Chapter Twenty-One

For the next two weeks, Jack worked his ass off getting ready for the show. He was slowly putting together his strike against Lock, planning on doing what she had done, and even had an outfit put together. It was the night before the bit battle and he was both nervous and stressed out, never good in a teen guy.

He busied himself with working out, trying to calm his nerves and get rid of his stress, and it was working--a little. He looked up from his push ups when he felt stared at, saw Lock leaning on his doorframe, admiring how he moved, and grinned, going back to his work. She laughed lightly, stepping around him, and took his shirt off the bed, snapping him with it as she left. She'd only stayed in his room a couple more times since Bobby decided to lighten up, but really loved the shirt deal, and he loved to see her walking around in his clothes.

Done with his workout, only semi-relieved of his stress, he stood and stretched very slowly. When he heard Lock in the hall, he darted out after her, catching her around the middle, and she silenced a yelp. He chuckled, turning her around, and she glared at him.

"Ass," she growled lightly.

"Just wanted to catch you 'fore bed," he smiled.

"Uh-huh," she rolled her eyes.

He pulled her closer, arms around her waist, and left minimal space between them. Silver eyes rolled again, Lock shook her head, and had a light blush on her. He grinned, swaying gently with her, and made quick work of her jaw.

"Jesus, Jack," Bobby groaned. "Do you gotta do that in the hall?"

"Yep," he said, never faltering on Lock's jaw.

Bobby growled at him, vanishing to the shower, and Lock slapped his bare side really hard.

"OW!" he laughed. "What's that for?"

"Don't even play dumb, Jack," she warned. "I should kick your ass."

"But you won't," he smirked, pulling closer yet.

"Don't tempt me, Jackie," she growled.

He hummed, kissing her, and ended up backing her to the wall. She jumped when she hit the wall, blushing and chewed her lip in embarrassment, making his body light on fire.

"I'm sorry," he muttered, putting some space between them.

Shit. . .Bobby's in the damn shower. . .What am I gonna do about this?

"Night, Jackie boy," she whispered, kissing him gently.

"Night, beautiful," he breathed. "Love you. . ."

"Love you too, moose," she smiled forgivingly. "Rest up. . .Tomorrow, you're a slave again."

"Mmm," he grinned, body still fired up. "Can't wait. . ."

She giggled in her cute way, going to her room, and he watched her walk off, only torturing himself further. As soon as she was out of sight, he slumped forward on the wall, trying desperately to slow his body down, and failing horribly. He growled to himself, glaring down, and stalked carefully to his room, locking his door.

God, I hate being a dude. . .he whined internally.

Know what's worse? desire chirped.

No. . .he growled, turning his stereo on.

Well. . .it teased. The fact that Bobby uses all the hot water when he showers. . .

FUCK ME! he groaned, collapsing back on his bed.

Not gonna happen, Jack, desire laughed. Have fun trying to sleep with a raging hard on. . .

He ran his hands in his hair roughly, wishing that he'd never kissed Lock how he had, and hissed at his shift. He prayed that his flaming passion would die down on it's own, he needed some sleep tonight, and made his body relax. Gently, he draped his blanket over his waist, moaning at even the slightest bit of pressure, and clenched his fists.

Good fucking God! he winced. I'm really gonna have to be careful tomorrow. . .This can't happen. . .

Eventually, he fell into a rough sleep and an even rougher dream. He groaned and whined in his sleep, rolling to his side.

'Jack,' Lock whispered, arm snaking his middle. 'You up?'

'Mmm,' he backed into her. 'Hell. . .Lock. . .'

She kissed the back of his shoulder, hand playing with his bare midriff, and he bit back a moan of ecstasy. Shyly, she outlined his navel, nuzzling him lightly, and he did let out a noise now, he had to.

'Jack,' she breathed, hand just below his navel, 'this all right?'

'You call the shots, not me,' he panted, making himself stay still. 'If you're all right, I'm all right. . .If you wanna stop, I want you to stop. . .'

She shook her head in his neck, placing a small kiss just behind his ear, and teased his stomach gently. He was shaking badly, body wanting to move with her, but forced himself still, and silenced a loud moan.

'Go ahead,' she whispered, hand going right where he wanted. 'Move.'

'Fuck,' he gasped, moving slowly into her fist. 'G-God. . .'

She hummed, kissing his neck, and kept moving her hand so slowly. His body burned, he groaned deeply, and carefully moved with her.

His own damn sounds woke him up, he had to silence a loud moan as he realized his hand was in his boxers, wrapped tightly to himself, but couldn't stop what he had been doing in his sleep. He groaned quietly, gasping and panting as he moved ever so slowly, torturing himself pleasantly. Moments later, he rolled, biting his pillow to prevent yelling, and lost it.

Nicely done. . .See? You need no shower to take care of stress. . .desire chuckled.

"God damn. . ." he exhaled, still trying to recover. "Fuckin' hell. . ."

When he could breathe again, he felt extremely stupid, but loads better, and got up. He stripped his bed, then himself, wiped off the best he could, and darted to the shower. He scrubbed up twice, astonished to find himself having to take more personal time so fucking quick, and dried off. Jack felt weird as he wrapped the towel around his waist, went to his room, and changed, then took care of his mess. He threw his bedding into the washer, got it going, tossed in his dirty clothes as well, and slowly trudged upstairs. He re-made his bed, finding his extra black sheets and comforter, then collapsed into his fresh bed and went back to sleep.

"Jackie boy," Lock murmured, hours later. "Wakey, wakey."

"Mmm. . ." he stretched, rolling to his back. "I don't recall asking for a wake up call. . ."

"I know," she whispered shyly. "I wanted to wake you up. . ."

He purred immediately when she rubbed his bare stomach, eyes fluttering shut in sheer bliss, and heard her snicker. He whimpered in complaint when she stopped, looking in her eyes, and stuck his lip out in his best childish pout.

"Quit it," she said sternly. "Or no behind the ears. . ."

He quickly sucked his lip back in, but couldn't quite make his eyes stop pleading, and silently cursed himself. Silver eyes narrowed playfully, she pretended to be deeply considering something, and he bit back a whine. An evil smirk played with her lips, she sat on him, looked at him, and gave him a brief kiss.

"Mmmm. . ." he hummed pleasantly.

"Happy now?" she giggled, scratching behind his ears.

"Wasn't not happy before," he purred loudly. "But this is certainly great. . ."

"Gonna stop whining?" she asked semi-seriously.

"Mmmm. .. Little longer?" he pleaded.

"Fine," she laughed. "Just a little."

Xxxxxxxx

After Lock had Jack up and moving, she went to work getting ready. She found the purple hair dye that Ransom had given her forever ago, put a nice big streak in her bangs on the left side, and ended up getting shit from Jack.

"Lock!" he whined, coming down to her room and seeing her. "I love your red hair! What did you do?"

"Put some purple in my bangs," she said causally. "You can still see a whole lot of the red."

"But," he whimpered, running his hands through her hair. "I want all of it red. . ."

"Knock it off, you dork," she laughed, rolling her eyes. "Or I'll dye more of it. . ."

He huffed, slumping against her headboard, and gave her an adorable pout. Somehow, she managed to ignore it, rummaging around for her nail polish, and finally found it in a box stuffed way under her bed. She grabbed the purple and black polish, jumped up on her bed, and shook them up. Suddenly, Jack's hands were in her face, and he was wiggling his fingers.

"What?" she giggled.

"I suck at painting my own nails," he chuckled. "Black, please."

"Do I look like your personal nail painter?" she growled, smirking.

"No. . .But I'll honestly end up looking like crap if I do it myself," he whined.

"Sit behind me," she sighed, scooting forward. "And you'll have to help me with my right hand, fair?"

"Fair," he smirked, settling behind her.

Her heart pounded a little as his legs went around her, she took a steadying breath, and made herself calm down, settling back into him. He gently set his hands on her knees, nuzzling her neck and whispered in her ear.

"This ok?"

"Yeah," she murmured, making sure the black was mixed well. "Hold still."

Funny. . .I can sit on his lap with no problems. . .But the second he's like this, I'm on edge. . .she whispered to herself. Why?

Vulnerable. . .instinct said. This is a very vulnerable way for someone like you to be sitting. . .

But I'll be just fine. . .she promised herself.

"Hey, if this is making you uncomfortable, I can sit in front of you," he said lovingly.

"No," she breathed. "We're fine."

"You sure?" he asked, gently rubbing her knees.

"Mmm hmm," she nodded. "Left hand, please."

She painted his nails carefully, the weird feeling left her quickly, and was replaced by a warm tingle. Jack rested his head on her shoulder, watching her do his nails, and kept nipping at her neck. He quit when she threatened to leave him half finished, pouting as usual, and painted her first and ring finger with the black, then the other three with purple after he was done. After her nails were done and completely dry, she changed, and was lacing her boots up when Bobby walked down.

"No skirt?" he teased.

"Nope. .. Never again. . ." she said, standing up.

"Well, that's more you anyway," he smiled, seeing her outfit. "Ready?"

"Yup," she grinned, slipping the butterfly knife into her back pocket. "Let's get going."

Once at the Noose, her jaw fell at how packed it was. Kids from almost every sort of clique were all hinging out, drinking sodas (or booze, if old enough), talking and laughing. There were punks with emos, Goths hanging with skaters, preps and jocks sitting and being nice to the freaks. Lock heard Blaine gasp, felt him grab her arm, and could sense the tension.

"Blaine?" she asked, looking at him. "What's the matter?"

"I. . .I have a thing with big crowds like this. . ." he blushed. "Don't like them. . ."

"Me either," she smiled at him warmly.

"Really?"

"Yep," she pulled him over to an empty stool. "But once I get up there on that stage, see them all looking at me and waiting, hanging on my every action. . .I'm not so bad anymore. . .They are my fuel. . .What makes me keep wanting to play. . .Trust me, you'll be fine."

"B-but. . .I'm nervous. . ." he whispered.

"Hey," Coop came over. "We all are. . ."

"Yeah," Connor joined them. "Bet you ten bucks that some guy hits on you tonight. . .Who can resist a sexy guitarist?"

"They best resist me," Jack laughed. "I'm taken."

"Jack," she growled, elbowing him. "Behave. . ."

"I'm still nervous. . ." he smiled a bit. "But knowing I'm not the only one and the hope that some drop dead sexy guy will hit on me helps a lot."

"WELL!" a voice bellowed. "You actually showed up!"

She turned, seeing Ronnie and Kale and two new faces standing close, and bit back a comment. The two new guys introduced themselves as TL and Barrel, both had dark spiky hair, and nice-looking eyes. Once everyone was introduced, she got right down to business.

"Who goes first, Ronnie?" she asked, making sure to keep away from him.

"Doesn't matter to me. . ." he purred, looking her over.

"Guys? Wanna go first?" she turned and looked at her band.

"Sure," they all said.

"How are we gonna do this?" Kale grumbled. "Take turns?"

"Two songs, then swap?" she suggested.

"Fine by me," Ron smirked. "You should go get set up, Lock."

They went to the stage and got their shit together, Jack vanishing to get changed, and they picked out what songs to do first. She was adjusting the microphone when someone yanked her back.

"Hey, by the way. . ." Jack purred in her ear. "My strike is tonight. . .Starting now."

Good God! her mind shrieked when she turned and saw him.

He gave her a smug look as she took him in, she forced her face to at least appear to be fine, but she was in shock. He was in semi-tight black jeans, that had holes all over (front and back), a torn up black T-shirt over a long sleeved fishnet that showed off his strength, and he couldn't have looked any hotter if he tried.

Oh Christ! she whined internally. He's even wearing a fucking choker. . .Oh hell. . .

"Told you that you'd pay," he grinned, pulling her flush against him.

"Dammit. . ." she sighed. "Rules?"

"Just like your last strike," he smirked, toying with her hair. "I have to be the one to touch, cuddle, kiss. . .anything first. . .And I'll have you know, my strike will be a long one. . ."

"I think I hate you right now," she growled.

"Mmm. . ." he shook his head. "Not yet, but you will. . ."

"Fucker. . ."

He laughed, resting his forehead on hers, and just stared at her. Lock thanked God that she wasn't like Jack had been during her last strike and could think clearly, for the most part, and prayed it wouldn't get too bad. She bit back a noise when he teased the place behind her ear, desperately wanting to push him back, and could feel his grin. Hazel eyes burned brightly, that well know smirk on his face, and she glared at him.

"Mmmmm. . .this is fun. . ." he chuckled. "Now I know why you enjoyed your last strike so much. . .Being evil rocks."

"Remember that we are in a band battle. . .And some of the songs require that I touch you. . ." she mumbled.

"I know," he smiled. "You have full permission to touch for the show, but nothing else. . .And this won't hurt the battle. . .But breaks are really gonna suck for you."

"Jackie!" she whimpered when he nibbled her ear.

"Yes?" he hummed.

"Fuck it," she growled. "I hate you."

He winked, walking off to his guitar, and she found herself staring at him intently. She shook her head, focusing on the songs, and took her place, electricity flowing in her (not just from the thought of the crowd either). She could hear Ransom introducing them, took a deep breath, and shot a look to her drop dead handsome boyfriend, hating him and loving him all at the same time.

Xxxxxxxxxx

Bobby snuck Dorian into the club, even sat with him at the bar, and ordered a beer. He pointed out Jack's old band, briefly explaining them to the doc, and fell silent afterwards. When the curtains opened, the whole place went quiet, and he heard Dorian mutter something.

Damn, Jackie. . .he laughed to himself, when he saw his brother. Nice strike, baby brother!

Lock glared at him half-seriously, then got her stuff together, and took the mic.

"As you all know," she said evenly, looking at the crowd, "tonight is a band battle. . .Winner takes all. . .So vote honestly at the very end of the night. . .But for now. . .Enjoy!"

The crowd went nuts, Lock found Ronnie and gave him a dark look, then smirked. Dorian was really into the whole thing, he was watching and writing in that damn pad of his. The lights dimmed, Bobby got comfortable, and watched the crowd for any certain people that struck him as total creeps, then paid full attention to his sister on the stage.

"I can't escape this hell
So many times I've tried
But I'm still caged inside
Somebody get me through this nightmare
I can't control myself
So what if you can see the darkest side of me?
No one will ever change this animal I have become
Help me believe it's not the real me
Somebody help me tame this animal
(This animal, this animal)
I can't escape myself
(I can't escape myself)
So many times I've lied
(So many times I've lied)
But there's still rage inside
Somebody get me through this nightmare
I can't control myself
So what if you can see the darkest side of me?
No one will ever change this animal I have become
Help me believe it's not the real me
Somebody help me tame this animal I have become
Help me believe it's not the real me
Somebody help me tame this animal
Somebody help me through this nightmare
I can't control myself
Somebody wake me from this nightmare
I can't escape this hell
(This animal, this animal, this animal, this animal, this animal, this animal, this animal)
So what if you can see the darkest side of me?
No one will ever change this animal I have become
Help me believe it's not the real me
Somebody help me tame this animal I have become
Help me believe it's not the real me
Somebody help me tame this animal
(This animal I have become)"

Bobby clapped and cheered with the rest of the crowd, Dorian was awestruck, and he couldn't help but chuckle at him. The guys were tuning up their guitars again and Lock was downing a whole hell of a lot of water from a huge ass bottle before the next song.

"Told you, Doc," Bobby winked. "One hell of a show."

"No fucking doubt," he laughed, ordering a beer.

Bobby's jaw fell when the shrink swore, then came unhinged as the man ordered a beer, and he shook his head. Dorian was a human after all, maybe Bobby could even get used to him.

"It'll get even better, trust me," he grinned.

"Mmmm," Dorian nodded, swigging his beer. "Good."

He shut up when Lock was back on center stage, eagerly awaiting her next song, and watched her and Jack closely.

"This next song goes out to all those who've ever needed something to keep them going," she purred into the mic.

"Resolute a stance of defiance
Always teetering on the brink
Nothing can hold you back when
When you're not holding back a thing
Open arms we embrace tomorrow
Closed fists, tarnishing today
We're not afraid to open our mouths and scream
We believe in what we say
Like a whisper to the dusk
An oath against the shadows
Denying the dark
FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT 'til the break of dawn
Like a prayer unto the dawn
In arms against the shadows
Destroying the dark
FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT 'til the break of dawn
Covered in sweat and blood
Yet still our heads held high
Actions have consequences
When you life for foolish pride
Been careful not to lose ourselves
Stand together one passion, one hate
We believe in a better tomorrow
We believe in what we say
Like a whisper to the dusk
An oath against the shadows
Denying the dark
FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT 'til the break of dawn
Like a prayer unto the dawn
In arms against the shadows
Destroying the dark
FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT 'til the break of dawn
FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT 'til the break of dawn
We'll fight out battles we'll wage our wars
Settle the scores with honor and blood
We'll wear our scars like medals of hope
Like medals of hope
Like medals of hope
We'll fight out battles we'll wage our wars
Settle the scores with honor and blood
We'll wear our scars like medals of hope
Like medals of hope
Like medals of hope
Like a whisper to the dusk
An oath against the shadows
Denying the dark
FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT 'til the break of dawn
Like a prayer unto the dawn
In arms against the shadows
Destroying the dark (whisper to the dusk)
In arms against the shadows
Destroying the dark (whisper to the dusk)
In arms against the shadows
Destroying the dark (whisper to the dusk)
FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT 'til the break of dawn
FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT 'til the break of dawn
FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT 'til the break of dawn
FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT 'til the break of dawn"

Lock had spent the better part of this song in the crowd, singing her heart out as the kids all pumped their fists in the air and danced around her. Then she leapt back on stage, breathless and laughing as they got their shit moved fot the other band, and eventually she and the guys sat at a table relatively close to Bobby.

"Hell," Dorian growled. "She can't know I'm here. . ."

"Relax, Doc," he laughed. "It's so fucking packed, I honestly don't think she'll even see you. . ."

"God, I hope not . . ." he mumbled, casting a look her way.

Bobby watched Lock, well more so Jack, closely. He knew Jack's strike in their war wouldn't go too far, but he watched them all the fucking same. He shook his head as Jack pulled a glaring Lock into his lap, then left it alone as The Spares took the stage.

"As Lock said earlier, winner takes all in this battle," Ronnie said into the mic, staring intently at Stray. "May the best band win."

"Don't worry!" she hollered. "I always win!"

The whole place burst into laughter, but Bobby knew just how dead serious she really was, and hoped things didn't go sour.

"We'll see about that, baby doll," Ron purred, winking.

"He's a bit of a creep," Dorian grumbled.

"Mmm. . ." Bobby nodded. "He won't dare try anything with me and Jack here. . ."

"He better not. . .I think Lock would take him first. . ."

The Spares began their song, Bobby saw Jack teasing Lock's sides mercilessly as she tried to pay attention, and smirked--he was such a dork.

"Worn out and faded
The weakness starts to show
They've created the generation
That we know
Washed up and hated
The system moves to slow
They give us answers
To questions they don't even know
You made it
You played it
Your shit is overrated
You made it
You played it
Your shit is overrated
Used up and jaded
You're thinking way to slow
So we're creating
Answers on our own
We can't relate
To what you think you know
And you create
The problems that will never
Go away
You made it
You played it
Your shit is overrated
You made it
You played it
Your shit is overrated
You made it
You played it
Your shit is overrated
You made it
You played it
Your shit is overrated
(Go away, go away, go away, go away)
You made it
You played it
Your shit is overrated
You made it
You played it
Your shit is overrated
You made it
You played it
Your shit is overrated
You made it
You played it
Your shit is overrated"

The crowd went pretty wild, even Lock clapped, but Bobby refused, crossing his arms stubbornly. He knew what Ronnie and Kale were like when they weren't hiding behind those microphones, and would never like them. Things fell quiet as they began their second song, Bobby recognized it, and snorted in disgust.

They're making a good song utter shit. . .I'll have to have Stray sing it for me sometime. . .to know it's still an all right tune. . .he growled.

"Women behind bars
Women in fast cars
Women in distress
Women with no dress
Women in aeroplanes
Women who play games
Women in uniform
See that woman with her clothes torn
Women who satisfy
Women you can't buy
Like women in magazines
And women in a limousine
Women who sip champagne
Women who feel no pain
Women in a disco
And women who don't wanna know, know, know
Oh women wanting sympathy
Women feeling ecstasy
Women who live in fantasies
Bringing man to his knees
Women who fall in love
Women who need a shove
Women who can't be beat
Get that woman in the back seat, yeah, yeah
Women in the U.S.A.
Those women steal your heart away
Women into rock 'n' roll
Women who steal the show, go, go, go
Women that you write songs about
Women that turn around and kick you out
Women you dream about all your life
Women that stab you in the back with a switchblade knife
Oh women, ooh, ooh
Talk about women
Around the world
Yeah women
Oh no, it goes
Talkin' 'bout women
C'mon baby"

Songs: (in order of how they were done) Animal I Have Become--Three Days Grace, Honor-- Atreyu, Overrated--Three Days Grace, and Women--Foreigner. Yep….This will end up being several fucking chapters, but there are a lot of songs that I wanted to get in it, so be patient with me. . . Jack's strike will get better. . .I'm working on the next chapter.. . .Warning…some little twists…kinda….Review please! Much love to all!