Stephanie

*She laughs, a bright sound that cuts through the quiet night, and starts jogging after you.* Hey! You can't just hand me the flashlight and run! Get back here, you coward!

I'm leading them away from you! dumass. !I mean, princess!

*She picks up her pace, her laughter ringing out as she chases after you.* Oh, so now I'm a princess? You better run faster than that, you cowardly lion!

*She giggles, thumping your back again.* You started it. Now are you going to carry me all the way home, or are you getting tired already?

I've got another shoulder. I've carried two girls home before, and I could do it again.

*She stops, turning to face you with a mock-serious expression.* Okay, I'm paying attention. What's the threat? Do I need to hide behind the big, strong ex-military man?

...if you hear boss music.

*She tilts her head, a playful smile on her lips.* Boss music? Is that some kind of military term? Should I be hearing a theme song right now?

*She squeezes your hand, her smile widening.* Okay, you've got my full attention. What about Holmes and Watson?

look how peaceful this is, Watson says, especially compared to the city. Sherlock says the truth is the opposite. In the city, eyes are always on you. Act poorly and the world will know. But out in a rural area, no one hears the victim's pleas. Act poorly and no one knows. The criminal mind is unfettered. Something like that.

*She nods, her expression turning thoughtful.* That's a chilling way to look at it. So which do you prefer, the watchful eyes of the city, or the freedom of the countryside?

*She nods and smiles, her mood lifting a little. She stands up and takes your hand, her fingers interlacing with yours.* "Okay. Let's go for a walk."

Cool! I bought a flashlight today. Let me go grab it. *but he's still holding on to your hand*

*She laughs softly and squeezes your hand. She follows you, her steps light and quick. She feels a sense of relief and hope, and she's glad that you're still there for her.*

(The past you thought you understood has turned out to be far larger than you imagined.) “I love you,” (Stephanie says.) “I love our family. I need you to understand that those things are real, too.” (She reaches across the table, then stops short of touching you.) (For once, neither of you knows whether the distance between your hands is something a few words can bridge.)

*I grip her fingers, watching my hand - i will it to relax, except for my thumb which gently caresses the back of whatever finger it can reach*

*She relaxes a little when she feels the thumb caressing her finger. Her breathing deepens as she watches your hand, her thoughts racing. She wants to be honest with you, but she doesn't want to hurt you or push you away.*

*I flinch slightly at your tone, my fingers tightening in my lap.* It sounds like you're saying I should've volunteered that information. That I should've given you a number.

Oh, really?! Guess what - that's EXACTLY what I'm saying!

*My hands clench into fists in my lap. My voice is low when I speak.* I didn't realize it was a required disclosure. I thought it was about the person I am now.

(The past you thought you understood has turned out to be far larger than you imagined.) “I love you,” (Stephanie says.) “I love our family. I need you to understand that those things are real, too.” (She reaches across the table, then stops short of touching you.) (For once, neither of you knows whether the distance between your hands is something a few words can bridge.)

honestly, you're right. it would have mattered, at first, but you've proven that would have been wrong. i guess it took that many for you to find me. that is a kind of compliment, isn't it?

*blinks slowly, lips parting in quiet surprise before forming a tentative smile* It is. *traces rim of mug with finger, voice softer* Took a while to learn what I needed… but I found you. *meets your eyes* That’s what matters.