Hate Love (for Nolee)

"I would never have chose to...with Mark..."

"I know, I know." Cody said softly, hugging Nolee tight.

Nolee looked at him, "Do you think I'd be a good mother?"

"Yes." Cody said, nodding.

"Do you think I should...should talk to Mark?"

"Um...if you want to..." Cody said, sounding worried.

"I would like to see my son...but with Taker..."

"Oh right..." Cody sighed, moving to lean against the wall.

Nolee sighed, "You should probably go see your boyfriend..."

Cody nodded, smiling. "...are you okay though?"

Nolee smiled softly, lying effortlessly "Course I will be. Its a bosses job to be okay."

"O-okay..." Cody said, unsure if she meant it or not.

Nolee gently leaned against the wall, "Cody, I'm a 20 year old woman. I can function all on my own..."

"I know that." Cody said.

Nolee smiled and took his hand, "Lets get going upstairs then."

Cody smiled and nodded. "Okay."

Nolee held his hand and walked upstairs with him.

Lucas sat on the couch, running a hand over his face. His nect targets file sat on his lap. Dusty Rhodes...

Cody smiled when he saw Lucas and went over to him, frowning slightly when he actually realised Lucas wasn't happy. "Are you okay?"

Lucas hesitated before handing the file to Cody.

Cody slowly read the file, freezing once he saw who the target was, frowning.

Lucas hesitated and looked at Nolee, "How could you give me this job boss!? That's your best friends dad!"

"Yes my best friends dad who forced his own son to be a prostitue and sold him to the DiBias's when he was just a child. Whatever was I thinking?" Nolee replied gruffly. "Take the job or don't. I really don't care anymore." She stomped her way upstairs.

Cody barely noticed Nolee leave the room, still staring down at the file, a blank look on his face.

Lucas hesitated, "I...I won't take the job..."

"You...you can..." Cody said quietly after a few minutes. "...if you want."

"Are...are you sure?" Lucas asked. "This would be your first job as my helper. My assistant."