Rating: G
Part 1� �
Tommy Boy took off her reading glasses. "The last one," she commented out loud. She had been reading code all evening. She had made it through her "in" bin of copies of print outs of works in progress of games and material under her command.
She missed the days of playing with the hardware. She thought back to the times of building the first World Watch One in the old Victorian house. She chuckled thinking how big it was compared to what they were using now. The server they used now was 1/20th the size of what they used then.
The clock on her desk read 1:05. She had been sitting there for five hours. But, she thought, what did she have to go back to? Rawhide had been avoiding their bed. In fact, she had moved back into her room pretty much two weeks ago. He stayed up working on his own office, in his lab, or hanging out with some of the guys. Ever since their discussion, he had been dodging her It frustrated her to see things come to an end but it had to be said, she wouldn't regret that.
Turning on the lap top computer, she signed on to the instant messaging that was set up for BBI's. She had a small list that she had on her personal list that she liked to chat with occasionally. Looking over the on line list, she saw that Thunder was on.
� � Tommyboy: Hello
� � A few seconds and a response come back.
� � Thunder: Hey Darlin'! What are you doing up so late?
� � Tommyboy: Just got done with the paperwork.
� � Thunder: Yuck! I know the feeling�?�
� � Tommyboy: You are on kind of late yourself.
� � Thunder: As I said, I know the feeling�?� finishing paperwork.
� � Tommy Boy smiled. She liked Thunder. His time in their group she had found herself liking him. At one point she had gone to him for advice when she wanted to keep things away from Buckaroo and Rawhide. It was rough when they practically knew her inside and out and she needed an outside opinion. She trusted him.
Buckaroo had sent them out on some mission, making up Alpha group when Rawhide was reassigned to Beta after Slugo's passing. Some times you had to act a part to find the ones that you needed to find. She had dated some while at MIT and some while she was on the run from her grandmother, she had lived reckless and even almost experienced the best thing of life, but it was not meant to be. After meeting up with Buckaroo and Rawhide, she didn't trust men in regards to relationships. But soon she found herself trusting Rawhide. Now, she sighed, she lost him. But Thunder had showed her a few things that she never expected and she always to remain friends with him.
� � Thunder: You are being quiet.
� � Tommy Boy smiled, then she answered him.
� � Tommyboy: Just reliving a memory. :)
� � Thunder: Good I hope.
� � Tommyboy: When you kissed me during our acting scene to catch Elderone.
� � Thunder: lol, I never seen a girl blush so much.
� � Tommyboy: You did take my breath away.
� � Thunder: Why are you thinking about the kiss, if I may ask? ;-)
� � Tommyboy: things are not fairing well in the land of Camelot.
� � Thunder: What's up?
� � Tommy Boy thought on how much she wanted to tell him.
� � Tommyboy: I've moved back in to my room. Rawhide and I are not doing well. I think we are breaking up.
� � Thunder: He loves you. I know he does.
� � Tommyboy: That might be true, but we are at a point we need to move on or go on our own ways I think.
� � Thunder: TB. I'm sorry to hear that.
� � Tommyboy: You are the only one I've told this to. I think most people are being polite, seeing what is going on but not commenting directly. I've been working late trying not to think about it.
� � Thunder: Avoiding is not a way to deal with it.
� � Tommyboy: I know. But right now, it seems the only choice. Hey, when are you teaching here at the Institute?
� � Thunder: (avoiding the issue but I'll answer your question) Buckaroo asked me to teach next quarter. That was what I was working on. Seems we need a course on espionage.
� � Tommyboy: It's been forever since I've seen you.
� � Thunder: Three weeks.
� � Tommyboy: I've missed our talks.
� � Thunder: So have I. Well darlin', it's time for me to check a few things and head to bed. I advise you to do the same. It's late.
� � Tommyboy: Throwing me out too?
� � Thunder: Never darlin', but we both have work in the morning.
� � Tommyboy: Yes we do. I'll keep an eye out for you in three weeks.
� � Thunder: count on it. Be good and I'll talk to you soon. If you need me, really, you have my number. Like that would stop you being the hacker guru of the institute.
� � Tommyboy: I'm not as good as I used to be, these up and comers are quick. If things get out of hand, I'll call. I promise.
� � Thunder: nite.
� � Tommyboy: nite.
� � She signed off and sat there for a moment, looking at the screen saver. She understood why Rawhide acted the way he was. It just disappointed her that he, after all their time together, still had not changed his mind. He had been married before joining up with Buckaroo. He had vowed he would not marry again.
� � But everyone had them paired from the start. They worked well together. Over the years they had found their love, and shown it to great heights. They had endured much and their bond had been tested beyond normal grounds.
� � However now, she had talked to him that she thought they needed to move on to make it permanent. She was the who wanted commitment. She wanted a child but didn't want one born out of wedlock. Matters just got worse from there between the two of them. He wouldn't come to bed, would leave a room when she entered. She could get a hint. She didn't push him anymore. She knew the strain was from her start of the conversation, so she backed off. Backed off to the point of moving out of their room and giving him ample space.
Closing down her lap top she stood, turning off the desk lamp. She never thought she would feel so old and so lonely. She pulled on her sweatshirt and left her office to head to the bunkhouse to go sleep in a lonely bed.
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Part 2
Tommy Boy was running the cross-country course that ran around the perimeter of the institute. She ran it at least once a week to keep up her reflexes in dealing with different terrain.
She had woken up at dawn. It was still strange to her to wake up in an empty bed; so long she had shared hers with Rawhide. A week ago she had looked at herself in the mirror and decided she needed to make a few changes in her life.
Looking in the mirror, Tommy Boy felt all of her thirty-two years. She still looked good and kept in shape but things were not right. She decided on one change: to cut her hair. She had gone into town and had her trademark long hair shortened to a pixie cut. When she had returned to the institute the reaction was shock, no one had ever seen her with short hair. After the initial shock, people thought it was a good move for her. The only reaction she got from Rawhide, however, was a look, a grunt, and then he went back to what he was doing.
She also had gotten a call from two designers in New York to walk the catwalk in the upcoming summer line. She had turned down requests over the years to work; maybe it would be good to get out there again. She had done it in the earlier years for money to help fund the institute, and get publicity. It was easy work and again, good publicity for the Institute, maybe get them to play some of the new music tracks off the new Cavaliers album.
She ran through the woods, dodging roots and obstacles with care as she mentally ran through the obstacles of her life.
The cowboy was still avoiding her. Three weeks he had kept their contact to a minimum. Tommy Boy thought back to the board meeting that had taken place a few days ago.
** ** ** **
Buckaroo looked over his papers and saw that the reviewed everything he wanted to discuss. "That's all folks. See you in two weeks.�?? The group of residents and head of departments got up to leave. "Tommy Boy? Can I talk to you for a moment.�??
Tommy Boy sat back down. She knew this would be coming. Buckaroo had not been at the Institute for a few weeks, doing lectures out of the London office. But now that he was back for a few days, and had time for the rumor mill to catch up to him, he was bound to know that something was up between her and Rawhide.
Buckaroo stayed in his seat and asked Tommy Boy, "What is going on between you two?�??
She shrugged. "Guess we've ran our course.�?? That was the only thing she could say in answer to the whole situation.
"You and Rawhide had spent to much time trying to get into this relationship,�?? Buckaroo pointed out.
"A relationship without commitment,�?? Tommy Boy looked up at him. "I want more from him than what he's willing to give me now.�??
"You knew that going in.�?? Buckaroo tried to tell her. He knew what Tommy Boy meant, however, he thought Rawhide would change his mind in the mean time.
"That was fine in my twenties. But now, I'm getting older. I want something. I thought maybe he would see.�?? She stood up and walked over to the window. She looked out to the spring filled day. " If he loves me, he would see that.�?? She turned to look at Buckaroo. "I want a child Buck. A child deserves two people in their life. I refuse to trick him in to it. But he seems so adamant. I think I'm going to have to cut my losses now and see if there is hope for me out there.�??
Buckaroo didn't know what to say other than, "I'm sorry Tommy Boy.�??
"Not as sorry as I am. I love him but�?��?? With a heavy sigh she looked back out the window, "I guess things were not to be.�??
** ** ** **
Tommy Boy ran along the path. She didn't like having that conversation with Buckaroo. It was admitting to your father that the man you had deemed worthy of your love had been untrue. She stopped running. How she hated the position she was in. She wished she could hit something, but there were only trees around her. Then she heard overhead, rotors. Someone was coming into the institute by helicopter.
She ran to the clearing to see what was coming in. The Institute had a helipad and housed four helicopters. She saw a personal helicopter coming in. It was rumored that Buckaroo was taking an interest in the concept. There were only a few people she knew outside the Institute that might be able to get their hands on such a machine. One of them was �?� Thunder.
The helipad was not far. She headed toward the hangars. The rotors were slowing when she made it to the pad. Tony and Skeeter were coming out of the office, admiring the machine that sat before them. Tommy Boy stood at the edge of the pad, keeping a safe distance.
The pilot looked at her and threw her a mock salute. She smiled back at him. He opened the cockpit door and stepped out. Reaching back in he pulled out a duffle bag and then a briefcase.
Tommy Boy came up beside him. "Howdy stranger.�??
Thunder turned and gave her a once over. "I like it, Darlin'.�?? He went to touch the side of her hair.
"Thanks, it was time for a change.�??
Thunder nodded to that.
"That was a nice entrance.�??
Thunder shrugged in mock modesty. "I aim to make one every once in a while. Buckaroo wanted to check this baby out, so I thought I would lend a hand and bring one up.�??
Tommy Boy started her walk around the aircraft. She flew and had co piloted with Thunder on occasion. She did admit that he had the skill and finesse to handle anything that moved. She came to stand by Thunder once more. "Nice looking machine.�??
"Only the best.�??
� Tommy Boy smiled and nodded, that phrase held several meanings to her.
� "Care to escort me to my room?�?? he asked. He picked up his duffle and put it on his shoulder and picked up his briefcase.
� "Sure. Where are you bunking?�??
"Mrs. J. told me I'm in Resident Hall A, room 101.�??
Tommy Boy snickered. "Party hall.�?? She called out the nickname for the dorm.
"I told her I wanted quiet.�??
"Well you have to remember, last time you were here the last room you had wound up with a hole in the wall.�??
"That bomb was not my doing. You tell these interns not to test me.�??
Tommy Boy smiled. It had been a mess. A few interns what were in his last class decided they would test their teacher. However, the teacher had been called away on a small venture with some of the other BBI's. No one knew that there was an active bomb in his room. It had gone off, situated under his bed, sending the outer wall out. "Face it, you do have a to say it's an adventure in being here.�??
"Insanity,�?? he replied, with a smile. It was an insanity he was looking forward to, if just of a little while.
"It might be insanity, but this is my reality.�??
They walked along the tree path. The dorm was one of the first buildings that had been built at the institute. Tommy Boy showed him where his room was, just inside on the first floor. She opened the door and held it open for him.
The room was a simple room, twin bed on one wall, a desk opposite. A closet was to their left of the door and across from the door was a large window; amenities that were offered to residents of the Institute. The Interns had a rougher existence.
Tommy Boy closed the door. Thunder put his duffle on the bed and his briefcase on the desk. Tommy Boy leaned against the door watching him.
"How are you doing?�?? he asked.
Tommy Boy shrugged her shoulders.
"That's not an answer.�??
"What do you want to know?�??
Thunder leaned against the desk and folded his arms. "You tell me.�?? Tommy Boy didn't like the scrutiny that Thunder was putting her under. She cleared her throat and stood straighter. "Things are the same since last we talked.�??
"You two are still avoiding each other.�??
"I'm not avoiding him,�?? she defended herself.
"You moved back into your room didn't you? You rarely have been going to the resident dinners. You are avoiding him as much as he is avoiding you. Or if not him, the situation.�??
"What am I supposed to do? He won't talk to me about it. He distances himself when I'm in the same room with him. He hasn't publicly said one thing about this situation.�??
"What do you want out of this?�??
Tommy Boy looked down and walked forward. "I want him to say he loves me and will never let me go. But that will never happen.�??
"So what are you planning on doing about it?�??
"To cut my losses. To find someone who will care about me. But that is another problem.�??
"Another problem?�??
"I can't leave here. If I leave the institute I'm as good as dead.�??
"Not necessarily so.�??
She turned to him and gave him a look. "How do you think differently? My twin brother was in Xan's army. I'm marked for death just as much as Buckaroo is. I can't leave the protection this place offers.�??
"If you want something, you can achieve it.�??
"Some things are not achievable. Look at me and Rawhide. I want to find what it's like to be a mother. But I will not trick him into it.�?? She sat down on the bed. "I just need to stop thinking and forget all this for awhile.�??
"Yes you do. And since I'll be here a few weeks. I'll help you forget. How about dinner out tonight? Sounds like you could use a little of Thunder's patented brand of insanity.�??
"Living on the edge of danger aren't we?�??
"Well, I've always had this weakness for blonds.�?? Tommy Boy smiled. "That's my Darlin'.�??
�??Do you really think it's a good idea?�??
"Yup. A diversion is in order.�??
"Good, I'll pick you up at your room at seven.�??
Tommy Boy stood up and walked over to him. He unfolded his arms and took her into an embrace. "I may not be able to help you with Rawhide, but I can be there for you. Remember that.�??
Tommy Boy settled to be hugged for a few moments. It felt good. "Thank you.�?? Reluctantly she pulled back and looked up at him. "I'm off to shower and get ready for work. I'll see you tonight.�??
"Count on it.�??
Tommy Boy went to the door and looked back at him. "Thanks for being here.�??
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rated: PG-13
Part 3
Thunder put his clothes away in the closet and drawers. He had a ten o'clock appointment to meet with Buckaroo to discuss the helicopter and the class. He had already reviewed the students' dossiers that had been forwarded to him.
What got to him that they were all wet behind the ears young prodigies, in his opinion, the best of the brightest. The institute always attracted them. The trick was making them realize that as smart as they were, they didn't know everything. If he could make them realize that, he could teach them something.
His stomach reminded him that he had not had breakfast. Checking that he had what he needed he made his way to the main building of the Institute.
The refectory was busy for eight in the morning. While he picked up a tray he heard a whistle. He chuckled. Before turning around, he knew who had whistled. Only Perfect Tommy would catch his attention with the first bar of "Just Because You Have The Right, That don't Make It Right" from the Hong Kong Cavaliers second album. Furthermore, it was a sad, lamenting tune, and who else but Perfect Tommy would whistle it in such an upbeat tempo? He looked behind him to see that Perfect Tommy and Rawhide were sitting down to their meal. Tommy waved him over, pointing to an empty seat. Thunder nodded, pointed to the serving area and went into the line.
Now was the time to see if he would hear anything of news from the other side.
He grabbed some eggs, sausage and a container of chocolate milk. He made his way to where Rawhide and Perfect Tommy were. They nodded as he sat down.
Perfect Tommy smiled at him, "Howdy stranger."
"Morning," he told. "Rawhide."
"Thunder." Rawhide picked up his coffee and sipped it. "Saw that you'll be in for a few weeks."
"Teaching a class."
Perfect Tommy laughed, "Not going to blow up anything this time are you?"
"That was not my fault." Thunder pointed out once again, with exaggerated patience.
"See you have a new toy," Rawhide commented.
"Buckaroo expressed interest, and asked me to bring it up for a demonstration."
"Something else for Tommy Boy to learn." Perfect Tommy laughed, oblivious to the stares of the other two. She loved to fly. Once Buckaroo sent her in for her lessons when she first joined on with them, they hadn't been able to keep her out of a cockpit for long. There was something about a rush similar to riding her motorcycle.
Rawhide nodded his head. "Give that woman with speed and she's in her element."
Thunder nodded. At least Rawhide wasn't putting her down. "She does well." Thunder agreed.
"She learns from the best." Rawhide continued. "So you are teaching espionage to some of the interns here. That will be interesting. What will the final exam be? Infiltrating the Institute?"
Thunder looked at Rawhide, to see if there was a meaning behind that particular scenario. Thunders own infiltration of the institute while an NSA agent had been a bone of contention between the two for many years. Their recent reconciliation notwithstanding, it was not beyond human nature to still harbor some ill feelings, nor to bring it up over other tensions.
Thunder could not decide if Rawhide had meant anything by it, and decided to let it go. No sense forcing the issue. "That would be a good idea wouldn't it, see if they could out do the best of the best residents that are on security detail."
"Make Pinky stay on his toes. You know, he has been getting lax in his work lately." Perfect Tommy chimed in.
"Well I'll discuss that with Buckaroo when I see him at ten."
The men laughed at the thought of some green interns coming up on Pinky and his crew.
Rawhide brought them to a different conversation point. "See that you and Tommy Boy have Studio One booked."
Perfect Tommy nodded. "Yeah, she has two songs she wants to work out with a few of us."
"Glad to see she's doing something." Rawhide commented. Thunder looked hard at Rawhide. There was no mistaking the meaning there.
Perfect Tommy glanced at Thunder than back at Rawhide. "What's up with you two? If it gets any colder between you two, there literally will be an iceberg in New Jersey."
Thunder could feel that Rawhide was holding back because of him. "That's my cue to leave." Thunder stood up. He looked at the cowboy, "I know we have our differences in regard to the subject matter." Thunder looked to Perfect Tommy, "See you later."
"See ya' Thunder."
They watched him empty his tray and left the refectory.
Perfect Tommy looked at Rawhide. "You better make up your mind quick. He may not admit it, not even to himself, but it's pretty obvious how he feels about her."
Rawhide sat back, still looking at the doors. "I know. Damn, why did he have to come now. I don't know half of what I should be doing."
"Well, you better think of something fast. I'd trust Thunder with my life, and I know for a fact that he'd never do anything improper while the two of you are together, but the way you have been treating Tommy, she might decide to go to him."
Rawhide mentally agreed with Perfect Tommy. The stakes were higher now. Damn, the timing couldn't get any worse.
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Rating : PG-13
Part 4
Tommy Boy jogged to the bunkhouse. It was good to see Thunder and she relaxed a little knowing he was there. She would have stayed in that hug if she didn't have to change and be ready for a meeting by nine.
She bounded up the main stairs and found Pecos in the common room. Tommy Boy opened the fridge and pulled out a single serving of milk to drink before heading to her room and showering.
"Like that smile," Pecos said. "Rawhide finally stop being a grump?"
Tommy Boy moved to lean against the counter. Pecos was sitting at the table eating her breakfast. "Haven't seen him in two days. Thunder just got in." Tommy Boy's voice lightened with the last part. Pecos nodded but held her tongue in comment.
"What?"
"Rawhide, you and Thunder don't go in the same sentence. They don't even go in the same paragraph."
"Oh come on Pecos, cut me some slack. You know Thunder is a good guy."
"I know he is and he likes you. I don't know what got Rawhide more in a tizzy, Thunder and you talking all the time, or that fact that he was a NSA officer. Rawhide doesn't like to share you."
"He never has shared me, though I think I can say a few times that Rawhide was a bit to human."
"Any way, you and Rawhide are at an inroads, and now Thunder is here. This will be an interesting visit."
Tommy Boy sipped her milk then decided at ask her friend a question. "Pecos, answer this for me. Do you think Rawhide loves me?"
� Pecos looks surprised. "If anyone was more in love than Peggy and Buckaroo it's you two. I forget how many times you have saved each others butt and been there for each other."
� "Do you think it's wrong of me to ask for a formal commitment from him?"
� Pecos knew that one of the reasons there wasn't a ring on her finger was Rawhide was set against marrying again. No one knew what had happened before he joined the Institute but that was something that was between her and Rawhide. "I thought things were fine between you two."
� "It was till I started thinking. I want a baby Pecos. I'm not getting any younger but I don't want one out of marriage. It wouldn't be fair to him nor the baby."
� "What did he say to that?"
� Tommy Boy finished her milk and threw away the container. "That he made his stand against marriage. Funny thing, I didn't hear a �??I love you' in that speech. Guess I need to cut my losses with him and find someone else if I want to have a child."
� "But you love him." Pecos knew that to be true.
� "I do, and always will. But maybe I'm asking something too much from him? It just drives me nuts that he can't convey that to me. Instead I'm getting the silent treatment."
� "And now Thunder is here."
� Tommy Boy smiled at the thought. "If there was one person that I could fall back on, it would be him. But then I'm in trouble. He doesn't like being tied down either. He has a life outside the Institute. You know I can't leave here."
� "But If Buckaroo thought it would be prudent, he would offer him his spot back."
� Tommy Boy shrugged, "I haven't gotten that far yet. I want to enjoy being with him for a few weeks."
� "You really are going to give up on Rawhide aren't you?" It was a statement not a question. "Your mind is made up about this."
� "I really don't know. Guess time will tell." She stood up. "Need to shower and get ready for my meeting."
Pecos watched as Tommy Boy headed out of the room. She knew that Rawhide loved her. She would have to mention something to Reno and see if he could talk to Rawhide.
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