There was a "Fanfic Day" line challenge running over at The Safehouse Pros LJ commmunity. I participated, and my line was "I really thought you were making progress. I thought, great, you've finally decided to live your life. Wrong again." - Darren, Bedrooms and Hallways. This is what happened. Beta by Queen Bamfie.

"The Professionals" is copyright Avengers Mark 1 Productions and other copyright holders. No copyright infringement intended, no profit made.

Sometimes I feel like I don't understand you at all.

I really thought you were making progress. I thought, great, you've finally decided to live your life. Wrong again. Was that me being selfish, only seeing what I wanted to see, or are you really that good at deceiving me?

You seem to be so good at reading me, and I'd like to think it works both ways. I know I'm competitive, but this isn't about one-upmanship – it's about being a good partner. I'd like to say it's about being a good friend, but we're not really friends right now, are we, Bodie? You haven't forgiven me yet, that much is clear even to me.

I wish you'd understand there was a reason I turned you down. A perfectly valid, important reason. I realise now I should never have flirted with you in the first place, never given you a reason to get your hopes up. If I could go back in time, I'd do things differently, I swear. I never meant to hurt you.

At least you're still alive. Things will get better in time – not tomorrow, I know, but maybe next week or next month. Or maybe you'll prove me wrong again.