"You are the New Messiah, Turning my Blood into Fire. Our Tongues are Twisted Like Wire, in the Visions your Body Inspire." The New Messiah, Philosopher Kings

Jake found the key to the ship in a champagne bottle. It dangled from a blue teddy bear chain. He shook his head and smirked at it. He brought in the anchor and untied the ropes that bound it dock. He had to fill it with a gas container he found in a storage compartment before setting off. The engine roared loudly as it picked up speed. He ate some fruit as he drove it along.

Jake was back in his black shirt, the buttons opened to a V front. His stylish suspenders emphasized his height. He had gotten dressed after watching Sherry fall asleep happily in his arms. The girl deserved to love her body, not to be a prisoner of it. He didn't know how he held back. Sherry was beautiful, not a single imperfection on her skin, unlike his battle scarred body. The virus she had seemed to keep her youthful. He shook as head at the memory of the sounds that came out of her in surprise and pleasure. The thought of it just added to his morning problems. Jake hadn't had a woman in a long time, then to have the woman he coveted throw herself at him, without fully accepting her... The old Jake would have called him an idiot. They new Jake was not going to be like his father. He smiled to himself with a feeling of accomplishment. He hadn't made it up the stairs without a cold shower though, that he could admit. At least the scenery could try to distract him from what he wanted most. His heart pained more for her than his body did in lust for. He wouldn't do it, he promised that to himself. He just couldn't. They both agreed it would never work out.

Nearing the Hong Kong shore, Sherry sneaked up on him again, wrapping her arms around his waist with a sweet, "Good morning, Mr. Muller." He was glad that the battles were over. Sherry distracted him greatly. His body stiffened with both arousal and annoyance. "Sherry..." He started, chiding her.
"I know... I know..." She gave him a huge, breathing him in, then she sighed loudly. "We agreed... This won't work." Awkward silence. Jake did not return her embrace. If he took his hands off the steering wheel, he would take her then and there, regretting it greatly. Instead he focused on the shore, looking for docking buoys to guide him. Sherry sighed, releasing him. She was now dressed in her clothes, too. She wandered to the front of the Yacht and sat down on a built in couch, enjoying the view. She stared at her feet for a little while, Jake noticing what that always meant. He tried to pull her from her thoughts, changing their unspoken conversation.
"So, how did you sleep, super girl?" He smiled warmly at her, genuinely. He would jump for joy if he didn't know the embassy would mean the start of their goodbyes.
"Amazing... I haven't slept like that since I was a little girl." She smiled back over her shoulder but only briefly.
"Sherry, I'm sorry." He shook his head, "I can see that last night... It meant more to you than therapy. I'm a dick..." He could see the flush of her skin as she blushed from head to toe. She turned to him and sighed. He tossed her a mango.
"No, Jake... Really. I had been tested beyond my limits for everything else and you're right. I deserve to love who I am and the skin that I'm in... I need to take the blessing with the curse." She rubbed down her legs, remembering his soft touch as he traced her skin with his fingers, tongue and lips. "I deserve love. I just... I hate that you feel..." She shook her head, "I'm sorry, Jake. I promised not to..." She sighed and slammed her head back against the seat, fighting with herself. Jake tried to ignore it, finding the docking buoys. It was eating him alive to. If she had come upstairs in the pajamas... Pajamas, right... That reminded him of something.
"Sherry?" He smirked as she looked up at him, cocking his head. "We should burn those pajamas. They probably belonged to Simmons and Ada. Why else would we be in his facility with her boat?" She burst our laughing, her giggles always got him going. He held his composure as he steered the yacht.
"Oh, Jake..." She should her head, still chuckling lightly. His sense of humor really grew on her. She lost her smile and stared at the view before her. Hong Kong. In a couple more days, she would be missing that voice full of sarcasm.

"We're here." Jake said softly, holding in his own sigh. He extended his arms to Sherry and she hopped off of the yacht into them. They carried their weapons in a bag, just in case they would be stopped for anything. Sherry didn't even have her pass anymore. She wanted to thank him for helping her down from the yacht but would have preferred to have stayed in those strong arms forever. She held in her sigh as they continued on, her GPS pointing the way to the embassy. Sherry tried to start up a conversation, remembering that they needed to complete their mission. There were bigger things at stake than romance with Jake Muller. She needed to get his blood to the United States, with or without him.

"The embassy is this way." She pointed. They had to make their way on foot, lacking funds for a cab. "Agent Hunnigan agreed with me that the phlebotomy, or blood draw, should take place in Edonia, as well as your payment." She paused for a moment, shaking her head, then continued on. She forgot about that. Jake really did change. Every chance he got before they came to China, he was asking for his money, or complaining he had to work for it. How he didn't even seem to care. she continued on as he listened silently. "We're picking up tickets to your home country and some emergency funds for food and shelter." They finally arrived, not long before closing time. They waited to meet with the person in charge of supplying agents on field operations.

"I'm so sorry." Sherry shook his hand as he called her name. "We were kidnapped and had no funds to get here." The man was not very kind looking, just like Simmons. He had a plain American face and his voice had a Southern drawl. He introduced himself as Agent Sanders. He lead the pair to his office as he started.
"No need to explain, Agent Birkin. I am aware of your situation." Jake rolled his eyes in annoyance and took a seat. The chair was uncomfortable his his broad shoulders and long legs. He nearly knocked over the desk when he went to sit, deciding to stand. Sherry's little frame fit just fine, as regal looking as ever. The man continued. "Here is the Emergency funds..." He handed her a prepaid credit card. "This should be enough for clothes, food and a presidential suite. Since this is a protective detail..." He eyed Jake who was staring him down, then continued on. "We recommend it so you are within ear shot but private to your..." He stared at Jake again who was playing with a pen from the desk. "Escorted guest."
"Thank you, Agent Sanders." Sherry looked up at Jake, giving him a look that a mom would give her misbehaving teenager.
"Ah... Your tickets, Agent Birkin." He slid them over to her. "You photos, information and signatures are already on your temporary passports. They are valid for only a week, stamped with the DSO's seal. Here is your new badge and id..." He passed her the documents and looked at Jake again, staring at the scar on his face. "Will Mr. Muller be accompanying you to the states? I will just have exchange your ticket from Edonia to our country." Jake shook his head, answering for Sherry.
"Not a chance." He slapped the pen down on the desk and walked out, "Uncle Sam has nothing for me but 50 million dollars." The door slammed shut behind him. Sherry apologized as Agent Sanders went on.
"Mr. Muller will collect his funds at the American Embassy, after his blood is drawn and packaged at the hospital in Edonia. There's only one in the country, so it won't be hard to find." He shook his head at Sherry, "You have the most peculiar guest in custody. I hope his blood is what it's cracked up to be. Not the savior type, is he?" Sherry felt fire blaze up into her cheeks.
"Thank you, Agent Sanders. Is there anything else? Or may I be excused." She tried to hold back her anger, barely succeeding. He shook his head and gestured for the door. "Thank you again, Agent Sanders. I'd say it was a pleasure to meet your acquaintance but... You only know him from his file, like I once did. It really doesn't do him justice." Sherry slammed the door behind her and bolted to find Jake.

Sherry was proud of herself. She had never stood up to an authority before. She wouldn't take that bullshit. It was true, she originally looked at him as a job, as a case, as a file... Jake was so much more than that, especially now. He was waiting outside, pacing nervously, looking like he wanted to punch something. He rubbed his cheek, paused, then kicked a garbage can in. It crunched under his force, spilling it's contents. It was wedged in the now broken and bent fence behind it. Jake shook his head as he noticed Sherry. "This might be American soil... But everything is made in Hong Kong or China anyways."

She smiled faintly at him, knowing how frustrated he was. She knew how Jake felt about that scar. It was how she felt about her healing factor. A constant reminder of something they would never forget. She took a few steps forward. He had his arms crossed before his chest and was glaring at the documents in her hand, then at her like he did in the locker room. "What?" he said coldly. Sherry shook her head, forcing her arms between his and his body, then hugged him tightly. She had surprised him. His arms stuck out at his sides, in the air, then he finally settled into the hug. "Jake... You are so much more than what you appear." She looked up at his face, her fingers traced his scar again. She tippy-toed to kiss it softly. She didn't care who was watching.
"How long until we leave for Edonia?" He broke the embrace and started for the exit gates.
"Three hours... It's a good twelve hour flight, no stop overs." She shook her head. Jake "Tsked" and shot his head to the side like he always did when annoyed. He took a few more steps then paused. Sherry jogged to catch up to his long strides. He continued, looking ahead as they had reached the gate. "How many days until you're gone then?" Awkward silence.
"Including yesterday, three." Sherry sighed, "We should be in Edonia by 8am tomorrow morning." She was looking at her watch. It was now 5 in the afternoon. Jake stared at the ground like it has stolen his lunch money, wanting to punch it. Sherry grabbed his forearm and pulled him gently, watching his face soften as he tried to avoid her gaze, failing miserably. "C'mon, Jake. Might as well get some souvenirs." Sherry wouldn't want to remember anything from the past six months, except for Jake Muller. She would never forget him.

Sherry was glad that most of Hong Kong spoke some English. It was taught in the schools here since England had only lost it's rule in 1996. Some of the shop keepers, uneducated or young, did not speak very much, if at all. Jake found himself in a lingerie store with Sherry. Luckily, they sold item for men as well. He picked up some underwear for himself, a travel kit for him and Sherry with toothbrushes and other amenities, then something caught his eye. He sized Sherry up one more time and asked about some things in their adult entertainment section. He had the shopkeeper pick up a few items that he asked for in Cantonese, then had them wrapped and placed in a gift bag. Sherry used the card to pay for everything. He would have done it himself but everything he kept for funds was lost in China. He would need to pay her back in Edonia. She assured him that they were given enough funds.

The ride home to Edonia was long but restful enough. Neither had really slept in days, besides the few hours Sherry got. Jake's body ached. He was so grateful for the first class accommodations. At 6'3, almost every chair was uncomfortable. He preferred motorcycles to cars and couldn't wait to ride his hog back home. He stretched out, his legs under the seat before him, his chair reclined. He had a pillow under his head, laying on his palms, with one elbow against the wall. Sherry gave him the window seat since he hated being locked up on a plane, especially since their last adventure. It was an uneventful day besides the gift he bought for her. He couldn't wait to see the look on her face. He slipped on the pair of shades she bought him as a gift, the sun blazing through the window as he tried to sleep.

He dreamed of Sherry the entire twelve hours. Her scent was killing him. He loved the sweet smell of her skin, only accentuated by the peachy Victoria's Secret perfume she wore. All he could think about was holding her on that ship, wanting to rock with the flow of the waves crashing against the boat. The sound of the rain crashed against the windows of the plane like it did the night they spent together. Her skin felt delicious against his own. So soft and welcoming. He had held her back every time she reached to taste him. He was dreaming of those soft, luscious lips. The way her eyes fluttered half closed in pleasure. He wanted to drown in her sweetness. He smiled to himself. Sherry wasn't a lesbian and she had no family. If it wasn't for his blood, he'd have kept her prisoner in Edonia himself. He was convinced he could convince her to be shackled to his bed, at least for a few hours.

He was right about what he thought before, she was the contortionist type. Sherry was very flexible and he enjoyed it too much. He didn't know how he restrained himself with her last night. The old him would have been all over her, not just with his lips and kisses. He wanted to kiss her passionately, something he had never done before. All of his previous encounters were based purely on instinct and lust, bored mercenary with egos and too much down time on their hands before the money ran out. Jake lived life hard and although he didn't like parties, he did party hard. He often found himself down in a bottle, drowning out his sorrows under a broad or two. Not with Sherry. This was different. He wasn't good enough for her. She called to him in his dreams since he had met her last Christmas Eve in Edonia. He wanted to drink of her sweetness and loose himself in her beauty.

Jake was awoken by something being thrown at him... Or thrown on him. The Chinese stewardess shook her head at him. He looked down to find a pillow on his lap. His face flushed red but he was grateful for the gesture. The old Jake would have invited the stewardess to the mile high club in the bathroom. Not anymore. Now, he would be a gentleman. He wouldn't be his father. He looked over at Sherry. She was sound asleep, a cute blue sleeping mask was on her face with lace edges. he gave her a soft peck on the cheek and returned to his nap. It was hard to go back to sleep knowing they only had about another day and a half together. The flight suddenly felt a lot longer.


"Forever and a Day... That's What I Want When I'm With You" Forever and a Day, Kelly Rowland.

After what seemed like both forever and not long enough, Jake and Sherry had finally reached Edonia. Jake had made jokes about, "Planes, trains and automobiles" since they used all of the above to reach this country. The ride would have been so much more boring if Jake was his usual, quiet self. He was gloomy about his shabby little country but pressed on with Sherry's seemingly interested responses. He pointed out landmarks in his little country, promising they would be there soon.

They had little luggage between them, so that was easy. Jake promised her a home cooked meal and a tour of his place if it was safe enough to go to. The country was being rebuilt after the war ended with the BSAA cleaning up the B.O.W.s. The entire resistance was wiped out by the BSAA, infected by the C-Virus. People were now returning to their homes to rebuild. The entire country was still politically and structurally unstable since the tyrant Prime Minster was still in control. He had taken back the the city hall as his post once the BSAA had cleared the remaining mercenary J'avo out. Jake was the only survivor of the Resistance Army in Edonia. Without a care for the politics anyways, Jake was happy that he was now under the radar for his own protection.

Jake walked Sherry to his shabby little place. When his mother died, he had left money for her to be buried properly. As his mother had been in the hospital for so long, the nurse that took care of her had felt badly for him, knowing their history. She had used the remaining money to buy the little one bedroom cement home, giving Jake the deeds once she tracked him down five years ago upon his return.

Jake asked Sherry to wait outside. She noticed the garden looked like it lost its maintenance only six months ago, not for the past seven since his mother died. She admired the roses that were overgrowing on either side of the front steps. Vines ran all over the little house and into the windows, which had cracks and little pieces missing. There were some bullet holes randomly scattered from the war all over its exterior. The steps could use a good sweeping. She heard Jake crap the windows open. He opened the front door, a broom in hand. "I'm sorry I can't let you in yet. It seems the guy I paid to maintain the place was probably wiped out sometime in the war." He began to sweep the stairs with a frown on his face. "Looks like that's an advanced bill that went to shit." He smirked the faintest smile at Sherry, then continued to labor away. "I know you're tired Sherry but I won't take long, I promise.

Jake walked her around to the back, opening a little shed. "There she is... my pride and joy. I named her after my mother." He slid his hands under the green, spiderweb and dust covered tarp. He had the softest smile as he closed his eyes, feeling the cold metal and leather under his hands. He cocked his head, his gaze on Sherry. "You might want to step back, super mouse." She nodded and waited outside, her arms crossed over her chest. He revealed an awesome bike, calling out the stats as he slowly circled it, running his hands once more over every inch of it like a lost lover in the night.

"This is going to be your ride to the hotel later." He smiled at her. He took the key from it's hiding place then straddled his bike, starting it up. "The war has been good to you baby." He whispered into one of the handlebars. He took a look at Sherry who was blushing slightly. He was wondering if she was thinking the same thing. He never did have a woman on his bike, ever. He wanted Sherry there in more ways than one. Jake checked the fuel gauge, "Still full." He turned the bike off and invited Sherry in. She didn't seem too interested at first, the silence becoming awkward again.
"Claire had a bike." Sherry smiled, "It wasn't so crazy escaping Raccoon City on it. I only had to avoid brainless zombies." She smiled softly. Her tailbone still had not so fond memories of China. Even though she healed easily, Sherry had a bad memory for pain. It still sucked worse than what they put her through there. Jake saw that look in her eyes once more. He smiled, getting off the bike and led her into his home through the back door.
"So, I'm not your first ride." He smirked, opening the door. "Keep your shoes on."

It was a tiny place. The walls were bare cement. There was little furniture. A large, pretty pink and green floral carpet stretched nearly the full length of the living room. A dusty old grand piano taking up most of it. The kitchen was tiny, a little table in one corner with two chairs, falling apart with age. Jake grabbed a rag and started to dust along. The dishes were still in the their place in the one china cabinet, dust free, preserved by a sheet of plastic. The couch was the same. "I didn't have anything big enough for the piano when I left." He smiled, "I was in such a rush."

He opened a tiny door in the kitchen floor and excused himself as he crawled downstairs. He emerged with a jar of tomato sauce, a bottle of olive oil and some cans of sardines. "I hope you really don't hate fish..." Sherry shook her head in reply. "Okay, good then. Dinner is good old pasta preserves..." He went back for a jar of olives and pickled garlic. He shut the cellar door, then went out to garden to see if the herbs grew back on their own. He came back successfully with some basil in his hand, holding Sherry's small luggage back in the other. Jake shook his head at Sherry. "I'm sorry, where's my manners." His face flushed slightly as he put everything down and pulled the sheeting off of the couch. She could tell he wasn't the type for having guests. He showed her the bathroom, wiping everything down and making sure it was all stocked up. "If you need anything, let me know. I haven't checked if the water still runs in this city but I pay everything in advance." Sherry gave a soft smile and a small nod. Jake headed back to his tiny kitchen corner.

Sherry washed her hands then peaked through the tiny bathroom window. It had a pink floral curtain, expertly hand sewed. He must have not changed anything since his mother was here. A soft, dusty floral rug that matched the living room. She noticed a slight frost on the ares of the grass outside that the sun didn't touch. They were near the beginning of July yet a soft layer of frost still covered the ground. Edonia was above sea level and was cold year round. She smiled softly. No wonder Jake was so happy to find some fresh herbs outside. She noticed the humble, tiny shower stall that tucked beside the toilet, more floral curtains and a pink fluffy towel, falling apart on a tiny hook. That confirmed her suspicions.

Sherry emerged to find Jake chopping away, an empty jug of water was on the floor. The water started to boil on his two burner gas stove top. He didn't seem to own an oven. He put the finely minced garlic and basil in with the tomato sauce and a jar of water. This was the second time he was cooking for Sherry with what little he could find. She admired how resourceful he was. Being an orphan, he obviously knew how to fend for himself and live off the land and whatever he could rummage up. He caught her admiration from the corner of his eye, blushing slightly. "I'm sorry, I never have guests here." He smirked a soft smile and sighed, "If I knew you were comin I'd'a bake a cake..." He shook his head, "That doesn't work when you don't have an oven, does it." He looked out the window at the birds in the evergreens. He grumbled, "You bastards better not poop on my bike."

Sherry chuckled and fiddled with the tv's antennas. The electricity worked here, too. "That's another bill coming up..." Jake talked to himself lightly, washing his hands after putting the cut up sardines into the sink. He washed the can so it wouldn't stink the place up. Sherry couldn't understand the Slavic language that the newscaster spoke but was taking in the scenes from China. Now that the BSSA was getting the place under control, the news crews were moving in from the air. They also showed scenes of the American attack in Washington.
"Oh look, that's Claire!" She pointed at the tv as Jake came to join her. He plunked himself down, his arms crossed, an amused look on his face.
"Oh, so the Jar-Head's sister isn't a dyke after all." He shook his head, "Whuddya know?" It was Sherry's turn to cock her head this time, raising her eyebrow.
"What... You thought Claire and I?" Jake burst out laughing. Sherry punched him in the arm and listened to Claire's interview. She hadn't seen her redheaded friend in so long. Claire was at the Washington site, helping with the cleanup of the college that was attacked. Her group was moving to China next. There were only a handful of survivors. She was mostly there to hook families up with grief counselling, then her group was moving on.
"Hey, give me your phone!" Jake tickled Sherry until he got his hands on it. "I want to text her and see if I can interrupt her interview." He started trying to figure out how to work the advanced piece of technology, grumbling as Sherry found him for it. "Maybe she want's a threesome... You do seem to like your redheads, super girl." Sherry slapped Jake in the back of the head. He sighed, passing the phone over his shoulder to her. He got up and went to stir the meal he was cooking.

Jake was a good cook on the go. They enjoyed their meal. He showed Sherry the note that his mother left. No wonder he was upset with Chris. The note stated that she believed his father loved him and they would meet one day. Jake shook his head, "The truth is, she probably left him once she realize what he was. She gave up her family and status when she decided to stay in the US with him. She returned here with me." He looked at the note in his hands, "Who knows if Wesker even knew he had a son..."

Sherry smiled softly, putting her hand on Jake's cheek, turning him to face her. "Jake... I'm so sorry... You deserve love, too." He shook his head. "That wasn't a problem. Mom was always sick but she loved me. I devoted my childhood to her and she was devoted to me." He looked around the place, smiling at fond memories from long ago. "Besides..." he smiled, "Having one parent, I probably got more attention than you did, babe." He gave her a peck on the cheek and slowly wandered to the old grand piano. Sherry followed him. He gently wiped the dust off the seat, lifted the cover and played a few keys. "This was moms." He smiled softly, "This was what they gave her from her dowry. She pawned it when I was about seven, but I bought it back when I finally came home." He put his head back and played a little bit again, breathing in the scent of the cooking food. "That pasta is so ready.

They ate their meal mostly in silence. Jake explained that he really didn't touch much in the home. He showed Sherry his bedroom. Even her clothes were still in the tiny bedroom closet. Two little beds lay side by side in there, each barely wide enough for a pillow. The bedroom was barely furnished as well; A floral rug, a small chair in between the beds with an oil lamp perched upon it in the windowsill. Jake shook his head and stepped out, slightly embarrassed. He imagined that being the daughter of two world renowned scientists, Sherry was used to a much more lavish upbringing. "Home sweet home..." He sighed, picking up Sherry's luggage, ready to forget his past again. "Ready to go to your presidential sweet?" Sherry's eyes were full of empathy. She was giving that puppy face again. Jake frowned. He didn't want her pity. "Ever wonder why poor boys like me are used to the vagabond life?"
"I'm sorry, Jake. The luxuries I grew up with, you had in a parents love. That's more important than anything I had growing up." She smiled warmly and gave him a soft hug from behind. Jake blushed again. He stepped away from her, key in hand, ready to move on.

Jake shrugged, his key in the door. "I used to see life like a dog before I met you." He hopped on the bike, Sherry's luggage already strapped down. "When life throws things at you, you just kick some grass over that shit and move on." He extended his hand to help her up, then rode off to the hotel. Sherry hugged him tightly. This would be the beauty's last night with her beast, maybe forever. She wanted to savor it, something she'd remember forever.


No, we are not busting out a guitar on the plane like in the wedding singer, sorry guys. As if chapter 14 wasn't sweet/weird/cheesy enough... I am NOT calling this one "Leaving on a jet plane" cus I hate that song!
Lime/Citrus/Slight Lemon.


"Give me the Strength to Face This Test Tonight... If Only I Could Say What I Still Hide. If Only I Could Turn Back Time I Would Stay... If Only I Could..." Turn Back Time, Aqua

Jake escorted Sherry to her hotel. The country once had beautiful, luxury scenery with ancient buildings and vast architecture. The hotel till stood, untouched by the war that raged on. Jake said he would stay with her before she had to leave. After a quick trip by the embassy, they spent the day watching tv and vegging out, something neither of them ever had the luxury of doing. Sherry was always buried in paperwork or in training. Sherry was clicking away at the little laptop she had gotten from the embassy, starting her report from her six-months too long mission. Jake was getting annoyed. The clicking was interfering with the movie and relaxation he was desperately seeking.

Jake pulled out a little blue box from his pocket. It was big enough to fit one item of clothing. Sherry stopped typing when he learned over the couch and shoved it in her face between the laptop and her nose. He chuckled at her startled reaction and let it fall to her lap. "Jake?" She was startled but happy, "What's this?" A smirk spread across his face. He cocked his head with a chuckle, crossing his arms over his muscular chest.
"Just a little present for my super girl." Sherry looked up from the couch, her face under his chin. She smiled warmly and grabbed his face. Jake pulled away from the "Spider-man Kiss" but just barely. He laughed at her again, "Just go try it on. Then tell me if you still want to kiss me." Sherry nodded, then ran off to her room. He counted down the seconds until she shouted at him, "3...2...1..."
"Jake! What the hell is this?" Jake burst out laughing, shaking his head at the expression on her face. She threw the box and he dodged it. Never was he so grateful for his enhanced C-Virus reflexes. Sherry had a good aim.
"Just try it on!" He threw his arms out to the side, "Every super hero needs a costume!"

Sherry emerged with a new black, slightly purple thermal suit. Hers was obviously destroyed or lost when they were in China. She wore a baby blue, spandex bandeau bra over it with a matching thong. She wore matching thigh-high spandex tights that connected to the underwear with a strap. She adjusted her lace marks, a blue cape hanging just above her butt from her neck. She sighed loudly and shook her head at Jake's grin. "Mr. Muller..." She growled. Jake burst out laughing again. "Did you get this when I was in that lingerie store? How did you sneak this in!?" Sherry's face flushed red with a blush. He shook his head, a smirk crossing his face.
"I have my ways. How do you like your new outfit, super girl?" Sherry shook her head.
"It's just like you Jake Muller, cheezie..."

Jake sat on the couch, getting back to his movie. "I think it brings out your eyes... and assets..." He gave her a quick glance, then went back to the show. Sherry decided to model the outfit for a while longer. She sure as hell wasn't bringing this back with her. Imagine what would happen if they opened her baggage at customs?

Sherry sat down beside Jake. This would be the last time they were together. They had to stay together because her custody of him didn't end until she had his blood sample. He would report to the hospital in the morning and have his blood and tissue samples taken. Sherry would escort him to the embassy for his payment, then set off home to Washington. She sighed deeply, not noticing that Jake heard her. "You always have such sad eyes." He startled her. Sherry found herself looking into his deep blue pools for eyes again. She bit her lip, then fidgeted with the spandex at her thigh as realized he noticed everything. "Sherry?" He smiled softly, letting it fade as he found the words. "About the other night..." He shook his head, his gaze returning to the tv. He shook his head again when she didn't say anything. "Never mind..."

He got up and went to the kitchen for a beer, cracking it open with his bare hands. He started at the fridge, leaning against island counter with a sigh. He was about to take a sip when he heard Sherry's voice behind the counter, startling him. "Jake..." He put his head down and stared at the floor. Sherry came around and touched his arm at his elbow lightly, her bashful grey-blue eyes dancing across his face. "Jake, you did not take advantage of me." She was sincere with him. She paused for a moment again, the silence becoming awkward. They never did seem to do well in a silent room together. "Jake..." She looked away, pursing her lips, then looked up into his eyes again. "Jake I..." Jake pressed a finger to her lips. He set the beer on the counter and walked away. He paused half way to the tv and looked over his shoulder.
"I told you not to love me, Sherry." He took a deep breath and took in the view of Edonia through the large, tinted window across the room. He paused again, "I'm no good for you. Virus immunity or not, you should try to love someone else." He paused again, then shook his head. "That's the way it is." Sherry stood behind him. He could feel her gaze upon him, both angry and confused. There was the silence again.

"Who are you to tell me who I should love?" Her eyes quivered, her body was a tense ball of emotion, her hands curling into fists and she bent slightly. He didn't respond. "Damn you, Jake!" She turned her head again, crossing her arms across her breasts. He dropped his head from his country's view, taking two steps in front of the window. He began to pace the hotel. He paused again, then turned to face her. He saw her tears darken the lace on her silly blue lace mask, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment and anger in his presence. He marched over to the wall and took his jacket where it hung.
"Screw your protection rules," He shook his head and grabbed his bag, throwing his jacket over his shoulder. "I'm leaving."

Sherry took two steps towards him. He paused, hesitating. He was entranced by her beauty and emotion. She held her hand out towards him. Jake remembered the times they had, when he pulled the shrapnel from her back. How he begged for her to awaken before they were kidnapped and brought to China. The look on her face when they found each other alive in the locker room. He had never had his life flash before his eyes for anyone but his mother. His knees were buckling with guilt and... sorrow? Did he truly love her? He felt his eyes wet with tears as his vision began to blur before him. The room seemed to spin like a snow globe. Sherry was the angel within it, the center of the orb. Her tears began to stream down her face in silence. Jake wanted to save her, not consume her. He had seen enough of what he caused. He started for the door.

Sherry ran forward, pinning Jake to the wall, her hands grasping for his waist. Jake spun instinctively and turned them, pinning her prying hands up above her head. He had her against the wall before his jacket and bag could hit the floor. He looked into her eyes deeply with anger as he towered over her. "Sherry..." He started. A tear escaped him and he shook his head, choking it back. Was he crying? For her? "You promised me..." His voice cracked, "You promised me you'd do better than a murderous vagabond." Her wide eyes wavered at the features of his face, looking for the words to express herself. All she could do was whisper his name. "Jake... I... I'm sorry... I lied..." She shook her head, blinking her eyes but for a moment, fighting back the tears but never looking away. She could feel her body responding to his as he pressed against her. She was melting into it. "Jake... I'm helpless for you..." She whispered. "I'm a stupid fool..." She shook her head again and looked into those deep blue eyes once more.

Jake closed his eyes and pressed his forehead to hers, letting go of her hands that now rested on his chest. They shared breaths, their noses resting on each other's, their lips so close. He kissed a tear on her cheek that escaped her. She felt his body responding, now noticing that her hips rocked against his, her back arching in anticipation. "Oh, Sherry." He whispered, wrapping his arms around her waist. He pulled her up to stand on top of his feet. He took a few breaths, making his decision as Sherry licked her lips. Jake opened his eyes slowly to reveal the passion in hers. Sherry could see the fight within him as his facial expression continued to change before her.

Jake closed his eyes again, still holding back as his body betrayed him, warming up to hers with anticipation, hardening between her thighs. He couldn't... He wouldn't... He wanted her so badly. He hadn't had a woman in so long and he never felt the need to like this. He wanted to make love to her fully this time, breathing in the essence of her scent. Sherry undid his suspenders, letting them fall to the floor, draping off of his pants. She traced her fingers down his sides to his shirt, slowly lifting it as to ask permission, before pulling it off of his head. She eyed him as she slid her hands down to his hips. Jake let his head fall back, gritting his teeth, still fighting himself as his hips pressed harder, twisting with hers. He let out a purring growl, angry at himself for not being able to resist her.

Sherry kissed his neck, tracing his jaw line. She kissed down his chest, tracing her fingers down his hips with one hand, the other up his bare chest to his beautiful pecks. She kissed him lightly, her tongue suckling his skin. Jake shook his head and pressed it against the cool wall. "Sherry, no..." He begged, "We can't..." He opened his eyes, pressing a forearm over her head against the wall. "I can't..." He shook his head again. "I won't be my father, I won't..." He gasped as she suckled his nipple, rolling it with her tongue. She began to suckle her kisses up his neck. Her knees shook against his weight. She wanted Jake so badly.
"Please Jake, just this once..." She begged, shaking her head. She looked him deeply in the eyes, his forehead against the wall, his face hovering over hers. She moaned and closed her eyes, leaning her head back, as she felt him harden against her thighs. "Jake..." She whispered, "Please... take me..." She opened her eyes slowly. Jake was panting. She could feel his heart beating against her fingers. She nuzzled against his chest, hugging him tight as she slid her fingers up his back. Jake was gasping for air. His hands betrayed him, pulling off the silly lingerie she wore over her outfit. He untied the thong and began to unzip her spandex thermal suit. She continued to lay sweet kisses on his chest, neck and chin and he slowly fought himself. He kept pausing and she'd kiss him to start him up again.
"Sherry... I..." He stopped the zipper just below her belly button at the start of her pelvic mound. He growled again, shaking his head. "This... this is wrong."

Sherry put her arms around his neck and stared him down, pressing herself against the wall, her hips arching to him more as her ass left the wall. She leaned back and led her hand over his, pulling down her zipper. She fought his hesitation, taking his other hand and placing it on her sex. She moaned with delight, throwing her head back as he finally gave in, kissing down her body. His hands slid the suit off slowly. She stepped out of it, as naked as he had found her in the shower the other night. She looked down at him, her eyes begging for more. He kissed up her leg and over her hips, from one side to the other across her belly. he made his way up to her breast, suckling them greedily. His other hand slid up to her ass, grasping it's plumpness, finally letting himself relish her beauty. She undid his belt, jerking it off as best as she could while moaning his name. He kissed up to her neck and looked down in her blue eyes again, the hand from her mound sliding up to the back of her neck. Jake titled her head back as he let his fingers run through her hair. He hesitated again.

Jake's eyes asked for permission to taste her sweet lips. Sherry accepted by taking his full lips with hers first. They embraced each other fully, hands through each other's hair and down each other's backs, pulling each other nearer as the heat of passion rushed through their bodies. Sherry wanted her first everything to be Jake. She didn't know a kiss would be this enthralling. She kissed his bottom lip softly, smooching at first. When she began to lick his top lip, he pushed her against the wall, pulling her hair gently as her head fell back into his palm. He kissed her hard and passionately. Jake slid both of his hands down over her hips, touching every curve on her body on his way down. He suddenly grabbed her ass and lifted her up to straddle him, pushing her against the wall. Sherry arched her back in orgasm as he kissed her hard and deep, trying to keep up as she twisted her tongue against his. She heard her yelps escaping her, muffled by their lips, his own moans driving her orgasm harder. He lifted one of his legs over his shoulder. She didn't know the sound was coming from herself until he released her. She cried out in passion, gasping for air against his hardness.

Jake opened his eyes slowly, beholding the beauty before him. He tried to still his breath and regain control. He couldn't do this. It wasn't right. "Sherry..." He whispered through his breaths, trying to hold back. She didn't answer with anything more than little moans and the panting of her own excitement. She was driving him while. He shook his head and opened his eyes, looking into hers again. "This... This has to stop... This is wrong." Jake let his forehead drop to the wall again, still holding her against him hard. Sherry gasped out, upset. She brought her hand up and traced her finger up his scar, cupping his cheek, desperate for him to continue. She was about to speak but Jake cut her off. "This has to stop... This is supposed to be with someone you love..." He shook his head again, "Especially for you." He released her leg from his shoulder and pressed free forearm above their heads. He closed his eyes, body still willing and excited. He groaned, trying to pull away. She held him tightly. He didn't want to stop but he had to. He slammed his fist against the wall, the shattered drywall sprinkling down around them like snow.

Sherry was quiet, her eyes glistening with tears again, her happiness fading. "You are someone I love..." She said it. She actually said it... and he couldn't stop her. His eyes were pursed shut as were his lips. "Jake..." She whispered harshly," I want this." She shook her head, closing her eyes, her face tilted towards his. "Whatever this is, I want this... I want you." The fact was, he could never be hers. She knew this. He knew this. She would never be his either.
"Sherry..." He shook his head, pausing. He looked into her hypnotizing eyes again. "One day, our paths may cross on the battle field." He lied. He didn't want to be a mercenary anymore. He had enough money to abandon the life. He released her ass and put his other arm against the wall, learning his weight on it, begging himself to get off of her. "What if one day we have to be enemies." He shook his head again, "You can't risk your life and your career for me." He gave her the classic stoic Jake look, his eyes narrowing. "I won't allow you to risk your life for me again."

He looked up at his hands. His dirty hands that would never be free of the blood they had spilled. The dirty hands he always thought unclean for such perfection that was Sherry Birkin. "You deserve better, Agent Birkin." When did he ever call her that? He was pulling himself out from under her sweet spell of bliss. "These hands are unclean with blood..." He continued to stare at his hands, disgusted with himself. "Blood spilled for the sake of money I didn't even need after my mother died." he shook his head again, "You deserve better, Sherry and I... I need to take responsibility for my actions." Sherry grasped his waist desperately again, but Jake pulled her hands away. Jake picked up his shirt and put it on.

"Jake..." She whispered but he pretended not to hear, picking up his jacking and swinging his arms into it in one flail swoop. He took his bag and headed to the door. "Jake, wait!" She cried out again, falling to her knees, reaching out for him.
"I'm sorry, super girl." He shook his head and reached for the door knob, staring at it intensely like it was something he wanted to strangle. He took a deep breath and raised his head, ready to leave. "Super girl," He looked over his should, releasing the door knob. He went back, grabbed a blanket and threw it around her. He gave her a hug, kissing her on the forehead, his final goodbye. "Please... don't cry for me. You saved my life. I want you to think I was worth it..." He shook his head, "...But I'm not."

He let go of her, letting the awkward silence live in the moment. He scooped her up protectively one more time, staring into her twinkling blue eyes. He breathed in her peachy scent and set her down on the couch. Then without a goodbye he went back to the door. He opened it and paused, taking a deep breath, trying to savor this sad moment as much as possible, wishing he could have given her everything he wanted, completing their desires. "I'm bad with goodbyes." He shook his head. He wasn't even there for the death of his mother. "Please... Don't come to the hospital. I promise you'll have my blood." He couldn't help himself from taking one last look over his shoulder. He just couldn't say the words that he felt. Neither shed tears as they gazed at each other one final time. Jake nodded at her, "I'll have it delivered here." Then went through the door, letting it close softly behind his feet. The last sound Sherry heard that reminded of her of him was the sound of his motorcycle speeding away to his home.

Jake kept his promise. She received his blood in a proper carrying case, all labeling enclosed. Sherry dropped it off at the US Consulate, directly into the hands of a UN Ambassador. She looked at her carry-on luggage in the seat beside her, where Jake should have been. She actually kept that stupid outfit he gave her. She frowned before she finished her memo, saved it and sent it to her superiors. She eyed Jake's mug shot one more time before forcing herself to close the computer. Her hands touched it closed lightly, remembering the joy he brought her one last time, like she was closing the door on their relationship. The stewardess distracted her from her thoughts with a cup of hot apple cider, something she knew Jake would have enjoyed. She sipped it, unable to let go of their memories together. She set it down as she received a text message. It was Jake. Had he been thinking of her, too?

It read, "I lowered my asking price... to $50." A smile stretched across her face as she looked out the window. Sherry was still happy, despite knowing they couldn't be together. If their parents weren't lunatics, they would have known each other from youth. Maybe it would have worked then but it was not reality now. They changed their lives for the better and Sherry would learn to love again.

Jake raised his head as he watched Sherry's plane as it rocketed into the sky, a look of solemness on his face. He was sitting on his motorcycle, the road deserted. He could not change what he had done in his past but maybe he could become the person Sherry deserved. He sent her a text message and stared at his phone for a moment. What he had really wanted to say was, "Just because I can't love you, doesn't mean I don't love you." He decided to leave that a secret. No good could come of it. He flicked his phone closed and slipped his phone back into his pocket. He started his bike, letting it purr before taking out the shades she gave him. Slipping them onto his eyes, he took a deep breath, remembering their escape one last time. He smirked a smile, then revved his ride up, spinning it around in the opposite direction before taking off.