(This is my own personal rant, you can skip if you're uninterested) Sorry for the delay on this one, my comp 2 class has been kicking my ass. Nothing I do is really good enough for my teacher, and with that she has taking my inspiration for writing, because hey if it's not good for her, why would it be for you. Ugh, I just want this class to be over so I can get back to writing what I want.

But anyways, I havn't read through this but once, so if you see mistakes let me know, and I'll read over it again and fix them.

Disclaimer: I can't even get an A on on English paper, how could I write a television show.

After hanging up, she had waited and waited for the tears that never came. Figuring that crying wasn't going to be an issue for her this time; she started the car and headed home. Though the loft wasn't more than fifteen minutes away the scenic route she took ensured her an extra half hour of drive time to clear her head.

By the time she pulled into the driveway Rick was already pacing the front porch. He jumped the few steps off the landing and came to open the door for her.

"What the hell were you thinking?" He questioned as soon as she had stepped out of the car.

"I wasn't thinking about t…."

"That's right, you weren't thinking!" He bellowed as he followed her up the steps. He instantly regretted his choice of words as he saw an indignant look briefly captivated her features.

"Look," she spat as she spun around to face him, her hand hovering over the doorknob. "Can we just not argue about this right now?" She catechized as she pushed the door open and clamored inside.

"We're not arguing, we're having an expressive discussion."

"Tomato, tomato." She called over her shoulder.

"Come on Kate, you can't honestly think that…"

"No," she cut him off. "Apparently, I can't think."

Once she reached her bedroom, she turned to face him once more. "Now if you don't mind, I have to get ready to go have lunch with Maddy."

"Can't you reschedule, we're kind of in the middle of something here." His argument fell on deaf ears as the end of his tirade was directed at the closed door.

"Nope!" She yelled through the door.

He listened for about two minutes as she bustled around getting ready until he regained his composure, and heaved a sigh.

"Kate?" He asked solemnly. "Please open the door." He begged as he heard her tear around the room, angrily slamming drawers and cabinets a little louder than usual.

"I'm sorry, I was out of line." He paused waiting for a response, when none came he continued. "He's your dad and I should trust your instincts on this issue." He finished still to no avail.

"I'd rather not be apologizing to a door."

"Yeah well, apology not accepted." She snapped as she pulled open the door and pushed passed him.

"Hold on a second." He demanded as he took a hold of her upper arm. He internally slapped himself when he saw her flinch and pull her arm out of his grasp, eyes wide with fear.

"Whoa, hey, calm down Kate, it's just me."

Shaking her head she stared him down. "Of course it's you. I know that!" She affirmed, wishing that he hadn't, but knowing full well that he had noticed her slip of demeanor. After a few uncomfortable moments of Rick filtering through the guilt trip that her protective stance had sent him on, Kate had had enough.

"I really have to go; Maddy is a stickler for being punctual." She nodded firmly before turning to leave.

"K.B?"

That effectively froze her in her place. He hadn't used that nickname in months. Mostly because it hadn't been necessary, there hadn't been a serious incident that had warranted it. Or he hadn't had to ask for forgiveness.

Taking a deep breath, she looked over her shoulder.

"We're okay." She assured, even though deep down they both knew that they had a long way to go and a lot to sort out, but it was enough; for now.

She left, trying to forget the look of Rick's crestfallen face.

"Girl, you better have a good reason as to why you've been keeping me waiting." Madison exclaimed and got up to hug Kate as she arrived at the table.

"Rick and I had a spat." She admitted up front as they took a seat opposite each other at the table and the waitress came to take their orders.

"Oh couples have fights all the time, that's nothing new."

"No we don't have fights, we never fight." Kate stressed.

"Well you two aren't exactly what you would call the norm."

That remark earned an eye roll.

"Come on, it was bound to happen eventually, I'm just surprised it took you this long." Maddy continued on.

"I'm just not sure how we're going to fix it this time." She responded honestly.

"Don't sound so sullen, you'll go back, both say you're sorry and then you'll sleep on it." She said with a mischievous knowing grin to which Kate admonished.

"And then by morning all will be forgotten."

"I hope you're right."

"I know I'm right. Plus you and him were made for each other; it's going to take more than an insignificant fight as small as this to tear you two apart."

"That's the thing though, it wasn't a normal fight, this one was different. It was him trying to control me when I don't need to be told what to do, I'm a big girl I can take care of myself."

"Are you done complaining?"

Kate just responded with a glare.

"Good because I think you need to look at this from his point of view. He loves you." She paused letting it sink in. "And he loves taking care of you, it makes him feel important. I know how much you hate being subjugated, but if I had a man like that I would be taking advantage of it. He just wants to protect you, and what's best for you. Would it kill you to humor him a bit?"

"It's not like…"

"No, I know you, you probably did something really stupid that you could have possibly been in danger and you think he overreacted."

"Well, I wasn't necessarily." Kate trailed off not knowing how to explain herself.

"Mhmm, exactly." Her friend scolded, gloating and reveling in the fact that she was right.

"Still," Kate argued, "he was way out of line."

"Well, I didn't hear the argument but whatever you say."

They paused for a few minutes while the waiter came back with their food.

"Just promise me you'll look at it from his side before you go back and blow up on him."

"I never said I was going to b.."

"But I know you." She cut in once again. "And you're too obstinate to go down without a fight."

Kate just tilted her head and sighed in exasperation as she stared at her in disbelief.

"Don't give me that look, you know it's true. I'm just stating a fact."

"Alright, fine, I'll hear him out." Kate conceded.

"Thank you, now can we eat because I a starving."

"When are you not?"

"Touché."

The girls just laughed and fell into casual conversation as they finished their lunch.

For those of you who caught a Gilmore Girls line/reference kudos to you, that was actually an unconcious reference, I didn't even realize I had done it until after I posted this.

On a side note, that "tomato, tomato" thing was like pronouncing it the two different ways, oh you caught that? Alright, just checking. Hope that wasn't too bad.

Thanks for reading kids.

Much love,

-AnnaLee