the showstopper;

Fri, 24 Jul 2009 02:41:33 GMT

Title: Cop Car
Summary: I'm sitting in the backseat of a cop car, here's your one last phone call.
Rating: PG.
Disclaimer: Don't own anything except ~~you and your beautiful soul~~ the storyline. Song title is owned by FTSK.
A/N: Flashback for my bb.

“Austin! Austin! Look at this!”

A drunk Caleb Turman stumbled his way over to his best friend’s car, tripping over nothing three feet away from it. He fell into the hood where Austin was sitting, empty beer cans surrounding him. He laid there face first into the metal, laughing at nothing. Caleb picked himself up, tossing the can he had in his hand over his shoulder and grabbed another full one from the second twelve-pack they had bought.

Sitting in the empty parking lot of the nearest convenience store close to two in the morning, the two eighteen year olds had already gone through one twelve pack. About an hour beforehand, Austin had to fake sobriety to go in and buy another one with his fake I.D, leaving Caleb out there alone for five minutes, drunk off his ass and singing loudly.

Caleb popped the can open and took a long drink, before turning around to sit on the hood beside Austin. “Look, isn’t it beautiful?” he asked, pointing over to a small pyramid he had made out of the cans he had drank. He let out a long stream of laughter, sliding off the hood, this time managing to not fall, and push the top can over. “Look, and it falls right off!” he exclaimed.

He heard Austin laugh behind him and Caleb turned around, wide, drunken grin plastered on his face. “Come on, man, let’s go. Go egg her house or something, bro.” Austin said as he staggered off the hood of his car, swiping all the beer cans off the top.

Egg her house. Her house. Thoughts from earlier than day raced back to him as he stood stock still in the middle of the parking lot. Their two year relationship was gone. Down the drain and out the window, faster than Caleb could even strum a note on his guitar. ‘I just don’t see myself going anywhere with you, Caleb. You’re too obsessed with your music, you don’t spend enough time on me. Always your music or hanging out with Austin or Kyle or some other kind of excuse. I’m tired of it.’ I’m tired of it. I’m tired of it. I’m tired of it, kept ringing through his ears and his head.

Austin threw a can at Caleb’s head, missing completely and hitting him in his leg, snapping the redhead out of it. “Come on, Caleb. Before the sunrises?”

Caleb kicked the can out of his way and headed over to the car, yanking on the handle and the door opened. “Let’s just go find some place else to drink. Maybe.. Maybe call that one guy you know. If he’d wanna join.”

Austin just shook his and got behind the wheel, trying a couple times to get the key into the ignition. When he finally got it started up, he peeled out of the parking out, heading in the direction of the highway. “Nah, let’s just, let’s just drive. See where we’ll end up in the morning or until the gas runs out. Might make it up to Oklahoma, maybe.”

An hour, two, passes of Austin doing speeds higher than the speed limit, and Caleb laughed every time he felt the swerve of the car against the road. He reached forward, turning the radio up even higher and started to sing along loudly with it. They both never noticed the car following behind them for the last few miles until the red and blue lights turned on and they could see the reflection in the windshield mirror. Caleb sucked in a breath, turning around in his seat, motioning to Austin.

“Just keep going, dude, keep going!”

He picked up the speed, racing across the long stretch of Texas highway. The cop car behind them matched their speed, not giving up at all the fifteen minutes he chased them down the highway. Austin eventually gave in and pulled over, much to Caleb’s protests and the younger boy just sighed as the cop walked over to Austin’s window. After the routine questions, and obviousness that they were drunk, the cop had them both get out of the car, and lean facing the car, hands on the top. The cop went to Caleb first, handcuffing him and giving him the Miranda Law speech, then moving to make him sit down on the side of the road in front of Austin’s car.

He sat there, hands behind his back, head tilted to the side and staring out onto the blank stretch of highway while the cop did the same to Austin. He led Austin his cop car first, putting him in on one side, then came back for Caleb, putting him in the other. “You might want to call someone to come pick up your car,” the cop said over his shoulder to Austin. “And is there anybody that you would want to call?”

Before Austin could say a word, Caleb spouted of her number out of habit. He watched, horrified, as the man punched in the numbers, then held the phone to his ear. A few seconds passed and he rattled off what happened, into what seemed like voicemail to Caleb and shut his phone when he was finished. “No one picked up. You can get another call in a few hours.”

The ride to the police station was long and silent, and Caleb leaned against the window, staring out into it. He wasn’t too fond of sitting in jail for the night, or even for however long it would be if they were charged. Nothing happened, they didn’t do anything to anyone, just some drinking to get over an event and reckless driving. He knew he should have called his parents, but they would freak and he would be killed right after they bailed him out. Since he was legal now, they couldn’t just let him go. He’d be tried as an adult….

Six hours, and what seemed like forever later, Caleb and Austin were now sitting in a holding cell at the police station. Austin was leaning against the wall, halfway asleep, and Caleb was leaning onto Austin, fully asleep. An officer came around the corner and unlocked the cell door, causing Austin to jar upwards, throwing Caleb off onto the floor.

“Watch it,” he mumbled, standing up unsteadily, still a little drunk.

“Come on, boys. You’re getting out of here for tonight.” The officer led them out to the front, and Caleb stopped right in his tracks again. There she was. He thought he had wasted that call, but she came to bail him out after out.

Sat, 28 Feb 2009 20:42:39 GMT

Title: Not So Faded Memories
Pairing: Fletcher/Jones
Summary: Twilight. It was the part of the day that Tom loved most, and it was the part of the day that Tom would never forget.
Rating: PG
Author Notes: WHEEEE.
Disclaimer: Don't own anything except ~~you and your beautiful soul~~ the
storyline. Written for mcsecretsanta this past Christmas.

Part One
Twilight. The soft light that is projected by the sun as it sets into the horizon as day falls into night.

Tom sighed loudly to himself as he sat on his front porch steps, resting his elbows upon his knees. He looked up and down the street a few times, but Tom already knew that he wasn’t going to show. ‘Who in their right mind who show up after what I did to him?,’ the brunette figured. Definitely not Danny if he were smart enough. Tom made a face to himself, sighing once more before standing up off the steps and turning around to head back inside.

The curly haired brunette stood planted where he was at, hands both resting on his hips. A serious look was cast upon his face, his mouth making little twitching movements every few seconds to show that he was mad.

"Yeah, well," Danny started, "if you weren’t such a jerk to people sometimes, Tom! The way you’ve been acting lately so embarrassing, I couldn’t hardly stand to be around you! First you blew up at me in the market today, and then within an hour you do it to me again back at my family’s house? What’s gotten into you lately?"

Danny’s words made Tom spin around quickly, glaring the other boy down. "What’s gotten into me?" he asked slowly. "What’s gotten into me?! Danny, I’m not the one who screwed my best friend and then lied to me about for it six months! I didn’t find out about it from you, I didn’t find out about it from him; I found out about it from his girlfriend! How much lower can you get from that? You’re just lucky I didn’t break up with you when I first found out about it," Tom spat back in defense.

Danny stood there, speechless, for a few seconds. "What?" he asked. "How..? When did you find out about that?"

Tom huffed, thinking back. "About a month after it happened," he stated. "I went to lunch with them, and he went to the bathroom. She looked over at me with a pitiful look and patted my hand, asking how I dealt with it and how I managed to be calm. When I said that I didn’t know what she was talking about, she told me." He looked up at Danny, his face starting to become a little less angry and filled more with hurt. "I mean, why, Danny? Was I not good enough for you at that time?" he asked.

Danny’s eyes grew wide, and he started to chew on his bottom lip. "Tom, I.. I’m sorry. That I did that and that you had to find out from her, and that I didn’t have the guts to tell you. I was just scared, Tom. Scared of what you would do or say. But most importantly, I was scared of losing you."

It took everything in Tom’s will not to break his angry face and rush over to Danny, pulling him into his arms and kissing him all over. He knew he was sorry, but still. Tom couldn’t face the fact that Danny had actually done that to him. And that just hurt him deep down inside, too much to even let it go. He guessed that lately, the anger that Danny had yelled at him about, was all because of that. Tom had let it sit and boil, and he couldn’t do anything about it now. Something had to be done.

"I know you are, Danny," he whispered. "But the truth is, I can’t handle the thought of you lying and betraying me. And that's why this is over."

Tom turned on his heel and swiftly exited the room, and eventually the house. He could hear Danny’s voice carrying through the hall as he exited the door, asking and pleading with him to come back. But it wasn’t go to happen.

Intermission
Everyday for a year Tom sat on his front porch, just waiting. He waited until twilight, and then went back inside, figuring that that day wasn’t the day. His mind knew that Danny wasn’t going to come see him again. It was only natural for him to move on and forget about Tom, but Tom never forgot about Danny. His heart though, on the other hand, knew that deep down inside, Danny felt the same way. And that eventually, he might come back. Time would only tell.

And everyday for a year, Tom would replay memories. Memories only him and Danny would know of. Everyday was a painful one for Tom, but he couldn’t just shake loose of it.

One day, in the late fall, just as the leaves were starting to change colors and fall from the trees, Tom went inside early. He was growing tired and weary of sitting out there everyday, when he knew that he could be living his life. What was the use in waiting if the thing you’re waiting for doesn’t come? So Tom stood up and started to make his way back into his house. And each day after that, Tom would go inside just a little bit early. Every day, he would do that, until finally Tom just stopped sitting outside all together. And he started to live his life.

Part Two
The following spring was like any other spring before that. Warm and chilly at the same time, when all the flowers and plants started to bloom again. Tom loved this part of the spring, he just loved to sit and watch the flowers all day, wondering what it would be like to be one. It was a passing though occasionally, but on this one day he actually stopped to think about it.

He stood in his front lawn, thinking, the light wind blowing across him, tousling his hair over his face. Tom stood there for an extra few minutes, pondering over his flowers, when he heard a car pull up in his driveway. He turned around, letting the flower in his hand drop back down in its place on the vine. He stared at the car, not knowing whose it was, and not seeing well enough to tell who was in the drivers seat. He watched as the driver got out of the vehicle, closed the door and walk a few feet, and stop to stand in front of Tom. The brunette sucked in a breath, biting at his lip. Real life, was this happening? No. A dream then, possibly.

"Danny?" he breathed out.

Danny nodded a little, staring Tom straight in the eyes. "Tom," he said. "It’s.. been a while."

Tom nodded back to him. "It has. Danny, I just want to apologize for what I said the last time I saw you.."

"There’s no need to apologize, Tom," Danny cut off. "I fully understand now why you did what you did. I was acting like a jerk and I deserved it, really."

All Tom could do was nod and stare at Danny like an idiot. He waited almost a year and a half for this. He couldn’t believe that Danny was here at all. And that he understood. And more importantly that Danny was here on his own accord.

"I just wanted to come by and apologize to you, Tom." Danny continued. "I’m sorry it took so long to do it, but I needed to get it right. I still have feelings for you Tom, and it was hard to just come up here, not knowing if you had moved on or anything."

Guh. Tom’s heart was beating quickly against his chest cavity. What did he just say? Tom closed his mouth, licking over his lips for a second. "You.. what?" he asked the other boy.

"I still have feelings for you, Tom," Danny repeated. "I don’t know if you do or not, but I just needed.. I just needed to get that off my chest." He looked down at his feet, then quickly back up to Tom. "Well, I guess I’ll be seeing ya then."

He.. what. Tom stood rooted to his place, as if frozen there. This was his chance, Tom thought. Why wasn’t he doing anything? Tom took a big gulp, and stepped after the other boy.

"Wait, Danny!" he called out to him.

Danny stopped, and turned around, just as Tom made it to him. "I never moved on either. I was waiting for you," Tom said. And with that he grabbed Danny’s hand and pulled him towards Tom, kissing him gently. "I’ll always wait for you, Danny."

Twilight. It was the part of the day that Tom loved most, and it was the part of the day that Tom would never forget.

Fri, 07 Nov 2008 01:27:24 GMT

Title: (Will I?) Life Support [2/3]
Pairing: None
Summary: There’s only us, there’s only this. Forget regret or life is yours to miss.
Rating: PG- cursing.
Disclaimer: Don't own anything except ~~you and your beautiful soul~~ the storyline. Song inspiration is from RENT.
A/N: Okay, I lied. This is probably not going to be a two part.. thing. It looks like it'll end up being three. And this part is really all like.. fluff to fill up space. The next one will be better XD

1

Seven months later
It was a white light. It got brighter and brighter as he got closer, blinding him. His eyes were shut tightly, but the light still got through. There was so much pain, it hurt like crazy. He could feel his body starting to shut down, and he started to panic. No. No, not yet! Please, not yet. He grimaced at the account of the pain that was taking its toll on him. He dropped to his knees, cradling his body in his arms. He didn’t want to die...

Caleb twitched a little under his comforter before opening his eyes in a panic. He drew a relaxing sigh, closing his eyes again. It was just a dream. But it felt so real. He furrowed his brow in thought, thinking back on it. He was so scared of that day..

He turned over on his side, trying to go back to sleep, and trying to rid his stomach of the nauseousness that had come with the dream. After a few seconds, he sat up in his bed, his stomach churning even faster. This didn’t feel right. Caleb yanked his comforter off of him and hopped down from his bed, going as fast as he could to the bathroom. The back of his neck and his forehead started to break out into a cold sweat, and he gulped. Oh God, maybe this dream is coming sooner than he expected. He made it to the bathroom just in time before puking his guts out into the toilet.

When he was finished, he rested his head against the cool material, breathing deeply. His sweat was still there- Caleb didn’t think it was ever going to go away. His body was burning up, and the only thing that was keeping him cool was the toilet. He felt like he didn’t have the strength to get up, but he needed to call somebody. Kyle, Austin, someone. Caleb managed to pull himself to the upright position and slowly made his way out of the bathroom and towards the living room, poking his head into Kyle’s room as he passed it. He wasn’t there. Caleb cursed to himself, continuing out to the living room. When he found that Kyle wasn’t there either, he sighed. Great.

He grabbed the phone off its charger on the coffee table and quickly dialed Kyle’s number. Caleb waited as it rang, sinking down onto the couch. He was still feeling nauseous, but not as bad as before. He groaned when, after the third ring, he was sent straight to his voice mail. This is not what he needed to hear right now. Kyle said he would never leave the house without telling Caleb first so he could get a hold of him! He pressed end and laid the phone down on top of his stomach. Who else would be up right now? He tried Jonathan’s, but he ended up with the same result. Caleb frowned. How hard could it be to get a hold of someone?

Trying Austin, he dialed his number, hoping he’d pick up. After the fourth ring, a very sleepy Austin did pick up. “I’m not buying anything,” he half-mumbled, half-said into the phone.

“Wake up, Austin. It’s Caleb.”

“What, Caleb? It’s only like,” Austin paused. “Seven thirty in the morning. Call me back later.”

“Just shut up for a second. Do you know where Kyle is?” Caleb asked, his voice getting a little lower. “I need to know where Kyle is at.”

“No, why should I? He lives with you.” Austin mumbled.

“Shit, Austin, you’re not helping,” Caleb hissed into the phone. “I’m having a problem here and you’re the one who’s criticizing me for not knowing where he is at?!”

“Wait, what?” Austin said, seeming awake now. “What’s the matter?”

Caleb huffed. “I don’t know. I had a bad dream, and I woke up from that. I got really nauseous, and ended up puking my stomach out. And now I feel so weak I can barely move. Does that constitute as an emergency?” he asked Austin.

“Why didn’t you say that to begin with?!” Austin exclaimed. “I’ll be over in a few minutes.”

Before Caleb had a chance to say anything else, Austin hung up. He pulled the phone away from his ear, frowning at it. “Because you were too busy pegging me for not finding Kyle,” he mumbled to himself. He threw the phone down to the other end of the couch, and moving slowly, he curled up into a ball. He coughed a few times, feeling worse and worse.

Caleb knew that this was going to happen sooner or later. He had just hoped more later than sooner. But it was inevitable, what was going to happen. He was going to die. He always knew it was going to happen, but not this young. He wanted to live life, and die of old age. Not in a cold, harsh, hospital room. Caleb clicked his tongue on the roof of his mouth. Well, then, he’d just have to make these last few months a party.

Austin showed up ten minutes later, knocking furiously at the door. Caleb, still curled in a ball, didn’t feel like getting up. He called out to Austin, telling him where the spare key was and to let himself in. He felt that if he moved, he’d possibly puke again. After a moment’s clicking of Austin trying to get the key into the lock, the door squeaked open and then closed.

“Hey, where are you?” Austin called out, walking into the living area. With him, he was carrying a large bag full of extra supplies. He lifted it to put it on the couch, and then laughed when he saw Caleb. “Oh, there you are. Sorry,” he said. He put the bag down behind the couch and walked around so he could see the redhead properly. “You feeling any better?” he asked.

Caleb shook his head. “No, not really. I feel like I need to puke again.”

Austin wrinkled his nose. “Ew, please, not in front of me.”

Caleb frowned. “Austin.”

The other boy shrugged. “Sorry.” He put one hand on his hip, looking down at him. “What do you want me to do? Anything?”

“Nothing as of right now,” Caleb said, coughing a little more. “Could you get me a drink, though? I feel like I’m going to die of dehydration right now.” He started coughing again, each time getting worse.

Austin looked at him with an worried expression. “Yeah. Are you sure you’re fine though?” he asked.

Caleb nodded, still coughing. He closed his eyes, trying to get rid of the pain in his chest from coughing. He heard Austin messing around in the kitchen, then the faucet turning on and then off. His footsteps made a loud noise on the hardwood floor, and when Caleb opened his eyes a water glass was in front of his face.

“Drink it,” Austin said. Caleb took the glass, raising his head a little to take a small sip. Austin sighed as he watched Caleb, and he moved to sit in the chair opposite the couch. “Damn, Caleb. You look.. not like you,” he said, not wanting to insult him by saying horrible. He had never seen Caleb this small before, and also not eat as much as he usually did. It was all signs of Caleb’s prognosis, they knew, but it just seemed unreal to all of them.

Caleb nodded. “I know. No need to tell me,” he said, followed by a cough.

“No, I mean, usually you look better than this, you know? I think something is happening.” Austin commented. “I really want to get you to a hospital right now.”

“No,” Caleb said sternly. “I'm fine for right now. Why you want to, I don’t know.”

Austin stared at him like a crazy person. “You don’t understand why I want to take you to the hospital?” he repeated back to him. “You look like you’re going to keel over any second, you are probably dehydrated, and on top of that, oh, you’ve got cancer!”

“Austin, I think I can handle myself. I think I know when I need to go to the hospital or not,” Caleb said, taking another drink from the glass.

Austin shrugged and threw up his hands. “Fine. Don’t go calling me the next time you get sick. Because I won’t come then.”

Caleb glared at Austin from his little ball on the couch, then his expression softened. “Would you seriously do that?” he asked softly.

Austin sighed. “No. I guess not. I was just saying that, because you frustrate the living hell out of me, even when you weren’t sick.” He grinned.

Caleb laughed a little. But after a few seconds, his laugh turned into yet another cough. Austin started to frown as his coughing got worse each time. These weren’t like his coughs before, these sounded more serious. “Caleb. Caleb, are you okay?” Austin asked, standing up and going over to him.

“No,” he coughed, shaking his head. “I don’t want to go to the hospital," he said almost immediately.

That’s it. Austin had had enough. “No,” he said sternly. “You’re going to the hospital, and then I’ll find Kyle to tell him where you are and why the apartment is empty. Your health is more important at the moment.”

He pulled out his cell phone, dialing 9-1-1. He spoke to the operator, telling them the basic information that was needed, and requesting that they send an ambulance quickly. Austin knew he couldn’t be able to get Caleb out of the apartment and all the way to the hospital by himself. He hung up a few seconds later, turning back around to face Caleb.

“You didn’t need to do that,” Caleb managed to croak out.

“Oh yes, I did.” Austin said, walking away from him. “They’ll be here soon. Don’t worry.”

Caleb just sighed and laid his head back down on the couch. His dream was now turning into his real life nightmare.

Wed, 05 Nov 2008 01:07:10 GMT

Title: Will I? [1/3]
Pairing: None
Summary: Will I lose my dignity? Will someone care? Will I wake tomorrow from this nightmare?
Rating: PG- cursing.
Disclaimer: Don't own anything except ~~you and your beautiful soul~~ the storyline. Song inspiration is from RENT.

Caleb stared at his reflection in the mirror. How did this even happen?, he asked himself. There’s no way..

He closed his eyes and rose his fist up in the air, striking the mirror with several hard hits. He gasped, opening his eyes, when the mirror finally broke. Cracks in the mirror had emerged on the smooth surface, and small shards of glass had broken apart and set into his skin. He grunted as he pulled the pieces out with his fingers, dots of red blood appearing where the glass had been. Caleb turned his back on the mirror, and slid down the wall until he was on the floor.

Holding his hand in his lap, he felt useless. Weak. He felt like a small child all over again. There wasn’t anything he could do. There wasn’t anything anyone could do for him now. He leaned his head back against the wall, sliding his eyes closed again. He just wanted to be alone right now.

He had no recollection of time, of how long he had been sitting there alone in his room, until someone slowly opened the door, poking their head in. “Caleb, you okay? You’ve been in here all day.” the person asked. Kyle. He knew Kyle would be the one to come and find him, seeing as they lived together.

Caleb grunted from his position on the floor, and reopened his eyes. His room was dark, the sun had obviously set hours ago. After a few seconds, his eyes adjusted to the darkness and he could make out the skinny shape of Kyle.

“I’m fine, Kyle,” Caleb murmured. “Just.. Just go away.”

“You don’t sound okay,” Kyle said as he flipped on the lights, brightening up the room. Caleb squinted at the sudden burst of light, looking up at Kyle. “Seriously, being in the dark isn’t going to help your eyesight.” Kyle looked over to the bed and when he didn’t see Caleb, a confused look crossed his face. “Where are you?”

“Right behind you,” Caleb said quietly.

Kyle spun around, his eyes going wide when he saw Caleb. “What the shit, man? What did you do?”

Caleb looked down at his hand, still in the same position as he began with hours ago. The blood had dried a dark red on his skin, and little drops of it had fallen off onto his shorts. Kyle dropped down on his knees next to Caleb, grabbing his hand and looking it over. “What did you do?” Kyle repeated.

“Hit the mirror. Got some glass stuck in my hand. No big deal.” Caleb murmured again. He pulled his hand back out of Kyle’s grasp, tucking it back into the same position.

“Caleb, no big deal? You need to get that patched up. It could get infected.” Kyle said, a tone of worry starting to spread throughout his voice. He grabbed Caleb by the arm and tried to lift him up, but Caleb fought back.

“Kyle, it doesn’t matter. I don’t care if it gets infected.” he said, turning away from Kyle. “It’s not going to matter in the long run,” he said quietly under his breath.

“What do you mean it doesn’t matter?” Kyle argued back. “What has gotten into you, man? Since you got back from the doctor’s earlier you’ve been weird.”

The doctor’s. Memories of earlier in the morning came flooding back to him. The agonizing pain that had hit him when he found out. The nauseousness that took over after that. The piece of paper that the doctor had given him was still tucked inside the pocket of his hoodie, still folded all nice and neat. Caleb sighed turned to face Kyle again.

“You’ve got to promise me, Kyle,” Caleb whispered. “That you won’t say anything about this to anyone. Not even to one of the other guys. I don’t want them knowing. At least, not yet.”

“What are you talking about? You’re not making any sense.”

“Kyle, just. Promise me. Please?” Caleb asked again as he reached into his pocket and pulled out the paper, and with a shaky hand, held it out to Kyle.

The blonde took the paper and unfolded it, his eyes scanning over the words and the data that were printed upon the thin sheet of paper. By the way he had formed his mouth into a thin line, Caleb knew that he was upset. Hell, anyone would be upset if they found that out.

“How long?” Kyle whispered, not taking his eyes off the paper.

“Six months to a year,” Caleb whispered back.

That made Kyle tear his eyes away from the paper. “No. This must be some sort of.. Some sort of dream.” he said, chuckling a little to himself. “This is an early April Fool’s joke, isn’t it, Caleb? Well great, you got me!”

Caleb let out an estranged laugh. “I wish it was, Kyle. But do you think I’d really be joking about something that serious?”

Kyle stopped laughing and stared at Caleb. “No. No, you wouldn’t. And that’s what scares me the most, Caleb. That you are telling the truth.” He reached over to gently place his hand on the younger man's shoulder.

“I know. It scares the living shit out of me. I.. I don’t know what to do.” Caleb said, looking up at the blonde.

Kyle sighed. “We’ve got to tell the other guys. That’s all we can do for now. How would you feel if one of them were hiding something like this from you?”

He didn’t even have to think about it. “Terrible,” Caleb answered. “I would want to know what was happening in one of my best friend’s lives.”

“And don’t you think that they would want to know too? We all care about you, dude, there’s no denying.”

Caleb smiled, looking down at his hands in his lap. He knew they cared. Everything they all did together showed that they cared. It was just that... how was he going to tell them something this big? Something like this didn’t happen everyday to one of them.

“I should go tell them now,” Caleb said. He looked over to Kyle, who was wearing a thin smile now.

“Only Jonathan is over right now. The rest of the guys are coming over later for some intense video games,” Kyle smirked. “Jonathan probably ate all the food we have in the apartment already, I shouldn’t have left him in the kitchen alone.”

“Yeah, that was probably a bad idea,” Caleb grinned. He started to move to get up, but Kyle was ahead of him. Kyle sprung up from his position and leaned down, grabbing both of Caleb’s arms to yank him up. “Better wash my hand off while we’re at it, I suppose.” All Kyle had to give the redhead was a smile.

An hour later, all six guys were sitting in the living area of Kyle and Caleb’s apartment, intensely involved in a combat video game. When the level was over, it would be the best time to tell them, Caleb thought. The pizza they ordered hadn’t arrived yet, and he had a feeling that it would sometime between then. He looked over to Kyle, and the blonde nodded, urging Caleb forward. Caleb took a deep breath, hoping that it would help calm him.

“Hey, hey, guys?” he asked over the noise that the others were making. “Hey, I need to tell you something.” The noise didn’t get any quieter, and so he had to ask again. “Guys, really. This is serious.”

They stopped after that comment, and five pairs of eyes all stared at him from all over the room. Caleb gulped again, and looked to Kyle for support. Kyle licked over his lips and nodded again, nudging his knee with his own.

“You know how I went to the doctor’s today, right?” Caleb asked, but he didn’t expect them to answer. “I, uh.. I found out some things that I think that you all should know.” Caleb stopped talking for a minute, staring intently on Kyle’s hand. If he spoke again soon, he might just loose it.

After a few more angsty minutes, one of the guys finally spoke up. “What is it, Caleb?” Austin asked, looking at him, then back to the other guys. “You’re making all of us nervous here.”

Caleb chuckled and looked up to face the guys. “I don’t know how to say this, but. I love you guys. I do.” He took one more deep breath, his voice shaking a little. “I’ve got cancer.”

Sun, 14 Sep 2008 23:16:00 GMT

Title: First Date
Pairing: Sam/Jess
Summary: Sam smiled back at her, and at that moment, he didn’t know how hooked on Jess he was going to be.
Rating: PG-PG-13
Author Notes: Written for sacasim at spn_summerlove.
Disclaimer: Don't own anything except ~~you and your beautiful soul~~ the storyline.

This wasn’t a normal Sam Winchester thing to do. A normal Sam Winchester thing would either include studying, drinking, more studying, ignoring calls from his father and even more studying.

Sam shook his head to clear his thoughts as he drove through the campus parking lot to Jessica’s dorm building. Sure, they both lived on campus but he didn’t want to make her walk all the way back to his dorm just to get to the car. He found an empty parking space close by and pulled in, turning off the engine. Sam didn’t get out of the car immediately and he just sat in the drivers seat, staring ahead of him. He hadn’t gotten this nervous in a long time. Okay, scratch that. He wasn’t as nervous as he was the night he asked Jessica out. At least not yet.

One night a few weeks ago, Sam sat in the campus library looking through textbooks to help write a paper for an extremely hard class. For the past few minutes, he had heard muffled words and irritated sighs coming from a few rows down. When the noise didn’t stop, Sam left his place in his textbook and stood up, going to see what the problem was. He stepped around the last shelf of a row of books and immediately found who was making the noises. Standing only a few feet away from him, was a pretty and petite blonde.

She stood on the tips of her toes, reaching for the top shelf, but coming across no luck in getting the book she was aiming for. Sam watched her for a few more seconds before stepping into the aisle and clearing his throat to get her attention. She stopped where she was at, mid-reach, and looked over at Sam.

“Uh, I could get that for you, if you like?” Sam asked her, taking a few small steps closer.

The girl laughed and went back down on her feet. “Oh, sure. Thank you. I’ve been trying to get that book for a good few minutes now,” she said, stepping back so she could let Sam stand where she had been. “It’s that big brown one, right there,” she finished saying, pointing at the book.

Sam touched at the book she pointed too and looked down at her. “This one?” he asked. When she nodded, he easily took the book down from the shelf and handed it to her. “There you go.”

“Thanks again,” the girl said, tucking the book under her arm. “I’m Jessica, by the way. Or Jess.” She then extended her hand out to Sam to take.

Sam hesitated for a few seconds in taking her hand, then grasped it gently. “Nice to meet you, Jess.” he said. “I’m Sam.”

“Likewise, Sam,” she said, smiling up at him. “I’m glad that you were in the right place, at the right time.”

Sam smiled back at her, and at that moment, he didn’t know how hooked on Jess he was going to be. After talking some more that night and various run-ins all over campus over a couple weeks, he finally got rid of all the butterflies and got the courage to ask her out one night during a library study session she had asked him to. Jess surprised him by gladly accepting, a big smile soon on both of their faces.

And right now, as the clock was ticking away seconds of the ‘big day’, Sam was sitting in his car, staring off into space.

He took a deep breath and got out of his car, not bothering to lock it as he walked away. Entering the building and flashing his student card to the guard, he took the steps two at a time to get to her floor. He knocked lightly as he got to the door and almost immediately it opened, not giving Sam time to catch his breath. Jess just looked at him, a smile starting to creep up on her lips.

“Uh, h-hi,” Sam manages to stammer out. He smooths out his shirt with his hands carelessly as Jess closed the door behind her. “You look.. beautiful.”

Jess laughed, pushing past the smile now. “Thank you. You look handsome yourself, Sam.”

Sam laughed nervously. “You ready to go?” he asked. He got his answer when she linked her arm through his and they started out to his car.

The drive was a little awkward on Sam’s part, due to him still being a little nervous. Jessica paid no attention to it, a bit flattered that he was acting this way. She kept the conversation up and in no time, Sam lost his monstrous butterflies.

When she fell silent during a break in the conversation, Sam offered to her where they were heading. “It’s a great little pizza place downtown,” he said, glancing over at her. “I found it by complete accident one night last year and it’s been a favorite since. It’s even got a small arcade near the back. It’s what you would definitely call a college hangout.” Sam grinned and he noticed Jess laughing along beside him.

“It sounds great, Sam,” she said. “I love little places like that.” She placed her hand on his momentarily when they rolled to a stop at a light, and then took it off as he started to drive again.

It wasn’t long before they arrived at the restaurant and Sam held the door open for Jessica as they walked in. He looked around them, and spotting an empty booth, headed in its direction. He let Jess slide in first before he took the seat opposite of her, picking up two menus and holding one out to her. She took it from him, smiling warmly, and opened it up to look through the large list of items. Sam opened his own menu and after looking through every few items or so, he found himself glancing up at Jess, doing it more and more often every time. A few times she almost caught Sam doing it, and he quickly looked down, absorbing himself into the menu.

The waiter came around and took their drink orders, and Sam closed his menu and placed it down on the table, already knowing what he was going to get. He stared ahead of him at Jess, who was still looking over the menu, her brow furrowed together in thoughtfulness. A slow smile started to creep up on Sam’s lips as he continued to watch her, until she looked up at him seconds later and he quickly looked away.

“Sam,” Jess started to say but he cut her off by shaking his head.

“No, I’m sorry,” he said, looking back at her. “I’m just a little nervous, that’s all.” He shrugged lightly and momentarily distracted himself by picking at the hard plastic covering of the menu.

Jess laughed a little bit and reached across the table to pat his hand. “I can tell,” she said. “But don’t worry about it. Just have a good time.” she said, pulling her hand back.

When she lifted her hand off of his, he turned his palm up and went to catch her hand, but missed. Sam laughed to cover it up and rose his hand to the back of his head, running his hand up and down through his hair. Jess laughed again and at that time, the waiter had arrived with their drinks. After he had set them down, he asked if they were ready to order and the couple both nodded. They told him their orders and were told it would be a few minutes.

Dinner went off without a hitch and throughout the meal, Sam had loosened up again and was having a good time like Jess had told him to. He learned that they had so many things in common and he was surprised he hadn’t met someone like her before now. But he was glad that he had met her, not some other girl like this. Jessica was perfect in his eyes.

“You want to go play some games?” he asked her when dinner was over and the bill had been paid.

“Sure,” Jess answered. “I have to warn you though,” she said as she got out of the booth. “I’m going to kick your ass.” She started to head towards the back where the machines were at and Sam sat in his seat, halfway out, staring at her back. He grinned and got up, catching up to her.

“I don’t believe so, miss,” he said, walking ahead of her. “I am like, the king of arcade games.”

“Well, we’ll see about that,” Jess winked at him and placed her hands on her hips. “So, which one first?”

“I’ll let you decide,” Sam said, gesturing her to move ahead of him. “After you, miss.”

After a few hours of mindless arcade games and endless amounts of alcohol that was kept on Sam’s tab, the two were on their way to the rest of a good night. Jess proved herself that she could beat Sam at his arcade games, thus crowning her the new Queen of Arcade Games. Sam, meanwhile, sulked about his lost title. Every game but a few Jessica beat him at, and Sam wondered to himself if he had to go find a new arcade place to go to, because he wasn’t sure he could show his ashamed face in here again after losing so horribly.

Sam wandered back over to their booth, plopping himself down into the seat. He sat so that half of his body was leaning against the back of the seat, his arm rested along the top of the booth. He closed his eyes for a few seconds, thinking back over the rest of the night. A slight smile appeared across his face and he also couldn’t help but laugh. Jess was everything he could ever ask for in a girl. How could he have gotten so lucky? Sam opened his eyes just as Jess sauntered over to the booth, leaning against the side of it and staring at Sam.

Sam grinned at her and she smiled back. “Have a good night?” he asked.

Jess nodded. “Yeah, I had fun. Fun beating your ass.” she giggled.

Sam laughed and shook his head. “You’re not going to have that title for much longer.”

“Oh really? How do you know that?”

“Because I’m going to get it back from you. One way or another.”

Jess arched one of her eyebrows. “‘One way or another’?” she asked. “And what would the other be?”

Sam shot her another grin. “You can just think of that yourself.”

Jess thought for a minute and her eyes lit up. She sat herself down in Sam’s lap, her fingers gliding over his face to caress it. She leaned in and brushed her lips against Sam’s, until he pulled her in closer to his body. She pulled away after a few minutes, that sparkle still set in her eyes.

“I know the perfect thing.”

Fri, 23 May 2008 19:20:46 GMT

Title: Into The Night- A Supernatural and Doctor Who crossover
Part: 1/?
Pairing: Slight Sam/Rose, 10/Rose
Summary: There's something out there, more evil than anything that Dean and Sam have faced. When two mysterious strangers show up saying that they're able to help, what will happen in the end?
Rating: PG-13
Author Notes: Omg, this first part was so fun to write. I got the idea randomly and poof! here it is. I'm so excited about this fic, and I hope everyone likes it. Beta'd by picksthemusic! <3
Disclaimer: Don't own anything except ~~you and your beautiful soul~~ the storyline.

In all the years that Dean and Sam have been hunting the supernatural and paranormal, they had never seen anything as weird as this.

They had just finished killing off a particularly nasty phantom at an equally nasty motel deserted in the middle of nowhere in the middle of the night. Silently, the two brothers trudged out of the motel, weapons hoisted over their shoulders. Blood and grime was covered all over their faces, giving the boys haunted looks. As Dean unlocked and lifted the back of the trunk of the Impala, Sam suddenly grabbed his brother’s arm and Dean stopped in his tracks.

“What?” he asked, looking at Sam like he was going to have some kind of intelligent answer.

“Did you hear that?” Sam answered back, looking around him while his grip not leasing on Dean’s arm.

“Hear what, Sammy?” Dean replied in a sarcastic tone. “There’s nothing out there, and even if there was..”

“Ssh!”

Dean fell silent and tried to listen to what his brother was hearing. After about twenty seconds of crickets chirping in the background, Dean could hear it too. It was some sort of whirring. Like a heavy machine that was being worked too hard and about to stop working all together. Sam let go of Dean’s arm and inched his way closer to the beginnings of a thick set of trees to the left of the Impala. The whirring grew louder and louder and louder the closer that Sam got. And then out of nowhere a large box materialized out of thin air and Sam stumbled backwards, tripping over the ground and landing at Dean’s feet.

Dean stared at the box in amazement, not knowing whether it was dangerous or.. well, dangerous. It was a nice deep blue color and around the top of the structure was the words “Police Public Call Box.” Sam scrambled to his feet right as the doors opened and out stepped two people. Dean and Sam froze as the people stepped out, both clearly afraid of what was going on.

The first to come out was a woman, blonde and beautiful, who was looking around the doors of the box inquisitively and she stepped out onto the ground. The other, a man who was taller and leaner, was dressed in a pinstriped suit and heavy framed glasses. The woman came around to stand by the man, and she was about a head shorter than he. The man took off his glasses and after wiping them on his suit jacket, he put them back on and turned his attention to the brothers.

“Oy, we’re in a strange place, aren’t we, Rose?” he said. Dean picked up his accent, definitely British- London, maybe? “And who might you be?” the man asked Dean, who was startled by the nonchalant question.

“You shouldn’t be the one asking the questions! What the hell just happened?! Where did you all just come from?” Dean asked, his hand grasping onto his gun a little more tightly.

The man chuckled. “Well, first of all, this is Rose,” he motioned to the blonde woman. “And I’m the Doctor.”

“The Doctor?” Dean scoffed. “What kind of name is that? Now what’s your real name?”

“I don’t have a ‘real’ name,” The Doctor smiled. “The Doctor is my name.”

“He’s telling the truth, you know.” Rose pitched in. “His name really is the Doctor.”

“Okay, okay, whatever, names aside,” Dean huffed. “What is that and how did you get here?” He pointed to the police box.

“That, my dear man, is a TARDIS.” the Doctor explained. “It can go anywhere, any time, any place whenever you need it to. You just need to know how to use it, of course.” He walked closer to the brothers. “We came here because we saw you two. In trouble, big trouble. We think we can help.”

Dean laughed. “Well, you just missed all the fun back in that motel. I think we’ve got the situation handled.”

The Doctor and Rose exchanged glances. “That’s not the trouble he was talking about.” Rose said. “There’s something worse, worse than that out there. We know what you do and what you’ve done. This is probably the worst thing you’ll ever face and you need our help.”

Dean opened his mouth to retort back to her, but Sam cut him off. “No, Dean, let’s give them a chance. They’re here to help, not kill us.” He turned to Rose. “When is this thing coming?”

“That we don’t know,” the Doctor answered. “Ten minutes, tomorrow, next week, next year for all we know. This thing just comes and goes when it wants too.”

“But, what is it?” Sam asked.

“Haven’t figured that out quite yet either.” the Doctor replied. Sam’s face grew deep with worry lines, where Dean’s was filled more with skepticism.

“Sam, they don’t even know what they’re talking about!” Dean pointed out angrily. “We can do this by ourselves like we have been for, oh, all of our lives?!”

“Oh don’t worry!” the Doctor said. He gave the brothers a small smile. “We’ll figure something out like we always do, even if it isn’t good.”

“Even if it isn’t good?” Sam asked.

“Not everything in this world is good, Sam, as you already know.” the Doctor said. “There are things in this world that are so evil you could never find a way to kill it.” The Doctor’s eyebrows started to pull together as he continued to talk, “There are things in your past that made you what you are. And even though you are out to kill it, whether you want to believe it or not, you owe your life to whatever is it because it made you the man you are today.”

Sam looked at Dean, and then without a beat Sam said, “Let’s go somewhere to talk.”

A few hours later, the Doctor, Rose and Dean were all sitting in a small hotel room while Sam went to get food for everyone. The Doctor was sitting on one of the beds, fiddling with something that looked like a screwdriver to Dean [“It’s a sonic screwdriver,” the Doctor explained hastily about what it was. Dean just shook his head and pretended to understand what he was talking about.] Dean and Rose were sitting together at the cramped table in the corner and Dean was bombarding her with questions about what they do.

“So how long have you been doing this with him?” he asked.

“Almost two years now,” Rose smiled. “It’s been a great time.”

“What kinds of things have you seen? Where all have you been? What do you know of the supernatural?”

“Well, we haven’t done much with supernatural beings, per say,” Rose said, scratching her head. “Ghosts, spirits and all, but they’ve never tried to hurt us. Expect once.. We just come across some really weird things. There are so many things out there, Dean. It’s unreal, I never thought any of this could be out there.”

Dean leaned in closer to her. “How so?” he asked.

“I lived a perfectly normal life, Dean, before all of this. Then the Doctor came and totally rocked my world. I never thought that something as simple as, lets say the weather, could be controlled by some alien living in the atmosphere. Not to say that there is an alien that controls the weather,” she chuckled and Dean stared at her. “You just think one way and then you see all of this, and your mind thinks completely different afterwards.”

Dean finally nodded. “Yeah, I get you. I’ve been doing this all of my life though, so I’ve grown up with it. I know what to expect. I’ve never had a normal life, and I’ve never even once thought about having a normal life. This is what I do, and it’s why I persuaded Sam to join me again.”

Rose smiled. “Well, I bet you two get good brotherly bonding time.”

“That we do,” Dean smiled back.

Seconds later Sam stumbled into the room, his arms full of bags of fast food. He shrugged his arms up, lifting the bags and said, “Alright, who wants food?”

Thu, 15 May 2008 23:50:55 GMT

Title: One Of His Own
Summary: Dean's life is changed all because he decides to have kids. [Eww sucky summary or what?! Haha]
Rating: G
Author Notes: My first SPN fic, whoo-hoo! Haha. It's for prompt number 5 at spn13 ;and my chart is located here
Disclaimer: Don't own anything except ~~you and your beautiful soul~~ the storyline. It's just fiction, I get nothing from it!

He stared at the picture frames that lined the walls of the living room from his position on the couch. One by one, the memories from each event ran through his mind, not forgetting any detail. Above him, he could hear the sound of footsteps moving around in one of the rooms and Dean looked up to the ceiling as if he could see what was going on plainly. Dean looked back down at his folded, weathered hands on his lap and then to the large photograph of his wedding on the wall.

He huffed softly and shook his head. It had all turned out so differently than what he had expected at the beginning. Actually, he hadn’t been planning on getting married for a long time and even then he wasn’t really sure if he had wanted too. For the most part of his life, only his dad was around to be the parent of the family. Since his mother died when he was little, he didn’t want that same thing to happen to the woman that he loved.

It surprised him that he actually settled down rather quickly. It didn’t mean that he got away from all the paranormal; he just took a step back. It had been odd seeing Sam step up as the leader of the two, all because Dean wanted to take care of his family. He was mighty proud of his brother, if he must say.

When the time was right for kids, he had always wanted a little boy. Someone to go out in the yard and play with, get all dirty and muddy, maybe throw a football around some. Dean just wanted a normal life after all the years of chasing ghosts and spooks. He wanted a couple of kids that he could depend on when he grew older.

Sam was surprised at how well Dean actually got along with kids. Over the years, half the cases that they took dealt with children. One or two of them even got attached to Dean and was sad to see them leave. Sam guessed that it had to do with taking care of him from what he could first remember growing up.

All of those dreams changed for Dean that one special day. He was sitting in the hospital waiting room, recollecting his nerves after the past long hours. But when the nurse led him back to the room where he could see his baby for the first time, his heart jumped. He wasn’t staring at a future All-State football player or even a rugged rebel like he was; but a sweet, little, innocent, all around Daddy’s girl.

When he first held her in his arms, it was like something inside of Dean clicked and he realized that he would have to change. He’d have to be softer, more caring, nourishing. But of course with all of those came the rules, the strictness, the... what else? As he looked down at his daughter, he couldn’t think of the future right now- he could only think of this very moment and hoped that he would never forget it.

Footsteps cascading down the stairs made Dean look over at the door to the living room, where his now teenage daughter stood across from him. One of her hands rested on her hip, a signature Dean Winchester type-grin curving up the corners of her mouth. She leaned into the room to grab a jacket from the back of a chair and shrugged it on, flipping her hair out from beneath the collar.

“I won’t be out long, Daddy. Don’t worry about me,” she said, flashing Dean a full grin. “But I know that if I’m not home by midnight, you and Uncle Sam will be out looking for me. I’ll see you later.” And she was off through the front door.

Dean stood up and casually retraced her steps out to the door. He leaned against the door frame, one hand resting on the opposite side of the frame. He watched as she got into her car, and noticing Dean watching her, gave her father a small wave before taking off down the road.

Dean gave a small chuckle, moving so he could close the door.

Yup, he thought. She’s definitely my daughter.

Prompt Tables;

Wed, 07 May 2008 01:40:46 GMT

All my prompt tables for different communities will go in this post!;

[Supernatural] Dean Winchester for spn13
Started: May 6, 2008
Completed prompts: 1/13

01	Secret.	02	Love.	03	Laughter.	04	Listen.	05	Tomorrow.
06	Stars.	07	Never.	08	Pain.	09	Forbidden.	10	Courage.
11	Thrill.	12	Belong.	13	Passion.

[McFly] Tom Fletcher/Danny Jones for mcfly100
Started: December 20, 2006
Completed prompts: 4/100

1.	Rain	2.	Sky	3.	Water	4.	Candles	5.	Clouds
6.	Music	7.	Paper	8.	Food	9.	Tour Bus	10.	Eyes
11.	Movie	12.	Fan Fic	13.	Computer	14.	Happy	15.	Sad
16.	Handcuffs	17.	Car	18.	Black & White	19.	Hoodie	20.	Teenie
21.	Guitar	22.	Drums	23.	Blindfold	24.	Hate	25.	Love
26.	Fork	27.	Tattoo	28.	Bunk Bed	29.	Lust	30.	Crayons
31.	Lips	32.	Tongue	33.	Cheating	34.	Peircing	35.	Sunset
36.	Storm	37.	Lighting	38.	Smell	39.	Sunrise	40.	If
41.	Secret	42.	He	43.	What?	44.	Closet	45.	Breakfast
46.	Toliet	47.	Beach	48.	Window	49.	Television	50.	Bathtub
51.	Pink	52.	Hair	53.	Photo	54.	Book	55.	Abuse
56.	Blood	57.	Scar	58.	Death	59.	Birthday	60.	Boxers
61.	Stickers	62.	Towel	63.	Cologne	64.	Camera	65.	Box
66.	Grass	67.	Sidewalk	68.	Street	69.	Market	70.	Fart
71.	Snot	72.	Stage	73.	Crowd	74.	Thumbtack	75.	Sock
76.	Haunted	77.	Staircase	78.	Sixty-Nine	79.	Shoes	80.	Kitten
81.	Heat	82.	Ice	83.	Rubberband	84.	Crying	85.	Graveyard
86.	Hanger	87.	Snow	88.	Boat	89.	Pool	90.	Christmas
91.	Halloween	92.	Easter	93.	New Years	94.	Marriage	95.	Anniversery
96.	Writer's Choice	97.	Writer's Choice	98.	Writer's Choice	99.	Writer's Choice	100.	Writer's Choice

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 18:07:44 GMT

Title: The Academy- Chapter Twelve
Pairing: Het
Summary: Working in the police force is never an easy thing to undertake. Will the strain of this job cost relationships, or will it make them stronger?
Rating: PG-13
Author Notes: WHEEEE. This one goes to Jenni :D And sorry that it's taken so long. My stupid muse, whom I've named Harry, left me.
Disclaimer: Don't own anything except ~~you and your beautiful soul~~ the storyline and moi.

Prologue | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11

Tom held onto Kari’s hand as he and the two girls exited his office. They had started up in another conversation and Tom, as much as he was trying to pay attention, just simply wasn’t. More people than usual hung around the office it seemed like to him and it gave the department a bit of a stuffy feeling to him. Tom felt a slight tug on his hand and he looked down to his right as they continued to walk towards the elevators.

“What’s wrong, Tom?” Kari asked, her eyebrows coming together in a worried way.

“Nothing’s wrong.” he said quickly. “I’m just...” he stopped in mid-sentence and sniffed the air. “Do you smell that? It smells like sulfur.” Suddenly the alarms overhead started blaring and Tom pushed the two girls forward towards the elevators more. “A gas leak. I’m going to go check on my guys. You all need to get out. Now! I’ll meet you all outside.” He leaned forward and gave Kari a swift kiss. “Don’t worry.” And with that he took off around the corner, leaving them to get on the lift with the other employees.

Tom walked quickly through the offices, making sure that they were empty and everyone got out safe. The alarms continue to sound shrilly and police officers were guiding people to and from the elevators in a standard procedure. Tom looked through one of the glass office doors as he walked past and then stopped and backtracked. He walked slowly into the room until he was in front of the lab table.

Near the corner of the elevator landing, Danny came sprinting up the steps trying to catch the next lift down. He starts to get in, but he sees Tom and stops for a split second. “Tom? Are you coming?” When Tom ignores his comment, Danny tells the officer that he’ll take the next one down and walks into the room that Tom is standing in. Danny looks down at the table, a frown spreading on his face.

“The flame isn’t reacting to the gas.” Danny said as they both looked at a burner that was left on on the table.

“Maybe this isn’t a gas leak.” Tom said. “I’m going to take a sample.”

Tom pulled out a syringe from one of the drawers and drew in a sample of the air in the room. He ran it through GCMS and the results came up right away.

“Only one peak. If this were a natural gas, there’d be way more than one.” Danny pointed out. He clicked on the top of the peak and the name of the gas appeared on the screen.

“Mercaptoethanol.” Tom said. “That’s used in biochemistry work. We don’t do that here.”

“Then how’d it get in the building?” Danny looked at Tom, who was searching the computer for an answer as if his life depended on it.

“That we’ll have to figure out.” he said quietly.

****

Harry looked up suddenly. Oliver froze, holding the bag he was about to give Harry in mid-toss.

“What’s the matter?” he asked, worry ceased in his brow.

“I thought I heard something. Be quiet and stay still.” Harry stood up slowly, and pulled his nine millimeter out of his vest pocket. He heard Oliver gasp behind him and turned around again to tell him to be quiet. “I’m going to go check it out. I’ll be right back. If I’m not back in five minutes, radio in to headquarters.”

Oliver nodded, but Harry had already disappeared in front of the head of the truck before he could see. Oliver sucked in a deep breath of air and continued to mark packets, but now aware of his surroundings even more. And then out of nowhere he heard Harry cry out, and as he went to stand, everything went black.

Wed, 28 Nov 2007 23:13:22 GMT

Title: Wasted
Pairing: Harry/OFC
Summary: I don't want to spend my life wasted.
Rating: G
Author Notes: WHEEEE.
Disclaimer: Don't own anything except ~~you and your beautiful soul~~ the storyline.

She stood at the backdoor, her hand resting gently on the cool metal doorknob. It twitched ever so slightly whenever he said something, her fingers grasping onto the brass even more tightly. His voice made her eyes well up with tears, and they threatened to slip dangerously down her cheeks. She closed her eyes and blinked rapidly, drying up the wetness as best and as fast as she could.

“Look, don’t do this. Please.” he pleaded. She glanced down at her hand on the doorknob, at the ring that sat on her ring finger like a nestled bird. He made to stand up, but she looked back up, catching his eye in her reflection of the glass window that was set into the door.

“I can’t.” she said softly. “I’m sorry. It’s too much.”

“No, it’s not. We can work this out. We can work this out, if you just believe in me. Give it one more chance.” he said.

She watched the tears that came cascading down her face, falling freely now. They ran down her cheeks and off her chin, falling silently down to the hardwood floors of the apartment complex. She could hear them shattering like broken glass as they hit the floor, like the shattering of the heart that she was breaking. “I’m sorry, Harry. But sometimes love just slips away if it’s not taken care of.” she again said softly. “And you just can’t take it back.” she added.

She gripped the door handle tighter, about to wrench it open, when his voice made her stop. “Please don’t go Jess, I love you.”

She gasped, her breath sharp against her throat. She clutched the door handle with all her strength, not about to turn around. You’ve made it this far, you can’t go back now. If she turned back now, all the efforts and the strength that made her leave would be gone. She didn’t know if she could stand to look into those deep blue eyes anymore. It would just be like pouring all those tears back into a cloud, just so it could resaturate again. All for nothing.

“I’m sorry, Harry. I don’t want to spend life jaded.” Jess whispered. She took a deep breath, and turned the handle, stepping out into the pouring rain. Instantly becoming soaked, she headed towards her car, and not once did she look back.

Harry jumped up after her, but only reached the door as her car roared out of the driveway. He walked out into the rain, his hair flattening onto his head from the pressure of the rain. He watched her go, his hands deep in his pockets. After a couple minutes, he figured what she said was true. She wasn’t coming back to him. She couldn’t take his fame.

He slammed the door harder than he expected as he reentered the kitchen, causing a picture to drop from its spot on the wall. The glass fell from the frame and shattered. Harry stopped and looked down at the remaining fragments of the picture, staring at what the content was. He sighed and closed his eyes, his hand reaching up to rub at his temples. He moved past the glass, kicking the wooden frame away from him, and over to his liquor cabinet. Harry pulled out a big bottle of whiskey and a shot glass and sat back down at the table.

One, two, three hours go by and he’s downed countless glasses of whiskey. He finished his first bottle about an hour ago and he stumbled back to the cabinet to find his other spare. His hands involuntarily fumble with the bottle, it almost slipping away from his fingers. Harry poured himself another glass and drank it in one gulp. All these glasses and you’d think that he’d been piss drunk hours ago. But as he’s drank glass after glass and the burn of the whiskey going down the back of his throat, it all hasn’t helped him kill the pain of what’s happened. He rubbed his head again and then leaned back in his chair, head tilted back.

He makes up his mind as he gets up and stumbles again to the sink, banging the half-full bottle on the chair, and then again on the sink counter. Harry leans hard against the sink and his eyes follow the amber liquid as he tilts the bottle, pouring its content down the drain. It’s time to be a man and face it. Face the fact that she didn’t want to be with you. But you were going to be married. And so soon. But maybe after all, after all that thinking going on in her head, she couldn’t take it. She couldn’t take all the fans pouring over him and the other guys. You've got to stop living for yesterday.

She never stopped driving and never once did she look back at what she was leaving behind. The moon was her only companion as she drove through the country side. Jess blinked back tears again, and after a while, she didn’t want to control them any longer. And she let them fall freely down her cheeks. She lifted a hand to wipe them away and noticed that she was still wearing the ring. She pulled over on a shoulder of the deserted road and pulled the ring off her finger, dropping it onto the seat beside her. She looked away at the road in front of her, but it was like it was calling her attention. She glanced over at it and the diamond in the center of the band sparkled in the moonlight. Jess picked it up and stuffed it into the glove compartment, then started to drive again.

Another couple hours later, after Harry had taken a cold shower and gotten some sleep, he looked like a completely different man. When he looked in the glass as he shaved, he saw that his eyes were clear for the first time in days. The bright blue stood out like a rock on his face. He put both hands down on each side of the sink and studied his face carefully. His face was less hardened, like the whole weight of stress had been lifted off of him; and for the first time in a while, he noticed a true smile played across his lips. Maybe it was time for a change..

I looked up towards the sky and felt the light rain come down on my face. It was breath-taking, relieving, refreshing. I hadn’t felt this way in ages. I don’t want to keep on missing the way I was feeling before. The still of the morning or the color of the night, I can see it all now. I’m not wasting time anymore. I’m not spending anymore time wasted.

Wed, 28 Nov 2007 21:20:34 GMT

Title: The Black Market [Joint]- Chapters 84-91
Pairing: Dougie/female, Danny/female
Summary: Think you can escape from the drug business? They'll track you down faster than you can say methamphetamine. They'll involve people you love and use them. There is no running away.
This is the black market.
Rating: PG-13, swearing, drugs etc
Author Notes: WHEEEE.
Disclaimer: Don't own anything except ~~you and your beautiful soul~~ the storyline and moi.

1-3 | 4-6 | 7-9 | 10-12 | 13-21 | 22-28 | 29-36 | 37-63 | 64-83

Chapter Eighty-Four
"When did they say they were going to tell us?" whispered Nikki after what seemed like a lifetime of silence.
"As soon as you woke up hun," answered Danny, pressing a button by the side of his bed. "I've just called the nurse so she'll be here any minute."
Nikki just nodded, going back to staring into space.
Dougie sighed, "Hey. Everything will be fine. There will be nothing wrong with you that's life-threatening or anything like that. Okay? I promise."
A small nod was given and the girl turned to sob into Dougie's chest. He wrapped his arms around her and squeezed her tight. He didn't know what he was promising. He didn't know what was happening. All he knew was that he needed to calm Nikki down before she made herself worse.
"Did you buzz?" the nurse asked sweetly, looking over at Danny.
"Um, the doctor wanted to talk to my sister about something," Danny stated.
"Of course. I'll go and fetch him for you."
"Thank you."

Chapter Eighty-Five [Written by me]
A couple minutes later, Nikki and Danny’s doctor walked into the silent room. He looked around at the people there, and silently as well, closed the door behind himself. He went to stand at the end of Nikki’s bed, a thick manilla file in his hands.
“How are you feeling, Nikki?” he asked.
“Scared,” she answered almost inaudibly.
He gave a sympathetic smile. “Everything’s going to be fine. You’re in good care now.” He pulled a couple sheets of paper from the file. “Well, as you’ve been told, we did find a tracer. Everything looks perfectly fine about that. We’ll just have to do a little test to remove it from your wrist, when you feel up to it. Results did come back though, finding something else in your wrist. It’s some type of solid, most likely a metal. We don’t know the reason’s for it at the time being, but our workers in the lab are working on it right now to figure it out.” He looked at Nikki and Danny again. “Do you have any questions about this?”
Danny shook his head. Nikki started to say no, but stopped. “What if this other thing is something serious?” she asked instead.
“If it were anything more serious than a infection, we would know. It’s nothing hazardous to your health. If anything, when we find out what it is, and you make the decision not to have the surgery to remove it, it could stay in your system for years and not do any damage to the bone or muscle surrounding it. The tissue would just close up around it and go on.” the doctor explained.
Nikki nodded. She was still too scared to open her mouth again.
“Thanks, Dr. Miller,” Dougie said instead, for the two of them.
After the doctor left, Dougie kissed Nikki on her forehead and got up from where he was sitting by her side on the bed. “I’m going to leave you two alone for a bit.” he explained, watching Nikki’s face fall slightly. “Don’t worry, I’m not going to leave the hospital. While I’m at it, might go down to the cafeteria for a bite to eat, I’m starving. Would you like me to bring you guys anything?”
Nikki shook her head again. “Oh yeah! I’m starving as well!” Danny exclaimed before rattling off what he wanted to Dougie.
When Danny was through, he also added, “I’ll call Kari as well. I’m sure she’d like to know what’s going on. I’ll have her come up in a bit, if she’s feeling better. But I’ll be back soon, love.” he added to Nikki.

Chapter Eighty-Six
"Danny, I'm scared. I don't want surgery..." Nikki whispered. "I hate them for doing this to me. I hate them for ruining my life. As well as my brother's and boyfriend's."
"I know honey, but there's nothing we can do to change what happened. We can only try our hardest to forget about it," sighed Danny, reaching over to his little sister and grasping her hand.
"How the hell do we do that then Danny?" spat Nikki. "It's not as flaming easy as that!"
"I'm not saying it'll be easy. There's a long road ahead of us yet. But if we all stay together, we can do it. Just keep your mind on the present, not the future."
Dougie wandered back into the room, a puzzled look on his face.
"Kari's not answering her phone. I'm going to round and check she's ok. You be okay for a while?" he asked.
Danny began, "Yeah sure mate. Make sure she's fine otherwise I'll- We'll be worried too."
"What if those drug men have got her? Dougie I don't want you getting caught," panicked Nikki, shooting an uncomfortable glare at her boyfriend.
"Nik, I'll be fine. You know I will. Tell you what, to stop you worrying, I'll ring you when I get in the car and then ring you again when I'm walking up to my flat and again when I've got Kari," laughed Dougie, sitting on the bed next to her, trying to hide his own fear. Kari would most definitely answer the phone if he called.
"O-Ok, just don't forget," Nikki whimpered, burying herself into Dougie's chest and cuddled him tight.
"I won't hun. I'll phone your hospital phone so it doesn't interfere with any equipment. I have the number. See you soon then." Dougie kissed Nikki's head and then waved bye to Danny before walking out.

Chapter Eighty-Seven [Written by me]
Dougie shoved the key into his apartment door and twisted it into the lock. He heard it click open and he slowly opened the door, looking for any signs of his sister. His hands clutched his phone in his pocket, reminding him to call Nikki again. He backed out into the hallway again and quickly dialed her hospital phone number. Danny picked up when it rang, and after confirming he was okay and no one had harmed him, he hung up.
Again he walked into his apartment, flipping on the light switch that was right next to the door. “Kari?” he called out as he closed the door behind him. He went into the living room, the area untouched from when they left to go to the police station. Wandering into the kitchen, he flipped on that light as well. Sitting on the counter though, was his sisters phone and bag. Dougie’s brow furrowed together. Explains why she’s not picking up, he thought. Her phone is sitting here. But where is she?
He backtracked from the kitchen and headed to his bedroom. With his hand still clutched around his phone, he slowly opened the door. It creaked open, and he laughed silently to himself when he saw the sight in front of him. Kari was lying on his bed, dead asleep. He moved over to one side of the bed and sat down on it, the bed sinking with his weight. He put a hand on her shoulder and started to shake her gently.
“Kari? Kari, wake up..” he said loudly. She shifted in her sleep, smacking his hand away. Dougie rolled his eyes. After a few more minutes of trying everything he could think of, he finally got her awake.
“Sorry Dougs,” she said sheepishly, a small smile playing on her face. “I was so tired after what’s happened today, I needed to go somewhere better than one of those hospital beds!”
“Understandable.” he laughed. “But Danny’s been worried sick about ya! I should’ve taken a picture of his mug to show ya when Nikki thought you might’ve been kidnaped by those dealers.”
She playfully hit Dougie. “Poor boy. C’mon, let me grab my things again and we’ll go back up there for a bit.”

Chapter Eighty-Eight
"Told you he'd be fine," Danny laughed as he put the phone down on Dougie for the third time.
"Shut up. It's not my fault I'm paranoid," retorted the girl, relaxing into her pillows.
"I know how you feel though..."
"You really like Kari, don't you?" Nikki giggled.
"Shut up. It's not like I could go out with her anyway..."
"Why the hell not?"
"If you and Dougs ever got married, I'd be dating your sister-in-law. And seeing as I'm already your brother, she'd be my sister-in-law too. And that'd be just wrong," cringed Danny, screwing up his face.
"Dan. You're not blood related. It's not like incest or something. It's not like going out with me. If you two like each other that much, it won't matter. No one knows you two are in some way related which you may never be as me and Dougie may never get as far as marriage. Don't let that of all things stand in your way. Who cares if people judge you? It's not about what other people think Dan."
"You know something? You're right. But, she still probably wouldn't go out with me. I mean have you seen her? Woah, I'd-"
"Dan. Do not talk to me like I'm one of you're mates. I don't want to know how hot you think my boyfriend's sister is," growled Nikki, holding up a finger.
"Sorry," Danny shrugged. "I guess my only lad friend now is Dougie. And I can't talk to him about that either."
"About what now?" Kari beamed from the door.
"Hey!" Danny grinned. "Nikki don't you dare."
"He can't talk to Dougie about how hot he thinks you are," Nikki smiled sweetly.
Danny groaned, "You have no idea how much I want to hit you right now."
"No can do dude," laughed Dougie, taking a seat next to Nikki's bed. "I want her out of here as fast as possible. Besides, we need to talk to you both. So, before you and Kari go kissy kissy, let's get this done first."
"Ahem," Kari scowled, sitting next to Danny's bed. "Well, now these drug dealers know where both Dougie and Nikki live, Dougie has decided to move. But take you with him Nikki."
"Eh?" Nikki gasped.
"Niks, I'd feel a lot more happier knowing that you were with Dougie and where those blokes can't find you," agreed Danny, nodding his head.
"Well what about you? Where are you going to go?" frowned Nikki.
"That's the thing," Dougie began. "Danny has no where to go. So... He could either move into Kari's flat or Kari said she wouldn't mind buying the flat opposite or next to us. That way, whenever me and Dan are both out, you can go over to Kari's so we know you're both safe."
"What do you mean when you're not there?" asked his girlfriend uncertainly.
"Aw honey, I did have a job before I met you and all this kicked off. I go back next month so there's just enough time for us to move."
"And I've told Danny that I'll help him get a job too," Kari stated.
"Oh, well I guess that'd be fine..." Nikki sighed, looking down at her lap.
"Hey, you don't have to live with me if you don't want to," said Dougie, taking hold of her hand.
"No, it's not that. It's just... Why don't we just buy one big house that we can all live in? Wouldn't that be easier?" she replied.
"Do you want to live with your brother?" quizzed Dougie. That was the exact reason he said they'd live in a flat opposite their siblings.
Nikki smirked, "It wouldn't be that bad."

Chapter Eighty-Nine [Written by me]
“Just take plenty of rest and continue drinking lots of water and you’ll be good in less than a week.” the doctor told Nikki as Kari, Danny and Dougie stood by the door. “I don’t want to see you in here again soon.” he joked.
Nikki smiled. “I don’t want to be back here. Thank you again, Doctor.”
She picked up the small take home bag that was sitting on the hospital bed and started towards the door. As they left the building, she linked her arm with Dougie’s and held on close to him. When they got to his car, she dropped his arm and crossed her own.
“Who’s place are we going too?” she asked.
“Well, I’m dropping you and Danny off at your flat so you can change, coz we’re all going out to dinner tonight.” Kari smiled. “Wear something nice,” she glared at Danny, who shrugged. “And after that, Dougie and I are going to help you pack.”
“So that means..” Nikki started to say.
Danny came around to his sister and put his arm around her, squeezing her shoulders gently. “We’re all going to live together.”

Chapter Ninety
Danny wandered around Nikki's flat, trying to find out where she was. Dougie and Kari had gone to get changed themselves and would return as soon as they were ready. He walked past the bathroom and saw his sister stood in front of a mirror, poking at her belly.
"Nik? What are you doing?" Danny frowned, stopping in his tracks.
"I've put on weight," she muttered simply.
"What? That's ridiculous!" gaped the boy.
Nikki shrugged, "The scales say I've put on a few pounds."
"Don't trust the scales Nikki. Besides, you look perfect the way you are."
"I don't want to be fat."
"For cryin' out loud Nikki! You're not fat! If anything, you're stupidly skinny! Being kidnapped made you lose all that weight and you needed to put some back on anyway!"
***
"Hello?" Dougie called out to the empty flat as he opened the door. Nikki had given him a key just in case Nikki or Danny couldn't answer the door.
"Doug shh," Kari whispered. Dougie shut his mouth once more and they both heard Danny, pleading with Nikki.
"Nikki," he sighed. "Please come out of there? I didn't mean to shout at you. It's just, you obviously couldn't see what was in front of you.""Go away!" she yelled back at him.
"Dan? What the hell is going on?" asked Kari, turning the corner to find Danny by the door of Nikki's room.
"She kept saying she was fat. So I told her she wasn't. But I yelled at her," explained the lad, a fresh batch of tears running down his face. "I don't like it when we don't talk."
"Niks honey?" Dougie spoke, knocking on the door. "I won't let Danny in if you don't want me to but can I come in?"
He waited a few minutes in silence, holding his breath. He exhaled deeply as the door was unlocked.

Chapter Ninety-One [Written by me]
Dougie slowly closed the door behind him and locked it back so Nikki wouldn’t worry. He went over to where she was sitting on her bed and kneeled down in front of her. “Now what’s all this about, love? Danny’s told us what’s happened, and believe me hun, you’re not fat.”
Nikki sniffed. “But it’s different. What you all see and what I see are two completely different things.”
“But your appearance shouldn’t matter. It’s not what’s on the outside but on the inside, to use an old cliche.” Dougie said gently.
“I know, but I just worry. It’s one of those things, you know?”
“Yeah, I know. I have my own insecurities as well.” Dougie smiled. But come on missy, this has been a setback and Kari’s ironed me to death until I looked like this and I’m not going to let her hard work go to waste! So put on your best dress and meet us out in the living room as soon as your ready.” Dougie stood up and kissed Nikki on the head before leaving her room and rejoining the others.
Ten minutes later, Nikki’s door clicked open, and out she stepped into the living. Both Danny and Dougie stood up from the couch, while Kari sat grinning at her. Dougie walked over to Nikki, took her hand in his and kissed it gently. Kari got up and went to Nikki, giving her other hand a squeeze.

“You look like a doll, dear. Absolutely wonderful. But if you all don’t mind, I’ve made dinner reservations and I don’t want them to expire! So lets get our move and groove on!”

Thu, 01 Nov 2007 17:13:04 GMT

Title: The Black Market [Joint]- Chapters 64-83
Pairing: Dougie/female, Danny/female
Summary: Think you can escape from the drug business? They'll track you down faster than you can say methamphetamine. They'll involve people you love and use them. There is no running away.
This is the black market.
Rating: PG-13, swearing, drugs etc
Author Notes: WHEEEE.
Disclaimer: Don't own anything except ~~you and your beautiful soul~~ the storyline and moi.

1-3 | 4-6 | 7-9 | 10-12 | 13-21 | 22-28 | 29-36 | 37-63

You've got a lot to read.. if anyone's reading this XD

Chapter Sixty-Four
"Oh no, oh no..." Kari chanted over and over again, her head in her hands sitting next to her brother. She'd checked all the rooms in search of Nikki but to no avail. This wasn't a joke. She needed to do something...
"Kari?" Dougie frowned as he woke. He sat up straight as he saw his sister in tears. "Where's Nikki?"
"Dougie..." She handed him the note.
"What?" Dougie gasped. "No... No... This can't be true... Kari?"
"I'm so sorry Dougs. But we're going to get her back I promise. She'll be with you soon."
"It'll be those guys who Danny sold those dodgy drugs to. They'll be looking for revenge. Beating up Nikki wasn't enough obviously..."
Kari sighed, "It probably will be honey. But Danny is in no fit state to question. We'll go to the police station and we'll talk to the same guy we did when me and Danny went to write Danny's statement. He knows our situation. He'll be ok with us. We'll have Nikki back in no time."
"They had better not hurt her."
"Dougie what does the note say? They want Danny in exchange for Nikki-"
"Then let's give him to them! He deserves it after he's killed his sister."
"Dougie! Listen to me! They'll keep Nikki alive because they want Danny. They'll use her as leverage. She'll be fine..."

Chapter Sixty-Five [Written by me]
After helping Dougie get up from the couch and helping him get changed, Kari rushed upstairs to wake Danny up. She shook his shoulder, and when that didn’t work, she started to shake him a little more roughly.
“Danny!” she said loudly. “Danny, wake up!”
When he finally did wake up, she waited until he was sat up in bed before grabbing the pair of pants she had put on the end of his bed. “Where’s the fire?” he asked groggily, rubbing at his eyes. “Man, I feel like my head is going to fall off.”
“Well, that’s your own fault for using drugs again, Jones,” she snapped at him. “Hurry and get up, we’ve got to go. Put these pants on.” she tossed them to Danny. “Meet me downstairs.” And she was out the door.
Danny finally emerged at the bottom of the stairs a couple minutes later, still rubbing at his eyes. Dougie was still standing, and Kari was sitting on the arm of the couch, talking rapidly into her cell phone. “What’s happened?” Danny asked. “And where’s Nikki?”
Dougie glared at him for a moment, before his sister poked him in the ribs with her elbow, still talking. Dougie scoffed and hobbled over to Danny, handing him the note. “She’s gone. Someone’s took her. They want you in exchange.”

Chapter Sixty-Six
"How can this be happening? I mean-" Danny stuttered, sitting down slowly.
"Hmm, let me see," began Dougie. "You started to deal drugs. You blamed Nikki for some dodgy stuff and they almost killed her. They follow you back her from the place wherever you get your supply from and decided on breaking in in the middle of the night and kidnaping her. Satisfied?"
"Dougie!" Kari gasped as she came off the phone.
He whimpered, "Sorry..."
"Yeah, we're going down to the police station now. Mark says he'll be there in 5 minutes. We'd better get going... Come on Doug."
"Kari wait," frowned Danny. "You're not mad at me are you?"
"Mad at you Danny? No. Just disappointed. You said you wanted to come clean."
"I know. But they wouldn't let me leave without some! It was so tempting. You have to believe me. I did try."
"Danny, you should have known it's not easy to quit and that's the reason why I forgive you. So no more going off on your own, especially now these guys are looking for you..."

Chapter Sixty-Seven [Written by me]
“So, Danny,” the officer named Mark stated. He looked over something that was written down on the clipboard he was holding, then back at him. Danny rose an eyebrow, then looked over at his side to Kari. She pushed his face back straight again with her hand, not looking at him. “What do you remember from last night?”
Danny bit his lip as he thought about the question, twisting his hands around underneath the table. “Well, it was right before Dougie was pronounced that he could go home. Nikki and I... well, we got into a sort of fight. We said some things we didn’t mean, and I took off from there. I was going to go back to her place, but I forgot I didn’t have a key. On the way there, I got stopped by the crowd I used to hang out with. They made me take some coke back with me before I left, and I intended to toss it down the toilet as soon as I got home.
But with no key, I couldn’t really. I just thought that maybe one more time wouldn’t hurt, and that’s the end.” Danny said in a big breath. He glanced to his side again. “And I know it was a really stupid thing to do, especially when I’ve been trying to clear things up. I broke some promises, and I know I destroyed some of the trust that I have built with Dougie and his sister. I guess I did deserve to be treated how I was earlier.”
“So do you know of any ways to help?” Kari asked.
“Do you still have the note? We might be able to lift up a couple fingerprints if the kidnaper was careless, and we could get lucky and have a hit in the system. You said that these dealers have been in some trouble before?”
Danny nodded. “Yes, sir. I know that while I was with them, one year we all got involved in a big bust.” He looked at Kari quickly. “But I didn’t get in trouble with it. I wasn’t involved too deeply in it.” he added.
Mark’s face held a faint smile. “Well, just let me see the note, and I’ll send it down to the lab and tell them it’s urgent. We’ll know in about an hour, maybe a little more. In the time being, we’ll send some officers out around town, see if they come up with anything suspicious. Meanwhile, why don’t you head off to the waiting room, maybe catch a little more sleep or grab a cup of coffee? I’ll send someone down immediately as soon as we find something out.”

Chapter Sixty-Eight
10 minutes later, the three of them were seated in the police waiting room.
"I miss Nikki," sniffed Dougie, his head resting on his sister's shoulder.
"I know honey," sighed Kari, taking hold of his hand. "She'll be back with us soon. Don't you worry. We'll be ok."
Kari looked over at Danny. He was curled up on a seat in the corner of the room, making sure he was well away from the siblings. Kari sighed, standing up and making her way over to him.
"What are you doing?" croaked Danny as she sat at his feet.
"What does it look like? Dan, I'm tired of being angry at you. Just please, come and sit with us. Please?" she begged, reaching over and grasping his hand. He looked down at it and back up at her.

Chapter Sixty-Nine [Written by me]
Kari rose an eyebrow, still looking at Danny. “Come on. Please?” she asked. When he didn’t respond again, she let go of his hand and clasped her own together. “Okay, then. I’m here for you, you know?” She didn’t wait for him to respond before rising and going back to sit next to Dougie.
He gave his sister one of his looks, and she just sighed. “Not now, Dougs.”
Dougie just nodded, and took her hand in his, squeezing it lightly.
An hour later, they were still settled in the waiting room. The two men had fallen asleep, and that left Kari to be there if anything had happened. She looked back and forth between the two, noting each difference and similarities they had between them. This took up a lot of her concentration, that she didn’t even notice when Mark had entered the room. He stood there at the door, arms folded, watching them.
He finally gave a small cough, and Kari jumped, turning her attention to him. “Oh, Mark!” she exclaimed, getting up gently, as Dougie had fallen asleep in her lap. “Have you found anything?”
Mark nodded. “We did find something. You might want to wake them so we can tell you all together.”

Chapter Seventy
"Dougs, Dougie," Kari whispered, shaking her brother gently.
"Hmm? What is it?" he mumbled, his eyes flickering open.
"It's Nikki hun, they've found something."
"What?" Dougie sat bolt upright and noticed Mark. "What have you found?"
"Let me just wake Danny hun," smiled Kari, hoping it was good news. She stalked over to the other male and sat by his side. She desperately wanted his forgiveness and would do anything to get it. "Dan, Dan. Wake up."
"What do you want?" he sighed, his eyes not opening.
"They've got something on Nikki," frowned the girl. Danny gasped, repeating Dougie's actions and sitting upright.
"Well," began Mark slowly, taking a few steps towards them. "About 20 minutes ago, a tape was left at the front desk. We watched it and as it turns out, it's a request for a trade between Nikki and Danny, details and everything."

Chapter Seventy-One [Written by me]
The three of them had requested to see the tape at once, and they were now following Mark down a deserted hallway of the station. He turned a quick right, and entered a room that held two more officers.
“You can sit down at the table if you would like. It would be better than standing at the point, I think.” Mark directed at them, while sliding in the tape again.
They sat down along the side of the table, Dougie grasping onto Kari’s hand tightly. Mark pressed play and immediately a man dressed in black, including a ski mask, filled the screen. “We know you’re looking for her, that’s why we sent this to the station. If you ever want your precious little sister back, Jones, then come up with the money that will cover the cost of the shitty drugs you sold us. You know how much we gave you. But there’s a little twist involved as well. We get to keep you, too. It’s a fair play, don’t you think? You, in exchange for your sister. To us, you’re more valuable. You have til tomorrow morning at nine o’clock sharp. We’ll be waiting.”
The screen went blank and Danny sat there, staring at it. His eyes were unblinking, his hands twitching a little on top of the table. The siblings both looked at him, unable to come up with anything to say to him. After a couple seconds, that seemed like hours, Danny leaned back against the chair.
“Anything for my sister,” he said quietly. “Even if it will possibly cost me my life.”

Chapter Seventy-Two
"The thing is Mr Jones, is that the kidnappers are very foolish. Either that or they're very smart. They may or may not know that we can send a few of our officers under-cover and arrest them. But if they do understand that this will happen, it could mean something major, like they could set off a bomb. You see what I'm saying?" Mark sighed.
"I think so," nodded Danny.
"In this case, we're going to have to place a device on you that'll track your whereabouts and send the co-ordinates to one of our computers. It'll have to be very discreet. Normally we'd hide it in your watch but if they're as clever as they say they are, they'll remove your watch. We'll attach it to a lock of hair or behind one of your teeth," explained another officer.
"Ok," mumbled Danny.
"We must stress to you that this is potentially very dangerous. Are you sure you want to go through with this?" Mark pressed, receiving a nod in return. "Ok. We'll leave you alone for a few minutes then."
As the officers left the room, Kari heard sobs coming from beside her.
"Doug," she sighed. "Could you leave us too? Just for a second. Maybe you've got a few more pictures on your phone of Nikki so the police have a better understanding of what she looks like?"
"Yeah, I have a couple." Dougie left the room.
Kari moved her seat next to Danny's, taking hold of his hand and squeezing it tight.
"I'm so sorry Kari. I didn't mean to disappoint you," he cried, lifting his head.
"Oh come here," she laughed, pulling him into her for a hug. "I know you won't do it again. You know now what you can lose."

Chapter Seventy-Three [Written by me]
When Dougie and Mark came back in, Danny was still leaned into her, wiping his eyes with the back of his hand. A small glare from Dougie told Danny to watch himself, and he sat back up against his chair. In front of him, Mark placed a small device on the table. It was about the size of small nail polish lid.
Danny eyed it carefully, Mark catching his expression and laughed. “Don’t worry, you won’t be able to swallow it. We’ll have to glue it on the back of your teeth with the kind of glue dentists use. It’s perfectly safe,” he explained. “You might talk with a lisp for a while, but it’ll go away once you get used to it.”
Danny nodded. “What if they do check everywhere for things like this.”
“I doubt that they’ll be able to see this where we will have to put this on you. But if they do, we just have to hope that undercover agents get there before something major happens.”
Danny looked around at the people inside the room. The two on the left of him had helped him so much lately, and this was a poor way to pay them back, he thought.
“Are you ready, Danny?”
He nodded. “Yes, I think so.”

Chapter Seventy-Four
Dougie and Kari were allowed to ride in the police van which carried all of the communications and CCTV work that needed to be done. They would be let to watch the live footage from the local CCTV cameras to find out what was going on, as well as listen to the stuff from Danny's microphone and speak to him through the earpiece in his ear.
Danny, Kari and Dougie sat nervously in the back of the van. Each time the vehicle stopped for traffic lights, each one would breathe in deeply and then breathe out once they began to move again. Kari's hand was firmly clasped around Dougie's and her other was placed on Danny's knee. The van stopped. It stopped for good. All of a sudden, the back doors were opened and Mark stepped in.
"Listen Mark," Danny began. "Are these two going to be safe here?"
"Yes. We have three officers staying with them and as a precaution, the van has been disguised by painting it blue so it won't be recognized. We're far enough away for them not to see us. I thought I'd come back here and tell you how everything is going to work..."
Danny nodded slowly, glancing at Kari briefly.
"Go ahead."
Mark tapped some things into the computer and the arranged meeting point came up on screen.
"Once you're out there Danny, don't walk any further than this bridge post." Mark pointed to the bridge and then to the post holding it up. "When these guys get there, let them walk to you. You demand you want to check if Nikki's ok. Get her to walk over to you. Tell her to wait by the bridge post and as soon as you yell 'GO', she ducks behind it. It will hide her from gun fire if they're armed. Begin a slow walk towards them then yell your signal, ducking behind the post with Nikki. Our undercover agents are currently strapped to the bridge poles above so when you yell, they'll absail down and arrest them. Do you understand?"
"I think so. No further than bridge post. Demand to see Nikki. Tell her to go behind the bridge post. Yell 'GO'. Follow Nikki," he repeated, nodding his head.
"Excellent. Are you ready?" sighed Mark, opening the van doors once more.
"No. But I need to do this." Danny stood and hopped out of the van.
"Danny!" a female voice cried as he began to walk towards his destination. He turned around and saw Kari running towards him.
"Kari? Wha-" He was cut off by her launching herself at him, nearly knocking him over and strangling him.
"Promise me you'll be careful?" she mumbled into his chest.
"I promise. Just for you. Make sure you're here for me when I get back."

Chapter Seventy-Five [Written by me]
Danny sighed shakily as he walked steadily but slowly to the bridge post. His hands kept fiddling with the insides of his coat pockets, needing for something to do. His heart was racing against the speed of time, and he hoped to God that everything would go smoothly and as planned.
When he got to the bridge post, he stopped like he was supposed to do. He wasn’t sure if anyone even knew he was there yet. He looked around him at his surroundings a couple times, mentally checking that everything was in place. He heard a noise coming from in front of him and he snapped his head up to look at the dark figure coming towards him.
“So you made it, Jones.” the figure said. “Didn’t want your sister killed did you?”
“What do you think?” Danny managed to get out.
“I think you came just to make it easier on her.” the figure shrugged.
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“You didn’t really think that we would let her go, would you? She already knows too much from all the time she’s been here. We just used her as bait to get to you. Don’t you understand?”
Danny gulped as his mind went blank. Shit, this wasn’t supposed to happen, he thought. His eyes widened as he remembered what he was supposed to do. Ask to see her.
“I want to see her.” he said clearly. “I want to see Nikki.”
“Alright, fine.” the figure shrugged again. “Just down this way..”
“No.” The tone of his voice stopped the figure from moving.
“What did you say?”
“No,” Danny said again, more clearly. “She comes up here. To me. Or I won’t do as you say.”
“‘Or you won’t do as I say’, hm? We’ll just see about that.” the figure said smugly.

Chapter Seventy-Six
"Come on Dan, you're doing so well," whispered Kari. She was wearing a headset and so was Mark and they were both speaking encouraging words to Danny.
"Tell him if he doesn't give you Nikki, you won't make the trade," ordered Mark, gripping the table the equipment was on.
"If you don't give Nikki to me, I won't make the trade and you'll have to do without me," spoke Danny, responding to Mark's wishes.
"Now you see, that won't happen Jones. Me and you both know that you want Nikki back. You don't want her dead. But to save some fuss, she can go to you. But keep her tied up," he said to his henchmen.
"I can't believe he fell for it!" Kari laughed with surprised.
Mark frowned, "Yeah, me either. He isn't that stupid. If he was he'd be locked up already... He wouldn't let her go that easy..."
"What are you saying? There's a catch?" Dougie gasped. "Like, Nikki's got a bomb on her or something?"
"I don't know. If she has, she'll tell Danny..."
"Nikki!" Danny cried as his arms folded around his little sister's frame.
"Dan, I'm so scared!" she squealed into his ear.
"Ask her if she's got anything on her Danny," commanded Mark, leaning forward in anticipation.
"Nik, has he put anything on you," repeated Danny, holding her at arms length, keeping a wary eye on the bad guys.
"He shot something into my wrist. I don't know what it was but it hurt. It's still visible. I haven't been untied to take it out," whimpered Nikki.
Mark gasped, "He's put a tracer in her wrist. All teams, an arrest is critical. I repeat, an arrest is critical. Stand ready."
Dougie had squeezed Kari's hand so hard that her knuckles had turned white.
"Danny," Mark spoke again. "Hug her again Danny and put a hand over that part of her wrist in case it's a camera or a microphone."
Danny did as he was told.
"Ok Nikki. I've got the police on my side. They're in a van just around the corner. They're speaking to me in my ear. What you need to do is when I yell 'GO' you need to hide behind that bridge post over there and duck if there's any gun fire. Can you do that for me?"
"The police? Is Dougie with them? Can I speak to him?" Nikki gaped, her mouth running dry.
"Yes he's there. But I need this earpiece for them to tell me what to do. I'm sorry Nik."
"Wait Danny," hissed Mark. "We put a spare earpiece in your other ear in case the other one failed. Perhaps Dougie can keep Nikki calm if he talks to her. Make sure she shows no emotion and she can't speak to him herself. Just him to her." Kari handed her brother her headset.
"Nikki. Dougie can talk to you but you can't talk back and most of all, you can't show emotion and blow our cover," nodded Danny.
"Ok," grinned the girl.
"What I want you to do is grab my head and place your hands over my ears like you're looking at me. Then kiss my forehead. While you're doing this, in my right ear is another earpiece. Take it out and Dougie should be able to talk to you if you CASUALLY put it in your own ear."

Chapter Seventy-Seven [Written by me]
Nikki glanced over her shoulder quickly after she had released Danny’s head from her hands. She raised her hand to her ear, acting as if she had to scratch it, but instead with one movement, she slipped the almost undetectable device into her ear. She then cocked her head to the side, as if listening to something Danny was saying.
“It’s in,” she whispered to Danny.
Danny nodded and not a couple seconds later, Dougie’s voice filled her ear. “Nikki? Oh God, Nikki, it’s so great to see that you’re alright. I’ve been so worried about you.” Dougie gushed to her “You’re doing a great job, just keep calm. We’ll have you soon out of there in no time.”
“Danny, I want you, when you think the time is right, to go on and yell go. I have now alerted the other officers and they’re standing ready. When you do say the word, you only have a couple seconds until they possibly will shoot. Get under cover as fast as you can. You too, Nikki.” Mark added.
Danny took a deep breath. “Alright. I think I’m ready. What about you?”
Nikki copied Danny. “I’m ready,” she said bravely. “We can do this Danny,” she whispered to him, drawing him into her for a tight hug. “I trust you.”
Danny closed his eyes and smiled into her hair. It had been a while, and it had took a lot for her to say that. “I know you do. And I’m sorry that it’s taken so long for you to trust me.” he whispered back.
“Hey, when is this little reunion party going to end, huh? We’ve got things to do tonight, Jones!” the darkened man from before interrupted.
Danny looked up from his sister, and took one last deep breath. “GO!” he yelled.

Chapter Seventy-Eight
Nikki ran as fast as she could behind the bridge post, not caring about anything else but her and her brother holding tightly onto her hand. As expected, gun shots could be heard but soon they were safe behind the post. Danny sunk to the floor.
"Dan? Dan, what's wrong?" she gasped, dropping to her knees next to him.
"I've been hit," he coughed.
"WHAT?" Nikki could hear Kari's yell in the background.
"Oh my God..." cried Nikki, squeezing her brother's hand.
"Danny, you'll be ok," came Mark's voice. "Before you left you put on a special uniform yeah? The black vest was bullet-proof. The pain is simply the shock and power of the bullet."
"Ok," Danny replied hoarsely.
"As soon as we've made the arrests, we'll come and get you. Stay where you are."
Danny and Nikki cuddled together on the ground as the gun fire stopped. Their ears were ringing as the could hear the traffic above them drive past once more.
"Sir, we've got 3 men in custody. We can't see anyone else," a voice spoke to Mark's radio.
"Nikki, how many men came with you today?" Mark asked.
"I don't know. When I was kidnapped and when they brought me here I was blindfolded. But there was about 20 back at their hideout," answered Nikki.
"Nikki?" Kari's voice laughed. "Any second now you'll see a limping figure running towards you."
"Dougie..."

Chapter Seventy-Nine [Written by me]
Nikki stood up out of Danny’s hard grasp, tuning out the hoarse comments about staying put where they were until Mark came for them. She ran towards the figure, a smile spreading onto her face, tears starting to well in her eyes. When she got close enough to Dougie, she flung herself onto him, latching her arms around his neck, and started to sob. Dougie stood there for a moment, a bit shocked at her response, but soon wrapped his arms around her and rubbed at her back. He whispered into her ear, trying to calm the girl down.
Seconds later, a couple uniformed men came over to them, holding out their badges so that they wouldn’t be alarmed. “Where’s your brother at?” one of them asked Nikki. “We’ve been told to take him back to the van where Mark will be waiting with an EMT to look him over, make sure no damage has been done. You too, miss.”
Nikki pulled herself away from Dougie for a brief moment, shakily pointing the officer to where Danny was sitting, back against the hard concrete bridge post. The officers both nodded and headed over to Danny to help him back to the van.
Dougie rubbed at Nikki’s back again, before placing him arm around her small waist. “C’mon,” he said. “Let’s get you back and checked over, okay?”
Once they got back to the van, the EMT there sat Nikki down on the floor of the van, checking over her to make sure everything was okay. She checked the shot that was injected in Nikki’s wrist, confirming that it was possibly a trace, and ordered for her to go down to the hospital once everything was cleared up. Nikki jumped down from the van just as the two officers came back over, holding Danny up as he walked in between them. Nikki felt someone brush past her, and a glimpse of blonde hair. The officers had let go of Danny, and Kari had run past her to meet him, and then checking to make sure he was okay, pulled him into her.
Nikki smiled at the sight of her brother and Kari. She felt another figure put their arm around her shoulder and she looked up into Dougie’s bright blue eyes. She felt at peace now, but she knew that there was probably, once more, a long way to go.
“C’mon,” Dougie said again. “Let’s get both of you to the hospital.”

Chapter Eighty
Half an hour later, Nikki was propped up on a hospital bed waiting for the doctor to come back. She was waiting upon results that would tell her if the injection in her arm was in fact a trace. If it was, they could just pull it out, but if it was something else, then surgery may be necessary.
Next to Nikki was Danny. They'd been put in the same room by request. Both of them had to stay overnight for observation. Dougie too had asked if he could stay but unfortunately, the nurses wouldn't let him or Kari.
"I'm never letting you out of my sight again," Dougie sighed, gripping Nikki's hand.
"Doug, we were together when I was taken. Remember? We were asleep together," Nikki smiled weakly. "But they're locked up now. They can't hurt me."
"I know. But I'm still going everywhere you go," he smirked, a grin soon appearing as Nikki laughed.
"I missed you Doug," she whispered, lying down fully on the bed and shutting her eyes. "I missed you too Nik," replied Dougie, looking to the door as it opened.
"Miss? We need to ask you what happened. In detail please," an officer spoke.

"You ok?" Danny frowned as he noticed Kari looking distant.
"Hmm? Oh, I'm fine. What about you? You still hurting?" she fussed.
"I'm good. All I'm going to get it a bruise from the force of the bullet. Which is good. I hate to think what Nikki's going through though. The possibilities of going into surgery. She hates hospitals enough as it is. Plus, she almost faints when she sees something gory."
"Dan, you are truly amazing, you know that? The way you care for her... I mean, with everything you've been through."
"She's my little sister," Danny spoke, tears welling in his eyes. "I'd do anything for her."
"Miss? We need to ask you what happened. In detail please."

Chapter Eighty-One [Written by me]
Everyone in the room looked up at the police officer that had just stepped inside the room with Mark. He stood at the edge of Nikki’s bed, his mouth set in a thin line.
“Me?” Nikki stammered out, looking around at Dougie, then to Danny.
They both nodded along with the officer. As she started into the whole detailed story again, Danny leaned back against his bed and closed his eyes. A couple minutes later, he heard Kari get up and tell Dougie quietly that she was going to the tearoom, and then heard his murmured answer that he was going along as well. With the policeman there in the room, there was nothing that could happen.
He didn’t know how long it had been after that, but he finally fell into a needed dozed sleep. When he woke up, the blinds were still pulled tight across the windows of the room, and he had no idea of what time it was. The room was dark, and Danny looked over to his side to see that Nikki was asleep as well. There was no indication that Kari nor Dougie had even come back, though he was quite sure that they must have. He reached over to his bedside table and picked up a remote, clicking it lightly. Immediately, the lights overtop his bed came on, low and dim. He stared off into space for what seemed like hours, when finally he came to his senses when the door creaked open, a thin slice of the light from the hallway filling the room.
A small nurse edged her way into the room, not wanting to wake up its occupants. She smiled when she saw that Danny was awake, and made her way over to him, a file held in her hands.
“These are the results from the tests we did on her wrist,” she explained, indicating to Nikki. “It was in fact a tracer, but the doctors also found something else that makes him want to do a little more examination of. You can tell her when she wakes up,” the nurse said with a small smile.
As she left, the door closed with a gentle click and Danny leaned back once again on his bed and heavy sigh escaping his lips.

Chapter Eighty-Two
Danny sighed to himself as he was left alone once more. He wished Kari was there to keep him company. He thought about waking Nikki but she desperately needed the sleep. She'd gotten so worked up giving a statement to the police, it'd drained her.
Yet again, the door creaked open. It was Dougie.
"Hey mate," he whispered, creeping over to Danny's bed after seeing Nikki was still asleep.
"Where's Kari?" Danny frowned, looking outside his window for signs of the girl.
"She felt sick so she went back to mine. She doesn't do well in hospitals," replied Dougie, a sorrowful look on his face.
"Oh." Danny's heart sank. He wanted Kari there with him.
Dougie mumbled, "Hmm..."
"Um, the results from Nikki's wrist came back." Dougie shot up in his seat.
"And?" he squeaked.
"It is a tracer but the doctor found something else he wants to speak about. Didn't say what though."

Chapter Eighty-Three [Written by me]
What color was left in Dougie’s face drained almost immediately. “There’s something else?” he whispered, almost inaudibly.
Danny nodded. “Yeah. I don’t really wanna think much about it, especially if it’s something more dangerous,” he said shakily. “I’m really worried.”
“Join the club,” Dougie sighed. After that, both of the men fell silent.
A little more than an hour later, Nikki woke up. “Hey guys,” she yawned, rubbing at her eyes. Danny and Dougie both gave small smiles. She noticed that neither of them were particularly talkative and that didn’t seem right. “What’s wrong?” she asked.
“Nothing’s–” Dougie started, not wanting to upset her again right away. But he stopped when he caught sight of Danny shaking his head.
“Test results came back,” he said slowly and quietly. “Assumptions were right, it was a tracer. But there’s also something else that they want to look at. They didn’t say how serious anything was, just that it would be okay and nothing permanent would really happen.”
“O..Oh.” Was all that she could say for a minute.
Dougie moved from his seat next to Danny and went to sit on Nikki’s bed. Grabbing her hand and taking it in his, he said soothingly, “Don’t worry about it. Everything will be alright. All of us, and the doctors are going to take good care of you.” And with that he placed a small, gentle kiss to her forehead.

004

Wed, 24 Oct 2007 21:05:25 GMT

Title: If You're Reading This..
Prompt: 58- Death
Pairing: Fletcher/Jones
Word Count: 2447 words
Summary: I bent down, and lightly my lips brushed across his forehead. This was my goodbye, and I was shutting away all of my heart with it.
Rating: PG
Author Notes: My chart is located here! Wow! My first thing for this in a while! Haha.
Disclaimer: Don't own anything ~~except you and your beautiful soul~~. I based this off a song, and that song belongs to Tim McGraw and his amazing voice. [Look the song up, it's amazing, I promise! It makes me cry almost everytime I listen to it].

I was at the one place I hoped I would never have to be in a million years. It pained me to be there. As I sat on one of the cold white plastic folding chairs, I stared off into the distance of the long room. Was it painful? Did he even see it coming? Was it quick, or did he suffer? I closed my eyes, letting the millions of thoughts rush through my head.

We’d never have another night. We’d never share another sweet kiss. There were too many things that would never happen again. We had run out of time..

My right hand clenched around the thick, folded up piece of paper that was in my pocket. When I arrived at the funeral home early this morning, I was met by Dougie, who had been close to Danny and worked with him many times. Dougie handed me this thick letter, and said that it was Danny’s wish, that if he never made it home from the war, that I would have this. Now, the words seemed to haunt me. I could see them when I closed my eyes, in his messy scrawled-out handwriting. I could see them so clearly that I didn’t even have to look at the letter to remember what it said.

Dear Tom,
If you’re reading this... then I’m sorry. Things must’ve turned out all wrong. This was something that I never wanted to do, but just in case..
I wish I could see you one last time. I wish I could give you one more kiss. What we went through when I left was hard for me, no doubt for you. I wanted to break free from everything we worked up to hide, and just tell the world that I love you. But you made me promise, remember? Not to let the world know. Especially not Melissa. It would’ve broken her heart- to know that I was having a affair behind her back, nonetheless with you! I suppose that, if this letter never reaches you, I will tell her in time. If you are reading this then, it’s you’re choice to tell her. I think you know what would be best.

What would be best, I thought. It would be best not to tell her. It wouldn’t be fair to me, but even more so to her. Her husband was cheating on her with another man! To let her know that those feelings of intimacy between them weren’t all there anymore, though I wasn’t sure if they were even there to begin with- it just wasn’t right!

And she was pregnant. Pregnant with his child! That would be the biggest slap in the face. To let their child know that Daddy never loved Mummy, and that she would never even see their father because he was taken away by something even more cruel than that? It was absurd.

War was just a game when we were little. It was all such a game, Tom! I didn’t know that it was like this. I didn’t know that it ended up this way. But now I’m laying down my gun and hanging up my boots for one last time. So lay me down, Tom. You know where I want to be laid to rest. You know me better than anyone. Lay me down in that little, open field on the edge of town. Where we used to go after hours of working on songs, and just watch the stars go by. That’s the perfect place. And when I’m gone, well, my mum will know where my soul has gone she won’t have to worry about it any longer.. And if you’re reading this Tom, then I’m already home.

My heart was suddenly in my throat as I tried to keep my tears from streaming down my face. It was all so not fair. He was young, too young. And hoping to earn a living off becoming a musician someday. And I would be his partner- no, I was already his partner. We did everything together. We were going to hit the music industry big time. It was his dream. I wanted to do everything to see that it would happen.

I closed my eyes again to try to regain my calm stature that I had been composed of all day. I didn’t even break down when Melissa saw me standing next to the casket and waddled over, pulling me into her and squeezed me tight. My face didn’t change emotion when I shook his father’s hand, or when his mother patted me on the arm, telling me that it would be alright sooner or later. It was like I had this horrible stoic expression on all day.

I needed to get out of this place. I needed to go somewhere I could think. But I couldn’t do that for a couple more hours, not until visitation was over with.

I felt someone sit down next me and I didn’t open my eyes right away. Their small hand grasped mine, warm and gentle. I looked over to my side and saw Melissa sitting before me. She had a small, watery smile on her face. I tried to return the sweet gesture, but something between pain and embarrassment must’ve crossed over my face, because her smile faded quickly.

“Tom,” she said quietly. “You don’t have to stay here all night. You can go on home. You must be exhausted.”

“No, I’m staying.” I said carefully. “He would’ve wanted me here every second of it. He would probably kill me himself if I didn’t.” I gave a small chuckle.

I turned my head away again, staring straight in front of me. Out of the corner of my eye I saw the corners of her mouth pull up into a grin. She knew I was right, in that sense.

“Is there anything I could get you, then?” she asked. “Something eat, another set of clothes? My brother is leaving soon, but I could get him to drop off another pair..”

“No, Melissa, thanks.” I cut her off. “If anyone should be doing anything, it should be me, not you. You’re about to pop.”

She laughed at this. “I am. But I can’t sit still any longer. I have to do something to keep busy.”

I nodded, but didn’t say anything. I agreed with her. I needed to do something to keep my mind busy. To not think about that stupid letter. But my mind went against me once again, and the words started filing out in front of me.

If you’re reading this... you know that I won’t be their for the birth of our little girl. Oh, how I want to be there, Tom. To be there and support Melissa. To see what we had brought into this life. She won’t ever know me, Tom. I won’t ever be there for her. I want to be there. So, for me, can you be there instead? Make her feel loved, in a way that only a father could. Be her inspiration, Tom, just like you’ve been mine. You mean so much to me, Tom. Mean a lot to her. Be there when no one else will be there. Let her follow in your footsteps. Let her make you proud, it would mean so much. I hope that she would have Melissa’s strength. And my good looks of course, haha. I hope she fights like both of you, though. Standing up for what is wrong and for what is right. Teach her right, Tom, set her on the straight and narrow path,
And Tom, please.. Tell my father, that I don’t regret any of this. I don’t regret at all for one moment that I followed in his footsteps into the military. All I wish right now though, is that I would make it. And if not, then that’s the way it’s going to be.

“Tom?” Melissa asked quietly again. “Are you okay?”

I looked at her full in the face. My calm and so called “stoic” expression was starting to wear off on me now. My eyebrows were crumpled and pulled down low, trying so hard to not let my tears flow free. Her eyes were wandering, questioning mine. She wanted to know what was going on. She squeezed my hand again.

“Tom.. please. You’re starting to scare me. You never act like this.”

“I’m just remembering,” I said slowly, not sure of myself or what to say. My hand automatically reached up and ran through my messy, dark hair.

“Tell me what you’re remembering,” she whispered.

I gulped. “Danny. What we did and said before he left. It was as if he knew that something like this was going to happen.” I heard Melissa take a sharp intake of breath, but I didn’t stop nor did I look at her. “He said he had a bad feeling about going over there. I tried to talk him out of it, then, if the idea scared him so much. But he said no. He wanted to do both father and country proud. The day that I got that call, Mel, was the worse day of my entire life.”

This time I looked at her, new tears shining fresh in her eyes.

“There was something different between you two. You were friends, but there was something else. Something more special. Wasn’t there, Tom?”

“Yes,” I answered simply. I had no intention to lie to her anymore. Not now.

Melissa didn’t say a word. Her dark eyes closed for a second, pulling her eyebrows down as well. When she opened them, there was a brief smile on her lips before she pulled me into her again. With her arms around my neck, I leaned my forehead into her shoulder and started to quietly sob. I never wanted to cry today- maybe when I got home- but not today. I let all the emotion pour out of me, something that I hadn’t done in a while.

If you’re reading this... there’s going to be a day when you finally move on. You’re going to move on, Tom, and forget me. You’re going to find someone else. Better than me, maybe, but someone else. And that’s okay with me. I want you to be happy. I want you to move on. I don’t want you to linger on about me anymore than you have too.
I love you Tom, I love you from the bottom of my heart. I have never met anyone like you before in my life. We’ve done all sorts of things together, things I never thought I would ever possibly do. Like when you took me out to that one ethnic restaurant that you love so much and after we got done eating, we went to the top of that bell tower in town. I never thought I would try all sorts of new foods, or sneak up that tower after midnight. And I had never seen anything more beautiful than you that night, Tom. You were absolutely glowing. I want to see you that happy again.
I’m going to miss you, Tom. I’m going to miss you so much that it hurts to write this letter right now. You’re the light to my life, and I never want that light to go out. But just remember: I’m in a better place now. A place where soldiers all come together, and Heavenly angels sing amazing grace. I’m not going to be in any more pain, or suffering, or whatever. I want you to know that I’m going to be okay. And I’ll see you again someday.

After a couple minutes, Melissa’s grip lessened on me and I sat up, wiping my eyes as I did so. She gave me another smile. And she was absolutely taking this better than I had imagined. I actually expected a lot of screaming, cussing, and a lot of things being thrown in the direction of my head. One of her hands slid off my shoulder, the other one continuing to grip at my hand.

“I’ve known for a while.” she said. My eyebrows raised, and I started to speak, but she stopped me. “Or otherwise, thought as much. As much as you two were together, I couldn’t stop it. I had a feeling that there was someone else Tom, but I could never guess who.

But now that I know that it was you, I’m really not all that mad. I’m actually glad it was you, Tom and not someone else. Danny cared about you a lot. And I know that we both did. But obviously you won out in the end.”

I was too shocked to speak for a few seconds. “He loved you though, Melissa. In the beginning. And he never really did stop loving you, only in the lovers sense. He still cared about you and never wanted anything to happen to you. Something just escalated to this somehow...”

Melissa rubbed at my arm. “Don’t worry about it any longer, Tom.” She grinned at me. “I’ve got a question for you though. Will you be there, for our daughter? Be like a father to her?”

I gave a low chuckle. “You know that I would never say no. I would do it even if you hadn’t asked me.”

We both smiled at each and then I started to stand. She watched me as I did, and I when I reached full height I held out my hand to her. She took it and stood from the seat. Following my lead, we walked together to the front of the room, where the casket stood in place.

Surrounded by flowers, it looked like he was just sleeping in the jungle. I smiled at my thought. When we reached the casket, I reached out to touch the shiny wood. It was smooth underneath my fingers and I ran them over the wood several times. They followed the edge up to the open crease in the wood where it showed the top half of his body. He looked exactly how he did when he slept. Peaceful. Like there wasn’t any other care in the world, as long as Danny Jones had gotten his sleep.

I smoothed out a couple of the curls that lined his face. This was it. I took the rose that was pinned to the pocket of my jacket and placed it into the casket. I bent down, and lightly my lips brushed across his forehead. This was my goodbye, and I was shutting away all of my heart with it.

I’m already home. I love you, Tom.
- Danny Jones ~

Thu, 06 Sep 2007 22:38:31 GMT

Hey guys!

Just wanted to tell you all that there's a new tagging system up and running in this place. It's much neater and easier to find things.

Also, I'm very sorry about the delay in updating. Both my muse for writing and graphics have disappeared for a while, but they are both coming back to me! So be ready to except new things for Into Oblivion and The Academy!

♥

ANNOUNCEMENT

Mon, 06 Aug 2007 00:16:13 GMT

*****ANNOUNCEMENT!*****

Okay, since I've heard rumors that LJ is doing that ridiculous strikeout thing again, this time on "adult material";

From this moment onward, all the stuff that I post thats "considered adult material" will be friends lock. So you MUST friend me if you want to read some stuff.

But I really don't have anything to worry about, coz I don't write "adult".

Ta for now :D

[EDIT]-
So now that includes a couple standalones/drabbles, and two parts of The City Of Evil.

Wed, 01 Aug 2007 23:52:53 GMT

Title: Into Oblivion- Chapter One
Pairing:Harry Potter- Fred/OFC- will be.
Rating: PG- Will be PG13
Author Notes: WHEEEE.
Disclaimer: Don't own anything except ~~you and your beautiful soul~~ the storyline.

Chapter One; Third Year
There was a loud explosion and a cloud of smoke came out of one of the windows on the second floor. It billowed out in large plumes, the dark grey smog soon filling up the air around the Burrow. The wind carried down the loud voices of two people bickering at each other, all the way to the grounds.

As the smoke started to clear away from the Burrow, Molly Weasley stepped out of the line of laundry she had set up outside. Waving away excess smoke from her face with her wand, she placed a hand on her plump hip and sighed to herself. She moved around the line of laundry, waving her wand at each item of clothing, getting rid of the smokey-scent. Listening to the voices that floated down to her, she started to hum. The sound of arguing bothered her, yes; but living with six sons, she had grown to ignore the majority of the little squabbles that often erupted in the household.

When she was finished with the laundry, the sound of arguing could still be heard from where Molly was standing. Molly shook her head and turned on the spot on her heel, Apparating.

There was a loud crack and she appeared in the twins’ room. “That is enough!” she said shrilly.

The twins looked at her, then at each other and started to laugh. Molly stood appalled at them, her hands wringing onto the front of her apron. Her mouth was halfway open, about to say something to retort back to them.

“We weren’t really arguing, Mum,” started one.

“We just wanted to see how long it would take for you to come up here!” finished the other. They both stood there, devilish grins spreading onto their freckled faces.

“Oooh!” Came from Molly’s lips, and she took a dishtowel from her apron, shaking it at the boys in front of her. The twins started to laugh and she shooed them out of the room and down to the kitchen.

“Ginny!” she called to somewhere in the house. “Get Ron, it’s time for dinner! Percy, come put Errol and Hermes in their cages, and Fred, George,” she turned to find the boys in front of her. She patted her cheek, then put a hand on each of the boys’ heads. “Stay out of trouble for five minutes!”

They both said something together and rushed out of the room. Molly sighed again, knowing that they would find something to wreck in five minutes time. She glanced up at the large family clock that was settled on the wall near the door. All hands were pointing at home, except for one, which was now pointing at traveling. She busied herself with taking the potatoes from the large pot on the oven and emptying them into another pot. Waving her wand in clockwise circles, they started to mash and come together. As she set the dish on the table, the clock’s final hand turned to home. Not nearly a second later, the door that lead into the kitchen opened, revealing Arthur Weasley.

“Such a relief to see you, dear.” Molly said, going over to Arthur and giving him a peck on the cheek. “How was work?”

“Had two cases of Muggles being sold prank necklaces,” he said while shrugging out of his coat. “When they went to put them on, they instantly started to try to bite the person’s neck. Nothing we couldn’t fix at all.” Arthur sat down at the head of the table and looked around him. “Where is everyone?”

“Somewhere around the house,” replied Molly. “Last day before start of term starts, they’re probably still trying to cram last minute things in.” She set down another pot on the table in front of Arthur. “Kids, everyone down, now!” she shouted up the stairs.

Filing down the stairs all together were the all of the Weasley children, except two. Bill was in Egypt, working at a Gringrotts branch, and Charlie was off in Romania with dragons. After settling into the appropriate seats, they all started into the food. Ron, normally a heavy eater, hardly even touched half of what he had piled into his plate. He sat staring at it, slowly biting at his lip.

“Ron, is there anything wrong?” Arthur asked.

Ron looked up at his father at the top of the table. “No, nothing’s wrong. I’m just a bit nervous..about tomorrow.” He gulped at the last part.

“Aww, is ickle Ronniekins scared about his first day at Hogwarts?” said Fred, and together the twins both cackled with laughter. Ron suddenly looked a very nasty shade of green and bolted from his seat and up the stairs. Ginny giggled along with the twins on George’s right as Molly looked on with an disapproved look.

“Fred, that wasn’t funny!” she said sternly.

“Aw Mum, we’re just having a bit of a joke about it.” said George. “He’s been raving about going to school all summer.”

Molly sighed yet again. “Alright, children. As soon as your done with dinner, up to your rooms! You need to get up early if you ever want to catch the train on time...”

Mon, 30 Jul 2007 00:06:21 GMT

Title: The Academy- Chapter Eleven
Pairing: Het
Summary: Working in the police force is never an easy thing to undertake. Will the strain of this job cost relationships, or will it make them stronger?
Rating: PG-13
Author Notes: WHEEEE.
Disclaimer: Don't own anything except ~~you and your beautiful soul~~ the storyline and moi.

Prologue | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10

Tom sat at his desk, silently reading through a file that had been dropped off on his desk by Mallet earlier in the day. He finished the end of the page and sat the file down, leaning back into the leather chair. Pushing his thick glasses up onto his forehead, he allowed his hands to rub over his tired eyes. After a couple seconds he dropped his hands back down to his laps, now leaning back in the chair to stretch out his back. He yawned slowly, pulling his shirt down a bit as he did.

There was a slight cough at the door of his office and Tom looked up, his glasses falling back into place on the bridge of his nose. A small smile played across his face when he saw who it was, and he immediately got up, pushing the chair back into it’s soft at the desk.

“Hey you,” he said, striding over to where his girlfriend was standing.

“Hey you, too,” she giggled, kissing him lightly on the cheek when Tom got close enough to her.

“Hey Fanny,” Tom said brightly as well, looking at the girl standing next to Kari. He reached for Kari’s hand and pulled it into his. “What are you doing here? Did I miss something we were supposed to do?”

“No, silly.” she said. “We just wanted to come by and see what you all were doing. Maybe have a bit of a break and stop for lunch?”

“That sounds great,” Tom said. “I could really use a break right now.” He leaned into Kari and kissed her on the lips softly.

Fanny rolled her eyes playfully at the couple next to her. “Get a room!” she called, flipping her long dark hair over her shoulder, a playful look in her blue-green eyes. “But yes, onto the lunch break,” she continued from Kari. “Where are the other boys?”

“Well,” Tom said hesitantly. “I just sent Harry down to a crime scene. I expected him to be down there a couple hours with Oliver.” He observantly watched Fanny’s face, which didn’t change expressions at all. “Danny’s mucking around here somewhere and I let Dougie off so he could go down to the hospital to see Hannah.”

“Yeah, we just came from the hospital!” Fanny said happily. “The baby’s so beautiful! Dougie wanted to name every one of us godparents to her.” She smiled at Tom, noticing his facial expression. “Don’t worry about Harry, Tom. I’ll just catch up with him later.”

Tom offered her a weak smile. “So it’s a girl, then?”

“Yes!” Kari squealed, grasping his hand tighter. “She looks exactly like Dougie! Light blonde hair, sky blue eyes; it’s insane!”

Tom laughed. “We’ll have to go down later tonight then, babe.” He leaned in again and kissed her temple. “So where’s it that you lovely ladies what to go eat, hm? My treat..”

****

Harry groaned as Oliver tossed him another package to tag. “How many more of these do you have, Ollie?” He opened the cap to the pen again, and started scrawling out the details and what the item was.

“One, two, three..” he heard Oliver mumble under his breath as he counted the rest of the evidence they had found at the scene. A couple seconds later and he responded, “Twelve.”

“Twelve,” Harry sighed to himself. “Wonderful.” He picked up another evidence bag that Oliver had tossed to him and started marking down the details once again.

Thu, 26 Jul 2007 21:06:45 GMT

Title: The Academy- Chapter Ten
Pairing: Het
Summary: Working in the police force is never an easy thing to undertake. Will the strain of this job cost relationships, or will it make them stronger?
Rating: PG-13
Author Notes: WHEEEE.
Disclaimer: Don't own anything except ~~you and your beautiful soul~~ the storyline and moi.

Prologue | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9

“Harry?”

The brunette looked up at the sound of his name. “Hey, Tom. What are you looking for?”

“I’ve got a favor to ask of you,” Tom said, stepping from the door and into the break room.

“Sure, go on.” Harry put down his cup of coffee and the magazine he was reading on the table he was sitting at.

Tom pulled out the chair beside him and sat down, his hand resting on the top of the table. “I would ask Dougie to do this, but as I’ve let him off the clock to go to the hospital, I need you to do it. The crime scene this morning; I sent Oliver back down there to process. He could use some help.”

Harry smiled. “You got it, sir.”

****

“Cocaine’s on it’s way here, Tom,” Danny said, entering his office.

“Good,” he replied. “DA wants us to test at least twenty percent of the seizure. You know, random sampling, weight, core samples.” Tom looked up at Danny. “Find out what kind of gun was used to kill Morgan?”

“On the scene, it looked like a .50 caliber. I sent sampling down to trace. Got partial prints from the gun we found near the body, but there were no matches. One round was missing from the magazine, and organic volatile analysis was confirmed. It had been shot recently.”

Tom nodded. “Good,” he repeated. “I’ve sent Harry down to help Oliver at the crime scene. If they find anything that needs our attention, I’ll send it to you.”

“Right. And about our John Doe that you shot, the prints didn’t match up either. The suspects that were left, they were a no go. Though, most of them did have records that closely tied them to the Morgan crime family.”

“Do you really think that one of Morgan’s own guys shot him?”

Danny shrugged. “It’s a possibility. I think one of the men in the organization got greedy, and convinced the other idiots that they’d do better without Morgan. And look where it got most of them. Prison.”

Tom put down the file he was reading, a small smile spreading on his face. “So we find the new leader, we find our killer.”

“Exactly,” Danny grinned.

Thu, 26 Jul 2007 21:04:43 GMT

Title: The Turning Point
Pairing: Harry/OFC
Summary: There is no turning back.
Rating: G
Author Notes: WHEEEE.
Disclaimer: Don't own anything except ~~you and your beautiful soul~~ the storyline. Written for the Friday Fiction contest on the McFly boards for Short Standalone

The night sky was clear and silent as a young girl carried her bags out from the house. The overhead light on the porch was lit, making it easier to see down the steps to the driveway. Despite having her name called over and over many times, she never once turned back as she trudged along down the path to where her car was parked on the driveway.

Struggling to keep her bags balanced in one arm, she pulled out her keys and unlocked the trunk, pulling it up. Dropping the items hastily into the trunk, she turned around on her heel and started back up the walkway for the last of her items. As she got to the front door again, the light from the living room was dimmed as someone stood in front of her in the doorframe.

“Get out of my way,” she said, eyes stern.

The man cracked a small smile. “Can we not jump the gun just yet, and talk about this?”

She crossed her arms. “You’ve had you’re chance to ‘talk about this’, Harry. It’s done. Over. Now please, move.”

Harry kept his eyes on her for a few more seconds, before dropping his arm from the other side of the frame and side-stepping out of her way. He stood there in the hallway, waiting for her to come back out of their once-called bedroom. He heard her searching around for last minute items to pack, and she reappeared minutes later, carrying a large box.

“There’s one more box in there, Harry.” she said, walking past him.

“Please, Jess..”

“I would appreciate it if you could get it for me,” she cut him off before he could say another word.

Harry sighed and waited until she was out of the door, before turning back and grabbing the other box in the bedroom. As he reappeared outside, he noticed that another car had pulled up behind Jess’s. He walked down the steps slowly until he got to the trunk of her car. Standing beside Jess, Harry recognized, was her brother.

“I’m sorry, Tom.” he said quietly, so only they two could hear. Tom gave Harry a look that said “Don’t say it to me, say that to her.” Harry opened his mouth again to speak when Jess took the box away from his hands.

“I guess this is it.” she said instead. “I hate that it had to turn out this way, that I had to turn away from you like this. But until you can prove that I can trust you again..” Jess shook her head and headed towards the drivers side of the car.

Harry watched her again as she got in and started the car, pulling out of the driveway after Tom in one swift motion. He was left standing there, watching as she drove out of his life again. There was no turning back this time.

Thu, 19 Jul 2007 18:26:20 GMT

Title: Crashed The Wedding
Pairing: Het
Summary: An hour was all the time I had left to find her. I had to get there before it was too late.
Rating: G
Author Notes: WHEEEE.
Disclaimer: Don't own anything except ~~you and your beautiful soul~~ the storyline and moi. Title belongs to Busted. And it doesn't really follow the storyline of that song ;)

An hour was all the time I had left to find her. I had to get there before it was too late.

I sat in my car, parked along-side a near empty road. Occasionally another car would pass by on this gloriously sunny day. I figured that everyone would be out enjoying the sun, not holed up in their car like I am.

I leaned my head against the steering wheel, and started to hit my head repeatedly. Stupid, stupid, stupid. That was what I was. After five minutes of this, I started to get a minor headache. Rubbing my head, I looked out at the street before me.

I had no clue where I was going, or if I even still had a chance to get there. I didn’t even know the freaking address of the church! I sighed. This had been a rather long and stressful day.

My phone rang from its placed hooked up to its charger on the front dashboard. I grabbed at it, checked the caller ID, and flipped it open.

“Hey Danny–”

“Tom, where the hell are you, mate? You’re supposed to be here by now!”

“Be where, Danny?” I asked before he could open his big mouth again.

“Kari and James’ wedding! Did you forget you were invited–” I stopped listening after that. My inner conscience had sparked up again, and the plan was put back into action.

“I did forget, sorry.” I lied to him. “Where’s it at?” I asked desperately.

As Danny rattled off the street address, I turned my car on, put it into drive and hit the road again. I held the phone cradled to my car as I drove with both hands. The speedometer inched up to over sixty slowly.

“You better hurry, mate. The ceremony startes in five minutes. And I’ve got to go, I’ll see you when you get here.” I checked the clock on the dash. It was almost three o’clock and the address Danny gave me was all the way across town. Shit. “And Tom?” he pried me from my thoughts.

“Yeah?” I answered through clenched teeth.

“Please don’t do anything stupid.”

–

By the time I got to the church, the service was just getting out. I cussed to myself again, angry that I had missed it. I didn’t see the happy couple anywhere, so it was safe to assume that they were on their way to the reception. I parked my car and got out, heading against the grain of the throngs off people coming out of the church.

On my way to the steps, I got pulled back by someone stronger than I was. I half-expected it to be Matt or someone else, but it was Danny.

“Finally, Tom, you made it! It was an amazing ceremony, really. Oh, and she was looking for you before it all started–”

I think my heart just stopped. “She what?!” I exclaimed, cutting him off.

“Kari was looking for you. She asked Harry where you were and when he said he didn’t know, she seemed pretty disappointed.”

My heart just leapt out of my skin. Maybe she still felt the way I do?

Danny noticed the look on my face and placed a large hand on my shoulder. “Dude, please don’t do anything stupid.” he repeated. “You guys broke up, what, two years ago. No hard feelings. She’s married now. To James.” he said rather heavily. “Give it a rest.”

God, thanks Danny. You just seriously deflated my ego.

But as he said, she was married to James now, not me. Obviously she didn’t love me anymore.

James. After we had broken up for whatever silly reason, he had made his move pretty fast. After a week, they were dating. A year and a half, they were engaged. I except after another year, there would be a new addition to the Bourne family.

I scowled. Danny rose an eyebrow at me, and I remembered where I was at.

“Anyways,” he said, pushing me along in front of him. “We’re heading towards the reception now. You can sit and wish all you want there,” he added sarcastically.

–

“Now, please welcome Mr. and Mrs. James Bourne!” the deejay announced as the married couple entered the room.

Clapping, whistling and even a wolf call- I assume that it came from Matt- filled the room as they came in. Kari, like usual was looking gorgeous; she had always looked good in white. Her blonde hair was curled and hung loosely down, framing her face. She pushed them away when she smiled, but they always fell back into place. James was on her other side, their arms linked together. The black tuxedo complimented his newly darkened hair well, and he was all smiles too, I noted as I clapped grudgingly.

Danny elbowed me in the side. I guess he saw my expression.

While they posed for pictures in the front lobby of the building we were at, the other guests were allowed to eat. I stood in the line between Dougie and some other person I didn’t know, when another hand clapped down on my shoulder. I looked up slowly, praying that it wasn’t James. Instead, a tall blonde was smiling down at me, a beer can already in his hand. I smiled in return, after not seeing this familiar face after a few years.

“Charlie,” I grinned, turning my back to the line. “How are ya, mate?” I asked as I put my hand on his arm.

“Pretty good, if I’m still here,” he replied. “What about you?” I was scared to answer the question, afraid that I might let something slip to him. He noticed the hesitation. “Pretty shitty, I presume. Weren’t you going to propose to her?”

“Yeah,” I said, no emotion in my voice. “Obviously James got there first.”

Charlie chuckled, taking a sip from the can. “I’m sorry, Tom. I know it must be hard.”

I nodded and turned my attention back to the food. This is what I really needed... The clapping started back up again and I didn’t turn around. They probably entered the room again and I didn’t think I could stomach it anymore. The deejay started up some music, and as I turned around with my plate of food, people were already starting to get up and go to the dance floor. With Charlie behind me, I headed towards the table the other guys were sitting at with Matt.

“Hey Tom, wanna dance?” Danny asked cheekily as I sat down. The others around us laughed, and I cracked a small smile. I need to lighten up. “Sure, as soon as I’m done.”

Like I promised, as soon as I put down my fork, Danny had pulled me out to the dance floor. People started laughing again and I snuck a glance up at the wedding table. My stomach plummeted again when I saw that both Kari and James were looking and laughing along as well. I turned my attention back to Danny and tried not to look over there again.

Near the end of the song I glanced over there again, and Kari was leaned into James’ shoulder, whispering something into his ear. He nodded and said something, and she kissed him on the cheek. She got up from the table and headed towards the dance floor. Oh God, oh no, she couldn’t be...

“Hey guys.” She did. We both stopped dancing and Danny turned to greet her, kissing her on the cheek and offering his congratulations. I just stood there like an idiot, not saying a word.

“Thanks Danny.” she smiled. “Tom, could I talk to you?” I nodded and saw Danny leave out of the corner of my eye. How I wish he hadn’t..

Kari had pulled me towards her, putting my hands limply on her waist. I tried looking any where but her face, knowing what was coming.

“Tom?” she asked, and I had to look up. Her eyes were full of sadness and I couldn’t stand looking, but I had to. “I was looking for you before the ceremony started.” she said.

“So I was told.” I said. I sighed inwardly, telling myself that it was now or never. “Look, before you say anything, I just want you to know; Kari, I still love you.” I looked away after that. I felt her hands leave my shoulders and looked slowly up at her.

She stood there, as still as she could be. Her hands were up at her face, and tears were shining brightly in her eyes. I bit my lip and glanced behind me at James, who was boring a hole into the back of my head from what it looked like.

“Kari?” I offered weakly. She shook her head, curls following every movement.

“No,” she whispered. “No, no, no. Tom, you can’t– I’m sorry, Tom, but you can’t.”

I felt my heart break all over again.

“You can’t– please don’t say that, Tom. I,” she was crying by this part. “I love James. He’s my world. We broke up so long ago, Tom. You still can’t love me after all this time.”

Oh, the things you didn’t and know would never know. I nodded. “I know, I understand. I just wanted to let you know.”

She nodded, her hands covering half of her face. Her makeup had smeared a little bit and tears were now falling freely. “I’ve got to go. I’m sorry, Tom. But... but I did love you.” and with that, she took off towards the exit, probably going to the women’s bathroom.

I stood there limply, watching as James got up and went after her. He looked back at me as he exited, and the expression on his face made me feel worse. I headed back towards the table, where the other guys were at.

“Dude, Tom, what happened?” “Yeah, what did you say to her?” “I told you not to do anything stupid!” “Aw man, it’s going to be fine.”

Their words just went in one ear and out the other. I wasn’t listening to them, nor did I want too at the present time.

I just wanted to go home, go to sleep and wake up in the morning, and find out that it was all just some really bad dream. I rubbed at my temples were my fingers, feeling another headache coming on.

It could’ve been seconds, minutes or an hour later, but the couple finally returned back into the room. People were whispering behind their hands to their neighbors as they did so. The heartstrings of my already twice broken heart were being pulled at again as I watched as James wiped at her tears with his thumb. He said a couple things to her, and then kissed the bridge of her nose.

They were like any other perfect couple. Completely, totally, and utterly in love.

I stood up from the table, heading towards the exit, hoping to avoid contact or even word exchange with them at the moment. I could hear people taking again in hushed tones and I could feel Kari and James’ gaze following my back.

As I reached the parking lot, I felt someone stop me. It was Danny. I sighed heavily and turned to him, his big blue eyes looking straight into mine.

“You know what I learned today?” I asked him. He didn’t answer, but I continued. “I learned that I’m just a loner in love.”

Wed, 18 Jul 2007 21:53:04 GMT

Title: The Academy- Chapter Nine
Pairing: Het
Summary: Working in the police force is never an easy thing to undertake. Will the strain of this job cost relationships, or will it make them stronger?
Rating: PG-13
Author Notes: WHEEEE.
Disclaimer: Don't own anything except ~~you and your beautiful soul~~ the storyline and moi.

Prologue | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8

“Earlier this morning, our narcotics team seized nine hundred kilos worth of cocaine. That’s an estimated street value of £48 million.” Tom spoke calmly to the reporters that had finally gotten a hold of him out side the garage lot. His hands were clasped firmly behind his back, and his face still showed signs of being upset. Behind him, more officers stood watching over the stacked cocaine that sat on a table in front of Tom. They were stacked neatly in columns no more than four high and spread out all over the table. Some of the wrappers had been torn apart, leaving the officers to place the stacks in plastic zip bags. “We also believe that several suspects that are now in custody are involved to be connected to the Morgan crime list.”

“Detective Fletcher, would this be considered London’s biggest drug raid in history?”

“That’s what they tell me.” Tom answered, his lips set in a thin line. “What I can tell you, is that this seizure will severely cripple one of London’s most dangerous organized crime facility.”

“Detective, we understand that a shoot out happened. Were there any causalities?”

Tom cleared his throat, hesitating to answer the reporters question. “One suspect was killed. Another one of our officers sustained minor injuries. He should be back on his feet soon enough.”

“Can you confirm the rumors that Owen Morgan was killed during this bust?”

“Morgan’s body was found at the crime scene.” Tom moved his head again to loosen the muscles in his neck. He looked behind him at the rest of his crew taking evidence at the crime scene. He saw the coroner lift the body out of the nose of the truck, setting it on a empty stretcher behind him. “Without going into a lot of detail, I’m very confident that Doctor Oliver Green’s autopsy reports will conclude that he was indeed dead before police arrived on scene.”

Mallet came up behind Tom, and tapped him on the shoulder. Tom turned a fraction, letting Mallet whisper something into his ear. Tom nodded and turned back to the reporters. “I’m sorry, but I’ve got to get back to the crime scene.” He stepped away from the table, and immediately the voices of the reporters around him were shouting “Detective, detective!”

****

A loud thwack on his desk caused Tom to jerk his head up from its position on the desk. He had been halfway asleep, and he rubbed at his eyes and neck as the bright overhead lights came back into focus. He looked up to see Mallet standing in front of him, hands on his hips, a fat manila folder lying in the middle of all the clutter that was called his desk.

“Go home, Fletcher.” Mallet stand, coming around the desk and pulling Tom to his feet. Tom stared blankly back at him, not registering what he said. “You’ve been working all night on this case, you need to sleep.” He threw Tom’s overcoat to him and interrupted him before he could say something about his sleeping habits. “Proper sleep, in a bed. Not on some desk.”

“Tony, I’m fine. I don’t need to go home.” he said, stifling a yawn. Mallet just looked at him, an eyebrow raised. “Fine, fine.” he muttered angrily. He threw on his coat and headed out of the office.

“Tell Kari hi for me!” Mallet was grinning as Tom looked back one more time.

****

Tom dropped his keys loudly onto the kitchen table, pulling off his coat and hanging it on the tab on the back of the front door. He walked towards the kitchen again aimlessly, his hands behind his head, resting on the nape of his neck. He sat himself down at the table, folding his arms and laying his head on top of them.

He felt bad for coming home late. Again. It wasn’t fair to her—

“Tom?”

He didn’t look up, too tired and too guilty to look his girlfriend in the face. She moved out of the doorway over to the table. She ran her hand over his back and kept it there, kneeling down on the ground next to him. “What’s wrong, baby?” she asked.

Tom shook his head, his hair falling stiff over his face. Kari tucked the pieces back away from his face, her hand falling down to his arm. “Is it about earlier?” she whispered. “I saw you on the television. You did a good job,” she added, quite proudly.

“Somewhat,” Tom huffed. “I’m just tired. Work’s been stressful lately. And I haven’t been coming home, or calling you to tell you what’s going on. I feel horrible about it, really..”

Kari cut him off. “Don’t worry about me. I know how important this job is to you. We all had to sacrifice something for this.”

“This latest job has been ridiculous, and what happened after this morning..”

“The shoot out?” she whispered again. Tom nodded. “Were you a part of that?” When he didn’t answer, her gripped tightened on his arm, then relaxed. “Thomas Michael, were you the one that shot that man?”

He looked up at her, looking her straight in the eyes. Her brow knitted together and he didn’t have to say anything for her to know. “It’s alright hunny. You did what you had to do. Let’s just get to bed, yeah?” Kari said, kissing his forehead.

She stood up and helped Tom get to his feet as well. She headed towards the bedroom, when he grabbed her by the wrist gently. She turned back to look at hm, and was greeted with a soft kiss to the lips. “Thank you.” he said.

Mon, 16 Jul 2007 17:13:48 GMT

Title: The Black Market [Joint]- Chapters 37-63
Pairing: Dougie/female, Danny/female
Summary: Think you can escape from the drug business? They'll track you down faster than you can say methamphetamine. They'll involve people you love and use them. There is no running away.
This is the black market.
Rating: PG-13, swearing, drugs etc
Author Notes: WHEEEE.
Disclaimer: Don't own anything except ~~you and your beautiful soul~~ the storyline and moi.

1-3 | 4-6 | 7-9 | 10-12 | 13-21 | 22-28 | 29-36

You've got a lot to read.. if anyone's reading this XD

Chapter Thirty-Seven [Written by me]
“Well, I think we made the right choice in coming here to find something to eat. It was amazing.” Danny sighed, leaning back in his chair after finishing off his plate.
Kari laughed and took a small sip of her drink. “It was. Too bad I’ve never been here before now.”
Danny nodded. Yeah. And too bad that Nikki missed out. I’ll take her order back to her at the hospital, though.”
“I bet she’s starving, poor thing.” The waiter came back out to collect the check, and Kari started searching through her bag for her wallet.
“Don’t worry, I’ve got it.” Danny grinned at her.
“Danny..” But he just shook his head, and pulled out another wad of cash. He took off a couple of notes and handed them to the man, telling him to keep the change. “You didn’t have to do that.” she said, as the waiter returned back indoors and they got up to leave.
“I know I didn’t. But I wanted too.” he said, smiling. He offered his arm out to her, and she took it gently. “Now. Off to find out what the police are questioning your poor brother.” he added as they walked down the sidewalk.

Chapter Thirty-Eight
"I'm not saying anything until my girlfriend gets here," Dougie persisted, folding his arms.
"Mr Poynter, I-" the police officer began.
"She's here Dougie. You want her in here?" Dougie's nurse spoke. Dougie looked over to the window. Nikki was standing there, biting her nails and a concerned expression on her face.
"Yes please. Then maybe we can get started," the officer nodded.
The nurse obliged and wandered back out into the hall. Nikki soon came rushing in.
"Doug? Everything ok?" frowned his girlfriend, walking slowly towards him.
"Yeah, I just needed you with me for support y’know?" smiled Dougie, taking her hand.
"Ok."
"Sit," smirked the older lad, pulling her firmly to the bed.
"Now," the officer sighed. "Let's begin..."

Chapter Thirty-Nine [Written by me]
Kari looked up at Danny, his brown curls hiding most of the profile of his face. Her gaze shifted to that of their arms, still interlinked. His hand twitched gently, and she looked back to the ground, letting Danny once again lead the way. She thought back to what she and Nikki had been talking about in the waiting room. Was what she saying be right?
She felt a slight tug on her arm and looked up to see Danny smiling softly at her. “What are you thinking so hard about?” he asked.
“Oh.. Just everything.” she said, swiping her bangs away. “That’s been going on, y’know?”
Danny nodded and fell silent again, and soon they reached the entrance to the hospital. After taking the elevator to Dougie’s floor, they stood outside his window, watching the police interrogate him. Kari knew the expression that was on his face whenever the officer asked a question; he did it all the time when they were younger. Dougie was getting frustrated, his hands kept moving around and his brow was starting to furrow some. He finally noticed them standing at the window, and looked to the officer and pointed in their direction. He then spoke to the nurse, who poked her head outside the room immediately.
“Miss,” she said. “He wants you in the room with him as well. He says you can explain some things?” She opened the door a bit wider to her pass through and into the room.

Chapter Forty
As soon as Kari stepped into the room, she looked around at all its occupants. There was Dougie, lying exasperated in his bed; then there was two police officers (Both male) and Nikki curled up in the corner.
Kari sat next to her brother and took his hand before whispering, "What's wrong with Nikki?"
"I'll tell you afterwards," sighed Dougie, looking over at his girlfriend with desperation in his eyes. She was simply looking straight in front of her, holding onto her knees.
"Ok, so...Miss Poynter," the officer began, facing Kari with a fresh page in his notebook. "Have you had any threats yourself or as a member of the Poynter family?"
"No, this would be the first. Well it's not even a threat really-" Kari was soon to be cut off.
"That's what we're needing you for as well Miss Poynter. Dougie doesn't seem to remember what happened, his girlfriend seems to have gone into a traumatic state and we know you know what happened. Please. Could you explain all you know?"

Chapter Forty-One [Written by me]
“Well,” she stated slowly. “At the time that all of this happened, I was still at my work, finishing up on a couple clients paperwork for the night. I was just about to head home, when my secretary came rushing in to my office saying that my brother was in the hospital and that I was needed there quickly.” she grasped Dougie’s hand tighter. “I was told when I got here that he was in immediate surgery and that he had been shot outside a bar that our friend owns, by a man in a dark cloak and hat. And that’s all I know about what happened last night.” she sighed.
The officer looked up from his notepad. “What kind of work do you do, and what kind of paperwork?”
“I’m a counselor, and I’m sorry sir, but that’s patient-doctor restriction. I can’t tell you without a subpoena.”
The officer looked from Kari to Dougie, to Nikki who was still sitting on the floor. “Thank you for answering those questions. We still need to know what exactly went down outside the club and the only witnesses don’t remember and the other..” he glanced at Nikki quickly. He sighed. “Yes. Well, we’re doing all we can to track down who did this, and when she seems to be feeling better about what happened, we’ll be happy to ask some more questions.” He rose to leave, and helped his partners out of the room.
Once they were gone, Kari turned to face Dougie better. “Dougs.. What the hell is going on?”

Chapter Forty-Two
Dougie looked down at his hands that were fiddling in his lap.
"Nikki came in to sit with me and after about 5 minutes, we decided to take a break. The officers went outside to get some coffee and I told Nikki I couldn't say anything else without telling them about Danny. She got upset with me 'cos she doesn't want the police to know about his drug problems. And then I- Then I said-" Dougie gulped, trying his best to get it out.
"Ssh, it's ok Dougs. Take your time," smiled Kari, hopefully in a comforting manner.
"I said 'who would you rather go to jail then?' One of us will. Me if I don't tell the truth and Danny 'cos of his drugs. Then I said stuff like she didn't care about me and she didn't really want to be here. I didn't mean any of it I'm so sorry Nik- Nikki?" Dougie stopped as he saw his girlfriend was missing. Sure enough, the door was open, Danny wasn't there anymore and Nikki's purse had gone from her chair.

Chapter Forty-Three [Written by me]
“Nikki.” Danny said as he walked swiftly down the hallway after her. “Nikki!”
She shook her head and continued walking. She raised a hand to her face to wipe away the tears that were threatening to spill from her eyes. She got to the elevators in a couple more strides and pressed the down button. It lit up, but the doors didn’t open immediately. Danny caught up to her and gently put his hand on her arm. Nikki jerked her arm back, sniffling as she did so. “Danny, just.. just go away!”
Danny sighed, almost defeated. “Nikki, what happened? What did the officers say?”
“It wasn’t the officers!” she said, her voice cracking from crying. “Now just go away!”
“I’m not going to go away, Niks,” he said. “Not until you tell me what happened back there.” He grabbed her arm again, twisting her so that she was standing face to face with her brother. “You don’t want to run away from your problems do you?”
“No, but you can, right?” she spat back at him. Danny’s face fell, and he let go of her arm. He turned his back to her, and rubbed one of his hands across his eyes. He heard the elevator bell ring behind him and then Nikki said softly, “Dougie. He said that either him or you would be going to jail, and he asked who I’d rather see go to prison, because he had to tell the cops something.”
“So what did he say?” Danny asked, his back still turned.
“Nothing. He said that he couldn’t remember anything that happened last night and I wouldn’t say anything either. But what Dougie said is right, Dan. Someone will end up in jail, if not one.. then the other.”

Chapter Forty-Four
"It's ok Dougs, she's just down the hall. Danny's got her," Kari sighed, standing by the door.
"Thank heavens... I don't want her doing anything she'll regret. It'll make me worse..." sniffed Dougie, his eyes welling up.
"I know honey. Nikki just needs time. You two hardly know each other yet. She probably doesn't know that you didn't mean what you said," smiled Kari, sitting back next to him. "The doctor said you can be discharged tomorrow if everything goes ok. It wasn't a deep wound and it didn't hit any major arteries or anything. I'm sure you and Nikki will be able to patch things up then."
"Thanks for all your help Kari. I really appreciate it. You haven't told mum have you?"
"No. She's on holiday with a few friends in Ibiza for a couple of weeks. I don't want to cut short her holiday. She's only just gone so I'll tell her a couple of days before she's due back so it doesn't look like we didn't tell her on purpose."
"Right. Ok. Thanks."

Chapter Forty-Five [Written by me]
“It’s true, Danny. But I don’t want either of you to go.” Nikki said, coming away from the elevator doors and over to her brother.
“Yeah, but who would you rather see go, that’s the real question, Niks.” Danny frowned, turning around to face her.
“Danny, don’t do this–”
“Just answer the damn question, Nikki!” he said suddenly. Nikki fell silent, and he noticed that her bottom lip started to tremble again. She in turn turned away from him and Danny just sighed. “So now I know who you think should go. I guess since you’d rather see me in jail, I better leave then.”
Nikki turned around hastily, but he was already halfway back down the hallway. “Danny!”
Danny turned the corner, away from Nikki, and headed back towards Dougie’s room. He entered the room, causing Dougie and Kari to look up. He cleared his throat slightly, looking back and forth between the two of them. He walked over to the empty chair where Kari had put his jacket for him, and grabbed it, putting it on quickly.
“I’m uh, going to take a walk.” he said, backing out of the room. “I’ll be back later, yeah.” He gave a small smile, and he was gone.
Kari and Dougie just looked at each other, before Nikki came back into the room, tears streaming silently down her cheeks.

Chapter Forty-Six
"He thinks I want him to go to jail," Nikki sobbed, standing at the door.
"Oh honey," Kari gasped, rushing towards her with open arms. Nikki gratefully collapsed into them and dropped to her knees. "Woah. Ok Nik, come on. Up you get. Please. Get up for me Nikki."
"Oh, I'm sorry. You two were in the middle of something," sniffed the girl, frantically wiping at her eyes. "I'll just go..."
"No. Stay here. We were just talking to pass the time, as you do. Come and sit. You two need to talk anyway," smiled Kari, leading her over to the seat next to Dougie's bed.
After a while, Dougie decided he needed to do something about this awkward situation. Nikki was close enough to him for him to reach out and place a hand on her shoulder. It hurt slightly but he needed to do it to save his relationship.
As soon as he made contact, Nikki's gaze snapped up from her lap and then to his hand placed delicately on her shoulder.
"You know I'd never say anything to hurt you Nikki," sighed Dougie, his hand dropping to meet hers. Their fingers entwined and Nikki gripped his skin hard.
"I-I know. I just- I guess I'm just feeling like you're too good to be true," whispered Nikki, tears threatening to fall once again.
"Hey, you know I didn't mean it. We're fine. I know you care loads for me. I know you love me and I love you too. But I'm so stressed at the minute. I guess I couldn't see the bond you and Danny have. I didn't see how much you wanted to protect him..."

Chapter Forty-Seven [Written by me]
Nikki nodded. “Like I told him, I don’t want either of you guys to go to jail. It would just make things harder.”
“But if it’s for the best–”
“I don’t know what to do,” she interrupted. “But it’s not going to be up to me who goes or not. I don’t want a part of this. Danny’s all I’ve had since we were little, and he’s just come back home now.”
“Nikki, you know now that you’ll always have us, right?” Kari said.
“Yeah!” Dougie said, seizing the moment. “Yeah, you have us.”
“If anything ever happens to Danny, and we hope that nothing does, for the best,” Kari said quickly, noticing the look on Nikki’s face. “You can always stay with Doug and I.”
Nikki wiped at her eyes again, and took Kari’s hand in her other hand and squeezed it. “Thanks guys. For caring so much.” she whispered.

Danny walked silently down the street, leading away from the hospital. His coat was pulled up near his ears and he had stuffed his hands into his pockets as far deep as they could go. He muttered a couple things to himself, rethinking over what had just gone down between him and his sister. He walked about another half mile, past a couple sites where he knew the drug dealers sat. He used to deal in some of these places, and they brought back memories; painful ones more exactly.
He passed a spot where he used to deal a lot, and he heard the men there jeering at him, laughing. He turned his head to glance at them, and he saw them pointing at them. How they can remember, I don’t know, he thought.
Danny heard his name being called as he walked past, but he continued going straight, not looking back. He felt something brush against the back of his jacket, and heard someone yell, “Hey Jones! Look at us when we’re talking to ya, yeah?”

Chapter Forty-Eight
A nurse at the door coughed to gain the attention of the three.
"Excuse me but the doctor says that you're all set to go home. He'll put you on a course of pain-killers, obviously for the pain and you are ready to be discharged whenever you like. As soon as you're ready, the nurse explained.
"Oh Dougs! That's such good news!" gasped Kari, a massive grin on her face.
"I know, so I can just get up, get ready and then get out?" smiled Dougie.
"Well, you've been in bed for near to a week now Dougie. It'll take some time for you to get used to walking, balancing etcetera etcetera," nodded the nurse, pulling out a clipboard from the end of his bed.
"Yeah, I can help him with that," agreed Kari whilst she brought over Dougie's clean clothes.
"Right. I'll go and fetch your medication then," said the nurse upon leaving.
"Um Nikki?" Nikki's head snapped up to look at Dougie. "Would you mind helping me get changed? I don't want to in front of my sister..."
"Yeah. Er, of course. If that's what you want..." Nikki went distant yet again.
"Come on then," Kari laughed, holding her arms out for Dougie to balance himself on as he stood for the first time.
"Woah, this feels weird," Dougie giggled, swinging his legs off the hospital bed.
"I bet it does," grinned Kari, her grip on him tightening.

Chapter Forty-Nine [Written by me]

“It feels like we’re little again,” Kari grinned, as she held steady on Dougie’s arms. “I helped teach you how to walk.”
“Yeah yeah yeah.” he said, as he took a step towards her, and then another. “I think I’ve got it again now.” Kari let go of his arms and stood back, folding her arms over her chest. Dougie took a few small steps, getting his balance back. He reached the door, then came back over to where the girls were standing. “I’m good.” he smiled.
“Good,” Nikki said. “Let’s get you out of here.” She grabbed the bags that were sitting on the bed, and the three headed out of the room.

Danny was forced around by a man who looked no older than him. “What do you want?” he asked calmly.
The man chuckled, his hand still kept on Danny’s shoulder. “Just wanted to say hi is all, Jones. You haven’t been around for awhile. Heard you were on the run.”
“What you heard is none of your business.” Danny said, wrenching the man’s hand off his shoulder. He started to turn around again, but the man caught his arm.
“Why don’t you come down here and stay for a bit longer, eh? We’ve all missed you around here.”
“No thanks,” Danny said sternly.
“Not trying to come clean are ya?” When Danny didn’t answer, the man chuckled again. He looked up to Danny’s face, a smile not any where to be seen. “You really are serious.” he said. “It’s not going to work, Jones. As long as you’re dealing with the boss, there’s no way out.”
“I’ll find a way out, then!” Danny growled, removing the man’s hand from his arm.
“Be a miracle, if you could. For last times sakes, then.” he shoved a packet of white, powdery content into Danny’s pocket, and when Danny tried to leave, he let him go.

Chapter Fifty
"Where we going then? Back to yours Dougie?" Kari asked as she put her car in reverse out of the car park.
"Yeah, if you don't mind," smiled Dougie. He was sitting happily in the front seat with Kari driving and Nikki in the back.
"Not at all..."
There was silence for the rest of the trip. No one spoke to each other except for Kari constantly asking Dougie how he was feeling. They got to Dougie's apartment block and Kari got out and rushed around to Dougie's car door. Once there, she carefully helped him out, taking both of his hands. She chucked Nikki a key and told her to go and unlock.
"Um, that would be a bit hard since I don't know with one Dougie lives in," replied Nikki, fiddling with the metal in her hands.
"Oh right, yeah. You help Dougie up and I'll go and unlock," nodded Kari, beckoning the girl over.
"Ok," sighed Nikki, sliding an arm around the patient's waist as Kari wandered off.

Chapter Fifty-One [Written by me]
Kari unlocked the door to Dougie’s apartment and leaned against the doorframe. She folded her arms and watched as the couple walked slowly up the drive. “I’ll get the bags out later.” she said as they got closer. “And I think you better stay out on the couch tonight, Doug. The stairs might be a little tough for you right now. And I’ll just stay in your room then.”
“Wha-” Dougie started to say, but Kari cut him off before he could protest anymore.
“Yes, I’m staying here tonight. Whether you like it or not. Now stop acting like a four year old.” she said of the small pout that was forming on Dougie’s lips.
Dougie turned away, muttering under his breath, and hobbled over to the couch. Nikki and Kari just exchanged grins at the man’s behavior. Kari went over to him, handing Dougie a pillow.
“You can stay here tonight too, if you want.” she offered to Nikki as Dougie pushed the pillow behind him.
“I don’t know.” she said. “I better go home and wait for Danny. He doesn’t have a key yet.” she explained to the siblings.
“Alright then.” Kari said, smiling softly. “Just tell me when, and I’ll take you home. No, no, it’s okay.” she said, now noticing the look on Nikki’s face.
Nikki just sank into the couch next to Dougie and smiled. “Okay.”

Chapter Fifty-Two
"Nikki?" Dougie whispered as Kari left the room to make drinks. "You're not mad at me are you? I know what I said was out of order but I need you to help me get through this. If I don't have you, I won't have enough energy to recover. Please baby, you know I'd never hurt you. I need you. Please."
Nikki was sat at the end of the sofa by Dougie's feet. She sat nothing but slid off the cushions to the floor and crawled up to his head. Once there, she placed a hand on his face and swept away his fringe. He watched her face intently as she frowned at the wound on his forehead from where he had fallen.
"Nik?" he sniffed, his eyes welling up.
"I'm not angry at you, I never was. I was just... Upset. You know how sensitive I am and it took me time to realise you never meant it. I need to learn to trust you, I know. We've only known each other for a few hours before all this began so I don't want us giving up on this yet."
"Oh Nikki, that's the best news I've heard all day," Dougie beamed, tears now falling freely down his cheeks.
"What about hearing you were free to go from the hospital?" laughed the girl, grasping hold of his hand tightly.
"No, this is much better..."

Chapter Fifty-Three [Written by me]
Kari moved around the kitchen slowly, letting them have their time together. She knew Dougie needed to redeem himself, or he’d regret it. The glasses chinked in her hands as she set them on the counter and made her way to the fridge. She pulled out a bottle and popped the top, pouring the contents into the glasses.
“Have you heard anything from Danny, Nikki?” she asked as she came back into the living room. She handed each of them a drink and took a sip.
Nikki shook her head. “No, I haven’t. And I’m starting to get worried. He really took what I said to heart earlier.” She looked down at the glass in her hands and swirled its contents around.
Dougie placed one of his hands on her arm comfortingly, and looked at his own glass. “Wine?” he scoffed, looking at his sister.
She shrugged, a smile playing on her lips. “Special occasion.”

Danny stumbled through the darkness of the alleyway, wishing he hadn’t taken this way. Every time his fingers moved in his pockets, they grazed the small bag that had been given to him. He’d flush it down the toilet when he’d get back to Nikki’s apartment, he decided.
Ten minutes later he found himself staring at the wooden apartment door, it’s handle locked. Danny kicked the door out of frustration. Backing to the other side of the hallway, he slid down the wall and sat on the floor, playing with the lining of his jacket. He reached into the pocket to look at his phone, and instead he caught the packet again. He pulled it out so he could look at it, twisting it around in his fingers.
He looked down the hallway to see if anyone was around, and then back down at the white powder in his hands. He closed his eyes and opened the packet. One more time can’t hurt.

Chapter Fifty-Four
"Tell you what," Kari smiled, plonking herself down on a seat. "Let's watch a movie and have an early night yeah? We could all do with one. I'll keep trying Danny's phone, just to make sure he hasn't gotten himself into a bit of trouble so I want you to stop worrying Nikki. He'll be fine. As soon as I get hold of him, I'll tell him to come straight here." Kari pulled out her phone and placed it on the chair's armrest.
"Ok then," sighed Nikki as Dougie motioned for her to join him on the sofa.
"What film are we watching?" wondered Dougie, moving over slightly.
"Not a scary one," gasped Nikki, grasping Dougie's hand tightly.
"No, I'll put in Finding Nemo. That should cheer us up," smiled Kari, wandering to the DVD cabinet.
"Thanks Kari," grinned Nikki, knowing that particular film was her favorite out of them all...

Chapter Fifty-Five [Written by me]
Danny had let his eyes close, and let the feeling over come him. The edge of his head was pushed against the wall, one of his hands clasped into his curly dark hair. Though he had been sitting outside in the hallway for more than an hour, he was still enjoying the leftover high that had washed over him from the cocaine.
Five minutes later he cracked one eye open, and again looked in both directions down the hallways. Nikki still hadn’t come back home yet, and he was itching to get inside the apartment. All he wanted to do was take a quick shower and then maybe shove off around fifteen hours of sleep if he could. God knows he needed that much energy to make it through the next couple days. He stood up gingerly, his hand still on his now woozy head.
He tried the lock on the handle first again, and tried nudging around it. When he couldn’t get it to budge, he looked around on the floor to find something to pick it open with. A couple feet away from the door, he saw a small piece of broken off plastic. Danny went to pick it up, and not even two minutes later he was inside the apartment.
The answering machine was still flashing from earlier in the evening, and now that he was able to use a phone, he picked up the receiver and started dialing Nikki’s number, hoping that she would only pick up.

Chapter Fifty-Six
Finding Nemo was halfway through when Nikki's phone went off. She lifted her head up from Dougie's chest and pulled it out of her pocket.
"Kari," she whispered. "It's Danny."
"Answer it," gasped Kari, pausing the film.
"Hello?" Nikki spoke to her phone. "Yeah. Dan it's ok. I'm at Dougie's. Ok. Oh my- Hang on. Kari. He's been on the drugs again. I can tell."
"Sh-t," cursed Kari, reaching for Nikki's phone. "Danny honey. It's Kari. I'm going to come and pick you up. Where are you? Right, I'll be there in a bit just stay put."
She ended the call and handed back the phone.
"He's at your flat Nikki. Write down your address so I can go and pick him up," sighed the girl.

Chapter Fifty-Seven [Written by me]
Kari pulled up in front of Nikki’s apartment building five minutes later, hurrying along to the right level before Danny could do anything stupid. She knocked on the door as loud as she could, hoping that he would still have some sense in him. There was a muffled “come in” and she twisted the door handle, finding it unlocked.
She entered the flat slowly, closing the door behind her and walking into the living area. “Danny?” she whispered.
“Who’s it?” she heard coming from the couch. She walked around to face the front and found Danny lying on his stomach on the couch, halfway out of it.
“Danny, it’s me,” she whispered again. “Come on, I’m going to take you back to Nikki.”
“I don’t think I can move.” he said, swinging one arm around to try to lift himself off the couch.
“Here, here, let me help you.”
She got closer to the man, grabbing hold of his arm, and helping him sit up straight. She moved his hair out of his eyes and took both of his arms again. Gently pulling him up onto his feet, he stood steady for a couple seconds, and then faltered.
“Oh!” Kari made to catch him before he fell, and he ended up leaning against her shoulder, his arms around her neck. “Oof, I do hope you’re not a violent druggie, Danny.” she said, hiding a slight giggle in her voice.
“A violent–” Danny’s voice stopped, then he started to laugh as well. “No. No, no, no. Never. I don’t think.”
The small blonde managed to get him right on his feet again, and they started to make their way to the door. “Come on, Danny. Let’s get you back to Nikki. I think she’ll know how to handle you.”

Chapter Fifty-Eight
"Oh my goodness," Nikki gasped as Kari struggled through the door.
"Dougie stay on that sofa," ordered Kari as Dougie got up to help. He smiled and lay back down. Nikki ran forward instead.
"Dan, what've you done," she sighed, taking Danny's other arm and slinging it over her shoulder.
"He can have the spare bed tonight," laughed Dougie from his position.
"Thanks Doug," frowned Nikki, looking up at her brother.
"Who are you?" groaned Danny, prodding Nikki's head.
"I'm your sister you stupid idiot," spat the girl, almost giving up trying to help.
Kari stopped her, "Calm down Nik. Don't get angry at him. He's completely out of it."
"Yeah but he must have known he was taking the flaming drugs. Does he not have any self-control over himself?" ranted the younger one.
"Ssh, I've got Danny now we're up the stairs. Go back to Dougie. Stop worrying and calm down. Go."

Chapter Fifty-Nine [Written by me]
Kari pulled him into the spare bed, letting him fall from her grasp as soon as the back of his knees hit the bed. He flopped onto the bed, almost giggling hysterically. “Where am I?” he asked.
“Don’t worry about that at the moment, you birdbrain. Just stay there and don’t... fall or do something drastic.” Kari sighed and she backed out of the room, eyeing him the entire time.
She rushed into Dougie’s room, and pulled out a clean shirt and some pyjama bottoms to put on Danny. She went back into the bedroom, and Danny was already three quarters on the way to sleep. The girl sighed again and tried not to let him wake up to far as she slid Danny’s shirt over his head and pulled on the new one. She undid the buckle on the pants and pulled them off as well. She sat back for a minute, deciding whether to actually put the pyjama bottoms on him as well. She made up her mind and threw the pants on the end of the bed and covered Danny with the comforter before making her way back down stairs.
When she got to the living room again, she sat down on the arm of the leather sofa next to Nikki. The other girl was shaking, Dougie’s hand rubbing up and down her arm. Kari pulled Nikki into her, giving her a tight hug. “It’s going to be okay, hunny.”

Chapter Sixty
"I guess you're not going home then sweetie?" sighed Kari, squeezing Nikki tighter. "I guess not," sniffed Nikki in barely a whisper.
"I'll sort you a bed. I would say sleep here with Dougie but I don't think two will fit on all night. Especially with his snoring," smiled the sister,
"Hey! And I'll have you know this is a sofa bed so it's up to you, Kari, to pull it out. That should be interesting..." laughed Dougie, taking hold of Nikki's hand again. She was smiling too. "There's that smile. I knew it was there somewhere."
Nikki lay down again by the side of Dougie, letting him wrap his arms around her waist.
"Thank you Dougie," she whispered.
"What's there to thank? He'll be ok Niks, don't worry yourself. Now we've got him, Kari won't let him out of her sight. You know that. Trust her. She's one of the best in her business. And because he likes her as more than a friend, he'll listen. Don't worry honey..."

Chapter Sixty-One [Written by me]
When Nikki was starting to fall asleep while leaning on Dougie’s shoulder, he shook her gently trying to get her to wake up so the couch could be pulled out. Both girls got him up and off to the side, while Nikki stood next to him, keeping him balanced upright. Kari took the cushions off the couch and started to pull on the handle that unfolded the bed. After a couple tries when it wouldn’t move, Dougie started to laugh, earning himself a smack on the head from his sister. Soon enough though, she got the bed pulled out. After putting Dougie back on the bed, the two girls went off in search of blankets and pillows for the night.
“Danny will be alright, Nikki.” the blonde said comfortingly, pulling out a stack of blankets from a closet and handed them over to the younger girl. “I’ll make sure that he is.”
“I know he will be. I trust Dougie, and I trust you to take care of him. I’m really upset that he could do this again, even though he promised me he wouldn’t. After all, it was his idea to get help.”
Kari pulled up a couple pillows and the girls headed back to the living room. “That’s his own responsibility, and it’s my job to try to change that. Everything will get worked out soon enough, sweetie.” She placed the pillows on the couch alongside the blankets. “I’ll just let y’all get settled, then. Try and get a good night’s sleep. I’ll be upstairs reading if you need anything.” She bent down and kissed Dougie on his cheek. “Night Dougs, Nikki.”
And with that she headed upstairs, leaving the couple alone in the room.

Chapter Sixty-Two
"Come here," sighed Dougie, pulling on Nikki's arm. She gratefully sank into his embrace and rested her head on his chest. "He'll be fine. Stop worrying or you won't be. Just calm down and get some sleep."
"Ok. You're right," smiled Nikki, snuggling under the covers. "I just want to thank you again Dougie for everything you've done. I really appreciate it."
"I know you are, honey. Now sleep."
"Ok, ok. I'm going," giggled the girl. "I love you Dougs."
"I love you too hun."

Chapter Sixty-Three [Written by me]
Kari sat upstairs on the bed in Dougie’s room, flipping through an old skateboarding magazine that he had lying around. Every hour or so, she’d check up on Danny across the hall, then steal downstairs to make sure the other two were fine as well. So far so good, and it was only three in the morning she noted. She sighed and flipped the magazine closed, tossing it down to the foot of the bed.
She closed her eyes for a split instant, then opened them quickly. Hearing a couple of strange noises downstairs, she stood up from the bed and went to the bedroom door. She paused there for a second, wondering whether to go down or not. She knew Dougie talked in his sleep, most often a bunch of nonsense, and it could’ve been just him..
Though the chance of it being him was high, Kari was out of the room in a second. She first checked on Danny and after making sure he hadn’t suffocated himself with any blankets, she made her way downstairs.
When she got to the foot of the steps, she was surprised to see that Nikki wasn’t where she had been on the couch when Kari had checked an hour ago. She’s probably just in the bathroom, she told herself to calm her down. She moved over to the couch to check on her brother, when something next to him caught her eye. It was a piece of paper, and Kari bent over to pick it up.
A note. Her gaze shifted back and forth as she read, her hand flying to her mouth to keep her from screaming.

Mon, 16 Jul 2007 17:01:50 GMT

Title: The Academy- Chapter Eight
Pairing: Het
Summary: Working in the police force is never an easy thing to undertake. Will the strain of this job cost relationships, or will it make them stronger?
Rating: PG-13
Author Notes: WHEEEE.
Disclaimer: Don't own anything except ~~you and your beautiful soul~~ the storyline and moi.

Prologue | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

More gunshots came firing from both sides of the lot after the explosion. The bullets were bouncing off barrels, vehicles, anything that got in the way of their path.

Tom started to chase after one of the gunmen that seemed to be causing the most damage. He was running towards the exit, shooting rounds off behind him as he went. The man ducked under the half semi truck, rolling under it and getting up on the other side. Tom ran around the nose of the truck, hoping to catch him before he could take off from the scene. He pointed the rifle in his hands straight at him, the other man caught off guard. Hastily, he pulls his own gun up, pointing it up at Tom.

“Drop it!” Tom yelled. “Drop the weapon now!”

The man ignored his commands, and continued to shout at his own me. “Come on!” he bellowed, his voice echoing faintly off the walls. “Come on!”

Tom’s finger was dangerously close to setting off the trigger, and he tried to stall it as long as possible. “Drop it!” he yelled again, calmer. The gunman shook his head, yelling something else out to his men. He felt his finger come down hard and close around the trigger, setting it off within a split second.

****

“Was there any ID?” Oliver asked, snapping away at pictures of the crime scene. He started to photograph the gunman Tom had shot down earlier, and when there was no response he lowered his camera. “Mallet?”

Mallet shook his head. “Checked and there wasn’t any. And the other guys we arrested aren’t talking to us, either. Just make sure to print the area good, and maybe we’ll get lucky with CODIS.”

Oliver nodded and turned his attention back to snapping pictures. Mallet sighed and stuffed a small notepad into his pocket. He started to head over to Tom, who was standing around by the nose of the semi truck, looking around at the now almost silent garage lot. Tom looked up at Mallet as he came closer to him, and saw the grim expression he wore on his face.

“Hey, he was going to kill you, Tom.” Mallet said, “You did what you had to do.”

“I know. It’s just not how I wanted to start my day.” Tom rolled his eyes. He looked up at Mallet again before turning and walking away from him. He met Danny outside, where the brunette was leaning against the side of the building, watching as reporters started to flood the scene.

“Quite a riot in there, wasn’t it?” the brunette asked.

Since he had been almost in the direct line of the explosion, Danny looked the most beat up, but definitely didn’t feel it. Cuts and scratches were covering his face, and a brilliant bruise was starting to form on his forearm from impact. Other injuries only included minor scrapes from scrap metal, and one officer had been shot in the leg. As soon as things had settled down, the officer had been taken directly to the county hospital.

“We got a top off about two months ago. They said it was going to be big, but I never thought this big.” Tom agreed.

“How’s Sanchez doing?”

Tom shrugged. “He’ll live. He’s on his way to the hospital as we speak.”

Danny turned to face Tom, who was looking anywhere but at his face. Danny pushed Tom’s shoulder inward to side, making Tom turn to face the brunette. “What about you?” he asked. “Are you okay?”

Tom shrugged again. “I’m not used to looking down the barrel of an AK-47, but I’ll be okay. I should be the least of your all’s worries.” Danny looked like he was about to say something, but Tom cut him off before he could receive sympathy. “Don’t say anything to Jenni, alright? ‘Cause I know she’ll tell Kari, and she’ll be all over me.” he chuckled and looked at Danny again. “The DA says Morgan was operating this little function.”

Danny gave a throaty laugh. “I wouldn’t doubt it. That man has connections to every branch in this city, so moving a load as big as we found here wouldn’t be a problem for him in the least. Did you make an arrest?”

“Didn’t have too. They all came after I shot their lead man. Beautiful thing about this job.” Tom looked out at the reporters and press that were coming towards them. “I want to show you and Oliver something I found. Come on.”

Danny followed Tom back into the lot, and after calling Oliver over, Tom climbed into the cab of the truck. He took a rubber glove out of his pocket and reached for the glove compartment door. “Ready for this?” he asked. He opened the compartment, revealing the face of a dead body.

Oliver involuntarily gasped as he took a shot of the body, moving into the cab to get a better picture. “Ladies and gentlemen, meet the infamous drug lord, Owen Morgen."

Wed, 11 Jul 2007 23:24:26 GMT

Title: The Academy- Chapter Seven
Pairing: Het
Summary: Working in the police force is never an easy thing to undertake. Will the strain of this job cost relationships, or will it make them stronger?
Rating: PG-13
Author Notes: WHEEEE.
Disclaimer: Don't own anything except ~~you and your beautiful soul~~ the storyline and moi.

Prologue | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6

I've decided to be nice and update, though I still didn't get any replies ~~besides Fanny haha~~. I'm just tired of seeing my consecutive replies on the boards, and no replies on here. I like writing for other peoples enjoyment, y'know. If things don't.. get better, then I'm going to stop posting on the boards then. Just so you know.

“Hey Dougs?” Tom called as he saw the short blonde practically sprint past his door down the hallway. He waited for what seemed like minutes before the blonde leaned against the wall, halfway into the office.

“Yes, sir?” he asked, almost panting.

Tom looked at him quizzically, one heavy eyebrow lifted almost to his hairline. “Where are you going in such a hurry?” he asked. He motioned him to come closer into the room, and Dougie hesitated for a millisecond. He slowly walked into the large room and sat in one of the chairs in front of Tom’s desk.

“Oh, uhm,” he started. “My girlfriend’s gone into labor.” he added with a cheeky grin.

“Really?” he said. “Kari’s going to love this,” he added happily. He filed away the memo in his head to tell her relatively soon, and got back on track to what he called Dougie into his office for. “Were you on your way to the hospital?” he asked tentivly, hoping that he wouldn’t have to disappoint the soon-to-be-father.

“Actually, I was.” Dougie bubbled happily. “I was just on my way to find you and ask if I could take off tonight. I had heard someone say you were in the cafeteria, that’s why I rushed past your office–” Tom’s demeanor cut him off and he cocked his head a fraction. “Why, what’s wrong? Why do I have a feeling that that expression isn’t very good?”

“Because it’s not. I’m sorry, Doug, but I can’t let you go. At least not right now. We just got a call, and it’s very important. I was trying to track down all of you before we headed out. The rest of the squad is already on their way, and they’re waiting on my command.” Tom sighed. He had looked down at his hands during all of this, not wanting to see the look of pain in Dougie’s bright blue eyes.

“Oh. Right. Duty calls first, then.” he said stiffly. “Can I just give her mother a call first and explain?”

Tom nodded and Dougie rose from his chair quickly. “Before you leave, Dougie,” The boy looked back at Tom. “Can you go find Danny and Harry and meet down at the back entrance. And don’t forget to suit up.” The words didn’t come out as questions, they were orders. Dougie nodded once again and was gone.

****
Police cars came zooming into the lot, expertly stopping. Half a dozen men got out of the vehicles, their guns armed and ready. Captain Fletcher was the last to get out, cocking his gun into place, making sure it was fully loaded. Let’s do this, he said to himself.

He motioned to the men with a swift signal of his fingers, and they ran into the large garage lot, pulling back the strips of plastic that hung down over the entrance. One man stood at the entrance, holding back the plastic, letting the others go ahead of him and start the search. Tom ran behind Danny around a large truck that looked like a semi, his gun ever ready in his hands.

They stood now in a clearing of about fifty feet and Tom stopped near the front of the semi, a couple other men standing on either side of him and Danny. A man held a gun that rivaled the machine power of their own guns stood twenty feet before him. “Police! Get down!” Tom yelled, his finger pressing against the trigger.

The man spun around from the wielding rack he was standing at, watching another man mess around with the tools on the bench. He pulled up his gun and aimed the barrel at the officers. “Get on the ground!” Tom yelled again.

“Cops! Everyone out!” the man before screamed. The men around him took position, some climbing onto the roof of a old tour bus to take aim. Behind Tom, more cops started to come into the warehouse, each shouting something to another.

“LMPD! On the ground! Get on the ground!” Tom repeated, his voice rising but still remaining calm.

The men started to scatter, firing shots every way they went. Some ran towards the back, but were intercepted by SWAT that were stationed there from the beginning. More gunshots followed, banging off of metal and ricocheting off. Tom moved forward and started to follow the man that had started it all, but he lost site of him after another man fell from the top of the bus. Tom cursed to himself and backtracked his way across the lot, hoping to find Danny or Mallet.

Danny was on the other side of the lot, firing off rounds as he went. A bullet whizzed passed his face and he subconsciously let his eyes follow it. He turned his head just to see it lodge itself into a part of a tank tubing. He heard the soft hissing of gas as it slowly made it’s way from the tank.

Shit!, he thought and started running towards the exit. More gunshots followed after him, missing him by inches and hitting the tightly packed cocaine stacked that were on top of a pallet. The white powder burst into the air, making it a bit harder to see. Others hit off the empty metal barrels that were stacked against the side of the warehouse. He ran past the truck that he and Tom had started at, noticing that there were at least several bullet holes into the interior.

Behind him, the hissing noise of the escaping gases grew louder and all he wanted to do was—

There was a loud crack, and then the next thing anyone know was that bright orange and red surrounded them as the gas tank exploded.

Tue, 10 Jul 2007 23:51:30 GMT

Title: Coming Back For More- SA
Pairing: Het
Summary: Fanny bit her lip again as she decided on what to do. She had to meet this guy. Again. She had to find out what made her want to go back to him.
Rating: G
Author Notes: WHEEEE.
Disclaimer: Don't own anything except ~~you and your beautiful soul~~ the storyline and moi. SA for Fanny.

Light filtered through the large bay windows in the equally large room, casting it’s glow along the wooden floors and across the many items it came across. The light ended on the face of a young girl, who muttered in her sleep and turned over on her side. Her eyes fluttered open and she instantly sat up in bed, looking around at her surroundings. She didn’t recognize the place at all and at the end of the bed on a large oak chest sat her purse and coat.

She pulled the covers off her body, letting herself slide off the bed until her feet reached the floor. Slowly she walked to her belongings, and noticed a small note sitting neatly on her jacket. She picked it up, reading it carefully.

Sorry I wasn’t here when you woke up. Had important business to take care of. See you later tonight. Same place, same time, like last night. xxD.

The girl tossed the note back on the chest, her hands coming up to her face. She couldn’t remember what happened last night, except that her and a couple friends went to a club and she met this really hot guy...

“Oh God, Fanny! What did you let yourself do?!” she whispered to herself, her hands now holding her dark hair back. At least I’m still fully clothed, she thought as she bit her lip. She looked around the room again, noting the expensive tastes.

Fanny pulled her coat on over her outfit and grabbed her purse, her hand lingering on the note. She wasn’t going to go back there, was she? For all she knew, that really hot guy could turn out to be a rapist. But if nothing happened last night, well.. Fanny bit her lip again as she decided on what to do. She had to meet this guy. Again. She had to find out what made her want to go back to him.

Later that afternoon, after she had showered and changed clothes, Fanny sat on the small futon in the apartment living room that her and a friend rented out together. I wonder if she ever noticed I didn’t come back last night, she thought. Fanny sighed, leaning down to put her head in her hands. She didn’t want to spend the entire evening wondering why this guy was always on her mind. Even though what had happened last night creeped her out to no end, this guy made her wanting to come back for more.

Eleven o’clock came around fast for Fanny. She spent practically an hour trying on every outfit in her closet, and close to another getting her hair just right. She left her flat at ten after, and arrived at the same club as the night before twenty minutes later.

She wandered through the crowds expertly, making her way towards the bar like she had been last night. She found an empty spot and sat, watching to see if her mysterious stranger would appear as his note had said. While she was waiting, Fanny ordered a drink, turned halfway in her seat. A large, warm hand was placed upon her shoulder and Fanny snapped her head up into the most gorgeous pair of bright blue eyes she’d ever seen.

“I see that you made it.” the man smiled at her, his hand sliding down her shoulder to her arm.

Fanny looked at his hand, then back up to his face. “I did. I wasn’t at first, but for some reason, you made me want to find out more.”

He smiled again before removing his hand, and holding it open to her. She took it cautiously, and they shook. “I’m Danny.”

By this time, Fanny’s drink had arrived and she was drink about to take a drink when she snorted with laughter. Danny looked at her questioningly, before she waved her hand around. “No, I’m sorry. It’s just that our names rhyme.” She controlled herself before giving Danny a bright smile. “I’m Fanny.”

Danny let out a laugh. “Indeed they do. So, how would you like to go someplace private?” he asked.

****

Two weeks and three days later, Fanny sat on her couch again. She hadn’t been back to the club since the night that they met again, and she wasn’t going to give it so easily. He may be gorgeous, she argued with herself, but he practically kid napped me that first night!

Her stomach churned at the thought, and she thought about giving in to her resisting. She glanced at the large clock that hung on the wall to the side of her, noting that she had at least a couple more hours til eleven. Hopefully she could make up her mind before then..

****

Fanny entered the crowded club and made her way to the bar again. She sat down on a stool and didn’t order anything when the bartender asked what she wanted. Out of the corner of her eye she saw someone coming towards her, and she turned away from them, hiding a small smile that was forming on her face.

One, two taps came on her shoulder, and Fanny turned around, her expression like she hadn’t seem him at all come up behind her. “Danny,” she said warmly.

“Hey you. Why didn’t you come for a while?” he asked.

Fanny shrugged lightly, a playful smirk on her lips. “I was resisting you. But I gave up.”

Danny rose an eyebrow. “You gave up resisting me?”

“Yes. I didn’t know what made me so drawn to you. So I tried to resist the feeling. And obviously it didn’t work out.” she said.

“And why didn’t it work out?” he said.

Fanny stood up from her seat, so she was close to eye level with Danny. “Because I’m drawn to you. You keep me coming back for more.” Fanny pressed her lips against his, throwing her arms around his neck; and let the whole world know.