A/N: Heyyy! Okay for some reason, I get so worked up over this fic. Like, it's always on my mind and I'm always thinking about how it might end up as (even in between classes…yikes). I think I'm obsessed with this show and this ship. No wait, I take that back. I am obsessed. Okay, so here's the new chappie and thank you guys again for those reviews! They might not be many but hey, at least I know some people actually like my story. Oh and I'm trying my best to update so I hope I am updating sooner because I would hate it to make you guys wait for long.

PS: There will be angst in this chapter

I sat straight up on my bed and leaned against the frame. I felt sweat trickle down my face and it only reminded me of how it is already summer. I tucked a lost strand of hair behind my ear and I whispered a short prayer. A short prayer about how much I am blessed for still being alive, for our adequate resources and for our safety. I got off the bed and took a clean change of clothes and headed to the bathroom for a quick clean-up. Hot showers don't come very often and when they do come, you should be very thankful for it. We have no idea how the pipes work or how there is water but we never really complained. I savored the warm water against my skin and I stayed under it for a whole twenty minutes. When I was finally finished, I dried myself with a towel then I changed into my clothes. I got out moments later then I proceeded to the backyard. As usual, the yard was filled with children. They were all playing and laughing. I've always liked children and I guess that's why I really liked spending my time outside. I sat down on a green patch of grass under a tall oak tree to keep me shade.

"Lourdes!" A voice called me

I turned my head around just to see Matt, running towards me. When he reached me, he immediately hugged me tightly. I wrapped my free arm around his petite body and I smiled "Hey there"

Matt looked down at my casted hand "Why do you still have that on?"

"Well, it helps my arm heal, Matt." I didn't really feel much pain now maybe a short stinging sensation but I guess that's a good sign "Why aren't you out there playing with the kids?"

He just frowned "I don't really feel like playing."

"Oh and why not?"

"I'm getting worried about my brother, Lourdes." He played with his fingers; nervously "He's always with Karen, waiting for her to wake up. I don't even think he sleeps anymore."

It was true though, what Matt said. Hal never really goes out anymore. I mean he does but it was in rare situations like when's he's going scouting. But right after then, he won't even eat. He would just proceed upstairs and spend his whole day in his room. It was odd; Hal wasn't like that at all. I do understand that he's worried about Karen but I never thought he would be like this.

"Can you please talk to him, Lourdes?" Matt sighed "He listens to you."

I just plainly nodded "Okay I will."

Matt nodded then when he was about to walk away, I wrapped my fingers around his wrist. He turned to me then I gave him my brightest smile "He'll be okay."

Matt smiled then. "Hal's will be okay."

It was right after lunch when I decided to go upstairs and talk to Hal. I made slow easy steps towards the room, thinking about what I would say. I would say he needed to stop worrying. I would say Karen will be fine and she'll wake up soon. I would say Matt's worried about you and I would say how I'm worried about him. When I was finally in front of the room's door, I knocked three times. I waited for an invitation but there was only silence. I turned the knob to the side then I went inside. My eyes immediately fell on Hal, who was sitted on a wooden chair. His arms were crossed and his eyes on Karen. She was still unconscious on the bed, a thick blanket wrapped around her. I closed the door behind me then I just stayed there, leaning against the door. I didn't speak for a little while. I waited for him to notice me; I waited for him to look at me. But, he didn't. He was just casually looking at Karen as if he was observing every single thing about her. He looked so worried, so devastated. Then, I couldn't help but think of how Karen is so lucky to have a guy like him by her side.

"Hal" His name parted my lips in a soft whisper

He looked up now, his eyes wide and his lips slightly parted. He looked startled "Lourdes? What are you doing here?"

"I just wanted to check on Karen." I watched his eyes look down on his feet "Is there any progress?"

He shook his head with a frown "It's been five days but she still hasn't moved a single muscle."

"She will soon enough." I spoke

He just frowned "I'm beginning to doubt that."

I pursed my lips "You just have to have faith."

His eyes were back on Karen "It's all my fault, you know."

"No, it's not." I said too loud "Don't blame yourself for this, Hal."

"She was captured by Skitters. She was brainwashed and she was alone and where was I? I was in camp. I wasn't putting any effort to save her. I was with my friends and with my loved ones and I was thinking about-"He stopped midway then he looked at me through his dark eyes "It's my fault."

I didn't realize that I was only steps away from Hal. I felt panic shoot through me, I should be making him feel better not making him blame himself. I didn't know what to say. I felt lost beyond words. I only managed to say his name "Hal"

"I told everyone that I was going to keep them safe. I was supposed to save and rescue. But, I left Karen alone in the hands of Skitters. I-"He stood straight up, his eyes filled with anger

"You didn't have a choice!" I bit my lower lip which was trembling "You had your duty to protect your family and the civilians in camp. Karen was guarded by Skitters and Mechs, you didn't have a choice."

"Yes I did." There was urgency in his voice that startled me "I could have tried. I could have at least tried to save her even if it risked my life. It could have save me from all this – guilt."

I haven't seen Hal like this. I haven't seen him so vulnerable. He was feeling guilty over how Karen is right now. I didn't know what to say so I did what I could do. I moved closer, wrapped my arms around his neck then I hugged him tightly. I heard him gasp but I still stayed there, clinging to him. "Stop it, Hal." I said over and over again "Please"

I heard his heart thump against his chest then I felt his arms lock around me. Then, he spoke "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry." All hints of anger and panic were gone. It was replaced with his usual soft and calm voice. His arms locked tighter around me

And for once in my life, I had never felt as safe as I was right now

A/N: Another chapter has ended. Pretty angst-y stuff but hey, I couldn't just leave Hal being all jolly and okay after seeing Karen again so woop. I may update later or tomorrow but I'm not that sure. If I finish my school work I would so fingers crossed I finish this damned project. Oh and don't forget to drop them reviews! It never fails to make me smile :)