A/N: Times are changing, and Mary is growing up. Gaining independence and experiences. How will they affect her relationship with Francis? And her friendship with Sebastian? (I seem to be on a roll with longer chapters than I'm used to.. which means I will be posting a little less frequently than this one came out.)

Disclaimer: The characters of Reign do not belong to me; I have no ownership rights to them.

Chapter 2: Wings of freedom - Freshman year

"Mary, catch up! I want to make sure we get a good seat!" Greer grabbed her arm impatiently. The girl had quite the grip for being so petite in size. Her strawberry blonde hair was shining in the sun as she gave Mary a smile. "You know, if you're going to be my roommate, you're going to have to learn to keep up!"

Mary had only been on campus for a few days and she had already decided that Greer would be a good friend. She had suffered nightmares about taking a roommate. The possibility of having to live with a girl who was unfriendly or mean was simply too much for her to think of. She was grateful that she had worked past her fears. It was important for her to have this normal season of college life.

"I'm coming! You know I'm not really sure there is such a thing as getting a good seat at an outdoor movie. I mean we're all to sit on the ground; am I right?" Mary's eyes took in the scene in front of her as they came upon a slight knoll. Blankets were scattered around the grass in front of the library where a huge white screen had been set up. Greer wasn't listening.

"There's Lola and Aylie!" She was waving to other girls from their dorm and heading towards them. They spread their quilt on the grass next to their neighbors' and settled in as the sun went down. Mary couldn't stop thinking about how exciting this first week of college had been.

As she toyed with the sleeve of her college sweatshirt, she thought of Bash and how he had gifted it to her on that first Christmas she had spent with the DeMedici family. She had told herself that he hadn't played a part in her choosing that university, but it wasn't entirely true. There was something that made her fond of the campus simply because he had chosen it. She valued his judgment.

Sebastian. Her senior year of high school had flown by thanks to him. He had given her friendship to make those last days more bearable. After that Christmas eve talk they had continued their weekly calls and she made sure to keep things private in regards to her sexual experiences with Francis.

Her relationship with Francis had gone as planned by Catherine and Marie. The young couple courted properly, went to prom, went to public events together, and spent time with each other's families. Francis had been very patient with her about her desire to delay having sex. The two had finally had sex just that summer. It was a gentle and sweet memory still fresh in her mind without regret.

Francis had chosen to attend a university in Connecticut. He had shocked Mary with his indecisiveness but he finally settled on his choice with confidence. It was just a few hours from her choice and they planned on seeing each other as frequently as their studies allowed.

Catherine DeMedici was slightly disappointed that the two of them were not students at the same college. Four years was, after all, a long time to be separated for young lovers. Mary knew that she probably feared for a rift in their arrangement. The woman had even suggested that there was not a need for Mary to have a college education, what with her fortune, so she shouldn't have jeopardized her relationship with Francis for an education that was truly unnecessary. It wasn't anything that Mary herself feared though, because while she missed Francis, she felt no desire to stray from him.

"Mary, are you even watching this movie? For pity's sake, it's riveting and you look bored out of your mind!" Kenna, another girl from their dormitory had nudged her whispering. "I mean look at him, if that's not a fine specimen of man I don't know what is." The man on the screen was pulling the female character in to his arms.

"I'm watching!" She hissed back. "I'm just feeling tired."

She lay back on the quilt and looked up at the stars. She felt her cell phone vibrate next to her and she grabbed it quickly before the girls scolded her. She had forgotten that it was Wednesday. How could she have forgotten Bash?!

So college girl, are you available to chat?

She felt a little guiltyas she typed back. Actually I'm out right now. Can I call you when I get back to my room?

Look at that, on campus less than a week and already you're a party animal. Just remember that upperclassmen see freshman girls as playthings. Don't trust any of them!

Mary laughed a little to herself at his protectiveness. Are you saying that's what you did when you were here?

I'm not saying I did.. but if I would have laid eyes on you I would have been tempted. ;-)

She felt her face flush in the dark and was grateful that the keen eye of Kenna was trained on the musclebound man on screen.

Oh you. You're an intolerable flirt. She admonished him lightly. After their long term friendship, this was just how they carried on anymore. She couldn't say she had come to expect it though, and he still made her blush.

And yet you tolerate me. Call me later dear sister in law. –B

"Who's B? Why Mary, are you holding out on us?" the credits had rolled and Kenna was peeking at Mary's phone. "Are you telling us Francis has a brother? How could you not have shared this juicy information with us?" The smirk on Kenna's face made Mary twinge a bit in her stomach. She was used to Bash dating people, but the idea that he might date one of her friends irritated her a bit. Kenna was gorgeous, with dark complexion, dark eyes, long lashes, and chiseled features. Mary had only known her a few days and already she could tell that wherever Kenna went, heads turned to watch. For being so young she was incredibly sensuous and men seemed drawn like moths to a flame.

"Yes, Francis has an older brother. I'm sure you'll meet him eventually. He's one of my very best friends." She emphasized that word. "And to answer your inquiring eyes, he's extremely handsome. But he's dating someone from the architectural firm he's working for." She added that last part in for good measure. It wasn't entirely untrue. He had gone on a date or two with a coworker but it didn't seem to be anything serious.

She wondered why it bothered her so much to think that he might date Kenna if they met and she landed on the idea that she just felt that Bash deserved the very best, and Kenna while a friend, was more interested in a rotating variety of men in her life it seemed.

The girls walked off campus to a diner that was open late and enjoyed French fries and sodas. It was all fairly foreign to Mary, her restaurant experience didn't tend to include diners, let alone the freedom to just walk somewhere with friends. Her parents would probably be astonished at the idea that their heiress daughter was mingling with commoners.

As they arrived back in the dorm the girls decided to pop some popcorn and watch the sequel to the old movie that had been shown in the park. Mary declined, citing an early first class in the morning and tired eyes. After washing her face and donning the flannel pajamas that helped her feel less away from home she picked up her cell and hit send on Bash's name.

"Party girl! I've missed you!" Bash's voice was gravelly.

"Did I wake you? Oh Bash, I'm sorry, I didn't realize how late it was!" Mary noticed that it was close to midnight. "I should have waited. How inconsiderate of.."

"Mary stop it, I wasn't sleeping. I'm just in bed watching tv." He interrupted her firmly. "You should know by now that I don't at all mind you calling late. Even if I had been sleeping, I'd still want you to call. Besides, I like knowing that you're back from the party safely."

She sighed. "Well you're worrying for nothing sir, it wasn't a party. It was an outdoor movie with friends from my dorm." She laughed. "There was a general curiosity among them as to who I was texting though. They are all dying to meet you." She rolled her eyes.

"What was that tone? I'm detecting some sass from you princess." He was amused.

"I just can't even imagine all my friends wanting to offer themselves up on a platter to you. It's shameful." She rambled. "A girl should have a bit more class at least. I'm not even sure I should introduce you."

"Oh that's a grand idea. Introduce me! I haven't been on a date in a week at least." He was smirking and she could hear it. "And if they are served up on a platter even better. We won't even have to mess with the flirting stage."

"Don't be false Bash, we all know the flirting is your favorite part." She narrowed her eyes. "Besides, don't you have enough girls available to you, or do you need to add a few young freshmen to your little black book as well?"

"Oh Mary, jealousy doesn't suit you my dear. You must know that you're the only young girl in my heart, regardless of who is in my bed." He was droll, but it made Mary feel slightly better anyway.

"I'm not jealous. But I'll have you know that I'm hardly a young girl anymore. You do realize that I'm of age now?" Her indignation was not adding to her air of maturity. "I could easily date a man your age."

Bash laughed. "And if you try it I shall have to protest. On behalf of my brother of course. And also because I'm the only old man who gets to flirt with you."

"Speaking of old men, did I tell you that my college advisor is a friend of your father's? Isn't that just convenient? He keeps asking me how Francis is doing." She sighed and rolled over.

"And how is Francis doing? I haven't spoken to him." He asked, clearly intrigued.

"Well that makes two of us. I haven't had anything but texts from him since he left. I plan on calling him tomorrow to get some answers. I know he's just busy. It's exciting and I understand it." She was slightly frustrated but she truly did understand. "It's hard to find time to maintain contact with all the busyness."

"But you've made time to talk to me. I am honored." She could hear the smile in his voice and it brought one to her own lips.

"I will always make time to talk to you. Always."

X

The next few weeks passed uneventfully and Mary was doing very well with her courses. She had great grades on her first term papers and had managed to keep a normal social calendar as well. In October Francis shocked her when he visited as a last minute surprise and he won the hearts of all her friends by taking them all to a lovely dinner to get to know them better. He was quite the charmer, always had been.

After dinner he and Mary went for a walk around campus while she filled him in on how life had been for her lately. For a Saturday night the campus was surprisingly quiet so they had plenty of time to talk. His classes had been going well also, and he seemed to be enjoying his experience.

"Mary, I'm happy there. But I miss you." He pulled her closer to him as they strolled slowly along. "You know I think you'd like it there."

"Francis, I like it here." She searched his eyes for implication but couldn't find them in the dark. "What are you trying to say?"

He stopped at a bench, and sitting down he pulled her into his lap. "Nothing really. I just love you and I would like to have you there with me. I miss this. I miss us. I miss everything…" As he spoke his lips brushed down over her collar bone. It had been months since they had been intimate.

"I'm just saying that you might consider transferring if you came and visited. It could be grand. We could live together, sleep together, wake together… be naked all the time." His hands were sliding under her shirt.

"You paint a tempting picture. What you're forgetting is how much I like this school, and the friends I've made here. It's a lot to ask for me to sacrifice this experience." She tried to focus as he kissed her neck. "I know that you probably don't understand but this is the first true independence I've had."

He sighed and paused his kisses. "I do understand. I honestly had predicted you'd say that, but it was worth a try." He began caressing her back lightly. "I know we can handle being apart but now that I've had you and know how much you satisfy me it makes me miss you all the more."

"Well you know, Greer was heading home to her parents' for the weekend... so you can have me all night long while you're here." She breathlessly offered as he slid his hands up the inside of her thigh. "Let's go." She stood and practically dragged him back to her room where they remained entwined until Sunday afternoon when he had to leave.

She walked him to his car and he practically bent her backwards over the hood kissing her goodbye. "This is not easy Mary." He buried his face in her neck.

"I know Francis. But it's just a season. We're young and this is good for us." She hugged him harder. "I love you."

"And I love you." With that he climbed in his car and left.

X

She had showered and was studying when Bash called. He helped her review some notes for an upcoming exam and they chatted about Francis' visit. Sebastian was in an extremely good mood, there were very positive things going on at his new job.

Mary was so grateful for their talk; it took her mind off of Francis. She did ponder the strangeness that she and Francis rarely felt the urge to converse the way she and Bash did. They could talk, of course, about life and she was sure they could flirt, but Francis had a different personality. She always had sensed it. He was restless.

The next few weeks flew by and before she knew it she was sitting at the DeMedici Thanksgiving table. Bash was not there, he was dining with his mother according to tradition. Mary hadn't seen him since the summer and she wondered if she could remedy that after school resumed. Francis on the other hand, had gone to visit Bash the previous week and the two had put in quite the wild weekend. It sounded like they had a really good time. Mary was glad.

When she arrived back on campus after Thanksgiving break she had barely set down her suitcase when her phone rang. "Hello Sebastian!"

"What? I'm sorry, I must have the wrong number because my favorite sister in law wouldn't call me by my full name." He laughed. "What's gotten into you? Too much time spent with Catherine this week? Turning all formal on me?"

"I love your name." She defended her word choice. "Bash suits you better to me but I appreciate your full name as well. And I missed you this week. I wish you could have joined us, and I realized that it's been a very long time since I've seen you."

"Well I love hearing you say it. And it's funny you should say that, because do you want to guess what I've been up to just now?" He didn't even wait for her to guess. "I've been out for drinks, celebrating a promotion. I am now the junior architect for that hospital project I was telling you about! "

"Bash, I'm so happy for you!" She had jumped up and was standing in the middle of the room in excitement.

"I know. And.. well this seems sort of trivial to say, but here's the best part. The firm has set up a temporary headquarters nearer to you. I'm only going to be about 30 minutes from campus." He paused as if questioning himself for having brought it up.

"Bash that's fantastic news! Are you there now? What time is now? Can I see you tonight?" She was already half out the door as she said it.

"I'm sorry to say you can't. I'm at my apartment packing up a bag. They're providing a hotel suite for me but I don't check in until tomorrow. " He seemed to be thinking it all over. "I know Mondays aren't our night.. but any chance you could pencil me in your social calendar for dinner tomorrow night?"

She laughed. "Yes, in permanent marker with little hearts doodled around your name."

"Why Mary, you shameless flirt! Whatever would your parents think of your display? And with the DeMedici bastard child at that!" he teased.

"I'm pretty sure they would be speechless, but I don't care. I'm so very excited to see you." She sighed. "Where can I meet you for this date of ours?"

"My dear, I am a gentleman. You aren't meeting me anywhere. I will pick you up at 6:00? Make sure you let your friends know that I'm coming. I'd hate for them to miss a chance at seeing me." He truly was in rare form.

"You're cheeky!" Mary exclaimed in mock irritation.

"A bit. But you love me…"

"I adore you. Goodnight Bash."

"Goodnight Mary."

Mary's day couldn't pass fast enough. She rushed to her room after her last class and tried on a couple different outfits, almost laughing at the idea that she was dressing up to go on a date with Bash of all people. It was like being nervous about a date with a brother. An incredibly flirty and strikingly beautiful brother.

"It's really normal if you think about it Mary." Greer was holding up a pair of earrings for her to try. "You haven't really dated. So this is kind of like your first grown up date."

Mary spun in front of the mirror. It was a chilly Fall day, with winter quickly approaching. She had decided to go with a rust color dress, tall brown boots, and a brown wrap sweater. No coat. If it snowed.. well she would just grin and bear it. She was satisfied and she was content that she had left her brown locks down to cascade over her shoulders. She was still looking at her reflection when she heard a deep voice from her open doorway.

"Don't trouble yourself with checking the mirror, you look stunning." He was half smiling and holding a tied up bunch of roses. The roses she almost crushed as she jumped into his arms. Greer reached in between to rescue them as Mary pulled back to get a closer look at him. There was barely any boy left to him, somehow the working world had aged him. She was pretty sure it was the wardrobe though, he was very professionally dressed.

"I'm beginning to feel like a piece of meat Mary, if you're going to look me up and down can you at least take me to dinner first?" He had a twinkle in his eye and she laughed out loud.

"The past few months have suited you Bash, you look so good. You seem well?" Her eyes asked more than her voice did.

"I'm happy, if that's what you're asking. And I'm happier now that I've seen you." He pulled his gaze away from Mary and seemed to notice her roommate for the first time. "I'm so sorry for my manners, you must be Greer? I'm so pleased to meet you. Mary describes you well, I feel like we've already met."

Greer shook his hand and gave him a wide smile. "Well I wish I could say the same but she's very secretive about you. I think she's hiding you from us."

He laughed. "Well with Francis as my baby brother, I'm used to going unnoticed."

"Well I'm not at all sure that could be accurate because I've met you both and I must say that one of you is a boy, and one is a man.. and men always command attention." The murmuring voice of Kenna was heard from where she had just walked through the door and seemed to be struck by Sebastian's appearance.

"And you must be Kenna? I'm enchanted." Bash took her hand. "And I'm flattered by your compliment. You are quite lovely yourself."

Mary was starting to feel flush but she shook it off. Kenna was gorgeous. But Bash had promised to keep his distance, at least for the time being.

"Now if you'll excuse me, I have some catching up to do with my best friend." He grinned at Mary and she hoped that it wasn't entirely obvious how uncomfortable she had been with his and Kenna's forward exchanges. "Are you ready beautiful?" he asked as he offered his arm.

"Always." She smiled and grabbed her purse.

The drive to the restaurant was a brief one and the conversation didn't stop the entire time. Bash pointed out all the places he used to frequent as a student, reminisced about his times there, and then apologized for boring her.

"You aren't boring me!" Mary protested.

"Well you aren't talking." He glanced at her.

"I'm just too busy listening to you. It's nice to listen to you in person." She laughed. "Plus someone has to keep an eye on your driving, you do realize you drive like a crazy person?"

"Only when I'm distracted by a pretty girl." He grinned as he pulled into the parking lot.

"So this is what Bash DeMedici is like on a date? I've always wondered how you win so many hearts." She batted her eyelashes as he opened her door. "It's all in the flattery?"

She took his hand as she stepped out and he stepped in close and whispered "Oh baby girl, it's much more physical than that." Before stepping back and winking.

She gasped before she could catch herself. "Boundaries Sebastian!" but she couldn't help but burst out laughing. "For the record though, I'm not a little girl any more."

"Oh trust me, I've noticed. But old habits are hard to break. I mean you no condescension." He said seriously.

When they were seated at the table they ordered dinner and the conversation flowed smoothly, and she realized how even though she had girlfriends now, it was nice to have an old friend, who knew her past and understood her family.

Before she knew it they had finished dinner and dessert. "Well." He said.

"Is it really over already?" She was pouting a bit. He laughed at her sulking.

"It's not really late. I guess we could hang out longer." He hesitated.

"What did you have in mind?" she saw wheels turning.

"There are a lot of things we can do, but honestly I need help unpacking. I don't suppose you'd be up for that?"

"Yes! I want to see where you're going to live!" She laughed and jumped up. "Let's go. And can I ask a favor?"

"Anything for Mary." He smiled and she had a feeling he meant it.

"Can we stop for wine on the way? It's strange to be here at school and be under age when I've had wine with dinner daily since I was 13." She laughed. "it sounds so silly when I say it out loud but I would love a glass of red wine."

"I will buy you a whole vineyard Mary Stuart, if you'll only help me unpack my library of books!" He seemed so happy, and it warmed her heart.

The hotel that Bash was staying at had little efficiency apartments and that was where he would live. He unlocked the door and turned on the light as Mary walked in. It was beautiful, but not homey. It would do though, and she was sure that being a man he had no complaints.

There was a small kitchenette with a table and two chairs, and a couch with a tv, and then at the other end of the open room was a door which she assumed led to a bathroom, and the item which caught her eye, a king sized bed. She was staring at it when Bash noticed she had stopped in her tracks. He was by her side suddenly, touching her arm.

"I'm sorry Mary, I didn't think about the idea of this being awkward with you, I, a bed, essentially in a hotel room. If you think it isn't proper then we don't have to be here. We can go somewhere else." He was apologizing repeatedly.

She looked at him and suddenly blushed. "Oh I wasn't.. I mean, that wasn't why I.. "She stammered over the words and took a deep breath to collect her thoughts. "I am not uncomfortable with you Bash. I never have been. I just let my mind wander a little too far, that's all."

He was looking at her in a funny way, as if he wanted to question her but thought better of it.

"Besides, I have been being proper all my life, it's time I'm entirely improper. On that note, direct me to what you need unpacked!" She headed to a box marked KITCHEN. "Can I find glasses here for the wine?"

He was shaken out of his daze. "Actually the hotel stocks glassware for me. I'll pour if you open up those books and figure out a way to put them on that shelf over there without them tumbling over."

They worked diligently, laughing from the wine and good company for hours before they realized how late and how much wine had actually been consumed.

"Oh wow, I didn't even realize. I'm so sorry Bash, do you have to work in the morning?" She wrung her hands from her spot on the floor.

He couldn't help but chuckle at her sweet concern. "Actually I don't have much real work this week, just a couple meetings tomorrow afternoon." He raised his glass. "To being able to sleep in tomorrow!"

She clinked it with hers and finished her glass. "Well I'm glad for that. I was starting to think I corrupted you for your new job."

"Mary, I'm the older man here, if anyone was going to corrupt anyone it would be vice versa. How are you ever going to make it to class tomorrow morning?" He was teasing but he was right.

"That hangover is hours away still. It's not even midnight. Besides I only have one class on Tuesday mornings and I've never skipped it. I think I'll be a rebel and play the sick card. Which means I can have another glass. Can you pour it please?" She batted her eyes, the wine making the flirting easier.

"Only if you get started on that last box." He laughed as he stood.

"I think you're taking advantage of my willingness as a friend here!" She protested as she tore open the box.

"Well considering I can't take advantage of you in the way that would typically be my first choice, I suppose unpacking will have to do." He met her with the glass and paused as she took a sip. Her cheeks flushed almost as red as the wine and all of a sudden her eyes grew bold. She reached up and brushed her hand lightly through his hair before pulling back as quickly as she'd done it.

"I have to say that sometimes I am confused about us." She said taking a slight step back but still within arm's distance. "I know that you are a flirt but it's hard to distinguish… I know I'm like a little sister, but then the flirting, and.. Oh just ignore all this. Nevermind. Where do you want this stuff." She attempted to change the subject.

Bash didn't seem to share her interest for the box of belongings. He closed in behind her, took her by the shoulders and turned her around.

"I'm so sorry Mary. I shouldn't blur lines so often with you. I know that I do it and I'm not sure how to fix it. You're right, in a way you're like a sister, because you're like a best friend. I am so sorry."

Her face fell a little, ever so slightly, but he noticed. "What was that?" he asked "What was that in your eyes? I've said something you don't like."

"It's nothing. I am really grateful to have you as a friend. But sometimes when you're flirty I just wish that for once I was that girl that you meant it with. That I was the girl that you wanted to tear clothes off of and.. the girl that would draw your eyes at a beach." She was trying to pull back and she could feel the tears coming. She didn't want him to notice her crying, but she was afraid it was too late. The wine made them flow faster and she was embarrassed at her lack of maturity.

He didn't let her go but at least he had the mercy to pull her in for a hug so she didn't have to look him in the eye. She silently cursed the wine that had made her words fall so freely from her mouth. They stood there with her face buried in his chest for what felt like several minutes. She could feel his breathing ragged. She momentarily remembered their first hug and how she had felt so at home there.

He pulled away and sat her down on edge of the bed, her wiping her eyes and trying to hide her face. He knelt in front of her and tried to look at her, finally grabbing her hands and holding them.

"Mary, the moment I met you, that scared girl on the porch two years ago, I knew you were amazing. You were different. So smart and beautiful but somehow you weren't confident. I was so tempted to walk you out of that awful house so you never had to deal with my family again. Tempted to rescue you. Tempted to wrap you up and save you. But instead you pulled yourself up and you met them with class and bravery. A young girl expected to hold her ground in the face of politics and manipulation."

He paused and brushed a strand of hair out of her face as a silent sob shuddered through her.

"I shouldn't be saying this but it needs to be said. That day on the beach? When you were intimidated by my date? That girl had nothing on you Mary. She wasn't prettier. She was differently built. But you were beautiful. I watched you lay on that towel and I couldn't understand why Francis was foolish enough to not be there by your side. I had to walk away before I reached out to touch you. Now you are even more beautiful. I never thought it was possible but you are so gorgeous. I look at your face, those eyes that I get lost in, the lips that seem to call at me unfairly, the waist that will never be mine to rest my hands on, the perfect hair that I would give anything for a chance to mess up… "

He took a deep breath in frustration and she squeezed his hands as if they were the only thing holding her on earth. "Do you not realize how hard this friendship is for me? To know that the one girl I feel like I could have everything with is the girl who I can't have anything with? So please, don't every doubt that I want you. When I flirt it's meant lightly but I mean every word of it to you. You belong to my brother and I will respect your wishes until the day I die if I have to but I don't ever want you to feel that any other girl, regardless of how pretty she is, is more desirable to me than you are. I wanted you when you were a girl and as a woman it's even stronger." He said it all in earnest but his tone suddenly changed when he realized the weight his words carried. "Please tell me I didn't ruin us by saying all this." It was almost a whisper and she pulled him up from his knees.

Before she thought anything of it she started chastely kissing his face, where his eyes were slightly wet with emotion first and his cheek, towards his ear, until she found her face in his neck and she opened her lips, and kissed lightly but hotly and she felt his breath draw raggedly and for a split second she knew she should stop but it was so thrilling to feel and she was overwhelmed with emotion. Her self control had been left at the second glass of wine.

She kissed again, lightly brushing her lips against his ear, and whispered "I know this is a lot to ask, but we've already crossed so many lines.. Can I just stay here tonight?" her tongue traced a pattern lightly on his neck.

"Mary…" It was more moan than refusal. "I can't ruin us by having sex with you. We'll never be the same. And my brother…" He protested weakly.

"We don't have to have sex. I just want to be here with you. You know that we'll never take this chance of being alone like this again. I just don't want this to end yet." She was pleading, pulling back to look at him, as if to prove that she wouldn't try to have sex with him. "I promise, I won't even kiss you."

His eyes were dark and burning and he looked at her for what might have been a second or two. "No, you won't. Because I will." And he rose up, meeting her lips with his. With one hand behind her head, snaked through her hair, and the other underneath her he laid her back onto the bed and joined her there, lips and tongues tasting each other for a long time.

She turned into him so she could wrap her leg up around his hip, and without even trying she guided him until he was laying half on top of her. She could feel him, all of him. Her skirt was up and his hands were on her legs. He stopped kissing her long enough to look at her in warning.. a weak warning that was mixed with longing and love. She saw it all in his eyes. She knew. It all came together. The torture of him having to know about her and Francis. Why he always kept in touch. Why he missed her so much. And why she missed him so much too.

He rested his forehead against hers. "We're going to stop aren't we?" She asked it but she already knew the answer.

He nodded breathlessly. "We don't have to. But us being friends, it will be over. I'll never be able to fake it again, I'll never be able to see you with him and not want to kill him. I'll never be able to feel like you belong to anyone but me." He kissed her lips.

"Part of me will always belong to you anyway." She uttered in between kisses. "No politics can change that. Even if we stop." But she knew he was right. When he pulled away and stood up she just groaned in agony.

He laughed slightly. "I'm going to take a cold shower. Then maybe we'll be able to be normal again."

He turned and headed to the bathroom but paused in the door way. He turned around and looked at her seriously. "What I said before about the beach? About Francis? It still applies. He's a fool for not being by your side." He closed the door and she could hear the shower start.

Twenty minutes later he came to the bed and hovered there for a second. She looked over her shoulder at him. "Don't you even think about sleeping anywhere else but here."

He slipped under the covers with her and wrapped his arms around her from behind, careful to keep a little distance between them.

The morning came too quickly for either of them. When he dropped her back off at her dorm he tried to walk her in but Mary insisted that was a horrible idea. It would be hard enough dealing with Greer's speculation as it was. She was fortunate though, as it turned out Greer had spent the night out herself so there was no need to explain.

The day was a long one. She texted Bash to complain about her hangover that night and to tell him goodnight. It wasn't out of character, they often texted each other through the week. It wasn't often accompanied by her lying in bed for an hour afterwards remembering what it felt like to lay with him.

The next day she was slightly clearer of mind. Classes went well. There were only a few weeks until Christmas so it was a busy time, preparing for exams, etc. She wondered if she'd still have Bash to help her study. That Wednesday night after dinner just as she was wondering if he'd still call her, the phone rang.

"hello Bash."

"hello Mary."

"I was a little afraid that I'd lose you. I'm really glad you called. I do love Francis but I can't imagine not having you in my life." She sighed in relief.

"You'll never lose me." He was soft but firm. "We just need boundaries. No being alone here. Or in your room. Public places only, and not often. Only according to our schedule of Sunday and Wednesday nights. You keep working on your relationship with Francis. I'll keep dating. I don't want to be the man who betrays his brother, and I don't want you to be the kind of woman who would cheat on someone she loves. We can do this. We were friends first and we can be friends last. We're just closer tied now than we were before."

"Yes. Bash?" Mary was almost whispering.

"Yeah?"

"Thank you. For being you. And for what you are to me." They were simple words, but they were exactly what was on her heart.

"I could say the same to you. You've changed my world, but I'm not at all regretful of it." He answered. I just want what's best for you, and for Francis as well."

A/N: Whew! Well it was all I could do not to just ruin my story plan and have Bash and Mary just run away together there for a minute. But I stuck to my plan! Hope you liked it. Reviews are appreciated!