I really think I've forgotten where my fiction priorities were. So far, I've been busy with the other fics, with so many people wanting me to update them.

I'm also working on an original series, which seems to be taking even more time away from this fic.

So, I'm here, writing this chapter of the fic, and making sure I finish what I've started.

Here you go…

Chapter 3: Back Where You Belong

Jake stormed out of the building, and made sure to leave that section of Gateway behind.

He got to the Shuttle station, when he finally stopped to catch his breath.

He checked his watch; 12:45.

"A bit late to meet her at the restaurant." He mumbled to himself. He then pulled out his cellular, and opened up his contacts, scrolling to find her number.

When he found it, he pressed Call, and waited for her answer. The phone rang twice before the call was received.

"Hello?" Miranda's sweet voice asked.

"Hey Miranda, it's Jake." He replied

"Are you calling to cancel dinner with your parents?" she asked.

"No," he answered "It's still happening. I was hoping I could take you out to lunch."

"Where to?"

"Perhaps Southernmost Pointe?" he suggested, naming her favorite seafood restaurant on the station.

"Can you afford it?" she asked

"Payday was last Friday." He explained "I just thought since I have no place to be, and that there's no one I'd rather see, I'd spend a little on you."
"If you say so." She replied "I'll meet you in front of Totally 80's."

"See you then." He said.

"Bye Jake." She added, hanging up.

He put his cellular in his pocket, and noticed that the shuttle to the Commercial Section was pulling up.

He made his way on, trying hard to get a seat.

This time, he found one, and quickly sat down. He couldn't wait to see Miranda.

xXx

When the shuttle pulled in, it seemed like the trouble from ten minutes ago was starting to fade.

He got off the shuttle, and made his way out of the drab, stair filled landing.

He went through the door, and into the commercial district.

The builders of Gateway Station had known there would be a need for it's inhabitants to spend money.

What they did however, was take a look on how to get the most business in the space that they could.

The solution was to make the business district like a mall, with walkways along a building that had the stores inside.

The sidewalks were there so that people could move between the businesses in a more open way, as to eliminate the sense of claustrophobia that always took the will to shop away.

Jake currently made his way up to the bottom level of the shopping complex, and went ahead to the stairs.

He knew exactly where Totally 80's was. It was on level 49, Area 2, and right by the fountain Rotunda.

He got on the stairs, and started to navigate his way there.

After quite a bit of stair climbing, and ten minutes of an elevator ride, he got there.

He found her waiting at the door, the fiery beauty she was. To him, she was an angel from heaven. To the rest of the sighted world, she was like this.

She was rather fair skinned, with a slight tan. She was about 5,11, though she looked 6,1 in her heels, which were also knee-length Italian boots. She was wearing a white blouse, which showed a little cleavage, but not much. Below that, she wore a miniskirt, barely reaching down below her hands. In her dark-red hair, she wore ribbons and bows, all of which complimented her hair. Her lips were a natural purple, a shade of which was highly coveted as a lipstick, which she didn't need. She turned her head, and her tanzanite-violet eyes met his.

"Well if it isn't Jake Love-Train Essex." She managed, cracking up at the end of the phrase.

"I thought my pet name was snookums?" he replied.

"Well," she explained "I think I'll change it every other day, seeing as there are too many to just use one."

"I love you too sweetie." He replied, knowing this was her unique way of showing her love.

"We still game for Southernmost Pointe?" she asked.

"We are." He answered. He offered his arm "Shall we?"

She nodded, taking his arm.

They walked down the row, and across the walkway to the restaurant.

He opened the door for her, and they were met by a server.

"Welcome to Southernmost Pointe." Greeted the blonde server "How many?"

"Table for two please." Jake replied.

"If you'll follow me." The server continued.

She led them to a spot in the back by the aquarium. The whole restaurant was usually a chain one, with its usual decoration theme. This one was the Florida Keys. Along the walls, there were video-windows of scenes from Key West. Along the walls, there were assorted doodads like lobster pots, coral, conch shells, and even steel diver's helmets.

As they took a seat at a booth, they were handed menus, and told their server will be right with them.

"I really don't get why you always wear that jacket." Miranda admitted, looking up from her menu. "You wear it everywhere. The climate is perfect aboard the station; I doubt it's that cold."

"It's lucky." He explained "This jacket's saved my life a couple of times."

"The jacket has done nothing for you." She replied "the contents are what saved your life all of those times. If it really did save your life, then it would be on either Fury or Archeron at the moment. I don't think you need to wear it everywhere."

"I understand in that sense," he ceded "But it's still lucky."

"Well you won't be tonight." She replied. "I can guarantee that."

"It's just a jacket." He defended "It's not like I have a serious problem."

"At least wash it every once in a while." She suggested "Perhaps repair all of the scuffs on it, get it fitted better."

"It's fine. I wash it every other month." He defended "It fits much better than when I got it anyways. And the scuffs tell a story, a bit like a scar would."

"It's ugly, and hardly complements your style." She replied "I was right about the frames wasn't I."

He knew exactly what she was talking about with this. A month ago, it was time to pick out a new set of frames for his glasses, and he decided to bring her with him to get a girl's opinion. The result was that even though his current set slipped every now and then, the leopard-print frames were his favorite pair he'd had ever.

"You were right about that." He ceded "But the jacket stays. I really feel strongly about it, and it's an important piece from back home. I couldn't bear to get rid of it. I just ask that I be able to wear it as part of casual wear."

"At least button it up when you do." She ceded, finally giving up "I'd much rather it look neat than messy."

At this, their waiter arrived "Are you two ready to order yet, or should I wait a little longer?" he asked.

"We're ready to order." Jake announced.

xXx

When the check finally came, Jake paid as he promised his wallet considerably lighter.

When they left the restaurant, it was only two o'clock.

"How does checking out that new art gallery sound?" she asked, "I've only heard good things about it."

"Well," he began, but was unable to finish. It seemed that they were interrupted by the familiar presence of Jenette Vasquez.

"Hey, whatcha doin' kid?" she asked, walking up to Jake. When she seemed to notice Miranda, she paused.

"Aunt Jenette," Jake answered "I'd like you to meet my girlfriend, Miranda."

"I've heard so much about you." Vasquez replied, shaking Miranda's hand.

"That's funny," Miranda replied "I've heard next to nothing about you."

Jake was put on the spot by this.

"Jake, you never mentioned you had an aunt." Miranda explained.

"Well…" he managed. He then had an idea "I was hoping you would get to meet everyone at dinner tonight."

"What I'm really doing her kid," Vasquez explained "Is trying to find Will. He just left the house."

"He's probably going to the firing range with my dad." Jake answered "He'll probably be found at home, knowing as they both are suckers for my mom's cooking."

"I guess I'll see you two then." Vasquez replied, walking away.

xXx

When six o'clock finally rolled around, Jake and Miranda were on a shuttle to the residential section.

"Just remember." He reiterated "Don't bring up the subject of the Alien. It's a bit much for all of us, and we prefer not to talk about it."

"psh." She replied "Like I'll even talk about that."

"If it does, don't talk about it like it never happened." He added "It's something that'll immediately make you a very unpopular person."

"I know." She sighed "I believe what you told me during our second date. I believe that The Company pickled it, and that we have nothing to worry about, just like you told me."

"That's an issue for another time." He explained "I'll explain why tomorrow. Just stick to that story and you'll be fine."