July 4th, 2015

The sun sweltered down on our camp for the third week in a row. The land had grown dry as a bone and the river had shrunk within its banks, though it still ran deeply. At the moment I sat on the banks of the river, watching as men and women washed their clothing in its waters and drifted lazily in the current, enjoying the cool water.

Somewhere along the way I had found a bikini, and was wearing it now as I reclined against the chair, pushing my sunglasses further up my nose. A few children including Jason Neville were splashing in the river, playing and laughing.

It was a nice sight after the last few weeks of tension. We had been moving steadily eastward at the behest of Bass and Miles; they were convinced that with enough people we could resettle the cities and create a society.

After the loss of Shelley and the baby Bass had seemed to need a purpose and had found it in the idea of creating a society again. He was certain that he and Miles would be able to convince the men and women we met along the way of the idea and that with more people on our side we would retake the continent.

I scoffed and shook my head. Bass had actually said that. Retake the continent.

Who did he think he was? Marco-fucking-Polo? It would take more than getting people back into the cities to make them livable again, but Bass and Miles shook off my arguments every time I raised them.

One bridge at a time Becca. That's what they kept telling me. I know they aren't exactly wrong, but I wish they wouldn't be so goddamn pigheaded. I sighed; they were both only getting worse. Miles was letting Bass have whatever he wanted, trying to keep him happy, and I was stuck trying to be the diplomatic voice of reason.

The only problem was, no one wanted to listen to reason.

I ran a hand over my hot hair and grimaced, I was getting sweaty and overheated-not to mention frustrated. I stood and walked down to the water, kicking off my shoes before I waded into the water, sighing in relief.

As the water reached my hips it pushed at me, trying to carry me away. I took a breath and dove under, letting the water wipe away my frustrations and sweat. The current carried me downriver and I bobbed to the surface, inhaling the sweet air.

I drifted, lying on my back, pondering my life.

Miles, Bass, Jeremy, Tome Neville and I were all in meetings regarding food supplies, medicine, and how to keep people moving together safely as we traversed the land. We were also discussing forming militia units to train since the camp was growing larger—well into the hundreds now.

With more men and women cropping up from different military backgrounds it wouldn't be hard to form a militia to keep ourselves safe, I just worried about what other uses it would be put to. I had put my worries forward at our meeting this morning and the men had all brushed me aside, assuring me that the militia would be used for "protection."

I rolled over in the water and tread through it until I reached the banks; climbing them and walking slowly back to my chair. I smiled faintly when I saw Miles and Bass approaching; lifting a hand I waved.

Miles nodded and Bass smiled softly as they neared. I wrung out my hair and grinned, "You guys should take a dip, it's great."

Miles furrowed his brow and looked at the river filled with people before shaking his head, "Nah. Too many people."

Bass nodded, "Too crowded for my tastes."

I shrugged, "Alright. What are you doing here then?" I asked confused.

Bass shuffled his feet and looked at Miles, "You want to tell her? It was your idea."

Miles sighed and frowned at him, "You coward."

I lifted a hand, "Hey. Someone tell me."

Miles huffed and nodded, "Fine. We had another meeting without you…and it was about you."

My shoulders stiffened and I could feel my eyes narrow, "What?" I hissed.

Miles held up a hand, "That's the part you won't like. You'll be okay with the rest."

I sighed and nodded and he continued, "We decided that we've run roughshod over you pretty heavily lately, and we should have votes on decisions. Since there are five of us and the four of us are mostly militarily minded, we think that you should be our Policy Advisor and that your vote should count for two people. You would be the deciding vote."

I stared at Miles and then looked at Bass, studying his face. He smiled faintly at me and I saw no hint of disgruntlement there; he didn't begrudge me this. I stared down at my hands, my mind racing.

This was power…especially if we were going to be deciding the fate of the people following and joining us. I could actually get the men to listen. A smile grew on my lips and I looked up at them, nodding.

"Okay. But I need to get more books on policy and nation building. We should also get books on irrigation, crop growth, cross breeding of crops, battle tactics...god there's going to be a lot."

Miles and Bass grinned and I laughed softly, "You guys are going to regret this."

Miles shook his head, "We need someone to think of all the angles. You've got a good head for it."

Bass nodded, "You don't have to worry about military tactics, Miles and me and a number of other people in camp can handle that."

I nodded, but was still adding it to the list of books I needed to read. Just because they knew it didn't mean I shouldn't. I glanced up at both men and frowned, they were both sweating profusely and slightly pale.

"You guys look like you're going to pass out. You need to get in the water."

Miles shook his head, "I don't want to be around all these people" he griped.

I sighed and shook my head, slipping my shoes on and sliding my sunglasses on, waving a hand. "Follow me." I threw my towel over my shoulder and started walking, leading them towards a clearing in the woods I had found a few days earlier.

The river wound through a small grove of weeping willows and slowed, creating small pockets of pools. There was no one around and I grinned at the men, "Better?"

Miles and Bass exchanged a look, nodding. I grinned and kicked off my shoes, tossing my sunglasses down and walked into the water, sighing. The sun shone down here, warming the water, but not unpleasantly so.

I sat on a rock in a pool of water and lifted my face to the sun above me, closing my eyes. Water splashed on my face as Bass and Miles entered the water and I opened my eyes, grinning as they splashed about like children.

Eventually they settled onto stones like I had; Bass across from me, Miles sitting in front of me. He turned his head and gave me a puppy-dog look, "Will you rub my shoulder? Please?"

I laughed and nodded, pulling him back against my knees. His shoulder acted up occasionally and ever since I had forced him to sit and let me rub the sore muscle, he had taken to giving me sad eyes to get massages—which wasn't necessary, I did it because he had been shot serving our country and I didn't want my friend to be in pain.

As my fingers rubbed into the scar tissue I felt Miles stiffen for a few moments and then groan softly, his shoulders relaxing. His head dropped forward and I rubbed along his neck and down his back until I was pretty sure he would fall asleep.

I grinned over at Bass and with a push, shoved Miles face first into the water. He yelped and came up spluttering, wiping his face and glaring at me. Bass and I howled with laughter, until Miles came after me.

My laughter turned to shrieks as he grabbed my waist, throwing me over his shoulder and laughing at my attempts to escape. "Payback's a bitch Becca!" he shouted before tossing me into the deeper end of the pool—carefully avoiding the rocks along the side.

I came up laughing and wiping the hair from my face, reaching down to adjust my bikini top, making sure I wasn't popping out. Miles had climbed out of the river and was drying off with my towel—annoying—"Hey, where you going?" I demanded.

He smiled faintly and pulled his shirt on, "Gotta go see a woman about a thing."

Bass and I exchanged a grin. Miles had been seeing a woman about a thing for a few weeks now, but refused to tell us who it was.

"Give her our best" Bass said with a rakish grin. Miles rolled his eyes and waved, walking away.

Once he was out of earshot Bass turned to me and raised a brow, "So who is it?" he demanded.

I shrugged, I really didn't know. "I dunno. I've tried following him, but he's sneaky."

Bass shook his head, "Thought I taught you better." He smiled and swam over to me, sitting on the rock that Miles had vacated. He leaned against my knees, resting his damp head against them, wrapping an arm around my ankles.

My heart throbbed. It was moments like these that made me think that maybe Bass felt the same way as I did. I reached out instinctively and ran my fingers through his damp hair, watching as his eyes drifted shut.

I was still seeking Jeremy out as a way to scratch my itches, and if he noticed that it was almost always after a meeting with Bass, he had yet to say anything. I swallowed hard; I would need him after this…Bass was driving me crazy, and yet it was making me sick, thinking about what he had just lost.

If he knew…it would make him disgusted in me.

My fingers in his hair stilled at this thought and I closed my eyes, wishing life wasn't so goddamn awful.

Bass reached up and took my hand, pulling it down, holding it gently in his. "What's wrong Becca?" he asked softly.

I shook my head, "Nothing" I lied.

Bass squeezed my hand and I opened my eyes, looking down to find him staring up at me, his bright blue eyes piercing me. My heart stuttered and I opened my mouth to say something, but couldn't.

We stared at each other until Bass nodded, standing. My eyes widened as his broad, tanned form loomed over me. His eyes crinkled with warmth as he looked at me and his hand squeezed mine where he still held it.

"You can tell me anything Becca. I've got your back."

My words recited back to me nearly made me crumble and tell him how I felt. Common sense slapped me in the face and I smiled tightly, nodding. I saw sadness enter his eyes and he released my hand, stepping back.

He turned and made his way to the river's edge, "I've also got to go see a woman about a thing."

I choked and tried to pass it off as a laugh, "Ahg- Okay. Who are you seeing?" I asked lightly.

He smiled at me as he pulled his clothes on, "One of the women who was in the army. I want her to start training people for the militia."

I frowned, "I thought we hadn't agreed on that yet."

Bass sighed, "Well, then call a meeting and we can." He sounded annoyed with me for making us have another meeting, but I didn't think we should walk lightly into a decision like this.

I nodded, "Let the guys know I want to talk. I'll be behind you shortly." He nodded sharply and strode away, leaving me to stew in my ever confusing emotions.

My role as a Policy Advisor to the group was great, but it didn't mean I could stop them from doing incredibly stupid shit. If they wanted to, ultimately they could use this militia to override my decisions and make their own.

I had to be okay with that…and I didn't know if I was. I didn't know how to be okay with that.

I sighed and climbed out of the river, drying off and slipping my shoes on before walking slowly back to camp, still pondering the future.

"Explain to me again why you think the militia is necessary. We've been doing fine without it." I knew I was driving Bass and Miles crazy, but I needed them to be explicit in this if they wanted to convince me.

Miles sighed, "We may have been doing fine without it before this, but Becca, moving forward we're going to be encountering large camps and they're going to fight back. Just having a handful of people to fight isn't going to be enough. We need to have trained militia who can protect us at all times."

Bass nodded, "If we're going to bring this country together, we need people who can fight."

I rolled my shoulders, ignoring my growing headache and wrote a note, nodding. "Fine. I do think that whoever is drafted should be given more rations as an incentive. If they have family they get preference on housing locations in the cities and will make sure that we don't have anyone running out on us and keeping us from having our ranks decimated."

A surprised murmur ran around the table and I glanced up, smiling softly at the men. "I still have tricks up my sleeves gentlemen." I sighed softly, my headache was pulsing behind my eyes, and set my pen down, "I'm convinced that the militia is a good idea, but I think that we will continue to need checks and balances, agreed?" I suggested.

The men around the table nodded and I smiled, reassured. "Great. Is there anything else we need to address?" I asked.

The men shook their heads and I sighed, relieved. I stood and gathered my notepad, walking back to my tent. I kicked my sneakers off and sank down at the table, pouring a glass of water, sipping it gratefully.

The day had only gotten hotter and more humid and my head ached, sending bright waves of pain through my skull. I swore softly and rubbed at my eyes, tugging my hair out of its ponytail, sighing as it tumbled down around my shoulders.

I chugged the water and fought the sick feeling in my stomach as my headache pounded. I stumbled to my feet and fumbled through my packs, looking for painkillers. I whimpered in pain, unable to find any.

Grabbing my sunglasses I slid them on and stumbled down to Bass's tent, my stomach in my throat. Bass looked up at me from his seat at the table where he was reading a book on military tactics and frowned.

"Are you drunk in the middle of the day?" he asked incredulously.

I shook my head and clung to the tent pole. "I think I have a migraine" I whispered. My stomach heaved and I retched, dropping to my knees, my head pounding. Bass swore and was at my side, holding my hair back as I heaved, but nothing came up.

As my stomach calmed I swore, wiping a hand over my face. Bass wrapped an arm around my waist and pulled me up, guiding me to his cot. "Sit there" he commanded.

I nodded weakly and closed my eyes, listening to him move about. A few moments later he came close and took my hand, dropping pills into it. Without looking I popped them into my mouth, accepting the glass he pressed into my hand.

I tossed the contents of the glass back and coughed, surprised. Bass had given me whiskey instead of water. My eyes watered and I looked up at Bass, "You should have warned me" I gasped.

He smiled softly at me and grabbed the glass, pushing my shoulder until I laid back. "Shh. Close your eyes." I sighed and nodded, throwing my arm over my face. As the painkillers kicked in my breathing eased and I relaxed, rolling over on my side.

My heart had nearly jumped out of my chest when Becca had stumbled into my tent and collapsed. Her dark brown eyes, normally so joyfully, had met mine as she had retched and the pain in her eyes had touched something in me. I wanted to wrap her in my arms and make it all go away.

It was profoundly disturbing.

I should have been grieving for Shelley, not feeling this way about my friend.

I looked across the tent to where Becca was sleeping, her shirt riding up, baring her tanned stomach, exposing her pierced belly-button. Her strong arms were thrown up, one lying across her eyes, the other behind her head.

She sighed in her sleep and rolled over, facing me. "Bass" she sighed, her fingers digging into the blanket.

I swore and strode out of the tent, inhaling the muggy air, trying to clear my head. It had only been four weeks since Shelley had died…why was I thinking of Becca like this? I ran a hand over my face and looked up at the darkening sky, wondering what Shelley would have to say about all of this.

It had felt like the walls of my tent were closing in after Shelley had died, but Becca had been there, holding me together, sleeping by my side—holding me when the nightmares made me wake up screaming and shaking.

It certainly didn't stop her from disagreeing with me, or Miles, during our meetings on how to keep the camp moving forward and what decisions should be made—but I had found that I liked it when she argued with us, demanding that her opinion be heard and considered.

I turned back and stared into the tent and stared at her sleeping form, my lips curving into a smile. She was certainly a hell of a woman.

March 20th, 2016—Philadelphia

I stood in the former Independence Hall and looked around in dry amusement; the building had taken the better part of a year to recover and get in livable condition, but here we were. Bass and Miles and I had made the decision that instead of taking Washington DC as our capitol, we would take Philadelphia.

Our march across the country had met with violent resistance and we had lost countless people. In time though, our numbers had grown as we had moved onwards, and our militia had grown stronger and larger.

The men and women of the militia answered to Miles as "General Matheson" and regarded Bass as a god among men. I snorted softly. Miles and Bass had taken to calling the land they had possessed the Monroe Republic, and Bass was its President.

With no one to stop them and people eager for a leader to protect them, we were quickly rolling through the countryside, taking back the nation. Jeremy and Tom were recruiting more people for the militia daily, training them and swelling our ranks.

I still fought side by side with Miles and Bass, but they were starting to make noise about me staying behind in Philly, to "stay safe." I frowned and stared out the window at the city, watching as people scurried about, repairing and building.

Staying safe here was as unlikely to happen as it would be if I went to the front lines with them. We currently had two fronts; one pushing east towards New Jersey, and another pushing into South Carolina where Bass and Miles had originally started out. They were confident that with the military behind them we would quickly take control.

I wasn't so sure.

There were pockets of heavy resistance, and some people weren't thrilled about the idea of two men and an army rolling through the former United States, taking the land for themselves. Which was where I came in.

As the Policy Advisor and now Ambassador to the Monroe Republic, I had to meet with all aggrieved parties and try to negotiate their acceptance into the Republic—all while fighting in battles, avoiding disease, and not starving to death.

It had been a hard year for food. Without fresh fruits and vegetables we had needed to rely on wild game and wild roots, with scavenged canned goods that were questionable at best. Medicine was scarce.

I ran a hand over my eyes and sighed, I was tired. I had just gotten back from a long week of negotiations with a large camp of people who hadn't wanted to join the Republic, but after a long haggling process, they had agreed.

We had settled on a deal; they would teach us how to grow crops and cross breed different plants successfully, and for three years they wouldn't have to pay taxes. We were going to be rolling out the taxes in the form of food in the next six months, and people were already unhappy.

I couldn't blame them—most people were already stretched thin, and this would be the first crops they would see in a very long time. But if our militia was going to survive they would need the food.

I turned from my window and unbuckled my gun holsters, setting them on the table by the basin of water meant for me to wash with. I stripped; tugging the curtains shut for privacy, and scrubbed my body quickly, wishing I had time for a long soak.

It had been days of just quick basin washes and I felt grimy. Rubbing my hands in the water I watched as dirt scrubbed off my skin, darkening the water. I grabbed a towel and dried my skin before pulling on cleaner clothes, nearly groaning at the thought of clean clothes.

I supposed I shouldn't be so superficial. I laughed softly, thinking of how life used to be; washing machines, showers, perfume. Hell, I was lucky to find deodorant every couple of years. Most of the time we all just ignored each other. I had found that using fresh herbs in the water I bathed with helped, marginally.

I tugged my hair out of its ponytail and quickly braided it, feeling slightly fresher. Strapping my guns back on I opened my door and strode down the hall to Bass's office, knocking before entering.

Bass and Miles were standing over a map but both glanced up and nodded at me before looking back to the map. I strode over and joined them, worried at their intense looks.

"What's going on guys?" I demanded.

"Things are not going well in South Carolina. We need to move the militia there from the front in New Jersey." Miles pointed on the map and I nodded.

Bass shook his head, "We can't! It's too close to here; the rebels there could assault us here."

I lifted a hand, cutting them both off and then pointed to the map, "What if we keep a contingent in reserve at New Jersey while I get help from our new people in New York? They're two days away. If I leave now I can get there and have them at the front by the middle of next week."

I looked up at both men as they considered. I pointed to the map again, "Once our reserves make it, the militia can get their butts down to South Carolina. You can send the new recruits down there for now. Trial by fire."

I hated suggesting it, but it was one of the least worst options we had. Bass was right, if we abandoned the Jersey front, the rebels there could roll right into Philly. We needed better defenses.

After a long moment Miles nodded, "It's the best option we've got. But you're not going alone." He looked at Bass who nodded.

I immediately began shaking my head, "No. No way. You're the President. This Republic is brand new and still figuring things out. There are way too many people out there who would love to kill you." My stomach clenched at the thought.

Bass fixed me with a steely look, his jaw tight, and I knew there wasn't going to be any more argument. I sighed and shook my head, "Goddamn you both" I muttered.

Bass smirked, his eyes warm. "Go pack."

I flipped both he and Miles off and sauntered out of the room, annoyed that they had so easily convinced me to allow Bass to come. I was the fucking Policy woman, and this broke all Policy rules I had.

I yanked all the dirty clothes out of my pack and went to my dresser, shoving the clean clothes stored there into it. My fingers closed around the one impractical item, a pair of lacy underwear, and I hesitated.

I had found them in a looted store here in Philly and by some miracle the bra and underwear set not only matched but it fit. I had promptly taken it and a silk negligee, not even trying to understand what it was that was motivating me.

I had stopped sleeping with Jeremy ages ago, and hadn't found anyone else I was eager to share a cot with, so I don't know who would be seeing these. I know who I wanted to see them…but I doubted that would happen.

Cursing, I tossed the underwear in my pack and closed it, slinging it over my shoulder. A knock at my door startled me and I turned to find Bass there, leaning against the doorframe, watching me.

Had he seen the underwear? Shit.

"Ready?" he asked, smirking softly.

I nodded and brushed past him, trying to ignore the tingling in my skin when my arm brushed his. We walked down the stairs of the building to where two horses waited for us and quickly mounted, setting off at an even pace that would get us to a good distance from the city before nightfall without winding the horses.

The air was chilly and I zipped my jacket, tugging my sleeves down as we rode. The hours passed in comfortable silence, each of us occasionally breaking the silence before lapsing back. We had years of practice travelling together and no longer felt the need to fill the quiet, and we also knew that rebels and bandits could be on the road—it was better to be quiet.

When we could barely see past the horses' heads we stopped and hobbled them, lighting a small fire. We ate road rations and sat close together, the cold night air making me shiver. Bass tossed his pack against a log and spread his blanket down, leaning back against it, waving to me.

I leaned back against him, spreading my blanket down on top of us. I shivered and Bass wrapped his arms around my waist, pulling me tighter against him. It wasn't the most comfortable way to sleep for me, but it let Bass stay warm while he stayed on watch.

Hours later he shook me awake and we switched places, Bass reclining back against me, his curly mop of hair tucked under my chin, his feet sticking out from under the blanket towards the fire.

My hand lay on top of the blanket, loosely holding my gun, keeping watch.

When morning came we were both far from rested, but we were alive.

Two days later we rode into the camp of the people I had just convinced to join the Republic, tired, grimy and achy. Their leader greeted us pleasantly enough and brought us into his house, giving us food and water.

Bass had already agreed to letting me take the lead so I dove in.

"Norman, we need your fighters. I know you and I have an agreement, but as part of the Republic we have a need for you to help us secure the borders against rebels."

Norman stared at me for a long moment and then scoffed, shaking his head, "Not too long ago, we were the rebels."

I nodded, "I know. But you came to see that it's more beneficial to your people to be a part of the Republic than to fight it. These people refuse to see that, even after I've spoken with them. We only ask that your fighters come with us to the New Jersey front and defend it."

Norman frowned and glanced to Bass before looking back at me, "For how long?" he demanded.

I hesitated and then sighed, "I don't know. We need more militia at the southern front, and we need your help now." I glanced at Bass and made a decision. Leaning towards Norman I fixed him with a stern look.

"Norman, I came here with the President of the Republic because we're serious about needing your help. We could have come here with a contingent of militia and forced your people to come with us, but that's not what we want. We want your willing aid. We want you to help as citizens of this Republic. Please help me defend this Republic."

I pled with him at the end, my voice soft. I watched as his face changed from unwilling reluctance to stubborn acceptance. He nodded and sighed, "You're a persuasive woman Miss Flynn."

I smiled faintly, "That's my job." I extended my hand and Norman took it, squeezing it firmly and shaking it. "How many wagons, weapons and horses do you have?" I asked firmly.

Norman grinned, "Straight to it, huh?" he asked. I nodded and he sighed, rubbing his chin, "Well, we have three wagons we can spare to carry the men and women. It'll take two horses apiece to pull em, and each fighter will carry two handguns and a rifle, plus extra ammo. I'll give you a hundred fighters."

My stomach flipped, that was twice what we had been expecting. "That's excellent, thank you Norman."

He nodded and stood, "I'll make sure they're ready to go by the end of the day."

Bass and I stood and Bass extended his hand to Norman, "Thank you Norman."

Norman regarded him for a moment before nodding and taking his hand, "You're welcome President Monroe, but I did this for her." He turned and walked out of the house, leaving us in stunned silence.

The next two days were a blur of rain, wind, mud, cracked wagon wheels, and more mud. By the time we made it to the Jersey front, every inch of my body was frozen and felt like it was caked in dirt.

We were greeted by the sight of the new recruits, led by Jeremy, defending the front with the remaining militia. Our new troops spread out and fortified the lines, aiding in the defense.

Bass and I were ordered back from the fighting by Jeremy (Bass hated that), and we holed up in a house two miles from the front, watching as the fighting grew fiercer and then relented. As night fell the rebels fell back, leaving our militia to take a firmer grip on the city.

I turned from the windows and in doing so caught a glimpse of my reflection; I had mud streaked down my neck, along the side of my face, and in my hair. I winced and tried to scrub at my face, but it seemed the dirt was ground into my skin.

Bass glanced over at me and grinned, "You look like GI Jane."

I laughed, "Didn't she have a shaved head?" I asked.

He smiled and nodded, "It's something in the eyes. You were amazing with Norman. I didn't realize I've never seen you really at work before."

I flushed and smiled, "You just don't realize when I'm doing it to you. I'm sneakier." I wiggled my eyebrows at him and he laughed, shaking his head.

"I'm fully aware of when you're trying to get something from me. You're a hard woman to resist."

My heart thumped at his words and I watched as Bass's face lit with realization at what he had said. I cleared my throat and gave him a half grin, "You think there's a bathtub in this place? We could heat some water and get clean."

He nodded and walked away, "I'll look for a pot to heat water in" he called over his shoulder.

I went in search of a bathtub and found it on the second floor; clawfoot and porcelain. I leaned down the stairs and shouted, "Did you find a pot?"

A second later Bass's head came around the corner and he nodded, "A few, I filled them with water and they're in the fire outside now." I nodded and turned away, moving to explore the mostly empty house.

When I heard Bass stomping up the stairs multiple times and heard water splashing into the tub I went to explore, hoping that maybe I could take a bath. I peeked into the bathroom and found that the bathtub was only about a quarter of the way full.

"I've got more water heating."

I jumped and whirled, glaring at Bass as he laughed. "Wear a damn bell next time" I hissed. He shook his head and grinned at me. I waved a hand at the tub, "You want to go first?" I offered, praying he would say no.

Bass smirked and shook his head, "After everything you've done for us? You get to go first." I nodded, biting my lip, trying not to take everything he said and imagine it being whispered in my ear as he did dirty, dirty things.

His eyes flickered to where I bit my lip and I quickly released it, running my tongue over the spot. His eyes went to mine and I saw something burning there that stoked the embers of desire that were glowing within me.

Bass stepped back and cleared his throat, "I better get that water."

I nodded and watched him walk away, my body aching with desire. I had a decision to make. I could continue to do nothing, to be Bass's friend, and yearn for him, always wondering if he felt the same…or I could fucking do something about it.

I straightened my shoulders and followed him downstairs and outside to the fire, watching as his head came up, his eyes meeting mine over the flames.

"Is it hot enough?" I murmured. SHIT... I couldn't have said that any other way?

His lips curled softly into a smirk and he nodded. I grabbed one of the pots from the fire and carried it carefully upstairs, pouring it into the tub. I heard the door downstairs open and Bass's footsteps coming up the stairs and I swallowed hard.

My eyes tracked him as he entered the bathroom, his shoulders straining under the weight of the heavy the tub was full of water, Bass set the pots aside and wiped his hands off, nodding at me. His face was serious, but his eyes burned. "All yours" he murmured.

I had kicked off my boots and my socks and the tiles were cool under my feet as I walked over. I stared up into his cool blue eyes, mere inches separating us. I reached out and shut the door, locking it with a final sound.

"All ours" I whispered.

Bass raised a brow, his lips ghosting into a smile, "You sure?" he asked softly.

I reached up and wound a hand through his hair, standing up on my toes to bring myself closer. My fingers in his hair scraped against his scalp and he growled softly against my lips which hovered softly against his, barely kissing him.

I brushed against him, feeling his hard body against mine and hummed softly in pleasure before tilting my chin further and capturing his lips, sucking on the bottom one softly for a moment before Bass's hands wound around me, deepening the kiss.

My hand at his waist pushed up his shirt, fingers seeking out soft skin over hard muscle and I groaned into his mouth. I needed to taste him, all of him. God I had wanted it for so long.

His hands pushed at my shirt and a moment later he broke away from me, tugging it up and off. His eyes darkened in pleasure and he shoved his jacket off, reaching behind his head to tug his shirt off in one smooth move that left him bared in the dim light of the lantern.

I backed away and grabbed one of the pots, filling it partially and brought it to the sink, grabbing one of the washcloths I had found. Bass watched me intently as I wet the rag and came over, lifting it to his face.

His eyes drifted closed as I began wiping the dirt from his face and body using long, soft strokes. My fingers trembled, I wanted to touch him. I reached up and stroked his cheekbone, my fingers trailing down softly to his lips and his eyes opened as his lips did.

He gently bit my fingertips, licking them softly and I gasped faintly, a bolt of pleasure running through me. I dropped the washcloth into the pot of water and Bass reached for it, wringing it out before wrapping a hand firmly around my waist and drawing me closer so he could clean me off as I had done to him.

My eyes fluttered shut as the warm water trailed down my skin, dampening my bra, teasing my nipples. Bass's hand at my waist trailed up and tugged my hair out of its braid, running his fingers through it, lifting me up to my toes so he could kiss me.

My fingers dug into his waist as I moaned softly, trying to get him closer. Bass broke away and stepped back, tossing the washcloth into the pot of now dirty water.

His hands were at my jeans a moment later, shoving them down and onto the floor. I stepped out and unhooked my bra, tossing it aside, leaving me naked and aching for him. I backed away and smiled, crooking a finger as I stepped into the tub, hissing at the heat of the water.

Bass watched me with lust filled eyes and quickly stripped his pants and briefs, kicking off his boots and socks. I swallowed hard, gripping the sides of the tub, he was perfect and I wanted him…now.

Bass sauntered over and leaned over me, drawing me up for another searing kiss that sent waves of pleasure through me. My hand trailed from his chest, down his waist, to where his erection stood tall and grasped him, stroking him.

Bass gasped against my mouth and swore, reaching out to grab the sides of the tub as I continued to stroke him. After another moment he knocked my hand aside and murmured in a low rough voice, "Move forward."

I sat forward in the tub and Bass sat behind me, the water level in the tub rising dangerously. His arm wound around my waist, pulling me back against him so that I could feel his erection against my ass, teasing me.

He ran his hand up from my waist and cupped one of my breasts, running the pad of his thumb over my nipple gently, slowly, torturously. "Oh fuck Bass…" I moaned softly, leaning into him, my hips moving in search of friction.

A low laugh rumbled in his chest and his lips moved to my jaw, slowly working up to my ear, biting softly as his hands played with my breasts, teasing. "I want to hear you say my name like that again" he whispered.

He rolled my nipple between his fingers as he bit lightly on my neck and I obliged him, calling out his name again, my hips grinding against his, desperate for him to touch me. I tilted my head and kissed him, reaching up to wind my fingers through his hair, arching against him.

Bass groaned and I pulled my mouth away to whisper, panting slightly, "Touch me Bass." His eyes darkened as he realized what I meant and he nodded. His hands abandoned my breasts and trailed down to my hips, then lower.

I would have cared that I hadn't shaved in months, but Bass didn't seem to care, his fingers eagerly went to work, sliding along my opening and up to my clit, teasing me. His strong fingers began rubbing me slowly, building pressure within my body that had me moaning and gasping.

His lips were at my ear and his low voice began whispering things in my ear that made me moan and thrust against his hand harder.

"I bet you've thought about this Becca. I bet you've touched yourself, thinking of me." His fingers sped up and then slowed making me whine, moving my hips eagerly, aching for release.

"I've thought about you. I tried not to, but I couldn't stop. You make my dick so hard." He thrust his hips against mine, showing me, and I moaned, wanting it, wanting him.

He slid two fingers into me as his thumb continued to stroke my clit and I swear I saw stars. I cried out and began whimpering his name, gasping for release.

"Yes Bass, please! Oh fuck!" I cried out.

With a few final strokes of his fingers inside me and across my clit, I came, shouting his name and seeing black spots across my vision. I collapsed back against his chest, my own heaving from exertion.

Bass ran his hands up and down my thighs, feeling them trembling and laughed faintly, kissing my neck. "I want to see you do that on top of me" he murmured.

My pussy clenched at his words and I moaned softly at the idea. I sat forward and turned to face him partially, smiling, "Let's do it then" I murmured. Bass grinned but held up a finger, leaning around me to grab a bottle of shampoo.

"I want this first" he whispered. I smiled, Bass wanted to wash my hair? I had no problems with that. I tilted my head back and wet it, letting him pour the lavender smelling cream on, rubbing it through my long tresses. I groaned softly at the sensation and squirmed, eager to have his hands on me again.

"All done" he whispered. I nodded and ducked my head back, rinsing my hair. After a moment I stood, suds dripping from my body and stepped from the tub, shivering as the cool air teased my body.

Bass quickly followed me, his eyes dark with lust. I unlatched the bathroom door and grabbed his hand, leading him down the hall to a bedroom I had seen earlier. The bed still had a quilt on it and I tugged him onto the bed, our warm wet limbs combining in a tangle.

My fingers drug through Bass's hair and I stared up into his blue eyes, stunned this was happening, overjoyed, and aching to have him inside me. He leaned in and kissed me, softly, sweetly, and I swear my heart broke.

I wound my leg around his hip and tilted my hips up, brushing my wet entrance against him and we both moaned. His hand gripped my hip and the head of his cock teased me, slipping between my folds, but never entering.

"I will kill you Bass" I gasped. He laughed softly and a moment later he thrust his hips, entering me in one smooth move that cut off his laugh, turning it into a moan, mirroring mine. My fingers raked down his back and I thrust against him, biting my lip.

As Bass began to thrust he grabbed my leg and hitched it higher around his waist, drawing himself deeper. I cried out and gasped his name, clutching onto him. My body felt like it was on fire, but I wanted more.

My hips moved against his, our cries filling the room.

"Ah! Ah! Oh Bass!" I moaned, aching for release. I pushed at his shoulder and he grabbed my waist, rolling us over so that I sat astride him. I reached down and ran my hands over his chest as I began rolling my hips slowly, eliciting a groan from him.

His eyes were focused on me, running over my body and then locking on mine, his mouth praising every move I made.

"Fuck Becca, yea. You're gorgeous."

His hands at my hips held me tight, just like I wanted and I arched against him, moaning as he thrust roughly against me. His hand trailed up and began rolling my nipple, making me grind harder against him.

"Yea Bass, like that."

I was close…I watched him as my fingers trailed down to my clit, swirling it, and I gasped his name, riding him harder. His hand at my waist gripped me harder as he responded in kind and I thought my body might explode.

It was almost too much…and not enough.

I whimpered and rubbed harder on my clit, whimpering his name. "Fuck Bass, yes, yes, yes!"

He nodded and moaned, "That's it Becca, come for me." His fingers pinched on my breasts and his hips moved wildly within me, his breath gasping, and I knew he had to be close. The thought of that pushed me over the edge and I came, limbs trembling as a flood of heat rushed through me, my pussy clenching around him, flooding him.

Bass cried out and thrust into me, driving me higher as he came, crying out my name. "Yes Becca! Yes."

Our movements slowly stilled and our hands found each other, drawing each other close. I collapsed against his chest, hearing his thundering like mine was. His fingers trailed up and down my back, a content sigh escaping him.

As my skin cooled I shivered against him. Bass made a soft noise and rolled, laying me beside him before tugging the quilt up around us. His arm moved around my waist, drawing me close to run his mouth over my neck softly.

I smiled and ran my fingers over his back, my body still humming.

A loud crashing noise from downstairs jolted both of us, tearing us apart. We were out of bed in a second, scrambling for clothes and weapons. Within minutes we were dressed and armed. I could hear the door opening downstairs and multiple pairs of feet clomping around.

"President Monroe and the Ambassador were last seen heading in here. We need to let them know the situation at the front."

Jeremy's voice brought me up short. Sighing I glanced over at Bass and grinned. I quickly braided my hair as we walked downstairs, praying that I didn't look like we had just had sex. Hopefully I didn't have any visible hickeys.

As we walked into the kitchen the trio of men turned to us and Jeremy regarded me for a moment before standing to attention when Bass walked up beside me. "Sir, we have news from the front."

Bass nodded and Jeremy continued, "The rebels have fled and we believe we have a secure line. My men and I will stay here to hold the line, but we believe it's safe for you to return to the Capitol."

Bass smiled, "Excellent. Thank you all for your hard work."

The men nodded and Jeremy turned to follow them out the door when Bass stopped him, "Jeremy, a moment."

He paused and turned to face Bass. Bass stared him down and then spoke softly, "You won't speak of what you saw here, understood?"

Jeremy's eyes flickered to me and I sighed, frustrated. Trust Bass to make an issue out of this. Jeremy nodded and Bass nodded sharply, "Good. Dismissed."

When Jeremy had left I turned to Bass, frowning, "Was that necessary? He wouldn't have said anything anyway."

Bass smiled faintly and reached out, grasping my hip to draw me close. "But now he knows that you're no longer a free agent. He's not going to try anything with you."

I raised my brows, "Is this you laying claim like some sort of barbarian?" I asked frowning.

Bass smirked and leaned in, kissing me searingly. "I thought I already did that upstairs" he murmured.

I pulled back and gave him a serious look, "I'm not property Sebastian, you don't own me. But I won't ever cheat on you, and I'll always have your back." I smiled faintly and kissed him, "Just so we're clear, so did I. But if you ever fuck around on me, I'll kill you, President of the Republic or no."

He stared at me for a long moment before nodding, brushing a kiss across my lips. "We should get on the road" he murmured. I nodded and we moved quickly, packing our gear and heading out to saddle the horses.

We would ride through the night and rest tomorrow, doing the same thing the next day until we were back in Philly. I flipped my hood up against the rain and watched Bass's strong form ahead of me as we rode out, a flutter in my stomach.

Grinning, I decided I was grateful it was a two day ride back home.

AN: Hey everyone, super long chapter here, but I think you'll all be enjoying it! I hope you'll all review and let me know what you think so far. I'm taking my time to expose who Bass was before things went to hell, and how things changed, and I hope you enjoy it! I'm taking a bit of a break after this chapter to focus on my other stories, so please be patient for a week or so. Thank you all for reading!