Noah listened to what Carter said. What did she want. Did she want them just to be friends. No, she had already made up her mind. When was she going to figure that out. "But the problem is I don't want that kiss not to have happened" She told him honestly.

Then when he questioned her she let out a deep breath that she just realized that she had been holding. Carter was smart. She knew that. She should have known that he wouldn't have bought what she had said that easily. "I don't know what to tell you." She said quietly. She might as well be honest now. She knew that Ian wouldn't her to be but she was not good at hiding things like him. "Fine, something happened up there. I'm not going to lie to you about that. But its over." She said. "It might as well never happened, we both agree on that. So I'm telling you the truth when I say that there isn't such a thing as Ian and I" She said sounding defeated.

Carter looked up and gave Noah a grin. "Well, it wasn't my best," he said, his flirty nature returning briefly. However, it quickly faded as he looked at her face. "I don't want to forget it either," he told her softly.

But it's over.

Those words hit him hard, as if his feet had just been swept out from under him. It was over? Within, he rejoiced briefly, hoping that perhaps she had chosen him. He stood up and took her hands in one of his, using his other hand to gently turn her face up towards his own. "Noah, I didn't mean to pressure you. And I'm sorry... and you and Ian," he told her quietly. "If you want time, or a friend, I'll be here," he told her softly. "And if you want anything else... well, just let me know that too," he added with a reassuring smile. "If not, well, I will be trying to solve a mystery," he added, hoping to bring some of the light back into her eyes.

Noah was surprised buy how happy it made her to see Carter's flirty nature come back to him. It was odd to see him serious all of the time, let alone upset.

She couldn't help but see the joy in his eyes at her words. She knew that this was what he wanted. She knew this is what Ian said that he wanted, if it truly was or not (well she didn't let herself think about, she would drive herself crazy). Then she looked up to him as he lifted her face. "Don't be sorry Carter" She told him "Ian and I, we" She paused trying to think of the right words "Well there is nothing between us" She ended up saying. She honestly didn't know what else she could have said. That they both decided this because it was what was best for Carter as well as what he would want and they both cared about him? For some reason Noah got the feeling he wouldn't quite like her saying that.

As she listened to what he was saying Noah gave him a smile. Just seeing as how she had made him happy made her want to keep making Carter happy. She took a small step closer to him, trying to forget all about Ian. "Thankyou Carter" She said to him softly.

Carter could see the happiness in her eyes as he joked about his kiss. "I could show you some time, if you would like," he continued, winking at her. It was merely a rouge- but if she asked, he wasn't going to miss his chance.

However, as Carter lifted her face, he could see both the joy and slight worry in her eyes. "This is your choice, Noah," he told her quietly. "If you have any doubts, I don't want you to regret the direction you take," he said with a warm smile. "So, as tempting as it is to kiss you right now..." he trailed off, a wave of temptation hitting him but he batted it away. "I'm going to wait until you are sure."

"Any time... I told you, if you ever need me," he said with a simple shrug. "So, do you want to head in? Or would you like to remain out here? I'm still trying to clear my head," he said, leaning his head over and giving the side a smack as if he were trying to empty it out.

Noah couldn't help but laugh at Carter's comment. He probably didn't even realize how he was making her feel right now. How much he was lightening the mood of this conversation. "Well we will just have to see okay" She told him still laughing softly.

All of the sudden the seriousness of the conversation was back. She listened to what Carter was saying. What he didn't realize though was she didn't have the choice that he thought that she had. There was no choice between him and Ian. Ian was not an option. This actually was a good thing because if he had been Noah wasn't sure who she would pick. But now her answer was obvious. And she knew that it would be the best thing for her. As he told her how tempting it was to kiss her her didn't really respond but stayed exactly as she was. Then as he finished talking she took one more step closer to him. Looking up to him, "I'm sure" She told him as she completely ignored all of the other things that he said after that.

Carter felt warmth run through him as Noah laughed. It was such a good sound to hear after all of the darkness that was outside. Then, he chuckled as Noah flirted back a little. "Well, don't wait too long, beautiful. These lips aren't getting any younger," he joked, still smiling as she laughed.

He watched as Noah remained silent, taking in all of the details her expressions would give. However, it didn't give him much. Then, she stepped forward and his eyes widened at her statement. Without another word, he brought his hands gently around her waist and then closed the gap between them, kissing her. He was gentle at first, and then he deepened it slightly as she didn't pull away. It seemed a choice had been made.

Noah gave Carter a smirk as he made the comment about his lips not getting any younger. Oh how nice it was to have him in this mood. The flirty mood that he had been in the night before.

Noah stayed exactly where she was, not once taking her eyes off of Carter. She involuntarily shivvered as she felt his hands move down to her waist. It was not a bad shiver, it was quite the contrary. Then his lips here on hers. This kiss was actually quite different from the first time that he had kissed her. She let her arms slowly find their way around his neck, pulling herself even closer to him as he deepened the kiss. Noah returned his force, and lost herself in Carter.

Carter grinned back as Noah smirked. She seemed to be enjoying herself, and didn't mind his flirty remarks. That was certainly a first- most of the time he was brushed off, and told that he was annoying. Jokingly, but it still annoyed people.

As he felt Noah shiver, he hesitated, making sure that he had permission for what he was about to do. He saw something that looked like a confirmation, and so he descended to touch his lips to her own. He wasn't sure what Noah was thinking, but as her hands wrapped around his neck he smiled into their kiss. Then, she matched him and Carter felt warmth gather within him. Eventually, his lungs were screaming for air, and his lips left hers to gently travel down her neck before he withdrew to look at her with a warm smile. "I hope you enjoyed that, because I sure did," he told her with a soft laugh.

Noah could see that Carter had hesitated before actually kissing her. He was such a good guy. As she had been told before he was the perfect gentleman. What more could she ask for in someone.

But Merlin that kiss! Carter was such a gentle person that the force behind the kiss surprised her, but it was definately something that she could get used to. The feeling that she had with Carter, it amazing. There was no space between them, they were interlocked so tightly. She actually let a small, almost inaudible, moan come from her lips as the presence of his own left. But then he was traveling down her neck. Without even thinking about it she let her head fall backwards just a little bit.

As he finally pulled away from her though Noah looked up at him with a soft smile on her face. She did not move away from him, not even an inch. "I loved that" She told him still smiling with a sparkle in her eyes, still keeping her arms around his neck.

Carter chuckled as he heard her soft moan, and gently pulled away. Lifting a hand, he gently ran it through her hair, not making any move to get away from her. "I'm glad, because I might just have to do it again," he said, leaning down to kiss her softly.

"Now, as I was saying before I was so amazingly interrupted... would you like to remain in here? I can tell by your nose you're beginning to get a bit cold," he said, bringing a hand up to gently tap her on the tip of her nose. "Or, I can always whip something up to keep us warm," he added in a flirty voice. However, he was itching to get in and solve a mystery. He had someone to protect and that would push him on to the best of his ability.

Noah gave Carter a smile as he ran his fingers through her hair. "Well I just might have to let you" She told him as she leaned up on her tippy toes so that she met his lips once more.

Noah couldn't help but laugh lightly as he said that he had been interupted. "Well it is getting cold" She agreed with him as she nodded her head. Then she felt like she had just been punched in the gut for about the millonth time for the day. They would go back in and she would have to face Ian. She knew that he would expect what was coming but she still could predict the outcome. But they couldn't stay out here forever. "Well I guess that we can go back inside" She told Carter.

Carter smiled and laughed softly into their kiss as he closed the distance between them. He could barely believe the polar opposites that this day had brought- but he only wanted to think about the lighter parts of the day. And this was certainly one of the high points.

"I can always warm you up," he said, draping his arm around her shoulder. "All you have to do is ask," he shot her a flirty grin before glancing back at the house. He looked back in time to see a dark expression cross Noah's face. How was he able to read her so easily? It had ended well for now, but that might not always be the case. ""We don't have to... we could do some more problem solving out here. There's plenty to discuss about the mystery..." he said, not wanting to refer to the murder directly.

Noah's head was spinning. So much had happened today. Between her, Carter, and Ian. For the moment it seemed that she had everything figured out and that she was content. But somehow she got the feeling that when they went back into that house it would not be quite as simple. But they couldn't stay out there forever.

"As much as I would love to stay out here" She told him with a soft smile, "I fear that we must be going back in" She finished. Not to mention that Carter was right, it was getting rather cold out here.

Isabella glanced back up at Robert - only to notice that he was looking at her. From there she looked across the room almost immediately and nodded. Only when a small smile had appeared on her lips did she look back at him. I'm fine. Still a little shaken up I guess. It wasn't a lie and she didn't move her hand.

Ian, instead of taking a bath, had taken to pacing his room once more. He had a strong urge to throw things across the room at the thought of what might be going on outside between Noah and Carter at that very moment, but he made himself control this impulse. It was childish and stupid and he wouldn't succumb to it. The problem was, now that he had actually let someone in, it was hard to keep that person out - but he was trying. If things went his way, he wouldn't even have to be alone with Noah to keep her out, but on the chance things were less than perfect, he needed his defenses once more. He'd made her decision for her and now he ahd to pay for it.

Robert nodded and smiled a bit.
well i would have been surprised if you hadnt he said
but you know you are doing pretty fine.Keeping yourself up pretty well he said. He had seen she hadnt removed her hand yet and he let it lay there for some reason.Looking around he saw Finn and Bella making some breakfast.He turned around to look at Isabella again and asked
um...would you like to go out for a walk?
you know for a bit of diversion of mind? he suggested.

Carter could tell that Noah was a bit overwhelmed. So as happy as he was with the new developments, he smothered his excitement and gave Noah's hand a squeeze. "I know what you mean," he said to her quietly, his smile soft. "But you are right, it is time," he said, a soft sigh in his voice.

He walked with her back to the house, and opened the door to allow her in first. "Well, I guess I should continue with that mystery," he muttered quietly, glancing at the barrier he had placed.

Isabella gave Robert a small smile as he told her that she was keeping herself pretty put together after all that happened. At his question though, her smile widened a bit. Yeah, sure. It'd be nice to get out and have some room to think, she said, hopping off the counter and waiting for him.

Ian was coming down the stairs feeling rather hungry when he saw a very happy looking couple coming through the door - he didn't fail to notice that it was Noah and Carter. Hey, Carter - Noah, he greeted them without a smile but a firm nod. His voice wasn't quite cheery, but his usual tone; he couldn't really act cheery that moment. He headed into the kitchen to make himself some food. He noticed the girl Isabella standing there and as he passed her to head to the fridge, he winked at her once more.

Noah gave Carter a soft smile as they walked into the house. She kept telling herself over and over again that this was going to be okay. That everything was how it was supposed to be. This is what everyone wanted right? Yes. She followed Carter's eyes over towards the barrier. But then she felt like someone had just punched her in the gut.

She had heard Ian. She had been telling herself that she wasn't going to let him affect her. Ha! Like that was possible. Her eyes quickly flashed towards him. She willed herself not to show whatever emotions were threatening to come into her eyes, whether it was dread, excitement, or sadness. None of which needed to show. She was pretty sure that they hadn't either.

She returned his nod that he ad given to two of them, not saying anything. She also feared what was going on in Carter's head right now. She had a feeling that it wasn't good. Noah couldn't help but feel as though that Ian were starting to push her out again. That would have probably been best. But of course, Noah couldn't let that happen.

Robert looked at Isabella smile a bit and he smiled back
She looks gorgeous when she smiles he thought and then nodding he hopped off the stool at the counter just then to see Ian come in.Robert looked at him walk past Isabella and then wink again and Robert couldnt help but get angry a bit.He looked at him once more before he took Isabella's hand gently and took her out of the kitchen.
git,what's up with him? he thought as they walked out

As they walked out of the kitchen they saw Noah and Carter come in.Robert gave them a small smile and a nod and asked
hope you both are fine he said looking at both of them and then smiling
just going for a walk outside for sometime,let me know if you guys want anything he said to Carter and Noah.
He just opened the closet door near by and took his jacket out.He was sure that it must be very cold outside after last night's heavy snow...He looked back and waited for Isabella to come.

Ian noticed - as he gathered up bread, cheese, and butter - that Robert was looking at him--- no, glaring at him as he walked out. Ian rose his eyebrows at this with a small frown and kept making his grilled cheese, shrugging to himself as Robert and Isabella exited.

Isabella managed to stay strong-willed as Ian came in, but she couldn't help noticing that Robert must have taken what she said to heart. She let him lead her out of the kitchen without looking back at Ian.

Isabella followed Robert through to the doors just in time to see Noah and Carter come in - awwww !! Hey Carter, she said with a smile to her fellow-Ravenclaw friend. Hi, Noah, she added, giving Carter a small grin. They were soooo cute together! Quickly catching up to where Robert was, Isabella got her coat from the rack by the door and buttoned it up, glad that it was warm and unbulky. Ready to go? she asked Robert, brushing some of her curly brown bangs behind her ear.

Robert nodded as he zipped his jacket and then turned the knob and stepped on to the porch.
Stepping out he took a deep breath
i love it he murmured.The weather outside was cold no doubt and the breeze was crisp and wintry.A small smile played on his lips.He loved winters.putting his hands in the pockets he began to walk down the path covered with snow.

Carter turned his head slightly as he heard someone coming down the stairs. Now that he was back in the house, he was on full alert- any thing could be a clue, the tiniest motion could be the murder trying to strike again.
However, it was just Ian and he gave his friend a nod. "Ian," he said in greeting, noticing his friend's dark mood. He sighed- things were not meant to be easy it seemed.

Carter was warmed by Noah's smile. There was something within it that just went right to his core. For a second, a single second, he was able to forget about the outside world. But then it came crashing back.

Glancing between Noah and Ian as his friend passed by, he released a very gentle sigh. "This is never going to be easy for you," he said quietly. "I will try to make it as easy as I can- I don't want you to be in pain," he told her softly, gently touching her face. "If you need to go," he glanced toward Ian and then back toward Noah. "I won't stop you," he told her with a warm smile. "Just as long as you will come back to me in one piece," he added with a soft laugh. "Meant as a friend," he quickly added. He wanted as little pressure on her as possible- even if she had made a decision. He added a quick wink, just to show he was still his old self.

"Quite so," Carter said with a warm smile. "It's quite nice out, just make sure you bundle up- we were getting a little chilled ourselves," he said with a soft laugh. He put a hand on his friend's shoulder. "And if you see anything... suspicious... let me know," he added softly with a nod.

Carter looked over as another voice going them. "Hey Is," he said giving a grin and a wink. "So will you need some extra warmth out there?" he flirted and teased grinning over at Robert to show he didn't mean anything by it. He chuckled as the two of them moved toward the door, and glanced back toward the barrier. He couldn't avoid it forever.

Isabella smiled as Carter shortened her name as he so often did, glad she was able to trust one person in this strangely new place to her. She rolled her eyes at his words, though her smile remained. Not sure, but I'll make a point to let you know! she said, punching her friend wimpily in the arm as she walked by and then sticking her tongue out at him.

Isabella followed Robert out onto the porch and looked over at him. A smile graced her lips at his words. Yes, the snow is quite beautiful, she agreed as she walked beside him on the path. Ah, it was quite tranquil outside compared to the chaos within the house.

Noah gave both Robert and Isabelle a smile. "Hey you guys" She told them. She liked them both well enough, although she reminded herself that everyone was a suspect. Well almost everyone.

Then she turned back to Carter. She saw him talking to Robert and Isabelle. She saw him harmlessly flirting with Isabelle. It was nice to see Carter being himself. It made her feel a whole lot better about this whole ordeal, or a couple of ordeals. At the same time she realized how lucky she really was. Carter was such a flirt, always with some girl or the other. But this time he had chosen her.

Then she heard what he said. Noah knew that she should automatically shoot down the idea of going and talking to Ian. But no that would be too simple, and she was a girl, they always just had to make things complicated. "I'll just be a minute, I want to make sure that he is okay" She told Carter quietly. She reached her hand up to his cheek and gave him a soft smile. "I will right back" She said to him lingering there for a minute before turning into the kitchen, desperately hoping that she hadn't just upset Carter.

Noah walked into the kitchen. She saw Ian but his back was to her. He was the only one in there. That should have sent alarm bells going off right away. Noah and Ian alone in a room together, that would not be good. But as usual oblivious Noah didn't even pay attention to it. She jumped up so that she was sitting on the island in the middle of the kitchen and cleared her throat softly, wondering if Ian would notice her.

Robert nodded seriously as Carter asked him to be on alert.He stepped onto the porch just in time Carter talking to Isabella and that made Robert roll his eyes and chuckle and shake his head
you wont change will you? he thought


Robert looked as Isabella came on to the porch right next to him and smile.He nodded and as they walked outside the house he felt an oddly calming effect on him which was absent in the house.Right inside he felt a kind of tension in the atmosphere and a sort of defeaning silence all over,it was something like vaccum.
this is a lot more better then staying inside right now he said looking around at the snow covered path and the garden and then looking at Isabella
i was feeling this weird deafening feeling when inside he said shaking his head.