Rating: PG13 (innuendo, violence)

"Nooooooo!!!!!"

He screamed as the virus hit the button and the capsule he was trapped in jettisoned through the portal.

The last thing he saw was the look of horror and grief on her face; it shook him to the very core. He saw her mouth the word no, tears running down her face, making paths down her dirt-smudged skin.

The portal sealed, cutting him off from the life he once had.

Bob's eye's snapped open. He drew in a sharp breath, and realized he was no longer dreaming.

Why? he pondered silently. Why am I being forced to relive the Web over and over again? The Guardian heaved a great sigh, resting his head on his knees.

Dot Matrix rolled over in her sleep, and found a warm spot in the bed next to her, instead of its usual occupant. Awakened, she looked about the room and found Bob standing at the window across from the bed, his back to her. The faint light reflected off his long hair, and etched out the silver pattern of scars the ran from the edge of his hairline, down his arms and back, and to his feet.

Silently, Dot got up and placed a gentle hand on his bare shoulder. He jumped slightly, as her touch jerked him out of deep thought. He glanced at her, then continued to stare out over the darkened system.

Dot turned and sat herself down on the windowsill, so she could look into his face.

"Bob?," she asked hesitantly. "Are you all-right?"

"Yes... and no."

"Please," she said, laying her hand on his arm, "tell me what's wrong."

Bob sighed again, and his slight frame sagged as if he bore the weight of the whole Net on his shoulders. He stretched his hands out over the window sill. "Dot, not right now."

"Bob, I know something is bothering you. You've been restless for the last minute." She reached up and lightly touched the side of his face, running her fingers over his cobalt skin. Her fingers passed over the scar that ran under left eye. He winced slightly, even though the mark no longer pained him. It was memory that was attached to it.

He grabbed her hand. "Dot, please." He turned to her, his brown eyes troubled.

"Bob, tell me-"

He shook his head, cutting her off. "Not now, not tonight." Bob looked up into her exquisite face, noticing the way the light picked out the highlights in her hair.

The torment she glimpsed in his eyes sent pangs sent through her heart.

"Can this wait until tomorrow? Please?" His eyes studied her intently, as he waited for an answer.

She could stand the look he was giving her no longer. "All right," she said, giving in. "Tomorrow, then." Hopping off the windowsill, she took his other hand and led him back to the bed.

The clink of china could be heard from the surrounding tables, but none of the other couples were near enough to listen in on their conversation, if there had been any.

Bob had remained silent through their whole dinner. He gave her wan smile from time to time, but he seemed uneasy, and he picked at his food.

Frustrated, Dot put down her fork. "Tell me. Now."

He looked momentarily confused. "Tell you what?"

"You know very well I'm talking about." Her violet eyes flashed angrily.

Bob stiffened under her harsh glare. "Oh, that..."

"Bob, I'm sorry." She reached across the table and placed her hand on his.

"No, you have every right to know." He squeezed her hand. "I should have told you from the beginning."

"Then tell me. Tell me what happened to you in the Web."

He sighed, then began his story.