The Ties That Bind Us (Lexi)

[TROY MARLON CROSS]

A little while ago...

Troy had been working on some paper work at the station when he got a phone call from his mother. Now, this was a rare occurrence due to Troy barely communicating with his parents anymore, so this took the police officer by surprise. After he picked up the phone, he listened as she explained that Alexandria, his beloved sister, had gone to their parents' house with none other than Dean Blackwell, her supposedly dead dead husband from two years ago. He quickly hung up the phone, leaped out of his chair, and grabbed his belongings before rushing out of the station while shouting he was leaving for the day due to 'family issues'.

He arrived at the home of the Cross' a little while later, and got out of his car. He breathed deeply, and walked up to the front door. He hesitantly knocked on the door (since he had forgotten that there was a doorbell nearby), and his mother opened the door. She ushered him inside while asking him why he hung up. He replied in a short sentence. Once inside, he saw that Dean was with his father. He didn't say anything about this, though his mother tried to ask him another question about why he looked uncomfortable. He didn't answer. She sighed, giving up on trying to pry answers out of her difficult son, and walked back into the kitchen to help her younger daughter cook. Troy looked around, and spotted Alexandria in another room. He walked over to where she was.

Currently...

It wasn't that Troy was shy; it was the fact that he was uncomfortable with Dean being back. Okay, yeah, he didn't mind the guy. Lexi had known him since High School (and maybe even a little before then, but sometimes years got mixed up in Troy's head), and trusted him. Troy had always been glad she had someone she loved and trusted nearby her, especially after she had a stillborn baby. What tore at him though was the fact that Dean had left her by herself to go on a boat ride. He couldn't fathom why he would do such a thing after being so supportive of her. Yeah, people do sometimes need to be by themselves, he got that, but it was still strange. Dean was not a bad guy, but Troy was worried that he would pull a stunt like that again (not that dying, or nearly dying, was something one planned for usually) and Lexi would be alone and depressed once more.

Troy didn't want to let Lexi know this, however. He didn't know what she was thinking about Dean at the moment, though with the way his mother said they both arrived at the house together he could guess how she felt about the man. So, when he saw her in the room he smiled and said, "Hey Lexi girl. So, uh, I heard Dean was back. Mom told me over the phone. She sure sounded surprised by that." He paused, and mentally cringed. Should he say something else? Lexi had never really judged him before based on what he said, though this was a somewhat delicate subject to be treading on. He may have to choose his words more wisely. "How are you feeling? This must be a sudden change for you."

[ALEXANDRIA LEAH CROSS]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, background-image:url(http://i56.tinypic.com/2zgu9hc.jpg); width: 440px; padding-top:10px;] the girl in the moon --- After a couple days of having Dean all to herself, Lexi figured it was time to go see her family. They had heard something happened at work and that she had yet to return. They were curious as to what had happened. Well what better way to tell them then to bring Dean by? They would have to start telling people they cared about because Dean was planning on staying in Hope Harbor with her. Which threw a huge wrench into Lexi’s life but it wasn’t something she could discuss with anyone at this point. Instead Lexi went about with living her life as normally as possible. Dinner with her parents would be normal enough. Right? Lexi had slipped on a tan dress with black edges and buttons. To not seem so drab she put on pink ballet flats and had a pink wrap shawl to wear. Her earrings were rose quartz with some white stones around the edge and then she slipped on a layered necklace. Only her eyes had make-up on it and they were shades of pinks and gold with mascara on her lashes. Lexi’s hair was pulled back in a braid that went across the back of er head and her hair pinned elegantly underneath it. Once done everything, the ring Dean had given her years prior was slipped back on her right ring finger while her wedding rings went where they belonged on her left hand. Then the duo was off. Her mother’s face was priceless. A mix of shock, joy and worry. Lexi’s parents were always worrying about her but now they had no reason to. Dean was back. Well, they didn’t have to worry about her in that capacity. Her sister was already there and wrapped Dean in a giant hug while her father shook Dean’s hand then pulled him into a hug. The whole moment had been emotional. She didn’t have to ask where her brother was. Either work or his own house as he wasn’t on the best terms with their parents. Her mother disappeared to make a call-probably to some family-while her father pulled Dean aside to speak. Lexi spoke with her little sister for a few before the girl started to text some people and left Lexi alone. She stepped down the hall to her parent’s office and slipped in for a few moments alone. Lexi went to the window seat. When she was a little and feeling particularly lost or scared, she’s come in here and curl up against the window like she did now. Her legs were tucked under her while her arms wrapped around her body. In this case the shawl was entangled with her body, all while her head pressed against the windowpane. Occasionally she’d lift hr head to watch her family interacting with Dean but for now she stayed with her own, confused thoughts. There were so many unsettled things and Lexi’s just wanted a few moments of peace someplace she felt safe. Back at Daniel’s she didn’t get much distance to be alone. Dean seemed to have problems being truly alone and, really, she couldn’t blame him. Because of that she was always someplace they could hear or see one another. Lexi knew he’d probably have a few issues from being alone plus his nightmares from before as well. And she planned to be there for him. Lexi had gotten so wrapped up in her thoughts as she stared out the window that she didn’t notice her brother had arrived until he was in the room and speaking to her. ”Hey…” she dragged out before she looked back to where the rest of the family was. ”Yeah she was a bit socked but I think she’s kind of happy too.” Lexi was surprised her mother even called him or that he came. Usually he only came for family dinners or when Lexi asked him to. Otherwise he avoided this house like the plaque. But she was glad he was here. Her shoulders rose and fell as she played with the lace edging of her shawl. ”In shock. Happy. Confused. Weirded out. Guilty.” Tears sprang to her eyes but she shook her head as she closed her eyes to stem the flow of them. There was a lot to feel guilty about but not all of it she could tell, well, anyone. So Lexi kept it to herself instead which was eating away at her. ”So mom called you? Did you play nice?” A weak smile graced her lips as she attempted humor though it was a pitiful attempt. Lexi was not in a joking mood today. tag: troy outfit: click! lyric credit: everly notes: --

credit to BABY DARLING ! @ caution 2.0

[TROY MARLON CROSS]

Troy nodded. "Yeah. She's mentioned from time to time that she's been worried about you." Actually, it was only two times he heard his mother mention her worry for his sister, but then again he was never around much so it could have been more common than he thought. "She's always liked Dean, so she must have been excited to finally see him again." The rest of the Cross' had always adored Dean. Troy was a little more cautious, though before the incident he accepted the man as his brother-in-law.

Troy wasn't the most observant person in the world, but he always knew when Lexi was about to cry, despite her trying to hide this fact. He smiled reassuringly. "Yeah, she did. Was kinda surprised by that. She only really calls me to see if I haven't been shot yet at work. And hey! I'm not always mean to her!" He then rubbed the back of his head while giving a sheepish grin. "I maaaaayyy have hung up the phone,though, but that was because I wanted to get here as fast as I could. I don't think she understands that, th0ugh. She kept on trying to interrogate me at the door, and then gave up -as usual- and went to help lil' sis make some food." Troy leaned back a little to look towards the direction of the kitchen. "Anyways, that doesn't matter now." He looked back at Lexi. "What matters now is... uh... what's gunna happen next? I mean..." He paused. Should he really finish that sentence? Lexi didn't exactly seem to know what she wanted to do next herself. He, instead, asked sincerely, "If you need a shoulder to cry on, I'm here to help. That's what little brothers are for." He smiled again.

Troy really hoped that he wouldn't ruin the relationship with his sister, but he was worried that Lexi may make the wrong decision this time and wind up even more hurt than before.

[ALEXANDRIA LEAH CROSS]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, background-image:url(http://i56.tinypic.com/2zgu9hc.jpg); width: 440px; padding-top:10px;] the girl in the moon --- Lexi scowled at her brother. She couldn’t help it really. She hated whenever everyone acted worried about or for her. It’s why she avoided most people at Daniel’s wedding. She waved her hand aimlessly in front of her. ”I don’t understand why people kept up with worrying. I’ve told you all a million times I’m fine.” That was somewhat a lie. Yes, she acted fine but she really wasn’t entirely fine. Just Lexi had learned to keep everything in. her gaze went back to look through the doorway at their father and Dean. ”Yeah I know she did. All of you did.” Lexi tilted her head forward at glanced up at Troy as if she was being stern but the way the corner of her lips tugged up it was easy to see she was joking. ”Troy, did you really expect her to let it go you hung up on her? You could hug her and if you did it wrong she’d be upset. And you would be the pain who’d find a way to hug her in the most annoying manner.” Eventually their parents would have to get over the fact that Troy hadn’t become a lawyer. It was his life and if he had wanted to become a police officer then that was his choice. Lexi had been supportive but she was always that way with her younger siblings. Being the eldest she felt like she had to always be there for them and that didn’t bother her. In this case it was beneficial for Troy. With their parents not showing their support for all facets for his life, she wanted him to know someone did support him. Lexi’s head fell back to press against the small bit of wall as her head went forward and her gaze to the ceiling. ”Well, Dean’s living at Daniel’s with me. We’re going to talk to Jude Winslet when he returns to work because there’s a lot of legal red tape to work through. We have to have his declaration of death overturned, restore his identity and meet with a representative of the VA.” Where Dean had been injured in war and had nightmares, the VA usually kept tabs on him. Now they had to get all that fixed. Plus, restoring his benefits from being in the military. ”His parents are not happy that he’s deciding to stay here in Hope Harbor with me but he’s my husband. We need to restore our marriage.” Lexi knew Dean’s brother was also unhappy about Dean being here but for different reasons. Lexi bit down on her lower lip before she spoke. ”Hey can you do me a favor? Can you just, I don’t know, keep an eye out for Jayce? He’s not taking this...um, well so I want to know someone is looking out for him.” Of course she couldn’t tell her brother why she wanted him to look after the other Blackwell brother. She didn’t want to see him look down on her with shame. ”Have you talked to him yet or is dad hogging him?” tag: troy outfit: click! lyric credit: everly notes: --

credit to BABY DARLING ! @ caution 2.0

[TROY MARLON CROSS]

Troy sighed as Lexi scowled at him. She did this whenever he asked if she was all right, and he got a good sense of why she did this. Though, this was also a sign to not pry into the issue. For now. "That's what family is for. To worry about you and interrogate you when you're a few minutes late getting home." He grinned.

He smiled mischievously. "Ooohh trust me, I'm a pretty mean hugger. They say I have the craziest hug in the world! A simple hug could drive someone batty! Or maybe that's just mom being mom." He was always a good child, though he did somehow manage to find all the ways to annoy and worry his mother (even if it was unintentional). He remembered the day she nearly had a heart attack when she found him surfing some big waves alone. He was definitely chewed out for doing that.

"Sounds like a lot of work." He commented. Not that he wasn't used to the notion of a lot of work. He then bit his lip when Dean's parents were mentioned. Oooohh how he hated them, but, he wanted to be supportive of Lexi, and spouting off all the reasons he wished he could kick their butts was inappropriate. Even if Lexi had some of the same thoughts. "Yeah. Sounds good." Now he sounded as though he wasn't paying attention. Darn it. He then blinked. "Uh... sure? What, did he like being an only child or something?" He was joking, though there was something nagging him at the back of his head. Shouldn't Jayce be ecstatic that his brother was back? Then again, Troy wasn't too ecstatic either, but it was still odd.

"Naw, not yet. Mom went all bad cop on me, and then I went to talk to you." He grinned, though, to be honest, he wasn't too sure if he really wanted to talk to Dean. Yes, this does mean strange mysterious men won't talk to Lexi anymore (or they won't have a reason to, anyways), but he was still uncomfortable and angered by what happened.

[ALEXANDRIA LEAH CROSS]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, background-image:url(http://i56.tinypic.com/2zgu9hc.jpg); width: 440px; padding-top:10px;] the girl in the moon --- Lexi used the tip of her ballet flat to reach and poke Troy’s leg. ”Hey! I can be late or cry no matter what. It’s my life and I can cry if I want to, cry if I want to,” she said in a sing-songy voice for the last half. A chuckle left her lips as she brought her leg back close to her body and shook her head. ”No I know everyone was worried but you know me. I’d rather fly under the radar then anything else.” Lexi had never liked being the center of attention. So when Dean had first gone missing, she pretty much hid in her house all the time. Usually Jayce or someone else had to go get groceries for her because she just refused to leave. Only once news people found other stories to latch on to did she venture back out into the world. ”I’m pretty sure it’s you being a mean hugger on purpose and mom being mom.” Their parents had always wanted the best for the kids. It’s why they invested so much into their education. Private tutors and music lessons on top of regular school and then paid for their entire times in college. Of course they were a little upset to have paid so much into Troy’s education to see him go with an entirely different career. Still, they didn’t have to be as cruel as they were being. Lexi shrugged her shoulders. It would be but it was worth it to have her husband back and to have Dean be able to roam freely. Right now he couldn’t drive or ge a job(which he seemed intent on doing) until he had his social security number back as well as a new id. With him technically being dead on federal records, that was impossible to do. Her brows furrowed. ”It sounds good that he’s living at Daniels or that his parents aren’t happy?” Was Troy even paying attention to her? This was not normally like him. Usually the two were able to converse rather easily and they both listened to one another. That was not the case here. For now she pushed it back as she all of a sudden got a heavy feeling in her chest. ”Um something like that. I think he’s just shocked is all. It’s a lot for anyone to take in.” Lexi looked away from her brother and out the window briefly as she finished her thoughts. ”Besides I was helping him get used to being back in Hope Harbor but now I need to focus on Dean and our marriage. I unfortunately won’t have time for friends. Unless Jayce wants to come spend the day with us that is.” Which was very doubtful. Why would he after Lexi had chosen Dean over him? That would just be a slap in the face. Lexi could not shake this feeling that something was off with her brother. His smiles seemed a bit reserved and didn’t travel to his eyes. She looked between him and the door way before she swung her body to push off the window bench. Her shawl hung loosely on her arms as she went to close the door to the study, peeking out at her father and Dean once more. With the door firmly closed she turned to Troy and crossed her arms. ”Ok what is up with you? You’re acting funny. Like you’re in an off mood. Spill. Now.” tag: troy outfit: click! lyric credit: everly notes: --

credit to BABY DARLING ! @ caution 2.0

[TROY MARLON CROSS]

Troy grinned. "Yeah, I know Lexi girl. Even mom's radar can't detect you sometimes." He had remembered the times she retreated from the world and didn't come out. He would ask once or twice if she was feeling well, but then he would leave her alone if she really wanted to be left alone. He still worried, however, and wished there was more he could do to help her in her times of need.

He stuck his tongue out at Lexi. "But I can change from being a mean hugger! Mom's always going to be mom, no matter how much she thinks getting new earrings makes her life a lot more 'thrilling'." He laughed, thinking of the memory of when he overheard his mother speaking to his father about wanting to be more 'adventurous' and then coming back with some earrings and saying she was 'driving in the fast lane now'. God, how that hurt his sides whenever he teased his mom about that. Ooohh the look she would give him sometimes... That was way too long ago now, it seemed.

"Living at Daniel's. I hate those jackasses that call themselves his parents; you of all people should know that." A little anger slipped out due to the fact that he hadn't clarified which part, and he was slightly embarrassed by the fact that he may have implied that it was good Dean's parents weren't happy, no matter how much he may dislike the guy.

"Yeah, understandable." Jayce wasn't a bad guy, though it may have been hard on him to find out his brother had basically come back from the dead; metaphorically. "Alright, I understand. Anything for you Lexi girl." He smiled. "I'll be sure to update him more on what's been going down since he's been gone. Like, say, who's come and who's gone. People that just drop by, you know those type of guys." Okay, so, maybe Troy wasn't the most subtle person out there. But he was curious if Lexi would somehow catch on to what he was saying and possibly asking at the same time. That new guy... who was he?

Troy held his hands up in a gesture of defense, "Hey hey hey. What'd you mean I'm acting funny? Unless my sense of humor has gotten so good that you think I'm actually hilarious now." He grinned again, but ooohhh was he trying to push away the fact that Lexi was as good as him in detecting oddities in someone's behavior.

It was the combination of Dean returning with the fact that he was still mulling over what happened at the wedding -before his car crapped out on him and crashed- and what that guy said to Lexi that made her uncomfortable. He hadn't gone out to do anything or check anything out yet -since he still had a headache from his injury- but he was determined to find out somehow if that guy was a passing thing or if he was hoping to find something more permanent. Though, to be honest, he counted Dean coming back as a blessing in disguise in this matter. But still.

[ALEXANDRIA LEAH CROSS]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, background-image:url(http://i56.tinypic.com/2zgu9hc.jpg); width: 440px; padding-top:10px;] the girl in the moon --- Alexandria snorted as she shook her head. If only she could fly under their mother’s, and everyone else’s, radars. Yes she had thought her husband dead and went through a rough patch but that happened to a lot of people. Those people just dusted themselves off and moved on. Which, Lexi had been doing as well. Now she had to dust herself off and move back into the flow of things with Dean. ”Yes, mom will always be mom as we both know.” Hse paused as he thought over her next words. ”One of you needs to cave eventually, though. I’m not saying their right but it’d be nice to have a cease fire for a little while.” Being the eldest, Lexi had no problems putting her two sense in and risking people hating her. She’d get over it. Lexi fiddled with her shawl as she let out an exasperated sigh. ”I’m not exactly fond of his parent’s either but I’m going to try for the sake of our marriage. And I hope you’ll try yourself for me.” Even if he wouldn’t try because he cared of for Dean, she was sure he might-even just for a short time-for her. Which is also why she asked him to touch base with Jayce. Plus, Troy was closer in age to Jayce and the tow had only been a year apart. They’d be able to connect a bit more. Lexi went pale a moment. Did troy know about her and Jayce? Why else would he mention talking about guys coming and going? Lexi cleared her thought as her brows knitted together in confusion which was genuine. ”Um I’m confused. You start off saying ‘people that just drop by’ but then end it with ‘those type of guys’. do you care to elabortate?” That was onlya didng onto Troy’s weird behavior. As she stood there once she shut the door, he tried to play it off. Lexi was in no mood for it. ”Do you forget we grew up together? I know you Troy. It’s not just your sense of humor. You seem distant, like you’re not listening to me or don’t care about what I have to say. Now tell me what is going on. And don’t lie to me.” Lexi hated when people lied to her though she’d be a hypocrite. She had been keeping her relationship type thing with Jayce a secret. Even now she still hadn’t told anyone. Eventually she would tell Dean but only once over this little awkward hump. When over that then everything would be just fine. she could tell him and hopefully he’d be understanding. Right now she didn’t think he would be. Plus, she didn’t want Dan and Jayce to fight. They were brothers who had been apart for three years. Lexi hoped they would try to work past their issues they had once before and act like a family. Though that was probably dreaming really big. tag: troy outfit: click! lyric credit: everly notes: --

credit to BABY DARLING ! @ caution 2.0

[TROY MARLON CROSS]

Troy grinned, though Lexi may be able to tell that it wasn't his usual type of grin. "Hey, at least I visit on the holidays." Troy knew Lexi was right, but he didn't want to let her know he had been bothered by other things as well recently.

Troy rolled his eyes, and waved a hand dismissively. "Okay okay, I'll be nice. I promise won't even make any passive aggressive remarks if they start to talk about beating eggs." He grinned again. It would take a lot, but he would try to play nice. Hopefully Dean's parents wouldn't come all the way here to pester Lexi. THEN there may be a problem.

Troy noticed her face pale, and he started to panic. That stranger DID say something to her! How dare he! He would find that son of a bitch and- Oops, he had slipped up. "Uh, well... you know. Those type of guys who have no clue what goes on in a woman's life and try to hurt them in some way. I dunno." Troy explained in a joking manner, though it wasn't so much an explanation than a different way to rephrase what he just said. Troy pursed his lips as she spoke again. He rubbed the back of his head. "Uh... sorry. I was afraid I was sounding like that. I didn't mean to, it's just... well..." Should he ask? He didn't like to pry into her life -since he disliked that- though he was curious. And there was also Dean, and the odd occurrences around town. He didn't want to lie to her, though he was afraid of what his thoughts might cause. "It's just... I'm afraid you might get hurt again and all. Now, you might take that the wrong way, but it's 'cause I'm your baby brother, and I don't like to see you in pain." He paused, and continued with, "I'm also worried that someone may have said something to you, and now you're afraid. Things are a bit scary around here, and I don't want to see you get in harm's way. Mysterious people showing up, talking to townsfolk and then weird things happening." Troy scratched his nose. "Then again, that part may just be the cop in me." He grinned. He was always the man for humor, though it may be at the wrong times he tries to joke around with someone.

[ALEXANDRIA LEAH CROSS]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, background-image:url(http://i56.tinypic.com/2zgu9hc.jpg); width: 440px; padding-top:10px;] the girl in the moon --- yes, at least her brother did come around for holidays. If not she’d probably have to go drag him here herself. Lexi was all about family. Even if Troy and their parents weren’t on the same page right now, she liked having everyone together for special days. They had once did it and just because Troy had done something that made him happy didn’t mean that those things had to stop. A slight scowl form as she shook her head. ”Thank you. Besides I think they’ll get over their issues soon enough. Dean’s been alking to them about everything.” Lexi shook her head as her brows knitted together. No, he couldn’t be talking about Jayce. Jayce was a total sweetheart who was nothing but caring and thoughtful. He was patient with Lexi and was careful about not hurting her. And Troy knew Jayce. He knew he’d never be anything less then the perfect man with any woman-not just Lexi. Plus Troy had said ’come into a woman’s life’ which meant it had to be a recent male acquaintance or friend of hers. She tried to think of other men who had recently come into her life and she could only think of a couple. ”OK if you’re talking about Oliver we’re just friends. He’s interested in someone though it’s not really my place to say. So the only other person I can think of who you could be referring to is Scott?” Lexi shook her head as she threw her hands up in confusion. ”Troy I’m not with either of those men. Or I should say wasn’t so I’m not sure why you’re acting like this. Nor is it your place to worry about it.” As he continued Lexi suddenly turned very angry. This wasn’t just about any recent male friends of hers. Her jaw clenched firmly as her spine straightened. She didn’t break her eyes from him. ”You better explain what you mean by ‘get hurt again’ and you better tell me the truth right now Troy Marlon.” Lexi had a strong feeling she knew what-or rather whom-he was talking about. ”As for someone saying something to me, it’s just the cop in you.” Her steely nature right now didn’t give away the sudden guilt she felt. Yes, she was lying to him but this one was to protect their whole family, not to make her feel better about herself. nor was she in the mood for him trying to be funny. If she had to lay everything out concerning her and her marriage she would but he had no idea what a marriage took. He had never been married. tag: troy outfit: click! lyric credit: everly notes: --

credit to BABY DARLING ! @ caution 2.0

[TROY MARLON CROSS]

Troy snorted, "That hasn't saved you guys in the past. But, still... I'll play nice." He meant it, though whether or not he would be able to help himself from making any sort of comment towards them was a different story.

Troy raised an eyebrow as Lexi said a man's name. Oliver? Oh, right. One of the doctors at the hospital. He started to say, "Well, I didn't exactly know about his relationshi-" but then stopped himself as Lexi mentioned another man's name. He blurted out in surprise, "Who the hell is Scott?" Of course she couldn't mean the Scotts, else she would have referred to them by their first names. He didn't think he knew any person with the first name of Scott in town, though there could be an instance that he may not know someone by name... but, to be honest, at least the name would have rang a bell. It didn't in this case.

Troy pursed his lips as he saw the angry expression on her face and the demand she said. Oh crap. She used his middle name. Only his mother -and sometimes police chief- used his full name, but that was usually because he had done something stupid or wrong. But to hear Lexi say his middle name... He knew he was in trouble. "Well, I mean.... Uh..." Troy rubbed the back of his head. He was flustered. Clearly she was referring to something, but... he wasn't too sure know if they were both talking about the same thing. Of course, she could be angry that Troy is implying Dean hurt her by going on that ship, but wouldn't she have understood or at least explained her reasoning for forgiving him? Instead, he felt like he was being interrogated by his mother, and he didn't like that. He held his hands up in a nonthreatening manner, and said, "Look. Maybe I said it wrong. I just don't want you to be sad, okay? The last few years were painful for you, and they were for me too since I was seeing my sister trying to struggle with life. I... well... I just want to make sure you're making the right choice. And, well, if you think you are, then what I have to say shouldn't really matter. I didn't, err... mean to sound so weird about it." Troy shrugged. He was sad that Lexi was so angry at him, and that he failed yet again to help her in her time of need. It felt like it was just yesterday when he heard the news of Dean's supposed death. He wasn't exactly ready himself to have a repeat of that incident again, or maybe have something even worse happen.

[ALEXANDRIA LEAH CROSS]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, background-image:url(http://i56.tinypic.com/2zgu9hc.jpg); width: 440px; padding-top:10px;] the girl in the moon --- Lexi quirked a brow as she snorted in amusement. So this was about some guy? Apparently Troy assumed she was seeing someone? Funny-he was assuming all the wrong people that she could possibly be seeing. Or could have been seeing should be the correct terms. She rolled her neck in an attempt not to explode. What was it with people being interested in her love life the last year or so? Some thought she should-actually should have-moved on while others agreed with her decision. She oculd tlel Troy was just being a protective brother. Still it didn’t mean Lexi wasn’t irritated in some sense. ”No one knows about Oliver‘s relationship. It‘s complicated and I‘m not going to get into it.” Lexi waved her hand dismissively. she wouldn‘t indulge anything more but if it kept Troy from bothering the poor doctor then it had to be done. ”Scott is a new friend of mine. He’s looking to move to Hope Harbor. I’m helping him get a job at the hospital. But like every other man in my life, we’re just friends.” Her head tilted to the side in confusion. ”Where is this all coming from anyways? I’ve told all a million times over that I wasn’t ready to date because I hadn’t let go of Dean.” Of course Jayce had been an exception but not a soul knew that aside from him and her. Even then it had just been something casual and fun. Something more could have blossomed but Dean came back. So Lexi decided to make things work with him. She owed him that much at least. Lexi licked her lips as she looked to the side. First Jayce, now Troy? Couldn’t either of the men just forget about their own egos and wish Lexi happiness? ”Wow…” she uttered in disbelief. Lexi moved to lean her hand on their father’s desk in an attempt to steady her nerves. It was very rare to see Lexi truly angry. Her voice was soft but there was a menacing tone behind it. ”I shouldn’t have to explain my reasoning’s to my brother about wanting to make my marriage work. God! I was sad because I thought my husband was dead and people back in California thought I killed him. You know that Troy! And yet you question my decisions to want him back in my house.” Not once did she raise her voice but it was stern. Lexi pushed off the desk and shook her head. ”God you frigign cops are unbelievable. You automatically assume the worst in people and every situation. Sometimes both of you were out of my life.” Lexi wretched open the door to the study and breezed past her father and Dean without a word. Her mother called after her but Lexi didn’t care. She went out the back door and made her way down to the beach. Yes, she had all in all said that Troy wasn’t the only one questioning her decisions but she didn’t care at this moment. Angry tears stung her eyes and she felt unable to breath. She had to get out of the house. Her body sank down into the chilly sand as she pulled her shawl close to her body. When she heard footsteps behind her she spat out, ”Go away,” in an attempt to get whoever it was from her family t o buzz off. When Lexi truly got angry, it was usually best to leave her alone. Didn’t mean they always did. tag: troy outfit: click! lyric credit: everly notes: --

credit to BABY DARLING ! @ caution 2.0

[TROY MARLON CROSS]

"Ah. That would do it then. I don't pry into people's personal lives more than I should. Usually." Of course, there were exceptions.

Troy was hesitant when Lexi described this Scott person. So he was in the doctor profession as well? Well, he could be a nurse, but the guy -at least he thought this was the same guy he saw at the wedding that she was describing now- seemed to have... some sort of air about him. Authority? There was another problem though. He was planning on moving here?! This was disastrous! Troy didn't doubt for a second his sister only saw this man as a friend; he doubted, however, if the man was going to respect that boundary. He needed to interrogate- err, talk to the man and gauge whether or not he was a good choice. If he wasn't, Troy would find a way to get the man to leave. If he was... well, that was something to deal with when the time came. "I see... And, well, I'm just worried that... uh... someone's trying to force themselves onto you. You can date or not date whoever you want; I just want to let you know that I'm there for you if you need me to tell someone to back off." He grinned, though he was still uneasy by the whole situation. What if the man did say something to her? Lexi was stubborn -just like him- and she probably would not admit it when a man bothered her.

Troy pursed his lips. He was just concerned, really. He didn't know exactly what was going on inside her head, but he couldn't express himself if he didn't know how she felt about an issue. Well, okay, maybe he walked into this one, but he even said that his words didn't matter if she thought this was the right thing... She seemed hung up over one part of his words, but seemed to ignore the other part completely. He didn't know what to say. What could he say? He messed up already.

Troy frowned as she marched out of the room, and his heart sank. He didn't think the worst of people; he had seen what people could do, that is all. That really stung. He had become a cop because he wanted to help those in need. He couldn't the people that needed him the most in his life, and so he had to do the next-best thing. But now... it felt like people saw him using his job as a way to gang up on others. It wasn't true! He was nervous sometimes, but he didn't outright hate people unless they gave him a reason to. He meant the best for Lexi, but it hurt that she didn't understand that what had happened in her life had affected his too. He wanted to be an uncle.

He bit his lip, and walked out the door. He walked through the halls, where he saw his mother with her hands on her hips. She was looking towards the way to the backdoor, and she began to say, 'Troy, what did you do-' when Troy held up a hand. "Not now, mom." He said a little coldly; perhaps a little too coldly. He walked towards the direction of the back door, and went down to the beach. He saw Lexi, and started to approach her when she shouted -though it didn't seem to be directed at him; more just to anyone in general. He stopped in his tracks, and frowned. He... well... he really screwed this up, didn't he? If Lexi was happy with her life now, what say could he have in it? Maybe... maybe it was a bad decision to come to the house. He could have just talked to his mother and be done with it. When Lexi and Dean left for college he felt alone, but... it seemed as though Lexi was never alone. Even when Dean had supposedly died, people supported her (except for the few that accused her of killing her husband). No one really supported him, and quite a few people got angry at him when he tried to defend Lexi (it wasn't the fact that he was defending Lexi; it was how he went about it that angered them). He was at odds with his parents, and he barely spoke to his younger sister. He had friends, but... he still felt alone. Not that he wasn't used to the feeling; it just still hurt that even as a grown-up he felt this.

He hesitated, and then slowly, quietly walked away with his hands in his pockets. Maybe he would come back to talk to her later, or maybe he wouldn't come back at all. He could just coop himself up with a lot of paperwork and never see the light of day; as long as he kept himself busy no one bothered him much besides the rare phone calls from his parents. He... would have to see. He would still talk to this Scott person, but besides that he wouldn't butt into Lexi's life. Seemed like there were enough people doing that already. He didn't want to add himself to that list.

He walked around the side of the house and arrived at his car -a borrowed one, since his had been totaled after he crashed. He opened it, got in, and started the vehicle. He started to back out of the driveway. He would just return to the station. At least he would be somewhat useful there.