Rory didn't wanna get out of bed the next morning, but she forced herself to. She knew if she didn't, Jessica would come barging into her room to make sure she was okay.

Her face was still red and hot. The kiss between her and Decha was still on her mind. Her thoughts went wild, and she couldn't sleep well. She tossed and turned in bed constantly, wondering what Decha's action meant.

It was her first kiss. Her first kiss was with a General, an Astellian man. Someone she had a crush on.

Just the thought of it made her ears steam. She was hesitant, but she preferred to be at the kitchen table rather than having Jessica ask her questions about her velvet-colored cheeks. She didn't even bother to check herself in the mirror.

Her hair was a mess, a thick coily wild Afro, but it didn't matter to her. Only Jessica and Avon and a couple of housemaids would be there. The Generals guarding the home were always outside, and Decha and Mr. Chen were most likely at work already.

She made her way into the kitchen still distracted by the memory of Decha's soft lips against hers. She paid no attention and bumped into the wall a couple of times before finally sitting down at the dining table.

Already out on display and prepared were boiled eggs, soft fluffy loaves of bread in a basket, a jar of honey, pan-fried pork belly slices, and porridge.

Rory took some of the bread and broke it in half. She drizzled some honey on top of it and then took a piece of the pork. When she began to eat, her mind drifted back to Decha.

Was it bad that she wanted more from him? She knew that he was an Astellian General, someone who was very worthy of respect and authority, someone who was in a much more elevated position than she would ever reach.

She wanted to respect his position and his boundaries. But lately, she wanted to be selfish. She wanted him to be a part of her life. Selfishness was a bad thing, but was it really so bad in this scenario?

After all, he kissed her first. What else was she supposed to think? Did that mean he liked her? Did he do it because he pitied her? What were his intentions?

Rory's eyes drifted off her plate to the seat next to her. She frowned. Decha was on her mind so much that morning that she was even starting to see him in front of her. "Stupid hallucination," Rory growled.

"Morning," The figure of Decha responded. Rory blinked once, and he was still there. She blinked again, and Decha's figure began reaching for a bread loaf. It took her a moment to realize that the person next to her was actually him, and not just an imaginary being.

Rory jumped up, in shock. "Decha!" She gasped and placed her hands over her head. She was embarrassed by her appearance. "Oh my gosh!"

"Relax," Decha rolled his eyes. "I'm not here to take all the food."

"What are you doing here!?"

"I told you before, I live here." Decha took a bite of his bread and leaned on the back of the chair.

"I have to um... I need to check on my—"

"Sit down," Decha shook his head.

"I can't. I look... I uh..."

Decha grabbed her shoulder and nudged her back into her seat. "Eat." Was all he said before taking a scoop of eggs and tossing it into a small plate in front of him.

The eerie air brushed against Rory's skin, causing her to get chills. What if he noticed the red on her face? What if he thought she had a fever? After that kiss, she wanted to stay away from him as far as possible.

Why? Because she felt that she liked him too much.

"I'm going to speak with your father today. When I go in," Decha spoke softly before taking a long sip of water out of the glass. "It'll be a formal interrogation."

"Oh?" Rory tensed up.

"It means we have to make sure he's connected with the bombs. That includes questioning the motive."

Rory felt a lump in her throat. Her mind was so focused on the kiss that she completely forgot about her father being arrested.

Now she had another thing to worry about. The petition and court order. Also, the likelihood of her father being executed.

"I'll bring up the photos you've shown me when I ask him. Although all the evidence points to him, there is still a procedure the Agency will follow. Too much evidence can look suspicious."

"Are you saying that you think that he's not the culprit?" Rory's heart almost stopped.

"I'm saying that he may not be the only one involved," Decha sighed. "I won't jump to any conclusions until I get the answers I need. Even so, if your father is guilty, I won't allow him to have an unfair trial in court."

"You..." Rory huffed in surprise. "You won't?"

"I'll convince the Council to place an unbiased judge over his case—" Decha barely finished his sentence when Rory wrapped her arms over his shoulders and formed a tight embrace.

The hug was from behind, and her skin pressed against the side of his face. Decha was warmed up by the action.

"Thank you," Rory muttered softly. "Thank you so much!" Her gratitude for his statement was immeasurable. She felt relieved that he was being considerate of her words.

Instead of acting oddly at the touch, he sunk into the hug and a faint smile spread across his face. As much as he hated receiving affection, he was starting to warm up to Rory's. It was like he didn't mind it.

"Your food is getting cold." Decha teased her. Rory unwrapped her arms and looked back at the table. "I'm sure the chefs worked very hard to prepare breakfast. Jessica won't like it to go to waste."

"You're right!" Rory sat back down in a panic and began taking large portions of everything.

"I'm joking," Decha stopped her when she got to the porridge. "You're on edge today."

"I..." Rory coughed. She wanted to blame him for it. He was the one that kissed her. Then he left her wanting more. Which she felt was a mistake.

But at the same time, she felt like a predator wanting to catch its prey. She wanted to be selfish. Just for once, she wanted to not care about his position or worry about him being an Astellian.

It was weird. It was frustrating. She hated how this man didn't even acknowledge how he was making her feel. And he was being dreamy and nice now.

How dare he tell her to trust him? With those stupidly alluring eyes, and his soft lips and...

Rory slammed her fist on the table, startling Decha. Now her face was even redder.

"You okay?"

"Peachy." Rory groaned. Her thoughts were going to be the death of her.

A brief image appeared in her head. He was sitting right there. If she really wanted, she could just grab him by his shirt collar and kiss him. She was fighting the urge to.

There was also a chance of receiving a tight hug from him. To be in his arms was a nice feeling. But he was annoyed by her embraces, right?

"I'll see you when I get back—" Decha stood up from the table once he was finished eating. Rory swore under her breath. She felt like she was going to miss her chance.

Wait. Her chance with what? Rory was battling her mind. It was selfish of her to do this. It was wrong.

"Wait!" Rory stood up abruptly and grabbed onto his arm. Decha turned to face her, confused by her reaction.

"What's wrong?"

"You... I..." Rory looked to her feet and fiddled with her fingers. What could she say? That she wanted a hug? A kiss? That would be embarrassing to ask him. "I hope you're not annoyed by my presence." Rory puffed.

"What?" Decha raised a brow. He wondered what nonsense she was uttering again.

"I really appreciate all the things you do. I know I'm annoying, I can be a lot to handle. So I don't want you to think I'm only using you. So please forgive my persistence and my naivety. Oh gosh. I'm rambling again! How do you deal with me? Why am I still talking!?" Rory growled.

Decha couldn't understand what she meant by her words, but he was starting to read the signs in her body language.

Rory continued to fidget like she was nervous about something. Her arms were pointed at him like she wanted something from him.

Usually, she rambled whenever she was nervous or unsure of something.

Decha rolled his eyes and yanked Rory forward. He wasn't sure if this is what she wanted, but he knew it was a way of reassuring her. He pulled her into another hug.

Rory was shocked at first. But the moment her ears pressed against his chest, she completely melted in his arms. Her lack of control of her emotions was embarrassing, but at the moment she could care less.

She took in his smell and got lost in the scent. He still smelled like a forest. It wasn't a bad smell, but it was very different from the men in the Brackets.

"Are you calm now?" Decha asked, wanting to know if she felt any less nervous.

"Mhmm," Rory answered and a content grin appeared on her face. She even snuggled closer to him.

Decha wasn't sure how to react to Rory's reciprocal behavior. He could feel her burying her face into his chest. It wasn't until Rory wrapped her arms around his waist that he figured out her intentions.

Rory wanted affection. She wanted him to hug her. But Decha couldn't stay in the position long. He had to get to work. "Rory." He brushed her shoulders gently, but she didn't respond.

"Rory, I have to go." Decha frowned awkwardly. What was he supposed to do in this situation? "Rory..." He groaned and grabbed her arms, snapping her out of her daze. "If you want me to speak with your father, you have to let me get to work. The Agency is giving me a time limit." He chuckled softly.

"Oh." Rory pulled away from him immediately, completely humiliated by her relentlessness. "Sorry."

"I'll be home a bit late, but wait up. We have to talk about your surgery."

"Okay." Rory smiled.

"Don't get any bright ideas while I'm away."

"It won't be easy for me to do that."

"I know," Decha smirked. "Just don't overwork yourself."

Rory looked to her feet. Decha left the kitchen and headed on his way to work. But Rory remained in deep thought about him. "He's just so... handsome when he smiles." Rory giggled softly.

"I heard that." Jessica snorted, walking through the living room door. Rory looked distraught when she saw Jessica smiling at her.

"I didn't— I meant—"

"I know what you meant. Don't hide it from me, silly girl. I know that you're gushing over my son."

"I'm sorry!" Rory blurred out nervously. "I won't get in the way of him finding a wife at a Program. You don't have to worry. If you want, I'll stay away from him—"

"What are you talking about?" Jessica sneered and grabbed both of Rory's hands, and Rory squeaked because of Jessica's firm grip. "My son isn't going to find anyone in the program! You know why?"

Rory shook her head frantically.

"Because of you!" Jessica hissed.

"I'm sorry!"

"Stop apologizing! You're going to marry him!"

"H-Huh?" Rory blinked. Say what now? What was Jessica saying she was gonna do?

"Be honest with me. Do you like him?"

"I... um... I do. But—"

Jessica's evil cackle boomed across the entire dining area. Rory sweatdropped, and felt a chill in the deepest part of her spine.

Then Jessica pulled Rory in for a brief hug. "You're going to marry him. Even if it's my last goal, I'll make it happen. You're going to marry him, then you're going to give me 5 grandchildren. I'll buy you a home next to ours, and after the first 5 grandkids, you'll give me 7 more. I want 7 boys and 5 girls. I want all of them to run around my house, playing with toys and having a good time. No one is going to stop me."

"Um... Mrs. Chen...?"

"Yes, dear?"

"Wouldn't it be better for N96 to marry an Astellian woman similar to his rank?"

"Would it be better for me to lock you and Decha in a room until my wish comes true?"

"N-no!"

"Then there is your answer, my dear." Jessica snickered. "My son is in a heap of trouble. He can act indifferent all he wants, but nothing will stop me from my plans!"

"I don't want 12 kids."

"Don't worry about that, shush." Jessica pressed Rory's head against her bosom. "We'll start with 5. First, we have to go over the 2-year plan. By the end of this month, you are to have your first kiss with him. Then, you guys can play around with each other, but keep yourself pure until marriage. Early next year, I'll already have scheduled a venue for the wedding. It'll be big! Bold! And after 5 months, you and he will start trying for a baby."

"Mrs. Chen..."

"Not now sweetie, your mother-in-law is dreaming big."

~~~

"You're Late." Theodore voiced sharply as Decha walked by him toward the cell where they were holding Jamison until further notice. His tone was laced with bitterness.

"I'm on time." Decha retorted fiercely.

"I'm starting to wonder," Theodore turned his body halfway to face Decha, "I hope this interrogation won't be influenced by the temporary sense of duty you have toward that woman."

"Her name is Rory. She's been staying at the house for a month and a half and you still can't humble yourself to say her name. Most times I could care less, but these days I'm more curious." Decha stopped at the door. Not taking his eyes off the security pad, he straightened his shoulders and tilted his head just a little to the left. "Your position as Director shouldn't crowd your thoughts. I don't want to repeat our laws to you. The ones that protect the Bracketers."

"I understand those laws very well. But you seem to take it too far."

"This interrogation will be completed without a bias toward his nationality. That's how everyone should be treated, no matter the stereotype."

Theodore scoffed but decided to keep quiet. His pride was too heavy. He didn't want to bother arguing with his son.

Decha pressed his finger against the pad, and it began to scan. After a small beep sound, then a click, the door shifted open. The door raised and Decha walked inside.

Jamison was sitting at the table, looking like a complete mess. His shirt was wrinkled and his coat was inside out. He looked like he lost weight since the last time Decha saw him.

Decha plopped himself in the chair and waited for the door to close behind him before he started the conversation. Jamison was still looking at his cuffed hands, trying his best to avoid the intimidating glare Decha was sending him.

"This isn't how I was expecting to see you again..." Decha started and tugged at his uniform collar. "I heard you wanted to see me."

"Rory..." Jamison finally croaked after a moment of silence. "Where is she?"

"Nice try," Decha smirked. "Drop the act, Clarke. No one is going to pity you." He pulled the files on the table closer to him and began skimming over the images and wording.

"You told me she was... safe. But how is she...?"

"She's breathing well. That's all you need to know. Why don't you give me a few details about the bombs? The file says they've found batteries and remote controls that match the panel of explosives."

"If you want anything out of me, you're gonna have to tell me more about my daughter."

"You're in no position to compromise, Clarke."

"Then all of Astell will Perish. Do you really think that the bombs will stop once I'm executed?"

Decha clenched his fists and took a deep breath. He remembered that he was doing this for Rory. With that in mind, he stood up and walked around the table and near Jamison on the other end.

"I'm trying to be kind. But Politeness isn't a skill in my job description." Decha grabbed Jamison by the back of his shirt collar and slammed him onto the table. While the side of Jamison's face was pressed against the hard and cold surface, Decha leaned forward and scowled.

"The only reason why I'm holding so much restraint isn't that you have the upper hand. Right now, I want to kill you. But I'm choosing not to."

Jamison grunted in pain when Decha pinned more of his weight against him.

With a soft sigh, Decha released Jamison and clenched his fists. Jamison started to cough when he sat back in his seat.

"Rory wants to see you." Decha crossed his arms.

At hearing that statement, Jamison widened his eyes at Decha. "Does she... know?"

"Oh, she knows." Decha clenched his jaw. "She knows that you're locked up here. The only reason I am willing to listen to you is because of her. She thinks you're innocent."

Jamison looked to his feet, ashamed. "My poor little girl. She must be terrified."

"Terrified is not the word I'd use to describe what she's going through."

"Is she taking her medication? I packed extra in my bag. Please take it to her. She's supposed to take a pill after she eats."

"Why aren't you saying anything to prove your innocence?" Decha slammed his fist on the table, and the loud bang caused Jamison to flinch. "Your daughter is worrying herself to death trying to convince me that you're not the primary suspect. And you're focused on her. Do you know how she'll feel if you're executed? Is this a joke to you?"

"When you're a parent, you'll understand."

"Screw that!" Decha snatched Jamison forward in a fit of anger. "You told me that you weren't responsible for bombing Astell. Why are you sitting here acting nonchalant!?"

Instead of answering, Jamison's gaze shifted to the left. Decha was quick to catch on. He followed Jamison's stare and looked over his shoulder.

In the corner of the room was a camera. Theodore and the other Agents were more than likely recording them. Decha figured there had to be a reason why Jamison requested to only speak with him.

Jamison was being watched. Not by the Director of the Agency, but by someone else. Decha realized it.

Decha pulled out a pistol from his pocket and walked over to the camera. He aimed high and pulled the trigger. The camera exploded into bits, and the lens fell at his feet. The footage was cut, as well as the sound.

Decha looked at Jamison, and his reaction had completely changed from standoffish to worry. "They can't hear or see you." Decha shoved the pistol back into his belt.

Jamison eyed Decha with suspicion.

"Go on, Tell me."

"I..." Jamison gulped. "I did it to protect Rory."

"You turned yourself in to protect Rory. You said that the last time. I wanna know more about who you're working for. Who's backing you up? How were you able to travel through Astell without being caught?"

"He goes by DELIVERANCE." Jamison huffed. "Several Months ago, I was recruited to spread the word about an organization that would lead the Brackets to a better tomorrow. I was promised money to help pay off the debts I accumulated from my daughter's hospital fees."

"Tell me more about the organization. How were you recruited exactly? Who was the one who told you about it?"

Jamison lifted up his sleeve, displaying a dark tattoo on his right wrist. "I got a letter in my mailbox. In the envelope was an invitation to an underground event happening at the center of Sector B."