Thanks for the reviews! How intense was the last of that episode? Juice better be okay where he is. Big things, of course, to my Beta Kupkakes. This might be my last update for at least aweek or so, I'm going on vacation and don't know how much I'll be able to come on. I do not own anthing in this chapter, besides Savannah. Everything else belongs to their rightful owners.

Chapter 14

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Juice decided to walk it to work Wednesday. It wasn't too cold, and he knew asking Mel would make him late. Mrs. P had warned him that if he came in late again, she'd whip him with Mr. P's belt when she'd saw him the day before. A part of him was curious if she'd actually do it, but the smarter part of him knew not to push it.

Walking up to the diner, he noticed some kid leaning against the diner waiting for someone. He wasn't exactly a prep, but pretty close. He was a little rich bitch that much was obvious. Then again, who wasn't compared to him now days?

He pulled open the door to the diner and paused seeing Savannah at the counter talking to Mrs. P. It had only been a few days since their run in inside the closet, but she'd been giving him the cold shoulder since then. He wasn't exactly sure why. Maybe he'd find her later when they were working . . . no, he had the night off.

That was why he was here so early. He wasn't really working a shift today, it was just a handyman job. It wouldn't take more than an hour, two at the most. Some extra cash didn't hurt. He wasn't working the club until eleven tonight either, so, really, he just had the afternoon to catch up on school work and sleep.

Watching the little interaction between Mrs. P and Savannah, he noticed that whatever it was, Savannah was happy about it. She lit up as she hugged the old woman before turning to leave. Her steps faltered for a moment when she saw him, but she gave him a small smile and kept walking.

Juice's eyes followed her out of the diner, and much to his shock and displeasure, she went right over to that guy he'd seen on the way in. A feeling of bitterness came over him as he watched her kiss the guy's cheek before slipping her hand through his. What the hell was going on? Only a few days ago she'd been clinging to him, moaning his name, in the supplies closet.

"Ay Juancito mio, there you are. Estas maquinas tontas no trabajan." Mrs. Perelli exclaimed, scowling at the register in question.

The Perelli's had finally gotten new registers. Which explained why Juice was there. Neither of the Perelli's knew how to set them up, let alone use them. Being the computer genius he was, he offered to help them out. It was the least he could do. It didn't hurt that Mr. P offered to pay him a few bucks either. He felt guilty taking the cash, of course, but he wasn't gonna lie and say he didn't need it.

"English, Mrs. P. You know I know better Yiddish than Spanish." He chuckling, adjusting his bag as he walked behind the counter.

"Don't sass me, Juancito." She scolded but it didn't quite reach her eyes.

As curious as he was to find out what had just happened with Savannah, he was here to do something else first. Savannah could wait. Hopefully.

Getting to work, Mrs. Perelli left him to his task. In the back of his mind, he was wondering what Savannah had been here for and who the douche was. He needed to get this done though. Sav wasn't his girl, he didn't need to know who all her friends were. If she was making any at all , good for her.

Time seemed to drag by as he worked on getting the cash registers up and working. It didn't help that he kept glancing at the clock. He had absolutely no claim on the brunette, only a nagging that it hadn't been him to ask her. That brought on the question of, did he want to take her out?

Shaking his head, he couldn't even think of that. Even if he wanted to ask her out, in reality, he couldn't take her anywhere. He didn't have the spare cash to take her to a movie. He could barely afford to take care of himself. Besides, when would he even have the time? Between work, classes, and hell, even keeping Mel satisfied, he was running on fumes for sleep as it was.

The smell of food brought him out of his thoughts. Looking up, he noticed a plate of eggs, pancakes, and bacon sitting there. "mi hijo, eat up. Take a break." Mrs. P said, motioning for him to eat the food.

How could he say no to that?

Grabbing a fork, he immediately dug into his breakfast. He moaned in delight, his stomach thanking him for the food like it did every time Mrs. P cooked him something. Glancing over, he noticed her crossing Savannah off of the schedule for the night shift. "Sav called out? She looked fine when I came in earlier." He spoke up stabbing at the eggs with his fork.

He was hoping to come off like he could care less, but he really wanted to know and this was his opening. Of course Mrs. P knew better, but she played along. "She asked for the night off. She and a young man are going to a movie tonight. She offered to take the morning shift this Saturday instead." Mrs. Perelli explained, sparing him a glance as she fought back the smile on her face.

Juice hoped he was coming off as calm as he was trying to be. Confirming what he'd guessed was going on didn't help his mood. He didn't like that someone was else was scoring the date he wanted. He should be the one taking her out. He knew what she'd like to do, he knew what her limits were. He wouldn't push her into something she didn't want, even though he knew she most definitely did want it with him.

Clearing his throat, he finished his plate of food and wiped his mouth. "Well, uh, I'm just about finished here, Mrs. P. I can come in early tomorrow and just test run it. I've, uh, I've got something to do soon. You know, um, important stuff. Really, really, important stuff." He rambled as he packed up his bag. Kissing her cheek, he slipped past her and hurried out.

Mrs. Perelli turned to watch him go, a knowing smile on her face. "Of course you do, Juancito."

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Sitting on the edge of Mel's bed, Juice was still wound up. He'd come home to find Mel watching TV, the image of what a bored housewife looked like. He'd been on edge knowing Savannah was out on a date that should have been with him, and he figured sex would take his mind off it. He knew deep down it wasn't, but it did distract him for a few minutes at least.

Now, the wondering was back. A part of him wanted to go down there and step in, make his claim, as bad as that sounded. He knew she'd never go for it though. She didn't like feeling like someone owned her.

He tensed when Mel wrapped her arms around him from behind, nuzzling his neck. He'd almost forgotten that she was behind him. He looked over his shoulder, giving her a weak smile. "Sorry, I was spacing out, babe." He apologized reaching up to rub her hand.

The last thing he needed was Mel finding out he was thinking about someone else while he was in bed with her. That was drama he didn't want, nor need. "You need to relax, baby. You got any of that weed to spare? It usually calms your jitters when you're in a mood." She said, rubbing his shoulders.

She thought this was one of his ADD moods, when he couldn't settle down. If only she knew it was far from that. "Nah, not in the mood." He said with a shake of his head.

Normally, he would have jumped at the chance to light up, but he just wasn't in the mood to get high. He knew that his lips got loose when he was under the influence, and he didn't want to risk going on a rant about Savannah's date. Not to Mel that was for damn sure. Her adoration only went so far.

Tugging on his boxers, he got up and crossed the room to find the duffle bag he'd been keeping in her closet while he stayed here. Maybe a shower would help clear his head? If nothing else, he wouldn't smell of sex. "Why don't we go out then? Get your mind off whatever's going on. I know yours finals are coming up, right? Maybe you're just stressed out." Mel suggested, pulling the sheet around her while she looked for her clothes.

Juice's ears perked up, an idea hitting him almost instantly. This was his opening. Granted, probably not his best one, but it was an opening none the less. "Not really feeling the club, I have a shift there tonight. How 'bout a movie or something? There's that new one that just came out. You mentioned it the other day." It was innocent enough of a suggestion. If they happened to bump into Savannah and her date, it'd be sheer luck.

"Movie sounds great, hon. We can wash up and head over, see what's playin'." She said, getting up and heading into the adjoining bathroom.

He was in luck. Mel seemed to love the idea. The two of them basically alone in the dark, how could she not love it? It was perfect. He knew she wouldn't think as much if she knew he only wanted to go because he knew Savannah was going. She didn't need to know that though. With any luck, this day wouldn't end up being too badly for him.

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Savannah and Ryder were waiting in line to buy their tickets. He'd taken her out to breakfast somewhere on the other side of town. She wasn't really into the fancy dishes, meals she couldn't even pronounce for another thing, but she kept her mouth shut. She wasn't about to ruin things over where they ate, even if she did prefer the Perelli's diner.

They couldn't go wrong with a movie though. As long as they didn't see a chick flick, she'd be up to anything else. She used to stay up late with Jax and Opie all the time just watching old movies until they all crashed. She loved movies.

One thing she hadn't expected to see, was Juice heading over with that . . . rich snob she'd mistaken as his aunt. She looked proud to be seen with a younger man, Savannah noticed. The idea of Juice touching this woman made her sick though. The hands he'd touched her with, had touched the old hag too. It made her realize she really didn't know where those hands had been. Skylar was one thing, but this woman, well, she wasn't scoring Juice any points.

Was she jealous? Yeah. She didn't like the fact Juice was here taking that woman out on a date, when all he'd done with her is try to get in her pants. She thought things were different between them, that they were going somewhere. Obviously she'd read too much into it. He wasn't any different than any other guy.

She stared at them for a few minutes, trying to figure out what was so great about this woman, what made her good enough to take out on a date? Did she really want the answer though, she wasn't sure. A part of her was scared to find out the answer to that.

Before she realized it, Ryder was ordering the tickets. She zoned back in just in time to hear him ask for two tickets to one of the only chick flick playing. He had to be joking. She'd even told him she didn't want to see a chick flick. She'd take action or comedy over romance any day of the year. Obviously that went right through one ear and out the other. "I thought we agreed on no chick flick?" She asked as they walked inside.

Shrugging, Ryder headed over to the crowded concession stand to order them some popcorn. "I know, but nothing else seemed interesting to me." To him. That was what bothered her the most.

He hadn't even asked for her opinion on the movie. Not that it would have mattered, he'd have picked the one he wanted even if he did. Sighing, she waited in line with him. She wondered if he'd let her choose her own drink or not. Juice would have let her. Hell, he wouldn't have even thought to take them to see a chick flick. He'd have gone for . . . crap. She had to stop thinking about him and what he'd have done differently.

Glancing over her shoulder, she noticed him and his 'date' come inside. Obviously he wouldn't have even been interested in asking her in the first place. He already had someone to take on a date. "Savannah! Savannah, did you hear me? Are you even listening to me?" Ryder asked, snapping his fingers in her face.

Her eyes lingered on Juice long enough to see him scowling in their direction. Blushing, she realized he'd heard Ryder snapping at her, literally. Turning her attention back to him, she fought the urge to snap back at him. "Sorry, what were you saying? I was looking at all the posters." She lied, giving him a weak smile.

He didn't look amused by her answer. "I got us a small popcorn, no butter. You don't need that, trust me. I got us waters too. The soda fountain is disgusting. Have you ever wondered how often they really clean those? Just gross." He complain, handing her the small popcorn.

Savannah felt insulted. What did he mean 'you don't need that'? She might not be a pencil, but she liked her shape just fine. Most guys she knew liked when a girl had some curves in her. Not having bones dig into you wasn't a bad thing. She had the urge to demand them to pour on the butter, but she pushed it back. She could live with no butter on her popcorn this one time. Maybe.

As they headed into toward the theater, she spotted Juice and his date ordering their stuff. She was caught off guard when she saw, not Juice paying, but his date. He was letting her pay for the food and drinks. Not even Ryder was that bad.

They found their seats pretty easily. They weren't too far in the back, more toward the middle of the section of seats. There weren't that many people around, and she had a feeling that was what he wanted. He didn't waste any time in wrapping his arm around her shoulders, resting his hand dangerously close to where it shouldn't be.

Her day was just getting better, note the sarcasm, when she noticed Juice and his date taking the seats behind them. Out of this entire room, he had to pick the seats right behind them? Was he serious? He wouldn't ask her out, but he'd basically crash the one time someone actually did ask her out? This had to be some kind of joke.

As the movie started, Savannah was doing her best to ignore Juice staring holes into the back of her head. Or maybe he was just glaring at Ryder's arm around her shoulders. She wasn't about to turn to figure it out.

SOASOASOASOASOASOA

Behind the young couple, Mel wasn't completely blind to what was going on. Juice hadn't fought her, for once, on seeing the romantic movie. When they'd come into the theater, he'd scanned the room before suggesting they sit in the back. She hadn't complained, she'd figured he'd want to pay more attention to her than the movie, but he'd chosen the row behind the girl she'd seen at the diner.

Now, as the movie went on, she couldn't help but feel bitter. Juice's eyes hadn't left the little brunette twits's head since the room went dark. Every few minutes, she'd notice how his fists clenched and his jaw tightened. He was jealous, and it was obvious this little outing wasn't about them at all. It was about that girl, and Mel didn't like it at all. Not one bit.

Squeezing his hand, she finally managed to pull his attention away from the brunette and back to her. Leaning over, she captured his mouth with hers, giving him a demanding kiss. He hesitated for a moment, before kissing her back. Something else he didn't usually do. This wasn't good, not good at all.

Savannah didn't need to turn around to know Juice and his date were sucking face. Still, she felt compelled to turn her head. Glancing back, she saw them full on making out in the corner of her eye. A pang went through her heart at the sight. Maybe she was wrong, maybe he didn't care that she was here on a date.

Well, fine. If he could enjoy himself, so could she.

Scooting closer, she rested her head on Ryder's shoulder, her hand stroking his thigh. He seemed to get the hint because no sooner were his lips on hers. It felt like a competition as the two pairs kissed their respectful dates.

From the corner of his eye, Juice saw that Savannah's date was pushing his luck, trying to move to second base before Savannah wanted to be there. He could tell she had tensed up, but let him grope her breast shamelessly. Momentarily forgetting about his kiss with Mel, he kicked the back of the other man's seat, hard. It was hard enough to jolt him forward and off of Savannah.

The brunette gasped in surprised, now soaked from her spilled water and touched her lip that had been bitten on accident. She was a mess. When she realized what happened, her eyes narrowed on Juice. "What the hell, Ortiz?" She hissed, trying to keep her voice down.

Getting comfortable in his seat, he shrugged smugly. Mission accomplished. "Foot slipped."

Rolling her eyes, she knew better than to believe that. He'd done it on purpose. Gritting her teeth, she got up with a quick 'I'll be back' and left to go clean up. Juice waited all of a minute before making up some bogus excuse. Mel was going to be pissed. He exited the theater, scanning the hallway for her. He saw her further down trying to wipe herself off using a paper towel.

Sighing, he knew he'd need to apologize for spilling the drink on her. He hadn't meant to do that, he just wanted the creep off of her. "Sav! Sav, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to spill the drink on you." He apologized, ripping off another piece of the paper towel.

Giving him a quick glare, she kept her focus on trying to dry her shirt. At least it wasn't soda, that would have left a stain. "Then what did you mean to do? Why are you even here, Juice? And with-with her? Who the hell is she anyway?" Savannah snapped, her jealously bubbling over its stewing pot.

She didn't mean to ask all of that, but she wanted answers. She was so confused. She didn't understand how he could kiss her, touch her, all those times, and be with someone like that . . . that woman.

He didn't know how to explain Mel to her. A part of him didn't want to. It would mean explaining more than he'd like to about his situation, and he wasn't ready for her to know just how bad off he was. "Mel is . . . It's complicated." He said, his eyes flickering to hers. "As for what just happened . . . I don't know, I guess . . . I guess I got jealous. You didn't look comfortable either. You didn't want him touching you anymore than I did." He pointed out.

Silence fell over them for a moment, their eyes locked as their hands froze where they were. It was like they were both trying to figure something out. Savannah was the first to make a move, darting closer. Leaning up, she closed the space between them and pressed her lips against his. He was quick to pull her against him as he kissed her back with just as much force.

Their lips battled for control as her fingers curled around his jacket, pulling him down to her. His hands gripped her sides, pulling her as close as he could. It wasn't close enough though. Spinning them around, he pressed her against the wall, his lips leavings her as he left a trail down to her neck. "JC." She moaned, a gasp leaving her lips.

Whimpering, her body arched into his. Fuck, he wanted her, and she wanted him. Her body felt like it was on fire. Her skin burned with every kiss. This kiss was becoming too heated. Anyone could come out and see them, especially the two people they had actually come here with. Sense seemed to come back to Savannah when she pulled away. "JC, stop. Stop. We-we can't. I'm here . . . I'm here on a date, and so are you. We can't do this. I-I'm sorry." She said, pulling herself away from him before taking off back into the theater.

Juice stood there in shock, still trying to catch his breath from that kiss. Whatever it was between them was far from over. He just wished he knew what the hell "it" was.