Me: I'm not sure if saying sorry will matter but I'll say it anyways: I'm sorry. Algebraic equations are like an anti-creativity drug.

Cal: (x+5)(x+3)(x+3)=0 Develop and Factorize. Then find x in the function f(x)= *insert a bunch of boring numbers and x's here*

Me: Do you want me to die? Don't answer that.

Cal: Anyways, this chapter may be short but she hopes you enjoy it. For those of you who have been through Algebra 2, take pity on her. It was very difficult to write.

Me: It was so horrible even Cal's taking pity on me. Anyways, I don't own Lie to Me or any of its characters. Please review and Happy Holidays! :)

"Repeat after me: I, Cal Lightman..."

"I, Cal Lightman..."

"Hereby promise to my wonderful partner, Gillian Foster..."

"Hereby promise to my wonderfully smothering partner, Gillian Foster..."

"That I will not go within 50 feet of a Roulette game."

"That I will not go within 50 feet of a Roulette game." he finished as Gillian smiled.

"Alright now you promised. That means no sneaking off at night while I'm asleep to go play a game. Got it?" she put her hands on her hips to emphasize her point.

"I got it. You need to relax Foster, perhaps you need a drink." he walked over to the bar in their suite and took out two glasses. She rolled her eyes as she went over to him.

"It's amazing how I'm trusting you, Cal Lightman, not to gamble in Vegas." she sighed, leaning against the bar.

"No, what's amazing is how many bloody alcoholic drinks are packed in here!" he said from behind the counter. "Johnny Walker Black?"

"You know it." she replied. He filled her shot glass and watched as she downed it in one swing.

"Bloody hell Foster, and you're telling me to be careful in Vegas?"

"They have a whole bar stocked with drinks but not one package of chocolate pudding?" she asked in a daze. "Hit me." she said handing out her glass.

"We're on a case across the country and you're worrying about pudding?" he asked confused as he saw her down her drink like the last one. "Women." he scoffed taking a shot of his own.

"Men." she scoffed back with a grin. A few shots later and Gillian started feeling the affects of the alcohol. Cal too had begun feeling tipsy so they decided to put away the alcohol for the better good of all. They did their usual nightly routine and got ready for bed. Once they were both in their pajamas they laid in bed yet something was keeping them both up. They stared at the ceiling and tried to drift off but had no such luck.

"I can't sleep." said Gillian in the silence of night.

"Me neither." he responded. Gillian turned on the small night lamp at her side and sat up to face him.

"Cal, there's been something you've been wanting to say. Tell me." she said. She could see he was tired just as she was sure he could see the fatigue on her face.

"It's nothing important. Don't read me, luv." he warned before turning on his side away from her gaze.

"I don't have to read you to know that was a lie. Look at me Cal." when he didn't move she called him again "Look at me." he turned to look at her slowly and sighed.

"I've just had a lot on my mind lately. Nothing to be worried about." he said tiredly.

"I know, I know, but God help me Cal I am worried." she replied. Part of him wanted her to see it, wanted her to see how badly he needed her, wanted her loved her; yet, he knew it wasn't the right time, not now. He wanted to do this right. Cal Lightman had messed up a lot of things in his life because he didn't do them right but not this time. He was not going to jeopardize the only thing that seemed truly important at this moment, something he would not allow himself to lose: Gillian Foster. She wanted him to trust her yet she felt like somehow she was being dishonest. She too was itching to tell him something of great importance but couldn't get it out, not now. There was too much at stake, too much that could be lost all at once if she wasn't careful.

So for her love for Cal Lightman and for his love for Gillian Foster they just sat in silence. They both knew. He could've been an architect and her a school teacher and they'd still have known. She leaned in and softly kissed the corner of his mouth before turning off the night lamp and as cliché as it seemed in both their opinions, love sang them a sweet lullaby to sleep.

___

When Gillian awoke she stretched her arms as far as she could and took in her surroundings trying to remember where she was. As she became more conscious she noticed Cal was not beside her. She got up from bed and walked over to the kitchen. There was a note on the counter and Gillian picked it up.

Don't worry, I'm not gambling. Don't smother when I get back.

-Love, Cal

P.S: Enjoy.

She was a bit confused at the last part when she saw it. Gillian felt the grin grow on her face when she saw it. Chocolate pudding and a spoon. Yet she couldn't seem to forget that word on the note. The word so many times caused difficulties in lives like no other word: love. If only saying it was as easy as writing it.

P.S: I know I'm slow at updating, believe me I try, but I am not giving up on this story. I hope you can all forgive me for my slow updating. Review!