Two days later, Hitch and Kieu-Linh were humping with minimal supplies south again, trying to hurry back to the bunker while the weather was mild. They had spent several hours the previous day on basic field exercises with Miller and Kim-Ly, showing the teen how to identify protected and covered positions, how to use fire and maneuver tactics to advance, how to draw back from being overrun. She'd absorbed it rather well, but they'd had no time to do much more than go over simple situations and concepts.

“So what'd she say?” Hitch asked after Kieu-Linh said she'd finally asked her mom about the night she and Miller had tried anal.

“Well, at first she said it hurt, then she made him go slower, and then she said she wanted to go faster and he seemed to really love it. That's pretty much all she said.”

“Mmm, lovely.” Hitch purred.

Kieu-Linh watched him as they walked, then grew serious. “Would you ever cheat on me?”

“What?”

“You heard me.”

“No. Never.”

Kieu-Linh looked ahead, “I hope not...”

“What's got you thinking about this?”

“I dunno,” she shrugged, “just... you had sex with my mom and... I think you would like to again...”

“I...” he paused, not wanting to lie to his lover. “I can't say that I wouldn't consider the fantasy of it, Linh, but I promise you, I'm yours and yours only. I cherish what you are to me, I never want to do anything to risk that.”

“Ok,” she said quietly, “I just... I hope you never do. I know she's beautiful and all, and... I'm sure she was better than me at it...”

Hitch stopped on the trail and took her arm. “Kieu-Linh, she was absolutely not 'better than' you. Not by a mile. Did I enjoy it? Yes. Did she have more experience than you... at least in the beginning? Of course. But... believe me... believe me... I'm so satisfied with you, Linh. I make love to you and I feel like a god. A king of the gods. I feel powerful and young and loved. There is no better feeling in my life than making love to you. What I had with your mother, those brief moments, can't compare to the way you make me feel when you touch me, when you take me inside.”

He felt compelled to touch her then. He kissed her lips, trying to show her how much she meant, trying to apologize for even looking at her mother so long ago by the way he caressed her mouth with his. His hand slid under her jacket and into her pants. Her sweaty pubes scratched his palm lightly as he found her clit. In rapid motions, he slid up and down her pussy, her nub hardening, her breathing quickening. She came so fast that he wasn't satisfied, and moments later, he brought her to an orgasm which left her shaking and in need of a rest.

Hitch stared into her eyes. “Linh... I know I can never fully deserve you, but I'll die trying if I have to. You mean everything to me. You're so much more than just a great lover. You're a great love, a fast friend, a crutch to keep me moving when I need one. How can I ever show you how much you mean to me?”

She smiled and kissed him as they sat on a fallen log. “Mmm... I think you just did...” Kieu-Linh wrapped her arms around his neck and whispered in his ear, “I'm sorry, James... I don't know why I worried. I trust you... I love you...”

“I love you too. And I'll never break my promise. You're the only woman I need in my life. I was so long without one that I'd have been happy with half of what you give me. That you give me your everything, all the time... I overflow with your love. I love you so much.”

“I know,” she whispered. “Sorry again... whew... that last one... left me shaking...”

Hitch looked up at the fading light around them. “Let's make camp just up ahead. I think we could use some time to cuddle and stay warm. If we get up early, we can make up the time.”

“Deal.”

As they walked forward again, Hitch asked her, “Do you know what 'Semper Fi' means, Linh?”

“No... not really," she responded.

“It's Latin, from semper fidelis... means 'always faithful.' It's a creed Marines live by. Sure, not all of them are 'faithful' to their wives or girlfriends, but... it means something to me. I hold myself to being faithful in whatever I do. It isn't always easy or convenient... but... Semper Fi, Linh. I'll always be faithful to you.”

- - -

They hustled and arrived back at the bunker just after dark the second day. Hitch froze, stopping Kieu-Linh behind him. He reached for his pistol, and the teen pulled her rifle up into a ready position. She whispered, “what is it?”

He held a finger for silence and listened. Hitch heard nothing, but something wasn't quite right. He moved slowly towards the bunker, then crouched down, examining the ground. He whispered over his shoulder, “trip wire's been hit.”

She crouched, eyes darting behind them, covering their rear. She said quietly, “could it have been deer?”

“Possible,” he replied. He'd put the trip wires back in place a few days before they had left for the north, having removed them before the snow fell heavily months before. “Take a position over there to the left behind that rock pile. Keep an eye around us. I'll move down to the bunker.”

Kieu-Linh moved silently into place, eyes open and alert. Hitch crept slowly through the ground between her and the shelter. He found another trip wire which had not been set off and slid behind a tree a few meters from the entrance. He listened again, still heard nothing.

He slowly approached the bunker and knelt down, tracing his fingers over something scratched into a small rock near the door. “Jimmy?” he called out just above a whisper. “Jimmy?”

No reply came and he eased open the bunker door, listening a moment. He slipped inside and lit a candle. Nothing looked out of place. He called for Kieu-Linh to come in. She joined him seconds later.

“What'd you find?” she asked, looking around the room.

“Jimmy Kingman was here. See?” He showed her the scratches on the rock outside the door. “Shorthand we used to use when we were fighting south and west of here. That's his sign. He was here three days ago. Didn't indicate an emergency, just an attempt to contact. Wonder what ol' Jimmy was doing up here?”

“Jimmy was one of your Marines?”

“Yes, the one I told you about who took a bullet to his groin at Third Colorado, then fought with me near here at the end.”

“Oh... right, I remember. Why do you think he came looking for you?”

“No idea. I knew he was in the area from what Javier had said back in Mountain City. Maybe he's just looking to see if I'm still around. He was always a sharp kid... a sharp Marine. Not easy finding this place, but apparently, he tracked me down. He shouldn't have missed that trip wire, though.”

Kieu-Linh asked, “so... stand down?”

“Yeah. I don't see anything otherwise disturbed. Just to be safe, though, why don't we sleep in shifts tonight. I'll take first watch. You look exhausted.”

She drew a tight smile, “I'm fine. I don't need to sleep.”

Hitch chuckled. “Everyone needs sleep, including me.” He looked seriously at her. “That's an order.”

She smiled and laughed. “Yes, Sir!”

While Kieu-Linh settled onto the mattress, Hitch stepped outside and took another look around, found no other trip wires set off and no other signs of Jimmy or anyone else. He saw deer scat and wondered if perhaps Jimmy had been tracking game and stumbled onto the bunker.

Hitch had scratched his own codes into another rock near the entrance. To anyone who wasn't looking for it, it probably appeared to be random marks on a weathered rock. But if, like Jimmy, you understood what those marks represented, it would have identified Hitch and left instructions on where to leave a scratched communication should he be away. They'd made up the codes themselves while fighting around Turtletown. They often had to melt away and take shelter separately to avoid Imp patrols trying to find them. The codes served as a way to help them regroup should their original plans need adjustment.

He hoped Jimmy might come back while they were there, but he and Kieu-Linh planned to pack before dawn and head back north as soon as it was light. He decided to leave Jimmy a message letting him know he'd return within the month to retrieve more supplies from the bunker. He let him know he could stay in the shelter if needed. Satisfied, he placed the rock in front of the one Jimmy had marked, a sure sign that he'd gotten the man's message.

A chill breeze rushed in and Hitch retreated to the relative warmth of the bunker. Kieu-Linh, despite her assurances that she didn't need sleep, snored obscenely on her back, and Hitch couldn't help but smile and enjoy the sounds of her breathing.

- - -

He woke her only when his eyes began to droop. It was probably pointless to keep a vigil at this point, but long experience had taught Hitch to never assume all was well just because it was quiet and still. Kieu-Linh grew alert quickly and Hitch was able to get a couple of hours of sleep before he awoke and felt like it was time to get started on packing supplies.

The rucks were heavy and multiple sacks hung from the back. He packed as much meat as he could, leaving some behind, emergency rations which might still be viable should he need them later, or should Jimmy come back. He left all the water jugs, not needing anything more than what was used during the hump back. He considered bringing the books, but since Kieu-Linh had already read them all, and given they had other priorities, they stayed behind.

Before dawn had broken, they picked their way along the ridge line, breathing heavily under heavy loads in the chilly air.

- - -

They took longer getting back to the cabin, the extra weight on their backs made some of the climbs more taxing, and they spent two nights instead of one on the trail. Miller and Kim-Ly greeted them with a hot lunch and cups of warm cider.

Kim-Ly insisted they relax and not worry about chores, so Hitch and Kieu-Linh shared a soothing hour in the spring, making love and then resting in the cool grass on a warm day. Hitch was really beginning to like the small piece of paradise into which he'd been invited to stay.

They were making their way back to the cabin, coming up through a narrow path somewhat overgrown with early Spring foliage, when Kieu-Linh spotted something moving through the trees, a hundred meters below them on the edge of a small clearing. They ducked into the bushes and listened.

Hitch heard voices, talking openly enough to make out bits of conversation as the breeze drove the sounds up from that direction.

“... I don't know, Catalina! I don't know, if we...” It was a male voice.

A female voice responded, “... have to try! We've been going so long, we... and we have to find somewhere to raise... what else can we do?!”

“Alright, alright. Stay here, I'll...”

Hitch whispered, “get up to the cabin quickly and alert your parents. I'll intercept them. Safety off, just in case.”

They always went everywhere with firearms, even to the spring. He clicked the safety off on his Beretta and saw Kieu-Linh raise up and hustle up the rise in a running crouch. Hitch waited a moment to be sure she was well on, then slipped through the trees to within a couple dozen meters of where the voices had been.

He saw two people, one a young dark-skinned man, ripped clothing and dirty streaks on his face and arms. The other was a young woman, lighter skin of creamy mocha, perhaps of Latin or Hispanic heritage. The man kissed the woman's lips, then turned and started walking up the rise.

Hitch stepped behind a tree, M9 raised, and shouted, “Hold there!”

The man froze and the woman ducked down, hands over her head.

“Who are you?” Hitch shouted from his position slightly to the left and in front of the man.

“D-Diego... Diego... I'm not armed!”

“Just hold still,” Hitch replied, “what are you doing here?”

The man turned back towards the woman, then back ahead, “we-we just need something to eat. Catalina is pregnant... please...”

“Drop your packs right there. Slowly. Right... now pull up your shirt, show me your waists.” The man complied, no firearm seen. The woman did the same, and Hitch could see the slight curve of her belly which suggested Diego had been telling the truth. “Alright. I'm coming out in a moment. Take six steps forwards, both of you, away from your packs, and sit down.”

They did as directed. Hitch could see both shaking in fear.

As he approached, he lowered his pistol but kept it ready. He stopped a few yards from the man. Diego was likely no older than fourteen or fifteen, and the woman about the same. They looked like scared kids, and probably were.

“Okay,” he said more softly. “Had to be sure. Where are you coming from?”

Diego pointed back towards the west, “we've been wandering a long time. Our... our parents were killed three years ago. We lived with a man for a while, but he was a drunk. We... we had to leave a few months ago. We've been living off things we could steal, which wasn't much in the Winter... Please... just a meal and we'll leave.”

Hitch nodded, then slid his pistol into its holster. “Alright. I believe you. Come, stand up. I'm Hitch. This isn't my place, but I think you'll find welcome here. I'm sure we can fill your bellies.”

“Th-thank you, thank you!” Catalina exclaimed as she stood, shaking, grabbing her pack.

Despite the fact that he felt no threat from either, he made them pass by him and walk in front while he followed a few meters behind. He directed them towards the cabin, and called out, “coming in, at ease!”

He saw Miller open the door and stand on the porch, rifle in his hands.

Hitch explained, “these two are Diego and Catalina, they're just looking for a meal, not armed. Catalina is with child.”

Miller looked them over as Kim-Ly and Kieu-Linh came out, still holding their weapons. The old man said, “welcome, Diego an' Catalina. I thin' we can rustle up sumthin' tasty.” He paused and cast his eyes over them again. “Ya two could'a use'a bath an' sum clean clothes, yes?”

Catalina nodded vigorously. Miller added, “Kieu-Linh will take ya down ta tha sprin', ya can clean up thar'. Drop yer packs up 'ere, we'll get ya sum grub.”

The look of relief on their faces was striking, though they both still shook lightly. Kieu-Linh hopped down the steps and led them down the path to the water. Miller nodded to Hitch and went with Kim-Ly back inside.

Hitch eyed the dropped packs. While he recognized the violation of looking inside them, he also remembered how a bag left on a sidewalk near his platoon in An Nasiriyah had exploded, sending several Marines to the rear with serious injuries. Hitch didn't trust strangers enough not to secure those packs.

He knelt down next to the one Diego had carried. Hitch saw no wires. He hefted it, and it felt fairly light. Flipping the top open, he saw what little the young man carried with him. There was a ragged blanket, flayed around the edges with old patches coming loose. He found a small bottle of water, a tin plate, a pair of dirty socks, a metal spoon, an empty box of matches, a small watch with a shattered face, three bundles of loose rags, and a worn Bible. In a side pocket, he found a small, dull knife, and in another, two half-empty tubes of skin lotion. A dirty ball cap was tied around one of the straps, a filthy towel around the other.

It nearly made Hitch sick to his stomach.

He knew it wasn't likely that Catalina's pack had anything threatening, but he looked anyway. Much like the items in Diego's bag, there was an old blanket, a pair of socks, two ratty pairs of stained panties, loose plastic sandwich baggies, a few twist ties, another empty box of matches, pills which looked like out-of-date vitamins, more rags, two bottles of water, and a hair brush. She also had a towel and cap attached to the straps of her pack.

He settled the bags back on the porch and went inside. Kim-Ly looked at his expression, and she asked sympathetically, “everything okay?”

Hitch shook his head. “Poor kids got nothing... can you spare a couple of towels and some soap? I'll take them down to them. They could really use some clean clothes if you have any to spare.”

Kim-Ly nodded, “I'll get them, one moment.”

Miller was stirring chunks of venison into a steaming pot which already had a few canned vegetables and broth. He turned back and Hitch could see sadness in his eyes. “Hate seein' people like tha', Major. Goddamn this war. Tha' jus' kids.”

“And she's pregnant...”

“Goddamned war,” Miller grumbled. “Goddamned war...”

Kim-Ly handed Hitch a bag with towels, clothing, soap, and a couple of thin slabs of what like looked beef jerky. “What is that?” Hitch asked of the latter.

“Pemmican. Made it this Winter. Nutritious and tasty. Native Americans used to make it, sort of a primitive fast food, I suppose. Venison and chokeberries, salt. Not got many left, but I want them to have them while they wait for a meal.”

Hitch said, “I'll take it to them. Thanks.” He left the cabin and walked the trail down to the spring. He stopped at the edge, just before the path opened into the clearing beside the pool of water. Kieu-Linh sat on the edge of the pool, talking quietly to Catalina, the mocha-skinned girl sunk down low in the water. Diego was on the far side, wiping his arms and neck.

Kieu-Linh saw him and waved him over. Hitch stepped into the clearing and Catalina tried to sink lower. He knew she was naked, her pile of clothing near Kieu-Linh's feet, and it was obvious she was embarrassed by the thought that Hitch might see her. Her eyes were wide and looking down towards the water.

“I brought you towels and soap and some fresh clothes. I'll leave them here for you.” Hitch sat the bag down, then remembered, “Oh, here.” He picked up one of the pemmican bars and tried to hand it to Catalina. She wouldn't look his way, embarrassed. “Seriously, please,” he said, “eat it. I won't look.”

Catalina glanced up, her face cleaner than he'd seen earlier. She was actually a very pretty young woman, too skinny for her size, her bone structure solid and broad. She had a prominent, wide nose, upturned lips, and brown eyes which appeared almond-colored. Her rich, brown hair was wet and falling down, floating on top of the water where it reached. Hitch leaned out with the pemmican and she took it quickly, pushing a chunk into her mouth and swallowing it almost without chewing.

She'd consumed the bar before Diego had moved over in their direction, the young man seeming unwilling to get too close to them. Hitch figured that, like his young companion, he might have been embarrassed for Kieu-Linh to see him without clothes, even in the water. Hitch walked to the boy and handed him the other pemmican bar, and like Catalina, Diego devoured it quickly.

“Soap's here, who wants it first?”

Diego swept his hand towards Catalina as if to suggest it should go to her. Hitch thought that was a kind gesture and offered the girl the soap. She took it and slipped further down the edge of the spring, using the soap liberally in her hair.

“Kieu-Linh and I will be just up that way a bit. We'll let you bathe in privacy. There's towels and clothing in the bag that might fit you. Come join us when you are finished. Supper will be ready before too long.”

He smiled thinly at Kieu-Linh and led her up to where the path snaked around several small elms and opened up towards the low rise below the cabin. He crouched down, and the young woman joined him.

“What do you think?” Kieu-Linh asked. “They seem so... weak and scared...”

“That's what I think... They're weak from hunger and frightened of us because they have reason to be frightened of people. Your parents, I'm sure, will offer them shelter a night or two, as you said they've done in the past for folks, beyond that... I dunno.”

“Catalina told me they've been walking for weeks, sometimes sleeping in the rain, digging through compost they find sometimes for anything resembling food. They've been stealing crops whenever they could, but they always fear getting shot. She's four month pregnant, James... I'm scared for her and her baby...”

“Goddamn war,” he said, echoing Miller's thoughts. “Just poor, dumb kids who got caught up in a bad situation and can't find the help they need.”

Kieu-Linh replied, “she said they had debated coming up here and asking for help. They've been chased off other places, got shot at. Diego got buckshot in his leg several weeks ago, limps sometimes from the pain. It's been over two days since they've had anything to eat.”

Hitch shook his head.

Kieu-Linh asked quietly, “what would you have done, James... if they'd have come up to your bunker like that... before I came to live with you... what would you have done?”

He thought a moment. His words sounded cold as he said them. “I'd have chased them off.”

Kieu-Linh didn't ask him to elaborate, she just slowly nodded, as if that's what she expected him to say.

Hitch heard footsteps down the path and stood. He called out, “this way.”

Moments later, Diego and Catalina walked up slowly, looking weary but clean. The clothes were tight on Catalina around the waist, otherwise a decent fit. The jeans on Diego were large and baggy and too long, but at least they were freshly laundered. “Come, supper should be about ready.”

Kieu-Linh led the way, Hitch bringing up the tail as the four made their way to the cabin and stepped inside. Kim-Ly met the newcomers with a smile and cups of coffee sweetened with honey and cream. “Please, sit, be comfortable, the stew's almost ready.” Hitch could smell fresh bread baking, and though it hadn't been many hours since he'd eaten lunch, his stomach rumbled at the wonderful smell.

While Miller checked on the food, Kim-Ly sat around the fire with Diego and Catalina. Hitch took the last chair and Kieu-Linh sat on the floor between his feet, her head back on his leg.

They just looked at each other for a few minutes. The expressions on the newcomers' faces showed the stress and strain and heartbreak they'd been through. It went without saying. The way she leaned back in her chair, the shirt tight around her abdomen, showed the small but obvious curve in Catalina's belly, her breasts heavy and somewhat swollen above.

Kim-Ly's voice was soft and sympathetic when she finally spoke. “Where'd you start out on this journey, you two? Where are you from?”

Catalina looked at Diego before speaking. “Mobile, Ma'am. We were both born in Mobile, Ma'am.” Her words started to rush out quickly. “Please... we just need some help. I'm pregnant-and-I-don't-know-what-to-do-I'm-so-scared-I'm-so-hungry-please-please...” Catalina started to cry, but she was clearly dehydrated, the tears few and far between despite her anguish. Diego stood and leaned over her, cradling her head against his stomach. Hitch noticed their cups were already empty, and he refilled them with a couple of pumps on the level at the sink, mixing in a few swirls of honey.

Diego said meekly. “Please... I'm so sorry... We don't know what to do. We've been chased off by everyone. All we need is some help, some food. We'll work, we'll do anything. I can work fields, she can clean. She can sew! Please... please...”

Kieu-Linh was crying softly, running her hands over Hitch's leg after he sat back down. There were tears in Kim-Ly's eyes, but she kept them from falling. The woman said, “Okay... okay... right now, you're safe, alright? You stay here a few days and we'll see what we can do. We don't have a lot... but we do better than most. I'm sure we can figure something out...”

Catalina's eyes widened and she cried harder, a mix of anguish and joy on her face. “Oh, thank you, Ma'am! Oh, please! Thank you! Oh...”

“Shhh... easy, child... easy...” Kim-Ly said crouching down next to her. “Easy... you're okay right now.” After stroking the girl's head a moment, she looked at Diego and nodded towards Catalina's swollen belly. “Yours?”

The young man nodded, looking away. “Yes, Ma'am... It's mine...”

“Okay... just had to know. How far?”

“We think four months or so... not sure... no way to tell...”

“Alright,” Kim-Ly replied, “you two just settle in and get comfortable right now. We'll see what we can do to help.”

Kim-Ly glanced towards Hitch a moment, a strength of resolve and compassion etched in her sadness. Kim-Ly was a very beautiful woman, Hitch thought, and even more so when she was helping someone in need. He could see how great a role model the woman had been for her daughter, how the teen's kindness and strength had been displayed time and again by Kim-Ly as an example of how to be an adult, how to be a strong woman, a person who was capable of helping others and making those around her strong, as well.

Hitch ran his hand over Kieu-Linh's head and stroked her lovely, silky hair which was loose at that moment. He watched as Diego sat at Catalina's feet, rubbing them. Hitch expected they both had terrible sores and calluses from wearing ratty socks and sneakers which had seen much better days. He appreciated seeing the young man massaging his partner's tired soles, even as Hitch was certain that Diego's hands and arms were sore and achy, themselves. He was getting a good feeling about the boy.

Catalina stopped crying slowly, her hand reaching down to touch Diego's shoulder, just holding her fingers idle there, a small touch that said 'thank you,' and, 'I love you.'

“All righ', hungry folks,” Miller called out, “le's get summa food in yer bellies.” He carried steaming bowls of stew to Diego and Catalina, hunks of crusty bread sitting on top, soaking up the juices. The teens eyed them with delight. Before they ate, Hitch saw them bow their heads and pray quietly together. Seconds later, each was tearing into the bread, dipping it deep into the stew, and putting dripping chunks of warm goodness into their mouths.

Hitch stood and brought back a bowl for Kieu-Linh and himself while Miller and Kim-Ly sat at the small table by the sink. The room was alive with sounds of sloshing bowls and spoons scraping up last scraps of meat and juices. Kim-Ly came over when the newcomers were finished and said, “let that settle a bit. Don't want you sick from eating too much too soon, but there's plenty more you can have after a while. Are you tired? Have you slept lately?”

Diego's bloodshot eyes and sunken cheeks said it all. He shook his head anyway. Kim-Ly pointed towards the bedroom. “Take our bed and get some sleep. When you get up, we'll get you fed again. Don't worry about a thing right now, just relax, alright?”

“Thank you, Ma'am,” Catalina said with sincerity and relief, “oh, thank you so much!”

“You're welcome. Call me Kim, please. And this is Jefferson, my husband.”

“Miller will do,” said the mountain man, “jus' Miller, than' ya. An' welcome, both o'yas. Like my wife says, we'll figure ou' sumthin', dun' ya worries.”

“Thank you, Ma—Kim,” Catalina repeated.

Diego said simply, “thank you, Kim, Miller,” then followed Catalina into the bedroom. Since there was no door, Hitch could hear the two settle in on the old mattress and get comfortable, leaving the four of them alone around the fire. Miller's eyes darted from the room to his wife, then to Hitch and Kieu-Linh. He motioned them out onto the porch, then closed the thick, wooden door and screen behind them once outside.

They sat on the porch and Miller said quietly, “whelp, we got us'a coupl'a strays...”

“Poor kids,” Kim-Ly said.

“They've got nowhere to go,” Kieu-Linh added.

Kim-Ly replied, “we'll give them a place to rest and recoup a while, and then...”

“We can't kick them out!” Kieu-Linh said more loudly.

“Shh... easy, chil',” Miller cautioned, “le's no' make 'em feel worse.”

“I know,” Kieu-Linh said, “but we can't...”

“We'll give 'em sanctuary an' we'll figure tha res' ou' later.”

“What's happened when others have come here previously,” Hitch asked, “aside from the ones who were violent?”

“Mos' dun stay lon'. Mos' headin' north, tryin' ta get ta Ohio or New York, places like tha',” Miller answered. “We always send 'em on thar' way with sum rations an' wha'ever comforts we can spare.”

“And those who... didn't leave on their own? Any of those?” Hitch inquired.

The others were silent a moment. Miller finally answered, “whelp... really only once... two Florida boys, claimed tha' were figh'ers from 'round Tallahassee. Took 'em in, offered 'em a place ta stay a few days, then...” He trailed off.

Kim-Ly continued for him, “they weren't good people, Hitch. Mean, those two.”

“What happened?”

Kieu-Linh's voice was steady. “They tried to rape me.”

“She was eleven or thereabouts,” Kim-Ly said quietly, “we'd been down with the cows a couple of days after they arrived. Kieu-Linh came back up to grab something out of the cabin and caught them drinking the hard cider and talking like they were toughs.”

“Stron' stuff, tha' batch, stron' stuff,” Miller added.

“I told them they shouldn't have drunk the cider without permission and they yelled at me,” Kieu-Linh said, her hand suddenly in Hitch's, “when I turned to leave, one of them grabbed my arm and pushed me over a chair... tried to pull down my pants...”

Hitch's heart was in his throat. “What happened then?”

“I kicked him in the balls and pushed him back, then ran back to my parents. Dad nearly killed them when he came back here.”

“Damn sure woulda if Kieu-Linh had no' stopped me. Damn sure...”

“I just wanted them to leave. I was scared... of what they were going to do to me... Dad marched them off over the ridge, Mom at his side, sent them off with nothing, not even the things they'd had when they arrived.”

“Damn...” Hitch said softly.

“Other than that and the times we had to shoot at raiders, most people who come here are just looking for a little help before they move on. I think,” Kim-Ly said, nodding back towards the interior, “those two are not likely to go anywhere anytime soon, nor are they likely to cause us trouble.”

“We dun know tha',” Miller said brusquely, “we dun know tha'.”

“No, we don't,” Kim-Ly responded, “but... she's pregnant, and if you saw the way that boy looked at her... when he rubbed her feet... Not saying he wouldn't steal from us if he thought it would benefit her, but I think... with some time and space and full bellies, they are not going to trouble us.”

Miller nodded, then looked at Hitch, “you've been quiet on this, Major... wha' are yer thoughts?”

“I tend to agree with Kim-Ly. I saw what she saw. I've seen deceptions before, and it could be an act, but I doubt it. I think they are just scared kids in need of help. This is your place, of course, I think you should decide what is best here.”

“Easy, Hitch,” Kim-Ly said, “when we invited you to stay here, we meant it fully. Not as a guest. This is your place, too, now. That's how it will be.”

“Then, my feeling is that we give them shelter and a few days to rest and regain some strength, then we figure out what they can offer to earn their keep. Obviously, Catalina's contribution will have to decrease quickly, and there's still the problem of her pregnancy...”

“Kim-Ly an' me can handle tha'. I delivered Kieu-Linh myself, an' Kim-Ly an' me managed several others. Dunna' nee' worry 'bout tha', Major.”

“But if there's a complication—”

“Then there's a complication,” Kim-Ly cut in. “Not a real hospital closer than Asheville, and I have my doubts about that one. We do our best, Hitch, it's better than what those two are going to find on their own.”

Hitch nodded. “Okay. Then I have had my say. I don't see anything to fear from those two, but we'll see over the coming days.”

“Gonna be a nip tigh' fer sleepin',” Miller said, “suppose we can give up tha bed a few nights, bu' my back wonna' take many o'them on tha floor.”

“If it doesn't get too cold, I can sleep on the hammock. God knows I've had far worse accommodations in the field.”

“Amen ta tha', Major.”

“Not without me, you won't,” Kieu-Linh chimed in. “I'm sleeping where you're sleeping.”

Hitch grinned, “I expected you would.”

“We've got some spare blankets and pillows stored in the attic, I can make my husband a bed on the rug and you'll have some extra layers for warmth,” said Kim-Ly, “maybe try that out tonight.”

Hitch sniffed the air, the sun low in the west. “Not feeling like a cold one tonight, we should be fine, so long as I have this one to keep me warm.”

Kim-Ly smiled and leaned against her husband. She let out a long sigh. “Things are always changing, aren't they? Never go long without some new challenge getting thrown at you.”

“Keeps you on your toes,” Hitch mused. “Sometimes,” he said, stroking Kieu-Linh's hair, thinking of the way the teen coming into his life had been a change he hadn't known he needed, “a new challenge brings you good instead of bad, love instead of fear.”

Kim-Ly eyed him as Miller held her to him. “You're a very different man than you were last year, Hitch. I think you kinda like this young woman. I think she's been good for you.”

“I think you're right, Ma'am. I think you're right.”

- - -

Diego and Catalina slept well into the morning, not waking once that anyone had heard. Kim-Ly and Miller slept in front of the fire on a layer of pillows which seemed to be fine for his back, at least for one night. Hitch and Kieu-Linh had a bit less comfort, the night turning cold after midnight and the hammock not really made for two people to sleep in for long. Still, Hitch thought, I've had much, much worse than being wrapped around the woman I love and kept warm by her body and layers of thick blankets.

By the time the newcomers had arisen, the others had already eaten breakfast and were moving about the chores. Hitch and Kieu-Linh were working to repair a leaky valve under the sink and a cracked leg on the stove, the teen's parents checking on the crops and spreading fresh compost around the fruit trees.

Kieu-Linh spotted them and greeted them with a smile. “Good morning. Sleep okay?”

Catalina smiled sleepily, “did we really sleep all that time? I feel like I just closed my eyes.”

Diego added, “thank you for this... we haven't slept this well... or this long... in months. Is there... is there anything to eat?”

“Of course,” Kieu-Linh said, pulling out half of a loaf of bread, honey, clotted cream, and soft cheese, “here. I'll get you some of the stew from last night if you're still hungry.” Hitch could tell that the two teens would probably eat anything put in front of them at that point.

After the newcomers had a chance to down several mouthfuls of food, Hitch asked, “so, what's your story? How in the hell did you two end up here?”

Catalina started to explain. “We were both young, maybe... eight or so... in Mobile--”

“How old are you now?” Hitch interrupted.

“Fourteen. Both of us,” she answered. Hitch nodded and they continued. “The Empire had taken over long before then. I don't really remember anything else, but my parents talked about what it was like before The War. Anyway,” she stuffed a hunk of bread and honey into her mouth, chewed quickly, and went on. “My mom and dad decided to go north with some other families who wanted to get away, so we left in the night... maybe... twenty or so of us... Diego was with his parents, too. We didn't know each other then.”

“Where were you going?” Kieu-Linh asked as she carefully separated the leg from the stove.

“I don't really know. All I knew was we were leaving the Empire and going north. We got as far as Atlanta. We got stopped at a checkpoint by Empire guards. They took us to a camp where everything stank. Everyone stank, too. It was awful.”

Diego said sadly. “Sick people everywhere. Just... terrible. It was like... a prison.”

“The crammed us into these little apartments, ten or twelve of us in each, no water except a couple of hoses they guarded, almost no food. My parents and Diego's started making plans. It took a long time, and... people started dying there.” Tears were filling Catalina's eyes again, but she sucked in her breath and continued. “It was almost two years before we could try to escape. We got out, some got killed, but we got out.”

“Got to Alpharetta and we got stopped again. This time, we were separated, Catalina and I,” Diego said after licking the cream left on the spoon. “They took my parents away... I only saw them one more time before... before they were killed.”

“They took us kids and sent us to live in a big complex where adults who had sworn allegiance to the Empire were in charge,” Catalina said meekly, “it was awful. We were stuck there for a while. I finally ran into Diego again. They kept moving us, never knew why. Our parents tried to get in to see us. They came together with some others who knew their kids were in with us. We watched as they yelled at the fence. They kept yelling... I can... I can still hear my dad...”

Catalina choked up and Diego held her hand, the young man speaking slowly. “The guards just started shooting. We saw our parents go down, dozens more got shot. It was awful... Someone came later and told us they were dead. Catalina and I eventually got out one night and escaped. We just started walking north, not knowing what else to do. We met a man... Albert... in Helen, Georgia, who offered to take us in. At first... it was alright, then he traded a lot of stuff for a crate of liquor and he didn't stop drinking. He started hitting us, blaming us for his situation. We finally left a few months ago... and we've been wandering since... there's... there's almost no one around... and when we ask for help... people turn us away... it's been... awful...”

Silence swept over the group as Diego stopped speaking. Catalina sobbed softly, wiping her eyes.

“Well,” Hitch said evenly, “we're not turning you away. You're welcome to stay here. Take a few days to regain your strength and we'll put you to work. There's plenty for all of us here, so you don't have to keep running.” He looked at Kieu-Linh, saw the girl was doing a good job of not showing her sadness and concern. “Were you trying to get anywhere in particular?”

Diego shook his head. “Not really. There were just rumors of freedom if we went north, no one really said where, just... away from the Empire. That's all we knew. When... when a couple of months ago, Catalina had missed her... monthly... a couple of times in a row... we got really scared...” The dark-skinned young man began to massage the girl's feet again as if it was something he'd been doing habitually. “Are any of you a doctor? Or a nurse?”

“No,” Hitch said, “but don't worry. Miller and Kim-Ly have delivered before, they can handle it.”

Diego didn't exactly look convinced but he didn't inquire further. Instead, Catalina asked quietly, “how did you end up here, uh... Mr... Hitch...”

“I fought in The War for years, I was living south of here a few days. Met Miller and his family last year and... they asked me to come live with them.” Hitch said, finishing the repair to the sink.

Catalina's tears had dried as she turned from Hitch to Kieu-Linh. “Are you... together?”

Kieu-Linh nodded, a streak of grease across her left cheek. “We are... that's why James came to live with us. I stayed the Winter, at his place. We... grew close...”

Catalina smiled with more warmth than Hitch had seen before. “That's nice... I'm so glad Diego and I... have each other... I don't know what I'd have done without him...”

“When did you first become lovers?” Kieu-Linh asked out of the blue. Hitch gave her a steady gaze, his expression suggesting that was too personal a question. The teen ignored him.

Catalina shrugged, looking back at Diego. “I dunno... when we were in Helen... last year... that's... that's one of the things that Albert hated about us... He tried to rape me... a couple of times... but he was too drunk and we locked ourselves in his attic until he passed out. When he drank... he just hated Diego... he thought I 'owed him' and he hated that Diego and I were in love... The last time he tried... that's when we left.”

“I wanted to kill him,” Diego said firmly. “I should have...”

“Killing a man is never an easy decision,” Hitch cautioned, “don't ever let yourself believe it is. You got out, safely... that's all that really matters. Though... it sounds like Albert deserved to be put down for what he tried to do.”

Catalina said softly, “you were a soldier, so... you killed people... right?”

“I'm a Marine... and yes. It was war. That's part of it.”

“Oh...” Catalina became silent again.

Hitch sat back against the counter, studying the two newcomers. “If you two are full, why don't you go on down to the spring and relax. Be at peace a while, be together.” His eyes cast to Kieu-Linh, who was standing and watching him. “Be thankful of the time you have with each other.”

Diego nodded and rose. Catalina said, “do you have a bathroom, or outhouse? I really need to go...”

“I'll show you,” Kieu-Linh offered.

While she led the couple out of the cabin, Hitch cleaned up the mess from the sink and considered his thoughts. Had the two teens showed up at his bunker, the scenario Kieu-Linh had asked him about the day before, he could see that he'd answered her honestly. He'd have run them off. It wasn't about lack of compassion, it was a tactical decision. The bunker was his sanctuary, his only real asset should he have to defend himself. He hadn't had time or energy or resources for others to be there, for them to be a distraction, a drain on his focus. He'd have run them off in order to protect himself, and he'd have probably done it without too much thought about their welfare afterwards.

Kieu-Linh, and the kindness of Miller and Kim-Ly, had changed him a lot more than he'd realized. He hoped that it was for the better, that caring about others again hadn't sheared away the sharp edge he needed to survive.

But what was it to survive alone, anyway? To survive and live without others, without a purpose beyond that survival? Hitch found a stark answer. It was nothing worth living. It was isolated, a shell of the human experience. Why survive to just die one day, alone, no longer noticed by anyone, no longer impacting the way the world turned, the way the people in it were treated. He'd fought for his country, for his family, and for his men. To make a difference, to change the outcomes in their favor. When he'd withdrawn to the mountains, he'd surrendered that charge, given up that responsibility, and it had left him without reason to survive. He'd gone about his hunts and his foraging and his long Winter nights out of rote habit, only to wake up the next day and do it again with just as little enthusiasm or joy. It was a Sisyphean cycle which offered no humanity, no ability to do more than keep tracing the circle over and over again.

Hitch realized his heart was racing. For a man who had spent years alone, fighting against his compassion, steeling himself against emotion and what he thought was weakness, it was a profound realization to recognize the change in himself. Kim-Ly had said he was a different man than the year before. She had no idea just how right she was.

And Hitch was actually glad for the change. For so long, he'd buried those emotions, that hard, thick shell of self-protection he'd fostered out of habit wholly integrated into his reactions to the world at large. With Kieu-Linh's kindness, her compassion, her eager innocence, he'd found that his defenses had crumbled more easily than he could have expected, that the changes she influenced had flooded through him before he could even acknowledge how strongly he'd been affected by her.

It had given him hope.

That made the way he felt about Diego and Catalina more humanistic and kind. He wanted to help them now, whereas months earlier he would never have considered risking his own well-being, his own survival, to show them the slightest degree of concern. Kieu-Linh's influence on him was deep and warm and welcome.

She returned and smiled at him, and he was compelled to embrace her and kiss her lips and whisper his love to her until she purred. It wasn't so much a sexual charge as a powerful expression of his gratitude, of his appreciation for the way she'd brought him back to life, of his newfound faith in humanity, which had coaxed his penis to harden and press against her groin.

“Mmm... I like when it does that...” Kieu-Linh said with an easy grin. Her eyes drew out the small window to where Catalina and Diego were walking down the clearing towards the spring, hand-in-hand. “I think we have a few minutes alone...”

She dropped to her knees and he leaned back against the sink, his cock pulled quickly from his jeans. Kieu-Linh's thin, wet lips slid over his length, and for a few moments, she moaned with desire as she sucked and licked his flesh. He groaned as her movements brought him tingling pleasure. The teen had become talented at taking him in her mouth, her hands moving freely over his stomach and down to caress his balls, adding weight to the sensual experience. She looked up at him with lovely, dark eyes, watching him as he swelled against her tongue.

He moaned as his release flooded her mouth, his thick, sticky sperm splashing in her throat. Kieu-Linh held him inside as he came, swallowing once his orgasm had slowed, then again to wash down the remains of his seed. She stood and wiped her lips with the back of her hand. Hitch kissed her then, pushed her to lean against the sink, and slid down onto his knees, pulling her jeans down to her ankles in one motion.

Kieu-Linh crouched slightly so that her thighs could part, giving Hitch access to her slick, sweaty genitals. He caressed her soft, hairy mound before running his tongue through her wet, salty slit. He tasted her arousal in the cream coating her tender labia. Hitch felt the teen's clit swelling with each pass of his tongue, using his lips to gently suck her flesh, making her shudder and tense, her hips rocking as her body began to writhe.

She came as his nose slid over her womanhood, his tongue probing the tight opening below. Sweet, creamy discharge drooled onto his tongue as she held his head firmly, pressing him into her crotch. Hitch inhaled her scent as he licked, that rich, powerful aroma that was uniquely Kieu-Linh. She shuddered and pushed him away, sensitive, pulling him upright where Hitch shared the girl's cream with her, his tongue coated with her slippery essence. She purred as they kissed and shared an exhilarating moment breathing hard and staring into each other's eyes.

Kieu-Linh giggled and let Hitch slowly pull back. He helped her pull up her pants, letting her genitals soak into the crotch of the jeans. His cock was hard again, but he tucked it back inside his own, knowing they needed to get work done that day, though he knew they both would have preferred to recline on the rug and continue making love until they were too sore to continue.

Hitch let out a breath and steadied himself, still tempted to turn the teen around and fuck her pussy right then. Instead, he said, “ready to hunt?”

She nodded, smiling, “always.”

“Good. Let's go.”

- - -

They passed the spring quickly on their search for game. Hitch and Kieu-Linh had paused a moment, hidden in the brush. Diego was holding Catalina in front of him in the water, the girl floating on her back, her swollen mounds above the surface, her large, dark areolae visible, topped by tight, dark nipples. Diego was holding her carefully, his hands resting over her stomach where his child was growing, letting Catalina's head rest against his shoulder. Hitch smiled to see that his instincts seemed to have been correct about the two. It was a relaxed, kind moment they observed, and they soon headed deeper into the woods to leave the young couple in peace.

Kieu-Linh downed the first doe a couple of hours later, and Hitch took another after midday. They cleaned and dressed their kills, carrying them back to the cabin to find Diego and Catalina back in bed, sleeping soundly. Kim-Ly was chopping wood behind the cabin and adding it to a new pile to season and dry. Miller was on a ladder, working on a part of the metal roof which had come loose and was threatening to slide off. The man nodded to them as they brought the carcasses to the stone slab. “Good kills.”

“Thanks,” Hitch said as Kieu-Linh started to separate the hide from one, “also got these.” He held up a brace of fat rabbits they'd encountered on their way back to the cabin. The small creatures had sprinted ahead of them on the trail, disappearing into the brush only to pop back out and hesitate. That a was all the time Hitch and Kieu-Linh had needed to fire in unison, killing them before they could scatter.

Miller nodded again and returned to his work.

“Kieu-Linh's going to finish up here, anything I can do to help you?”

“Nah. I got this,” Miller declared. “Almos' done. Thin' Kim-Ly migh' need'a hand.”

Hitch left Kieu-Linh to complete the work on the deer and rabbits and walked back to where the girl's mother was dividing sections of thick elm and hickory and adding them to the long pile running along the edge of the clearing behind the cabin. She smiled as he approached, wiping grimy sweat from her face. “See you two made good on the hunt.”

“We did. Good day, all around,” he said, silently adding in the moments he's shared with Kieu-Linh in the cabin to his assessment. “What can I do here?”

She looked at the wood pile, several cords already stacked and beginning to season. “Start taking the last cord or so,” she replied, “on the other end, add it to the pile closer up. It was cut last Fall.” It took six months or so for cut wood to be dried and ready for use in fires, though, in a pinch, it could often be used earlier. There were three piles of wood around the building, and Hitch started to move the seasoned wood of the furthest up to the one for immediate use. A third was around the other side of the cabin, a pile of softer, fast-burning wood used in the cook stove.

Hitch was sweating heavily despite the moderate temperatures, and Kim-Ly stopped him a moment with a cup of cool water. “Think those two are going to sleep all day,” she said, referring to Diego and Catalina.

“I think they need it. Doubt those two have slept in a bed in months. Probably lucky she hasn't already lost the baby.”

“Yeah...” Kim-Ly grew quiet. “I lost one... years ago... before Kieu-Linh. I was about at four months, like Catalina... it was... tough.”

“I'm sorry...”

“No, don't be. I just... understand what that's like. You get so full of excitement and start thinking of the future, choosing names, wondering the sex, then... then it's just gone in blood and pain and anguish... I hope she doesn't have to go through that.”

“Well,” Hitch said gently, “maybe they found us in time... I imagine much longer like they were going... not eating... not sleeping... it wouldn't have been long before...”

“Yeah,” Kim-Ly replied, “probably right. We should make sure she takes it really easy. Even once she's rested and ready to start to lend a hand.”

“Diego said she could sew, perhaps there's something she could work on?”

Kim-Ly nodded, “sure, always. I've never much had a knack for that. Jefferson can do it... or once could... his fingers aren't what they used to be... well,” she said, suddenly chuckling, “in some ways, they still are, but...”

Hitch laughed, “too much information.”

She looked at him with amusement. “Oh, I doubt that... you seemed to enjoy watching me when my fingers were doing the motions...”

“I have to admit,” he replied, “that is so.”

“Kinda strange, isn't it?”

“What's that?” he asked.

“I dunno... I mean... that morning... I... watched you with my daughter... and it made me horny...”

Hitch shrugged, “strange times, Kim... Your husband once told me that we should always take pleasure when it is offered. I suppose seeing us together... you saw our pleasure... and you found that it made your own flow forth... Can't think that's a bad thing...”

“I suppose. I don't regret it,” Kim-Ly declared, “not at all... just... strange.” She looked back at the wood pile, “anyway, suppose we should finish up here before it gets too late. I'll send Kieu-Linh in to get some supper going. I think we should stew those rabbits tonight.”

“My stomach's growling already. I'll get back to work.”

Kim-Ly smiled at him warmly. “I really enjoy talking to you, James. I always do.”

“I feel the same,” he said, returning her smile, “you're a good woman, Kim.”

- - -

Diego and Catalina were up before Kieu-Linh had finished preparing the meal, so the two went back down to the spring to relax. Hitch thought they were already looking better, but he acknowledged that might just have been removing the weeks of filth and grime from their bodies and the fact that they were wearing clean clothes.

Hitch gathered a few things from the cellar for Kieu-Linh and leaned against the counter, watching his young lover work. She glanced at him and broke into a smile, “what?” she said.

He shook his head, “just love you. I like to look at you, especially when you're working on something and focused. Makes me appreciate how lucky I am to have you in my life.”

“Aww,” she said, “are you turning softy on me?”

He laughed and stepped beside her, pushing his groin against her hip, “that feel soft to you?”

She laughed and slid against him a moment, then said, “alright, lover, trying to work here. But hold that thought for later...”

He stepped back and realized his arms were still covered in wood shavings and dirt. “I need a bath...”

Kieu-Linh heard the hesitation in his voice, “think they might be a bit shy if you joined them?”

“Yeah... don't really want to make them feel uneasy.”

“Well, how about I come join you. This stew needs to simmer a while anyway, and I could use some soap in my hair, it feels sticky.”

Hitch gathered towels and a bar of soap and waited for Kieu-Linh on the porch. She joined him and together they walked slowly down to the spring. Miller and Kim-Ly were moving the cows to a smaller enclosure in the lower field, wanting to take the next day to collect the manure and turn it into the compost pile.

They stopped just outside the clearing above the spring, the soft sighs of a woman being pleasured barely reaching their ears. The light was slowly fading into dusk, and Hitch could just make out Catalina on her back near the water's edge, her knees cocked and spread, Diego's face between her thighs.

“He's licking her,” Kieu-Linh said in a whisper.

Hitch didn't respond.

“Is it okay that we're watching?” she asked quietly.

“Probably not... I don't want them to know we're here... they need some time to make love and bond...”

“You watched me...”

“Yes,” he said softly, “but... that was different.”

“Why?”

“You weren't doing anything other than bathing, nothing... sexual.”

She whispered, “but you were...”

“Yes... and I shouldn't have...”

“I'm glad you did... even if I didn't know you were there.”

Diego had risen over his lover and Hitch saw him slowly ease himself inside Catalina's body.

Kieu-Linh said, “I think it's wonderful... I like seeing them together and happy.”

Catalina's arms had risen and slid over Diego's shoulders as he started to make love with the pregnant fourteen-year old. Hitch could tell the young man was being careful not to press down on where their child grew in Catalina's womb. Hitch couldn't stop watching, even as he felt guilty for his voyeurism.

Kieu-Linh was smiling as they looked on. “He loves her, James... look how much he loves her.” Diego was kissing Catalina as his body moved gently against her, the teen's soft moans full of pleasure, the two lost in their passion. Hitch wondered how long it had been since either had felt well enough to make love.

Diego began to grunt and in moments, it was clear that he was filling Catalina with his seed. Kieu-Linh gasped quietly, “oh, James... they are so beautiful together...”

“Yes,” he whispered, “yes they are...”

Diego held himself still between Catalina's thighs, kissing her cheek and neck. She held him tight against her body even as he kept his back arched above her swollen belly. Slowly, he withdrew and sat beside her, caressing her breasts before sliding back into the water. Catalina sat up and let out a long, contented sigh, then crawled to the spring and slipped down and started to wash her lover's sperm from her vagina.

“Let's give them a minute, then we'll go down,” Hitch suggested.

They waited as the two washed themselves. He heard Catalina giggling to something Diego said too quietly for Hitch to hear. They embraced and laughed together, then floated out a bit from the edge, holding hands as they stared up into the darkening sky.

“Alright,” Hitch said as he rose from his crouch and took Kieu-Linh's hand. Despite his reservations about watching the two young lovers, he was hard and very aroused by what he'd seen.

Diego heard them first and he splashed as he righted himself, careful to ensure his genitals were not seen below the water. Catalina did the same, her swollen breasts dipping below the surface as she crouched neck-deep and watched them approach.

“Hey,” Kieu-Linh said softly, “mind if we join you for a bath?”

“O-okay,” Catalina said. “We were... uh... just about to get out...”

“No rush,” Kieu-Linh replied, “please... just enjoy yourselves... we just need to get cleaned up ourselves... supper will be ready in a while. Please... bathe with us so we can talk...”

“O-okay,” Catalina repeated.

Without shame, Kieu-Linh slid off her thick shirt and dropped her pants, exposing her naked cinnamon flesh to their eyes, still radiant and beautiful in the near-darkness. Hitch could see both sets of eyes look away from her nudity, though both were unable to stop darting glances from taking in Kieu-Linh's body before turning away once more.

Hitch smiled to himself and admired the way Kieu-Linh felt so confident and unashamed of her nakedness. She was very beautiful, but it wasn't confidence in her beauty which had the teen revealing her flesh in front of the newcomers. She had an understanding of the situation, the innocent, natural display not one of sexuality or exhibitionism. Kieu-Linh was there to clean her body, and she always did so nude. The presence of others had no effect on what she was doing. She'd bathed with her parents without a thought or worry about being seen, exposed, before their eyes. That self-assurance, that simple acknowledgement of what was normal, made Hitch soon drop his clothing and follow her to the water's edge. He noted that both Diego and Catalina stole glances towards his nakedness as they had when Kieu-Linh had disrobed.

Hitch slipped into the water beside his lover and began to wipe the grime from his arms and neck. Kieu-Linh lathered her hair and face, then passed him the soap. Diego and Catalina had barely moved, remaining silent as their embarrassment at that moment kept them huddled together, staying low in the water.

“How are you feeling?” Kieu-Linh asked after removing the soap from her head.

Catalina replied quietly, “much, much better...” She sounded relaxed, despite her embarrassment. “I'm sorry we've slept so long since we arrived.”

“Don't apologize,” Kieu-Linh said, “you were in need of rest. There's no rush to do more right now. Please just enjoy the time you have to do so. You're welcome here. You're among friends.”

Catalina's smile was evident in her words, “you've all been so kind to us... we never believed we'd find people like you again... it's been so... hard...”

Hitch replied, “you've been through a lot, both of you. It isn't easy, these last few years, to trust strangers, or to find help, but you can trust us, so long as, when you're able, you can give back and contribute for all our sakes. Right now, though, we want you to not worry too much. It takes time to recover, especially with your child growing inside you, Catalina.”

She sounded lost in thought when she answered. “We didn't mean to get pregnant, it just.. it just...”

“It happens,” Hitch completed her thought. He realized their understanding of the process might have been very incomplete. Much as Kieu-Linh had not learned to read or write until she came to live with him, perhaps these two young people had never learned about how babies were made. “Do you... do you know how it comes about?”

Diego looked at his lover a moment, uncertainty in both sets of eyes, “not really...”

Hitch explained. “When you make love... when you are inside of her, Diego, you release your seed. Inside her body, there are little eggs that can join with your sperm, what you release inside of her vagina, and that is when it happens. It starts growing from a tiny cell, dividing and dividing, eventually starting to look like a little human. Your fetus is tiny right now, but it will grow bigger, and in a few months, Catalina, you'll give birth to your child through your vagina.”

He could tell the two were embarrassed again. Hitch could see just enough of their expressions in the rising moonlight to see them looking away from him and from each other.

“So,” Diego said hesitantly, “it's because... we... were together... I kinda thought that, but... I didn't really know... So,” he said, suddenly sounding worried, “when we're together again, I can keep getting her pregnant?”

“Not while she is carrying, no, it doesn't work like that.” Hitch didn't feel the need to explain the very rare exceptions to that broad rule. “No, she's far along now, she won't be able to conceive again until after she's given birth, and probably not until she stops breastfeeding your infant.”

“Oh,” was Diego's reply.

Catalina asked, “so... it's his... stuff... that gets inside me and makes a baby?”

“Right. It's called semen, or cum. In it, there are these little things called sperm which are what move up from your vagina and try to find an egg. Each time he cums in you, there's a chance it might find and egg and fertilize it, that is, when you're not already pregnant.”

“Is it... is it bad if he... uh... 'cums' in me when I'm pregnant?”

Hitch shook his head, “no. No, not at all. So long as he's careful not to be too rough and doesn't put much weight on your stomach... it's fine. In fact... it's good for both of you to bond that way... it makes you both relax and stay close to each other... I'd encourage it, actually. You two clearly love each other.”

“I love her,” Diego said, “ever since I first saw her, I loved her.”

“Me too,” Catalina replied, “the first time... we... made love... it was kinda painful, but I loved him too much... He wanted me and I wanted to be with him... it got better...”

“That's all that matters,” Hitch said.

“And it gets better,” Kieu-Linh advised, “trust me, when you're with someone you love, you get better at making love with them.” Hitch felt her arm slide around his waist and he put his own over her shoulder.

Catalina asked, “so... you... uh... 'cum in her?'”

“No,” Kieu-Linh cut in, “not... not in my vagina... not often... We're being... careful.”

“Oh.” Catalina said quietly. Her curiosity got the better of her. “So... what do you mean, 'careful?'”

Kieu-Linh giggled, “I have another place he can shoot it...”

“Oh... like... in your mouth?” the girl asked.

“Yes,” Kieu-Linh was grinning, “and... my other place...”

There was silence a moment before Diego had to know what she meant, “other place?”

Kieu-Linh giggled again. “My butt.”

There was a dead quiet as the two teens had no response. Instead of sounding grossed out or disgusted, Catalina's words suggested a different concern. “Doesn't that hurt?”

“Not if you are careful and go slow... I've got a good teacher,” she said kissing Hitch's shoulder, “I love taking him there... I love taking him anywhere...”

“And... he... cums in your butt?”

“Mmm-hmm...”

Kieu-Linh's hand had slid down and was slowly stroking Hitch's hard cock under the water. Hitch couldn't believe what she said next, “if you'd like, we could show you how sometime... how to do it without hurting...” Hitch throbbed as his excitement began to warm him.

“Uh...” Catalina hesitated before saying, “maybe... I dunno...”

Hitch could hear the embarrassment in her voice as she considered what such a lesson might include. “We won't do anything which isn't comfortable. Kieu-Linh is being kind and helpful, I know this subject probably... is not comfortable for you at this time.”

Diego spoke up, “no, it isn't... not really, but... I am glad to know these things... We probably seem ignorant for not knowing... but... no one ever told us... we just kind of had to... you know... do what felt right, we never thought that... being together... might get her pregnant... or... that there were... other ways...”

Hitch smiled, “you are welcome here, and that means you should feel free to ask any questions that come to mind. We'll do our best to answer them. Don't apologize for the failure of others to prepare you for the way your bodies and emotions drove you to be with each other. You had no control over that. Ask questions and learn what you can. There's nothing more anyone could do.”

“Th-thank you, Sir,” Catalina said with genuine affection, “I can't tell you how much we need that... we've... we've felt like... like... I dunno, just... this baby inside me... I thought maybe it was God's way of punishing us for being together... that it was a burden I had to deal with for being... you know... immoral.”

“That's bullshit,” Hitch said, more strongly than he'd meant to, “no, don't apologize or feel guilt for being sexual. It's normal, it's natural, and it is pleasurable if done right. You love each other, I can see that. Making love is not immoral or something to fear will bring punishment, and pregnancy is what happens, naturally, as a result of vaginal sex. There's no need to invoke gods or wrath or punitive judgements. You did what felt right and you became pregnant as a result. Please, let go your guilt.”

Diego's voice was tentative, “you... you don't believe that God punished us?”

“No.” Hitch stated evenly.

“But... what we did was... wrong... we're not married.”

“I don't believe morality is delivered by a supernatural force. Morality is determined by humans, not gods.”

Diego pushed deeper. “You keep saying 'gods'... which one do you believe in?”

Hitch knew Kieu-Linh was watching him closely at his side, her fingers no longer on his penis. They'd never discussed religion, and Hitch realized he might have made assumptions about her and her parents that weren't quite right. He'd never seen them pray or offer scripture, but he silently cursed himself for letting assumptions go unchallenged. “None of them,” he finally said. “I believe gods are the creation of human beings, not the other way around.”

More silence fell over them. Hitch could tell the newcomers were not sure what to think.

“But why?” Catalina said, “why don't you believe in something?”

“I believe,” Hitch said, too far along to stop explaining, “that the world, all its good and its evil, all its wonder and mystery, can be explained without invoking deities. I believe that the ramblings of superstitious nomads and peasants and fearmongers who lived thousands of years ago is no way to explain the world and no place from which to draw meaning and morality. I look at the world, and I see no sign of a caring overseer nor a brutal tyrant, both of which could be found in scripture. I see only the mechanisms set in motion by humans.”

He realized his voice had become passionate. It wasn't a subject he thought of often, and he felt the need to calm himself and explain a bit more. “I believed, once, in the Christian god. My parents were Christians and like all good families where I lived, we went to church every Sunday. But I found the explanations unsatisfying, and once I became a Marine, I saw the way religion had warped people to follow orders, not for a cause of humanity or defense, but for redemption. Religion teaches people they are broken and that the only way to be fixed is to sacrifice reason for faith. I hold no value in faith. Believing without evidence is not an asset, it's a fallacy.” Hitch knew from experience that, applied to his time fighting and leading Marines, that had held true in warfare as strongly as it did in theology.

“I don't mean to belittle your beliefs, so please, understand that I hold this view personally. You have the freedom to whatever beliefs you hold, so long as you don't harm others with them or use them to coerce people to do things against their own interests. I have seen you pray and I know you value your faith. I respect that and won't attempt to dissuade you. But, to come back to your point, I beg of you to think hard about the guilt and shame you feel, see if you have reason to feel that way, and I think you'll find that a distant god has no say in whether your actions are moral or right.”

Kieu-Linh had wrapped her fingers into Hitch's and was holding him tight. Silence again, and no one seemed to know what to say next. Kieu-Linh broke the awkwardness by saying, “I think the stew is done, what say we go eat and enjoy what's left of the evening?”

There was silent agreement as Hitch and Kieu-Linh stepped from the water and dried off. Diego and Catalina stayed in the water. Catalina finally said, “we'll... we'll be up in a minute...”

“Of course.” Hitch replied. They dressed and Kieu-Linh led the way back to the cabin.

“I don't believe, either,” Kieu-Linh said quietly as they walked back. “I think Dad does, he used to pray sometimes, but... not the last couple of years.”

“I'm glad to hear that... I should have asked you long ago... I just... assumed and I should not have,” Hitch replied.

“Never thought about it,” Kieu-Linh said, “just never thought it was something important.”

“What about your mom?”

Kieu-Linh shrugged, “I've never asked. She used to pray with Dad, but I think she did it because he did it. She's never said what she believes.”

“Well, you know where I stand now.”

“And I'm glad to know. Yet another thing we have in common, James.”

He squeezed her fingers and let her lead him into the cabin.

- - -

Diego and Catalina had come in not long after them, quiet and reserved. They didn't mention any of what had been discussed about sexuality or religion, and instead dove into the stew and crusty bread offered in steaming bowls. Miller and Kim-Ly were exhausted from their work that day. “Think we'll be needing the bed tonight, you two. Hope you understand.” Kim-Ly said as they rose from the table.

“Oh, of course!” Catalina exclaimed. “We never meant to take it from you!”

“No, that's fine,” the woman replied, “and you'll be welcome to it again. My husband's back is sore and needs the soft mattress under him for a few hours. Please make yourselves comfortable, when you are ready. The rug and pillows are warm and soft, especially for you younger folks.”

“I'm sorry we have imposed, Ma'am,” Diego stated, “we never meant to--”

“Please, call me Kim. No need to be so formal. And you're not imposing. Don't worry about a thing. Get your rest and we'll see what we can do in the future. We're already planning an addition to the house soon, maybe we can find the time and effort to make a third bedroom.”

Kim-Ly and Miller went back to the bedroom and left the others in the the flickering candlelight. There was an uneasy silence a moment as Hitch was all-to-aware of the way Catalina's eyes seemed to try to figure out why he had such an unusual stance on religion. At least, that's what Hitch was assuming went through the teen's mind as she glanced at him every few seconds.

“Do either of you play card games? Or chess?” Kieu-Linh offered to break the silence. They'd brought the hand-carved chess set, the cribbage board, and the old deck of cards back with them days earlier.

Catalina shrugged, Diego shaking his head.

“Well, if you aren't too tired, maybe we can teach you some!”

She brought out the deck of cards and quickly explained the rules for the game Hitch had called 'Fishing,' a game similar to 'Go Fish' played with the jokers and a couple of additional rules. In minutes, the teens were enjoying the game and they passed an hour or more with quiet laughter and an easiness that contrasted strongly with the philosophical confrontation they'd had at the spring.

Catalina began to yawn first, and she told them, “I think I need to lie down.” She looked at Hitch and said firmly, “I... I want to thank you... for explaining things... from your view.” She glanced at Diego, “we've never really had anyone talk to us like that, and... it's making me think.” Catalina left it at that and slid with Diego down to the rug, soon covering them with the blanket.

Hitch and Kieu-Linh warmed cider over a small flame in the stove, then went out onto the porch and sat on the steps, wrapping a thick blanket around them as cool, light rain began to fall.

Kieu-Linh said nothing a moment as her arm slid to Hitch's lap. Despite the fact that she, too, had started yawning during the card game, Hitch could tell she was still aroused by having watched Diego and Catalina making love earlier that day. She kissed his cheek, then slid her body over his, straddling his thighs where he sat on the top step. “Make love to me, James...”

He didn't reply, and let his hands show his interest in his lover's seduction. Moments later, his penis was out of his jeans, and her pajama bottoms pushed to her knees, allowing her hips to lower her tight, young pussy to slide down and take him inside. She rode him slowly a while, holding on to his neck, panting with each movement. “Oh... James...”

She started to cum as her vagina tightened around him. He sucked lightly on her earlobe as she shuddered and moaned, her body trembling and becoming chilled as the wind began to pick up and splashes of rain hit them with cold stings.

Kieu-Linh slid off him and they moved to the hammock, where he sat down and she took him in her mouth, soon humming along his length, coaxing his boiling semen to rush into her mouth. He grunted and held her head as the tip of his cock grew sensitive, cum filling her throat until she was forced to swallow. She licked his shaft and caught most of the sperm which had slipped from her lips, then rose and kissed him with sticky seed still warm in her mouth.

They bundled up on the hammock, using a couple of pillows to add comfort below them. Thankfully, the wind had shifted and didn't threaten to blow rain over them. It was chilly, though, and they tucked themselves completely beneath layers of blankets as they cuddled and kept each other warm through the night.

James "Hitch" Hitchens, Male, 50

	- US Marine Corps and Turtletown Patriot officer, veteran of The War

	- 6'0, 180lbs, tanned beige skin, cropped brown hair

Kieu-Linh Miller, Female, 16

	- Daughter of Miller and Kim-Ly

	- 5'10, 145lbs, cinnamon skin, shoulder-length silky black hair

Jefferson Miller, Male, early-60s

	- US Marine Corp Sergeant, veteran of The War, Father of Kieu-Linh, husband of Kim-Ly

	- 6'2, 195lbs, tanned pale skin, white unkempt hair

Kim-Ly Miller, Female, mid-30s

	- Mother of Kieu-Linh, wife of Miller, veteran of The War

	- 5'9, 150lbs, cinnamon skin, shoulder-length black hair

Diego, Male, 14

	- Boyfriend of Catalina

	- 5'8, 130lbs, rich brown skin, unkempt dark-brown hair with bangs

Catalina, Female, 14

	- Girlfriend of Diego, pregnant

	- 5'7, 125lbs, mocha-brown skin, long straight dark-brown hair