her body. Never had she been so turned on by a man's kiss before- but Bass wasn't like other men, she decided- and now he was her man, she smiled to herself.

"I hope you're being so close to me isn't too hard on you," she purred after one particularly passionate kiss, being sure to place emphasis on the word 'hard'.

"Charlotte," he growled, "you don't know the half of it. You think all these bathroom breaks are for real?"

She covered her eyes in embarrassment.

"Hey," he said. "It's okay. Like I said, I'll follow your lead- you're worth waiting for. And it's not like I don't enjoy the other stuff we do," he said gruffly as he nuzzled her ear. "In a way, it takes me back to high school and I'm makin' out with the hottest chick in school."

She groaned.

"Listen," he said, more serious this time. "I don't want you pushing yourself into anything you're not ready for- and I don't think any less of you for it, nor do I mind waiting- just knowing that you want to be with me is enough for now." He turned her face to meet his gaze. "Charlotte," he said softly, "You've just been through a horrific ordeal- one that was all-consuming. It's perfectly natural and understandable that you need time before entering a serious relationship that may also be all-consuming." He paused. "I've never felt this way about anyone before, Charlotte. I mean, I loved Emma, Connor's mom…but never like this. I would…I would give my life for yours in a heartbeat. I love you so much, it's all-consuming to me, as well."

She smiled, kissing his lips, and whispered, "Thank you. I love you too, Bass. More than I thought I could ever love anyone. If anything ever happens to you I don't…"

"Nothing's going to happen to me," he interrupted. "In case you haven't noticed I seem to have nine lives…and I'm only on about number four," he smirked.

She poked him in the ribs for making light of it.

"Oh, you're gonna be sorry for that one," he said as he began tickling her. Charlie started laughing uncontrollably, squirming and trying to tickle him back.

"Uncle!" she called.

"What was that? Wasn't sure I heard you," he laughed.

"Uncle!" she called louder.

"What?!" Miles was standing about four feet away, staring down at them and did not look happy. His responding to 'uncle' would have been hilarious had he not looked so pissed off. "Just what the hell is going on here?" he demanded.

Charlie and Bass both looked up startled. Bass sat up and then held out a hand to Charlie and pulled her up. They sat side by side facing Miles.

"Miles, man," Bass started. "We were going to tell you…"

"That you're messing around with my niece? Really great, Bass, real classy- and typical," Miles snorted.

"Wait, Miles," Bass said, his voice rising slightly. "We're not just messing around, brother." He paused, taking a deep breath, "We're in love."

Miles laughed. "In love? You're kidding, right?"

"Yea, Miles…we are," Charlie said, very serious.

"Charlie, with all due respect," Miles said, "you've been barely functioning since Jason's death. We've been seriously worried, kid. I don't think you know what you're feeling."

"Miles, with all due respect to you, mom and grandpa, despite everything that's happened I know how I feel- and I love this man," Charlie said, placing her hand in Bass'. "I love him with all my heart."

"Is he good to you?" Miles asked, ignoring Bass' look of indignation.

"The best," Charlie said.

Miles stared at them thoughtfully. He hadn't seen Charlie look so relaxed and happy in ages; and if Bass was the reason for this change in her, how could he try to stop it; why would he want to? And the truth was, he'd had plenty of time to get used to the idea.

"Well, that's all I really wanted to know," Miles replied. "And by the way, if you thought you two had some big secret here you're bigger fools than I thought you were. I've known about this little sleeping arrangement since about three days after it started."

They stared at him, jaws dropping to the floor.

"And Mom?" Charlie asked incredulously.

"Yes, your mom too," he replied. Bass looked even more shocked than Charlie at this- shocked that he was still alive. Miles grinned at this. "It's taken almost daily reminders from Gene and I, telling her not to say anything to you," he said, looking at Charlie, "or kill you," sneering at Bass, "but so far, she hasn't pushed too much; we just keep telling her she'll lose you for good if she pushes too hard or lays a hand on his pretty little head."

Charlie and Bass looked at each other and then back to Miles, still speechless. As Miles turned to walk away, he snorted with laughter.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Most of the camp was still asleep when the Patriots attacked early one morning. The alert shots were fired by one of the sentry's on duty- three in a row was the signal that an attack was imminent. To say they were caught off guard was an understatement. It had been so hot that most people were down to sleeping in their underwear- they barely had enough time to get dressed let alone get properly armed and in position.

Shots were being fired and the camp was in chaos, everyone running to scramble to position. Weapons were loaded, everyone knew their orders ahead of time; but they were caught off guard.

"Damn it!" Bass shouted. "Charlie, stay with me! Connor!" He was searching for his son and found him twenty yards away. "You and Scanlon run perimeter down from us!"

"I know, Dad," Connor yelled back, "we've been over this!"

They began running to their zones.

"I have to find my mom and Miles!" Charlie screamed, turning to run back.

Bass grabbed her by the arm to stop her. "We stick together, remember?"

"But," she started.

"They'll be fine! They know what to do!" Bass looked at her, not willing to let go of her arm.

She nodded and turned back running alongside him. They got to their spot on perimeter and stood their ground. They waited. The gun shots ceased and the air grew eerily silent. People began looking around at each other in confusion.

What the hell is this, Bass thought. Something is wrong. He saw Miles down the line and they shared a worried look.

All of the sudden, out of the silence someone shouted in a very shrilly voice, "Run! Its gas!" They peered out in front of them and in the early morning light could make out traces of a dark yellow vapor clouding the landscape in front of them.

"Holy shit!" Miles yelled, "Mustard gas! Run to higher ground!"

They had no plan for something such as this, had never even suspected it possible. Everyone ran in different directions, some screaming. Some fell and were trampled to death by others in the growing panic. Some either hadn't heard the words 'higher ground' or were too scared to think and were running blindly into the forest where the patriots were waiting, in full gas mask, shooting them down.

Bass grabbed Charlie's hand and began running, meeting Connor and Scanlon in the crowd.

"Up the hill," Bass yelled over the growing panic of the crowd. The gas was almost on top of them.

"Wait," Charlie yanked Bass' hand. She turned, only to find Miles and Rachel having just caught up with them. She breathed a sigh of relief.

"Dad?" Rachel cried, looking for Gene.

They found him near the kitchen building. He'd fallen to the ground and except for one person having run over top of him, was okay. They helped him up and all took off, up the hill past Charlie's little house.

They kept running farther up, as far as the hill would take them. Charlie thought her hand might break, Bass was holding onto her so tightly. She was about to yell to him but then they reached the top of the hill.

There they found an abandoned truck yard with empty tankards and the like. The gas had followed them clear up the hill and was gaining on them. Scanlon opened one of the tankard doors and they all climbed in, slamming the door shut behind them.

Only then when they were all safe inside, did Bass release Charlie's hand from his. Bass, Connor and Miles guarded the door; the rest sat down and waited.

They listened in silent anguish to the sounds around them; shots fired in the distance, screams, coughing, gagging.

It was going to be a long day on into night.

Author's Note: As you can see I took many liberties here with veering from the TV show. Most specifically, is the absence of Aaron and Priscilla. Seeing as I hadn't brought Aaron into the story thus far, I felt there was no point to it now; and I wasn't completely enamored with the nanotech storyline as it played out and therefore, chose to not include it in the story at all.

As always, reviews are most welcome and greatly appreciated!