Disclaimer: i own nothing and the characters of this story are merely borrowed for the purpose of this au fic.

no infringements or copyrights intended.

Characters are properties of their networks.

A/N: very first attempt at AU fiction, please don't be offended by the use and abuse of these characters.

Love it or Hate it please just drop me a line and tell me.

The floor loomed closer as I fell; I landed with a 'thud' as the force of the punch sent my head reeling. I got up slowly struggling to keep upright when I doubled over gasping for breath as a fist smashed into my stomach. My knees buckled as I desperately clung to my precarious balance, resisting the urge to just fall down. Breathing became easier when the pain subsided a little. I looked up to try and see my attacker. Our eyes met and locked and I saw a mischievous glint in his eyes. His lips twisted into a cruel smirk when he saw the pain in my eyes. He was waiting for a plea, waiting for me to beg him. I stood defiantly, stubbornly refusing to submit to this act of violent dominance. The mischievous glint turned to steel as he saw my resolve and before I could blink much less say a word I felt his fist collide with my face and I staggered from the waves of pain that spread that threatened to overtake my mind. My eyes watered and my nose started to bleed. I waited for a second attack but instead only heard the heavenly voice of Jessie cry out:

"Katie, Katie!"

I heard footsteps while I tried to clear my vision from its blurry state. I felt a gentle hand on my shoulder and tried to turn and face her but then the world started to spin around me. Her hand strayed from my shoulder to rest on my arm to help steady me. Luckily the dizziness washed over me pretty quickly and I was able to regain my footing before I fell and took her with me. I heard Tad's voice taunting us but before I could even try to speak, I heard Jessie's voice yelling at him angrily

"What the hell do you think your doing, Tad?"

"Awwww, all sweet and caring now are you Jessie? Too bad you weren't like that…"

Tad began to reply mockingly but was interrupted by a furious voice.

"Tad you are being egotistical and unreasonable not to mention dominant and resentful. How many times do I have to tell you nothing you do or say will ever get you anything from me? So just shut up and stop harassing me, you can't go around beating up anyone you like…"

After that I started to sway a little and I couldn't concentrate on what they were saying. Which was quite a shame cos nothing, nothing can match or stop an angry and enraged Jessie. She must have noticed my faulting ability to stand properly (despite my best efforts) since she cut off whatever Tad was saying with a savage and steel-edged "Whatever!"

She steadied me and we walked out of the school yard with me stumbling every 5th step or so. When we reached my place, Jessie cleaned up my injuries and I couldn't help but smile at her. She looked at me with an amused expression on her face then she asked "What are you smiling at, goofball? You just got beaten up!"

The cheesy grin remained on my face as I replied

"Hey! At least I got the world's most beautiful girl to help fix me up."

This earned a bright smile from her and it seemed as if all my problems disappeared for a moment, even the pain shrunk back from the intensity of the smile.

tbc...