A/N: It's me again! Okay, so I'd rather not rant about anything because I really don't feel like it. So, thank you guys for sticking to this fic and for reviewing this. I love you guys!

It was noon when I decided to go outside having just finished cooking. I proceeded to the front yard where a sycamore tree sat. There were only a few of Mr. Greene's men in the yard and I doubt it they will actually take notice of me. I glanced at my arm, which just weeks ago, finally got rid of the cast. I looked up at the sycamore tree in front of me. The bark was thick so it shouldn't be a problem. I grabbed the small branch on the side then lifted myself up with it. I continued climbing until I reached a thick branch that could support me. I hoisted myself up then I plopped down on the branch. I hugged the trunk with my other arm to support myself. It was always like this when I was a kid. I liked climbing trees and staying up there until the sun sets. But this time it felt different. When I was a kid, I could see the rows of houses with their red roofs and their grey and brown brick walls; the people who walk around the whole neighborhood, the children and their bikes. Right now, everything was scarily different. There were only tall trees and the huge structure that stood as tall as ever. There was smoke and neon lights zooming around. It was too different

I looked down on my dangling feet and I happen to see Hal. He was talking to Mr. Greene's men, his arms crossed and his face hard. After a few minutes, Mr. Greene's men walked off but Hal stayed there. When he was about to walk away, I whistled. He stopped in his tracks but he didn't look up. I chuckled "Hey"

This time, he looked up. Then, he smiled "Hey"

"What was that about?" I raised a brow

"The usual missions talk" He chuckled "And what are you doing up there?"

I shrugged "Sitting"

"You climbed-"He frowned "Lourdes, your arm."

"Is just fine" I smiled "Want to climb up?"

He sighed "I wish I can but I can't."

"Right, you have to scout again?"

"No actually, Karen wants some company." Hal bit his lower lip

Oh "Yes right. Of course, it's no big deal." I waved it off "Better not keep Karen waiting."

Hal blinked a few times before he answered "Yeah sure."

I waved as he walked off but then he stopped "We'll be in the back yard. You can stay there with us, if you'd like-"

I shook my head "No it's fine really. I'll just drop by the watch tower."

He nodded then he started to walk away but yet again, he stops. He grabs something out of his pocket then he threw it to me. I managed to catch it without falling and I glared at the packet I held. It was a packet of gummy bears. I couldn't help but grin

Hal was smiling at me too then with a wave of a hand, he walked away. I stared at the packet in my hands and I can swear that I'm literally grinning like an idiot. I tore a piece of the plastic away then I started to plop the candy in my mouth.

"You seem awfully happy today." Ash commented as he sat on the wooden stool beside the open window

"Am I?" I tilted my head to the side

Ash chuckled "Yes"

"Oh, the weather is nice today." I pointed at the open window

Ash raised a brow "Right, okay. So, what's the jig on this Karen chick? You guys know her?"

I nodded "She was from the Second Mass until she got captured by the Skitters."

Ash made a face "Yikes, that's rough. What's the history between Mr. Buff and her?"

"You mean Hal?"

"Yeah, they seem" Ash looked up, trying to look for words "pretty close."

"They're together and they're scouting partners so I guess they know each other well." I leaned back on the wooden wall of the tower "Why'd you ask?"

"Just curious" He shrugged "She's not really friendly, huh?"

I giggled "Nope, I don't think so."

"Tell me, how long have you known Hal?" He crossed his arms and leaned against the table

"Uh, I don't know. A year ago? I haven't really been aware of dates ever since the war started."

"How have you met him?" He narrowed his eyes

"Well, he saved me from an attack. I was with a few people from med school and we hid in an alley and we were attacked by Skitters." I frowned at the memory "I was the only one who survived."

"Oh" He sighed "So, are you guys like close friends or best friends-"

I laughed "Are we doing twenty questions?"

He gave a nervous laugh "Uh sorry"

"No it's fine but I do have an aim to be fair so can I ask you a few questions?"

"Sure, anything!" He gleamed

"What are you into?" I asked

"Art" He answered without a second thought "Like music and painting"

"You can paint?" I asked, suddenly interested

"I can but I'm not that good." He reasoned

"I seriously doubt that."

A/N: Hey, so you reached the end of this chapter. I am very much aware that this chapter isn't exactly interesting and long, for that matter, buut I promise the next chappie will make up for it. So, this isn't a very important chapter, it's more like a filler chappie so I understand if you don't like it. But, there is something major going to happen in the next one so tune in, folks! ;)