Welcome to Camp Piccadilly

[Jillian]

She nodded and got out of the car. He was right of course. It was time for them to return to their duties whether she was ready or not. She pulled out her phone and turned it back on, not surprised to find several missed calls and voice mails from Bryce. She shook her head and dialed Kyle's number.

"Hey Ky, it's Jay."

"Oh you're in for it."

"What? Rosco behaved didn't he?"

"Rosco is the least of your worries right now. Ryder is on a rampage. Why the hell didn't you tell him you were leaving?" He himself had only known she was leaving. He had assumed, because of their close relationship, that she had divulged all of the details with Bryce. It was clear by Bryce's mood the past couple of days that she hadn't.

"None of your or his business. I'm on my way to come get Rosco."

"Who was at the gate?"

"Simmons."

"Then I'd expect Ryder at your door by the time you get Rosco and get to your place."

She sighed. "I'll be there in a few minutes."

[Heath]

Heath took Jillian's bag out of the car, propping her backpack on his back and then carrying the other in his hand. After securing his car, he walked over to Jillian and waited for her to get off the phone.

When she was done speaking, an eyebrow lifted at her expression.

"What's wrong?" he asked her.

[Jillian]

"Serk is apparently upset because I didn't tell him I was leaving or where I was going," she explained as she looked up at him. "I can take my bag. It's probably going to be awhile because I'll have to deal with him. You should go ahead and get some rest."

[Heath]

"Oh you didn't?!" he asked, not highly concerned because frankly Jillian was a grown woman and he didn't think she should have to answer to him or anyone for that fact. "Why does it matter anyway? It's not like you weren't coming back."

He pushed her hand away when she reached for her bag. "I'd like to walk you to your cabin Jay ... I would feel much better if I did so."

[Jillian]

She shrugged. "Serk is the way he is." She was used to Bryce treating her like a ten year old and just as accustomed to ignoring his wishes which was why she hadn't bothered informing him. He hadn't needed to know. "I want to go get Rosco first. Are you sure you don't want to bail out and get some sleep?" she offered one more time as she started toward Kyle's place.

[Heath]

"Bail out on you? No way. I'm here for the ride Jay," he said, holding his arm out for her to loop her hand through like they had during their Superbowl adventure. "Besides, I won't see you until tomorrow." He frowned playfully. "I've gotten used to seeing you everyday for the past three days. I need to ween you our of my system." He laughed softly.

[Jillian]

She laughed as she tucked her arm through his, a position that had become automatic and all too comfortable. She understood his words though. The same held true for her. She had grown too used to his company. "It is going to be different not having you by my side all the time," she admitted as they walked toward the barracks.

[Heath]

"Would it be wrong for me to say that I like being around you a lot? That me and you are like two peas in a pod," he questioned, looking straight ahead of him, the sun turning an array of reds and oranges. "Well, at least we're not that far from each other so if I need a laugh I can run across the camp to see you."

[Jillian]

She smiled softly at his words but didn't look at him. "No, that wouldn't be wrong. I guess I kinda feel the same way." She was a bit surprised he felt that way considering they both knew there were a great many things she hadn't told him that most friends knew about each other. She was glad that hadn't become a big issue with them. "I'm always good for a laugh."

[Heath]

"Aww, you like me, you really like me," he cooed playfully, bumping into her body and walking at her pace, slow and steady. He liked that things weren't so complicated between them. They had never discussed anything that made them feel uncomfortable and Heath dared not ask her about the past ... they live in the present and should think about the future.

They crossed the small road and walked along a pathway that led up to the barracks.

[Jillian]

Jillian smiled as she and Heath pulled back onto base. Their extended vacation in Florida had been fantastic despite some minor bumps in the road. She didn't want to dwell on the fact that she'd finally let him in and had sex. It didn't change anything, she kept telling herself. It wouldn't change anything.

"Home sweet home," she sighed as they passed through the gate.

[Heath]

Once Heath had gotten over the news of not only his ex-wife's infidelity but the fact that she could have aborted his child, the rest of the vacation seemed to fall into a very relaxing time. At first it was hard to let go but with Jillian there to serve as his encouragement, it had gotten easier.

He had even opted to stay a few extra days to help clear his mind. It wasn't a bad deal either considering he had Jay with him the whole time. They spent morning through night together; woke up together and Heath's feelings for Jillian only seemed to grow more and more. But of course, all good things had to come to an end. Both Heath and Jillian had to return to reality and get back to work.

"Yeah, it's good to be home," agreed Heath, as they unpacked their car. "But that was really the best vacation I'd ever had and again, thank you Jay. Definitely a birthday gift I will always remember," he said, placing the bag on the ground to wrap his arm around her. He held onto her waist for one more moment, smiled at her with those glowing blue eyes and gave her a gentle, heated kiss. When they parted, he proceeded to pick up their bags.

[Jillian]

Jillian smiled as they got out of the car. It had taken a lot of work and careful planning to come up with the trip to Florida as a surprise birthday present for Heath but with Nathan and Jackie's help, she'd been able to pull it off. The fact that he was still amazed and happy with the trip despite some of the less pleasant aspects, warmed her heart.

She returned the kiss without hesitation and smiled when he pulled back. "What can I say? I do what I can."

[Heath]

"You did what you can and awesomely. Like I said, something I'm never going to forget. Too bad we didn't get too many pictures but I have a lot of other great memories," he smiled, never forgetting the way they made love over and over again until they were completely exhausted and ended up sleeping the rest of the day.

"Now we're back to reality; work, training, work. It should be loads of fun especially with the pile of work Austin probably left." He shook his head. "Guess I'll find out tomorrow."

Heath took one of her bags from her hand and started to walk back to their places. "I'm going to miss you tonight too."

[Jillian]

"Just try to keep it down, alright? Or else everyone's going to be expecting grand trips for their birthdays and we just can't have that."

Her breath hitched. They'd spent every night together at the hotel, usually with their bodies tangled together. That would no longer be the case. She knew she should think that it was a good thing but a part of her refused to be convinced. She did her best to silence that part.

"I didn't mean to be so addicting," she teased softly.