May 8, 2022

Connor fiddled with the bracelet on his wrist, remembering how sweet it had been when Faith had given it to him. A late birthday present. The fact that he had given her a similar item for her first holiday at Davenport was not lost on him. He guessed that was the point of what she had selected for him during her shopping trip. He also remembered how she had helped him put it on. And how they had been so close to kissing before Edward's footfalls ascending the steps interrupted them. Faith had went to bed after that. Going into the room next to his. He hated that she wouldn't sleep with him. He hated even more that their separation had been his own fault. His inability to control his desires after losing his wife was the cause of all this. He wished he had never given in to his urge to take other lovers. But, Faith was gone and he had been so lonely. Not for sex, but for companionship. That was the only reason he had agreed to the offerings. He was tired of being alone all the time.

Still, he had not been serious about any of those women. They had just been fleeting encounters. He had loved no one since his wife. That didn't mean he never would. Obviously, he would marry again. Desmond was proof of that. That had not happened yet. And the only woman who could make him happy right now was Faith. She was the only one he wanted to be with.

Connor looked up as Faith knocked on the door of his room. He had it open, but she had knocked anyhow.

"I made grilled cheese for lunch if you're hungry," she said.

"Thank you," he replied.

She started to leave. Connor called to her. She paused, turned back around. He stood and went to her. "I have something to say."

"Connor…"

He ignored her reluctance and continued. "I am not proud of what I have done. And I regret more than anything that my actions hurt you." Faith started to speak again. Connor held up a hand to silence her. "You were right when you said that I am different. Losing you changed me. I was bitter for many years after. While I admit that I have acted poorly, you do not have cause to judge me after what you put me through."

Connor paused, giving Faith the opportunity to speak. Instead of saying anything, she just nodded.

"I want for you to be happy," he said. "Even if it isn't with me." Saying that hurt. The thought of Faith with another man...He had no right to be jealous about it, but he was. That was his path to walk.

"I just need time," Faith told him. Her voice was low, mournful. It pained him to hear. "This has all been so...confusing. I need my space."

Connor told her he understood. But he didn't. Not really. He did understand the need for solitude, though. There had been many moments throughout his life where he had felt that. Such as after he had taken Kanen'to:kon's life. Even his wife had not been able to reach him then.

"If there is anything that I can do to help, you need only ask."

Faith gave him a sad smile. "I could use a friend."

Connor nodded. "I will always be your friend, Faith."

The smile was genuine this time. "Nia:wen, Ratonhnhake:ton."

"Io."

Connor noticed Faith go toward her room as he started for the stairs. "Are you not eating?"

She shook her head. "Not hungry."

The bonfire became a weekly event. Everyone enjoyed just sitting outside and talking. They cooked hot dogs, ate chips. Faith even made S'mors. Connor thought they were far too sweet. Edward loved them.

"Where do you come up with all these wonderful recipes, love?"

"The internet," Faith joked.

"I never thought of using it for that," Edward mused.

Connor frowned at his grandfather. He still knew little about computers and devices. He wasn't sure what Edward did with the laptop Pete had given him. "What do you use it for?" he ask.

"Please don't answer that," Desmond spoke.

Edward only smiled. "I watch videos," he said. "But not the kind you're thinking of, Desmond. Not always, anyhow. I've actually gotten quite interested in the Daredevil series lately."

"More of Pete's influence?" Jack ask, to which Edward nodded.

Faith paused while trying to lick all the chocolate off her fingers and looked at Edward. "They made a show of Daredevil?"

"Apparently it stars the same guy who played Matt Murdock in the new Spider-Man movie," It was Desmond that answered. "Pete told me about it, too."

Faith looked confused. "How many Spider-Man movies are there?"

"Eight," Edward told her. "I've seen all of them. In my opinion, Tom Holland was the best Peter Parker."

Connor looked at Faith, who was still frowning. He remembered her mentioning something about that before. A long time ago. "Don't you like Spider-Man?"

She nodded at him. "But I've only ever read the comic books. I've never seen the movies."

"I'm glad you enjoyed those," Jack stated. When she gave him a quizzical expression, he explained. "I'm the one that gave you all the comic books, Faith. You don't remember? You loved reading so much. That was all I had when you came to live with me."

A fondness softened her features. Connor thought how sweet it was that she had good memories of her childhood with Jack. He had not been a model father, but he had obviously tried to connect with her. Faith was realizing that now. And Connor was happy for her. Happy she could have a bond with her father, unlike himself.

"Oh, yeah," she murmured. "I forgot."

As usual, Edward felt the need to interrupt the moment. He was very good at that, Connor noticed. "Touching," he said. "Can we please get back to our drinking game?"

Desmond groaned. "I thought you were joking about that."

"I never joke when alcohol is involved." Edward poured shots from a bottle of whiskey and handed them to everyone. Faith declined, even when he tried coaxing her. She said she would rather use Dr. Pepper. Edward finally relented to allowing that.

"Try to keep it clean," she suggested as the man sat back down.

Edward smiled at her. "That takes all the fun out of it, lass."

Desmond made a comment about how much he would regret participating, but nodded when Edward asked everyone if they were ready.

"I'll go first," Edward offered. "Never have I ever gotten seasick."

Connor looked at Faith, remembering the first time she had sailed on the Aquila with him. It had not been a pleasant experience. Of course, her being pregnant might have had a little to do with how nauseous she had gotten that time. He still thought it counted, though.

"You have to drink."

Faith was the only one who took a sip.

It was Desmond's turn. "Okay. Never have I ever stayed sober at a bar."

Edward had to drink to that. He didn't mind. He just refilled his glass and gestured for Connor to take his turn. Connor was completely unprepared. He tried to come up with something quickly.

"Never have I ever gotten a tattoo."

Everyone except Connor and Faith drank. Connor looked at her. "You do have a tattoo."

"It wasn't by choice, it doesn't count."

"If you've got ink, you drink," Desmond told her.

She took a drink of her soda. "It's my turn. Never have I ever…" she paused in thought for a moment before continuing with a smile, "gotten in trouble for smoking as a kid."

Connor glanced at her. "You chose that on purpose."

Faith shrugged nonchalantly. "Doesn't matter. Drink."

Connor downed the liquor in the glass. It wasn't as bad as he had thought it would be. The alcohol he had drank before had been harsh and foul. What Jack had was decent. He noticed that Jack had drank as well.

"At least I am not the only one who got caught," he stated.

"If that's the worst you've ever done, you're a better man than me, Connor."

"Oh, it's not the worst," Faith said. "I have so many other stories."

"Sahasot'sat, aonha!"

Faith only laughed at the instance in Connor's voice. He wished his friend had not told her about all the stunts he had pulled as a child. She had never let him live any of the tales down. She still wouldn't, it seemed.

"It's my go," Jack said, interrupting Faith's fit of giggles at Connor's expense. "Never have I ever lied while playing this game."

Desmond looked at him. "That's not fair."

"How so, Mr. Miles?"

All eyes turned to Desmond. It was obvious he was the only one guilty of that transgression. Knowing there was no way out of it, he finally drink.

"In my defense, she was really hot."

"What did you lie about?" Edward ask.

Desmond refused to answer that. The fact that it was Edward's turn next prompted the pirate to take a guess.

"Never have I ever lied to get a woman in bed."

"I hate you," Desmond muttered as he took his drink. Edward and Jack drank as well.

Connor looked at Faith. "Should I drink to that?"

Her eyes studied him. "What have you lied to me about, Ratonhnhake:ton?"

He only watched her for a long time. Until she remembered the time on the Aquila that he was referring to. It wasn't lying, per se. But…

Upon recalling that instance Connor was indicating, Faith shook her head quickly. "No. That doesn't count as a lie."

Edward laughed. "This is getting very interesting. Desmond, please make this embarrassing for them."

Connor felt heat on his face. He really hoped none of them could guess what he was referring to. He wished he had not said anything. He noticed a red tint on Faith's cheeks and murmured an apology to her. She shrugged as if it didn't matter, but still refused to met his gaze.

Desmond sighed loudly. "I know I'm going to regret this, but here goes. Never have I ever role-played during sex."

They all drank.

Faith looked at her husband. "You could have lied."

"I never lie," he reminded her.

He wasn't sure if it was drink or the pleasantness of the situation, but Connor was having a good time. For the first time in a very long time, he was happy.