A vague mental image of Thomas performing in Beth's variety show, singing and dancing his heart out, captured Tatum's mind and brought a genuine smile to her lips.  She could almost see herself sitting in the front row of the audience and cheering him on.  It was a pleasant image, one that smacked of the way things could have been and the way they could still possibly be if only people could find it in their hearts to come together and stop creating ways to be<i>apart</i>.  The us versus them mentality was going to be the death of this community, she could feel it in her bones.<br/><br/>Just as the dark thoughts were starting to claw their way through her brain, she was startled out of her dark reverie by Thomas's arm looping through hers.  A quiet "oh" of happy surprise slipped out before she could swallow it down.  Once more, her cheeks burned a rosy color and she was grateful for the darkness to hide the blush.  Why did she feel like a silly teenage girl around this man?  She'd known him for practically forever so why now?  Was it the understanding that he felt the same way she did about the direction the Leaders were taking the town and the silly archaic rules that were coming into play?  Or was it simply that without the distraction of technology she could appreciate the simpler things in her life?<br/><br/>And right now, a walk with Thomas was about the simplest pleasure Tatum could appreciate.<br/><br/>"It's not a big deal, trust me," he said and trust him, she would.  Ever perceptive, she was aware of the double meaning behind his simple statement even if she couldn't quite put them into words herself.  Nevertheless, that one small sentence settled the nerves that were beginning to fray around the edges.  Carol's impact on her state of being had taken more of a toll on the chestnut-haired woman than she'd been willing to admit to herself.<br/><br/>Her natural inclination was to step somewhat sideways to close the small distance between them.  Now it wasn't just their arms that were touching.  No, his arm was firmly against her side now.  They were just sharing warmth and getting closer so their conversation couldn't be overheard.  At least that's what she tried to tell herself.  It was most definitely not because she wanted an excuse to be closer to the tall man.<br/><br/>But perhaps it was.<br/><br/>"Careful, Thomas."  It was only the second time she used his name to actually address the man escorting her home.  His name felt right in her mouth but she didn't want to use it too much lest it lose its power.  "You shouldn't say things like that out loud," she cautioned, referring to his statement about Carol acting inappropriate.  "I can't help but feel like bad things are going to happen to Wullie for his outspokenness and I don't want those same things to happen to you."  There was worry in her voice; she couldn't help the small tremble from breaking through.<br/><br/><i><i>Careful, Tatum.  Even the walls have ears, </i></i>she cautioned.  With a slow reluctance, she put some space between their bodies.  Arm looping was one thing but two bodies, one male and one female, in such close contact with each other was entirely inappropriate.  The rules of this place were silly but there was something to be said about not breaking them.  Bending, yes.  But breaking them sharply would only bring down punishment upon the pair before they could even begin to get to know each other better.<br/><br/>For the second time on their stroll, she lifted her gaze upward, letting her eyes search his face.  There was still concern there but there was also hope.  Hope for them, hope for this community, hope that things would get better.<br/><br/>A shiver ran down the length of her spine despite the small flame of hope flickering inside her heart.  "Sorry, it's just so cold lately.  I almost feel as if I can't get warm anymore.  It really makes a person miss real heat, doesn't it?"  Tatum cleared her throat, hoping blaming the shiver on the weather would offer ample cover to her true feelings.