Fated

Summary: Jessie finds herself in exile, forced into captivity with a mysterious stranger. With nowhere to go and seemingly no hope of escape, they share the stories behind their miserable fates. Hers is filled with questions. His is filled with answers.

Chapter 25: Family Ties

You come back you hear?
And I let him see my tears
I'll do anything you want,
Clean your room, or wash your car.
I'll do anything so long as you don't go.
But he said, this is what brothers are for.

Well I have my heroes,
But the one I love the most
Taught me how to hunt and swing a bat.

I may never have to face the anger of those guns,
Or lie cold and wounded in my blood,
Or know the sacrifice and what it must have cost
For him to love me that much.
...Dean Brody - Brothers

Jack sighed and began the next part of his tale.

I stood outside Miya's door, waiting semi-patiently for her to open it. I had big news. Good news, for a change.

I knew as soon as she opened the door that she wouldn't be sharing my enthusiasm. Her purple hair was all over the place and she was holding a hand over her tired eyes.

"Jack, what are you-" she paused to yawn, "doing here?"

"I came at a bad time, didn't I?" I asked, "You were sleeping?"

"No, no, I just got the baby to sleep. Come in," she gestured, leading me inside to the sofa, "What's wrong?"

"Nothing. Why does something have to be wrong for me to visit my girlfriend and daughter?" I asked, exasperated.

"Because you and your girlfriend seem to have trouble staying out of trouble," she replied, yawning as she flopped onto the sofa. She looked like she was about to nod off right then and there.

"I feel bad about waking you up," I said sympathetically. For a moment, I thought she was going to knock that sympathetic look off of my face. Then she shrugged.

"Then you won't mind if we take this to the bedroom," she said, hauling herself to her feet and already starting down the hall. I smirked. She had said that to me before.

"I'd like that," I commented. She rolled her eyes before she snuggled under the covers.

"I'm not even going to be thinking about it for a VERY long time," she moaned, and to my delight, she lay her head on my shoulder when I laid back beside her on the bed. She was going to be out in a matter of minutes.

"You do know that it is four in the afternoon, right?" I asked.

"Jessica hasn't been sleeping all that well since we got home," Miya explained, "I'm taking what I can get."

The last part came out in a sigh. Then she was out. I smirked. This is why I loved Miya. She didn't feel the need to entertain me when I came over. She could just be herself, which was what I had fallen for in the first place. For a moment, I just enjoyed watching her dream, truly appreciating this small moment after our time apart. Then a soft cooing sound made me snap my head towards the end table where a baby monitor sat, the little red light blinking in the darkened room. I listened to the soft sounds my daughter made, not really sure if I should go to her and risk disturbing Miya. Then there was a whimper, the kind that came before a loud cry. I cringed and carefully pulled myself away from Miya and quietly made my way to the spare room.

Miya had painted it green and the crib, changing table, and rocking chair were all white. Around the room, there were teddy bears and little Fisher Price baby toys. I approached the crib and found Baby Jessica squirming with her face screwed up like she was going to let out a tremendous scream.

"Hi, little one," I whispered, gently picking her up the way I was shown in the hospital. She whimpered again and I knew why. I shuddered and approached the changing table and laid her down on it. I had seen both Jade and Isabelle change their kids before, so I knew the basic idea of the process. I carefully took off the baby's pink onesie and with much trepidation, I undid the little sticky flaps on the side of her diaper.

"Holy Mother of God!" I gasped, cringing away at the sight and smell and gagging.

"Why are men such babies about changing diapers?" Jessie wondered, feeling a little self-conscious.

"You had two kids," Jack reminded her, "You should know."

After I put my shirt over my nose, I felt a little better and did the things that I had seen Jade and Isabelle do, like wiping and using the powder. I think I got more powder on me then on the baby. The main thing was that I did it. I got her dressed again and picked her up, gently rocking her in my arms.

"That wasn't so bad," I told her, "Although, we might have to have a talk with Mommy about what she's feeding you."

She cooed and looked at me with those big blue eyes of hers. She didn't look like she was going to be sleeping anytime soon.

"How about we go and watch cartoons?" I suggested, carrying her to the living room. I flipped on the TV to a cartoon about a cowardly arcanine and his mystery-solving trainers and lounged back with the baby resting in the crook of my arms.

"Daddy's arcanine is braver than that," I explained to her, "and he doesn't eat that much. Maybe when you're bigger, he can play with you. Would you like that?" I asked, as if she could answer me. We sat like that for awhile. After about an hour, she fell asleep, but I didn't have the heart to disturb her, even though at this point, my arm felt a little tingly. I just found something else to watch for the next couple hours until I felt Jessica squirm in my arms.

"Hey, Sleeping Beauty. Good evening," I greeted, finally able to shift her in my arms. It looked like she was frowning, "Didn't you have a good sleep?" I asked, cradling her close to my chest. She squirmed some more and let out frustrated little sounds. I frowned.

"What's wrong?" I asked, pouting.

"She's hungry," Miya said, making me jump.

"You wanna give me a heart attack?" I griped as she sat down beside me, "How do you know?"

"Mother's know," she said, taking the baby from me so she could nurse, "Thanks for letting me sleep. I know it must have been boring for you."

"Are you kidding? I got to watch cartoons and I changed my first diaper. It was a riot," I told her with a grin. Miya laughed.

"I wish I had been around to see that," she commented, "So what-"

RING! RING! RING!

Miya picked up the phone, "Hello?" Silence, then, "What?" More silence and then Miya broke out into a grin, "Really? That's great! Does she have a name?" Silence. "Keep me posted. I'll be in to visit tomorrow." "Yup. Yup. Kay, rest up." She hung up the phone with her grin still in place.

"Catherine had her baby," Miya announced, "A girl. No name yet, though."

"That's great!" I exclaimed, "And actually, that's why I came to talk to you."

"About Catherine's kid?"

"No," I laughed, "Remember the day after Jessica was born, how I stopped by when Catherine and Daphne were visiting? Remember how Daphne said something about a round-the-clock babysitter?"

"Yeah, I guess. Why?" she asked.

"It got me thinking. We aren't the only agents who have kids. I checked. Out of all our agents, twenty have families and are juggling kids with work. Most of them take on administrative duties and come out of the field. Unfortunately, there won't be enough desk jobs for everyone who decides to pop out kids, so what I was thinking was a daycare program," I revealed.

"Daycare?" Miya asked, raising her eyebrows.

"It's perfect. Agents can stay in the field and it works well for future recruitment," I shrugged.

"Do you really think Madam Boss is going to fund a daycare? And who's going to run it? Parents aren't going to leave their kids with just anyone," she said skeptically.

"I'm going to run it. Of course, I'll need some help, but I've got that worked-"

"You?" Miya asked incredulously, "Jack, what do you know about kids?"

"I'll learn. Besides, who better to take care of Jessica when you're away than her father," I said, "Plus, it gives us a great cover story. I take care of your kid, sparks begin to fly, we start "dating". It's perfect."

"Did you hit your head before you came over?" she asked me, burping the baby.

"It's genius," I defended.

"It's risky. What's Madam Boss going to think when you tell her that you're planning on opening a daycare?"

"Well, she'll think 'Mew, my son is a genius, bonding with the agents and securing Team Rocket's future'," I replied. Miya laughed.

"I think that's wishful thinking, Sakaki," she retorted, cradling Jessica to her. I grinned at her.

"Alright, Lillis, then tell me why that's exactly what she said when I presented her my idea this morning," I demanded. I took great delight in the shock that crept across her face.

"She said that?"

"Yeah," I laughed, "She said that she was proud that I showed initiative and had done my research. I calculated it out, and the daycare would turn a profit on its own, but it would also let the parents carry out more missions, which means more money in the long run. She also loved the idea that the daycare could be another means of recruitment and that I was thinking about the agents' wellbeing."

"You are unbelievable," she shook her head.

"What can I say?" I shrugged, "I take the initiative. That's a good thing to teach our daughter, by the way."

"Unbelievable," she said again, looking down at the baby, "I hope you're not as obnoxious as your father, Jessie."

"Ah, Miya, you know you love it," I teased, kissing her shoulder. She raised an eyebrow.

"Maybe."

"You do."

"Daycare?" Jessie asked, raising her eyebrow, "That was your big plan?"

"Mother liked it a lot. Much better than she liked Giovanni and Joseph's next moves."

I was the first person in Mother's conference room the next morning. Normally, her, Giovanni, Joseph and I would have just met in her office or at the house, but Giovanni and Joseph wanted to present the evidence concerning the investigation of Miya's attempted murder. I yawned and put on a pot of coffee. I hadn't had much sleep the night before, choosing instead to spend the night at Miya's. Not that I could ever blame her for it, but sometimes I felt like she expected me to walk away again. She'd never outright say it, but I knew that the feeling was there. I was determined not to let that happen. I already knew too well that I needed her and she needed me and that our little baby daughter needed both of us. I was going to prove to Miya, Jessica, and myself that I would stay with them until someone forced me away.

"You look tired," Giovanni commented, making me jump. I looked back at him.

"So do you," I observed, watching as my older brother flopped into one of the chairs.

"It's been a long month, Jack," he confided.

"Did you find anything?" I asked, knowing that I should probably wait for Mother and Joseph.

"Oh, yes," he sighed, glancing over at me, "and I know that you are not going to like it."

I frowned, pondering his words. Could he have found out about me and Miya?

"How do you figure-"

I was interrupted when Mother and Joseph appeared in the conference room and shut the door. Joseph nodded to me and sat beside Gio. Mother, naturally, sat at the head of the table. She looked over at Giovanni, who's posture had greatly improved.

"Giovanni?" she questioned him first.

"Naturally, during the attack, all of the agents had alibis, which is not really a major surprise, however upon comparing notes with Joseph, I was able to draw a few conclusions," he surmised, nodding to our brother. Joseph produced a photograph from his case.

"This was taken at the Viridian pokemon center from the security footage," Joseph said. I looked at the photograph and saw a familiar face.

"Malkan?" I questioned in shock. Malkan Neo was a few years older than Giovanni. His parents had been some of the first to join Team Rocket and when they died on the job, Mother had taken him in as a babysitter for us boys. He used to read us stories and play Pokemon Adventure with us. He taught us about girls and how to shoot. I still remember being fourteen when I got to tag along with Giovanni and Malkan to the shooting range.

"Are you sure?" Mother asked, her mouth a thin line.

"He was the only agent who was absent from the interviews," Giovanni said, "He hasn't shown up for work in days."

"We searched his room," Joseph added helpfully. Giovanni glared at the interruption.

"Yes, we searched his room. You know he and his family came over from Hoenn and he still has contacts. He's been in correspondence with two cousins," Giovanni explained, producing a piece of paper.

Malkan,

We'd be delighted to carry out your mission. It wouldn't do for our cousin to be shown up by those Kanto slobs. Consider it done. Our Team will send associates to help you take control.

Archie and Maxie

"They attacked because Malkan thought he was being shown up?" I asked incredulously, "Malkan was the one who babysat us! He was an executive-"

"And he got greedy," Mother said in a deadly voice, "We need to take action."

"If I may, Mother," Joseph piped up, "I want to go to Hoenn and put an end to this nonsense."

Silence filled the room. I thought Mother was going to explode as she stared at my brother, but her voice was surprisingly calm when she opened her mouth to speak.

"You want to go to Hoenn after the men who tried to kill our agents?"

Joseph rounded the table and knelt in front of her, "Mother, I can't just sit back and do nothing. I will take a team of agents and we will take the enemy out."

"This is absolutely the most ridiculous thing that you have ever thought up," she glared.

"Mother, this is something I have to do," he argued, "What if it's you next time? Or Gio or Jack? Or Isabelle and Jessiebelle? It's all I could do."

"This is absolute insanity-"

"Mother, I want to do this," he pleaded, "I want to protect my family," and at this, he looked up at me, "and this is happening whether you permit it or not."

Mother looked at him for a long moment. Then she sighed, "Then all I can do is offer you protection, my son."

She then dismissed Joe and me, wanting to give Giovanni orders. We walked out of the office and I turned to look at my brother.

"Joe, why would you-"

"So you won't," he said simply. I started.

"What?"

"Jack, I know that once the shock wears off, you're going to be angry and you might just do something crazy like go after the people who tried to kill your girlfriend and baby," he explained, "I'm going to take care of it."

"Joe-"

"Jack, my advice before…it was wrong. I should have been a better brother. I should have told you to do the honorable thing. Maybe if I had, none of this would have happened."

"Joe, I'll go with you-"

"Don't be an idiot," he chided me, "Miya and your baby need you."

"But your daughter-"

"Next time, it could be her and that is not going to happen. This is for all of us, Jack. All of them, the kids. Jessiebelle, Silver, Jessica…they deserve a better Team Rocket."

I was speechless as he walked away.

"He did that?" Jessie asked, blinking. Her uncle, Jessiebelle's father, went on a crazy dangerous mission for her and her cousins. It was insane to think that he was the father of the psychotic bitch trying to force James down the aisle.

"He did," Jack confirmed.

"Wow. And what did your mother think of that?" she asked. Jack shook his head.

"She was very strongly opposed to it, but there was no stopping Joseph. He was stubborn. A family trait."

Jessie privately agreed with that.

Mother hated the idea of sending one of her sons off to fight a syndicate overseas. She was angry. It seemed every word was directed at how Joseph was a fool for leaving his duties and his family to play soldier. I kept quiet, knowing that Joseph was doing this for me, though that next week was torture. Gio and I were called upon at all hours by Mother to help Joe prepare for his trip. Everything -from sleeping bags to protein bars- was our responsibility. Mother even told us, more than once, that everything was to be prepared and checked over or she would make us wish for the days when she'd throw us over her knee for a spanking as kids. I think it was just her way of saying that she was worried about Joseph.

All of this running around cut into the time I got to spend with Miya and Jessie. That week was filled with quick visits and late-night phone calls. I hated it. It was almost a relief when Joe got on that plane to Hoenn. After sending him off the following Saturday, I had the day to myself, so naturally, I went to visit Miya.

I stood at her door, grinning like a fool as she opened it.

"I've returned at long last, Milady," I said, offering her a single red rose.

To my surprise, she stepped out into the hall with me and shut the door, "Nice to see you back," she said with a smile, "Have I told you lately that you have horrible timing?" she asked, taking the rose and smelling it. I groaned.

"Why do I feel like I'm about to be kicked out?" I wondered.

"Catherine's over with the new baby," she explained, "As much as I hate lying to my best friend, I don't want her asking why the boss's son is visiting with flowers."

"It's one flower," I corrected, and upon seeing her less-than-impressed expression, I amended, "for my one and only. Besides, there's some stuff I need to talk to her about anyways."

"Nice save," she said dryly, putting the rose in my jacket pocket, "Alright. Just have your story straight," she warned, leading me into her apartment. Catherine was sitting on the sofa, gazing into a bassinet as Miya's ninetails curled up by her feet.

"Mr. Sakaki?" Catherine said in surprise, making to stand.

"Don't get up," I said, "You're looking well, Miss Catherine."

"Thank you, Sir," she said, looking confused.

"So, I guess you ladies are wondering what brings me here," I said, "I was just coming to deliver some forms to Miss Miyamoto and to extend an offer."

"Oh, well, I could leave-"

"Nonsense," I shook my head, "It's actually better that you're here, Miss Catherine, as it is an offer I was hoping to extend to you as well."

"Oh. Okay," now Catherine looked really confused. Miya shot me a look that said 'what the hell?'.

"Well, why don't you sit down then, Mr. Sakaki," she invited me. I grinned and made my way to the living chair, passing the bassinet, which held not only Jessie, but another infant as well. The new baby was a bit bigger than Jessie with a lot of her mother's features, including a pair of light, violet eyes.

"Your daughter, Miss Catherine?" I asked pleasantly. Catherine smiled.

"Yes. Cassidy."

"C-Cassidy?" Jessie stammered, staring at Jack in shock. He nodded.

"From what you've described, I'd say the girl you know, if her mother remained in Team Rocket," Jack said. Jessie made a face in revulsion. Hers and Cassidy's mothers had been partners…friends. Miya and Catherine had put them in the same bassinet together.

"Are you kidding me?" she said out loud, cringing. Jack chuckled.

"While I don't approve of the way she and Butch have treated you, Cassidy was young once. She got on great with my daughter, practically like sisters," he continued, not noticing as Jessie turned an odd shade of green at that comment.

"She's lovely," I said.

"Yeah, right," Jessie muttered. Jack sighed and decided to skip right to the business end of the visit, lest he hear a slew of comments and death threats from the red-head. He was quickly learning that Jessiebelle, Butch, and Cassidy were dangerous topics.

"Now, I presented this idea earlier," I explained, "I noticed that more and more agents lately have children and most don't have the luxury of a reliable babysitter. In an interest to promote a...uh...family atmosphere, I've decided to spearhead a project...a daycare initiative."

"Daycare?" Catherine asked, raising an eyebrow, "Well, it would be nice, but would Madam Boss agree to it?"

"So far, she's the biggest supporter," I explained, "She's all about getting agents to the field."

"So what's your offer?" Miya asked, frowning, "Mr. Sakaki," she tacked on quickly for propriety. I chuckled.

"I'll be blunt. After the attack a couple weeks ago, I've been assigned to look out for the wellbeing of the agents involved. That includes Carson, Ketchum, Parker, Motorcycle, and you, Miss Miyamoto," I said, pausing to enjoy the look of indignation on Miya's face, "That said, I'm also including you, Miss Catherine, and Miss Daphne in that as well, being that you two are also valued agents. Because it is positively exhausting trying to look out for all seven of you, I would like to have all of you work on a daycare committee."

"And what does this entail, exactly?" Miya asked, crossing her arms.

"Well, as I'm aware, your maternity leave will be up in a month or so. Instead of returning to long missions, you have the opportunity to take a temporary desk job so that you will be close in case Cassidy or Jessica need you. After the committee is disbanded, you'll be able to go back to fieldwork, if you choose. Also, as I am going to be involved in this project, I would love to hear things from a mother's perspective, so in a way, you have control over where you send your daughters for daycare."

"Sounds nice, Mr. Sakaki," Catherine said, "What's the catch?"

"Well, aside from listening to Miss Daphne gripe about being out of action, you will also be required to call me Jack...and potentially teach me about kids," I offered. Miya suppressed a chuckle.

"I think we can handle that," Catherine said, smiling.

"Might even be entertaining," Miya allowed, "Jack."

"So what did this daycare committee thing do?" Jessie asked, "It sounds like you just pulled it out of your ass so you could spend more time with Miya."

"In part, yes, but it also served a purpose," Jack said, laughing.

Four months later, I stood in the middle of an empty building just a block away from the Viridian City school. Prime daycare real-estate. After months of planning and renovations, the daycare was nearly ready to open.

"Now I see why we got drafted onto this committee," Heath griped as he and Motorcycle carried a heavy-looking changing table in through the front door.

"This thing would be lighter if you'd quit gabbing, Ketch," Motorcycle groaned.

"I highly doubt it," Catherine said dryly she, Miya, Lana, and Amy carried in various boxes full of toys and other kid stuff.

"You'd think that the boys would have figured out why they were drafted during the renovations," Amy commented. Lana snorted.

"You mean the renovations that Catherine, Miya, and I did while they hung around outside flirting with soccer moms?" she scoffed.

"That was one time!" Heath protested, turning red in the face as he and Motorcycle set their load down.

"Lana, give poor Heath a break; it's not his fault Delia dumped him," he teased, knowing that the mention of Delia Hazelwood was enough to make Heath turn even redder.

"She didn't dump me! She's just a-"

"Friend?" we all finished for him, having heard this speech many times. It seemed like poor Heath was firmly planted in the friend zone where the kind brunette from Pallet was concerned, not that that stopped him from trying to find ways to court her. He even got her a job...at my daycare.

"Let's go get those cribs," Heath snapped, bolting for the door. Motorcycle was grinning as he followed.

"Let's start unpacking these," Catherine said, gesturing to the boxes.

"I'll do the ones in the kitchen," Miya volunteered, "Then I have to go get Jessie from the sitter's."

"I'll help," I said, following her. As soon as we were out of sight, I pinned her against the wall, kissing her neck. She tried to hold back her laughter as she swatted me away.

"Are you crazy? Everyone's just in the next room!" she hissed.

"So?"

"So, they could walk in!" she stopped fighting and looked into my eyes, like she was trying to find some weakness of mine to get her way.

"Fine," I pouted, still refusing to let her go.

"Come over later," she whispered. I grinned, kissed her again and then let her go. We sorted through baby bottles, sippy cups, and plastic plates, everything either bought or 'donated' by Team Rocket employees. We were almost finished when Daphne came in with another box.

"Sorry, guys," she shrugged.

"I have to go get Jessie," Miya moaned, looking over at me.

"I've got it," I said, smiling at her as she left. Daphne came up beside me and started helping with the box.

"So how long until this place is operational?" she asked curiously.

"Hopefully Monday," I replied. She shook her head.

"I'm still wondering why you of all people would be so willing to spend your days babysitting," she said. I shrugged.

"I want to give something back," I said, "especially to your teammates. For all they've done, they deserve a little piece of mind."

"That is really very kind of you," Daphne said, flashing me a sly smile, "and smart too. Madam Boss still raves about this idea."

"I do what I can," I shrugged, alarm bells starting to chime in my head as she moved a little closer, "Ah, I should probably go check on the others," I made my escape. I was definitely NOT going there. I made my way to the storage area where I heard voices.

"I could give you a ride," Motorcycle was saying.

"You don't have to do that, Ted. Really," Amy rebuked him, "You've already been so nice and-"

"I don't mind," Motorcycle shrugged, "You don't have a car and the bus can be dangerous."

"He's right," I said, walking into the storage space, "The bus can be dangerous, especially at this time of night."

Amy seemed to bite her lip before she said, "Alright."

That settled, I took a stack of office supplies to the small office to the left, where I found Catherine flipping through some papers, frowning.

"Everything alright?" I asked.

"Hmm? Oh, yeah. Tax season," she explained.

"If you need help, I know a guy in the tax department," I offered, "Best money I ever spent."

Catherine chuckled, "And I'm sure that's legal."

"You work for a crime syndicate," I reminded her. She laughed again.

"Tell that to the husband. Four years and he's still in denial."

I laughed and grabbed a stack of papers. Then I made my way through the city to Miya's apartment.

At ten-thirty, I didn't know if she'd still be awake, so I used the key she had given me a while ago. I opened the door to hear my daughter screaming her head off. Miya was pacing the living room, trying to calm the baby. Miya's ninetails was the one that noticed me, barking as I stepped into the apartment. I knew from experience that Ninetails would not back off until Miya told her to. The fox pokemon was very protective of her master.

"Ninetails, let him in," she sighed. I stepped deeper into the apartment.

"What'd you do to my kid, Lillis?" I asked, grinning. Miya glared.

"Sakaki, so help me, I'm going to-"

"Shhhh!" I hissed, crossing the room to take Jessie from her, "You don't want to upset her," I teased as Jessie, shocked by the new person holding her, quit crying to look at me with those big blue eyes.

"Hi there, Beautiful. Are you giving Mommy a hard time?" I cooed, bouncing her a little. She let out something between a cry and a laugh. I did it again and she started giggling and hitting my face with her chubby little arms. I grinned proudly at Miya who rolled her eyes.

"I hate it when you do that," she griped, "She's four and a half months old and she already thinks Daddy is the fun parent."

"That's because Daddy is the fun parent," I said in a baby voice, "Mommy's way too serious, isn't she, Princess?" Jessie smiled at me, "Do you know what Mommy did today? Daddy wanted to have fun, but Mommy didn't want to because she was worried people would see. And then-"

"Stop turning the baby against me," Miya scowled, moving to take Jessie from me. I slipped a hand around her waist, pulling her close to me and Jessie. For a moment, she glared at me, but then that beautiful smile began to play on her lips when Jessie made a little noise and wrapped her tiny fist around Miya's finger.

"Wouldn't dream of it, Love," I whispered. I kissed her forehead and she sighed.

"Wish we could stay like this," she murmured.

"We can," I said back. She rested her head against my chest.

"Jack, it's not going to be easy-"

"I know, but things will get better."

She sighed and looked up at me.

"How long can we keep this up?" she asked, "This charade? Sooner or later, people are going to suspect something."

"We'll give it a few months and go from there. We can do this, Miya."

"I know. It's just...if we're found out before we want to be-"

"You and I are very good actors. We've come a long way, Baby," I said. Miya smiled and gently traced slow circles on Jessie's back.

"Jack, what are we going to do when Jessie's at daycare and calls you 'Daddy'?" she asked, "You and I may be good at pretend, but she's too young to deceive anybody."

I hadn't considered that before. While planning for the future, I had always considered mine and Miya's next moves. I didn't stop to think that our little charade had to include Jessie's actions as well.

"Then I'll be Uncle Jack," I shrugged, "Miya, we will make this work," I said, and even I was surprised by the certainty in my voice. Miya's face softened as she looked up at me. I saw that mischievous twinkle in her eyes.

"How about we put the baby to bed and you can continue to convince me of that fact?" she offered, taking Jessie from me.

"Really?" I asked, hoping that I didn't sound too eager. It had been awhile. A LONG while. She flashed me a playful smirk as she carried Jessie.

"No."

"Miya!" I protested. She laughed.

"Kidding. Looks like somebody's a little frustrated."

"It's not nice to tease your boyfriend who's been oh so patient."

Her smirk widened, "Come on, Jack. I have to have my fun too. I can't be so serious all the time."

The woman had a wicked sense of humor. I shook my head as I followed her to Jessie's room.

I stood at the doorway just watching as Miya cradled baby Jessie to her chest. The soft smile was still on her lips, and when she looked down at our daughter, that smile only widened. Jessie babbled and sucked on the blanket that Miya had draped over her shoulder. Almost automatically, Miya began to move, gently swaying the baby back and forth in slow, smooth motions. While I may have been good at curbing Jessie's crying fits, Miya was the expert at nearly everything else. In a matter of seconds, Jessie had quit babbling and just looked up at her mother with pure adoration in her eyes. Then Miya began to hum a soft melody.

I perked up at this. I had heard Miya hum before, but when I commented on it, she had vehemently denied doing anything of the sort. But now, I don't think that I could have teased her about it. There was just something about it. Seeing that passionate, adventurous, stubborn woman gently and lovingly tend to our child was indescribable and so perfect to me.

"That's a nice melody," I murmured, my eyes resting on Jessie, whose lids began to droop.

"My mother used to sing it to me and my sister in English and Japanese," she revealed, still focused on only the baby.

"How's it go?" I asked. She took a breath, looking as if she was recalling the words.

"When daytime turns to night, when the moon shines bright, when you're tucked in tight and everything's alright, slip softly to that place where secret thoughts run free and there come face to face with who you want to be. So swim across the ocean blue; fly a rocket to the moon. You can change your life, or you can change the world. Take a chance, life is yours to live..."

"I like it."

She said nothing, but continued, "Make a wish, it's up to you. Find the strength inside and watch your dreams come true. You don't need a shooting star; the magic's right there in your heart. Close your eyes, believe, and make a wish..."

Jessie's eyes had closed and her breathing was even. She was out. As Miya gently placed her in the crib, I began to wonder just who she would be and what her future would be like. I hoped that she would be like Miya, adventurous and strong, and take any challenge and face it head on. If she was like that, she would be able to do anything. I was sure of that.

Maybe that's why, at the time, I had felt so sure that everything would work out fine.

"It didn't, did it?" Jessie asked. Jack shook his head.

"As you know, Jessilina, fate has a nasty habit of playing tricks," he said, "The next morning, I drove home feeling that nothing could bring me down. Then I walked inside and Giovanni told me the news."

"What news?" Jessie asked.

"That Joseph had been shot."

TBC

AN: Wow, it's been awhile...again. My bad. But hey, I just finished my degree in education, so at least my time was put to constructive use. Anyhow, here is the next installement. Gotta love the cliffhanger, even though my favourite part was when Jessie found out that her mother and Cassidy's mother we best friends.

Reviews? Anyone? I'd love to know if there's anything you like, dislike, or even have questions about.

Songs that inspired this chapter:
- Brothers by Dean Brody. I love the song and I love writing the brotherly bond between Jack and Joe.
- Make a Wish from Pokemon: Jirachi, Wishmaker. I was listening to it and thought it'd make a great lullaby for baby Jessie.