A/N: This chapter's if basically a light filler. There's some Sydrian fluff and comedy too, I think that this story needs a 'calm before the storm' chapter. There is a little tension between Sydney and Adrian, but I promise you it is there for a reason and has a purpose. Everything in a fictional story such as this always has a purpose. Remember that! Anyway, thank you for the positive response to that last chapter, and I really hope you like this one.

Do review. It's now or never (Zac Efron Voice.)

Credits: This is written purely for fun, rights to all things Bloodlines related go to Richelle Mead. I have no affiliation with the author whatsoever.

CHAPTER TWENTY

Between a Keith and a Hard Place

"Let me guess. One of the protagonists die at the end of the movie."

"Shh, don't ruin it for yourself. I still can't believe you haven't seen The Titanic." I laughed, "I can't believe you have. I've been with Julia long enough to know that it falls under the 'mushy' romance genre. I pinned you for more of a Russian car racing or Chinese action flick kinda guy." Adrian smirked at the sentence, like he was sharing an internal joke with himself. "I wouldn't mind me a good action flick, but I've been into all sorts of weird stuff ever since I met you." He admitted. "Is that a compliment or an insult?" Adrian thought about this, "Both."

I'd wanted to get right to the plan as soon as we'd scared Mark away, there was so much to do with the case, but Adrian had insisted we take a break from all that and cuddle up on the couch and watch a movie. He told me it was the kind of obligatory couple things that people did; I wouldn't know, since Brayden and I never did anything remotely similar. I'd gone to see a movie with Brayden once, but I wasn't sure a documentary based on Hitler's life could be considered romantic. Thinking of him made my heart pound a little; I still felt guilty over everything I'd done with Adrian. It wasn't fair to Brayden. I'd left him perhaps a dozen voicemails and messages to call me back, but he never did.

Julia had instructed me to break-up with him over the phone, I'd told her that it seemed like an unconventional means to drop such serious news over but Julia had fixed me with a steely glare and said, "Whatever it takes to unmoor you from the rock that is Bray-Bray."

We'd gone through all the creepy 'gifts' that the killer had been dropping by Mark's apartment, as well. I instantly decided that it could be used for Adrian's plea at court, despite the lack of fingerprints, so I kept each and every one. It was some sick stuff. There was the fingernail bracelet, a plastic toy knife and a music CD of the same songs that were on the record that Clarence had given us. I'd also done some research on all the Lilahs around the area and came up with nothing. We did know one Lilah, but I could hardly believe that it was her since she didn't seem that connected to Lee at all. There were no records of any Lilah in Lee's files either. Still, ruling her out at this point would be naive.

I knew that whoever this Lilah was would be connected with the ex-girlfriend in some way. Kylie had explained that the ex-girlfriend's name was Sheila, was she wrong or was Mark lying? By the look on Mark's face when he'd dashed off, I could hardly imagine he was the one telling lies. I was going to do more research but of course I was forced to take a break. I didn't exactly enjoy being interrupted from my work, but this was admittedly nice. I wasn't sure what my relationship status was currently, nor was I sure where I stood with Adrian, but it still felt good... strangely homely.

The characters were currently bickering about something and I tried to pull myself out of my thoughts to catch the words. We were holding hands. Adrian was dragging his fingers over the skin of my hand while watching and didn't even seem to have a motive. He wasn't trying to tickle me or be sexual with me. He was just feeling the shape of my bones under that skin like it was physically comforting for him to know that I was there right under his fingertips.

The butterflies in my stomach were of course, out and about once more. There was a warm, tingling sensation on every fingertip that graced his touch. I knew that I was supposed to be concentrating on the television in front of me, but all I could feel was him. Sitting here, right beside me. I enjoyed being so close to him; I liked watching him watch the movie, with his luscious green eyes inspecting everything in front of him. I noticed he absentmindedly ran a hand through his hair with his free hand whenever a character did something he didn't approve of. I tried to scoot in a little closer, so that I could hear his steady breathing.

The rest of the movie-watching couple experiment ended up being me relishing in this 'experience' and admiring the enigmatic presence that was Adrian Ivashkov.

A few minutes after the movie was over, we were having another swing at the obligatory couple 'to-do' list: cuddling. I lay my head against his chest, I could feel the pitter-patter of his heart and I almost fell asleep in the momentary bliss. "So have you and what's-his-name ever done it?" I frowned, confused. His words potentially killing the moment. "What?" I lifted my head up just a little to look at him. "Did you and your 'special' friend ever have sex?" He purposely spoke in a way one explained a foreign subject to a toddler.

I rolled my eyes, "Does it matter? Cuddling is the best part." I didn't even have to shoot Adrian a glance to know that he was smirking. "If cuddling was the best part, he wasn't doing it right." I hit him lightly on his chest, trying to kill the smile that tugged at my lips.

Laughing at Dirty jokes now, are we? A voice in my head warned.
Oh, come on!
Since when do you like dirty jokes? You never appreciated anything that had to do with sex!
Objectification of women? Losing virginity equals bad? Remember?

I tried to ignore the annoying voice in my head and focused on Adrian. "Adrian," I mumbled. "Hm?"
"I've put this off for long enough but… What happens if we do manage to crack this case? Then what?"

"What do you mean?" He asked.

"It's just…Say we manage to solve the case and you don't go to jail. I'm still going to be in a lot of trouble with my father. I may even have to give up on ever trying to become a successful lawyer. Embracing with a client to this extent it's…"

"Wrong? Disgraceful? Condemning behaviour? The Court of Law dismisses it!" He spoke the last part of the sentence in a funny voice; in a sore attempt of imitating a harsh lawyer. I thought my Father sounded exactly like that, but worse.

"Well, yes." Adrian nodded, "How dare you, Miss Sage! That boy is trouble! Don't you know?"
"Enough, Adrian." He smiled and pulled me closer to him, if that was even humanly possible. He gave me a light peck on the cheek and ruffled my hair a little. "Listen to me. Do you remember what I told you that night by the lake?" I nodded. I remembered every single detail from that wonderful night like it had happened merely a few seconds ago. "Stop worrying about everything all the time, Sage. I know that we've got the Star-crossed Lovers complex to deal with but we've actually got bigger problems to worry about. If what you're saying does happen and we manage to outsmart a psycho killer? Then I'm pretty sure we can tackle anything."

His words were comforting, but they didn't wash away all of my doubts. I still felt like I was doing something very wrong. "Do you even want to be a Lawyer? Don't you have other aspirations?" I looked up at him again, my eyes wide with fear. "Adrian. If I'm not a Lawyer, if I'm not the person I was when I walked into your apartment that day. Then…What do I do? What do I have to offer? Why would you like me?"

Adrian looked floored by my words; he suddenly sat up straight and cupped my face in his hands. "Look at me. Hey, look at me," I did. "I still meant every word I said to you. God, Sage you are one of the smartest most beautiful girls I've ever known, and we both know I know a lot of girls. You'll find your way. And if you don't, I'm always there for you. No matter what."

He was right, self-pity would lead me nowhere. Self-doubt was only worse. I tried to lighten up the mood, "I never had sex with Brayden. My father thought it was something I had to-keep to myself or I'd become…" My voice trailed off. "What? Slutty?" I nodded.

Adrian laughed, "How dare you exude confidence and enjoy sex!" He muttered in a funny voice again. "Don't let him rule your life, Sage." I smiled. I just wanted to forget all my problems and stay here with him all day. I was sure he had quite the list full of 'obligatory couple things' to do and I was up for each and every one. Before I could say anything else, the hotel bell rang. Someone was at my door.

After the last person who had shown up at my door, I was a little apprehensive to open it. "Do you want me to get it?" Adrian asked. I shook my head, the only person who could come up here without having to ask the receptionist to alert me could be someone who visited me a lot. I walked over and opened the door, and my fears were confirmed. "Jill."

"Oh, great. You're here. So we might have a problem." She stomped in, oblivious to the fact that Adrian was here with me. I wanted to stop her, but I was a little too late. I shut the door and drearily walked towards Jill, who had stopped dead in her tracks.

I flinched as the two made contact. Adrian had shot off the couch at the speed of light. "Jailbait? What are you doing here?" He was talking to her, but his eyes were on me.

Jill gulped, "I—I, uh. I didn't think you'd be here..."
"Yeah? That makes two of us."
His expression was undistinguishable, but it didn't take a genius to know he was upset.
"Adrian, okay—Listen to me. It isn't Sydney's fault—"
"No?" Adrian's voice was emotionless. "Of course it wasn't."

"Adrian...I can explain," I started, but I knew that my argument was going to be futile. I'd seen Adrian when he was angry before, but right now, he just seemed unnerved. I wasn't sure what to expect. All I knew was that I had this ominous feeling rising up my chest and this sense of absolute dread creeping over my spine.

"There's nothing to explain."
"Adrian," Jill and I spoke almost in unison. "She was never supposed to be involved in this, Sydney! Do you have any idea...? God, what were you thinking!?"

The second part of his sentence seemed to be addressed to the both of us. Jill looked flustered, her pouty pink lips curving into a deep frown. I hadn't realized before, but Jill looking slightly different...worn out. She had a scar above her eyebrow that I was almost positive she hadn't possessed the last time that we'd met, and the dark circles under her eyes seemed ever prominent; especially because of her pale complexion. She looked sullen, almost vampire-like. Like she hadn't slept for days. I think Adrian was beginning to notice too.

This was a far cry from the girl I'd met the first time I saw her. Back then, she looked like this runway model, but right now, she looked sickly and pale. Even her outfit, she was clad in sweatpants and a hoodie, I wasn't used to Jill being dressed this way, especially considering the blistering heat that was probably approximately the temperature of Hell Fire in Palm Springs.

Suddenly, Adrian's features grew dark and disturbed. "Are you okay? What happened to you, Jailbait?" Again, there was no trace of the anger that had engulfed him only a couple seconds ago. Now, his voice was full of concern, it would have been touching; hot, even. Under different circumstances. Jill frowned, like she didn't understand what he was saying at first. I spoke up, despite myself. If there was one thing that Adrian and I currently had in common, it was our concern for Jill.

"Jill, you look different." I observed. She wouldn't meet either of our eyes, she just kept staring down at the ground, she tucked a strand of curly hair behind her ear and took a seat on the couch. "It's...nothing. Adrian, I'm sorry you had to find out like this, okay? I didn't wanna upset you, I swear! I just felt so helpless, and I don't like the way that your dad treats you. I had to do something. I had to see if you were gonna be okay. So...So I came over to talk to Sydney about your case, maybe help convince her that you were innocent? And...She agreed so I asked her to keep me updated. That's all, I promise!"

I was glad that her rambling nature wasn't affected by her new 'look'. Despite this; I wasn't able to shake the feeling that something was wrong. The look of concern mixed with agitation and betrayal was deepening on Adrian's handsome face. I'd always known that their sibling bond was tight, but this was something else entirely. I had this feeling that there was some internal conflict going on here that
I was left in the dark about. There was some seriously thick tension in the room.

Despite the burning temperatures outside, the room felt cold.

What are they not telling me? Their bond really is stronger than I'd ever imagined it to be. Adrian took a deep breath, "Can we take this party somewhere else? I need a smoke." I wanted to stop him, tell him that this was not the way to deal with everything but really... Where was my place in all of this? Yes, I shared a few...kisses with Adrian. That didn't give me the right to have any sort of command over him. Not yet. Jill nodded indignantly and offered that they go talk downstairs, he nodded. I was about to follow them down, but Adrian stopped me. The look of despair in his eyes was beginning to hurt me.

"Sage...I uh, think it's best if you stay here. Gotta talk to the little brat alone."

Yes. It hurt. He seemed so disconnected, like all the feelings he'd talked about only a few minutes ago suddenly meant nothing to him.

Oh gosh. What if it really did mean nothing to him? What if I was just another... No, don't go there, Sydney.

So once Adrian and Jill were out of my hotel room, I did something I really shouldn't have done. It was wrong, I knew it was wrong. I didn't know what this case was doing to me, but it was surely affecting my brain somehow...driving me crazy. The curiosity or insanity...Or whatever it was...got the best of me and I bounded down the stairs to catch up with the two.

Once I approached the Hotel lobby, I saw the two of them headed to the Parking Lot. I followed, but I kept my distance. Sneaking around was something I was actually glad my father had taught me to excel at. Finally, once they were out in the parking lot, I trailed them until they came to a stop near Latte. Adrian leaned over my car's hood, pulled out his cigarette, and lit up.

Oh no he did NOT just do that!

Now this was definitely Adrian declaring war, he was smoking right next to my baby! I'd told him repeatedly not to smoke in or anywhere within the radius of my car. And now here he was, inhaling and huffing out that filthy drug all over my Latte. I wanted to jump out at him and hit him with my shoe. I wanted to use a string of cuss words that I didn't think I even knew how to pronounce.

So, of course, I stayed where I was.

I was crouched down behind a bush (Very original, I know.) within hearing range of the two of them. I watched them closely, squinting due to the sun's blinding rays. Jill stood a few steps away from him, her arms to her sides, she looked sad. "What is it, Adrian?" At first, Adrian said nothing. He took a languid drag of his precious cancer stick and blew smoke across. "What do you think it is, Jill?" Some residual smoke came out of his nostrils as he finished his sentence. It was a rhetorical question, but Jill seemed too nervous to get that.

"Are you mad?"
"No, I'm not. I got you down here so that we could bake cookies and talk about boys." He deadpanned, taking another drag, and this time, blowing tiny smoke rings, his mouth working like a fish in water.

Jill took another step away from him; I didn't appreciate him practically enforcing Jill to passive smoke. "Of course I'm mad! I'd scream bloody murder if I was a homicidal maniac but you're lucky I'm not! Unlike some of us here, who apparently do have some tendencies..."

Jill looked away, "I'm sorry. I told you why I did it. I'm not ready to lose you, Adrian. I can't lose you. If you go to jail...God, if you go there...I'll get nightmares about it. I don't wanna experience something like that. More importantly, I don't want you to. You don't deserve going to jail for something you didn't do!" I still didn't understand where she was going with this. What did she mean about the nightmares? Was she being figurative? It didn't sound like it.

"Been there, know that. I'm aware of all this, that's why we hired the freaking attorney, Jill! It was not your place to butt in, you know that. I told you that I'll figure this all out. You have no idea what crap I've been through these past few days..." The words died on his lips and he suddenly looked sheepish.

Freaking Attorney? Ouch.

I thought Adrian and I were past that. And crap? I had thought we'd certainly gone through more than just 'crap' throughout our time together. Were my emotions clouding my judgement?

Ugh, Sydney! Get yourself together.

It was Jill's turn to be furious. "I have exactly the idea of what you've been through, alright? I got the same dream you did the night that you got attacked and almost shot but still didn't tell me about it! I'm worried, Adrian. What was I supposed to do? Stand by and watch while your life's unravelling? I thought you of all people understood me! But you have no idea who I am!"

Dreams? My eyes widened, no, it couldn't be. If my instinct was on the spot, then what Jill was referring to was dream sharing. It usually occurred in twins, but it was not unlikely for it to occur between close friends and/or relatives either. This usually occurs when a couple of people go through a traumatic or bonding experience with one another.

The ability was fascinating, but science had no theories supporting it or identifying its origin. Still, it had been proven humanly possible. Shared dreaming was usually something that was involuntary and spontaneous. Recent study however, had shown that it wasn't improbable for it to be initiated by the individuals concerned. I'd done a paper on it once and I still recalled a few facts from it.

This surely couldn't be what was between Jill and Adrian, right? Unfortunately, it was the only thing that made sense. Adrian finished his cigarette and flicked it to the ground, stamping on it with the toe of his shoe. He pressed a finger to his temple.

"I'm sorry, Jailbait. Don't know where all this anger's coming from. I...I know
your intentions were pure, they always are."

"Exactly! I just had to get involved! Do you believe me now?"

Adrian sighed, "Of course I believe you, Jailbait. I believe cartoon birds braided your hair this morning. Look, I worry about you too. And there are some limits I'm not going to tolerate you crossing. You know what we went through, Jesus Christ, Jill! If anything happens to you because of me..." He let his words die out, but Jill seemed to get the message.

"So now, are you going to tell me why the hell you look like that?" He asked. Jill smiled, but it was uneasy and not necessarily a happy smile. On the contrary, she did seem relieved that Adrian was going to let it go. "It's...nothing." Adrian fixed her with a death stare that would've made my father proud.

"Okay, I'll tell you everything. It's what I came to talk to Sydney about. We should go up to her, she must be so confused."

At the mention of my name, Adrian stiffened up.

"I was going to ask you about it, but I figured it would make you uncomfortable. But since we already passed the point of that a long while back... Do you like her, Adrian? It's okay if you do."

He said nothing; he clenched his teeth and then unclenched. Finally, an easy smile crossed over his face, the tension dissipating. "You're too insightful for your own good, you know that?" She giggled; it was the first, genuine smile I'd seen from her in days. Despite their troubles, or their strange bond or whatever, they seemed to get along pretty well. They even made each other happy. He hit her on the back of her head lightly and started to walk back towards the hotel. "Come on; let's go make amends with Sage."

Why didn't he answer Jill's question? Did he not like me anymore? His emotions did seem very scattered and brusque. And great, now Jill is aware about our...whatever it was, and that could lead to no good. What if Keith talked to Jill again? What if Jill told Keith about us? Oh no...They're headed up to my room!

I pushed the dozen swirling thoughts to the wasteland of my mind and went running back inside the lobby. Adrian and Jill were waiting for the elevator. I was on the fifth floor, which meant if I took the stairs and ran fast enough, I could beat them to it.

Coach Hendricks, the gym coach my father had once appointed for me, would be proud...

I sprinted past them and stumbled my way up the stairs as quickly as my scrawny legs would take me. I was huffing and puffing like a woman in labour by the time I reached the room, I turned to the elevator behind me.

They were on the fourth floor. Whew.

With trembling hands, I fumbled with the keys and finally managed to open the door. The elevator made a subtle 'ding' sound and I jumped back on the couch, pretended to be reading the newspaper.

I was just on time.
3...2...1...

Adrian and Jill were at my doorstep. Adrian gave me a rueful smile, but it faded away as he caught a good look at me.

My breath was still laboured. "You okay, Sage? You look like your having an asthma attack." Jill nodded, befuddled. "Why are you sweating?"

"Water," I mumbled. Adrian's eyes narrowed, "What?" I groaned. "It's...Its water! Yeah. I had to... wash my face!" I hoped they were buying this. "Oh," Jill seemed dubious. "You're panting, though."

"Yeah! I...I am. Uh, I had to run. Run to the bathroom to wash... my face!"
"Why?"
"A bee! It...It was a bee. B-Big bee. I thought it—stung me."

I needed a lesson in the art of excuse making. A copy of Excuses for Dummies, maybe?

I made a mental note of finding out if this was an actual book.

They still looked doubtful, but they gave it up and shrugged. Thankfully they weren't able to connect the dots. I groaned under my breath. My brain was at an all time low. A bee? Was that really the best I could do? Now I was disappointed in me. "So...What did you guys talk about?"

Adrian and Jill shot each other dismal looks, and some kind of telepathic understanding seemed to have been made. "Listen, Sydney. We sorted it out, and we're sorry—Adrian's sorry too, for being mean. I think I should get to the part about why I'm here. We still do have a slight problem..."

Adrian took a seat next to me on the couch, and I, to purposely prove to him that I was infuriated at him, shifted slightly away. He gave me a strange look but turned back to focus on Jill, who was now pacing in front of us, back and forth, mumbling something to herself.

"Jailbait, anytime this century," If this was Adrian's style of a pep talk, it was hardly a shocker. Jill was still walking around aimlessly, but she began to talk.

"First, you guys have to promise not to get mad at me. Deal?" I nodded but Adrian was doubtful, "Now that depends on the circumstances." Jill flashed him her best puppy dog look, but it didn't seem to work on him. She groaned in defeat.

"I know I'm an irresponsible, immature, stupid little girl. But it was all out of good faith, okay?"
"Get on with it, Jill." I cajoled. She sighed, "Alright, alright! So you know how you told me not to associate myself with Keith?" I had to control myself from bawling my fists.

I flashed her a tight smile, "Yes."

"Well, I didn't listen. Now hold on—Before you get all preachy and upset, I did it so that I could help you. According to you, Keith had some kinda motive for being so nice to me. So I thought if I continued to pick up his phone calls I could pretend like I was on his side and find out what he's up to. Then I could warn you in advance—like I'm gonna do pretty soon." Adrian was glaring at her, his intense green eyes full of amusement. "This is insane." He turned to face me, "You introduced her to that Pirate Scumbag? What else you do, Sydney? Rent her porn? Make her a fake ID? Teach her driving? Underage drinking?"

This time, I glared back at him with equal intensity and anger. "Oh, please! You know I'd never do any of that! I cannot believe you have the audacity to think I'm capable of something like that after everything. God, Keith was the one that led her to me. Not the other way around!"

"Enough! No bickering between the two of you!"

"Oh, your turn will come, trust me." Adrian warned.

"Guys! Please! You made a deal!"

"I made no such deal." Adrian pointed out.

"Ugh!" She stomped her foot really hard on the ground.

"What on earth do I have to do to get you two to take me seriously for once? Adrian, it isn't Sydney's fault. Sydney, he's testy right now, ignore him. AND LISTEN TO ME!" I was afraid that if she got any louder the hotel would call us up and complain. So I grudgingly agreed, trying very hard not to look at Adrian. I couldn't believe that he was talking to me this way. I felt hurt, and used.

I should have known, he was Adrian Ivashkov for god's sake. I should have known better than to get involved. I half-wished I'd never taken up this stupid case in the first place! My emotions were still awry, I was assuming his were too, but we both shut up and let the girl talk. She sighed, "Thank you."

"So I got two more phone calls from Keith. One this morning, and uh... He revealed his true colours. Guys, I think Keith suspects that there's something going on between you two. He says you ignore most of his calls, Sydney, and that you won't let him assist you. He told me you keep telling him that things are under control and you've got it? I have this bad feeling he's done some research on you, Adrian. He seems to know some things about your...past."

"Wait," I chose my words carefully, "He told you all of this?"
"Well, yeah. He sugar-coated it, obviously—He wants me to believe that he's worried about you. He told me he wants to help keep you 'safe' from the authorities and your father. I think he believes I know more than I actually do, because he kept asking me if there was something cooking between you guys. Of course, I denied that repeatedly but..."

"But what?" I arched an eye-brow. Adrian was totally still, lost in thought, but I could tell he was mad because he kept running his right hand through his hair; it was one of his nervous habits.

"He still doesn't buy it. He's dead set on finding out the truth, I guess you were right; he wants to out you really bad. He'll do anything to get to the bottom of this. He really wants you off this case, it seems."

After that, she crossed her fingers and looked at me with an expression that
was almost apprehensive. "Sydney, do you have a boyfriend?"

I frowned, my heart suddenly beating ten times faster. I groaned, I knew I never should have gotten involved with Adrian! The repercussions of our stupid fling were hitting me like swipes in the gut—and fast. My throat dried up as I hung my head low and covered my face with my palms. "Yeah," Adrian answered for me, "She does."

I took a deep breath and looked back up at her, pulling my hands off my face, exasperated. "Please do not tell me what I think you are going to tell me." Jill nodded, her face grim and her mouth a straight line. "Keith called him and convinced him to come see you in Palm Springs. He could be on his way right now—I don't really know."

"This is not happening!" I exclaimed, I stood up and walked over to the desk near me, pouring myself a glass of water and downing the whole thing within seconds. "I am such an idiot." Surprisingly enough, Adrian didn't add salt to my very raw wounds like I almost expected him to, at this point. He groaned, "That pig is really going to have it when I get my hands on him. Uh—Keith Darnell, not her boyfriend."

"So did the two of you actually...?"

"No!" "Yeah..." Adrian and I said in unison.

Jill tilted her head to the side, "What?"

"It's not what you think; we didn't get that serious we just... kissed a little. And we know it's wrong, we've been over that. We know it could cost Sydney the case, which is why we have to keep your boy from coming here."

I shook my head, "It was a mistake! I can't believe I ignored all the warnings! I'm so stupid! Now everything's ruined..." Adrian actually looked a little rattled by my words, but he covered it up.

"Not your fault, Sage. We can still handle this. We've just gotta do some damage control."

I took a few other deep breaths and did my routine backwards counting from 10 to 1. It helped reduce my stress and despair, but the feelings remained. "I will... I'll call Brayden."

I called him four times after that; I also left him three new voice messages and texts. I even went as far as to post on his Facebook wall but nothing.

"He'll... He'll call you back. See? Isn't this good? I'm info girl! I helped you guys out. Didn't I?" Adrian was still mad at Jill; I was, too but right now, I couldn't stay upset at her. I turned back to her, "So what about the scar on your face? Why do you look so tired?" At this, her face darkened a little. This was an answer even Adrian was fishing for, so she knew she was trapped. She scowled and then crossed her arms over her chest. "I've just been a little exhausted, that's all. Got into a fight with a girl from school. It's not that big of a deal and—and I had a valid reason!"

Adrian looked lost in thought again, like he understood what this meant. "Have you watched the film Mean Girls, lately? Because I think that today's idea of Pop Culture is hurting adolescent psychologies everywhere." I pointed out.

Jill shot me an incredulous look, and then smiled softly. "I'm pretty sure that's not it." I finally got it; of course Jill was having a hard time! This occurred in people with such 'bonds' all the time. Adrian was depressed and stuck between a rock and a hard place; which meant so was Jill. She must have been feeling the effects of his mental state in her dreams. This must be affecting her physical state, too.

The look of guilt on Adrian's face confirmed as much; although he didn't say it out loud. Jill caught this too, "It's nobody's fault, really. You know how it is; being a teenager is hard stuff! Anyway, I should really go now... Mom's gonna worry but I'll see you guys later? Let... Let me know what happens with Keith and everything. And Adrian, you can't deny me the privilege anymore; I'm already in on this. I'm willing to help with anything you need!" I didn't like involving Jill more than required, but having a third pair of eyes wouldn't be so terrible. "Are you good at research?" She brightened up instantly and nodded.

After a few more minutes of convincing Adrian and trying to reduce the layer of tension in the room, Adrian was going to go drop Jill back home since he didn't feel it was right letting her take the bus. I knew that it had nothing to do with that, he just wanted to avoid me.

Before they left, Jill stopped at the doorway and turned around while Adrian was still putting on his shoes. "And guys? It's absolutely okay that you like each other. I can smell the sexual tension from a mile away you know—I'm a teenage girl, what do you expect? But if there is one thing I know, it's that there's nothing wrong to love or care for someone. You both look cute together, and you need each other for this case. Plus, I think you can keep Adrian in control. I've been trying to do that ever since I met him." She winked at me. Adrian didn't respond to this, and nor did I. He walked right past me and out the door. As he headed to the elevator, she turned back to me, "He'll come around," I wasn't sure what to say, so I simply nodded. She eyed me one last time before walking away,

"Two people who like each other that much should be together."

A/N: So? Tell me what you think is going to happen next! Remember, a review a day keeps the updates coming quick as can be! ;)

xxx