#fenixtj

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Jessica finds Duff in a hallway of her hold

Not if she can help it.....

"Jessica? It's been over a week annd a half? Can we talk?"

She hesitates.

Torn.

"In the kitchen."

And they go in to the kitchen

Jess gets a mug of coffee and stands against the wall, waiting.

He gets one as well "Jessica... I miss you." He sips "And I hope you miss me too. "

"To be honest, you almost didn't miss me, but I appreciate the warning. It helped."

"Ah, " A brow, then a nod "I was doing anyway. I'm glad you told me. " A frown into his cup "I'm sorry if you came close to being hurt."

A shrug.

"I've been closer."

"True" A nod "You are fearless in danger. Yes. I'm at war againn. It passes the time" A sip

"Don't let it become a County matter," evenly.

"Jessica, I was doing this long before there was a county" He replies calmly

"And now there is a county."

"Is this an ultimatium?" A brow "And is it coming from the Countess or tthe woman I love? "

"Don't make me make it an ultimatum, whoever I am. To you, or anyone else. I know what comes first for me. You do too."

"We all have our firsts, Jessica. You know I'm at war, what I do. Why would I stop when I believe waht I'm doing is right?"

She watches him for a long moment without expression. "You almost killed a troll in that explosion."

A frown "There was no troll there when it was set"

A shrug. She sets down her mug (untasted) "Anything else?"

He notices this "Yes. I wanted to apologgize, again, for my short sighted ness with the Dauntain. I have reasons for what I did, but I do realize it may nnot have been the best play"

She nods.

"Thank you for your apology."

A frown then "I'm gglad Luis is well."

"Yes."

A brow, then "Jessica. The break?" reminding her of the subject

"What about it?

"I'd like for us to be a couple again. I miss you" He says honestly "And I hope you missed me too"

"I'm not ready for that."

"Well' He says, stoicly "I can'tt say this news makes me happy. but.." A shrug "What is, is"

Another nod.

"How are the kids?"

"They are very well. Would you like to see them?"

A smile breaks on his face, "I would actually. Gracious."

She nods. "Maria? Please show Duff to the girls."

Maria nods "Yes. Are you sure you don't wish to see them as well, Jessica?"

"I'll meet with them later."

She stands away from the counter."

Duff gives her a sad linggeringg look, then says "Thank you, Marie" And heads off with her

Leaving Jessica..alone

Nope; she has things to do, and heads out to do them.

Patrol, if nothing else.

And Patrol she does