"It's okay Kim. I'll walk you home, and then tell your parents about what's going on. Once they're there, nothing will happen to you," I say soothingly, hoping she'll calm down. I don't think I've seen her so scared before.

"Jack, my parents are out of town! I'm going to be all alone." She whimpered. "Maybe I should just stay at the dojo?"

"That's not smart. Rudy still hasn't ordered the new locks; the dragons could get in here easily." I said, trying to think.

"What do you think I should do? I feel like I'm not safe anywhere," she looked like she was about to cry again.

"You could come home with me," I offered. "We have a spare bedroom, and my dad's out of town, but my mom has been dying to meet you."

"Really jack? Thank you so much." She gave me a hug, but I quickly pulled away when I felt her wince.

"Are you sure you aren't hurt too badly? Maybe we should take you to the hospital or something?"

"I think I'll manage," she said. I'll just have to ice it later,"

"Well let's go," I said turning off the lights. "I was supposed to be home an Hour ago."

Kim Pov

The walk to jack's house was longer than I'm used to, and it didn't help that I have a sprained ankle, courtesy of frank. I tried to take normal steps, but I guess when we started talking I let my guard down.

"I just got a text from my mom," jack said. "She's fine with you staying over, but she says the lasagna is getting cold."

"Did you tell her why I'm staying over?" I asked, a little scared that he might have.

"No, but we can if you want to," he said.

"Only if it gets too serious. I don't want to drag anyone else into this," I said.

"Kim, are you limping?"

I looked down sheepishly. "Just a little," I answered quietly. He looked hurt.

"Kim your foot's been hurting this whole time and you never said anything?"

"I didn't want you to worry!" I said. He sighed.

"Just tell me what happened," Jack asked.

"You know what happened. Right before you came outside, frank tripped me when I wasn't looking, and I fell on my foot pretty badly."

"Well I doubt walking on it is helping you," he said, and then he swooped down and picked me up bridal style. I had underestimated how strong he was.

"Jack! Put me down! I can walk!" I screamed, but I was laughing hysterically. He just smirked and kept walking. I have to admit, though, as embarrassing as it was, I was glad for the lift. My foot had been in so much pain it started going numb. A couple minutes later, we got to Jack's street. I recognized it from when the whole gang had an outrageous sleepover, it was so much fun.

"Okay, jack put me down now. I don't want your mom asking any questions," I whispered. He nodded and set me down, and even though my foot was on fire, I continued walking.

"Are you sure you're okay, Kimmy?"

"Ya, I'm fine." She swatted my arm. "Don't call me Kimmy!"

Jack's mom was so nice, like always. Once we got to Jack's house he put all my stuff in the guest bedroom, which was thankfully in the same hallway as his bedroom. The closer to him I was, the safer I felt. We ate lasagna and I complimented Mrs. Anderson on her cooking. Then I volunteered to help with the dishes, and jack brought me a stool so I wouldn't have to stand up. He's so thoughtful.

"So, how long will you be staying, sweetie?" Mrs. Anderson asked me. I stared at Jack, hoping he would find an answer for me.

"Well, her parents are out of town, so probably when they get back in a couple days." Jack told his mom. I let out a sigh of relief.

"Oh, splendid! All this one ever does is play video games over spring break, so good luck getting him to go outside," she laughed, pointing to jack. "Jack, I'll be out tonight and probably not back until early in the morning. Be safe ok? Call me if you need anything," she said, then went into her room to get ready.

"I'm going to go change into my Pajamas," I told jack as I headed upstairs. He nodded to me and said he'd finish up the dishes. When I came back downstairs he was sitting on the couch in his pajama bottoms, shirtless, and eating popcorn. Man, this boy could eat. He looked gorgeous with his toned Abs. I couldn't believe I caught myself staring. We were just supposed to be friends.

"Hey Kim, come sit down. I got a couple ice packs for your bruises." He said patting the space on the couch next to him, and pulling on a shirt.

"Okay," I smiled and trotted over. I sat down and he put my leg up on some cushions with an ice pack, and gave me one for my ribs. Then he sat down next to me and continued watching the TV. I couldn't stop staring at him. He was literally the best, most considerate guy I had ever known.

"Jack," I said touching his arm. "Thank you. For everything, you have no idea how much this means to me," I sighed.

"You're welcome, Kim. What are friends for, after all?" that word burned my brain. Friends. In that moment I realized I didn't want to be just friends. I was done being friends.

"Jack?" I asked, looking at him.

"Hmm?" he asked, head still turned toward the T.V.

"Jack," I said again shaking him.

"Ya, Kim?" he said, finally directing his attention to me. I wasn't only done being friends, but I was done being scared. We were sitting hip to hip on the couch, so I just wrapped my arm around his neck, leaned in and kissed him. At first he was unresponsive, probably a little surprised. But after a couple beats, he wrapped his arms gently around my waist, careful not to hurt my ribs, and kissed me back. When we broke away, he just stared at me, silently.

"Jack, I didn't mean to-

"It's okay Kim." He said, blushing.