Khalthar's Notes: I tend to like longer chapters… and the original story didn't have that. So I am combining some of the shorter chapters into one longer one. In many cases the original story had some chapters as short as 1,400 words, so the next chapter will be added to it so that the result is between 2,500 and 3,500 words. It will mean fewer chapter, but I can promise that this story will have just as many, if not more, words as the original, and it will be just as good.

Stretching out slowly I sat up in the hospital bed. Today would be the last day that I was stuck in the makeshift hospital room. Ryan was giving me permission to move about freely, granted it was only as long as I took Blue or Mike with me and I came in for a check up once every couple of days.

A smile made its way to my face as I sat up slowly, my long dark hair falling in my face haphazardly. I really need to cut my hair... I thought with irritation. Blowing the thick bangs from my face they only swept back into my eyes. Yeah... definitely need to cut it. Standing up I groaned as snaps and pops resounded from my body. Looking around the room I let out a sigh, after today I would be relatively free.

Although the issue of my father kept coming back to my mind, and scaring me almost senseless, Blue had made it quite clear that he would not allow that man to touch me ever again, but then I knew that I couldn't stay here forever. My father would come looking for me... what would I do then? I closed my eyes as the beginning of a panic attack set in, taking in deep breaths I tried not to concentrate on what had me going into a fit.

Instead I concentrated on the slow expansion of my rib cage, the breath slowly leaving my mouth, being sucked in through my nose. Somewhere in the back of my mind I heard the door opening, but I paid it no heed. Finally after what felt like forever I calmed down enough to open my eyes. I jumped when I noticed Blue sitting on the chair across from the bed. His blue eyes were lit up with worry.

"Are you alright… you don't look so good." He murmured slowly while leaning forward and tentatively taking my small hands in his larger ones. A faint smile curved my lips as I looked up at Blue.

"I'm fine... just thinking." His neon blue eyes searched my face silently, the intensity making me nervous. What's he trying to find? I wondered not for the first time. The feeling of his thumbs gently sliding over my hands startled me, I still wasn't used to touched in a friendly way. It was so foreign, the feel of his hands. They were so warm and comforting, so gentle, and yet I could feel the power in them.

"Wanna talk about it? I can listen to whatever you have to say, you know? I mean... I know I talk a lot, but I'm a great listener if you need it!" He quickly rambled out, his big blue eyes so full of concern. A soft look contoured my face as I leaned my forehead against his shoulder.

"I... I'd rather not." I muttered against his shoulder. After a moment warm lips pressed to my temple, those soft yet powerful hands wrapped around me protectively.

"Well I'm here if you need me."

My hands curled into his clothing at those words. I felt as if a thousand pounds had suddenly been lifted from my shoulders. Proof sat before me. Next to me. Holding me. Proof that someone cared, someone in this cruel world was willing to take care of me. A sigh left my lips as I burrowed into his strong body.

The feel of his lean muscles flexing was soothing, the next thing I knew a pillow was being placed behind my head and I was lying down half awake. A warm blanket was pulled over me as warm lips every so gently brushed over my temple. Darkness enveloped my vision as I fell asleep.

XXX

The next time I awoke I found myself in an unknown room. Looking around I saw plain white walls, a cream carpeted floor, a single window on the far right wall and an oak dresser. Pushing the soft woolen blankets off of myself I stood up and took a cursory look around. I had my own bathroom, closet, and small bedroom. There was only one bed which I had been sleeping in, so all this was for one person So this must be my new room... but how did I get here?

Walking over to the window I pushed the soft emerald curtains out of the way, the darkness of night prevented me from seeing much. Sighing softly I made my way over to my bed and sat down, the soft glow of the bed side lamp casting a warm honey colored light across the room. A soft knock at my door jostled me from my thoughts. Jumping, I stood up tentatively. Walking over to the door I opened it to see Blue. His soft blue-gray hair hung in his neon blue eyes as usual. The bright smile I had come to know, adorned his soft lips. Realizing I was staring I turned my gaze away, my face feeling hot with embarrassment.

"Are you alright" He questioned anxiously.

Glancing up through my red streaked black bangs I felt my blush grow. I wasn't quite sure why, but a part of me was deeply attracted to him. Nodding, I cleared my throat and moved to the side. As he walked past me I felt his fingers ghost over my shoulder and through my hair. A soothing touch that relaxed me even though it was barely there. Sucking in a deep breath I closed the door and turned to face Blue. He stood in the middle of the room observing everything. Finally he turned around and looked at me with those unnaturally bright blue eyes.

"You have nice quarters. I just wanted to be sure you were being treated nicely. At least now I can rest in peace knowing that you're safe." My gaze softened once I deciphered his rambling, although a healthy amount of skepticism remained.

"You were worried... about me?" I murmured softly, not believing it for a second. I mean, sure he seemed nice... but how was I to be sure that he wasn't just gonna break my trust like everyone else? The way he looked at me after those words came out of my mouth... it made me wanna curl up and die. His eyes were so sad, and yet they held such anger and remorse.

"I know you don't trust me, not yet. You will in time. At least I hope you will! I'm not saying you have to, pit knows I can't force you, but I would like it if you trusted me, but I know that only time can heal those wounds."

Silence greeted his monologue. I didn't know what to say or do. This man seemed intent on gaining my trust. Narrowing my eyes I stared at him long and hard. What is he getting at? Why does he want my trust so bad? Grimacing at my more paranoid side I shook my head. Walking past him I plopped down on my bed and looked up at him. His blue eyes locked onto my earthen brown.

"Prove it." I said quietly. My voice barely more than a whisper of breath. He blinked in surprise and stared at me as if confused.

"What?" For once he seemed to have no monologue ready for my question. Sighing, I rested my cheek on my fist and stared up at him tiredly.

"Prove to me that I can trust you." I said quietly. My voice held nothing but challenge to it. I didn't want to be cruel, but I had been hurt for too long and far too many times in my life to trust easily. If this man wanted my trust or affection, or whatever it was he was after, he would have to earn it.

XXX

I stared into the mirror of my bathroom silently, the sight of my ripped blue jeans and baggy black hoody was the only normal thing in my life. As of right now I was living on a military base by myself. Well not by myself, myself, but without any familiar faces. Sighing softly I swept my charcoal hair out of my face, the crimson streaks glinting in the light like blood. A sudden ache filled my chest and swamped me in an overwhelming sea of blue depression.

Rolling up the sleeve of my jacket I stared at my scarred wrist; scowling, I pulled out my trusty razor blade and carefully sliced three delicate lines over my wrist. Blissful releasing pain shot through my arm, my life blood slowly beaded up and dripped into the sink. I could feel the heartache receding as my blood drained in to the sink. Satisfied, I pulled my sleeve down and walked out of the bathroom and into my living room of sorts. Opening the door slowly I tried to quell my rising fear. People swarmed the hallways; their eyes seemed to be judging me, studying me. It was too much.

Slamming the door closed I turned and placed my back against it, the cool wood against my quivering palms. My pulse rose and made my vision swim in a sea of black dots. My breaths were quick and shallow in my panic attack. The sudden knocking on my door startled me; turning with a loud squeak I tumbled backwards and placed my hand on my chest. The door suddenly slammed opened and there stood the huge and burly man, Jason. His eyes landed on me and narrowed dangerously. Flinching back I tried to hold back a pitiful whine, his neon blue eyes holding a deadly gleam that scared me to no end.

Suddenly a familiar mop of blue-gray hair appeared beside me. Looking up into Blue's neon blue eyes, I felt myself relax slightly. I wasn't ready to trust him and yet I was. He caused confusing feelings to rise up within me.

"You alright? We heard a thump and your squeal! I thought you were hurt! I mean, I was just worried. I didn't mean to barge in here with Hi-Jason, but you had us worried!" Blue rambled out.

I narrowed my eyes at that that was the second time someone had messed up on Jason's name. Sighing I nodded to Blue quietly.

"Y-yeah I'm fine... I w-was just startled." I muttered while looking up through my bangs at Jason and Blue nervously. I saw Blue nod and smile reassuringly.

"Well, we were-" Before he could even get the sentence out Jason cut in with his deep rumbling voice.

"You need to refuel. Come on." He rumbled in that voice that mimicked the rolling thunder of an approaching storm. I slowly stood up, deciding that this man was not one to ignore.

XXX

When we entered the cafeteria I found it was very quiet at the moment, which was surprising considering that we were on a military base. Looking around at the minimal populace in the room I slowly inched in. The familiar presence of Blue at my side, and the looming protective shadow of Jason behind me, soothed nerves I hadn't realized were raw.

Looking around warily, I glanced back at Blue and Jason before walking over the threshold. The many conversations fell silent as I walked in, wrapping my arms around myself I ducked my head and slowly walked to a table in silence. My face felt hot in my embarrassment, my body quivering under the intense stares that followed me. Plopping down at a table, I buried my face in my arms not wanting to look up at the people in the room.

The scent of something salty and intense wafted up to my nose. With a gurgling growl from my abdomen and saliva building up in my mouth I looked up to see a bowl of steaming white rice covered in brown gravy and cubed pieces of beef. Blinking I looked up in confusion to see Jason.

"Ryan wants you to eat."

I nodded slowly but sat still not wanting to move under his intense gaze. Blue came forward and plopped beside me, his warm hand rubbing my tense shoulders. I flinched having not realized how tense I was, nor having noticed him move. I kept my gaze down, but after a few tense moments, I felt the presence of Jason move away. Looking around I found only the small population, which was dwindling mind you, and Blue. He sat beside me patiently, while I finally managed to force my limbs to move. I was in a daze of sorts while I quickly ate the food. Once it was gone, Blue gently took my arm and led me from the room.

I tried to hold back a wince as his firm grip caught my fresh cuts. Holding back the grunt of pain that wished to escape my lips I obediently followed behind Blue. Once we got to the main hanger my nerves were officially frayed. Luckily for me, my depressive daze kept me from freaking out at the many people practically all over me. I'm getting way to paranoid... I thought dismally.

Shaking my head I looked around in awe at the giant cat-walks, computers, and many military personal flowing back and forth. Turning slowly in a wide circle I looked around at all of the commotion. Dimly I felt Blue let go of my wrist and move away some. Turning back around I looked at Blue with wide eyes.

"This is amazing!" I exclaimed softly feeling an old sense of curiosity fill me. I hadn't been adventurous or curious in a long time... it was refreshing. The next thing I knew I heard the scariest thing in my life, aside from my father's voice.

"Bluestreak! What is a civilian doing on this base?! Just what do you think you're doing bringing this little insignificant punk in here?" Demanded a voice that was just dripping in scorn.

Turning quickly I looked upon the man who had spoken... and he was getting very, very close to us now. Way to close for comfort.

"Oh Director Galloway! Yeah this is Autumn! I saved her from the Cons and-and she needed medical attention! So Ratch-Ryan brought her here to keep an optic on her! Ya know?" He quickly blurted out in the familiar rambling speech that was quite unique to him. Disturbingly enough, I watched as Galloway's face slowly got redder and redder.

"That does not authorize you to bring her kind here!"

I balked at the way he said that. Pain flared through my chest, a sea of blue swamping my senses. The dull throbbing in my wrist making itself known as the craving for blood intensified. The need for my knife called to me through the pounding in my ears. I slowly ducked my head and wrapped my arms around myself. I couldn't keep what he had just said out of my head. Insignificant... her kind... little punk...Tears blurred my hidden gaze as I turned and ran. A shout from Blue, telling me to wait, went unanswered; I just kept running.