In Between Love and Hate

A/N: Some are already requesting for the scenes in Pandora so I decided to make things quick. The events taking place in this chapter should've been in Chapter 15 and so on but I think if I delay the Pandora scenes and Avatar touch a bit more, this would seem more like an AU. (Though yeah, it is a prequel and it may seem like an AU but I really, really want to explore their backgrounds, about how a once seemingly ubreakable love can be replaced with undeniable hate and loathing) But then again, you guys are the reason why I still want to continue this story so, request granted. Though the Pandora scenes will kick in maybe in 3-6 chapters more, so you guys need to be patient. Patience is a virtue.

I forgot to say sorry for the extremely long delay. I've been really busy. SORRY. But I'm always visiting this site to see some reviews and honestly, I've seen every single one of them. I really felt bad reading them because God knows how much I wanted to update but time wouldn't permit me to. I also seemed to have a Writer's Block; like, everytime I try to write a chapter I end up banging my head against the wall. *chuckles* No, kidding aside. I just end up doing a facepalm. Sorry again. Please forgive me.

I hope you enjoy this chapter. I myself enjoyed writing this.

Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar. Jim Cameron does!

Chapter Eight

Gazing at the tiny little particles of certain plants has always been her favorite hobby, for a fact that it brings her an incredible feeling when her eyes are narrowed through the lens of the microscope, discovering the little world that microorganisms are occupying.

Well, this is just one of the most boring things an ordinary person wouldn't ever do, nor even think of doing. But not Grace. She considered science as one of the most – no, perhaps it is the most precious thing that fuelled her purpose for living. Her hunger to discover and learn new things further and beyond humanity's knowledge- it will never be fulfilled without science.

But tonight though, something is quite different.

No matter how much she put her effort and endeavours into the plant samples she's examining, she couldn't find it within herself to concentrate. There is a tiny distraction that kept bugging her for hours. It was something she dubbed as a 'distraction' but for heaven's sake, it makes her lips curl into a smile.

Miles.

'I wonder what he's doing right now? Uh, he's probably with Beth so, never mind.' She tried to erase the mental image of Miles and Beth that popped into her mind right now, but right before she did so, a sudden 'pang' hit her heart. Grace closed her eyes. Maybe it's true; maybe she really was jealous of Beth but could not afford to admit it for her pride was always a high wall of bricks. More especially when it comes to love.

Just when she was about to dramatize her feelings for him again, her phone suddenly rang, making her lose all her thoughts about Miles at that second. But it seems this little phone was playing hide and seek with her as she couldn't remember where she placed it.

And finally, she found it tucked under the pillow on her bed. "Hello..?" Grace answered, attempting to sound formal. She took a sit on the edge of the bed and waited for the person on the other line to speak. Hearing nothing but weird crackles, she tried to say "Hello?" again.

"Big Sis!"

And that made her night. She smiled one of her rarest smiles and lay down her bed, hugging her soft pillow intended for cuddling. "Hey, Trajan. How have you been...?"

"What's with the formalities? It's just me," Trajan chuckled over the phone. "Oh well, I'm sure you missed me calling you. I've been busy the past few days," There came a short pause. "So then, uh, how's it going with Miles?" he then asked sheepishly.

Grace rolled her eyes, a soft smile suddenly curled in her lips. "Hmm, what do you mean?"

"Well, you know what I mean!" Trajan laughed brusquely. "Has he made any move on you yet? Asked you for a date, kissed you? Tell me!"

She couldn't help but bite her lip with his questions. Date? No. Kiss, well... Yes. They had kissed on more than one occassion, the first being on her own bedroom, and the second while they were watching a movie and they suddenly found their lips crashing together; him over her in the couch. The third was earlier that day, when she went to his place to apologize for her attitude towards Beth. But then she just found him backing her against the wall and kissed her hard. Had he not be the one to break those kisses himself, she would've moved on further. The kisses they shared set her body on fire, desire flooding her entire being. She could remember his lips being soft like marshmallows, and the way his teeth grazed along her lower lip and his tongue roaming around her mouth as he deepened the kiss.

Sometimes, she wondered why he was always the one who breaks off their kiss, why he pulls away before they even got carried along the heat.

"Hey, you still in there?" Trajan suddenly asked, effectively pulling her from her thoughts.

Grace shifted her position and sat down on the bed instead. She realized it took her almost a minute just thinking about Miles, his kisses which drove her crazy and... 'Get a grip on yourself, Grace.' "Still in here, lil bro. You were saying?"

On the other line, Trajan grunted a chuckle. "Has Miles made a move on you yet? Are you now dating him?"

"Why are you so eager to know? It's not like my love life concerns you that much,"

"Well... No, not really. You know..." Trajan paused, and then he sighed. "I just want you to be happy, Doc. I mean, Grace,"

That made her smile a genuine one. That was the first time Trajan ever said something touching to her. He had, most certainly. But all those sweet words he muttered to her almost came out like a mock, or tainted by sarcasm. But now, his words sounded real, it was almost too alien to hear. "He hasn't made a move on me yet," she said. "But I'll tell you once he did. I guess it's not far too long before he does, anyway." she uttered cheerfully, trying to lighten up the mood.

"Okay," he was quick to answer. "Can I ask you one last thing?"

Grace raised a brow. "Sure,"

"Do you like him?"

She smiled yet again. "I think so... He's a nice guy. He took care of me when I got sick, even insisted to stay with me to make sure I'm fine,"

"So, any chances of him becoming my future brother in law?" he chuckled again.

"Trajan!" snapped Grace.

"I'm kidding, I'm kidding," Trajan mocked. "Hey... I gotta go. It's getting late anyway. Goodnight Big Sis, sweet dreams,"

She breathed over the phone. Glancing at the digital wall clock, she realized it was really late. "You too, sweet dreams. Goodnight," the phone line crackled, ending the call. Grace placed her phone on the bedside table and tucked herself in her soft and warm bed, finally deciding to get some sleep. But just as she was draping the sheets over her body, her landline phone rang. She never bothered to answer as she was really tired, she wanted to sleep. But the ringing went further on and she found herself annoyed by the unwanted sound of a phone ringing late at night. Sighing, she got up and walked her way to it, but the ringing ended shortly before she even had the chance to pick it.

'Hi this is Grace Augustine. I may not be home at the moment or is busy. You can leave me a message if you want. Good day,' there was a barely noticeable 'beep' sound before she heard the voice message.

"Hey. It's me,"

He was the last one she had expected to call at that hour.

"I was just... Well, it's my last week here. I only took 2 months off from duty and I'll be going back to the base, to the corps next week. I wish I could stay a little while longer for you. Guess that would no longer be possible as duty is now calling for me. But before I go, I want you to... Come with me. To some place. I want to tell you something. I'll pick you up tomorrow at 7,"

She flinched on her spot, trying to contemplate his words. He's going to show her something? What was that? And where could it be?

Grace considered the idea for a moment but then she remembered what he said, that he'll be leaving next week. Leaving her again, same thing he did when they were kids. 'No,' she breathed. 'I'm not going with you. I don't want to hear a goodbye from you again,'

She was quite sure he'd keep his word, pick her up at 7 and drag her wherever he wanted.

Tomorrow is Saturday, anyway. She could take the day off. All she needs to do is to leave earlier than seven and drive off to a place where he could never, ever find her.

But where?

Miles glanced down at the sleeping form of Liz and smiled at himself. He picked up the blanket from the floor and draped it over the young girl's frail body; it must've fallen off while she was asleep, as she frequently stirs on the bed at night. He then bent down and pressed a kiss on his younger sister's forehead.

He walked on tiptoes as he didn't want to wake up her sleeping princess, and he knew she'll be asking questions as to why he was up so early and dressed like he was about to go somewhere. Turning the doorknob silently, the door still creaked and Liz stirred again. Miles turned around to look at her and he found her still soundly asleep. Sighing, he finally opened the door and got out, closing it gently.

He heard someone clearing her throat and when he turned around to face her, he was greeted by a smile from Beth who was standing in the hallway. "Good morning, Miles," she said sweetly.

Miles returned the smile. "Good morning," he watched as she took steps towards him, but walked past. Beth was holding a cup of coffee in her hands so he assumed she awoke earlier than him. He followed her trail, which he knew was leading to the kitchen. "You're up so early,"

"Got used to it," she mouthed as they entered the kitchen. She sat on one of the chairs and he sat opposite her. Beth suddenly eyed him with curiosity as she noticed his get-up. "Going somewhere? With Grace, I presume," there was a glint of amusement in her voice.

"Yeah," was all he managed to choke out.

Beth smiled widely.

"Listen, I, uhmm. What you know about Grace and me, please... Don't tell Liz anything about it. I'll be the one to. At the right time," he bit his lip. "I don't think she'll be able to accept it. You know; she's used to being my only princess,"

She nodded. "Okay,"

Miles smiled at her before finally setting off to Grace's place.

He parked the car infront of Grace's apartment, but he didn't go out just yet. He observed the place, trying to spot actions inside the house, but there was none.

Growing rather curious, he stepped outside the vehicle and went over to the gate, which he found out was locked. Even her car which was normally parked beside the house itself was nowhere to be found.

He called for her name but there was no reply. He even tried calling her phone; it was ringing, but there was no answer.

Miles was worried. 'Where could she be? Didn't she receive my message?'

With a slight shrug of his shoulders and an exasperated sigh, Miles went inside the car, turned it into ignition, and finally drove it as fast as he can.

He wasn't mad at all. Well he was just... A little hurt. Ignoring the pain intending to creep on his chest, Miles focused his attention on driving. Hours passed and he concentrated on the road before him. Soon the scenery around him changed, and he found himself trailing along the highway lined up by scattered trees. It's so nice to see some green after staying in the city for so long. This was actually the first time in years that he decided to visit this place.

Miles stopped by the old ancestral home his Aunt Socorro and Uncle Henry owned, the couple who often takes care of him when he was a child. The old couple had died a few years back, lying side by side on their warm bed, a smile curled up in both their faces. Having no more relatives other than Miles and his sister, the place ultimately fell under his name.

Once or twice a year, he would visit the house. But the last three years has been tough, what with all the wars rampaging in the countries mostly located in Asia and Africa, Marines like him were sent to aid those who are with peace. It was only too good that he had hired a caretaker to look after the house while he's away.

The place brought him relaxation, calmness and tranquility. He reminisced the memories he had here when he was young, like how he used to run around naked, trying to get away from his aunt who was about to bathe him, how he flew kites with his Uncle Henry and how they rowed the boats to catch some fish. It was indeed, a wonderful place he would not trade it with anything.

Hence, it was also the place where young love bloomed from his heart.

Miles chuckled. 'What a pun for the soldier within me,'

He opened the door and it felt like home. He grabbed his small bag and climbed up the stairs, passing by the living room, and went to his room. After placing the bag on his bed, he opened the windows to let the fresh air in.

Peering on the window, he looked beyond the land covered by myriad trees. He smiled to himself as he spotted his favorite place, the hill with the lone tree in it. It was where they first met, where they planted their very first tree, the place he loved the most.

He went to it, fast on his heels. He ran like a kid out on the woods for the first time, and climbed the hill without much preamble.

But just as he neared the lone tree up above the hill, Miles spotted something.

Red hair.

Grace was there. And she was staring back at him in disbelief.

Grace's eyes widened at the muscular form inching its way towards her tree, their tree. She couldn't believe he was here. He didn't follow her, she was sure. Because noone knew her whereabouts at the moment, not even Max. She held her breath as he slowly closed the gap between them, not sure how to react or what to say. His face was cold, and his eyes were still the impossible shade of blue yet she saw no sign of thoughtfulness from it.

Miles stopped on his tracks and stood just 5 feet away from her, to be exact. He too, was staring at her with unfathomable shock clouding in his face. He opened his mouth to speak, and Grace let out the breath she's been holding for quite a while now. "Grace... What are you doing here?"

'Well?! What the hell will I say now?' Her mind was screaming at her to turn her back and run, but her body dictated another. She stayed frozen on her feet, her composure almost collapsing. She couldn't just tell him she just happened to pass by, that was absolutely ridiculous!

When she didn't reply, Miles walked towards her again, this time stopping only 2 feet away from her. He smiled, all the thoughtfulness Grace was previously looking for now encompassed in his blue eyes. "You're her, aren't you?" he asked, and Grace couldn't help but gasp at his sudden query.

"W-what do you mean, Miles?" she finally found her voice and managed to blurt out.

"Stop trying to act like you don't know a thing about what I said," his smile got even wider. The nerve of this man. "You're her, the girl who likes to plant trees. The stubborn, yet sweet little redhead I met when I was young,"

"How can you be so sure?"

"Because... You're here. This was our favorite place. We planted this tree here, more than 20 years ago. It grew so well, didn't it?" he ran a finger on the trunk of the tree. "I waited. Year after year. I waited here, hoping to see a single strand of red hair again," he sighed and turned to look at her face again. "But she never came,"

She was taken aback. Never did she know that he'd keep their promise of seeing each other on that exact place. "I didn't-"

"My name is Miles Quaritch. Corporal Miles Quaritch," he extended his hand. "And you are?"

For the first time since they met on that hill, Grace's lips curled into a smile. "My name is Grace Augustine. Dr. Grace Augustine," she took her extended hand and shook it, but Miles was quick to pull her and she collided with his chest, their faces a mere inch away from each other, she could almost feel his warm breath. His arms snaked around her hips, and he pulled her closer to his body.

"Doesn't sound like an ugly name to me," he said before pressing his lips against hers, warm, soft and gentle. Her arms automatically wrapped around his neck and she tangled her fingers on his hair, raking on his scalp as he slid his tongue to roam around her. Their tongues both battled for dominance, and it wasn't too long when she gave up and allowed him to take over. Scant seconds passed and they pulled back from the kiss, gasping for breath as they stared at the other's eyes.

She smiled at him again. "I'm sorry,"

"For what?"

"I knew it was you. From the beginning. I was just afraid. I didn't know how I was going to tell you, I don't-"

"Sssssshhh," he silenced her with his finger. "I don't care anymore," he let go of his grip on her hips and he led her to sit beside the tree.

Grace 's heart was filled with joy but then she remembered the reason why she ran off in the first place. "You're leaving. Again,"

"Is that the reason why you came here, alone?"

She nodded. "I don't want to hear any more of your goodbyes again,"

"That won't happen. Of course I'll be back,"

"What assurance do I have that you'll never leave me like you did before?"

Miles grinned at her, his hands reaching into his pocket. He pulled out the sapphire ring and mellowed it in his finger. "I was thinking of giving you this. It's a family heirloom. My father said I should give it to the woman I intend to marry," he sighed and looked her in the eye. "What kept me sane was the midsummer wind. Whenever I feel the breeze fanning my face, I felt like you were around. I could hear your laughter in the wind. I can see your hazel brown eyes gazing at the high mountains and admiring its natural beauty. I can feel the vibration that the very bounce your red hair made, the sound of your voice, your irritated reply everytime I say that I was madly, deeply inlove with you. Then it gave me hope that one summer, you would come back," he paused. "I missed you terribly, every second of every minute of every hour of everyday. I missed you like crazy. I swear to these trees and flowers, I would never lose you again," he took a vey long pause and it seemed that tears are threatening to roll down. "Marry me, Grace,"

It has been a long afternoon. He pondered the day's events as he ran his fingers on her red hair, a soft smile tugging on his lips. They were there in the old ancestral house, lying naked on his bed with Grace curled up like a ball against him, using his right arm as pillow. He pulled her closer. Kissing the top of her forehead, Miles closed his eyes and finally fell asleep.

OMG OMG. How was that? Yeah, they made love. Sorry I couldn't write that part. You won't like me when I write an actual 'lovemaking' scene. This chapter would be Rated M+++ if I did write it. I'll just let you wonder on your imagination on how they ended up doing it. *wink*

So there. I hope you enjoyed reading this one! Reviews are welcome!