For notes and disclaimer, please see part one.

Posting slightly early due to the holiday. Happy Independence Day! ~K

Here's a couple things you might need to know or maybe you just forgot: Ellie winds up missing out on laundry day because she's sick. Casey takes care of her the best way he knows how, through a mission and delegating tasks to the Intersect.

Independence

He smirked, seeing the cat on his coffee table. "Clearly, I'll be spending tomorrow figuring out my security weaknesses," he said as he let himself into the apartment fully, dropping his keys on the table by the door. He crossed to Downy, scooping her up easily, before settling in on his recliner to process the day.

He'd had a very different kind of Sunday. Quite possibly, the best Independence Day he'd had in years. And it was all thanks to her.

He'd planned on watching war movies all day, as he'd done his laundry the day before. But, there she'd been, a patriotic vision in a blue sundress, white sandals, and a red ribbon tying back her hair. In her hands had been two tickets to the holiday festivities in Long Beach aboard the Queen Mary.

He'd wanted to refuse, but she'd cut him off before he could even consider that option. She'd bought the tickets with him in mind. It hadn't been her plan to go with Devon, then he, for whatever reason, had to bail and Casey was an okay replacement. It was because she wanted to spend the holiday with him. He only felt a little guilty about stealing her away.

There was something mildly off about celebrating American independence from the British on a ship named for a former queen, but he didn't dare tell her that. The very last thing he wanted to do was even remotely crush her spirit. It had taken almost a month to get it back...

The food was mouthwatering and exquisite. There had been an assortment of barbecued ribs and brisket, pulled pork and chicken, along with corn on the cob and baked beans, potato salad and coleslaw. There'd even been a build-your-own strawberry shortcake buffet, providing the perfect dessert to the perfect meal with the perfect companion.

They were easily-and often-mistaken for a married couple. After the first dozen or so attempts to correct people, they gave up and rolled with it. To him, it was almost like a cover-perhaps the most natural one he'd ever had. He felt so at ease with her. It hadn't seemed to bother her, either.

It wasn't all good eats and good conversation. There was music and all sorts of things to do and see and try. And there was history. He'd gotten a chance to chat up one of the Queen Mary tour guides and learned that the very ship they were standing on had ferried injured US soldiers home in World War II and that Winston Churchill had even taken three trips abroad to various conferences.

As the evening wore on, as the sun started to set, there was dancing. He'd hesitated at first, but seeing her, with tri-colored tiny stars on her cheek from the face painters, her skin golden from being in the sun all day, combined with the hope in her eyes, he couldn't refuse her.

He could tell she hadn't been expecting him to be light on his feet. He didn't dare say it was thanks to three trips through Seduction School, learning from the narcissistic, sadistic task master, legendary Roan Montgomery. But, he did make a mental note to thank the old man someday.

He reclined the chair back, looking at the ceiling as Downy snuggled into his chest. Idly, he let his fingers drift through her short fur. It was the part after the fireworks that really got him thinking. The part after both their dancing and that of the lights in the sky. The part where he held her. The part where he almost kissed her.

She let herself into her apartment, closing the door and leaning against it. She knew Devon wasn't home yet, which was probably a good thing. She needed to figure out what had happened, what was going on...

On Wednesday, when she was finally over her illness, she'd told Devon what her plans were and he'd said he didn't have any problem with it. In fact, there was some happening at the Rose Bowl most of the frat brothers were going to, so he'd just tag along with them. That suited her just fine. The less time she spent with his collegiate brain trust, the better.

She wasn't sure what kinds of things Casey would like, but she took a chance on good food, good times, and fireworks. He seemed like the kind of guy who wouldn't mind explosions, unlike her brother, who, to this day, couldn't seem to stand the Independence Day staple.

She could tell, when she'd arrived on his doorstep, that he wasn't sure about it. She wasn't sure if he was worried about improprieties or what, but after only gently twisting his arm, he'd gone with her to Long Beach. He'd been quiet on the drive, even quiet as they boarded the old ship. But, through the course of the afternoon, he'd loosened up.

The food had helped. Of course, she'd learned long ago that the easiest way to a man's heart was through his stomach. Big, strong, tough John Casey was no different. He'd sampled just about everything. And if it didn't fit on his plate, it fit on hers. She loved watching him at the dessert buffet, stacking up thin slices of angel food cake, followed by strawberries and cream, topped with thin slices of pound cake, more strawberries and more cream, and garnished with chocolate shavings.

For some reason, she had the amusing image of Shaggy and Scooby Doo loading up three-foot-high sandwiches passing through her mind.

The part she loved the best, though, had been watching as his "geeky" side emerged. She never would've imagined he had one, except it showed itself prominently when he started chatting with the guide about the ship's history. It was a different side of him, one she'd liked seeing. She was used to the Buy More side, even the friend side, but this was better. She often got tired of listening to Devon drone on about the latest advancements in bungee rope weaves and she didn't even want to think about the way Chuck and Morgan could carry on about video games, but Casey's history buff was fun to watch.

His eyes would soften, his body seemed relaxed. He was always so on-edge. But, not that day. That day he was amicable and friendly, almost outgoing even. He'd put his foot down at the face painting, but Ellie had delighted in getting a set of three small stars on her cheek. They lingered, listening to the various bands play on the various decks, even watched the balloon artists, close-up magicians and stilt walkers.

As if discovering the existence of geeky Casey wasn't good enough, she also learned he was an incredible dancer. She'd been a little afraid he'd be awkward, or might have two left feet. And she'd had very awkward dance partners before. The Generalissimo had come to mind, making her internally shudder. But, he'd twirled her with ease across the deck. His confidence increased her own.

Once or twice, the other assembled revelers clapped for them.

Promptly at nine, the bands ceased to play and the world hushed for brief seconds before the sky erupted over the ocean in brilliant yellows and greens, in reds, whites, and blues. Casey had hesitantly eased an arm around her, and she'd leaned into his chest, thankful for the support as she looked heavenward.

She'd felt the rumbling in her chest, wondering what real cannon-fire sounded like, wondering what it must've been like, breaking free from tyranny and oppression.

Mostly, she wondered why it had felt so good to be in Casey's arms.

As the grand finale thundered overhead, she'd found her attention elsewhere. She'd found herself looking at him, how he seemed to be so proud, how he seemed to stand even taller (and he was tall enough already).

She'd turned to him, easing a hand on his chest. His hands rested on her hips. Her heart and mind waged an internal battle for their own independence. Only by sheer force of will had her brain won out. It was, after all, the more strategic of the two. Her heart was just impulsive, reckless.

She closed her eyes as she slowly slid to the floor. Even at the memories, she found herself breathless.

She told her heart it was just because he'd taken care of her the week before. That it was just the heat, the stars, the fireworks... That it was just the romantic ambiance. That it was all smoke and mirrors and whatever she thought she felt for him wasn't real.

Her heart retreated from the field, down but not out, as she pushed herself back to her feet.

Stay tuned...