"All right, if the three of you do not get out of here in 3 seconds, I'm going to call Max, Bud and John over here!" She snapped as eggs ran down her face. "But, doll!" Alex began but was interrupted by her. "But nothing! Now go!" She snapped pointing her finger. "And one more thing, I don't eat breakfast at 3 in the morning!" She said as she turned and walked back into her room, slamming the door.

A few minutes later her phone rang. "Now what!" She said shaking her head. "What!" she snapped as she picked up the phone. "Well hello to you too." A man's voice said. "Sorry, John." She sighed. "Cort told me about what happened and from the sounds of it they really pissed you off." John said. "You could say that." She said as she looked out the window. "Well looks like breakfast would have been good." John giggled. "What?" Peaches asked pulling more egg off her head. "What was that, egg you just pulled off your head." John giggled again. Peaches looked across to the Tavern and saw John looking out his window. "Very funny, John." She said frowning as she pulled a piece of bacon from her cleavage. "Now I'm sure one of the boys wouldn't mind cleaning you up." John said laughing. "Oh I'm sure they wouldn't." Peaches giggled. "Nice to hear you laugh." John said smiling. "Well its time to clean up, then go back to bed. Night John, and thanks." She said grinning and waving at him. "No problem, see ya in the morning." John smiled back. After a hot shower, Peaches settled back into bed and quickly fell asleep.

"Morning, sunshine." Andy said smiling at Peaches as she came downstairs. "Who cleaned up the mess?" She asked as she yawned. "Max and John." Andy smiled. "Where's Bud? I thought he was suppose to watch the desk for me today." She asked walking up to him. "Oh, he was but Liz had something's she needed moved, so he and Zack are helping her." He smiled kissing her on the cheek. "Well who's watching the bar?" She asked leaning against him and yawning again. "Sid." Andy giggled. "Sid! Oh no! I think you should go back over there!" Peaches said shaking her head. "Can't, luv." He said grinning at her. "Why not?" She asked looking up at him. "Cause, there wouldn't be anyone here to watch the place." Andy said stepping away. "I'm here." She said walking behind the desk. "Nope, you have plans, my good lady." He said as he ushered her away. "Andy, I don't have plans, at least not ones that couldn't be broken, all I wanted to do today is catch up on some paper work, but it can wait." She said stepping back behind the desk.

"Those aren't the plans I was referring too." He said putting his arm around her and walking her to the stairs. "What are you talking about?" She said looking up at him confused. "Listen, ya know that new outfit you bought, the little light blue summer dress, go put it on, along with those new sandals of yours." He said as he gestured her up the stairs. "Why?" She asked looking at him. "Because you have plans, so go change!" He said waving her away. Peaches sighed then headed back upstairs. This better not be one of Cort's or Zack's or even Alex's little plans, she thought, I'm not in the mood.

She did as she was told and changed her clothes. She finished brushing her hair, and walked towards the door. Just as she was about to open it, there was a knock. "Let the games begin." She whispered as she turned the door knob. "Maximus, what can I do for you?" She asked smiling at him. "We have plans." He said grinning at her. "Wait, the plans are with you? I don't understand." She said shaking her head. "Well John and myself thought that after this morning you could use some time to relax. So I volunteered to take you out." He said smiling at her. "And where exactly are you taking me?" She asked grinning up at him. "To the beach of course, I have a picnic basket all ready to go." He said putting his arm out for her. "Shall we go?" He asked smiling. "I'm all ready." She laughed.

"Hey, I'm not going to play the games that Cort, Zack and Alex are." He said stopping and grabbing her arm. "I don't want anyone's attention right now, including yours. Listen, Max, we've been friends for a while now, please don't ruin it." She said as she walked off. "Will you wait up!" He said as he ran in front of her. "Why, I'm tired of all of this, its driving me crazy!" She said shaking her head. "I know, and because we're friends, I'm not going to do something as stupid as hitting on you." He said looking down at her. "Wait, now its a stupid thing to do, oh that just makes me feel a lot better!" She said as she turned around and headed back to the Hotel. "Peaches! Wait up! I didn't mean it like that!" Max called out but Peaches just walked faster.

"Whoa, where's the fire?" Liz said as Peaches almost ran into her. "These guys are driving me crazy!" She snapped. "What now?" Liz asked grinning at her. "What now, first Cort, Zack and Alex bring me breakfast at 3 in the morning, instead of me eating it, Cort's and Zack's end up on the floor in the hallway, then Alex tries but Cort grabbed him, causing his food to end up all over me! Now I have Maximus pulling stunts!" She spat out. "Well since you decided that you didn't want Cort any more, the guys want to know who you want." She said smiling at her. "I don't want any of them! Their driving me crazy!" Peaches said shaking her head and walking off.

After Peaches sat in her room for a while, there was another knock at the door. "Not again." She cried out. "Its John, open up." He said as he knocked again. She opened the door and frowned at him. "Please tell me your not going to try anything." She said frowning. "No, I'm not. I just wanted to see how you were doing." John said smiling at her. "How I'm doing, oh I'm just dandy!" She said turning away and walking towards her couch. "Listen, Max didn't mean anything, he just wanted you to relax." John said as he came in and shut the door. "Well he had a funny way of showing it!" She said as she plopped down on the couch. "I don't know, if I were you, I'd feel quite lucky having all these men wanting me." John said as he sat next to her. Peaches just looked at him raising an eyebrow. "You know what I mean." John grinned. "I know, but I don't need all the other women thinking I'm trying to take all the guys!" She said sighing.

"They won't think that." John said touching her shoulder. "This whole connections thing, is so hard. One minute you have it, the next minute you don't. I don't like that." She said shaking her head. "It is a hard thing, but this world was created by you and the rest, so its what ever you feel that makes us do the things we do and feel the way we do." John said smiling at her. "I know that, but come on, this sucks!" She said with a soft giggle. "I know, listen, why don't we go for a drive." John said as he stood up. "Where too? And promise me you won't try anything." She said as she stood. "Anywhere but here, and don't know if I can." John laughed. Peaches just shook her head. "John, your bad." She said with a giggle. "I know." He said winking at her.

They drove for a couple of hours, on a dirt road they had found. "Where the hell are we?" Peaches asked as she looked around. "Don't know, this is your world, not mine." John giggled. "Ok, well its almost 6pm, I think we should head back, before they start a search party." Peaches giggled. "Sure thing." John said as he found a place to turn around. For a few minutes there was nothing but silence, Peaches didn't think there could possibly be anything more they could talk about, they talked about the weather, life, relationships, friends, the Nest and Sid. But then the silence was broken. "Shit!" John said swearing under his breath. "What?" She asked looking at him. "Look." He said as the truck came to a stop. "Oh no, this isn't happening." She said shaking her head. The hood of the truck had steam pouring out of it. "She's over heated." John said as he put the truck in park and jumped out. "We're not going to be stuck here are we?" She asked as she joined him in front of the truck. "Don't know." John said as he lifted the hood.

John swore up and down as he looked under the hood, then slammed the hood shut. "We're not going anywhere, this thing is fried." He said looking at her. "So what are we suppose to do? "We're a good few hours away from the Nest on a road we don't know." She asked looking at him. "We'll stay here, until someone comes for us." He said as he walked back to the drivers side. "Stay here, but we don't have anything to eat, or to keep us warm, John, what if it gets cold tonight?" She asked starring at him. "I'll just have to keep you warm, won't I." John said grinning at her. "Oh boy, my hero!" She giggled.

John returned an hour or so later with a rabbit. "John, he's kind of small, couldn't you get a bigger one than that?" She asking turning her nose up. "Oh sure, all the little rabbits came out and jumped up and down and said pick me, pick me! And this one here, decided he didn't want to participate in all the fun, so I decided to get him." John said shaking his head. "Ahh, the great mighty hunter couldn't keep up with all the bigger rabbits so he went for the slowest one." Peaches laughed. "Hey you try catching these things, their a lot faster than they look, and since I didn't have my gun, it was a lot harder." John said starring at her. "I'm just playing, John. He's fine. Now question is, how are you going to cut him up?" She asked grinning at him. John tilted his head, "Hmm, I think I have a knife in the truck." He said and walked to the truck.

After they ate, they settled in for the night. Snuggled close together and the dirty smelly blanket cover them. Peaches asked, "So you think they'll find us by morning?" John looked down at her. "Hope not." He smiled. "Why not?" She asked grinning. "And give up all of this, wouldn't want too." John said as he pulled her closer. "John, I'm too tired for this." She said grinning and shaking her head. "Yeah, I guess I do tend to wear woman out." John giggled and winked at her. "I'm sure you do." She laughed. "Night little one." John said kissing her on her head. "Night, oh great mighty hunter." She giggled.

"Ahh, ain't that sweet!" Peaches heard a man's voice say. She opened her eyes and found Sid face to face with her. "Sid!" She snapped and pushed him away. "Oh did I wake sleeping beauty up to early!" Sid giggled and grinned. "Sid, back off!" Maximus said as he grabbed Sid and threw him. "Thanks, Max." Peaches said as she yawned. "No problem, so you guys ready to go home." Max smiled. "Don't know about the mighty hunter here, but I am." Peaches giggled nudging John. "Well I wouldn't mind staying here, but if your going I see no reason to stay." John smiled.

After they got back, Peaches took a hot bath. Andy brought her some hot chocolate and a hamburger with lots of fries. "Gee, luv, you act like you haven't eaten in weeks!" Andy laughed as he watched her scarf down her food. "Feels like it!" She giggled. Someone knocked on the door and Andy opened it. "I really doubt she's in the mood for you, mate." Andy said grinning. "Andy, I'm not in the mood for you, now out of my way." Cort said as he pushed Andy aside. "Before you say anything, I just came to see how you are." Cort said looking down at her. "I'm fine." She said as she put the last piece of hamburger in her mouth. "I can't believe that dumb ass got you stuck out there!" Cort said as he began to pace. "I agree." Ales said as he walked through the door. "Its not John's fault, so please drop it." She said as she leaned back on the sofa. "It is his fault, he shouldn't have took you away from the Nest." Zack said coming into the room. "I can go anywhere I like, I for once didn't have the three of you getting on my nerves." She said standing up. "Oh, a party, I'm just in time!" Sid said grinning as he entered the room. "You've got to be kidding me! Sid get out! All of you, OUT!" Peaches snapped pointing to the door. "And no buts!" She added.

Later that day, Peaches made her way down to the Tavern, She and Liz had a lunch date. "I see you're still having man troubles." Liz giggled as she looked across the room at Cort, Zack, Alex, Maximus and John sitting at a table arguing. "Not the kind of man troubles I like." Peaches said shaking her head. "It can't be that bad." Liz said smiling at her. "The only time this month I got any kind of rest was with John yesterday. Those boys bug me every moment of the day." She said rubbing her forehead. Liz giggled, "Well you could always choose one, then they wouldn't do that anymore." "Its hard choosing just one, and who would I choose, their all too special." Peaches said smiling. "That's true." Liz said shaking her head in agreement. "I have a solution, go on dates with them all and see which one is more special to you." Jeff said as he walked up handing them their drinks. "Your kidding, right. They would all drive me crazy!" Peaches said frowning. "Not much more than they are now." Liz laughed. "Fine." Peaches said as she watched the men continue their arguing.

Later that night Peaches called them all into the dining room of the Hotel. "Ok, I've made a decision, so listen up and keep quiet till I'm done." Peaches began. The men all kept quiet, waiting for her decision. "Now I've decided to go on a date with each of you. I don't want any arguing or fighting and no more 3am breakfast calls!" She said looking at them. "Now..." She began but Sid came in the room and interrupted her. "Count me in!" He called out with a grin. "I don't think so cyber boy!" Cort said standing up. "Hey, I don't see way I can't take part, right Peaches?" Sid asked grinning at her. Peaches frowned, she knew it would be wrong not to include him, though she hated the idea of it. "All right, Sid, you'll be first. Pick me up tomorrow night at 7pm, and Sid." She paused glaring at him. "If you try anything, I'll give the boys here permission to rip you to pieces and destroy your module, understand." She said glaring and grinning at him. "We won't need your permission, it'll be our pleasure." John said smiling at him.

It took Peaches a great deal of time to fall asleep that night. The idea of going out on a date with Sid didn't please her. Sid knew that at the Nest, Peaches had most of the say, if Sid wanted to stay "alive" than he knew he'd have to keep the date straight, no games, no fun, he thought.

"Stay still!" She said as she placed her hands on him, trying to feel what ever it was that was moving around in his clothes. "I can't!" He said as he jerked knocking them both to the floor. Sid started moving around on the floor. Peaches tried to continue her search but was finding it difficult between him moving around and her laughter. Finally after about 10 minutes she found the thing responsible for her laughter and Sid's discomfort. "Look, its just a little old crab!" She said pulling it out of his pants. "When I get my hands on them, they're gonna wish they never did this!" Sid cried out as he got to his feet.

"Sid, you're fine! Now go get cleaned up, I'll put your little friend away." She giggled. "This isn't funny!" He snapped glaring down at her. "Sid, quit acting like a baby! Now do you still want this date or what? I'm not going to wait all night, and this is your only chance!" She said standing to her feet. "Fine!" He said as he grabbed his coat and shirt. "Now just go put something dry on and come back." She said walking towards the door. "Fine." Sid pouted and left. Peaches finally burst into laughter again as soon as the door was closed. "This isn't funny!" Sid hollered back at her.

About an hour later Sid finally came back. "Now let's get this over with." She said as she began to step out the door. "Wait, I didn't have plans for us to leave the room." Sid grinned and grabbed her pulling him to her. "SID! I told you don't try anything!" She said pushing away from him. "I'm not doing anything you wouldn't like me too! And you know it!" Sid said grabbing her quickly and kissing her. Peaches pushed away. "That's it, date's over!" She snapped and pointed for him to leave. "Come on, you know you don't want me to leave. So loosen up, have a little fun." He said grinning at her. "Sid, I do want you to leave or else I wouldn't tell you that! Now go!" She said shaking her head. "Fine, but look for me, I'll be in your dreams tonight!" He said quickly kissing her again. Peaches pushed him out the door and shut it. "It's sad when you expect something like this." She whispered shaking her head.

The next morning Peaches climbed slowly out of bed. She had to choose her next date. She decided that she would save Maximus and John for last. So she chose Zack as her next date. She dialed the Tavern and Andy put her through to Zack's room. "Ok, your next, pick me up at 7pm." She said quickly and hung up the phone. A couple of minutes later her phone rang. "Hello?" She said as she picked it up. "Hi, it's John." He said quickly. "Hi, John what can I do for you?" She asked with a smile. "Look out your window." He said. Peaches walked over to her window. "What's up?" She asked looking across to his window. "I was wondering how come you didn't pick me next." He said tiltling his head.

Peaches giggled. "Because, I was saving the best for last." She said smiling at him. "So does this mean you've already made your mind up about who you're going to choose?" He asked grinning at her. "No, I didn't say that, I just want to end this with some kind of sanity left." She grinned. "So have you decided who's after Zack?" He asked his eyes meeting hers. "Yep, wasn't easy, but I'll go with Alex, then Cort, then Max and then you." She said smiling at him. "I don't blame you, ya know. This isn't easy. And I think Cort's having a very hard time with this. For a long time he's had you all to himself, now he's got to share, and he might not have anything to share after this is over." John said staring at her.

"I know he's having a hard time with this, so am I. But I just want to make sure." She said turning away from the window. "Make sure of what?" John asked as she disappeared from the window. "We all come here with connections, and some times they fade away, or sometimes we just want something new, and sometimes what we had was the best." She said, her voice filled with a touch of sadness. "You really miss him, don't you?" John asked looking across to her window. "Of course I do." She said. "Then why go through all of this, it sounds to me like you've already made your mind up." John smiled. Peaches looked back out the window.

"And give up my date with you, don't know if I can do that." She said smiling. "I know it's hard giving me up, but if it's the right thing then you must." He giggled. "That's right, you're just too damn hard to give up, oh great mighty hunter!" She laughed. "You should call this off, and let everyone know." John said seriously. "Don't know if I can, I've already told Zack that I would go out with him and everyone else is expecting me to go with them." She said shaking her head. "They'll understand." John said softly. "I don't know, John, I'll have to think about it." She said stepping away from the window again. "Well you only have till 7pm to make your mind up." He smiled. "I know, I really hate decisions like this." She said frowning. "You'll make the right one." John said. "Thanks John, you're a great friend to have." She said waving to him. "I know, but we can talk about that later!" He giggled and hung up the phone. Peaches just laughed, John you're something else, she thought smiling to herself.

"I don't know, I just want something different." Peaches said looking at Liz. "How much more different can you get, I mean you're together with a fictional character played by our dear Mr. Crowe." Liz giggled. "I know... you know what I mean." Peaches laughed. "You're not doing that two month thing again are you?" Liz asked grinning at her. "With a fictional character! God help me if I am!" Peaches said bursting into laughter. "Well you know how you get when you're with someone for a couple of months." Liz said smiling at her. "I know, I know." Peaches giggled.

"I hate these kinds of decisions." Peaches whispered as she continued her walk down the beach. "What decision is that?" Someone said from behind her. She turned around quickly hoping it wasn't Sid. "Cort." She said as if in disbelief. "Yeah it's me, expecting someone else?" He smiled. "No, just wasn't expecting anyone." She smiled. "So are you gonna to answer my question?" Cort asked stepping closer to her. "No, don't feel like it." She grinned. "Mind if I walk with you?" Cort asked smiling at her. Boy, did his smiles get to her, she thought. "Well I was planning on walking alone, to think." She began but Cort interrupted her. "Ok, then I'll see you later." He said quickly kissing her on the cheek then turning around to go. "Cort, I'd love the company." She quickly said grabbing his arm. "You sure?" He asked almost shyly. "Yes." She nodded.

"Ya know I was thinking, you can just forget our date." Cort said out of the blue. Peaches looked up at him. "Why?" She asked, staring blankly at him. "Well we had our time together, so I really don't see the point of it." He said smiling at her. "Oh." She said turning away and frowning. "It's not that I wouldn't love to, but I think it would be easier for you to make your decision if I wasn't taking part." He said looking over at her. "I don't want to make it harder on you." He added quickly. "You don't know how you already have." She whispered. "What?" Cort asked looking at her. "Nothing, I think I'm ready to go back to the Hotel." She said quickly. "Ok, mind if I walk you back?" Cort asked smiling at her. "I don't mind at all." She answered taking his arm.

"Ahhhh, did the love birds finally get back together!" Sid said as they approached the Hotel. "Sid, shut up!" John said walking by and smacking him in the head. "Hey! No need for that!" Sid cried out. "Cort, Liz is looking for you, she said something about not doing something you were suppose to do." John said walking up to them. "Shit, I knew I was forgetting something." Cort said shaking his head. "You better go then." Peaches said smiling at him. "All right." He smiled at her. "Don't worry, I'll make sure she's safe from cyberboy here, I need to talk to her anyways." John said grinning at him. Cort leaned in to Peaches' ear and whispered, "I want to make this as hard as possible, I don't want anyone to win but me." Peaches looked at him, he heard me, she thought, grinning. "Get going!" She giggled.

Peaches and John went up to her room. "So tell me, what happened?" John asked as they sat down on the couch. "Nothing." She said smiling at him. "Why don't I believe that, especially after that little whisper of Cort's." John said grinning at her. "Well Cort said that he didn't want to keep our date, that he didn't want to make this hard for me." She said smiling. "And?" John asked like a young woman waiting for some juicy gossip. "And what, I kind of whispered that he was already doing that, and he heard me, and I didn't know he heard me." Peaches smiled. "Well I told him about our conversation this morning." John said firmly. "You what?! John, that's just between you and me." Peaches said frowning at him.

"I know, but I think Cort has the right to know how you feel." John said looking at her. "I know, it's just so hard." Peaches said frowning. "Really it's not, you already know in your heart who you want, you're just afraid to go get it." John said smiling at her. "You're Mr. Know it all tonight, aren't you." She laughed. "Hey I'm the sheriff, I know everything." John laughed.

"So are you going to call off this date thing or should I make the call?" John asked. "No, I have a better idea, but I need the others here to do it, everyone except Cort, of course." Peaches said grinning at him. "All right, I'll go talk to the guys, when do you want us?" John asked with a grin. "6pm, make sure Cort doesn't find out. And make sure Sid's out of the way, I don't want him messing any of this up." Peaches said with a smile. "I think we can handle cyberboy." John grinned. "Don't doing anything to drastic." Peaches giggled. "Wouldn't dream of it!" John laughed. "I'll see you in a couple of hours then." John added as he headed for the door. "Thanks John." Peaches said kissing him on the cheek. "No problem." He said hugging her then walking out the door.

Peaches paced around in her room, as she waited to hear from John. It was almost 6pm, and no sign of anyone. "I hope they agreed to come." She whispered to herself. There was a knock on the door and she held her breath. When she opened it she found Cort standing there. "Cort, what are you doing here?" She asked quickly. "What now I can't come see you when I want." He said staring at her. "I didn't say that, I just wasn't expecting you." She said looking at him. "I see, well then I guess I'll go, since you don't seem to want me here." He said quickly and turned to go. "Cort, I didn't say that!" She called after him as he disappeared down the hall. "Shit!" She said shutting the door. "Now what am I going to do?" She asked herself, then hitting the door. "Ouch!" She said as she rubbed her hand.

"Peaches, it's John, are you all right?" John asked from behind the door. "Yes, come on in." She said frowning. "What happened?" He asked as he walked in. "Well I think I just blew my chance with Cort." She said frowning at him. "What makes you think that?" He asked as he looked at her hand. "Because he just showed up here, didn't you see him?" She asked staring at him. "Nope, didn't see him." John said looking up at her. "Then where did he go?" She asked raising one eyebrow. "Don't know." John simple answered. "Maybe he went out the back way." She said frowning again. "Possible." John said touching her cheek.

"So he's who you were expecting, well I'm glad you got someone good." Cort said from behind them. "What?" Peaches said shaking her head, John had left the door open, not knowing Cort was waiting down the hall. "You heard me." Cort said plainly then turned and walked off. "Is he crazy!?" Peaches said staring blankly at the door. "I'll go talk to him." John said quickly and walked out of the room. "This isn't going the way I planned." She whispered as a tear fell from her eye. "Well you really didn't think that Cort would play your silly little game did you." Sid said as he walked into her room. "Sid, get the fuck out of here!" She yelled stepping towards him with fire in her eyes. "Oh what's the matter, can't handle the cruelty of the real world." Sid said grinning at her. "Sid get out!" Peaches said picking up a heavy candle holder and throwing it at him, hitting him right it the face. "OUCH!" Sid cried out as blue goo ran from a cut above his nose. "I said get out!" She said stepping closer to him. Sid turned and hurried away, yelling out that she was a crazy bitch.

Peaches walked over to her window and looked out. She tried to see if she could see where John and Cort were, if John caught up with him. She couldn't see anything. She felt the tears build back up. "Where are you?" She whispered. Suddenly she saw John and Cort tumble out the door of the Tavern. "Shit!" She said as she turned and headed out of her room. "You son of a bitch! Get off of me!" John yelled out as he tried to push Cort off of him. "You stole my girl!" Cort called out as he swung at John. "No I didn't!" John said as he finally pushed Cort off. "Yes you did!" Cort said as he took another run at John. "Will you listen to me! I didn't take your girl!" John said as he ducked out of Cort's reach.

"Cort! What the hell are you doing?" Peaches cried out as she ran up to them. Cort just turned and glared at her. "Making him pay!" Cort said as he took another swing at John. "Pay, for what! He didn't do anything!" Peaches yelled at him as she stepped closer to him. "He took you!" He said glaring at her. "No he didn't!" She said stepping a little closer to him. John reached out and grabbed her, putting himself between her and Cort. "I think you just need to cool off, before you say or doing something you'll regret." John said breathing heavily. "Go to hell John!" Cort said taking another swing and hitting John right in the face. John fell to the ground. "CORT!" Peaches cried out walking towards him and pushing him back.

"I don't know what the fuck your problem is! And frankly at this point I don't care! Just get the hell away from us!" Peaches said glaring at him, the fire in her eyes could burn a hole in a rock. "You don't know what my problem is! That would be you, my dear!" Cort said glaring back at her. "Me!" She said looking at him. "Yes you! You can't handle just having one of us, so you have to have all of us! I think the other girls better watch out before you steal their men!" Cort said glaring at her. Peaches felt as if he'd slapped her. "You bastard!" She said slapping him in the face. Maximus, Bud and Andy came running up to them.

Bud and Maximus grabbed Cort. "I think that's about enough." Max said glaring at Cort. "I agree." Bud said glaring hard at him. "You're right! I've had enough of her and this place!" Cort said as he wiggled his way out of their grips and walked off. Peaches looked at Max and Bud, then down at John, who's lip was bleeding. "He just needs to cool off." John said trying to smile at her. Peaches didn't say anything, tears running down her cheeks, she ran back to her room.

"I think Cort would have acted like this either way, you just have to let him cool off." John said sitting next to her. "But he's leaving." She said as the tears began again. "And how is he going to do that? We can't exactly go around like regular people, he can't leave, no matter how much he wants too." John said tilting his head. "Just because he can't go out to the "real world", doesn't mean he can't leave." Peaches said looking up at him.

"And where would he go?" John said touching her cheek. "The boundaries of the Nest is a lot farther than what most of you think." She said standing up. "What do you mean?" John asked raising an eyebrow.

"Well, when each of you come here, or when one us of come here, it makes the Nest a lot bigger. You bring with you certain memories, or fantasies or dreams, which the Nest tries to fulfill, and in order for it to do that, it must grow." She said looking down at him. "But wouldn't it eventually collide with the "real world"?" John asked standing up. "Nope, that's the thing, we can grow till we're as big as the world itself, but the two worlds would never meet." She said starring at him. "Ok, so where would Cort go?" John asked stepping closer to her. "Where would you go, if you wanted to leave?" She asked looking at him.

John thought for a minute, "I'd want to go home." He answered staring at her. "Exactly, and here that's possible." She said frowning. "Wait, are you telling me that Cort could go back to his home, to Redemption?" John asked looking at her. "Yes he can, and if he does, it might be harder for him to come back." She said frowning again. "Why?" John asked his concern showing. "Because, you've been here for so long, that if you go back to the life you had, your memories start to become erased. Everything you know about the Nest and us, will eventually disappear." She said as the tears built back up. "Does Cort know this?" He asked walking towards the window.

"Yes, I told him about it a while back." She said tears falling from her eyes. "I don't think Cort would do that, he wouldn't chance losing this place, he loves it too much, all of us do." He said turning back towards her. "We have to find him, John, we can't let him go back." She said crying. "All right, I'll get the others together and see if we can catch him." John said as he headed for the door. "John, if he goes back, you can't follow him, it's his world, you'll no longer exists if you enter his world." She said firmly. "Ok." John nodded and walked out of the room. Peaches went to the window, she prayed that John had listened to her warning.

A few hours had passed and Peaches hadn't heard anything from John. She started to get worried. There was a knock at her door and she ran over to it and opened it quickly. "Sid, what do you want?" She asked disappointedly. "Well I thought I would come over and see how you are." He said grinning at her. "Sid, do you want me to hit you with another candle holder." She said glaring at him. "I didn't come here to fight with you, I heard John talking to the others, I really just came over here to see how you are, why is that so hard to believe." He said shaking his head. "Because it you Sid, you don't care about anyone but yourself." She snapped at him. "Well true, but I do care about you, because if it wasn't for you, I wouldn't be here." He smiled. "Please don't remind me." She said shaking her head. "So how are you?" Sid said placing his arms around her. Peaches sighed heavily, "Sid, I'm really not in the mood for you right now, so please go away." She said taking his arm off of her. "Fine, see if I ever care again." Sid giggled and walked out.

Peaches sighed then turned to him. "Because, if you go there you won't exist anymore, if we go there, we would stop existing in our own world. We brought you guys here because your fictional, so to speak, we're not, we're real, and if you try to place something real into a place that is fictional, one will wipe out the other." She said looking at him. "And it will be the fictional that wipes out the real. People don't realize that fictional is a lot more powerful then our real minds can handle." She added staring at him. "So no one can go in after him." Bud said drinking down another shot of whiskey. "I didn't say that." She said looking at him. "Then who can go in?" Maximus asked staring at her. "I'll go in. And if Cort still has his memories of me, I might have a better chance of bringing him back." She said with sadness in her eyes. "Your not going, its too dangerous." Bud quickly said. "She won't be going alone." Liz said smiling at Peaches. "Liz, I can't ask you to do this." Peaches said shaking her head. "You don't need too." She smiled at her.

"So what kind of time frame are we looking at?" John asked as the group sat around a table. John and Alex had shown up about 10 minutes later. "Don't know, it can be anywhere from one hour to 1 day. I can't say for sure, what the time limit is." Peaches said looking at him. "If you're not sure, you're not going!" John said firmly. "I'm going, John, and nothing you can say will stop me." She said glaring at him. "Why put yourself at risk like this, let one of us go." Zack said staring at her. "Because it's more of a risk for you than me, there's a lot more time on my side then yours. My one hour time, will be one minute for you." She said looking at him. "This is crazy!" John said standing up.

"Are you sure this will work?" Maximus asked staring at her. "It should, right now, he's angry with me, that will give me more time. His anger will keep his memories alive longer than normal." She said looking at him. "How will we know if this works or it doesn't?" Bud asked taking another shot of whiskey. "Well simple, the longer we stay, the more we'll disappear here. Your memories of us, will start to fade. And if we're not out in time, we'll no longer exist here." She said frowning. "So let me get this straight, you'll no longer exist in this world, but you will in the fictional one?" Alex said shaking his head. "Yes, but not in the same sense as you, I will never be able to come back." She said looking at him.

After about an hour a debating, Peaches and Liz finally set off. "Ya know, I'm really nervous and excited about this." Liz said smiling at her. "I know what you mean." Peaches said grinning at her. "Do you really think we'll find this place?" Liz asked as they walked on. "I hope so, we just have to believe that it really exists." She said looking at her. "Ok, I think I can do that." She said smiling at her. Peaches got lost in thought, not realizing Liz was still talking to her. She didn't know what she would do if Cort didn't come back, or if he had lost all his memories of the Nest, and her. The thought scared her, now that the guys knew that at anytime if they wanted to go back, they could. She prayed that she would get through to Cort and he would come back.

Liz had walked ahead of Peaches. Peaches, lost in thought, did not see that Liz had stopped, and she bumped right into her. "Why did you stop?" Peaches asked looking at her. "I think we're here." Liz whispered, her face pale white. Peaches looked up and gasped. "Wow, I didn't think it would look like this." Peaches whispered. "So now what?" Liz asked her eyes still looking ahead. "Now we go in, and pray we don't get lost." Peaches said glancing at her. "You mean get stuck here, don't you." Liz said looking at her. "Yep." Peaches said as they began walking towards the town of Redemption.

They slowly made their way through town, so far there wasn't any sign of Cort. "Do you really think he came here?" Liz asked in a whisper. "I'm pretty sure." Peaches whispered back, glancing at her. "Ok, you still remember the Nest, right?" Liz asked smiling at her. "The Nest, what's that?" Peaches asked winking at her. "Hey maybe we should check out the saloon." Liz said with a smile. "Sounds like a plan, just remember, the men around here are a lot tougher than the ones back home." Peaches said staring at her. "You're forgetting something." Liz said grinning at her. "What?" Peaches asked raising an eyebrow. "Sid." Liz giggled. "That's right, so I guess these guys will be a piece of cake to handle." Peaches laughed.

They slowly walked into the Saloon. The place seemed to go dead, everyone looking at them. "Why do I have this sudden urge to run." Liz giggled. "I'm with you." Peaches said giggling. "So do you see him?" Liz asked as they looked around the saloon. "Nope, you?" She asked glancing at her. "Nope, maybe he really didn't come here." Liz said looking at her. "Who are you looking for, maybe I can help." A man said from behind them. Peaches glanced at Liz, who had turned white. When they turned around they saw a young man standing there smiling at them. "Name's Kid, I'd be happy to help you in any way I can." Kid smiled and tilted his hat.

"Hi, I'm Peaches and this is Liz." Peaches said smiling at him. "Well you sure look sweet like a Peach, do you taste as sweet?" Kid asked winking at her. "We're looking for Cort, is he here?" Liz said quickly. "Sure, saw him over at the church a few minutes ago, but." He began but Liz interrupted him. "Thanks." She said grabbing Peaches' hand and pushing him out of the way and walking out of the Saloon. "That was nice." Peaches giggled. "Well I think he wanted more than to just help." Liz giggled. "Hope Cort's still in the church." Peaches said smiling at her. "Me too, the sooner we get out of here, the better." Liz said as they walked to the church.

"Maybe I should go in by myself." Peaches said as they reached the church doors. "Question here, I don't recall there being any church here, so how can there be?" Liz asked staring at her. "Well I know its been a while since I've seen the movie, but hey, ya never know." Peaches grinned. "True, and you're not leaving me out here all alone to deal with these people." Liz said as an old man kept grinning at her. "I agree." Peaches giggled. Peaches slowly opened the door, when she peeked in she didn't see anyone. "What are you waiting for, let's go in." Liz said as she opened the door completely. "I don't see him." Peaches whispered. "Then who's that?" Liz asked grinning at her and pointing to a man sitting at the front of the church.

Peaches slowly made her way towards him. Part of her hoping it was him and part of her hoping it wasn't. "Cort?" She whispered, he didn't move. "Cort." She called out again, this time a little louder. "What?" He said without turning. "It's me, Peaches." She said stepping closer. "I know, what do you want?" He asked coldly. "I came to talk to you." She said stepping even closer to him. "I'm done talkin, just go." He said as he stood up. "Cort, please, this is important." She pleaded. "I said go away." He said turning and glaring at her. "Cort, please." She said her eyes meeting his. "Go." He said and turned away from her.

Peaches felt like he had just slapped her. "Cort, please." She said stepping closer to him. "Go back to your world, and leave me alone." Cort snapped stepping away. "Um, Peaches, I hate to interrupt you, but we've been here for almost an hour, and I'm starting to feel a bit funny." Liz said walking up to her. "What?" Peaches asked turning towards her. "I don't know what it is, but something's happening, we have got to go, with or without this idiot." Liz said looking at Cort. Peaches looked at her then at Cort. "All right." She sighed and walked towards Liz.

As they headed towards the door, Liz stopped. "What's wrong?" Peaches asked staring at Liz. "Don't know, don't you feel that?" Liz asked looking at her. Peaches just stared at her, all she could feel was sadness. "No." Peaches said shaking her head. "I feel, I don't know, like, damn it's hard to explain." Liz said frowning. "Ok, we better get out of here." Peaches said looking at her. "Yeah, I think it would be best, I don't want to get trapped here." Liz said shaking her head. "What do you mean trapped here?" Cort said walking up to them.

Peaches couldn't remember if she told Cort about if a "real" person came into the fictional world what would happen. "We have to get back, before we get stuck here." Peaches said quickly, noticing that Liz seemed out of it. "Wait, you can get stuck here?" Cort asked staring at her. "Yes, we don't have much time, we've got to go." Peaches said looking at him. "Why the hell did you come here then! Are you out of your mind!?" Cort snapped, glaring at her. "I came for you! And guess that would mean I'm out of my mind!" Peaches snapped back. Cort just looked at her. "Come on, let's get back before you completely lose it." Peaches said taking Liz's hand and heading out the door.

Cort just stood there. He couldn't believe that Peaches would risk her own existence to come after him. "Peaches, wait!" Cort said as he ran out of the church. Just as he approached them, he noticed something different about them. They seemed to fit in more than what they did. The people seem to know them as if they'd been here all the time. "Peaches, are you ok?" Cort asked touching her shoulder. "No, I don't know if we'll make it out of here, Liz is almost gone and so am I." She whispered looking up at him. "All right, let's go." Cort said as he helped them walk.

The more time they spent there, the farther gone they became. Peaches could feel her memories of her world slipping away. The look on Liz's face told her that she wasn't to much farther away from losing everything and becoming part of this world. "Cort, we have to hurry!" Peaches said glancing up at him. "I know, we're almost there." Cort said looking at her. "How much further?" Liz asked her voice was changing. "Only a few more feet." Cort said smiling at her. "I hope that's it, cause I don't think I could hang on much longer." Liz said trying to smile. "Try to think of something to keep your thoughts on our world." Peaches said looking at her. "Like what?" Liz asked in a southern accent. Peaches looked at Cort. "Think of Sid, think of him messing up your Tavern." Cort said quickly.

Peaches could see the fire in Liz's eyes. "I'd kill him if he did!" Liz said staring at Cort. "I'd be right there with you." Cort smiled. "There it is!" Peaches said as she saw the boundaries of the Nest. When they approached it and walked through, Liz shook her head. "Ok that was a trip I never want to take again!" Liz said her voice back to normal. "I agree." Peaches said shaking her head. "Hey, I got my clothes back!" Liz smiled. "Let's get home, I think I need a long nap!" She added laughing. "I hear that!" Peaches giggled. Peaches looked over at Cort, who seemed to be distant. "Are you ok?" She asked staring at him. "Yeah, fine." He said plainly. "Oh don't tell me you're going to be moody!" Liz said shaking her head. "Let's just get back." He said as he quickened his walk. "Do you think he's all right?" Liz asked Peaches as Cort walked ahead of them. "I don't know, he doesn't look to happy to be back." Peaches said frowning.

Peaches tried to sleep, but every time she closed her eyes she saw nothing but Cort and the anger in his eyes. Or was it hurt, she thought. She finally got tired of tossing and turning, and got out of bed. Going to the window she looked across the way to the Tavern. The only light on, was the one coming from Sid's room. "Wonder what he's up to." Peaches whispered shaking her head. Peaches decided to get online. When she did she saw an email from Sid. "You've got to be joking." She said shaking her head. She opened the email, at first nothing seemed to be there. She scrolled down some, and gasped at what she saw. "SID!" She yelled out.

Peaches picked up the phone and dialed the Tavern. "Hello?" Andy asked cheerfully. "Put me through to that, that, that, THING!" Peaches said trying to keep her voice down. "Yes, luv." Andy giggled. "Sid, here, what can I do for you baby?" Sid asked. "SID! You son of a bitch! Don't ever send me something like that again, or I am going to take this computer and wrap it around your sick little neck and throw you off a fucking cliff!" Peaches yelled into the phone. "I see you got my little present, I myself didn't think it was that bad." Sid giggled. "Sid the last thing I want to see, especially this late at night, is a naked picture of YOU!" Peaches said hanging up the phone. "Oh the nerve of that thing!" She said out loud.

Peaches turned off her computer and decided to head down to the kitchen. When she got there she found Liz and Michelle talking. "Hey, you all right?" Michelle asked staring at her. "No, I just got the sickest thing from that cyber freak." Peaches said shaking her head. "What now?" Liz giggled. "A naked picture of him." Peaches said with a giggle. "Oh my!" Michelle said bursting into laughter. "So any word for Cort yet?" Liz asked smiling at her. "Nope, and I really don't think I will." Peaches said as she began digging through the fridge. "Why don't you go and try to talk to him." Michelle said as she watched her. "I've tried but he won't talk to me." Peaches frowned. Peaches, finally after digging through the fridge, decided she wasn't hungry. "I think I'm going to go for a walk." She said as she headed for the back door. "That's great, but you might want to put some clothes on first." Liz giggled. Peaches looked down, she was still in her night clothes and robe. "Oh yeah." Peaches grinned.

Peaches walked down to the beach. When she looked up into the sky, a full moon greeted her. She sighed softly at the sight of the beauty. "Beauty, isn't it." John said as he stepped out of the darkness. "John, what are you doing here?" Peaches asked for some reason she didn't jump at his sudden appearance. "Saw you head out of the Hotel, thought I'd come see how you are." John said placing an arm around her. "I'm more worried about Cort than myself." She said leaning up against him. "He'll be fine, he just needs to..." John began but Peaches interrupted him. "I know, cool off. I'm getting tired of hearing that." She said stepping away from him.

"He came back with you, didn't he, he still cares." John said smiling at her. "He came back because Liz was losing herself." She said looking up at him. "True, but so were you, and he loves you too much to let that happen." John said touching her cheek softly. "I don't know about that anymore, when did this get all messed up." Peaches said shaking her head. "Love's funny that way." John grinned. "There's nothing funny about it." Peaches frowned. "Listen, why don't you go get some sleep, I'm sure things will look different in the morning." John said wrapping his arm around her waist. "Can't, tried to, but I can't." Peaches sighed. "Sure you can." John said bringing her closer to him.

"No, I can't, all I see is him. I hurt him, John, I hurt him bad." Peaches said as the tears began to build. John wrapped his other arm around her. "He'll be fine, and so will you." John whispered into her ear. "Well I thought I'd come talk to you, but I see you'rr busy." Cort said, Peaches and John turned around. "I'm not busy." Peaches said stepping away from John. "Doesn't look that way to me." Cort said plainly, looking back and forth between Peaches and John. "I'm tired of this." Peaches said as she began walking off. "You got a great girl there, and you're going to lose her if you keep acting like this." John said glaring at Cort.

"She's not my girl, anymore." Cort said glaring back. "You'e really one stupid fuck, aren't you!" John said raising his voice. "Don't start with me, you won't like were it ends!" Cort snapped back. "Do you really think she would have risked her own existence to go save your sorry ass, if she was my girl! I don't think so!" John said stepping closer to Cort. "Then why is it every time I see the two of you together, you're always hugging and caressing each other." Cort said stepping closer to John. "We're friends, and the only time I have my arms around her is when you make her cry, and if you haven't noticed her tears yet, then you're really a stupid fuck!" John said now face to face with Cort.

Peaches got back to her room and slammed the door. "Men, don't need them!" She yelled out loud. Peaches began pacing back and forth. "I need to get away from here." She whispered. She stopped pacing and headed to her closet, pulling out a couple of her suit cases. "I'm sure Liz and the girls can handle things while I'm away." She said as she began throwing clothes into them. Peaches looked around her room, before heading out the door. "How can things be so good, then turn shitty!" She said shaking her head and closing the door. She had phoned Liz and Michelle to let them know she was leaving and didn't know when she'd be back. Liz and Michelle both argued with her, but in the end told her they would keep an eye on things.

Peaches placed her bags in her truck. "Oh a road trip!" Sid said as he came up behind her. Peaches just ignored him and headed to the drivers side. "So were are we going?" Sid asked like a little kid as he hopped into the passenger side. "Sid, we're not going anywhere, I'm going somewhere!" She said glaring over at him. "Ahh, come on! It'll be fun, just the two of us, without those losers." Sid said grinning at her. "Sid, get the fuck out of my truck!" She said pointing. "Geez, someone hasn't got laid in a long time!" Sid grinned at her. "NOW SID!" She yelled giving him a push. "I can fix that you know." Sid said winking at her. Peaches just glared at him. Sid slowly emerged from the truck. "Ok I know when to take a hint." Sid giggled and shut the door.

Peaches started the truck and took off. She had no idea where she was going, just that she had to leave. She had always found peace at the Nest, but right now all she was finding was heartache and anger. She drove for what seemed like hours on end, but in fact was only a couple. She had turned onto a dirt road, not knowing where it led. She started hitting rough road and starting thinking it was a bad idea to take this road. "What are you getting yourself into girl." She whispered shaking her head as another bumped jarred her around. After a few more miles of rough road she finally hit pavement.

Peaches took out her CD's and popped in Celine Dion. Skipping ahead a few tracks, she found the song she wanted to hear. She cranked up the volume, and the song The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face, came on.

The first time ever I saw your face

I thought the sun rose in your eyes

And the moon and the stars were the gifts you gave

To the night and the empty skies my love

To the night and the empty skies

The first time ever I kissed your mouth

I felt the earth turn in my hand

Like the trembling heart of a captive bird

That was there at my command my love

That was there at my command

Peaches sang along with the song, tears streaming down her cheeks. Her heart was hurting, her heart was lost.

The first time ever I lay with you

And felt your heart beat close to mine

I thought our joy would fill the earth

And would last 'till the end of time my love

And would last 'till the end of time

The first time ever I saw your face

I thought the sun rose in your eyes

And the moon and the stars were the gifts you gave

To the night and the empty skies my love

To the night and the empty skies

Peaches sighed as the song ended. She skipped ahead again to another song, I Want You To Need Me, she once again began to sing along.

I wanna be the face you see when you close your eyes

I wanna be the touch you need every single night

I wanna be your fantasy

And be your reality

And everything between

I want you to need me

Like the air you breathe

I want you to feel me

In everything

I want you to see me

In your every dream

The way that I taste you, feel you, breathe you, need you

I want you too need me, need me

Like I need you

I wanna be the eyes that look deep into your soul

I wanna be the world you, I just want it all

I wanna be your deepest kiss

The answer to your every wish

And all you ever need

I want you to need me

Like the air you breathe

I want you to feel me

In everything

I want you to see me

In your every dream

The way that I taste you, feel you, breathe you, need you

I want you to need me, need me

'Coz I need you more than you could know

And I need you to never never let me go

And I need to be deep inside your heart

I just want to be everywhere you are

I wanna be the face you see when you close your eyes

I wanna be the touch you need every single night

I wanna be your fantasy

And be your reality

And everything between

I want you to need me

Like the air you breathe

I want you to feel me

In everything

I want you to see me

In your every dream

'Coz baby I taste you, feel you, breathe you, need you

I want you to need me, need me

Like I need you

The song ended, tears running down her face, Peaches didn't see the tree that had fallen in her path, she hit it straight on.

"John here." John answered half awake. "John it's Liz, Peaches, she's...." Liz stopped unable to control her crying. "Liz, what is it?" John said sitting up and turning his light on. "She's been in an accident." Liz said after a minute. "What? When? Where? How is she?" John asked his head began to spin. "About an hour ago." Liz said with a sudden urge of panic in her voice. "Ok, I'll be right over." John said hanging up the phone. John quickly got dressed and headed downstairs. "What's up?" Andy said as John almost collided with him. "Peaches, she's been in an accident." John said quickly and flew out the door.

Andy stood there shock, then headed up stairs. He knocked on everyone's door. "What?" Bud asked opening the door. "Peaches was in an accident!" Andy said quickly moving on to the next door, then pausing. "Oh what the hell." Andy said as he knocked. "What now?" Cort asked as he opened the door. "Hey mate, thought you'd wanna know, Peaches was in an accident." Andy said staring at him. "What?" Cort asked confusion on his face. "She was in an accident." Andy said shaking his head. Cort just stood there, every part of his body began to ache. He then turned and slowly closed his door. "No." He whispered as he slid down the door and began to cry.

"I have to go." Liz said as she frantically searched for her keys. "Not in your condition." John said as he grabbed her keys just as she reached for them. "Yes I am." Liz said glaring at him. "We'll all go." Maximus said staring at her. "You can't! Didn't you hear what Peaches said about our world." Liz said looking at him. "She never said that anything would happen to us, she just said that we can't go." Bud said staring at her. "The only reason she said we can't go is because the real world wouldn't be able to handle us." John said looking at her. "You're all crazy, but I'm not going to sit here all night and argue with you." Liz said as she headed for the door.

With everyone going, the vehicles all looked like a convoy. In the end Cort decided not to go, in his mind, not matter what he wouldn't be welcomed, not by her or anyone else. As they all arrived at the hospital, everyone began to imagine the worst. They all made their way slowly through the hospital. John found out that her condition wasn't as bad as they thought, or what the deputy had said. Peaches had minor cuts and bruises, but in the end she would be fine. They had found her doctor and he told them that she was lucky. If she hadn't been wearing her seat belt, she would be dead. "Can we see her?" Liz asked in a sigh of relief. "Well she's resting now, but I can let one of you go in." The doctor said looking over the group. Everyone looked at each other, they knew who it should be.

Peaches stirred in her sleep, she kept calling out Cort's name. "Shh, little one." John said as he gently stroked her head. "John?" She asked as she tried opening her eyes. "Yeah, it's me." John smiled down at her. "Man, let me tell you something, always keep your eyes on the road, and never, I mean, never, run into a tree, it hurts like hell!" She giggled. "I bet it does." John laughed. "Wait, what are you doing here! You shouldn't be here!" She said as she tried to sit up. "Hey take it easy!" John said trying to settle her back down. "John, how many times do I gotta tell you, you can't come here! It's not safe!" She protested. "Everything's fine, now why don't you get some rest, Doc, says you can leave in the morning." John said as he finally got her to lay back down. "Fine, but you're in big trouble mister when we get home." She grinned. "I know, it's the story of my life." John giggled.

The next day John and Liz drove Peaches home. Everyone else had left earlier that morning. John told them there wasn't any reason for them all to be here and to go back and make sure things were set up for Peaches when she got home. When they got in sight of the Nest Peaches sighed. "Never gonna get to leave this place, I feel like I'm in a horror movie." She said shaking her head. "It's not that bad, besides, why would you want to leave with me here." John said winking at her. "Oh that's right, silly me, with you here my world is complete." Peaches giggled. "Hey, don't make funny of me, little one." John said with a giggle. "Would never dream of it, oh great mighty hunter." She laughed.

When they pulled in front of the Hotel, everyone was standing outside to greet her. "Wow, all this for little ol' me, I do declare, I am blushing." Peaches giggled. "Come on, I think you hit your head just a little too hard." John laughed shaking his head. Everyone smiled at her as they walked up to the Hotel. "Wow, hope you got the number of the tree that hit you, cause you look.." Sid began but Bud decked him. "Bud!" Peaches began. "Thank you." She smiled kissing him on the check. "You're welcome." Bud said embracing her gently with a hug. "Girl, look at you." Michelle said frowning at the bruises on Peaches face. "Trust me, I feel worse than I look." Peaches giggled. "I'm sure." Michelle smiled hugging her.

After Peaches got settled into bed and everyone left, except for John, who insisted on staying. "John, how's Cort?" She asked almost shyly. "Don't get me started with him." John said looking at her. "John, be nice." She said staring at him. "If he hadn't acted the way he did, you wouldn't be hurt." John said as he began pacing the room. "It's not his fault." She said as she watched him. "Like hell it isn't! If that son of a bitch hadn't hurt you the way he did, then you wouldn't be here!" John snapped. "John, go see if he will come here." Peaches said looking at him. "What? Your kidding right?" John asked staring at her. "No, I want to talk to him." She answered smiling at him softly. "I don't think that's a good idea." John said shaking his head. "Please, John." She said pleading with him. John sighed shaking his head again, then turned and left.

John knocked on Cort's door. "What?" Cort asked without opening it. "She wants to see you, and if you know what's best for you, you'd better go to her." John said angrily then walked off. Cort slowly opened the door, looking like he hadn't slept all night. He slowly walked over to the Hotel and to her room. He softly knocked on the door and waited for a reply. "Come in." Peaches said as she began to get nervous. Cort slowly opened the door, when he spotted her his mouth fell open. "My God, I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to do this to you!" He said as he broke down in tears and fell to the floor. Peaches got out of bed as quickly as she could and went to his side. "You didn't do this to me, I did, well that and a tree." She tried to smile. "It's my fault." He whispered as he sobbed.

"You haven't seen the looks I've been getting, they do." Cort said trying to take his eyes off of her, but was finding it hard. "Cort, you have to remember, we're talking about a group of men, who think that their soul purpose for being here is to protect all of us women, they just have to, as John would say, cool off." Peaches said smiling softly at him. "John, don't get me started with him." Cort said stepping away. "Please don't start with John again, nothing is going on between the two of us! He's a good friend, who's been here when I needed him." Peaches said shaking her head. "That's the problem, I should have been the one, not him." Cort said walking over to the window.

Peaches just shook her head, she was tired and didn't feel like getting into an argument with him. But she knew this had to be finished once and for all. "Cort, if anything, this is all my fault. Things got way out of control, because of me." She said softly. "No, this isn't your fault, so don't think that." Cort said turning to her. "Yes it is, if I would have just gone straight to you and told you how I felt, instead of playing some stupid little dating game, then this wouldn't have happened." She said as the tears began to build. Cort walked over to her and softly touched her face. "So how do you feel?" Cort asked looking deeply into her eyes.

Peaches felt like she was blushing. "You really want me to answer that?" She asked smiling at him. "I wouldn't have asked it if I didn't." Cort said grinning at her. Peaches sighed. "Well, I guess I would have to say that." She began but was interrupted by a knock at her door. Peaches rolled her eyes as Cort walked over to answer it. "What?" He said as he opened it. "What the fuck are you doing here?" Bud asked as he pushed by Cort. "Bud, its all right, I asked to see him." Peaches said shaking her head. "I hope your telling him he needs to go back to Redemption!" Bud snapped glaring at Cort. "Bud!" Peaches said glaring at him. "The son of a bitch almost got you killed! There's no reason for him to be here!" Bud snapped looking at her.

As Peaches and Bud began arguing, Cort slipped out the door. When Peaches noticed that he was gone, she smacked Bud. "Look what you did!" Peaches snapped glaring at him. "He doesn't deserve you or deserves to be at the Nest!" Bud said looking at her. "He has every right to be here, just like you!" She snapped and began walking towards the door. "After what he did to you, your going to go out chasing after him." Bud said shaking his head. "He didn't do anything to me! I did this! I created this whole mess! So Bud you better back off!" She snapped as she walked out the door.

Peaches tried to walk as fast as she could, but she was starting to feel the pains of her bruises on her ribs. "Damn!" She swore as she tried to catch her breathe. When she finally got out of the Hotel, she saw Cort and John starring each other down. John was saying something, and Cort was shaking his head. "Oh not again!" She said shaking her head. When she finally manage to get to them, she felt like she was going to collapse. "What are you doing out of your room?" John snapped glaring at her as she approached. "I felt like taking a walk!" Peaches said shaking her head. "What do you think I'm doing out of my room! I'm chasing this idiot!" She said smacking Cort in the arm. "Let's get you back to your room." John said as he grabbed her arm. "Not till this is finished! I'm tired of everyone walking out on me!" She snapped looking at John and Cort. "Now I have something to say, and your all going to listen! Got it!" She snapped again glaring at them.

It took a couple of weeks for the bruises to heal, Peaches was relieved when they finally did. She was tired of hurting and being stuck in bed. No one would let her go very far, usually not even out of her room. Peaches went down to the front desk and sighed at the big mess she found. "Should have known the guys wouldn't do paperwork." She giggled shaking her head. She grabbed what she needed and went into her office and started the long process of putting things where they belong. "Hey doll, need any help?" Alex asked poking his head in the door. "Hey Alex, nope I got it, thanks anyways." Peaches said smiling. "Hope we didn't leave too big of a mess for you, we just didn't want to mess things up." Alex said grinning at her. "Well I'm glad you didn't try to, I have my own system for this, I'd hate to see what would have happened if you guys tried." She giggled.

It took her several hours to finish up the paperwork, when she was done she headed to the Tavern. When she got there everyone was there. "Hi, little one, how are you feeling?" John asked as she walked up to him. "Pretty good, considering all the paper cuts." She giggled. "Can I get you something to drink, luv?" Andy asked walking up to her. "Um, how about some pink lemonade." Peaches said smiling at him. "Coming right up!" Andy said cheerfully.

Peaches sat at a table with John and talked about the plans for the upcoming week. A couple of months ago, they had planned a big barbecue for the upcoming weekend. John with the help of the other guys, were going to set everything up. They had planned it so the event would take place on the street between the Hotel and the Tavern. "Liz already got all the food we'll need. The boys and I just have to set up the tables and stuff." John said smiling at her. "Good, we don't have to set up a fighting ring do we?" Peaches asked with a giggle. "No, I don't think that would be necessary." John giggled.

Later that day, Peaches decided to go find Cort, they were over due for a talk. She found him down by the stables, East and Mannie were with him. They were looking at a new horse that had just arrived to the Nest. "Wow, she's beautiful." Peaches said as she walked up to them. "That she is." Mannie said smiling at Peaches. "How are you feeling?" East asked kissing her on the cheek. "I'm feeling great!" Peaches said kissing him back on the cheek. "Would you like to ride her?" Mannie asked grinning at her. "Um, no, I don't think that would be a good idea!" Peaches laughed. "Well your overdue for your lessons, so let me know when you feel like starting up again." East said smiling at her. "Ok, right now I need to steal this man away from you." Peaches said taking Cort's hand. "Ok, we can continue this later." Mannie said smiling at them.

Peaches and Cort walked down to the beach. The whole way there no one said anything. "So what did you want to talk about?" Cort asked smiling down at her. "Well there's a lot we need to talk about." She smiled. "Ok, what's on your list first?" Cort asked with a giggle. "Well how about where do we go now?" Peaches asked grinning up at him. "As in, relationship wise?" Cort asked looking down at her. Peaches just nodded, she felt like a school girl going on her first date with a boy. "That's up to you, I'm game for anything, as long as I'm with you." Cort said quickly kissing her on the cheek. "All right, how about this, we start off by just dating, no comments, nothing. We start fresh." Peaches said smiling at him. "Sounds good to me, so when do we go on our first date?" Cort asked smiling at her. "How about tonight?" She asked grinning. "That's fine with me." He said grinning. "Ok then pick me up at 7pm." She said with a giggle. "Will do." Cort said as they walked down the beach.

The week went by great, Peaches and Cort went on a date each night of the week. John and Cort hadn't fought since the day she yelled at them. The day of the barbecue everyone was busy setting up. Sid however was creating trouble as usual. "Sid, if you're not going to help, leave!" Liz snapped at him. "I am helping!" Sid said grinning at her. "Playing with the meat and talking to it as if it were your friend is not helping!" Liz said glaring at him. "I don't even think a dead cow would be his friend!" Peaches said walking up to them. "Hey I take offense to that remark!" Sid said glaring at her. "Oh did I hurt cyberboy's feelings!" Peaches giggled. "I don't have to take this kind of treatment!" Sid said and left. "Ya know, you wouldn't think a thing like him would be so touchy!" Liz said laughing.

The barbecue was going great, everyone was enjoying themselves. Like most parties though, the men gathered at one place and the women did the same. "I just had a thought." Liz said smiling at everyone. "What?" Peaches asked looking at her. "Come on follow me." She said as she headed for the Tavern. After they all entered the kitchen, Liz walked over to a cupboard and pulled something out. Everyone burst into laughter. "Well it's about time!" Michelle said laughing. "All right ladies, start filling!" Liz said as she passed them out. When they were all done, they all spread out each taking a different position. Liz giggled then yelled out, "FIRE!" All the girls began throwing water balloons at the men. The men took off running after them. "You'll pay for that one!" Cort said as Peaches hit him in the head with one. "Gotta catch me first!" She yelled back at him. "I don't have a problem with that!" Cort laughed.