We're in This Together

[Isabella price]

“What about Kaitlyn, James?” Bella asked him. “Dad decides he wants to marry her and what? Kaitlyn grows up not knowing Mom ever existed? Or worse she suddenly can’t understand why her mother wants nothing to do with her.”

[James Cross]

"That'll never happen. Mom made a ton of holograms for her. So did dad. Even grandpa Noonian has like a whole thing at AlphaTek for all of us." James said and sighed. "This may not be mom, but it doesn't mean she's not worthy. You're putting words in Selene's mouth. She literally just met her. Give her a chance. You gave me a chance once you stopped calling me JT."

[Isabella price]

“I named you short stuff.” Bella reminded him.

“You didn’t fail.” Selene stated as she looked into Bella’s eyes. “You saved her and she was proud of you. Let your father be happy and be happy for him. You know he deserves it.”

Bella looked back into Selene’s eyes. They were the same color as her mother’s but they weren’t the same. They were harder.

“He does seem happier.” Bella said as she looked towards the bathroom.

[James Cross]

"Dad has a type... what can I say?" James said and smiled at Selene. "Mom and Bella were always really close. I was too, loved our Selene, but... she'd want us to move on. Maybe you two should like... spend a little time together."

"That does sound like a good idea..." Clint said as he walked out of the bathroom with a very perfumed smelling Kaitlyn. "That stuff works James... but man she's going to smell like a floral shop."

"Beats smelling like poo..." James said with a look at his 'baby sister'.

"Yeah... so Bella... look, I'm not going to forget your mom or try to replace her, but... Selene here is in a very similar place where your mother was when we first met, upside, she's not mentally controlled or time bombed or otherwise in a weird place. And no Lincoln or crazy Trill stalker boyfriends."

[Isabella price]

“Well that’s a plus at least you don’t have to worry about being almost stabbed to death again.” Bella said dryly.

“If it was suppose to be witty it wasn’t.” Selene informed her matter of fact.

“Is this really what you want Dad?” Bella inquired as she took a step towards her father. “A relationship with her?”

[James Cross]

"I want to explore it at least... I mean we've known each other less than a week, but there's a lot of overlap." Clint replied and sighed. "Look, I'm happy, I make her happy, she makes me happy... she's starting to fit in at the office, course we only ran one Op together but... it's worth letting it see where it goes."

"As I recall you dove into a relationship with Jon pretty quick." James cleared his throat.

"It wasn't a very long courtship, I will agree... but when you know, you know. " Jon said as he stood next to Bella. "I knew that first date that I found my partner."

"Pretty much the same with Mackenzie and I... not like either of us have a ton of experience in that regard." James said and looked up at his dad. "Look at that face, it's been months since we've seen that face."

[Isabella price]

“God you’re a sap.” Bella said as she playfully put her hand over James’ face and gently pushed him away. “I want you to be happy Dad. It’s all I ever wanted I just...I did feel like I failed. But it’s not fair for me to take that out on her. I miss mom but she would want this because you deserve to be with someone who can make you happy. Happy in a way that James, Kaitlyn, and I can’t.”

[Clint Cross]

"And nothing will ever change how I feel about you kids, ever." Clint said as he put his arms around Bella. "Always been proud of having you all in my life. Besides, out of the current crop of agents, none really quite live up to my standards for partner. First time out and she took out some Ajem'dasis... with no injuries."

[Isabella price]

“That’s because you’re standard is mom.” Bella said as she hugged him tightly. “It’s a little weird Dad but I’m okay with it.”

“Was that an endorsement?” Selene inquired with a hint of a smile.

“Don’t let it go to your head.” Bella warned. “Wrong step and I’ll have you thrown into the deepest darkest hole we have.”

Selene suppressed a shudder at the thought.

“I expect it.” She replied smiling.

Bella could tell it was just a little off. Like her words had struck some kind of deep seeded...fear. She wasn’t sure as she glanced over at her father. The threat had just been the usual keep your nose clean or else.

[Clint Cross]

Clint saw Selene's little shudder at the 'hole' comment, Bella didn't know about that yet. He put his hand on Selene's back gently and smiled. "Bella's very protective. Of course, I wouldn't expect anything less from a woman that was President."