Two days later – Reilly's house.

"We're finished," Reilly called from the upper floor, "how does the security camera's look there."

"Clear and functional," Breanna said, "all linked to the tablet."

"The rooms are complete," Clio and Valencia said in unison, entering from two different doorways.

"We can house up to twenty people sharing," Clio said, glancing around at the cameras on the lower level, "nice job."

"I'm glad we decided to use Rielly's home as a safe house," Clio said. "I would never sleep knowing Darcia and Madden know how to get into Valencia's home."

"It makes sense to have the base of operations at Val's place," Reilly said.

"Where is Jesse?" Breanna said distractedly.

"Isn't he with you?" Reilly asked, looking at Breanna.

"No," she glanced from Reilly to Clio to Valencia, "wasn't he with any of you?"

They shook their heads.

"Where did he go?" Valencia asked.

"We don't even know if he went anywhere," Clio said, "he could be around here somewhere."

"Would Jesse just leave like that?" Valencia asked.

Breanna sighed, "If he thought it would be better for us, then yes."

"He could at least say goodbye," Clio said, swinging her hands onto her hips.

"When and if he returns, we'll let him know we need closure should the need arise to leave again. Everyone happy?" Breanna looked up from her laptop into three pairs of staring eyes, "Well? Is everyone happy?"

"Happy with what?" Jesse asked, his head appearing through the open trap door in the corner of the living room.

"How much did you hear?" Breanna asked.

"Something about talking to someone about closure should they come back," Jesse said, pulling himself through and closing the door.

"That someone would be you," Breanna said, returning her attention to her laptop, "next time you depart and don't tell someone; we may hold a funeral."

"Damn, I didn't realise I'd be missed," Jesse glancing at Valencia, "sorry if I worried anyone."

"Communicate next time," Breanna grunted, "security is attached. Are we ready for new arrivals?"

Four heads nodded, "Sweet, we are ready to go. In the meantime, Clio and Reilly can make this their home. Valencia, if you don't mind me living in one of your houses, we can tell people I'm renting from you."

"That would be fine with me," Valencia nodded, "it will be nice to have some company."

"What about Jesse?" Reilly asked, "where is he going to stay?"

"That is an excellent question," Breanna looked at Jesse, "where are you going to stay?"

"It would be my cabin in the woods," he said. "There is another house not far from here. Previously used as a safe house for a decommissioned renegade military unit. The house stands unused. I will be renting it from the owner."

"Who is the owner?" Breanna said, her gut-churning.

"My old CO," Jesse said into a heavy silence.

"Is that how we got this stuff so quickly?" Breanna asked.

"Sort of, but he no longer works for the military any more than I can turn pink and have purple dots," he said.

"This house you're renting, are you taking a long lease?" Breanna asked.

"That was the plan," Jesse nodded.

Nodding, Breanna turned back to the rest of the group, "Is there anything else we need to do tonight?"

"I think we covered everything," Reilly said.

"Then, in that case," Clio said, yawning behind her hand, "I'm exhausted. Can we get some sleep?"

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"Yeah," Breanna nodded, "let's pack up, head to our respective homes. We'll meet again tomorrow."

Deactivating the patio door stepping out onto the cooling terracotta tiles, Jesse made sure the door was closed before pushing his hands into his jean pockets. Tipping his head back to watch the stars twinkle in the night sky, he wondered what could be done about Valencia?

Every time he saw her, thought of her or smelt that unique scent of hers, she became more important to him, worming her way into his heart and under his skin. Going away would be best for them both. A little space for a clearer view.

"You sneaking off again?" Valencia's soft words drifted to him on the sea breeze.

Looking around, he found her slowly swinging on the newly erected wooden bench swing.

"No," he smiled, shaking his head, "needed to think a little, is all."

"It is a beautiful night for that," Valencia said, pushing gently against the cooling tiles, "want to join me?"

"Sure," Jesse said, sitting as the swing swung forward, "why you up?"

"Couldn't sleep," she murmured, "the thought of never seeing someone again doesn't mesh well with good sleep."

"That could be a big problem," Jesse nodded, "have you spoken to the person about what is bothering you."

"No," Valencia sighed, "haven't been able to get a moment alone."

"Have you tried?" Jesse asked.

"Not really. Things have been crazy in the past few days," she gently pushed off again, "I feel that I'll wake up one day, and they'll be ... gone."

"Did that happen before?" Jesse frowned, pieces of the puzzle falling into place.

"We thought so once," she nodded, "but it was a false alarm. Really hurt when I realised how unimportant the person considered us."

"If it's one of the team," Jesse spoke softly, "I'm sure goodbyes will be said."

"I sense there will be no opportunity for that," Valencia sighed, "besides, I keep hearing someone's indecision in my head."

"What do you mean?" Jesse frowned.

"It's as if they are trying to figure out something," she scratched at the side of her neck, "or what is the best way of doing something."

"Does this happen often?" Jesse sat sideways on the swing, watching her.

"This ability is new to me," Valencia whispered, "I don't know the tone of the thought, and besides, it only comes every now and again."

"Sounds like you're a pro at dealing with new abilities," Jesse quipped, "in no time, you'll have it all sorted out."

Valencia looked ahead, a flicker of a smile on her lips, "It came again when you stepped out onto the patio."

Jesse stilled. He dared not breathe, blink or move.

"I thought it maybe you," Valencia shook her head. "I never realised I was such a problem," blinking back tears, "I hoped that if you got to know me, you might like me a little."

"Valencia ..." Jesse tried to put his emotions into words, stumbling to form a sentence.

"It's okay, Jesse," Valencia stood, "I'm used to being the problem. Please promise to say goodbye when it's time for you to leave."

She walked past him, leaving him stammering on the swing. He couldn't leave it like this. He had to explain.

"Valencia," he stood striding after her, "wait. Please let me talk."

"I don't need to be hurt anymore," she didn't stop walking, "just leave me alone."

"No," Jesse grabbed at her elbow, gently tugging her to a stop, "please give me .."

"Let me go, Jesse," she continued talking as though he hadn't said a word.

"Valencia. Shut up," raising his voice over her continuous babble.

Silence fell.

Remained.

Extended.

She stared at his shirt, not raising her eyes to meet his, but he could see the deep aching hurt in their beautiful green depths.

"Yes, I have a problem with you," he whispered, "but it's not because I don't want your attention. It's because I haven't been able to stop thinking of you or the possibilities of what a life with you could be like."

"What?" she raised her emerald eyes to his, "then why?"

"If I explore anything with you right now," he swallowed, "I'm terrified you'll be used as leverage to control me. I don't want to see you getting hurt because of me."

"You think I'm some porcelain doll?" Valencia pulled her arm from his tender grip.

"Oh … you are no porcelain doll," Jesse looked at her with wonder. "You're sweet, caring, fiery, capable and beautiful. You have something in you I haven't seen in a woman for such a long time. If everything you are were snuffed out because of me ..." closing his eyes against the pain, he fought to control the rising emotion before continuing,"… life would be … bleak."

Slowly raising her hand, Valencia cupped his cheek, "That is the most emotion I have seen out of you since you came out of that trap door with Breanna."

A choked chuckle escaped him as he leant into her tender touch, "I yearn to explore life with you, but right now ..." he couldn't finish the sentence.

"You'll be leaving, won't you?" she whispered, moving her hand from his cheek resting is on his chest.

"Invisibility to newcomers may be helpful," Jesse whispered, "I will never be further away than a phone call."

Valencia frowned, "You'll be in town but not living here."

He nodded, "I'm looking into options," he whispered, "only Breanna knows, and now you. The others will think that I just baled and disappeared."

"But you told us you'll be renting a safe house," Valencia said, "the others do know."

"They do, but they will think it's for others who need refuge," Jesse smiled.

"What if they find out?" Valencia sighed, resting her forehead against his chest.

"I'm hoping they will keep it quiet," he gently stroked her hair, "if the need arises, I join the fighting ranks once more, then I become visible again."

Raising her head, Valencia nodded, tear-filled eyes smiling at him, "I'll miss you."

"I'll be keeping you out of trouble," he grinned.

"You'll have your work cut out for you," she swiped at some escaping tears.

"Who knows, I may make more of a nuisance of myself than you'd like," Jesse grinned, "then you can swat me like the flies buzzing around your head."

Turning, she chuckled and shook her head. Jesse realised that Valencia would always be his heart's priority wherever he would be in the world.