A/N: Lots of Jack and Schuyler in this chapter!

Chapter Two - Hey, Don't Stop

The previous night had gone better than Schuyler expected. With a couple minor difficulties, Oliver and Schuyler had a pretty normal night of listening to music and watching TV. Just like old times, save the one time he tried to hold her hand and when his fingers found themselves trying to play with her hair. At both attempts, Schuyler pretended something interesting grabbed her attention, requiring her to move, fleeing from his reach.

It really could have been worse. The time before last, he had tried to cuddle with her when they almost fell asleep on his couch watching a late night talk show. Schuyler shook off the remnants of the awkwardness that came from that memory. She shouldn't dwell on it, especially since the previous night was actually kind of fun.

Trinity Force caught Schuyler's smile as the young girl walked into the kitchen. The elder Force brought a cup of tea to her lips, grinning. "Good morning, Schuyler. I'm happy to see you in such a bright mood this late morning."

Schuyler shrugged as she grabbed some orange juice from the fridge. "Good morning, I had a good night."

Schuyler was thankful that Mrs. Force was nice to her. The young Blue Blood didn't think she could handle it if three-fourths of the Force bunch was out to get her.

"I know its must be hard being moved around, especially with everything that's happened with your family." Trinity looked uncomfortable, but she continued speaking. "Anything you need, don't hesitate to ask. Charles... can be very trying, just give him time."

Schuyler could only put on a smile and shrug. Trinity didn't know the half of it, that her daughter was actually the main instigator of Schuyler's problems.

"You should go shopping Mimi today. My Mimi has all the connections." Trinity winked, thinking she was doing a good deed inviting Schuyler along with her daughter.

Schuyler almost choked on her juice. She could see that train wreck, vividly. "I think I'll pass, I have some reading to do."

"Well, if you change your mind. You know where to find her."

Schuyler nearly laughed at the thought as she left. Walking into the sitting room on the second floor, she plopped down in an over-sized recliner with a book on Spanish culture. Like the Van Alen Mansion, the Forces had so many rooms they didn't know what to do with them.

This was one room Schuyler was especially fond of, painted in a light blue and accented with white french molding. The seating, which included the recliner, an adjacent love seat, and various chairs, were all lush and inviting. Across the room was an open view into the city, the tall windows draped in white translucent curtains. There was a set of french doors that led out onto a balcony terrace overlooking the gardened grounds of the mansion. The room was simply serene.

The afternoon carried on peacefully. Schuyler felt incredibly relaxed and was proud of finishing her book. Just as she closed the book, she heard a noise and caught movement in her peripheral. She peered out the corner of her eye and found Jack, lounging on the love-seat next to her, a lacrosse magazine in hand. His swiftness reminded her to practice the velox herself.

He looked up and gave her a sly grin. "And how was the rest of your Friday night?"

"Fine." Schuyler answered softly. It was hard playing to catch up with his ever changing moods.

"You left with Oliver?" He asked conversationally, but it was an odd question coming from him.

"I did." She looked over at him, trying to decipher what he was up to. "And how was yours?"

"Fine." Jack smirked, copying her answer. He paused, then went back to reading his magazine. "I went to Block 122 with Mimi."

"Oh, fun." She hoped she didn't sound too sarcastic as she opened her book and pretended to read it. She would question herself later on why she didn't just get up and leave like she had been planning to. Her reading was done and she was about to go retire to her room, maybe catch a good movie on TV.

"You should come with us one night. You're a member now."

"Am I? Isn't there a fee?" She couldn't picture herself getting into Block 122. Why would she even want to?

"It's taken care of."

Schuyler wasn't backing down. "It's not really my kind of scene."

"Or is it that you don't like parties?" He teased cryptically.

She fought hard against the rising blush in her cheeks, surprised he would bring it up after everything. Her mind flashed back to the night of the Masquerade after-party. "Not particularly. Especially when I don't know anybody at them."

"You know me."

That got her to look up, finding he was staring at her. They kept staring at each other in a silent duel. Schuyler was first look away, frowning with disappointment. Only Jack could make her feel all flustered like that.

Two sets of hard footsteps came down the hall, announcing the arrival of their owners. Unfortunately they belonged to Mimi and Charles Force. Mimi's heels clicked after the hard stomps of his expensive Italian leather shoes. Mimi would have continued down the hall, if she didn't catch a whisper of Jack's thoughts.

The blonde Blue Blood appeared at door, entering the room. Mimi took the seat next to her twin after he had made room by moving his lounging legs.

Schuyler stared at the open book in hands. Jack did the same after giving Mimi a friendly squeeze on her shoulder. The three sat silently for a moment before Charles walked impatiently into the room, most likely looking for Mimi, only to find additional occupants as well. "Jack. Schuyler, how are you?" It sounded rehearsed, robotic.

"I'm dandy." There wasn't much venom in her words, but the defiance in her eyes shone through. It was the only rebellion she could afford.

Charles cleared his throat. "You have your grandfather's manners. And Cordelia's stubbornness."

She glared up at him, trying to find something to bite back at him, but was saved the trouble as he continued speaking.

"There's a dinner with the Llewellyns and Van Horns tomorrow night. You're expected to be there." He turned quickly on his heels and called for his daughter with a curt nod.

Mimi took her time, not budging from her spot on the love seat. She leaned back, crossing her legs, examining the sleeves of her cardigan for lint. "I don't why he'd expect you at dinner, you'll just embarrass us anyways."

Don't start, Mimi.

Jack's words rang in her head. She gave his profile a look of feigned innocence, as he had yet to look up from his magazine.

Mimi turned to the annoyance in question and saw an odd look on her face. Mimi could only assume Schuyler was jealous of the telepathic connection she had with Jack.

Dad wants to talk to us in his office.

She glanced a look at Jack, who finally looked up from his magazine. He nodded, acknowledging her message. Mimi felt a corner of her lips rise. This was just too easy.

"We've got ourselves one busy weekend." Mimi drawled, adding insult to injury by blatantly ignoring the only other person in the room. She continued to give him details about the weekend's festivities.

"Sounds like fun."

"It definitely will be. We should get there earlier than our usual time."

Getting up, Jack tossed his magazine over to the coffee table nearby. "Alright then. Did you want to come, Sky?"

Schuyler was caught off guard when he used her nickname and was even more surprised at his invitation. Looking up from her book, she found both of the blonds staring at her, Jack's expression was bored, Mimi was tense. Schuyler was about to answer but Mimi cut her off.

"I don't think she's invited."

Schuyler ignored the anger that had flared because of Mimi. It wasn't worth it. She cast Jack a matter-of-fact glare, raising both her brow. "Looks like I'm not invited. Just...forget it." Schuyler stood up and rushed out the room, heading for the guest room—her room.

Jack sighed and chased after her.

Schuyler spun around angrily, when Jack had caught up with her down the hall by her room, calling after her. "What Jack? Did you expect me to just sit there and let her put me down?"

"I'm sorry. It's just...Mimi. She's always been like that."

"That's not an excuse and you know it" Schuyler almost laughed at the ridiculousness of his reasoning. "She's vile."

Jack's eyebrows furrowed, "Don't say that."

Schuyler held the breath lodged in her chest. Even after everything that had happened, he was still defending Mimi. She let out a defeated breath, "Are you always going to defend her? Even when she's wrong?

Jack took a step closer, so she squared her shoulders, bracing herself. His tone became more serious. "She would never really hurt anyone. She just gets carried away sometimes."

Schuyler couldn't believe what she was hearing. "She tried to have me killed! I saw her call the Silver Blood myself." The vision was already replaying in her mind. Mimi just didn't have enough hatred in her to see it through. That's why Kingsley had to call the Silver Blood himself.

"You must be misinterpreting it, you're not familiar with reading past memories." Jack stood steadfast, truly believing in what he said.

That actually stung a little, having Jack remind her of her power inferiority on top of everything else. Schuyler wished she were strong enough to share memories, that way she could let Jack see for himself. At that thought, she focused her powers and tried.

For a brief moment, Schuyler had entered his mind, but it wasn't enough. They were standing together in the hidden alcove of the Repository, and then it went blank, cutting the memory short. She wasn't strong enough to hold it.

He was about to commend her for trying, but she suddenly felt light-headed. Loosing her balance, she began to fall forward.

"Jack…" Schuyler breathed before she fainted. Jack's shoes squeaked on the marble floor as he ran to catch her.

Schuyler felt a soft breeze on her face, teasing her skin. Someone called her name anxiously, the voice pulling her back into her body. Her eyes fluttered open and found Jack leaning over her. This was the second time she fainted in front of him and she forced down the blush in her cheeks.

"It didn't work." She whispered somberly. Even with all her training over the last couple weeks, she still wasn't strong enough, not when it she needed it the most.

"You tried. You get an A for effort." Jack offered, brushing a stray hair from her face.

The gesture made her heart clench. She made a frustrated sigh and tried to sit up.

"Wait, slow down." He gently held one of her shoulders. When she wavered, he frowned. "Have you been feeding? Regularly?"

"I've been a little busy." She answered sheepishly.

But then he looked determined, as he spoke, sounding like her grandfather. "You need to. Especially if you're going to keep using your powers. I'm worried enough about you as it is."

"Alright, Lawrence." She smirked. She couldn't help be get excited when he said he worried about her. "I thought the Committee forbid practicing our powers."

He contemplated for a second, then waved a hand as if it wasn't a big issue. "Ignorance is bliss."

"Not really." Schuyler frowned. She thought about ignorance and the Committee. The Silver bloods were back and they weren't doing anything about it. Ignorance was definitely not blissful. She realized she felt better, so she leaned up, straightening herself out, swinging her legs over the bed, as she moved to sit next to him. They sat there, both looking ahead and not at each other.

He whispered, breaking the silence. "Come out with us tonight."

Schuyler hesitated and turned to look at his profile. She knew Mimi would be absolutely against it, so she didn't understand why he was inviting her again. "I don't know..."

Jack turned to meet her gaze. His eyes were pleading, the vibrant emerald green was like a beacon, beckoning her home. "Please?"

Schuyler found herself speaking, before she knew she even had an answer. "Okay."

Mimi's heels started clicking down the hall. As soon as Schuyler looked that way, Jack was already at the foot of the door. Damn his speed. He gave her one last glance, a flicker of longing in his eyes. Then just a quickly, his expression relaxed. "For tonight, be ready by 10."

It took a moment before Schuyler figured out what he was talking about and was about to protest. "Wait, I can't..."

"You agreed to go." Jack feigned disappointment, then smirking with a challenge. "Don't back out now, my brave little Blue Blood."

Schuyler was about to point out that using his charm to bewitch her was cheating. But he had already disappeared down the hall, making his way to his father's den. Instead, she sighed and laid back down. This was becoming more complicated than she could imagine.

Jack met up with Mimi in the hallway. She smiled and linked arms with him, ignoring the fact he had stepped out of Schuyler's room. When they got to the den, Jack opened the door gestured for Mimi to go first.

Thanks. She sent him.

Charles looked up, cigar in hand. He was standing over his desk going over at some mail correspondence. "Sit down." The twins obeyed and waited for him to continue.

"Tomorrow's dinner is very important. Ever since Lawrence took over, I've been working overtime to maintain our family's good standing with the Committee." He paused to give Mimi a pointed glare. "Especially after your little fiasco with Schuyler."

Mimi opened her mouth in protest, but Charles continued. "The Van Horns invited us to dine with the Llewellyns. This is a sign of good faith."

Charles explained they needed to make sure Schuyler felt comfortable. If she weren't, she would look it. And they couldn't have the rest of the community think the Forces was the family that put Schuyler in the cupboard under the stairs. The Committee heads need to see that they had accepted Schuyler into the family. Call it brownie points.

Mimi still made a sound of disapproval.

"This means, you need to behave." Charles spoke directly at Mimi, knowing Jack would not be a problem. "That's all. You're dismissed."

"What!" Mimi's voice rang out from her room, her shriek may have broken the sound barrier. She glared at Jack through the mirror as she was choosing between outfits for the night. She couldn't believe it, he clearly has lost his mind.

"I invited her and you're going play nice." Jack spoke in a steady tone, trying to keep her calm.

Mimi eyed him suspiciously, "I don't want her there. I'm uninviting her."

Jack shrugged and got up to leave, "She's a friend. It'll be fine."

"Don't you walk away from this. She isn't tagging along, I won't allow it."

Jack frowned, "She's a club member now. She can come and go as she pleases. Need I remind you we're suppose to be showing the community we've accepted Schuyler into our family. Now, can we just try to enjoy each others company and act our age? I can't handle you being dramatic tonight."

"I'm always dramatic." She stomped her foot, knowing she had lost the fight.

Jack waited, looking at her expectantly. She said nothing still. So he walked up to her, placing his steady hands on her shoulders.

Mimi sighed and rolled her eyes. "You know what, fine. But you better tell her she needs to stay out of way."

"That's settled then." Jack smiled, planting a kiss on the side of her cheek. He walked out of her room with a bounce in his step.

She kept glaring at him through the mirror as he walked out. She needed to vent and a second opinion on her outfit. Picking up her cellphone, she dialed the only person deemed worthy of both.

Bliss Llewellyn tried her best to slow Mimi down over the phone. She rolled onto her stomach, after having dropped on her bed with her head draped over the edge. Her friend was talking way too fast. "Okay wait, so Schuyler is coming? That's cool."

"No Bliss." Mimi sounded like she was talking to a child. "This is not cool. Have you been listening to a word I said?"

In the background over the phone, Bliss could hear Mimi was wreaking havoc on her closet. Bliss wanted to laugh, but thought against it. Mimi was so over dramatic sometimes.

She sat up and turned toward the person currently sitting on the bed with her. The boy grinned back at her eye-roll, not fully knowing the entire story. The Texan shrugged at the boy sitting across from her, blowing a loose strand of red hair away.

Mimi took a deep breath from her side of the line. "Come over. I need your help with tonight's outfit."

Bliss sighed, "Alright, I'll be over in little bit."

Hanging up her phone, Bliss tossed it lightly on the bed next to her and turned to her boy, Dylan Ward. She felt bad about leaving him, explaining that Mimi was being extra emotional tonight and that it would be best to just go over and calm her down.

"That's okay. I'll meet you there." He caressed her cheek, leaning over to place a chaste kiss on her lips.

She placed a hand over his, holding it there, "Are you sure it's safe?"

"As happy as I am to be hiding out in your room, I need to get out. Get some fresh air. Besides, I want to dance with you." He smirked.

"Schuyler should be happy to see you." Bliss added. Schuyler and Oliver still didn't know he was hiding out at her place. No one knew, not even the rest of her family. This would be Dylan's first trip into the public. Hopefully, he was well rested and healed.

Next up: Fun night out ahead! The whole gangs going, this should be interesting!