𝓕𝒐𝒓𝒈𝒆𝒕-𝒎𝒆-𝒏𝒐𝒕

𝓒𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝓕𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒕𝒆𝒆𝒏

Sam walked into the lounge clinging tightly to Face's hand, something that didn't go unnoticed by Hannibal.  "Did we not have a conversation earlier about Sam being off limits to you Lieutenant" he barked angrily.

On the couch Murdock cuddled in closer to Trixy. He could see how angry Hannibal was and had also noticed the determined look Face had too. This was not going to be pleasant. B.A. had sensed it too and got up to stand behind the couch, placing his hand on Murdock's shoulder.

As Hannibal barked Face felt Sam grip his hand even harder. All he could do was squeeze back to remind her he was there for her.  She took a deep breath and looked at Hannibal.  "Stop it!  I'm old enough to know what I want and if I decide that I want to start something with Temp then I will."  Sam knew that she was treading a fine line and didn't want to ruin anything between the Team.  "However all he's been is a friend.  We've talked a lot today and he's been the voice of logic for me.  Now I suggest you get used to seeing the two of us together because right now I feel like he's the only thing keeping me going."  She turned to Face.  "I'm sorry but this was a mistake.  I should never have told him."

Face put his hand on her cheek.  "You've come this far.  Don't quit on me now."

She rested her head on his chest and he held her tight, gently stroking her back.  "It's too much" she sobbed.

Face looked over at Hannibal and gave him a look almost daring him to say something but the older man stood silently watching them.

"We should go and leave you to talk" said Murdock getting up.

Sam quickly turned to look at him.  "No Murdock.  We're all going to be living together so you deserve to know what's going on.  Now sit down" she said firmly as she wiped her eyes.

"There's my girl" Face whispered into her ear. 

She nodded at him and turned around in his arms so she was facing Hannibal while Face locked both arms around her waist and rested his head on her shoulder.  "Okay I can do this.  Hannibal as far as I'm concerned the fact you are my biological father means nothing to me.  It's just science.  You are still a friend but that's it.  I'm not looking for a father right now.  I had an incredible Dad for twenty five years and I don't want anything to ruin my memory of him.  Now we're going to be stuck in this house for weeks so I need you to accept that along with the fact that I don't want to discuss it any further.  As soon as I leave this room the subject is off limits - just like you made Temp to me."  Sam gently pulled Face's arms away and walked out of the room without looking back.  All they heard was Sam calling Storm and then both of them going outside.

"Boss what are you going to do" asked Murdock.

Hannibal walked over to the fire and stood staring at it.  "Apparently nothing.  I had a daughter and then lost her again.  I guess I was never meant to be a parent."

Murdock got up and went over to Face.  "Can't you talk to her?  She could at least give him a chance" he asked his friend quietly.

Face shrugged his shoulders.  "I can't tell her what to do.  She knows her own mind HM."
❧
For a couple of hours Face had stood by the window looking out for Sam to come back but there was no sign of her.  The snow was starting to fall harder and the light was starting to fade.  He was just about to go and look for her when he saw something that stopped his heart.  Storm was running back to the house alone.  "Guys there's trouble" he called as he ran to the front door.  The dog was outside barking loudly.  Face opened the door and Storm ran in and began barking again.  "Something must have happened" said Face grabbing his coat.

"We'll all go" said Hannibal.

"No you stay here" said Face.  "I'll take the horse and follow Storm."