In Between Love and Hate

Author's Note: Told ya updates will be fast! :D This one's a little longer; I planned it actually so I hope you guys would enjoy this one. Once again, thank you so much for all the wonderful reviews. They're the reason why I still continue this one. Please keep reading and reviewing. You are all free to tell me my flaws (but please no harsh words). Love you guys.

Dedication: I'd like to dedicate this chapter to all those people reading this. Godbless you all!

Disclaimer: I still don't own Avatar! The most wonderful person in the world does; Jim Cameron.

Chapter Six

Loud thumps of racing footsteps echoed all round the apartment, girlish voices trailed along the along the hallways. But he didn't care. He was tired and he deserved to sleep. Whoever the hell broke out into his apartment, he simply didn't care.

Miles stirred on his bed and grunted as the thumps of footsteps grew louder and louder, headed to his room. A click on the door and Miles knew he'll be having a hard day.

"Good morning brotherrrrr!" it was the loudest, most annoying sound he'd ever heard in his entire life. An irritating one, but always but a smile on his roguish face.

"Liz," he muttered under his breath before rolling on his bed, his right eye open and the other one shut. "Get out of here. I'm still sleeping," Miles yawned before burying his face on his pillow.

Liz crossed the distance between them, entering the blue room that looks as if an armory propped with all sorts of guns. The bed sheets still had a military touch on it, the fabric was loomed into a camouflage look - green, light green, dark green, and muddy green, all of which come in different shapes, like a map. "How rude! I just came to visit you," she stopped her tracks and took a s it on the bed. "Hey!"

All of a sudden, two hands pulled her body and tickled her on the sides. Miles was indeed awake and was grinning on her little sister, tickling her until she squirmed and little giggles busted out from her lips.

Hearing her laugh and giggles always make his heart melt. He loved his little sister so much and knowing that she's happy makes him feel assured and contented. Miles continued on tickling her until he got tired of it, making Liz grin. "How. Dare. You!" she said in between chuckles and pants.

"I just missed tickling my little sister! Isn't that sweet?" Miles taunted. He knew she didn't want him treating her like a little kid.

"No! Absolutely not!" Liz picked up a pillow and hit Miles with it. "Stop treating me like a child," she pouted.

"But for me, you will always be just a kid. My baby sister," He looked at her eyes. Cool blue. A color they both got from their mother. Miles frowned as he stared at her face for a minute. Liz's hair was long, with some curls hanging on her back. She's blonde and her eyes were the magnificent shade of blue. Yes. She does look like their mother - the woman they both lost after his father killed her.

"Hey," Liz snapped her fingers before his face. "You okay, brother?"

He smiled at her. "Yeah," Miles stood up the bed and exited his room, leaving a confused Liz behind.

Miles' stomach growled the moment a delicious, mouth-watering scent coming from the kitchen crossed his nose. 'Looks like my sister brought home a cook with her,' he headed for the kitchen - naked and all muscle save for the short boxers he's wearing.

He stepped into the kitchen and was surprised with what he saw. Standing before the stove was a woman with black, long, silky and tangle-free hair flowing and smoothly running down her sexy back. Her fair complexion won over the marbled stone on the sink. The woman also wore a dress, a formal one but still showed the good curves of her body.

"Liz?" I made your brother some pancakes. Do you want some too?" her voice echoed through the kitchen as she spun around to face who she thought was Liz, her hair moved in sync with her turn. Instead, he found Miles. Her cheeks turned bright red when she caught sight of Miles' naked (but has a boxer) form. She looked down on her feet to hide her embarrassment. "Oh! You must be Liz's brother..."

For a moment, her sudden blush and extreme shyness somehow confused Miles, until he realized that he wasn't wearing any shirt at all. He blushed, too. With an apologetic smile, he immediately ran back to his room and shut the door behind him.

"Who the hell was that?!" he yelled at his little sister, who was sitting on the floor playing with the blue sapphire ring on his hand. The sight made him even more upset. "Don't play with that!" he lashed out his hand to grab the small piece of jewelry.

"What's your problem, big bro?"

"Who was that?!"

"Well..." Liz rolled her eyes. "She's my Geometry teacher. I like her! I really do! I just asked her to come with me..." she pouted.

"And?" he glared at her.

"And maybe you'll like her too... And ask her to be your girl..."

Miles placed his palms face before his face and sighed. "Look," he sat down on the floor so he could be on level with her. "Why does it really concern you when it comes to my personal relationships? I've been thinkin' 'bout it lately," he cupped her face. "Come on, tell me,"

"It concerns me because... You're my brother. I want you to have good and loving girlfriend whom I'll one day call sister,"

He smiled, and then pulled her into an embrace. "I understand. You're the match-maker angel, huh? But Liz, please do know that I have my own heart and I have the right to choose my own woman. And I'm not dumb enough to choose the wrong one. If ever that girl finally came into my life, I promise you'll be the first one to know," he kissed her hair.

"Okay..." she sighed and pulled herself from the embrace to look at her brother's blue eyes - a perfect and impossible shade of turquoise similar to hers. "Promise...?"

"That's a promise," he smiled at her again. "Now, what I want you to do is to go down, and keep her company. I'll follow you later," he looked down at himself. "I think I scared her when I she saw me without shirt on," he smirked.

With a wide grin, Liz stood up and rushed to the kitchen. Miles pulled out a pair of jeans, a polo shirt, and a leather jacket from the closet and went off to take a bath.

As he entered the bathroom, his mind became drowned to an abyss to unfathomable thoughts. He thought about that woman Liz brought with her, remembering the contours of her face and the look on her green eyes. She was beautiful, alright; long hair, brilliant structure and innocent look. She's the kind of woman you can see on T.V. commercials. She was pretty but that was all she is. Pretty.

The heat of the shower room somehow clouded his mind - that only started to shift when he turned on the shower and let cold water droplets to run down his body.

He certainly didn't need a pretty woman in his screwed, twisted life. Not again. He had many pretty girls at his disposals; most of them he got on bars he frequented before. Their names were just forgotten, and their faces are now just a mere blur in his mind. He remembered no one.

He didn't need them pretty girls begging for him every time to stay. He didn't want to rot inside that hell nutshell forever. Because he wanted someone with fierce. He wanted someone with an extreme effect on him. He wanted a dominated woman who could always win a verbal sparring and prod an already wounded monster. He wanted someone who can stand up for herself without the help of others. He wanted someone with red hair, brown eyes...

He wanted Grace.

It was the first time this day that Grace ever crossed his mind. What could she be doing this time? Research again? Maybe some boring experiments he wouldn't give a damn about. But he missed her so much. Hours seemed like days and he just can't wait to see her again, to hear her laugh and to catch his breath everytime his skin touches hers. Foolish somewhat, but it was something he couldn't help but be drawn to.

The feeling was already creeping inside his heart even before he had the chance to acknowledge it. He wanted Grace. He was the moth and she was the enticing, beautiful flame that enthralled him.

He's 100% sure that he's inlove with her. Late at night, a dream would suddenly visit him. He was worshipping her every breath. He would dream of just being with her in the woods, play with her hair, and stare at her lovingly. But at some point in the middle of his dream, the image of a little girl would suddenly appear and eye her with those judgmental eyes. It was his little girl - his first love - glaring at him and Grace. Her eyes are telling him that he's betraying her by being with Grace and he could tell that she's also hurting.

Sometimes he would tell himself that it was just a dream, but he couldn't help but be bothered. He'd feel guilty and he doesn't like that.

With a sigh, Miles cleansed himself with soap, shampoo, and others. He let the water run on him again to rinse his body and wash off the suds.

He came down a few minutes later and head off to the kitchen. The smell of food made his stomach growl; the only thing that prevented him from being such a hungry wolf was the fact that a stranger was waiting for him in the kitchen. A pretty stranger, he guessed.

"Hi," the woman immediately stood up and greeted him the moment she caught sight of Miles, now fully-dressed. He could see that her hair was now tied into a loose ponytail.

"Hey," he smiled at her and pulled a chair to sit opposite her and Liz. "I'm sorry about what happened earlier. I just got used to walking around here without shirt on... I apologize," he poured himself a glass of water.

The woman smiled at him again. "It's okay... I'm sorry, too. For coming here,"

"Don't be," Miles grabbed himself three pancakes, put them into his plate and started eating it. "What's your name, by the way?"

"Beth Mcbride," she replied. "I'm Liz's Geometry teacher. She asked me to go with her. I was bored, so I said yes,"

Miles hummed and turned his attention to Liz, who was sitting quietly, her eyes glued to her phone. "And what about you, little missy? What's gotten into you, huh? I'm not used to it," Miles grinned. Beth chuckled on this.

"Something I won't tell..." she stuck out her tongue. "You've got any plans for today, brother? "Cause you're taking me to the mall," she glanced at the woman beside her. "With Ms. Beth of course,"

Miles paused and thought of this schedule for the day. Sleep. Grace. Eat. Sleep. Sleep again. Grace. "I don't have plans,"

Liz's smile beamed and her eyes grew large. "Really?! So you're taking me to the mall?!"

"Of course,"

"Yay!" Liz sang. "By the way, we're staying tonight. You've got any spare rooms, right?" her pleading eyes and bright smiled made him say yes. He didn't know how she did it, but he's certain that Liz wouldn't take 'no' for an answer.

Grace loomed over a bunch of paper works undone.

Hell, she loved this job. But she has her limit. She had already finished 5 lab reports the whole morning.

"Grace," Max knocked on her half-open door and called her attention before she began browsing yet another folder. She turned to face her young friend and smiled at him wryly.

"Yes?" she asked, putting down the folder on her lap. She spun the swivel chair and crossed her arms before her chest.

"Mr. Selfridge said we'll be having a plenary meeting at 10am sharp," he smiled grimly, then pointed to the digital clock. "Which means now,"

"Hmmmmm," Grace stood up and grabbed the folders, putting them into place. "What's the agenda all about?"

"I really dunno. Maybe about that moon they were talking 'bout last time? I wasn't really paying attention," Max grinned before stepping further to Grace's table and grabbed a folder. "You've got loads of work again,"

"Tons," she taunted. "Is everybody in the meeting already?"

"Yup. You're the only one they're waiting for,"

"So why didn't anyone come to tell me a little earlier if that's the case?"

"'Cause they're afraid to bring out the monster in you. They know you're busy and they didn't want to disturb you. Only I have the guts to do that,"

They both laughed.

"We better hurry," Grace said as she began collecting her pen and paper. "I don't want to bring out the nutcase in Selfish - I mean Selfridge either,"

"I know you all have an idea about what we'll be discussing here, ladies and gentlemen," Robert Selfridge started with that usual husky voice of his. A smug was plastered on his face as he threw looks at each and everyone gathered for the meeting. The contours of the plenary room were dark; all visible lights were only coming from a hologram image at the room's center.

Grace was there, sitting beside a sleepy Max on her right and a man wearing a lab coat and eyeglasses on her left. Grace's mouth was open as she glued her eyes to photograph of an interference patter which, when suitably illuminated, produces a three-dimensional structure. It was an image of an amazing world never once recorded in history books, never once witnessed by curious eyes.

There were eerily gigantic trees, a vermilion sky, which, at second gaze, turns to light to dark blue. A big, heavenly body in the sky prevented anyone from seeing the regions of its atmosphere; though a hindrance from seeing the sky's beauty, the heavenly body was still magnificent.

"This is planet Polyphemus," Selfridge pointed as the brilliant heavenly body Grace was previously gaping at. "It is located in the Alpha Centauri Star System, more than 300 million light years away from Earth. This planet has several moons, and one of which can support life as we know it - I've told you that last meeting, right?" he leaned on the table and eyed everyone. "But I don't care about that planet and its other moons. All I give a damn about is Pandora, the moon which can be a key to further explorations and experimentations this world could not support,"

"Sounds like a big challenge, right?" the man beside her suddenly spoke, driving Grace away from her fantasies. "I'd like to go to that place; discover things and seek a life that I won't ever have the luck to find in this planet,"

She half-smiled at him, then turned her attention back to Mr. Selfridge. Her mind was completely drawn to this moon they now call Pandora. Beside her, Max was already snoring.

"Pandora also supports indigenous life. We found tribes, called them Na'vi," the hologram image switched to a photograph on an alien-like being. Its skin was blue, it has dilated, golden pupils and its ears are pointed, just like a cat. "They may look human, but none of you people should belittle these beings. They are hostile - they didn't want to negotiate. Two cosmonauts who were exploring the area died; founded with two arrows on their chests. That would be the only problem, but the government wanted to make it sure that these beings would not pose any threat by the time you scientists got there,"

One suddenly raised his hand, catching Mr. Selfridge's attention. "What is it?"

"Scientists who'll be sent there would receive certain benefits; higher paychecks, and the government would also ensure the needs of the families which they'll left here on Earth. Am I right, Sir..?"

"Yes," he breathed.

"Now who'll be those scientists?"

Selfridge hummed. "I haven't figured out yet. Maybe all of you, maybe half, maybe twenty. It all depends," he smiled. "Any more questions?" None? So I think we're done here. I'm counting on you all," he paused to look at everyone. "Dismissed," he exited the door and everyone finally stood up, murmurs coming from each.

Grace, on the other hand, was rendered speechless. She thought about it. Just 3 years of waiting will bring her to a paradise she'd always dreamt of seeing! A goofy smile abruptly lit up her face. Pandora's a paradise, yes. Trees and plants propped the entire moon and she's certain plenty of animals are also roaming on its lush forests.

She was pulled out from her thoughts when someone tapped her on the shoulder. Turning around, she saw Dr. Moira smiling sheepishly at her. "I see you're already daydreaming about this moon,"

Grace smiled. "I'm just... A little thrilled," her smile grew even wider. "Imagine going to a paradise like that! It'll be fun and exciting. If ever you'll be chosen to go there, will you go?"

Dr. Moira smiled wryly. "No,"

Grace's smile fell from her face. "No? Why?"

"I won't leave my family here," the good Dr. stood up and tucked her hands on her pockets. She smiled at Grace again, and then turned to leave.

She walked her way to leave the plenary room a few minutes after contemplating the words of Dr. Moira. She was right... But still... "Ah, never mind," she sighed and walked faster. Once she's reached her office, Grace slumped herself on her swivel chair and closed her eyes. 'Maybe going to the mall would refresh her thoughts somehow. It's Max's birthday next week. I could find a gift for him there,'

With that, she stood up and went off to the mall. It's lunch break anyway.

The mall was crowded with people in the later sunny morning. Every shop was full of customers, the grocery store was too crowded and even the department store was a little crowded.

"That's why I hate going to malls..." Miles muttered under his breath as he sat on one of the benches. Liz and Beth dud the same, sitting beside his either sides so that he's in between them. "This crowd would get me claustrophobic sooner or later,"

"Why, brother, you're always overreacting," Liz snapped, grinning.

"I don't usually go to malls..." Beth suddenly spoke with that innocent tone of hers.

"Uhhh! I want some ice cream!" Liz sang. "Strawberry flavor with dripping fudge, marshmallows, and sprinkles!"

Miles laughed and patted his sister's head. "Wait a sec, princess. I'll buy you one,"

"No! I'll just be the one to buy my own icecream. You stay here with Ms. Beth," she stood up and ran, but later came running back.

"What?" Miles asked.

"I forgot to ask you for money," Liz giggled evilly when Miles handed her the money. He didn't count how much, it doesn't matter. "I'll be right back!"

When he could no longer see her bouncing blonde hair anymore, Miles sighed then turned to face Beth. "I'm sorry for dragging you to this,"

"It's okay," she answered shyly. "I just... Found it hard to resist her charms. She's so kind and charming. And I've always wanted a baby sister like that. Too bad I don't have one,"

He chuckled. "Charming, huh? Yeah, she is an awesome little brat who always gets what she wants. I didn't want to spoil her the way she is right now, but it's just too hard,"

They laughed.

"My sister told me earlier that you've been so kind to her and was always there when she needed you. I appreciate that. Thank you,"

She smiled sweetly.

Minutes passed and still, Liz hasn't returned. Miles was getting impatient and a little worried for his sister.

Until he received a text message.

'Hey brother. I met some friends and I decided to hang out with them for a while. I'll be back at your apartment by night. Take care of Ms. Beth for me, will ya? Thanks! Love you,"

He rolled his eyes. "Sneaky," he said, then turned to Beth. "Liz went off with her friends and said she'll be back at night,"

Beth blushed, realizing that she'll be alone with him for a while. "I hope she'll be fine..."

"She will be," Miles crossed his arms.

"So... You're a marine, right? Liz told me about it,"

"Yeah... But I'm on leave right now. It took me a lot of preaches from the sarge to get his permission to leave. I'm off-duty for 2 months," he grinned, remembering Sergeant Apone's reaction when he asked for 2 months away from the camp. "Sometimes even the strongest soldier on this planet needs to take some rest. Don't you think?" Miles said as he slid the phone back to his pocket. Beth simply nodded.

Grace wandered in the mall, thinking of something that Max would like for his birthday. But not a thing entered her intricate mind.

She kept on walking, walking, walking, walking until she found the perfect gift for her friend.

But still, nothing.

If she wasn't paying too much attention, she wouldn't have seen it. She wouldn't have seen a couple - a man wearing jeans, polo shirt, and leather jacket - and a woman wearing a simple white dress. They were perfect together; he was handsome and she was pretty and gorgeous. Being on the same room with her will probably have a great effect on any woman's self-esteem. Even Grace.

She was still staring at the perfect couple as she walked, their distance going closer.

Then she realized something.

Grace stopped on her tracks and found herself staring at the man with the black leather jacket. She knew him.

A pang suddenly hit her heart, like it was stabbed by the sharpest knife ever made in history, like it was pulled out from her chest and was squeezed by the coldest hand ever. The million livewires that kept her stance intact suddenly ran out of electricity, making them just mere wires that circulated inside her stone heart.

It was him.

With another woman.

Laughing and smiling the way she had never seen him before.

Could this girl be his girlfriend? Well, she's beautiful. Long hair, good curves, pretty face and all. She looked down at herself. Jeans, white blouse... Haggard look. Heavy breathing. There goes the knife stabbing her heart again.

She was about to turn around and run, pretend she wasn't there and didn't saw them, but strong hands caught her wrists and she can't fucking make a step. Turning her head to face who the stranger was, heated hazel eyes met a worried a blue.

"Grace," he said, tone all serious. Why was he so fucking fast? And why wouldn't he just let go of her wrist and allow her to walk away with so much pain in her heart?

"Miles," she breathed. He finally let go her wrist.

"What are you doing here?"

"Why, is there any sign telling me to keep out?"

"You always answer my question with another question," he sighed. "What's with you?"

"Nothing. Just tired of work," she looked at the ground.

"Uh, by the way. Grace, I'd like you to meet Beth Mcbride. A friend of mine, she's my sister's teacher,"

The woman named Beth stepped forward and offered her hand to her. She smiled sweetly. "Hi,"

Grace looked up and smiled at her, too. "Hello, Beth," she said sternly, not even shaking the woman's offered hand. She turned her face to Miles and back to Beth.

Awkward.

"Uhh, have you eaten lunch, Grace? Beth and I here were just planning to-"

"No, I ate. I need to get back to RDA shortly. Besides, I don't want to disturb you two," Grace hoped that he wouldn't notice that certain bitterness in her voice. Doesn't matter. She turned her back to leave.

By the time Grace came out of the RDA Building, she drove her car to Miles' apartment. She wanted to apologize for treating him and Beth coldly. She also wanted to apologize - personally - to Beth for being such an immature brat when she didn't shake her offered hand. She'd already experienced that kind of embarrassment and she knew it wasn't a good feeling.

She stayed in her car, observing for movements inside the house. She felt like a foolish spy doing some espionage like this. The lights were on so she figured someone was inside.

Her phone abruptly rung.

"Yes?" she answered her voice husky and tired.

"Hey," the man on the other line said calmly. Where are you?

"Home," she lied. "You?"

"I'm home too,"

There was silence. She didn't know what to say. After the attitude she showed him and Beth earlier? How pathetic of her to be so immature.

"A while ago in the mall... I'm sorry if I treated you and Beth like that... I didn't mean to,"

"I know you didn't," she could hear his chuckle over the phone and she couldn't help but smile. "Why were you so upset, by the way?"

"Just tired..."

"Ow? Doesn't look that way to me," he paused. "Were you jealous of Beth?"

She blushed. "Of course not!"

"You are," he chuckled again. "It happens to me all time,"

She laughed with sarcasm. "Yeah right,"

"You were jealous, admit it,"

"I wasn't. And I will never be," she pouted.

"If you're not...-" the line suddenly crackled, ending their call. Grace closed her eyes and sighed. "Then why are you here?" Miles abruptly leaned on the car window and flashed his teeth, grinning at her. "What are you doing here?"

"I just decided to stop by,"

"You said you were home,"

"Okay, I lied," she frowned at him.

"Step out of the car," Miles muttered.

"Why?"

"Just get out,"

"What if I don't like?" she stuck out her tongue.

With an impatient look, Miles opened the car door, grabbed her arm, and pulled her out. Had he not stepped aside, she would've collided with his chest. With an indescribable look, he pinned her to the nearest wall, and pressed his lips against hers, feeling his mouth hot and wet against hers and it's a supreme effort not to moan from the sensitive touch.

She closed her eyes and responded to his kiss, her arms coming up to wrap around his neck tightly, like she's never gonna let go. His wide arms circled around his waist and she pulled her even closer so that their bodies met.

Breathless.

He pulled back after giving her a rough, hard and long torrid kiss. She wanted more, she wanted to be locked into his arms for a longer while and yet she was denied that wish.

"Go home now. Drive safely," A smug was plastered on his face as he stared at her eyes.

Then he left without even turning back and went back inside his apartment.

Heeeey. Thank you so much for reading. I'll try to update next week. Tee hee hee. Please review!