Title: Opposites Attract
Chapter 3 - A Fleeting Moment? A Mutual Connection!

I slowly pull myself from sleep to see that I have dozed off on the couch yet again. It's a good thing I dont have people sleep over very often; they would think I bought a new bed for each occasion. I flip on the TV and am very thankful that Bonasera's name isn't gracing the local headlines so at least I can get my day started on a good note.

I walk over to the phone and glance at the red light. "Odd," I mumble as I dont remember hearing it ring the night before.

'Mac, its Paula. I know you are probably going to hate me for this but I have a "friend" I would like you to take to the reception. Ed and I will be missing this year. Besides I have already told her you would be picking her up at six. Dont hate me. Bye.'

"Damn it!" I curse. I have told her no on so many occasions I would have thought by now that she would be sick of hearing me turn her down and give up. I will of course do just that; I have no intention of dressing up like a waiter just to impress a bunch of people I'd rather see behind bars then in front of the public eye. I have to get this woman's number so I can call and offer one of my many famous Taylor rejections. I have that down to a science.

"So much for a good day," I moan as I head into the bathroom. Having less sleep than the night before, I know today my team is going to bear the brunt of it. I sometimes can't help but wonder what it would be like to wake up to another person; a woman of quality that actually forces me to smile in the morning instead of scowl. Paula tells me that it will humanize me more to have a good woman at my side. So far I think I'm pretty human. But once again she has managed to get under my skin as always and my mind his so distracted that before long I realize I am trying to shave with my toothbrush.

With an angry curse I toss the cream covered brush into the garbage and reach for my real razor. "Poor Ed," I mention with a small laugh. But in truth I did envy Ed, Paula was an amazing woman. I have never been a jealous sort of person; always priding myself on keeping those sorts of petty emotions in check, hoping to set me apart from the average man. But sometimes when I see what they have, I have a small twinge of envy. I do wonder if a there will ever be a woman I am truly jealous over. That would mean I would have to be in love or at least care a great deal. That will never happen! So far no woman has made me want to care enough to be jealous!

I turn on the shower and then try to focus on what the day has ahead. I have to go to the mayor's office to collect my money and then check in with the team and then off to buy much new field equipment.

XXXXXXXX

Thankfully as I push myself out of bed, cousin IT has finally left the building. The shower from the night before and the mounds of detangler have helped to put them back into their bouncy place and I look at them with an approving smile in the mirror.

"Finally Stellayou look like you again," I praise as I hurry to get my day started. Taylor would be collecting my money today and I wondered if he was the kind of man that would stick it in your face that he was the better team lead and that I lost because I just didn't measure up.

"As I said probably intolerable," I mutter in anger. But that just helped to fuel my desire to find the next case that I could one up him on. I have always been a competitive person by nature; sharing the spotlight was never my thing. Taylor just seems to encourage that trait I me. After I dress I hurry into the kitchen and realize I am out of staples. "I'll get my fix on the way to work," I say as I rush for the door and down to my favourite corner of the city.

I grab my coffee and head back outside into the busy early morning rush. I take a few steps when

BANG

Some street punk rudely knocks into me, nearly spilling my coffee and almost sending me flying backward onto the pavement. A feel a tug at my arm and quickly look to see the same kid trying to grab my work bag. He offers a small tug once more and it's free, painfully jerking my shoulder in the process.

"HEY!" I shout, more out of annoyance than worry, as the important stuff I keep on my person.

Then before I need to pull my gun I watch this handsome stranger dash after the kid, apply a few expert moves and the kid is down, cursing at him but offering my bag willingly to his open hand. I watch in fascination as he chastises the young man but when he turns back to me the kid is gone.

"Here," he offers simply to me. "Are you okay?"

It's a good thing he doesn't know I'm a cop and so I simply nod yes and offer a small thank you.

His blue eyes search mine; demanding more than a simple thank you but not really expecting more than a polite smile. His presence was a bit unnerving, as I found myself unable to look away. His eyes once again dared me to pull back, but laughing at the inside knowledge that he knew I was unable. I felt another bump, turned to my right. It was nothing, but when I looked back he was gone.

I looked around for anything missing and then carried on my way. It's a good thing I'm too practical for love at first sight; telling myself that a real relationship takes hard work and I already have full time job. At the same time, however, I wondered who he was? Some street knight, offering his services to a lady in distress and then disappearing before she could offer payment. Looked like a lawyer. I tried to erase his face from my mind, but his blue eyes would be forever burned into my memory. Well in any event a man like that is probably married! Why are all the really good ones taken!

I hurry into the office, my nerves are a bit frayed and my temper a bit high, mostly due to losing the funding this month but I tell myself that it's all in a days work and Taylor can choke on it. I round the corner to my office only to see Flack standing and waiting for me, his expression a grim one.

I know that look; over the past few years I have come to realize that some cases start with a look or an expression, this would be one of them.

"How bad?" I wonder as I approach Flack.

"Do you want the bad news or the worse?"

"Lay it on me," I dare as I push into my office to get my kit.

"Dead girl; Covington Road."

"We have to beat Taylor there. I need this one. MESSER!" I shout for Danny as I hurry after Flack outside. I dont mind if Danny drives this time, it gives me a chance to review the field notes that Flack handed me before we got into our separate vehicles.

"We better beat Taylor," I warn Danny. "Or else."

XXXXXXXX

I walk into the waiting area of the Mayor's office to collect my money when my phone rings.

"Paula," I smile.

"Mac, we got a bad one," she starts. "Covington Road."

"That's neural territory," I sigh. "Does Flack know?"

"Probably. I'm on my way and so is Lindsay," Paula informs me.

"I'll meet you there," I tell her as I stuff my phone into my pocket. I rush back outside and curse the fact that I am unprepared; but know that Lindsay will bring my kit. I hail a cab and tell them to step on, calling Lindsay on the way. I get further details from her and she's almost there.

I watch time tick slowly past and my patience starts to wear thin. Covington Road is neutral territory but I feel I am on a role and this will give me an excuse to miss this night's Mayoral event; an event I really dont want to attend but have a sinking feeling that I will be conned into by Paula. My mind quickly drifts to the chance encounter with the green eyed angel I saw this morning. Some poor secretary I surmise on her way to the office. If I hadn't been in such a hurry I would have been tempted to offer a name. But then I remind myself that I am not the kind of guy who takes chances like that and I'm back to being the same old boring Mac Taylor. Take a chance, I tried to coax myself. Yeah right! A woman that attractive? No way she's single. Out of my league.

I reach the front of the building, not realizing that my professional nemesis is already inside the building as I rush from the cab.

"Mac," Paula says rushing to me with a worried expression and I curse.

"We didnt make it in time?" I ask sourly.

"Dont worry Taylor," Don Flack says walking up to me. "Maybe next time you'll have your GPS with you."

I offer only a sideways sneer and then brush past him nonetheless. This is my chance to see Bonasera up close and I am not going to miss it. I picture her short, a little square with a domineering presence.

"Who's that?" Lindsay asks as she slowly walks up to stand beside me. One of the young men with Stella has caught her eye and I once get am forced to play Cupid!

"Danny Messer," I offer casually. "We lost this one," I tell her in a sour mood. Paula is talking to Flack and I notice Lindsay make eyes at Messer once more and I frown. Children, I chide inside as I walk past a few officers, edging my way closer to the crime scene. I poke my head into the small room where the body was found and then my eyes finally rested on her.

She had her back to me but when she stood up and turned around, I was surprised and then a little taken aback. It was her, the woman from this morning that I saved from the purse snatcher. My green eyed angel? Can't be! The woman I wanted to offer my name is my professional nemesis? WHAT! Part of me wants to make a comment about not being able to defend herself against a purse snatcher but it's not the time or the place. And while she might have won this scene, I am for some reason not that upset.

She is taller than I imagined but a little shorter than me; important for a woman. A body that made me instantly think she should be doing other things than working a grisly crime scene and curly hair that I would like to get a hand lost in. But as she slowly turned to face me my lips couldn't help but curl slightly. Perfect skin and those piercing green eyes; the same eyes that looked into mine this morning; demanding something more than a simple 'are you okay'. I didn't have the time this morning, but I allow my eyes to linger a little more than I should. Even the outfit she has chosen for today seemed to be very her. Although I'm sure she'd look good in just about anything she put on.

She locks eyes with me and thankfully it's only for a few seconds until my name is called and I quickly turn to leave. Damn it Taylor! I curse myself. She's your enemy. Not in the true sense of the word, but certainly in the professional term. And I can't afford to be distracted.

XXXXXXXX

I hurry into the building; I dont see Taylor's team so that means this scene might be mine, and that would mean a very good start to the day. If he was on his way then I would be happy to send him another sympathy card; perfect about face for taking my money. Danny and I walk past Flack and casually chat with the scene officers. I see Paula Watford talking to someone else and for a split second my heart stops. But when she walks up to us and politely concedes to Flack and then makes quiet conversation I am in my glory. Taylor lost! HA!

I watch her for a few minutes and realize why she's so respected. The way she commands the attention of the men around her without having to resort to petty female tactics makes me think that her and I could get along easily. I offer a polite nod and then head into the scene. I notice a young woman with bouncy honey blond curls walk into the room and Messer is instantly smitten. He makes a move to go and talk to her but I quickly stop him.

"Danny," I remind him. He is here to work, not to arrange his date for the evening. I notice him smile at the young girl and then follow after me.

"I think she belongs to Taylor," Danny tells me as he heads past me into the room. I look around for the elusive Mac Taylor but so far lady luck isn't on my side. Unless he just sent his team and wasn't taking this call personally. With a small sigh, I walk after Danny and into the room where the girl's body was found. I quickly pull on a pair of gloves and then start to examine the young woman at my feet, my back to the door.

I reach for her stomach to examine the knife wound when I hear his name being called.

"Taylor!" Someone says loudly and I can't help but feel my lips curl into an unseen smile. In my mind I picture a stocky man, short with a Hitler like moustache. But when I turn around, and our eyes lock my world comes to a halt. Taking me by surprise but in a way I never expected.

It was him the man from this morning my blue eyed knight, the one who saved my bag but not my pride. That was him? The man I have been thinking about? My professional nemesis? WHAT!

He stood a bit taller than me with dark hair and those haunting blue eyes that once again held me captive to whatever he wanted to dictate. I like men who dress well and it seems that Mac Taylor is no exception. He wore a dark suit beneath his coat but no tie, a striped shirt, everything in place; just like I assumed the rest of his life was. He certainly didn't fit the picture my mind had painted and I am almost sorry for comparing him to a harsh dictator. Dark and brooding would fit him perfectly and I feel a part of me warm but I tell myself this is my professional enemy and that's it. But thankfully Danny caught my attention and as I hear his name called once again, I break contact and quickly look away. Those few seconds however felt like a lifetime.

I offer one more glance but he's gone. "So that's Mac Taylor," I mention under my breath to Danny.

"The one and only," Danny mentions as he looks back up at that young woman again. "Think she's single? The woman who came with him?"

"Danny?" I lightly groan. "Head back at the scene!"

Then it's time to take my own advice. I quickly turn my attention back to the dead woman before me, telling myself to get my mind back on track and not to worry about what snide remark I could offer tonight at the reception. But I hadn't seen him other years so I figured this chance meeting with Mac Taylor would be the last, and for some new reason that now bothered me.

XXXXXXXX

I hear Paula call my name and quickly pull my gaze away from Bonasera. She looked away first, finally pulling away from my penetrating gaze. I would like to think that I always have the upper hand over people, but in truth her sparkling green eyes were the ones that held me captive, and while I'd only ever admit that to myself, I can't help but be a bit intrigued. I'm sure I'll suffer a humiliating reminder at her hands by way of another card or perhaps a cheap shot at my loss on this case so I tell myself she is not worth another thought. Now if only I could get my brain to cooperate.

"What have you got?" I ask Paula, praying for a work related distraction. Thankfully this prayer is answered as Paula fills me in on a new case. I look at Lindsay who is still staring at Bonasera's CSI, Danny Messer and I roll my eyes.

"Lindsay," I call and she quickly snaps to. "We have a real case to attend to."

She quickly follows after me and as we head out the back door I notice a small silver object near Bonasera's Avalanche and quickly pick it up.

"X-rated mints," I smile as I play with the small item in my strong hand. I quickly stuff the small item into my pocket and walk toward my own CSI vehicle and then Lindsay pulls away as I read through the notes that Paula has given me.

"I hate child cases," I lightly grimace as I read the small tidbits to Lindsay.

"So are you going tonight?" Lindsay asks me as she pushes us into traffic.

"Wasn't planning on it," I tell her in truth.

"Paula said you were," Lindsay replies and I curse.

"She told you?" I lightly scowl as my phone buzzes to life. I pull it out and look at the text message.

Mac,'next time try mapquest , it's free!' Stella

"Damn that woman!" I curse angrily.

"Paula?" Lindsay quickly wonders.

"Bonasera," I frown.

"She rubbing it in?" Lindsay asks and I dont answer; my silence is enough. We finally reach the scene and it's the break I need as I push my way to where the small boys body is found and bend down to get started. I pull on my gloves and then reach for the camera and start documenting.

My mind however, is a bit distracted. Bonasera's text still dancing around in my head; her image displaying itself in a less than professional way. I have never even said two audible words to this woman and yet she still manages to push my buttons with an unseen finger.

"Mapquest my ass!" I state in quiet anger as I take a few more pictures.

Lindsay looks at me and just smiles. "Didnt think it was possible," she tells me.

"What?"

"For a woman other than Paula to get under your skin like that," she notes.

"I like Paula," I growl.

"Right," she just rolls her eyes and gets back to bagging the evidence around the young boy's body, obviously not buying my simple lie. It's more complicated now as I finally have a face to go with my angry thoughts. The short ugly woman I imagined will now be harder to erase from my mind; especially with those green eyes staring back at me.

I heard Cyrus' voice and quickly pull myself back to the young boy before me.

"Mac," Cyrus says as he and another CSI from my office, John Berg, walk into the room to help process the scene.

I am thankful for the distraction as it will help to clear my head of Bonasera's body still dancing around in my muddled brain. It's been a very long time since a woman I just met has had an instant affect on me, but I tell myself it's not worth the mental fortitude and so I am back to reality within seconds.

"I have a name," Paula says to me as she hurries to my side. "Dean Watley," she informs me. "He was visiting a friend, Myron when Myron says his father Hank came and picked him up and then that was the last he saw of him."

"Do we know where his father is?" I ask in anger. I hate to see children mistreated by adults but it angers me further when it's inflicted by a parent; someone they are supposed to love and trust with their small lives.

"Where?" I growl.

"547 State," she tells me with a pensive frown. "I'll drive."

"Cyrus this scene is yours," I direct. "See you all back at the lab."

I hurry after Paula and take my place at her side in her police cruiser. I pull out my blackberry again and stare at Bonasera's name in anger.

"She makes quite the impression doesnt she," Paula catches me and I quickly stuff my blackberry back into my coat pocket.

"Not in a good way," I utter in half truth. Paula of course doesn't buy it. "Speaking of women" I start.

"You are going tonight and that's final," Paula tells me. "Carlson pays your salary."

I shoot her an angry glare but she just offers a smile in return.

XXXXXXXX

"Stella, I have a name," Flack tells me as he enters the room just as Sheldon is helping to get the body ready to transport to Sid. "Susan Bower. 547 State Street."

"Let's go," I tell him.

I hurry into the car beside Flack and then read the small notes I had made. The ride to her apartment started in silence until I pulled my blackberry and read the text I sent to Taylor and smiled.

"A smile? Who did you get a message from?" Flack is quick to pick up.

"Oh it's nothing," I quickly reply. If I told him it was a message I sent to Taylor I would never hear the end of it.

"Right," he says as he eyes the name before I put my blackberry away.

"From what I hear, he's a good man," Flack mentions.

"Who?" I try to play dumb.

"Mac Taylor," Flack states simply.

"Looks like a dictator," I utter, trying to deflect Flack's attention away from the small hint of red on my cheeks. As much as I wanted to push Mac Taylor out of my head, his blue eyes kept pushing their way back in. Damn him!

Thankfully we near the apartment building and Flack stops. He has to call back to see which apartment Susan lived in.

XXXXXXXX

I push my way out of the car, not realizing that I am now being watched.

Taylor! My mind snaps me awake. What is he doing here?

"Paula, which apartment?" I ask as I pull the door open to the seedy apartment and walk inside. My instincts perk up as I squint into the dimly lit area before me.

"2C," she informs me as she pulls her piece. Paula heads for the stairs and I make sure to cover her lead. But as he near the top I push past her and storm for the apartment, my anger now starting to take over as I hear the boy screaming to his father to stop hitting him. It's in my mind of course as Dean is now dead. But I hear them nonetheless.

I finally get the apartment number from Flack and waste no time in rushing into the building with my piece ready. I hear Taylor and Watford a floor above us and I look at Flack with a slight frown.

"Taylor," I lightly whisper to Flack who only looks back in amusement.

"Let's go. 2E."

I hurry for the stairs with Flack in tow, his gun drawn just in case.

"NYPD! Mr. Watley!" I state angrily. "Open up or I'll break down the door."

"Mac," Paula warns me.

I hear Taylor's angry voice ordering the tenant to open. His voice is strong and demanding. A little more force than I expected from what he displays of himself. Whatever this man did to warrant Taylor's wrath I'm sure was either justified or mis-informed. I heard Paula's calming voice and wonder what would happen to him if she wasn't at his side to keep him in line. I near the top of the stairwell and for some reason my heart is beating a bit faster. I guess the chance to see Taylor in action is sort of like getting a glimpse of the forbidden.

"Mr" I try again until the door finally opens.

"What do you want?" He asks me in anger.

"Where is your son Dean?" I demand.

"At a friend's. So what's it to you?" He snides.

"Myron Rosenberg said you came and picked up Dean and then I found his body alone in a room this morning!" I tell him firmly, my anger rising. "How much do you want to bet that when I lift the prints from around his neck that they will match yours?" I finally finish angrily. "You beat your son to death you piece of garbage."

I am aware of Paula's presence but not the audience at the end of the hall.

"Myron is a little lying weasel."

"Sir, I need you to come with us," I hear Paula state firmly; my anger instantly calming.

"Listen nigg" I hear him start only to grab his throat before he can finish his sentence.

"She is one of the finest ladies on this planet you ass, you will address her so," I state in hatred. I have always hated racists and while Paula reminds she grew up with that sort of talk I won't stand for it in my presence.

I feel Paula's hand on my shoulder and quickly let go, only to grab his wrist, twist it behind his back and in seconds he is cuffed.

"This is police harassment," he manages.

"You murdered your son," I hiss in anger. "Who do you think the jury will side with? Get him out of here," I tell Paula.

And that's when I finally realize we're not alone. I hear a small noise behind me and quickly turn to see the one person I never thought I'd have to see again. Bonasera! Crap! Did she just witness all that? But I see her arch a brow in amusement and then offer me a small smile and for some reason I feel an odd sense of accomplishment start to push its way into my mind. Like I was showing off my skills to a girl I thought cute and was happy that she was impressed. Oh get a grip Mac, I scold myself. That's so high school.

"I've heard you have a way with people," she offers me as her and Flack walk past me.

"At least he's not a purse snatcher," I shoot back; Paula looking at me sideways. I quickly frown and then move forward.

Flack asks Paula if she needs a hand with Watley as I push my way into the musty apartment. I pull out a pair of gloves and hurry to look for the boy's room. But then I hear Flack tell Bonasera he'll be right back and I wonder what she'll have to face alone. Why do I care? I ask myself. She's a big girl. She can take care of herself. But the marine in my brain reminds me that she is a woman and she's alone and this place might deal her a surprise she can't handle. So I wait a few minutes and then slowly walk back into the hallway to see if I am needed.

I watch as Flack goes and helps Paula, the promise to return in a few minutes. Watley is still causing her problems and Flack admires her too much to just let her go alone. But I have made house calls alone before so am not worried about to expect. I knock on the door and listen nothing. So I try the handle and it's open. Damn Taylor for his stupid comeback! I know Flack will ride me on that one.

"Hello?" I call out just in case there is someone there. I dont like to be surprised and so want to ensure anyone waiting knows I'm coming. But no one answers and so I proceed. My gun is now holstered and I quickly pull on a pair of gloves. I spot nothing in the main room and so proceed to the smaller room in the back. But as I do, I am grabbed around the neck by a waiting man.

"What do you want?" I hear a man's voice demanding. Seems like Bonasera has attracted some unwanted company afterall. My first thought is to let her handle it but I just can't stand by if there is a chance I am needed. I pull my gun again and then walk quickly to the door. I poke my head inside only to see Bonasera in the grasp of a strange man. But before I can make my move, I watch in captive fascination as she uses her free hand to grab his groin and squeeze. I even cringe at the same time as the poor sap on the receiving end of it. He temporarily loosens his grip and she stomps on his foot, his grip is off. She quickly turns and kicks him hard in the gut and he's on his ass and her gun is drawn.

I arch my brows and can't help but produce a smile. I am for some odd reason impressed with her display. And it wasn't just seeing her body in action; although that was impressive too. I like a woman who can handle herself well in tough situations.

"Enjoy the show?" She asks without looking at me.

Smile is gone. How did she know? Damn it! How do women do that to us?

"Not bad for a girl," I throw at her. "Glad to see you finally found your gun." I couldnt help myself. I had to mention something from this morning's purse mishap. But as I see her grit her teeth and offer a small scowl I know my job here is done.

I notice Taylor's expression in the mirror that he can't see. His gun was ready but he didnt interfere. Did he want to see me fail? Or was he impressed I could take down the attacker on my own? I dont care, I quickly tell myself. I hand him a line and then he tosses one back, adding another small zinger about this morning's purse snatching attempt. I wanted to put him in his place by adding a comeback comment but thought the better of it. The stranger in my grasp didn't need to be involved in our childish spat.

I watch as he leaves and Flack finally returns, offering a small apology for leaving me alone.

I nod to Flack as he walks past and then hear him offer a small apology to Bonasera adding an interesting line. 'Why dont you ever wait for backup?' Hmm so she has a pattern of getting herself into trouble. Interesting, I note in my head as I walk back to Paula who is looking at me with an amused expression.

I watch Taylor leave and then disappear from view. I hear Paula make an interesting comment, 'couldn't resist seeing her again could you?' to which I only hear a grunt in return. If anything it was to see if I could fail, I quickly assure myself. But I can't help but wonder what really drives Mac Taylor? From witnessing his take down with one hand I know he is more than capable of taking down any threat that lays before him. But in a suit he just doesnt seem the aggressive fighter type. His quiet strength is sadly somewhat of a turn on. Thankfully I reason that my dealings with him will be limited to a few sentences and that I can handle.

Flack takes my attacker and then I am once again alone in the apartment. I put my gloves back on, the last ones taking a beating from the attack and am back on the case. I need to find something that will point me in the direction of Susan's attacker. A few minutes later, I look at my watch and frown as flack returns.

"I'll finish up here you" I start only to be cut off.

"Carlson pays your salary," Flack reminds me. "I'm going to have this place sealed and then you can come back tomorrow and finish. If he sings overnight this will be moot."

"Don," I start in an angry tone.

"Stella," he counters, crossing his arms.

"Fine," I huff. "But you owe me one."

I storm out into the hallway and let Flack seal the apartment. I will be back tomorrow, I sigh inwardly. I have to go and ready, Doug will be picking me up in a few short hours.

Tonight is going to be boring.

XXXXXXXX

I hear Bonasera's voice in the hallway as she walks past and lightly frown. She didn't wait for backup before she entered the strange apartment and then didn't call for help when it was needed. She didn't scold me for just standing by and even offered a snide remark when I just stood by inactive.

This woman was surprising me by the minute and it was unnerving. But I tell myself that as long as my interaction with Bonasera is limited to a few brief sentences then my life will progress without missing a beat.

I reach the boys room only to see it full of stuff that needs to be examined and a small pool of blood on the floor. "Well I guess this is going to be a long night." I am very thankful that I can finally have a viable excuse to miss tonight's event as there is no way I can just walk away from all this.

"Nice try Mac," Paula states in a loud tone. "This place is being sealed as we speak and you are going tonight. You just put away Jack Harvey. To miss now would be career suicide."

"So I die," I shoot back. But when I turn to Paula and study her expression I know I won't win this fight. "Fine," I resign in anger.

"Good," she smiles. "I would go but I am going to be with Ed. You dont have that excuse. Your TV is not your spouse."

"You owe me," I tell her firmly.

"I do," she smiles. "And Andrea likes blue," she mentions.

Good I'll wear black, I think. I have to piss Paula off somehow for doing this to me. I look at my watch and huff as I slowly head for the front door. Hopefully my date will have a curfew so I can leave early.

Tonight is going to suck.

A/N: Hopefully this chappy wasn't boring!!! Okay so the party is next! want to know what will happen when they see each other again? Please review and let me know. Also remember this is AU so if they might be a bit out of sorts at first please dont flame. I have tried to keep them similar but I think if they didn't have each other in their lives on a regular basis at the start they might be like this. Tell me what you think as this story is just revving up! Thanks!!