Chapter 11:

Red String of Fate


"You ready to go, Mar?" I asked, zipping up his D.C comic's lunch bag after I made sure he had a juice box.

"Yep!" he chirped to me with a grin.

I took his little hand in mine as we circled around the kitchen's island, to the hall. I helped him to slip on his coat and boots and then I did the same. Within minutes, we were out the door and headed towards his school.

Typical Monday - the streets were busy as always. The bus stop was lined with people as they waited. Mar and I brushed past them as we were on our way.

Many were out walking and talking to friends and on the phone. Their conversations usually consisted of complaints over how the early mornings were never a joy [I couldn't help but think 9:00 am was a perfect time for people to be up and about].

The early morning November air was slowly growing cooler by the day but I'd grown to appreciate the lovely London weather – it wasn't too cold for the time of year. Despite this I'd dressed Mar in some warmer clothing so he wouldn't catch a cold just in case. The wind was strong, the breeze was notably chilly and although the day was young, the skies were grey and ugly.

As we closed in on the school, his caretaker met us at the door. She was an older woman, perhaps in her mid-40's with grey to her dirty blonde hair, wrinkles here and there on her face and the tired look to her eye. She was a nice woman, she always greeted us with a smile and Mar was so fond of her, he addressed her as Nanna.

I crouched down to give Mar a warm hug and a kiss on his forehead before handing his caretaker his bags. She thanked me before taking Mar's hand in hers and departing into the small school. He waved to me as he entered and I did the same. I wished him a good day, and then made my leave to return to the Wesker home.

A week had passed since Jake and I had made our first step into the relationship. Unfortunately, we barely had time for each other but when we did, we had fun and we definitely had become more comfortable with each other.

During our alone time, we managed to enjoy each other's company by watching movies in the lounge or playing video games - which was fun because we competed pretty fiercely with each other.

He was a big fan of the game God of War and I took a liking to Tomb Raider. We bickered over which was better constantly.

We also couldn't agree on scary games - specifically Fatal Frame and Amnesia: The Dark Descent. I was scared of both and Jake [typical] was fearless. I dared him to download the game onto the music room computer and being a cocky jerk, he did.

I'd buried my face into his chest as he played and while he may have jumped a few times, he remained stoic through the game.

There wasn't a term to define Jake and my relationship. We were friends and lovers – we were taking things slow so we could feel each other out. Neither of us pushed the other into anything. Each time we got intimate, we asked each other what the other was comfortable with before we acted. I appreciated this about our relationship.

I wanted more than anything to sleep another night with Jake - to wake up in his arms like I did Halloween night. However, Mar had been sleeping with me the past week - he was starting to have nightmares for some reason and I refused to abandon him while he needed me.

I could still remember waking up in Jake's arms that morning...

~.~.~

I remember feeling warm, smelling his cologne and attributing it to being a part of his being - it was his essence, it was all him. Before I even opened my eyes, my lips kissed his collar bone ever so gently so I wouldn't stir him.

My body lay on his hard chest and with my eyes closed, I felt him breath - my hands slowly etched along every cut in the muscles of his chest and abdomen.

I remember sighing blissfully before I finally blinked my eyes open. The room was still barely lit as when I dozed off that night except the dull burning fire from the fireplace.

My eyes danced around in the dark, I didn't move - I was too sated just relishing, enjoying the sound of his heart beating steadily in his chest and his even breathing.

I remember wondering what time it was - somehow not caring if I was waking up too late. I just wanted to stay there but I knew I couldn't. I slowly untangled myself from him, lifting the arm he'd wrapped around me sometime during the night from me as I started to slip from the bed.

I can remember my feet touched the floor for only a second until I was snatched back onto the bed, his arms wrapped tightly around my middle as his face was buried in my hair.

A moment later, I was pinned beneath him as he showered me with kisses everywhere on my face and neck.

As our lips met, I remember how I melted into him - he was so passionate, so gentle and yet I could feel everything he was trying to say to me.

He wanted me to stay a little longer because God only knew the next chance he would get to hold me that way - to kiss me that way...

Because for all we knew, life could occupy us so much that our chances of moments like that would be few...

It hurt so much to know it was true.

~.~.~

Maybe today we can...

I stuck my key into the front door and entered the home. I sighed as I hung my coat in the front closet. It felt good to be out of the cold.

I made my way to the kitchen to get a glass of water when the lounge doors opened and out popped Jake. I smiled before wrapping my arms around his middle - he returned the gesture and kissed my hair before we separated.

"Good morning." I chimed softly, retrieving a glass from the cabinet.

"Mornin', Super girl." he grumbled tiredly, sitting upon one of the stools around the island.

"You have any plans for today?" I asked, filling my glass with water and then leaned over the countertop to look him in the face. He'd been busy the last two days working on something with his father - I hoped he would be home for the next few days to spend time with me.

"Hmm, nothin' I can think of." he replied. "Want me to make some coffee?"

"That sounds fantastic." I sighed, sipping my water.

As he prepared the coffee, I fixed him some breakfast since he always missed it - everyone else didn't [Mrs. Stephanie didn't because I always brought hers to her]. I started with his bacon and sausages, and then followed up with some toast and eggs.

I placed his food on a plate once it was finished and trailed behind him to the dining area where we sat opposite each other. He placed my coffee mug in front of me and I offered him his plate.

I sipped my coffee and hummed, savoring the taste. "This is good."

"Hmph, glad ya like it." he replied. He offered me a piece of bacon which I graciously accepted. "So Super girl, what're you up to today?"

"Nothing much, just going to do the daily chores, pick up wherever I need to and maybe read a book and munch on some cake before I go pick up Mar later."

"Hmm, sounds boring." he dragged.

I let out a dry laugh. "It is." I sipped my coffee once more and stared out the window at the dreary day outside.

"How about instead of being boring, you come visit me in the basement for a while?"

I blushed. "What are we going to do?" I asked coyly.

He chuckled deeply, his eyes flashed as he smirked at me. "You'll see."


I was hoping he'd planned for us to spend some time romancing each other - I was dumbfounded by what he really had up his sleeve.

He told me to meet him in the gym room after I completed my tasks. The gym was in the basement, past his bedroom at the far end of the hallway. There was a glass door that slid open and shut for entry and exit. When I entered, I stood at the door and called out for Jake as I observed the room.

The floors were covered in a soft carpet, sandy in color. There was exercise machines everywhere, a punching bag with a few pairs of gloves nearby, a few mats laid about, bar bells were scattered as well. A huge TV hung in one corner of the room along an entire wall of mirrors. There was an opening that led to a restroom from what I could make out, the tile inside covered the floors and walls and was white with brown-yellow shade too.

I stepped a little more into the room and noticed a white double door closet, and some feet away, there was a tall traditional white refrigerator.

I was about to call out for Jake once more when he emerged from behind me. I was about to greet him when I took in his attire – a white fitted beater, blue knee length shorts and gym shoes.

Shortly after, he handed me a towel, water bottle, mat and a set of clothing consisting of a pink sports bra and some very short black spandex shorts, and lastly a pair of my gym shoes that he somehow retrieved from my room.

How he knew my clothes size was beyond me – then again, it was Jake.

My mouth was slightly agape as I stared at his amused grin. I tried to speak but he put a black sweat band around my head.

"J-Jake -" I tried to protest but he put his index finger to my lips, silencing me.

"Come on Super girl, it's time to get that pretty little body of yours in tip-top shape!" he announced. He was apparently very comfortable with this decision of his.

"W-What?! Jake, what are you -"

"You could use some exercise, Super girl." he patted my back three times and I almost fell forward with everything in my hands.

What did he just say...?! "A-Are you saying I'm fat, Jake Wesker?!" I asked a little offended - he may not have said it but it certainly felt implied!

He looked taken aback. "Wha? No, no, no - you're beautiful, Sherry." he waved dismissively. "I'm just sayin' - it can't hurt to get on the treadmill for -"

I frowned darkly to him, ready to explode. "Jake!" I growled.

He chuckled sheepishly. "S-Sorry baby, I was just hoping you wouldn't mind some endurance train -...?"

I stared hard at him, waiting for him to disappear before I kicked him. "Jake..."

"No really! Come on, Sherry!" he looked completely helpless - I was enjoying it. A sly smirk came to his face then and I frowned more. "Unless you're perfectly okay with me being the top dog in the bedroom...?"

I gasped before pouting. I surely did like the idea but I couldn't let him dominate me so easily. "Stop it Jake!"

He laughed. "Alright then - go get changed and we'll get started!"

After I finished my tenth push-up, I collapsed to the soft carpet floor gasping for air. Jake was one hell of a fitness instructor. He made me do 15 sit ups, 10 push-ups, 20 squats, 50 jumping jacks, and I dreaded what was to come next. I reached for my bottled water in front of me, groaning as I pushed myself off the floor so I could drink from it.

"Damn Super girl, you look like you've had enough." Jake teased from beside me. He had done the workout along with me yet he looked like he hadn't done a thing. He did triple the amount he told me to do for each exercise, it baffled me that he wasn't exhausted.

"N-No way..." I panted, as I wiped away a bead of sweat from my forehead. "I-I'm no... quitter." I didn't want to show him any weakness but I couldn't keep this up. I wasn't sure how I would manage to pick up Mar if I continued to push myself beyond my limits.

Jake sighed at me before flipping himself over to lay on his back. His eyes traveled to me and a smile came to his face. "Take it easy, we've been at it for a while and we've gotta get the little guy in the next hour. We'll call it a day, pick up tomorrow where we left off so we can get you on a regular routine." he stood up and stretched out his arms before offering me a hand. "Come on, we could both use a shower."

I took his hand, he pulled me gently to a stand. I decided to take his advice, I was sweaty and uncomfortable - a shower was a must. As I started for the door, his hands found my waist and halted me.

"Where ya going?" he asked me with a brow raised. "The showers are this way." he pointed to the restroom.

"Oh, I had no idea." I said moving there, Jake was right beside me. "Um, what are you doing...?"

He smirked. "There's more than one shower back there sweetheart."

I blushed and fiddled with my fingers. "Oh my... Jake I -"

"Don't worry, I'll use a stall a few blocks over so I won't see ya nude." he assured, messing up my hair with his large hand. "Unless you want me to?" I squeaked and he just laughed. "Nah, I'm only teasin' - let's go."

I followed behind him, my cheeks were flaming with blush.

We entered the restroom. One area consisted of five sinks and five toilets stalls with doors for privacy, the whole room was lit up by the bright light fixtures over the sinks. There was another sliding door past all of this that was glass. I followed behind Jake as he opened the glass and ushered me inside first.

The showers were here - five in a line against the wall before us. They were encased in glass stalls and there wasn't a curtain in sight. Through the glass doors, I could make out simple knobs for heat control and the shower heads. There looked to be a spot for body soaps, washes and shampoos.

There was a long wood bench right before the showers, I fancied I could place my things there. The opposite walls contained bathrobes and towels folded neatly.

Jake must do all the cleaning down here - considering I wasn't allowed down here until recently.

Jake had surely planned my coming here. He even brought my shampoo and body wash for me. He must have taken it from my room when he grabbed my sneakers. I accepted my things along with a blue towel as he handed them to me. I noticed the clothes that I'd worn before our workout were neatly folded into the pile he'd given me as well.

"Thanks." I said softly as I breezed over to the shower. I sat my things on the bench and opened the middle stall's door, turned on the water and tested the water temperature for when I would get in.

Before I removed the sports bra, I paused and glanced to my left at Jake. He was removing his own shirt. I watched, fighting back a drool - he was so tempting when he had sweat glistening his skin. I bit my lip to wake myself up - I couldn't run over and jump him. Despite us being comfy with each other, I still found myself shy - I much preferred him to initiate while I just worked him over from there.

Hearing him let out a huff, I realized he was trying to turn on the water for the stall farthest from me. It didn't appear to be working. He growled and tapped his chin, appearing to be in thought. I sighed, deciding him working so hard wasn't necessary. He could take the one next to me - I didn't mind much...

I don't mind at all.

"Jake..." I started coyly as I met his curious eyes. "It's okay, you can take the one next to me."

He raised a brow. "You sure?" I nodded with a blush. "Hmph, alright - just don't faint if you see something you like."

I gasped and turned away immediately. "J-Just turn around so I can get undressed..." I glanced over my shoulder and didn't miss that little blush that came to his handsome face. He turned around and I slowly peeled off the sweaty sticky clothing.

I pulled my socks and shoes off last and then grabbed my soap and shampoo as I quickly jumped into the shower stall, shutting it behind me. I stood under the showerhead enjoying the water pressure as I lathered myself down in soap. I didn't dare glance over at Jake, I wasn't sure I could handle seeing his manly parts and just do nothing...

The glass all around me was fogged from steaming hot water. I rinsed the suds from my hair and followed up rinsing the remainders from my skin. Afterwards, I just stood there, my mind full of wonders.

"Jake?"

"What's up, Super girl?"

I swallowed before speaking. "Jake, could we go out sometime?" I felt myself blushing. "I… I would like to do something with you - just the two of us."

I heard him chuckle. "Are you asking me on a date, baby girl?"

"Jake! Oh you jerk…"

He laughed. "I'm teasin' you baby. I've got some things planned for us but that won't be 'til the weekend. You think you could hang on 'til then?"

I smiled. "Yes, I can."

"Good, in the meantime, you think Firehead would mind looking after the little guy tomorrow?"

His nickname for Claire was pretty fitting – she was a fiery girl. "I can call her and see – why, what do you have planned?"

"You'll see."

"Last time you said that, I wound up here working myself to the point of exhaustion." he laughed at me and I peeked over in his direction, the steam prevented me from seeing anything. I was a little disappointed. "Um, Jake, may I ask you a few questions?"

He was quiet for a few moments, finally he responded. "Depends on what they are."

"I have just a few - but what are some questions you're okay answering?"

"Hmph, none but I guess I don't have a choice now do I?"

I played with my wet hair a bit. "There's a lot of questions I have for you... I'd appreciate it if you could answer a few of them for me - it would give me some comfort." I said softly over the sound of the showers.

Another pause, then: "I'll answer any questions you ask – so long as we take them a level at a time. For example, I'll tell you why I haven't slept in my old room in a long time. I'll tell you who those three guys were on Halloween... and I'm sure you get the picture. Then we'll talk about more as time goes on."

I tapped my chin a bit. "That sounds fine – when will you be able to answer them for me?"

"We can try after we bring Mar home. We can put him to sleep and then talk."

I nodded to myself, understanding him. At least I would be learning something - but first... "Jake, are those two questions related somehow?"

"You'll see."


Mar and I were in the kitchen when a pretty bad thunderstorm came. Mar had just finished eating a grilled cheese sandwich, the lightning struck outside and caught both of us off guard. I quickly cleaned him up, pulled him into my arms and swiftly moved to my bedroom. I sat him on the bed before leaving back out to flick off the lights in the kitchen and hallway - then returned to my room with him.

We remained there for a short period. The storm seemed relentless but not as bad as the one Jake and I suffered a black out through.

I kept the lights out hoping we wouldn't lose power because of the storm. We were left with the lantern Jake and I had used once before. I placed it on my nightstand to provide light for the whole room. Beside me, Mar was sleeping peacefully having relaxed enough to finally take a nap some time ago.

I stared out my window at the storm. Mrs. Stephanie told me that it rained a lot in November in London, I was just expecting to see some snow or something soon because I was so used to America. I was quite relieved that London wasn't very cold - in fact, the weather was decent, even on rainy days.

Suddenly, I heard a knock on the front door.

Who could that be during a storm like this?

I slid out of my bed, took the lantern and made for the door. I peeked through the peeping hole and could only make out a dark figure. I assumed it wouldn't be Jake or Mr. Wesker because they had keys so I asked for them to identify themselves and was stunned - it was Piers!

I sat the lantern on the coffee table and quickly opened the door, allowing him inside. He closed his umbrella as he stepped inside and I eyed his wet shoes and coat.

"Piers, oh God what happened?!" I asked worried. I tried to take his coat and things from him but he backed away.

"Sherry, I hate to bother you but is Helena here?"

I felt a pang in my stomach. "N-No, why? What's going on?" He tried to leave but I gripped his hand tightly, stopping him. "Piers, stop - the storm outside is getting worse, you better come inside and wait -"

"I can't!" he snapped. "I can't find Helena! I tried calling her, I texted her more than I can count - I even stopped by her house and she wasn't there!"

I shivered, feeling my nerves kick in. "Okay, okay - calm down, I'll go see if I can call Jake - maybe she's with him."

That seemed to calm him just a bit. I picked up the lantern and pulled Piers with me towards the kitchen, but not before I helped him remove his wet coat. I stepped into the laundry room for a second to snag a clean towel for him to dry off with.

We arrived in the kitchen and I lead him to the dining area where we could sit and chat. I sat the lantern in the center of the table where it successfully lit the area.

"I'm going to give Jake a call and see if he knows where she is. In the meantime, you try and relax. We'll find her Piers - don't worry." I patted his hand a few times subsequently giving him a reassuring smile.

"Thanks Sher, I appreciate your help." he tried to smile but couldn't force it.

I practically jogged to my room to retrieve my cell. I tip toed inside to not disturb Mar and once I had it in my hands, I returned. I dialed Jake's number and prayed he would be able to provide some help.

Jake had expressed to me that he had some business to take care of - some sort of favor for his dad. Earlier, I was disappointed that our little chat was being put on hold but I cut him a break – he had responsibilities, I had no right to be upset with him for that.

I crossed my fingers as the line tried to connect, I hoped he would answer in the storm - even though it was a pretty bad idea.

Finally, a click followed by the sound of his voice. "What's up, Super girl?" he greeted me, it wasn't too cheerful – more so troubled…

"Jake, I'm sorry - I know it's storming and I shouldn't be calling but Piers is here. He's looking for Helena, he says he tried calling her - he even stopped by her house -"

"Tell him she's with me." I sighed feeling relieved. "We'll be there in a bit, you two try to take it easy 'til we get there, alright?"

"Okay, see you soon." I breathed and after he responded, I ended the call.

"Piers, she's fine - she's with Jake and they're on their way here."

Piers just nodded, his head was lowered - he was obviously very upset. I felt sorry for him, he ran all around looking for the girl he most likely was in love with - only to find out she was safe and didn't answer the phone for God knows why. I was sure she had a good reason for not responding but we would just have to wait until they returned.

I walked over to Piers and sat in front of him. When I placed my hand on top of his, he raised his head slowly, he hadn't been crying but he looked a mix of devastation and chagrin - I didn't blame him one bit.

"Are you alright, Piers?" I asked concerned.

"Why?" he started quietly, I could tell he was angry despite his tone. "Why didn't she just tell me she was with him? Why doesn't she trust me?"

I bit my lip. "I'm sure she has an explanation -"

"We're supposed to be together yet she keeps everything from me." he sent me a look. "You're a girl - why do women have so many trust issues?" he laughed a bit, though it wasn't a cheerful one.

I shook my head then smiled. "I don't think it's about gender, Piers. I think our history establishes our ability to trust people - no matter our gender."

"Sometimes I wish things were the way they used to be. Back when she and I were innocent - before the world scarred us so much."

I blinked curious of his words. "What do you mean, Piers?" I noticed he shivered a bit. "How about I get us some tea? That should calm our nerves." I chimed softly, trying to comfort him.

"That sounds great, Sher." he sighed. I gave his hand a squeeze before making my way to the kitchen.

I had made tea while Mar ate his sandwich earlier so we were lucky it was still quite warm. I prepared both of us a cup and returned to the table shortly afterwards, offering him his cup.

"Thank you, Sherry." he lulled softly. "That helps a lot."

I smiled. "Glad to help." I hummed a little while I thought of something to say. Piers beat me to the punch.

"I remember her from our youth..." he started suddenly. I listened quietly. "We grew up together in America. We were happy, life was amazing back then."

"What changed?" I asked meekly.

"I was 16 years old, she was 14 - at such a young age, I knew I had found my soul mate. She's always been so divine to me - I never wanted to part from her. It's a bit embarrassing but uh, she's my childhood sweetheart..." I smiled, thinking it was quite cute. He frowned suddenly and my smile dissipated. "It was that same year that we were separated and I lost her..."

"Why?" I asked interested in his tale.

"My father's job needed me and my family to relocate. The day that I found out we were going to be separated, I promised Helena that no matter what happened, I would never forget her and that one day we would meet again... and she would be mine once again."

I squealed. "That's so romantic…" I hummed.

He blushed and then resumed his story. "For two years we wrote letters to each other and occasionally we talked over the phone. When I turned 18, my father presented me with the opportunity to join the BSAA - it's kind of a different branch of the army, we targeted bio-weaponry crimes and anything related to it. I joined it without question because I knew that it presented me with an opportunity to return to Helena after I served."

"I tried to tell her my plans but a few months before I was to join, I was unable to contact her in any way. It devastated me... the only thing I could do was pray she was alright and join the BSAA so that I could one day find her."

A dole smile came to his handsome face and he sipped his tea once more before he spoke again. "Fate has a way of bringing people together it seems. When I turned 22, I stayed in the states for a whole year searching for Helena but I couldn't find her. I almost gave up, but then Steve called me earlier this year and told me he wanted to surprise me for my 24th birthday by showing me a 'chick fight'. I wasn't very interested but I decided to come here just to get away from all the painful memories…"

"Imagine my surprise when one of the fighters was Helena, my Helena." he looked at me, eyes containing a light I would see whenever Mar looked at me or Claire saw a football player she liked too much.

A question came to me. "Piers, that day when you and I met, it wasn't your first time seeing her there?"

He shook his head. "The first time I saw her, I was unable to push myself to speak to her. Heh, imagine that, a trained and disciplined man like myself unnerved by the woman of my dreams - but it's true. I was so shocked by her presence I was frozen in place. From that point on, I attended the fights just to see her and find the courage to call out to her. I'd gone to every show since to see if she would show up so one day I could catch her attention."

"Finally I caught her after the fight and when I tried to talk to her she flipped out and tried fighting me. I was able to restrain her but she told me to go away." he leaned back in his chair.

I pouted, saddened by the idea of the two feeling turmoil. "Why was she fighting you?"

"I wish I knew. To this day, I have no clue. She used to be so playful and cheery - I mean, she's always been stubborn and 'too tough for sappy lover boys like myself'," he laughed and I joined him, that really sounded like her. "But she looked at me with fear in her eyes that day, like I would hurt her... I could never hurt her. I love her - with everything in me."

Helena's a lucky girl and she doesn't even realize it.

Piers continued. "Jake's the reason why she's actually calmed down enough to even try talking to me. At first she wouldn't come near me, let alone touch me. I don't know what Jake's told her but she's slowly started to loosen up some. She calls me, she hugs me, she's really gotten better but something's wrong. I want to help her but she's locked her heart away again. Whenever she doesn't answer the phone it usually means something's bugging her."

"Why are she and Jake so close, if you don't mind me asking?" I wondered.

He sighed. "I don't know the whole story but I do know that they've known each other for years."

"Have they - you know, dated before?"

Piers raised a brow and then chuckled a bit. "I doubt it. Jake's like a little brother to Helena and he looks out for her like an older sister. Even Jake's little brother calls her 'sis' from time to time."

I sighed, feeling appeased. "Sorry, it's just I have no clue about a lot that's going around me. A lot of the time it feels like everyone knows something - including Jake and they're all hiding things from me. It bothers me because I would love for Jake to talk to me but he always puts me on hold."

Piers stood up and took the chair beside me, wrapping his arm around my shoulder. "Seems like we're two of a kind." he joked dryly. "Maybe one day things will change - until then, I won't ever give up on Helena. Never." he looked me in the eye and gave me an assuring smile. "I know you won't give up on Jake either."

I returned the smile and nodded to him. "I want to be with him no matter what."

"Good, because I'm going to see to it that this stops. Helena's my girl and I won't stand for her venting elsewhere. From this point on, I'm going to make sure she talks to me, not Jake. I think it's time we both put our foot down, don't you agree Sherry?"

"Absolutely!" I beamed.

I realized that we were all the same: Jake, Piers, Helena and myself. Jake and Piers both nearly gave up trying to find the girl of their dreams until they found Helena and me, now they were going out of their way to do right by us. Helena and Jake both had so much to hide and were afraid to tell Piers and myself, I wasn't sure why but I hoped the answer would come soon. Piers and I were both just trying to be a support system for the ones we cared for and wouldn't give up on them because they meant too much to us. We weren't going anywhere.

It was time they realized that.

I sighed and took both of Piers hands into my own. He looked at me, puzzled but I smiled warmly. "Piers, this is just my take on things but… I truly believe it was the red string of fate that united you two." I warbled, feeling tenderized by his tale of love lost and the opportunity for it again. "And with heaven's mercy, you two will rekindle that bond you share – so you can be together without despair."

They were like a bedtime story about star-crossed lovers that wouldn't stop until they were together – I could only pray they wouldn't end up Romeo and Juliet or Hero and Leander. No, I hoped they weren't star-crossed – I hoped their love was written in the stars, not impeded by them.

"The red string of fate…" he quoted looking amused. "Thanks, Sherry – if it helps much, someone told me that you and Jake are almost like Cupid and Psyche, wouldn't you agree?"

I didn't know how to respond to that. I didn't even get the chance to…

"Nanny Bear!" I jumped up and apologized to Piers before excusing myself as I ran to retrieve Mar.

I returned a moment later, allowing Mar to lead as we walked. He said he could use 'my light' to lead us out the darkness since I forgot the lantern with Piers. He succeeded and I was impressed - I figured 'my light' was one hell of a bright one.

"Hi Piers," Mar greeted him cheerfully. Piers smiled and saluted him, causing Mar to try it himself. It was cute to see. "Why are you here? Where's Helena?"

"She should be here soon." Piers answered.

Just then, I heard keys and then the front door opened. I saw Helena enter first and then Jake. Mar tugged on me, wanting to go greet his brother no doubt. I nodded to Piers and he picked up the lantern to lead us to them.

As we neared, I noticed Helena looked absolutely depressed. She'd been crying, I could tell by her puffy eyes. I offered to take her coat and she gave it to me, as well as her umbrella. Jake was behind her, in his hands were bags of something that smelled really good - Chinese food.

"Jake!" Mar hugged his leg, smiling joyfully. Then, he hugged Helena. "Hi, Babe!"

Heh, so even Mar calls her Babe. Wonder what's the story with that nickname?

"Hey little man." Jake greeted wearily, Helena just waved unenthusiastically to him.

"Helena..." Piers started, he looked solemn, calm. "We need to talk."

She nodded slowly. "I know... I'll tell you everything."

I put my hand on his shoulder smiling a bit, then turned to Jake and held out my hands. "I'll take those bags for you Jake - I could put them in the kitchen."

He shook his head. "I got it, Super girl." he gestured towards to kitchen. "Follow me, alright?" I nodded and he turned to Helena and Piers. "Let's go to the lounge - come on Marlowe."

Jake led the way and I stayed close beside him and Mar so they could see.

"Jeez," Jake said, setting the bags of food on the counter. "It's freezin' in here - and why ain't the lights on - is the power out?"

I fidgeted. "No, but with the storm I was concerned the power could go out and didn't want it to." In my peripheral vision, I saw Piers lead Helena into the lounge with the lantern in his hand. Before Helena entered, I wrapped my arms around her, hugging her tightly. "I'm glad you're safe, Helena."

She patted my back twice but didn't say anything. I planted a small kiss to her cheek before releasing her. I reached for Piers hand and gave it a squeeze. He smiled, and then wrapped his arm around Helena to enter the lounge, closing it quietly behind them.

"They'll be fine," Jake told me. I turned in time to see him pull out a couple of cartons containing food and left a few more in a bag. Mar commented on how the food smelled good and I agreed as I came to the counter to whiff the scent once more. Jake shrugged with a small grin. "I thought so too. Mar, come with me - we're gonna go take this food to Mom and Rebecca."

"Okay!" Mar chimed.

Jake walked up to me and wrapped an arm around my waist - then whispered into my ear: "Meet me in your room. I'm gonna take this food upstairs and leave Mar with them so we can talk for a while."

I nodded and watched him go, Mar trailing behind him just by a bit.


Jake and I sat side by side on my full sized bed as we ate some sesame seed chicken and chicken fried rice. Our backs were cushioned by the many teddy bears and pillows along the headboard. The lights were off in my room, but Jake had lit a candle for us, it was nearby on my dresser.

I was curled up, facing him as I ate. He had on bent with his foot on the bed, his other rested over the edge flat on the floor.

"Are they really going to be alright?" I asked. He nodded and I hummed a bit. "What happened to Helena?"

Jake cleared his throat a bit. "I wish I could say but it's kinda her place to tell you, ya know?" he shrugged and sent me a penitent look.

I nodded. "I understand…" I noticed him scoot closer to me. "Are you cold?" I eyed his black sweatpants and matching t-shirt. "I could go get some blankets."

He shook his head. "Nah, I just wanna feel that skin of yours." he finished his food and placed the empty carton on my nightstand. "Finish up, Super girl so I can hold you."

I blushed and took a few more bites of my food. I was starting to feel a bit full but I only had two more to go so I finished off my carton. He took it and placed it beside his on the nightstand.

I gasped as he suddenly wrapped his arms around me. I felt his tongue lick all around my mouth, he pulled away, licking his lips at me. I felt that tingle again – that overwhelming need…

"Mmm," he hummed. "You're always tasty, baby girl." he gathered me close again and our lips met.

After our lips connected a third time, I pulled away slightly, pressing the bottom of my palm against his lips to stop his escalating ardor.

"Jake, we're supposed to talk, remember?" I purred.

I heard him groan. He pulled me into his lap as he scooted all the way onto the bed. He looked up at me with fire in his eyes. He wanted attention, I understood him – I was starting to feel achy too.

"Ask me whatever you like." he exhaled slowly.

I placed one of his hands on my thigh and the other I cradled against the side of my face. I held it there, placing a kiss on his palm. "Why don't you sleep in your old room?"

"Too many memories. Ones from happier times – before mom got sick. We all slept there at that time, but ever since she got sick, not even my dad sleeps back there."

I leaned down and kissed his lips softly, hoping to ease his pain. "I'm sorry…"

"Don't be," he smiled a bit. "She's not dead so it's not like it's an emotionally devastating memory. It's just not comfortable for me to sleep there like I used to."

I kissed him again, the hand that cradled my face came to rest along my back where my shirt had risen enough to expose my skin. Feeling his hand there sent an electric shock through me. I sighed softly, I liked the tingles he gave me whenever he touched me.

I tried to remember what the other thing was he promised to explain to me but I couldn't place it…

"Babe and me used to be in a gang," I gasped and sent him a surprised look. He sighed and rubbed circles on my back. "It was back when I was 14 and she was 15. It wasn't a serious gang like you're probably thinking but we did all kinds of shit, nothing good though. The only reason we got away with most of 'em was because of my dad."

He shook his head recalling things I supposed. "Those three you saw on Halloween were in the gang with us. Even though the gang disbanded years ago, they still do the petty crimes for fun, while most of the others that were involved with us just escalated. The ones who escalated are locked up now, most won't see the light of day for the rest of their lives."

"But those three ain't as dumb as the others – they just like thrills like I did, but now that I've got you, I'm over the thrill-seeking shit."

I blushed, flattered by that. "So… you're not involved with them anymore?"

"They want Babe and me to come back but we won't. It's no fun anymore – at least it ain't for me." he shifted a bit. "Listen baby girl, Babe and me – we gotta deal with the bad decisions we made but you gotta forgive us for not wanting you and lover boy involved. You and Piers got nothing to do with it, it's best it stays that way."

I nodded once. "I understand, but just to be sure I understand you clearly, you're telling me you're not involved in anything scary or dangerous now?" I needed to feel safe with him, otherwise I wasn't sure what I would feel like.

He chuckled. "Not anymore so you can relax. You're safe with me baby."

I smiled, thinking he was reading my mind again – well, since I was able to ask him anything, I wondered could I ask him about that. But first I needed something to think about.

I recalled Piers comparing us to Cupid and Psyche, I wondered how exactly did we fit that story…

"Psyche is the mind, body and spirit – she was a human until she was made immortal by Cupid." I gasped at him, he smirked. "Cupid of course is a God of love – or sex, depends on which version you read, well anyway he was sent to make Psyche fall in love with someone undesirable by the goddess of love but he fell in love with her and couldn't do it. I can't remember if he married or just banged her but he only visited her at night – asking her not to look at him. That scared her because she thought he may have been a monster, so she looked at him one day and realized he wasn't but that bothered the guy for some reason." he shrugged.

"They overcome distrust of each other, torture and all that jazz until eventually Cupid's able to make her his immortal bride."

"How exactly does that sound like us?" I asked amused by his way of telling the tale.

"Cupid wanted Psyche the moment he saw her. He would come to her at night asking her not to look at him, eventually she saw him and he flipped." he must have realized I wasn't following him. "I saw you as my dream girl from day one, Sherry. I tried to keep my dark secrets from you but you stumbled on 'em anyway – I flipped and acted like a jerk to you because I had trust issues. Does that ring a bell now?"

"…Yeah, it definitely does." I was taken aback for a moment, and then I laughed. "I guess me getting caught in the storm, trying to look out for your mother would have been like torture for me?"

He smiled. "Interesting you say that cuz the goddess of love was Cupid's mom." we laughed. "Good thing my mom's not crazy thinking you tried to steal all the attention from her."

I froze. Actually… she used to think that way. Jake tilted his head. "She did?"

"I-It was around my first few weeks on the job." I stuttered. "Um, c-can we change the subject… the similarities are starting to scare me."

"Tch, yeah, no kiddin'."

We were silent for a while until he spoke again.

"By the way, it was me that told Piers we were like them." he stated as if he was pleased with himself.

I blinked before rolling my eyes, laying my head on his chest. "You're some sex god, Jake?"

He wrapped his arms around me. "Maybe. We won't know until we find out." I giggled at his implications.

Another air of silence, this time I interrupted it.

It was now or never. "Jake, can you read my mind?"

He sighed and rubbed my back with one hand. "Yea, I can."

I froze entirely. Did he just admit it? "Yeah, I'm admitting it." he stated softly. "But here's the catch, I have to touch your skin to do it."

Touch my skin? But where? I tried to think, feel anywhere on my body that my skin was meeting his. I couldn't feel it, where was he touching my skin? His hands were wrapped around me, not touching any of my flesh.

"Your face is pressed against my chest, Sherry. It doesn't take much for me to read you if your skin and mine come in contact. That's also why you feel that shock and tingle whenever we touch. Our skin reacts to each other's."

I sat up, staring down at him with my eyes wide. It all made sense! Whenever he touched me, I felt a reaction in my body. So during that time he was –

"I was reading your mind." he finished. His eyes were unreadable and firmly on me. "Sometimes I just guess what you're thinking, but other times if I touch you, I just do." I looked down, I was feeling tingly but I couldn't tell where it was coming from. His hands weren't touching me, I wasn't touching his chest or anything.

He smirked then, a glint came to his eye. "Your thighs…" was all he said. I looked down and sure enough, the shorts I was wearing made my skin touch the left side of his lower abdomen where his shirt had risen up exposing his skin, but not by much at all.

I was speechless. He pulled me down against him again, to meet my eyes. He smiled and stroked my hair. "It's not intentional… I promise you. I hate for you to think I'm invading your thoughts but when I touch you I just feel this sensation I... It just happens – and it's only with you though. I've never had this with anyone else."

"Why… do I get those sensations from you?" I asked.

He hummed a bit. "I… I'm sorry, I really don't know. But, I get them too. If only you knew what your touch does to me."

"What?" I pleaded for him to answer.

"Multiple things, baby. Sometimes it calms me – it's cool and soothing. And then there are other times – times when your touch sends me into some sort of euphoria that I crave more and more. Then there's that other thing you do…" he trailed off.

I waited for him to finish but eventually I spoke up. "Jake, your touch excites me." I whispered realizing he wasn't going to finish. I wrapped my arms around his neck, face flushed pink. "It lights me on fire."

"Amazing, ain't it? I can't help but wonder how life brought us together. How we managed to get this far without each other..."

"It's almost like we're…" I trailed off, wanting to know if he suspected the same thing I did.

"Yea, it's like we're fated to be together."


A/N: There's chapter 11! Okay so yep, all the secrets are coming out! Jake has to touch Sherry in order to read her mind. Helena and Piers have their problems that at first weren't evident but now they're coming to light.

I may dedicate a chapter solely through either Piers or Helena's POV just for some more insight into the pair. That means Sherry's POV will be eliminated for one chapter only. I'm not sure when that chapter may come but if you guys/girls would like to see it, feel free to let me know.

About the Cupid and Psyche thing – believe it or not, that was a weird ass discovery I made. It's a coincidence entirely. The tale just fit for them to a point I was like "….Okay, that's f-in weird!" But it bears no influence on the story I assure you so don't stress yourselves about it. Coincidences will happen...

***Note: Thanks to 61wisampa [my fellow CupidxPsyche lover XD] for clearing something up for me. Cupid wasn't sent to kill Psyche, just make her fall for someone ugly and failed because of his love arrow scraping him instead of her. It'd been a while since I read the tale of the two [a whole year actually] and I couldn't find an online version to go over so I've always read my old college notes and forgot that part entirely... Thanks again wisampa! [hugs] ***

Not sure if anyone caught onto Jake's statement yet but it's true he doesn't hold all the answers to Sherry's questions – not even his own. Someone else does. Someone very difficult to decipher. [hint, hint]

Next chapter will provide insight for Sherry's glow and also some more of Jake's abilities. So it's gonna be an interesting read that's for sure.

Well see you guys/girls around! Feel free to ask any questions or voice any concerns.

Thanks for everything!

-Vio