Unlike most, you don't miss a thing ~ Jack / Marr

[Anatra]

It is the weekend, finally, and I can go back to the warmth of my own home. I've all packed up, and already left the building. It's a Saturday afternoon, and everyone else has already left pretty much. Now it's just the normal peacekeepers and staff. I took my time leaving. I had to go see the Lieutenant Commander, I couldn't just leave with the doubt. He denied my doubts. There was nobody else in captivity. He understood, it seemed, that I couldn't just go home knowing it was a possibility. My parents are outside, as arranged. Alex and I can walk out to our welcoming trio. Mum, dad and little Tyler. Mum smiles widely, holding Tyler in her hands. Dad nods once in acknowledgement as we approach. He takes our bags and puts them in the boot of the dark blue car. "So, how's it been?" Mum asks us both in general. Alex hops onto the question quickly, thankfully. "Great, we've done a lot. Got good scores in our tests so far." He nods at her and I'm expected to answer too. "Yeah, it's been good." I say simply. She gives me a look of slight doubt but I know she's not going to question it, not with her enthusiasm.

We get in the car, and soon enough we are home. Entering the family home again is a great feeling. There's nothing overwhelming about it. I can simply let the smells sink in again, and readjust for today and tomorrow.

After unpacking upstairs, it's already stretching into the evening. "Ty, Al. Come down for dinner!" Mum yells up the stairs, the scent coming up with her voice. It smells good. A nice meal for once. The military scrub meals are simple and calculated. We're all allocated what seem to be rations, but they are the bare minimum that we need to get by. They expect nothing more, just in case of a wartime scenario. It is good to know we're prepared, though. "Looks like nothing's changed here." Alex says to me, putting on some fresh socks. None of us wear shoes inside, because the dirt from the roads can litter the house. "Too right. It's strange, but I can see why." He nods at me, but we regret that we have to admit how easy it is to forget about Joe now. Especially after knowing what he had done.

The meal is vibrant. Not necessarily the food, but the fact that we've got Alba over, and she's acting particularly bubbly, more than usual. She's probably still reigning in her little bit of fame from her singing at the party. The family won't stop mentioning it on first meetings. It's quite the thing to mention, though. "Can you pass the sauce?" I ask my mum. "Please?" She asks. "Nah, you're welcome." I say, taking it with a smile. The antics, exactly what I've missed.

That night, the bed is welcoming. When you have free time, it is usually wasted with some well-deserved shut-eye. Tonight is no different. "Night, mate." Alex says over to me, switching off his light. Mine is still on, "Night." I say, smiling and collecting my thoughts a little. I switch mine off, and sink into the comfort of the bed.

-0-0 0-0- -0-0 0-0- -0-0 0-0- -0-0 0-0-

The morning light licks my face slowly and softly. It creeps in from the window and lies gently over the room like a silk blanket. I get up to see that Alex is prompt as usual, already up and out. He's going to be out all day I think, he said something about helping out for some money that he needs down at the market. I will do the same. Not the market, but myself. Just go out for a stroll, try and get my head around some things. There's a lot to think about, but I want to meet some friends too. Since I know where Matthew lives since our first night out, I'll probably head down there at some point.

There's a nice little river nearby. Just behind my house but far away enough for me not to be tempted to go home when I'm a little tired. The dusty river, we call it. We being Max and Alex, when we used to hang out back in the day. Today it's just me, thankfully. Sunday morning. I'm just going to go walk down there, maybe stand by the riverside and brood about things. Maybe not, maybe there'll be people there. I don't know. I just want to walk.

W O R D. C O U N T : 769

N O T E S : Don't mind the England flag, Jack. I couldn't resist.

[Jack Lexington]

MATTHEW DUNHAM

The first week was rough to say the least. It started out with the training and sparring but my nightly excursion with Tyren lead to the pks slapping us on the wrist, so we tried extra hard not to get into a bad focus again.
During the raid on the house, where we were supposed to capture a 'suspect' that didn't work so well for me.

So when it was time to go home on the weekend I couldn't wait. I was missing Kyanite and I felt way too restricted at the academy.

Together with the others I took one of the buses back to my hometown where my father picked me up.
If I'm not mistaken there was a hint of pride in his expression when I climbed off that bus like an old man, stiff and sore.
When I saw his face it made me feel good about my stupid idea to become a peace keeper for the first time. Maybe it wasn't such a crazy idea after all.

I didn't even make it all the way home before I fell asleep in the back of the car, so I didn't see Kyanite that day but first thing in the morning I called her up. After a good nights sleep in my own bed without anybody snoring or talking in his sleep I felt somewhat revived.
"Morning, darling. I'm home for the weekend." I greeted her.
"Did you get my letter?" More questions storming her.
I'm sure Jeran, who also went home, told her one or the other nasty thing about me...like how I failed at the arrest. Or maybe not. I hope not.
"What are you doing today...this morning actually?"
I'm over eager to see her now that I actually hear her soft voice.

[*]

The moment the weekened got here, I knew that it was going to be one of the happiest times for me. Not only do I get to get the download on the Peacekeeper Academy from Jeran, but Matthew was also returning home. That night, with stories that flooded my ears of the various things they had to do, my mind was with Matthew. I can't beleive he didn't come by... I wonder if he'll want to see me tomorrow. With that thought, the rest of the night was just as mundane as ever, except for my father, who seems to have shunned both his kids now. Work envelopes him now all the time. He's also been a bit shady with what he brings home and hides away most of the night and only comes out during the dinners I prepare. It makes it hard with my arm, but I manage. There's no one else to count on except myself.

The moment my head hits the pillows, I drift off into a dreamful sleep of meeting with Matthew again and talking to him. Quickly, night turns to day and with the sound of the phone, it just happed to be Matthew on the other end. I'm thoroughly pleased this morning.

"Morning, darling. i'm home for the weekend. Did you get my letter?"

"I did! It was wonderful. I actually sent you one back just yesterday so you just might get something special when you go back on Monday." I tell him as I get up from the bed and start to dress quickly and haphazardly try to put my hair into a low ponytail with one hand. I know he can't see the enormous smile on my face, but hopefully he can hear it in my voice.

"What are you doing today... this morning actually?"

"Hmmm, that's a tough question. There's so much I got to do today. I just don't know if I can get it all done in one day." I pause a moment just to let him dangle on the other end of the line before pipping up today. "Do you think I'll be able to see you enough to fill all those requirements in my schedule? I've missed you, bunches."

I can't beleive I'm hearing his voice after just a week. It makes me yearn to see him right now and maybe that's why he was asking me what I was doing. Perhaps, he's wanting to be together? "You want to go for a walk or something? Just you and me? Catch up on everything and you can tell me all about how mean my brother was to you?" I tease him with a giggle. "I can meet you at your place shortly, if you want me to?"

[Jack Lexington]

"Hmmm, that's a tough question. There's so much I got to do today. I just don't know if I can get it all done in one day." My hopes sink as fast as they were up.
"really?"
But then she continues. "Do you think I'll be able to see you enough to fill all those requirements in my schedule? I've missed you, bunches."
At first she confuses me but then I understand that she was joking and actually talking about me so a smile creeps up on my face. I can't wait to fill a few hours with her.

"You want to go for a walk or something? Just you and me? Catch up on everything and you can tell me all about how mean my brother was to you?"
For a moment I wonder what he already told her.
"How did you know?"
"I can meet you at your place shortly, if you want me to?"
I rub my hand over my short hair and then my back. "Can't wait. Come quickly!"
I hang up and head up to take a shower because I don't want to smell like a bunch of guys who sweat all day long under uncomfortable uniforms.
The water feels nice and soothing for my sore muscles. It's been a while since I was able to take a private one with nobody watching so I take my sweet time.
The bruise that has been forming where the rubber bullett hit me has to be the largest, deepest purple I've ever had and I can't even touch the area around it. The fact that I lost points is worse. Not that I desperatly want to become a peace keeper but I'm very competitive and the fact that Jeran scored points while I got some taken off was bad.

Soon enough I wrap a towel around my hips and step out of the bathroom to make some coffee before Kyanite comes.
Once the coffee's on I get dressed in my favourite loose pants and a hoodie- the contrast to the peace keeper uniform.
With my hand I move the curtain away to look for the girl I can't wait to see.

[Anatra]

The morning glow shines brightly on my face as I walk down the winding trail that leads to the river itself. It's a serene location. Beautiful, yet clearly one of the few places not dominated by mines or dirty water. Contrary to its name, the dusty river is very lovely in that the small shores have thick sand on them and the water is usually quite a clear colour. As I approach, I see that today is no exception. And nobody else is here. It is a perfect place just to go and relax. Loosen up and think about things. I'm not necessarily the deepest thinker, but this is the place I'd go if I wanted to do it. It is the kind of place you would take a special person, have a picnic and play the guitar. Something romantic like that. But it is also the place for friends to meet, have some fun and swim as well - because the water is safe enough for it.

I get to the shoreline and I take off my sandals.
There is no tide, because it is a river. But I walk myself a little bit into it, feeling the half cold, half warm textures brush against my feet. Quickly, I roll up my trousers so they act as shorts.
I smile privately, because it's a great place to be right now.

W O R D. C O U N T : 769

N O T E S : I'll probably wait until you guys turn up.

[*]

I can only smile to myself about how I know that my brother was mean to him. It was obvious even though he never directly mentioned his name, but by the description of the guy and the way he talked about him, It wasn't hard to figure it out. I also know that Jeran doesn't like him, so the attitude that went along with that was also a tell-tale sign. Finally, I sit on the bed and take a deep breath whenever I hear his voice against the receiver.

"Can't wait. Come quickly!" I can't help but laugh gently to the way he seems to eager to see me and as he hangs up the phone, I throw myself down on the bed for a moment and just revel in the thoughts that we've barely had time to really be together before he was shipped off again to the academy. The next few weeks are going to be torture on me, but the weekends just might make up for it.

Perfecting my hair as much as I can before I walk out of the house, I slip on my flats and check myself in the mirror, admiring this happy girl. The mark on my face covered up with make-up. The long sleeved, white top that barely lays over each shoulder. With a decorative grin, I leave the house and make the walk over to Matthew's place.

With each step, I feel my pace quickening with the thought that I will get to see him. Almost to the point, that my mind is suddenly lost before I reach the stairs. With each step, I make going up, I look to the door and then let my hand knock on the door. I can hear the footsteps inside, so I casually wait outside and take a few steps back. My gaze goes to the side of the porch then back to the door when it opens rather quickly.

[Jack Lexington]

By the time Kyanite comes the coffee's ready so I pour myself a cup and add some milk. Then I get back to the window to watch out for her.
My short hair is almost dry, which is a nice change from the long locks, which took forever to dry in the winter and always made my head freeze.
The short wait seems to take forever because I'm so eager to see my girl friend. The thought alone makes me giddy. I wonder whether she's upset because I didn't call last night though.
The sun is rising above the trees near our house and makes it hard to see the road.

As soon as I see her step up to the porch a 'girlied' up with that smile on her face I'm at the door. I opened it a little over eager and almost spill my coffee.
I set it down on a small table out front near the door, where an old rocking chair is also waiting decoratively and close the distance between us.
Then I wrap my arms around her and kiss her on the lips. There's no need to ask permission, no need to hide this anymore.
"It's so good to see you."

[*]

The door opens too quickly. In fact, if I didn't know better, I'd say he was probably watching for me. There's not much I can do to hide the smile on my face when he sets his coffee down near that old rocking chair and he brings himself close to me and his lips find my own. This kind of kiss is so welcoming. When it's Matthew, its just the right amount of caring and compassion behind it. The soft skin that touches mine sends these electrifying shocks through my body. Even his hands that snake around my waist so he'll have full control over keeping me near him is to be expected. This is a wanted touch. A wanted kiss.

"It's so good to see you." He claims and from the look on his face, I can see that he's being nothing but truthful to me. I let my good arm sneak around his neck, letting my fingertips trace lines across his skin. There's something about him that I'll just never get used to.

"I missed you so much!" I exclaim and reach up to kiss him once again, showing him how much by lengthening it this time, making it slow and smooth. A desirable kind of kiss that is meant to be so private, but here at his house, I don't worry about people watching. The rest of the world seems to have disappeared for me. Then a moment later, I let my arm move back so that my hand can touch his face. I want to memorize this smile on his face.

"So, you almost ready to go, or do I need to wait a little longer for you?" I question him and take another quick peck on the lips away from him with a chuckle.

[Jack Lexington]

Her arms around my neck the next moment as she pulls me closer as well. I find her touch gives me a great sensation. I makes me feel great, especially when she starts drawing lines on my skin. No other girl has ever done that. It's some Kyanite special.
I enjoy her passionate kiss and the feel of her soft lips on mine, how she nips and pulls my lip with her. Awesome...hot. So I give her my best smile to show how much I like it.

Kyanite declares that she missed me, too, which makes me think of the time we were apart when we split up. Did she miss me then as well? I sort of did but not as much as this week when I knew she was waiting for me and had made up my mind that she was the one for me.

Her hand reaches for my face as she looks at me mesmerized and asks. "So, you almost ready to go, or do I need to wait a little longer for you?"
This sort of touch and admiration does make me feel a bit awkward out here on the street so I tighten the embrace a little just to be painfully reminded of my failure at the 'arrest' when her body gets pressed against my abdomen, so I flinch back for just a second before sucking it up and asking.
"I'm ready...for what though? What did you have in mind."
This makes me curious because Kyanite might have something special in mind.

[*]

As I let my lips relay a question to Matthew, he takes a moment to become silent before tightening the embrace between the both of us. The only thing I notice though, is how he slightly stops the embrace and jerks just a small amount before pulling into the embrace yet again. Makes me curious what that was about, but I'm over come by his answer already.

"I'm ready...for what though? What did you have in mind." I can see the curiosity in his eyes and I let my index finger move across his face and end with his chin before taking my hand to put it on his shoulder. I don't dare try to escape his grasp, cause I know that if I even try, he'll still hold me there. So, I let him have control.

"Hmm, for that walk I mentioned? You up for it? Maybe we can just head out into the woods or something. Just to be alone. I want to hear about the academy. I want to know all of it. Who knows? I might just take that up as my next adventure once my arm is all healed up and everything. I want to be prepared, sir!" I give him my most serious of faces but it's replaced with a smile, because around him, I can't be serious at all. Not this close. That's when my eyes catch a glimpse of that coffee.

"Can I get a cup to go?" I ask him and nod my head in the other direction so he'll get the idea to go with me. Yet, I can't help but tease him just a little with my words. "You do want to go, right? With me.... in the woods... no one around?"

[Jack Lexington]

Her hand on my face makes me wish it was elsewhere. I indulge in her kisses and steal another long, passionate one from her with my eyes closed. It feel so right, even out here in the open where everybody can see us.
"Hmm, for that walk I mentioned? You up for it? Maybe we can just head out into the woods or something. Just to be alone. I want to hear about the academy. I want to know all of it. Who knows? I might just take that up as my next adventure once my arm is all healed up and everything. I want to be prepared, sir!"
That idea doesn't sound so good so I make sure to tell her all the nasty, bad stuff in detail.
"I'll tell you all about it." I grin but shake my head at the 'sir'. "None of that. It's enough during the week. I can't handle any more of it on the weekend, mam." I mock a little and finally let go of her to follow her gaze to the coffee cup.
"Sure I'll get you one. Milk? Sugar?"
Before I go inside to get it I grab mine and finsih the half cold coffee.
"Out in the woods with you? Alone?" A shit eating grin spreads on my face. "Sounds enticing...is there a cabin where we're heading?" I refer to our first get together in the woods.

A moment later I go inside to get her a cup of coffee as well and return with it in my hands.
Carefully I take her good one and tell her. "I got it. Are you okay?"
I'm asking regarding her arm before we step off the porch and walk down the street to get to the edge of town where we can cross a field and down to Dusty River which is the closest to our town.

[*]

My wish to know more about the academny is answered by Matthew without a hitch and eh also tells me that my 'sir' is unwelcomed because he is made to say that enough during the week, but he still manages to call me ma'am to tease me back. It's rather comical because I don't know how much of a straight face I'd be able to give the uniformed officers if I had to call them 'sir' if it was a woman or a man. After asking for a cup of the coffee, he asks about having milk or sugar in it and I only declare 'sugar' as the needed ingredient.

"Out in the woods with you? Alone?" Comes my flirtaceous hint to him and one that he takes all too serious. It's been too long before I thought I'd be able to speak that way to him again and just as I state that, he gets this grin on his face that tells me that he knows what I'm talking about.

"Sounds enticing... is there a cabin where we're heading?" I shake my head, because I don't plan on going that far out into the woods. Instead, we'll stay inland on the right side of the fence.

"No. But who needs a cabin?" I tease back and he leaves to get me a small cup of coffee that I take eagerly so I can finish it before we leave. Just before I finish the cup, I exchange hands and he takes my good hand within his.

"...are you okay?" I nod gently. I'm not sure how I"m really suppose to answer that cause there's been a few things happen this week that I want to tell him, but I don't want to ruin his weekend before he goes back.

"I'm fine. My arm's been bothing me since yesterday, but nothing much than that. It's fine, though. Are you okay, too? They aren't pushing you too much at the academy, right?" I place my hand on his chest to feel for his breaths and his beating heart. I grin at him.

...........

We start our walk down the street and cross the grassy feild and down into the woods that leads to this little river hole that can be used during the summers and stuff. Today? It's not as warm as it can be but I know the water would be as cold as ever. I watch Matthew's face in my side vision quite often just imaging how I was able to get him back and how we are able to be happy right now.

"You going to go swimming?" I ask him, when the river comes into view not too much further ahead of me.

[Jack Lexington]

When I ask her if she's okay she's a little too quick to tell me that she's fine.
"I'm fine. My arm's been bothering me since yesterday, but nothing much than that. It's fine, though. Are you okay, too? They aren't pushing you too much at the academy, right?" I wonder why her arm is bothering now. It's two weeks since it happened? Could it be like Vys knee that I managed to screw up again?
"Did you bump into something?" I slow down to look at her and then let my gaze wander the length of her arm as if I could see something. Then I take her good hand again and keep walking.
"Oh they're pushing as hard as they can...all of us." I let her know.
"We're constantly getting tested: Sparring here, running there, rules then, arrests...you name it." I blow out some air because the first week has been truly hectic and two people already had to leave.
"Tyren and I made the mistake to sneak away one evening for a beer because I figured he could use one. They caught us and almost kicked us out but Tyrens dad is some old big shot peace keeper so we were allowed to stay."
I motion my index finger and middle finger to my eyes and then her. "Constantly being under the eye is no fun, let me tell you that."

We now cross the large field that lies empty because the farmers haven't taken care of it after the long winter yet. Soon enough there will be crops growing her but for now we can cross it without a problem.
I sneak my arm around her shoulder and ask.
"So what did you do this week?"
I really want to find out whether Max showed up but I can't do that.

When we reach the edge of the field we walk down a hill and already see the river that's lined with trees winding its way through the rugged landscape.
"Swimming? In this weather? Only if you do."
Sure the sun feels nice and warm on our skin but the water can't be much above 10 degrees.

[Anatra]

After getting used to the water a little, on my feet at least, I step out of the water because it is a little cold. Not overly so, because the sun lets it be warmer, but it is still reasonably cold.
It is so calm here. Nobody is around, which is strange but good.

I delve into my pocket briefly only to find two things. A little bit of paper - a note I must have written a while ago, and my house key. I contemplate going in the water fully, but I really don't see the point since I'm not with friends. It must be nice to swim in there though. I know many careers that can swim, but there are some who have never tried to learn because they don't think they'll need to.

I can hear people, but I cannot see them. It is possible that they are round the wind of the river a little and their voices are travelling across I take a seat in the sand because I don't want to look silly, just standing on my own, in the event of them coming round the wind. Quickly, thoughts of the Hunger Games themselves seep into my head. Usually they wouldn't because I'm almost out of the reaping age, but they do nonetheless. It is rare for me, too. I imagine them being careers, hunting me whilst I try to escape them. But I'm just sitting here with a house key in my hand and a half-assed note to remind myself of my room number in the academy. It's something like that, it might have more on it. It's probably not important.

As I sit there, many things cross my mind. They need to, because this is the only way I can think clearly. Max, Joe. Alex, me. There's a lot. I'm forgetting about Joe now, though. He's not my cousin anymore. Alex, he feels the same way. But Max, now that situation is difficult. Matthew and Kyanite have been something I knew about in the past, only briefly did I realize they were even together. Until they weren't. But Max and Kyanite were together at the party. Matthew found out and left the party straight away... How does he even feel about it? He's obviously not okay with it, but is he able to stop it? Does Kyanite like Max the same way? I feel sorry for Max, who has been unaware in all of this. It wasn't his fault that Kyanite seemed entirely single, but I don't know the facts. I don't know who to believe or who to side with.

Max and Kyanite would seem like a good pair, in my eyes. He is gentlemanly while she deserves exactly that. But can Matthew do that for her too? I don't know. I just don't know Matthew in that way. Honestly, I wish Max hadn't stuck his oar in. But it's in the water now, and the ripples will flow freely until they hit somebody else. I just hope that it isn't Matthew who gets angry because another nearly dead Orca is not what I want to see. I feel as though once you trigger his dark side, you aren't going to come out lightly from it. I've experienced that twice already.

I feel about a million miles away right now, not noticing whether those approaching have done so already.

W O R D. C O U N T : 000

N O T E S :

[*]

I vaguely tell Matthew about my arm being sore, but that's all thanks to the run in with Jins yesterday. Lucky for me, Vy was in the right place at the right time and because of that day, we are closer than mere, secret keepers. It's almost as though we have become friends just because of what happened. Matthew wants to know about my arm hurting, asking if I had bumped it, but I just shrug.

"Just took a tumble. No worries." I tell him just to ward off anymore questions but i'm more worried about him. Then he takes my hand and we keep walking. He tells me all about him getting tested through so many different tasks and skills. Even about being under a constant watch. That don't sound very fun at all.

"What happens in your arrests?" I question him, cause it truely seems like one for interest. To see Matthew as a peacekeeper arresting someone is something I can't even fathom, though I know he has the strength and knowledge to outsmart them and take them down. Then he goes on to another part of the story that has nothing to do with training. It's a night out with Tyren. The guy that he had almost killed in the pregames. Are they friends now? Without any guilt?

"Tyren and I made the mistake to sneak away one evening for a beer because I figured he could use one. They caught us and almost kicked us out." At this point, my mouth has dropped in shock until he tells me that it was Tyren's relation that actually saved him from coming home permanently. I can't imagine having him be kicked out of something this important to him.

"Please, don't jeapordize your chances, okay? I want you to excel in this. Okay? I would love to see you in uniform." I give him a solemn wink as he puts his arm around my shoulder and I feel the warmth of his embrace like this.

"So, what did you do this week?"

"Not much at all. Kinda limited really. Trying to do what I can at the gym to keep myself busy. Not much to do at the house since Jeran's been gone and my father's been kinda shady lately. He hardly comes home on regular hours anymore. So, it's kinda just me at the house. Been rather lonesome lately." I nudge him.

As we reach the water, my sights are immediately on a figure in the water. I can only think that they must be freezing whoever it is, and I make a motion with my head to Matthew to look at the man, judging by his body stature and hair length from this far away. The closer we get, I start to want to say the name.

"Tyren?" I question him as Matthew and I get closer and I begin to wonder if the arm around my shoulder will be moved away as to not give away our relationship, but I can simply hope that what he said is going to remain true. "No more hiding."

"Tyren, is that you? What are you doing out here?"