Chapter Two
Jack was home from the hospital two days later; he was thrilled to finally be home. His leg ached worse than his ribs, even with his prescription, but he ignored it the best he could. Ma doted on him a little bit, Bobby mainly helped him stand up, and Lock was still glued to him constantly. The third day of being home, he noticed himself feeling really tense, and couldn't figure out why.
Man, what the hell? he wondered, watching a movie.
"Hey, I'm gonna get a shower," Lock smiled, kissing his cheek.
"All right," he grinned, seeing the glint of silver on her wrist.
She never took the bracelet off, unless she was in the shower, and it made him feel good. He watched her go up the steps, head cocking to the side, and it dawned on him.
That would definitely make me tense, he snorted.
He realized that since the accident, Lock never really made out with him anymore. Sure, she snuggled and cuddled--almost constantly--but the most he got for a kiss was either one on the cheek or a brushing of the lips. Things had come to a dead halt when just a few days ago, he had been making great headway in the affection category, and the tension started making sense. He got off the couch carefully, went upstairs, and waited for Lock in his room--he had to fix this.
She walked in, dressed in his pajamas, and was busy drying her hair. He had to bite back a growl when he saw her, she didn't notice him yet, so he cleared his throat.
"Holy fuck!" she jumped, spinning. "Jack, you scared the hell out of me!"
"Sorry," he murmured, staring at her. "Babs, we gotta talk."
"About?" she looked at him, brushing her hair.
"Why haven't you kissed me since the accident?" he asked, just getting it over with.
"What?!" she giggled. "I kiss you, Jackie! All the time."
"Yeah, innocent kisses, Lock," he murmured. "We haven't kiss-kissed since that night in the hospital. . .What's up?"
"I-," she blushed. "Really?" her head cocked cutely.
"Yeah," he breathed, heart racing as he watched her. "And I don't know about you, but I could definitely use some make out time. . ."
Lock bit her lip nervously, shuffling her feet, and stared at the carpet. He shifted on the bed, watching her, and his body was screaming for just her kiss.
"Jack," she whispered, looking at him with tearful eyes. "I just-."
"Kissing me will not break me, gorgeous," he said gently.
She stood in front of him, shyly caressing his face, and looked into his eyes. He didn't really understand why she was so nervous about kissing him, it kind of bothered him to see her like this, and he decided that her discomfort wasn't worth it.
"Love, you don't have to do this if you don-," he was cut short.
Lips locked with his, he hummed, and laced his hands in her wet hair. Lock moved closer, straddling his lap, keeping herself off his legs, and very politely wet his lips. Groaning happily, he granted her entry immediately, and let her be the one with all the power. Her hand laced into his hair on the back of his head, she pulled it back, and tortured his sensitive stud aggressively. He let his hands slip down her body, under her shirt, and gently caressed her sides.
Thank God she needed this like I fucking do, he growled.
She's even aggressive, desire moaned. Just how you like it sometimes. . .
Just to prove his desire right, Lock pulled out of his mouth, and sank her teeth into his lip roughly, making his eyes flutter. She let their noses touch, smirking softly at him, and he grinned at her, stroking her sides. Hands roamed in his thick hair, sending bolts of shivers down his spine, her fingers just grazed the nape of his neck, and he let out a breath.
"Well," he chuckled, "seems I'm not the only one going through withdrawals. . ."
"Seems so," she giggled, rubbing their noses together. "I didn't know I wasn't being so. . ." she trailed, blushing.
"Mmm," he smiled. "You're making up for it, don't worry."
Silver eyes sparkled playfully, a tiny smirk on her lips, and then she nipped his lip, trailing to his jaw. Jack closed his eyes, basking in the affection, and urged her on with touches to her sides and back. Lock nibbled his ear, then sucked on it, and he was fast to return the favor. He hissed when she shifted a little, causing his leg to move, and she quickly scrambled off, eyes wide.
"Fuck! Jack, I'm sorry!" she said, hands running through her hair nervously.
"Hey, hey," he held up his hands. "No harm done, babs. I'm just a little sore today. Really."
"Liar," she mumbled, staring at the floor.
"Please," he whispered. "I'm all right, Lock. . .It's not like you put pressure on it or hit it. It just shifted and got bitchy."
She stayed quiet, he groaned softly, and fell back on the bed, covering his face with one hand. Truth was, the shift had hurt, but not in the bad way--it had been more of a pleasant ache or burn.
"Beautiful, I swear if you make me be the one to start making out again. . .I'll go vampire on you," he snickered. "No joke."
"But your leg," she whimpered, terrified she'd hurt him.
"I will sit on you if I have to," he threatened, propping up on his elbows. "I need more Lock Time."
She looked at him nervously, he made a puppy face, whimpering, and she rolled her eyes, staying put. He whimpered louder, batting his eyes, and saw her fight a smile.
"C'mon. You know you wanna," he taunted, grinning.
"I do. . .But I don't wanna hurt you," she murmured.
"Then sit next to me, instead of over my lap," he said, sitting up and pulling his left leg up on the bed. "Or better yet," he turned his body, "sit in front of me."
Timidly, she sat in front of him, he growled playfully, wrapping his left leg around her, and pulled her closer, until she was settled between his thighs. Her hand sat on his left thigh, the other rested on his hip, and he played with her shirt absently, letting her make the next move.
"Is this comfortable, Jackie?" she asked.
"Very."
"Are you lying?" she narrowed her eyes at him.
"No," he laughed, slipping a hand under her shirt.
"You better not be," she warned, leaning closer.
"I'm not," he whispered seriously, staring at her.
"Good," she breathed, closing the distance between them.
He melted. This time, the kiss was slow, deliberate, and full of her love for him. She gently twisted his stud, tracing all around it, and he shuddered violently. No one did that to him like she could, create the wildest sensations, and he loved every second of it. Suddenly, she pulled back, hinting he follow, and he gladly took over. He teased her, keeping everything light, and she showed her frustration by squeezing his thigh a little. He smirked, giving her the kiss she wanted, and both of them panted happily afterward.
"Just what the doctor ordered," he laughed, nuzzling into her.
She giggled quietly, tracing loops and swirls on his leg, and watched her hand. The tension that had been coiling in Jack's body was alleviated, he felt at ease and satisfied, and purred loudly to let her know. They spent the rest of the afternoon snuggled on the couch, having a movie marathon, and got a pleasant surprise that evening.
"Fairy!" Bobby called, rushing into the house.
"What?" he asked, wondering what had Bobby so excited.
Oh yeah, he smiled, remembering. The insurance money came through today. . .
"Think you can come to the garage?"
"Sure," he called. "Hold on."
Lock paused the movie, watched him closely as he got to his feet, smiling at how easy he did it, and walked with him to the garage.
"TA-fucking-DA!" Bobby cheered, pointing to a car. "Jack, say hello to your car!"
It wasn't just any car his brother had brought home, it was Jack's dream car. A pitch black, 1967 Ford Mustang was parked in their garage. The body was in decent condition, as was the interior, and Jack knew they hadn't received that much insurance money.
"Bobby, who'd you steal it from?" he asked.
"What the fuck, Cracker Jack?!" his brother sounded hurt.
"There's no way the insurance covered this car, Bobby," he growled. "Especially one in this shape."
"Hey!" Bobby yelled. "I bought this motherfucker for you! The guy who sold it to me was willing to go cheap. She don't run, at all, the tires are all horrible, and the guy just didn't have the heart to put it in the junk yard or to store it somewhere. . .he wants it to get used."
"If she doesn't run, how did you get it here?" Lock asked, eyes focused on the car. "Push it?"
"No," someone laughed. "I towed it here."
"Blaine?!" Jack was a little stunned.
"The one and only," he laughed, walking up from where he parked the Blazer. "Bobby called me when he found the car and asked if I had a vehicle that could tow something like this. . ."
"Umm," Lock raised her hand sheepishly. "Look, she's a fucking gorgeous car, but. . .Bobby, we start school in a few days. . .If she don't run, how are we 'sposed to get there and back?"
"I have a car you can use. . .Hell, I'll give it to you," Blaine smiled, tapping her nose. "My parents keep buying me cars, like it'll make me happy or some shit. . .I've got one to spare, trust me."
"But that's just too much, Blaine," she murmured, wiping her face.
"Aw, come here," he chuckled, hugging her. "That's what friends are for, Lock. . .To help through the rough patches."
"But you're just giving us a car?" she mumbled into his shoulder.
"Yes. . .Consider it a present if you have to," he snickered, releasing her. "I'll run Bobby by my house to pick one out. . .I figure he'd be the one to keep it after the Mustang's up and running?"
"Sure," Jack said, limping over to his car. "What's wrong with her, Bobby?"
"Well, tires for one. . .a few more miles and I think we'd be riding on rims. . ." his brother smiled, popping the hood. "Engine's all fucked up, missing pieces, broken shit. . .needs tinkering. . .I thought that I could get a job down at Joey's place. . .he's an old hockey buddy. . .runs a garage and junk yard. . .Figured I'd get parts from him and make my own money so I can quit moochin' off Ma."
"He'd just let you take parts?" Jack asked, seeing just how much he needed to do. Thank God he knew some about cars and was taking an automotive class.
"Sure, if I work for them," his brother laughed.
"Baby, think you'd be willing to help me fix her up?" he smirked at his girlfriend.
"Really?" her eyes lit up and she bounded over to him, peering under the hood.
"Of course," he laughed, slipping an arm around her waist. "I wouldn't have anyone else helping me. . .'Cept maybe Bobby."
"I better be in there somewhere, fairy," Bobby joked, flicking him in the head. "I got you the car."
"Well, Bobby, if we're gonna get you a car, we should get going," Blaine grinned.
"Oh, yeah," his brother chirped, briefly hugging him and Lock. "See you two shortly. Jackie, get your meds. . .I see you limpin' more than usual."
"All right," he snickered, hugging Blaine. "Man, thank you so much for a car. . ."
"It's no problem, Jackness," he smiled, patting his back. "Really. I'm always here for you guys."
"Thanks, Blaine," Lock gave him a bear hug.
"Quite welcome, sweetie," he kissed her cheek. "Keep an eye on Jackie."
"Always," she giggled, slipping a hand in Jack's back pocket.
"Behave," Bobby teased, heading off with Blaine.
"He says 'behave'," Jack snorted, quickly sucking on Lock's throat.
"Jackie!" she squeaked, giggling.
"Mmm," he growled, pulling her closer.
"C'mon, you dork!" she laughed, pushing gently on his shoulders. "We're in the middle of a movie marathon and you still need to take your meds."
He reluctantly let her go, she shut the hood, and they went inside. Jack took his pain killers without argument; he was hurting somewhat and didn't feel like arguing about it with Lock right now. Lock sat behind him on the couch, he snuggled back into her, feeling her hands stroke the muscles of his stomach, and he sighed happily.
Xxxxxxxxxxxx
Lock watched Jack sleep beside her in his bed. He was adorably peaceful: hair all messy, chest rising and falling steadily, and his hand had found her side, stroking absently. She carefully reached over and touched his dragon tattoo, lightly tracing it.
His ribs are healing up quickly. . .she thought. But his leg. . .she pushed the evil thought away.
Jack made a small noise in his sleep, shifting into her hand, and she giggled quietly, obliging his sleep request to touch more. She watched the pleased smile appear on his face, he hummed, and she rubbed his tummy gently, laying her head on his shoulder. Lock had felt pretty horrible when Jack called her out on the lack of affection she'd been showing, and she still felt pretty bad. Then she'd hurt his fucking leg, but God forbid Jack give up on getting what he wanted.
"What're you doing up?" Jack mumbled groggily, nudging her with his nose.
"Just. . .thinkin' and watchin' you sleep," she whispered shyly.
"Thinkin' about what?" he asked, shifting around, eventually sitting up, and getting comfortable.
"Just stuff," she blushed. "Nothing important."
"Must be important if it's keeping you awake, babs," he murmured. "Spill."
"I was just tryin' to figure out why I wasn't so. . .affectionate with you after the accident," she mumbled softly.
"You were scared you'd hurt me," he said, making it sound simple.
"No, not until after your leg got bitchy. . ."
"Hey," he whispered, making her look at him. "You're not still afraid you'll lose me, are you?"
"I. . .I dunno," she shrugged helplessly. "Maybe. . .I know you're not going to die from the accident, but-."
"That fear is still there. . .That you'll lose me," he finished softly.
She nodded, tears falling from her eyes, and buried herself in his neck. Jack's strong arms looped her, his head resting on hers, and she let it all out, sobbing against him.
"Baby girl?" Bobby was at the door. "What's wrong?"
"She's just worried," Jack said, playing with her lower back.
"Oh, sweetheart," it was Evelyn. She'd woken up the whole damn house with her crying. "It's all right. . .Get it out. You'll feel much better."
She did let it all out. Normally, she'd make herself stop crying after a certain point--especially in front of people--but not this time, there was too much built up in her system. Lock cried into Jack's warm, strong body, clinging to him, and heard as Bobby and Evelyn disappeared, then reappeared. After what seemed like eons, she was slowing down, and saw that Evelyn had a wet washcloth, cookies, and chocolate milk. Jack stroked her back, kissing her hair, and she took one shuddery breath after another.
"Here, Stray," Bobby said gently, taking the washcloth and cleaning her face.
"Would you like to tell us what's got you so worried, sweetie?" Evelyn asked, holding her hand. "Sharing the burden always lightens the load."
"I'm scared to lose you guys," the truth came rushing out in a whisper. "Especially Jackie. . .I mean, I know that he's fine right now. . .But that day when Bobby told me he was in the accident, my safe little world that you all helped build was threatened by a wrecking ball. . ."
"Oh, honey," Evelyn was crying now. "There's no reason for that world to be destroyed, car accidents or not. . ."
"It felt like my worst nightmare was materializing right in front of me. . .I get a family, find acceptance and love. . .and it almost gets shattered. . ." she sniffed. "I didn't notice it, but I was slowly distancing myself from Jackie. .. Trying to detach and I think the accident was to blame. . ."
"That backfired horribly from the looks of it," Bobby snickered, tapping her nose.
"Robert," Evelyn said sternly.
"No, he's right," she giggled, looking at her. "Jack's stubborn and refused to let it happen."
"Can't get rid of me that easy," Jack chuckled, nuzzling her. "Love you too much."
"Aww, how disgusting," his brother teased. "Stray, you wanna cookie? I hear they have the same effect that cupcakes do. . .Can't cry or be upset while eating one."
"Yeah, I need one," she smiled, taking a chocolate chip cookie and munching happily.
"Do you feel better, Lock?" Evelyn asked, eating a cookie as well.
"Yes. . .Sort of," she sighed. "I need to remember what Dorian told me. . .Can't control everything."
"Nope, you can't," Jack laughed, stealing a bite of her cookie. "But you can live in the moment and cherish it."
"He's right, baby girl," Bobby smiled, sipping the chocolate milk until she snaked it from him.
"Sorry I woke you all up," she blushed, sharing the milk with Jack.
"Don't worry about it," Evelyn laughed softly, patting her cheek.
"Thanks for everything," she yawned, exhaustion catching up with her.
"No problem," Bobby kissed her nose. "Get some rest, sweetheart. I love you."
"Love you too," she kissed his cheek.
"Goodnight you two," Evelyn smiled, taking the empty glass and cookie plate.
"Night," they said together.
"Love you," she whispered.
"Love you too, Ma," Jack yawned.
"You too," Lock said softly, seeing the woman break into a huge grin as she shut the door most of the way.
"Babs, I may have another remedy to make you feel even better," Jack murmured, smiling at her.
"Oh, really?" she snickered.
"Mm hm. .. Want it?" he grinned.
"Can't have enough remedies," she smirked.
Jack was quickly pressing his lips to hers, going slow, and gently wet her lips. She let him deepen it, met him halfway, made him shudder by tracing his stud, and then handed him the wheel. After tracing every inch of her mouth, he hummed, and nibbled on her lip.
"There. . .I deem you healed," he smirked proudly after he was done.
"I like your remedies," she snickered. "I love you so much. . ."
"Love you much more," he taunted, getting settled in bed.
"Mmm," she growled, not delving into that 'argument', and finding her place against him. "Night, Jackie boy."
"Night, gorgeous," he hummed, finger-dancing her spine.
She fell asleep quickly, not dreaming of anything, and got the sort of rest she needed. When she woke up, she was alone, and heard the shower running.
Damn him, she growled, getting up. He's supposed to work his leg. . .I know he didn't.
She went downstairs, finding Bobby on the phone, and quietly got something to eat. The oldest Mercer sat down with a huff, she cocked her head, and he looked at her.
"Damn, kiddo. . .You slept late today," he smirked.
"Huh?"
"It's one thirty in the afternoon," he laughed.
"Wow. . ." she breathed. "Who was that on the phone?"
"Oh, I was talkin' to Joey about working for him," his blue eyes darkened a little. "He's not hiring right now, but he says I can still get parts from the yard for the Mustang. . ."
"You really wanna job, don't you?" she asked.
"Yeah, I can't just play housewife the rest of my life."
She burst into laughter at him referring to himself as a housewife, laying her head on the table, and got a pencil tossed at her.
"I'm sick of mooching off Ma," he grumbled. "I'm perfectly capable of getting a paying job. . .I should have one, if I'm living here. . ."
"Even with your record?" she asked, getting serious.
"If I go to the right people, that isn't an issue," he sighed.
"Uhh. . .What about the Noose?" she suggested shyly.
"They hiring?"
"Mac could always use another bartender and he doesn't give a shit about records," she blushed. "And the money's good. Plus, no stupid ass uniforms."
"You sure Mac would take me?" he gave her a look.
"The man hired me," she laughed. "After I broke in and slept on the balcony. He'll hire you."
"Guess it don't hurt to check," he smirked, getting up to make the call.
Jack came downstairs, whistling, and she shot him a soft glare.
"Don't even," he chuckled. "I stretched my leg before you were even awake."
"Why don't I believe you?"
"Because you're you," he smiled, giving her a kiss. "Honestly, I worked my leg."
"Mmm," she nodded, deciding to trust him. "Did you see what car Bobby brought home yet?" She'd been in bed when he came home last night and then this morning.
"A Bronco 2. . .he wanted something that would handle snow well. . ."
"Cool. . .Jackie, can you drive with that leg?"
"Probably shouldn't until the stitches are out and it's mostly healed," he said. "Why?"
"Just wanted to know if I'd be the one driving," she smiled.
"You have a license?"
"Yes."
"How come you never told me?" he gaped at her.
"Never asked," she stuck her tongue out. "And you or Bobby always took it upon yourselves to drive."
He made a face, getting a can of pop, and Bobby came back from his call, all smiles.
"You were right, baby girl! Mac's shorthanded and I'm actually going in tonight!" Bobby grinned.
"You gotta job?" Jack stared at him.
"Yup! One I won't mind either," he laughed. "Will you two be all right if I'm gone from about six to midnight?"
"Sure," she smiled.
"Great!" he beamed, heading outside for a smoke.
Hazel eyes glowed when they caught hers, he ran his tongue along his teeth, quirked an eyebrow, and she felt her heart start fluttering. What was going on in that man's head this time?
"Alone for six hours," he growled gently, staring at her.
"That's right," she snickered, walking past him to wash her plate.
She squeaked when he pressed close to her, his hands stroking down her sides, and closed her eyes, trying to call her focus back. The nape of her neck was nibbled on, Jack slipped a finger under the band of her pajama pants to brush past that spot on her pelvis, and she bit her lip to keep any sound from escaping. Jack moved so he was flush against her, she whimpered in the back of her throat, and he growled softly.
"Like I said," he breathed in her ear, making her shiver. "We're gonna be alone for six hours."
"S-so?" she stammered, failing miserably at sounding unaffected by him.
What's gotten into him today? she wondered.
He's a teenage boy with hormones, desire laughed. Do you really need any more than that?
He's gotten rather bold, Lock, instinct growled darkly. Last time I remember him asking to touch your pelvis. . . .
"So," Jack drawled, flicking his tongue against her ear. "I thought that maybe we could. . ." he trailed, leaving the rest to her imagination.
Lock went to say something cocky, but another brush of his finger made it come out as a breathless whimper, and her knees went weak. He was playing dirty, teasing her, and she made a note to get him back for it. He kissed her cheek innocently, left her damn pelvis alone, and backed off just as Bobby walked back in the house. She shot him a scolding glare, he pretended not to notice, and she washed off her plate.
The rest of the afternoon was spent with Jack shooting certain looks at Lock, most of which she ignored, and she was trying to make a plan. She couldn't figure out exactly what Jack had hinted at earlier or where it was all coming from, and it sort of made her nervous.
If he thinks he's getting sex, he's way off, instinct said sternly, and Lock agreed readily.
I'm sure that's not what he's thinking, she murmured. He knows better. . .
I'd be willing to bed it's some extreme 'Lock Time', desire said. Nothing more than that stuff.
Jack shot her a look, biting at his lip, and raised both eyebrows. If he was so damn eager about whatever it was in his head, she could definitely use that against him, and she planned on it. Five thirty rolled around, Jack was antsy as hell, and Bobby gave her a hug.
"I'll be back later tonight. . .Watch Jack," he reminded. "Love you."
"Love you too," she smiled. "Have fun at work."
"I will," he laughed. "Later, Cracker Jack."
"Bye, Bobby," his brother said, eyes fixed on Lock. "See ya tonight."
She had to hide the evil smile, really forcing herself to do so, and watched Jack as the front door closed. Just as she expected, he waited until the sound of Bobby's engine was fading down the street, and then he was on his feet, by the stairs, motioning her over.
"C'mon, gorgeous," he grinned.
"Nope," she said simply. "I'm gonna go take a bubble bath and relax."
"What?!" his jaw dropped and his face fell.
"You heard me," she smirked, walking past him up the steps.
A loud, frustrated groan erupted from him, she fought down laughter, and quickly darted to the bathroom, locking the door. She was starting a new war, maybe. It really depended on how this turned out and she giggled, running her bubble bath. She soaked for an hour, took her sweet time drying off, and getting ready for bed. Lock expected to get mauled as soon as she stepped out of the bathroom, but there was nothing. No anxious Jack greeting her, no noise of any sort. . .nothing. Panic tried to grab her, she fought it down, and walked to his room.
Uh-oh, she thought, seeing him laying in bed. Oops. .. Maybe this wasn't such a great idea. . .
"Enjoy the bath?" he asked dryly, eyes staying closed.
She didn't know what to do, this hadn't been part of her plan at all, and it threw her all off. Thinking that if she dared to speak, it'd start a fight, she just left his room, going and sitting on the steps.
Idiot, she scolded herself. Way to fucking go, you fool!
She felt a nudge to her left thigh, glanced up, saw Jack, and let her head drop. He sat next to her, being careful with his right leg, and she could feel him staring.
"So, what the hell is up with you?" he asked gently.
"I. . ." she started, then sighed and told him. "I didn't know what you were planning, so I thought that I could torture you a little bit by making you wait longer, 'cuz you were so fucking eager about it. . .But it backfired, I only made you mad."
"Am not," he snickered, touching her knee. "Confused is what I was. . .Would it make you feel better to know what I planned?"
She nodded, feeling stupid, and let him tip her face in his direction. He smiled warmly, caressing her cheek, and she felt a little better.
"Well, I just thought that I could get my full Lock Time," he murmured. "Can't really do that with Big Brother Bobby home, especially after the accident. . .He's developed the tendency to randomly drop in and check on me. . .thought if we were gonna be alone for a while. . ." he trailed, face just centimeters from hers.
"You'd get some time with just me. . .Not me and Bobby when he decides to check on you," she giggled.
"Right," he smiled, kissing her innocently. "So, does my plan sound acceptable?"
"Yeah," she laughed, blushing. "Sorry. . ."
"Don't be," he chuckled, letting her help him stand. "We sort of confused each other. . .I'm not mad, you're not mad. . .we're just gonna have some quality time together."
"Uh-huh," she rolled her eyes playfully.
They got their quality time together all right. By the end of it all, Jack was deeply pleased, and both had marks as proof of their time together. Lock's pelvis, on both sides, had several hickies and a few love bites, and he'd damn near driven her crazy with it. Jack had marks scattered randomly from under his jaw to just above his navel, even a few on the back of his shoulders, and she'd forced him in the shower eventually. Now, they were snuggled closely in bed, and she let her eyes slip closed.
"Babs?" he breathed, stroking her hair.
"Hmmm?" she didn't move from her place on his chest.
"I love you," he whispered.
"I know," she giggled, kissing his chest. "I love you too, handsome. . .Whole bunches."
"Are you happy we got some alone time?" he snickered.
"Not as much as you ended up being," she teased, sticking her finger in his bellybutton.
"Ah, quit!" he giggled, grabbing her hand. "Brat."
She bit his chest lightly, he groaned softly, and she laughed at him. Sometimes it was just too easy to torture Jackie. She traced his muscles until she fell asleep, never even stirring when Jack pulled the blankets up.
Xxxxxxxxxxxx
Bobby was so happy with his new job; he would have taken any job he could get, but he liked having one that he actually enjoyed. Mac taught him the basics, told him to serve anyone (but he was to limit minors, not let them get drunk) and Bobby thanked God that this wasn't one of those clubs with all the strange drinks. Here it was simple: beer, whiskey, tequila, vodka, etc. and he'd make mixed drinks with those. At first, nobody went to him, knowing he was a fucking Mercer, but after studying him, a woman approached. After that, people ordered from him regularly, and he was getting decent tips.
He kept close watch of people, purely out of habit, and would signal Brutal if a problem arose--or help take care of it if need be. For a while, nothing seemed weird or off, but after some time, he noticed two men watching him closely. It was Kett and Zane. Both men looked different, but he'd still know them anywhere. Kett's black hair had blood red tips, he wore a choker, and tight black clothes. Zane's hair was dyed dark and had super light blonde streaks, he wore an actual dog collar, and super tight black clothes. It's like they were trying to go back to that damned Goth Phase Jackie had gone through. He growled in his throat, locking eyes with Kett, and had to remind himself that he was at work.
Yeah, that'd be fantastic, he snorted. Get fired on the first night. . .
Kett smiled darkly at him, raising a hand, and wiggled his fingers in a smug wave. Bobby just glared at him, hands clenching and unclenching systematically, and slowly counted to ten. Zane had his arms wrapped around his boyfriend's waist, head on his shoulder, and he made a show of licking and kissing Kett's neck, watching Bobby the entire time.
"Bobby?" a female voice called his attention.
"What?" he growled, ripping his eyes from the two monsters and seeing Ransom staring at him.
"Umm," she flinched back. "Do you want to step out back? Take a break?"
"Oh, yeah, that sounds like a good idea," he softened his tone. "I'm sorry I snipped, Ransom. . ."
"That's all right," she shot him a smile. "Those two have that effect on people. Go take a breather."
Bobby went on his break, heading out back, and pulled out his pack of cigarettes. He flicked his Zippo open, lit it, and held the flame to the end of the smoke. Leaning on the brick wall, he played with his Zippo, smoking, and tried to soothe his nerves. He tipped his head back, inhaling deeply, and slowly blew out several smoke rings. The door opened, two people strolled out, and he growled loudly.
"Bobby!" Kett laughed, leading Zane out by looping his finger in the collar.
"What the hell do you two queers want?" he grumbled, still reminding himself that he was at work.
"Is Jackie all right? We heard 'bout his accident. . ." he said solemnly.
"Why do you care?" he asked gruffly, refusing to look at them.
"C'mon, Bobby," Kett whispered. "I dated Jack for a long time. . .I loved him. I was like a part of the family."
"You are not part of my family!" he roared, pushing Kett away from him. "You were never considered family! The only reason any of us put up with you was because of Jack! And he dumped your sorry ass!"
"So, he's ok?" he smirked, getting just what he wanted from Bobby: anger. "How's Lock? Must be hard for her, seeing as how she lost her parents in a car accident. . .Something like that is quite traumatic. . ."
"Fuck off," he rumbled, stalking past them and going back inside.
How did he know about Stray's parents? he wondered nervously.
He went straight to Brutal, figuring he'd just let the man take care of it, and keep his job.
"Yo! Brutal!" he hollered, approaching him.
"Yeah?" his deep voice boomed.
"Look, if you see two guys tryin' to start shit with me, will you please get them the fuck outta here?"
"Kett and Zane?" he gave him a knowing look.
"Yep, it'd be them," he growled. "Normally, I'd take care of it myself, but I sorta like my new job. . ."
"No problem, Mercer," the man patted his shoulder. "Just get your ass back to work," he chuckled.
"Thanks," he laughed, making his way back behind the bar.
He leapt over the bar in one fluid movement, earning a shocked look from Ransom, and he just went about his job normally. For the next few hours, Bobby tended the bar, and then, for the last two hours, he was unloading trucks in the back. Kett and Zane left him alone, aside from staring at him, and he sort of preferred it like that--they could stare all they wanted. He'd made nearly two-hundred and fifty in only tips, Mac would give him his pay on every Friday, and he helped close down for the night. By the time he got home it was one in the morning and he took a quick shower to wash the smell of booze off him. He walked past Jackie's room, looked in, and chuckled. Lock had kicked the blanket off at some point and now Jack was hogging them all to himself.
Little bastard, he smiled, heading in to cover up Stray.
"Bobby?" she murmured when he put the blankets back on her.
"Yup, it's me," he whispered. "Sorry I'm late. . .Had to close down."
"How was it?" she asked, settling against Jack.
"I loved it," he smiled, kissing her forehead. "Thanks a ton. . ."
"Glad to hear it," she yawned, pretty much back to sleep. "Night. Love you."
"Love you too, sweetheart," he murmured. "Goodnight."
Bobby closed the door partway, went to his own room, and crawled into bed, pleasantly exhausted. He slept hard and late, not getting up until eleven, and managed to see Ma a little bit before she left for work.
"So, I heard you have a job at the Velvet Noose?" she asked.
"Yup, I'm a bartender," he grinned. "And I make great ass tips."
"Well, I'm proud of you, Robert," she smiled. "You know I wasn't going to make you get a job, I hoped you'd want one on your own. . .You do not have to pay me rent, if that's why you're doing it."
"Oh, no!" he laughed. "I'm just sick of taking your money. . .I can earn my own. . .I did figure I could help with bills and groceries now. . .Reimburse you for the locks I went and bought. . ."
"You don't have to reimburse me for the locks," she laughed. "I like having them. . ."
They talked for half an hour, then Ma went to work, and Bobby cleaned up the house--apparently he was still playing housewife. He had to work again at six tonight and he couldn't wait, the only thing he wished was that he had more time with Jackie and Stray, but he figured once school started he'd see more of them (they'd have to get up before noon and be home three of five days). For now, he'd settle with just a few hours with them.
Hey, guys!! Sorry it took so long, but college is slowing me down somewhat! Anyhow, here's the chapter! Tell me what you think!
On a side note, can't help but feel like I've lost some readers…..not nice guys….