This is Me

Part II

This is Real

So...my only excuse for not updating in so long is that writing in my notebook led to 45+ pages of written material, and I became too overwhelmed to even attempt typing it up. I realize that doing this now, later than sooner was a stupid idea and I should have done this long before, but it's to your advantage because I'm too lazy to break this up into different chapters so it's going to be pretty long. Oh. When it talks about the club, think the one in Dream Girls? Where they first use the blue glittery (purple?) dresses.

The only other thing I need to mention is that this is broken up into different scenes often. I'm not sure why; it just worked out that the little segments are shorter than usual. But the chapter's longer than usual so that's a plus. The segments are more like...short scenes in one big story. I don't know how to explain it....never mind. Haha.

'He is sensible and so incredible
And all my single friends are jealous
He says everything I need to hear and it's like
I couldn't ask for anything better'

"The Way I Loved You" – Taylor Swift

Mitchie stirred an hour later, looking up at her husband. "Shane, it's 10 in the morning. We have to get up." He mumbled something and pulled her closer. She laughed and struggled against his grip. "We've left the others alone and as the married couple I feel responsible for them." Mitchie protested. Shane groaned and rolled over, letting her free.

"Fine. But don't think I'm done with you just yet." Shane warned, smirking at her. She laughed softly, slipping on a pair of his jeans and a white cami. "You've got sex hair." He commented, stretching his arms above his head and grinning. She grabbed a brush from her purse that was on the bunk below Shane's and began to attack her hair. Shane watched her, a small smile playing on his face. "Maybe it's just me, but your boobs have gotten bigger." The next thing he knew, a brush had been hurled at him. "Hey! That's not a bad thing!" He protested.

Mitchie looked at him, crossing her arms across her chest. "When you say it like that, it sure sounds like it." She sighed, leaning against their bunk. Shane tugged on his boxers and crawled to the edge, letting his legs dangle on either side of her. He wrapped his arms around her shoulders and she rested her head against his chest. Idly, he kissed the top of her head. "I guess it's just one more thing about being pregnant that I'm not ready for." She muttered. Shane smiled against her hair.

"The number one thing being that there's a baby at the end of this?" Shane queried. Mitchie sighed and nodded. "Don't feel bad—I know I'm not ready to be a parent either. But we've got roughly 7 months to figure this out." He promised, his hands rubbing her shoulders soothingly. "And who knows? Maybe we'll be totally awesome at this parenting thing." He laughed. Mitchie shrugged, blinking back tears. "Hey, don't cry baby. We've got amazing friends and parents who will be there for us."

Mitchie's eyes widened in realization. "Parents." She choked out. "We have to tell my parents." She elaborated and Shane paled. "Why do you look so freaked? I know I'm worried, but you look absolutely petrified." She grabbed his hand over her shoulder and tilted her head back until he could see her reassuring smile.

"Your dad." Shane stated. At Mitchie's look of confusion, he continued. "Your dad is going to kill me. You said we weren't sleeping together when we went to see them. He's not a stupid man—he'll know we lied because you're pregnant!" He had swung his legs around and dropped out of bed to pace.

"So we'll tell him I lied." Mitchie suggested. Shane stared at her incredulously. "Or...not." She muttered, catching the stupefied look he gave her. "I just don't think it's that big of a deal because honestly—we were married. Did he really think I wasn't going to have sex with my husband?" Shane shrugged, dropping his head into her lap.

"He's going to kill me." He groaned into her legs. Mitchie ran her fingers through his tousled hair in a calming manner. "He's going to kill me for sleeping with you often enough to get you pregnant." Mitchie shook her head, though inwardly she suspected he was right.

"Tell you what. I'll call them right now." She offered, reaching for her phone. "He won't freak." She dialed the number and held it to her ear as it rang. "Hey Mom! I have something to tell you and Daddy."

Connie set down the knife she was using to chop carrots. "Okay. You're not sick are you? Let me get your father and I'll put you on speaker phone." She set the phone down and leaned in the door frame of the living room. "Richard, come in here. Mitchie's on the phone and says she needs to tell us something." He hit pause on the TV and came into the kitchen, giving the phone a wary glance. Connie tapped the speaker phone button. "Okay honey, we're both here."

Mitchie gave Shane an encouraging smile and took a deep breath. "Mom, Daddy, I'm pregnant. You guys are going to be grandparents!" She squealed in an overly-enthused voice. Her father stared at the phone for a moment and stood up crossing to the refrigerator. He yanked the door open and grabbed a beer, snapping the lid off and downing it in 3 long swallows. Connie stared at him, watching his reaction. "Mom? Daddy?" Mitchie asked, her voice shaking now. Connie grabbed the phone.

"Sorry darling. That's so exciting! Your father is taking it well—listen, I've got to run, but congratulations!" She hung up and rushed to grab the second beer from her husband. "Drinking won't make this go away Richard." She snapped. "Now can you please just be happy for her? She loves him and she needs you to understand that." He sighed, turning his watering eyes to her face.

"She's growing up too quickly." He sighed. "That's my baby girl, and she's pregnant. How am I supposed to react?" His wife smiled sympathetically, rubbing his arm. "I need to be alone right now." He shrugged out of her grasp and stalked off.

Connie watched him go with tears brimming. "You don't think this is just as hard for me?" She yelled as he slammed the door. She turned on her heel and grabbed the knife from earlier and returned to her carrots, chopping them with a new anger.

Mitchie stared at the phone. "See? That went well!" She smiled where Shane had been standing. "Shane?" She looked down and groaned. He had fainted.

Mitchie pulled of Shane's jeans to grab a pair of her own and threw a tank top over her cami. Shane was sitting up against the base of the bottom bunk, shaking his head. "I'm dead. He's driving up here to kill me." He declared. Mitchie laughed and sat down next to him. Shane turned to her, kissing her firmly, holding her close. Mitchie crushed herself against him, opening her mouth slowly to his silent requests. His hands cupped her face as his tongue slid into her mouth, teasing her.

She let the kiss linger for a moment; then pulled away. "We have to go out there." She mumbled. Shane sighed and opened the door to the main living space of the bus. Mitchie twisted her fingers into his leading him down the hall. The others looked up as they entered the kitchen. Mitchie smiled. "Hey guys. Sorry for the, uhm, delay."

Stacy laughed brightly. "Yeah. We understand." She smiled reassuringly. Nate laughed as well, smirking at Shane,who rolled his eyes at his friend.

"Someone got laid." Nate coughed, gesturing to Shane's hair.

"Someone's jealous." Shane retorted. Nate shrugged and kissed Stacy's cheek. "Don't try and shrug it off Nate." Shane laughed, sitting down. Mitchie put a hand on his arm and gave him a meaningful glance. "Okay, I'll stop." He held up his hands innocently. Mitchie kissed him quickly.

Jason gagged playfully. "Do you guys ever stop?" Mitchie shook her head and crossed over to the stove. "I want pancakes!" Jason exclaimed. Brielle stared at him, unsure of why she had agreed to go to dinner with this strange man.

Shane stood up and wrapped his arms around Mitchie's waist. "If you're cooking..." He trailed off, kissing her neck. "I would love some eggs." He murmured. Mitchie giggled and swatted at him gently.

"I can't cook when you're distracting me like that." She scolded. Shane shrugged, holding her hips firmly against his. "Shane, if you want your eggs, you need to go amuse yourself with someone else. Go play video games with Nate." She laughed giving him a gentle shove. Shane sighed and walked away glumly. Nate kissed Stacy once more and followed him to the back of the lounge where the vast array of gaming systems were. Jason trotted after them eagerly. Brielle and Stacy moved to the table to watch Mitchie. "I guess I'm making eggs and pancakes then." She laughed, turning to the fridge and opening it.

Brielle laughed uneasily, finally opening up a bit. "How did they eat before you got here?" She asked lightly. Mitchie shrugged, laughing as well.

"Lots and lots of pop tarts." She pointed to the cupboard. Stacy wrinkled her nose and giggled a little bit. "But honestly, I think they're happier with my cooking." She cracked an egg into the bowl and stirred it quickly, pouring it into the waiting pan.

Jason set his fork down and smiled brightly. "I signed all of us up for bungee jumping lessons." Mitchie choked on her water. Shane and Nate stared at him. "At some field. It's going to be totally cool!" Jason exclaimed.

Shane sighed. "Jason, you do realize we'll get swarmed, right? We can't even leave this bus without at least one member of security..." His eyes fell on Brielle. He stopped talking for a moment, staring at her. "Oh yes!" He turned to high five Nate. "This is gonna be freaking awesome!"

Mitchie smiled at the overjoyed expression on his face, almost not wanting to remind him. "Shane, don't you remember? You guys have that concert at the club for the local fan club?"

Shane's face fell. "And we'll be in rehearsals all day, won't we?" Mitchie nodded, rubbing his hand. "Well, it was a cool idea Jason." He smiled wryly at his friend. "But I guess we'll just have to do it another time." He turned to Mitchie. "You'll come to rehearsals, right?"

She smiled, running a hand through her hair. "I was going to go shopping, but I suppose I could hang out with my husband instead." She grinned, standing up to clear the table.

Shane rose as well. "I'll get it. You go...do something." He stacked the plates and and carried them to the sink. Mitchie nodded slowly and smiled at him.

"I guess I'll go finish unpacking. Thanks babe." She walked down the hall, unaware of Shane's eyes following her. She was bent over her suitcase, just finishing her last stack of clothing when Shane crept up behind her her. Quietly, he reached out and tapped her on the back. "Shane, don't even try." She laughed, though her heart was racing from his touch. "I'm sorry you couldn't go bungee jumping."

Shane shrugged. "It would have been cool, but we do need to rehearse for the show tonight. We don't want to disappoint the fans." He offered her his hand and she took it. "I just need to hold you." He admitted, leading her back to the lounge.

"Like I really mind cuddling with Shane Grey." Mitchie giggled, dropping onto one of the plush leather couches. Shane sat next to her, turning so his head was in her lap. "When do you guys start rehearsing?" She asked.

Shane groaned, shutting his eyes. "As soon as we get there. You don't have to stay the whole time—you can go shop and come in later if you want." Mitchie thought about it, unsure of what to do. "I don't know how many ball gowns you packed," Shane grinned, "but next week we've got dinner at the White House and then in two weeks we have a charity ball. We're basically booked for any 'free' time." Shane grimaced.

"But you would never give up your music, would you?" Mitchie paused, evaluating "You love it too much to quit." Shane was quiet as he listened. "Music is your life. It's a busy life, and I understand that." He looked up at her.

"Music was my life. You and our baby are my life now. Music will always be important to me, but when this child comes, I'll give up touring and cut way back on recording to be with both of you." He was gazing at her seriously.

"I don't want you to give up your dream Shane." Mitchie whispered. He cracked a smile.

"Mitchie, from the moment I heard your voice and then saw you on the docks, you've been my only dream." He reassured her. "I want you. Forever." Mitchie blinked back tears.

"Good, because you've got me. Forever." She smiled weakly. "But you're a member of Connect 3. If you leave, what will they do?" Shane shrugged.

"They only need me to record. We're going to finish this tour and then do maybe 2 or 3 more CDs." He explained. Mitchie nodded, encouraging him to continue. "We'll probably do a 'Goodbye Tour' and then only do more CDs."

She smiled. "Sounds like you've had this planned for a while." She commented. He grinned, his cheeks heating up a little.

"Well, we all started planning this after Final Jam. I knew when our hands touched, I was going to marry you one day." He admitted. "I knew as soon as you told me you were pregnant that it was right, and it was time to start thinking about ending the touring." Mitchie smiled, kissing him lightly. "But the plan does benefit Nate and Jason as well—Nate's really serious about Stacy and Jason...well who knows about Jason?"

Mitchie laughed quietly and shrugged. "I guess I'll go shopping and come meet you at the club. Brielle and Stacy will come with me I think." She planned aloud. Shane sat up and pulled her onto his lap. "Shane, what are you doing?"

He looked at her with an adoring smile. "Kissing you." Shane told her, pulling her mouth to his. She giggled, running her hands through his hair. Shane held onto her hips, keeping her directly centered over his. His mouth was warm on hers and she opened her mouth to his probing tongue. His body was pressed against hers and carefully, he laid her down on the couch, crawling between her legs. She moaned quietly, pulling him firmly against her. He kissed down her neck, sucking gently at the delicate skin.

"Shane..." Mitchie whimpered, her body limp as he moved his mouth over her neck and collarbone. "We cannot have sex again, and not here. We were pushing it with the bunk bed—we can't!" She protested. Shane sighed and held himself above her by his forearms. "Believe me, I've been wanting you all morning. But we just can't."

"I know." His voice was tight and frustrated. "We should probably get back out there, before I totally ignore everything you just said and make love to you on this couch." He climbed off the couch and let Mitchie stand as well. "We're probably at the club now anyway. I'll call a car for you and the others." She nodded and followed him to the main room. She crossed in front of him to stop him from walking any further. Carefully glancing around, she kissed him longingly. Shane pulled her close, hands cupping just under her butt. "When we get home, we're taking a shower together." He whispered in her ear, his voice low. She nodded once, flushing lightly.

Stacy held up a pink dress. "Do you like this one?" She questioned. Brielle shrugged and Mitchie nodded. This had been going on for an hour. Once Stacy and Brielle had found out there were two formal events requiring dresses, both ecstasy and panic had broken out, respectively.

Mitchie held a turquoise blue dress to her slender form. "I actually like this one." It was strapless and had a fitted corset that dropped to a loose skirt.

Stacy's jaw dropped. "It's perfect! Go try it on." She pushed Mitchie into a dressing room. "I like this orange one..." She mused. Brielle smiled.

"It's a pretty color. Very flattering." She admitted. "I think it would look great on you—for me, I've been thinking green." Stacy dropped the dress with a shriek. Brielle jumped, a bit startled.

"Omigawd yes! A sea foam green would look incredible with your coloring!" Stacy exclaimed. "Stay here—I'll go find a couple. You're a size 2, right?" She gave Brielle's body a glance over, correctly guessing the size. Brielle nodded, stunned.

Mitchie emerged from the room. "I really like it—you don't think it's too formal, do you?" Brielle shook her head firmly.

"It's dinner at the White House. The guys are wearing Armani. It's not too formal." Brielle objected as Stacy came tripping back into the dressing area. "Oh goodness that's a lot of dresses." She whimpered.

Stacy smiled triumphantly. "I know. I thought since you're tall and not overly curvy, a long fitted dress would be good. These are all the same style, in different shades of green. Pick one and go try it on." Stacy encouraged.

Brielle groaned and grabbed a color she liked. "I don't need to try it on. I trust you. Let's just leave, seriously."

Mitchie smiled. "Okay, if you're sure. I'm ready to go check out. We can go over to the club and see the guys." Stacy giggled and grabbed the orange dress.

Mitchie stepped out of the car and looked up at the unlit neon sign. "This is it." She smiled. She lifted her purse onto her shoulder and pushed the door open. The security guard inside moved to stop her, but recognized her and opened the second door for her. She smiled graciously at him. Brielle and Stacy followed at a distance. Mitchie pushed open one last door and Shane's smooth voice filled her ears.

Stacy reached out to touch Mitchie's arm. "We're going to go explore. You'll be in there?" Mitchie nodded, entering the room silently. She sat down at a table in the dimly lit audience and crossed her legs. Her eyes traced her husband's body, appreciating the skinny jeans he wore. She cracked a smile at the thought that they appeared sprayed on. The guys were taking a break when her cell phone buzzed. 'Hello Beautiful ;]' Shane had texted her, 'Where are you?' Mitchie quickly typed a reply telling him they were still shopping.

The guys dropped their water bottles and returned to the small round stage. Shane said something to Nate that Mitchie couldn't hear and the music slowly began. Shane brought the microphone close to his mouth.

When the visions around you,
Bring tears to your eyes
And all that surround you,
Are secrets and lies
I'll be your strength,
I'll give you hope,
Keeping your faith when it's gone
The one you should call,
Was standing here all along..

Shane looked up and his eyes met hers. His voice faltered for a moment as she smiled at him, giving him an innocent wave. He continued to sing, his eyes locked on hers. She felt her heart rate increase as his dark eyes remained unwavering on her own.

And I will take
You in my arms
And hold you right where you belong
Till the day my life is through
This I promise you
This I promise you

He took the microphone from its stand and slid off the stage, weaving his way through the tables up to where she sat patiently. He stood in front of her table, singing directly to her. Mitchie smiled as he took her hand lifting her to a standing position.

I've loved you forever,
In lifetimes before
And I promise you never...
Will you hurt anymore
I give you my word
I give you my heart (give you my heart)
This is a battle we've won
And with this vow,
Forever has now begun...


Just close your eyes (close your eyes)
Each loving day (each loving day)
I know this feeling won't go away (no..)
Till the day my life is through
This I promise you..
This I promise you..


Mitchie let his arms trail around her waist, her back to his chest as he continued to sing in her ear, the microphone forgotten where she had sat. He rocked her slowly as she turned in his arms to rest her head on his chest. Shane held her close, breathing in the scent of her hair while his hands returned to her waist.


Over and over I fall (over and over I fall)
When I hear you call
Without you in my life baby
I just wouldn't be living at all...

And I will take (I will take you in my arms)
You in my arms
And hold you right where you belong (right where you belong)
Till the day my life is through
This I promise you baby

Nate and Jason watched from the stage, smiling with joy for their friend. Shane's voice didn't rise above a whisper, and Mitchie pressed close to him to catch the meaningful words.

Just close your eyes
Each loving day (each loving day)
I know this feeling won't go away (no..)
Every word I say is true
This I promise you

Every word I say is true
This I promise you
Ooh, I promise you...

Shane finished the song, his lips dangerously close to hers. She could taste his breath caressing her lips and she stood up on her toes to kiss him tenderly for a brief moment. "I love you." Shane whispered, resting his forehead against hers.

"I love you too. I'm coming to the show tonight." Mitchie informed him with a smile. "I don't care if people recognize me—I want to be there." Shane sighed and Mitchie pouted slightly.

"Alright. But I want you backstage." Shane warned her. Mitchie grinned, already plotting. Shane groaned. "Oh no. You've got your devious smile on. What are you planning?" She smiled innocently at him.

"Shane, I don't know what you're talking about." She giggled, kissing his cheek. "Go keep rehearsing. I'll be back in a couple of hours."

Mitchie stood backstage, rocking back and forth on her heels impatiently waiting for the intermission. Her teal t-shirt dress clung to her body tightly and she shifted happily. Shane hadn't seen her come in, so it was definitely going to be a surprise. They had just finished the upbeat 'BB Good' and were running off stage for a quick 10 minute break. Shane emerged, hair still perfectly straight and jeans still, Mitchie noted with a satisfied smirk, perfectly tight.

He flipped his hair out of his face and looked at her appreciatively. "Damn." He muttered, crossing the space quickly to kiss her roughly. Mitchie knew her lips would hurt in the morning, but right now it was worth it. Shane pressed her up against the wall next to the sound equipment. Not caring who saw, Shane hitched her leg up around his waist, causing her already short dress to ride up several inches, exposing smooth lightly tanned skin. She let out a satisfied whimper as he lifted her other leg, and she quickly hooked her ankles behind his back and drew him even closer. Shane's hands held her waist as his mouth crushed over hers. "When we get home," he promised lowly, "I'm going to fuck you blind."

Mitchie pulled away, her cheeks a deep red. She stared at Shane, clearly embarrassed. "That's the first time you've used that word." Shane looked confused and she groaned, clearly not wanting to repeat it. She glanced around; Nate and Jason had made themselves scarce. "Fuck." She whispered. "It's the first time you've used it instead of 'sex' or 'make love' or whatever. It's not like you."

Shane nodded in understanding. "Well usually, we're really slow and tender, and this," he gestured between them, "is anything but slow and tender. It seemed stupid to use one of the other terms." He trailed off apologetically.

Mitchie smiled awkwardly. "I honestly don't mind Shane. You're not going to break me." She reassured him, placing a hand against his cheek. "In fact, I enjoy you being rough." She admitted quietly. "Don't you have to go back on soon?" She reminded him with a gentle smile.

Shane let out a low curse and Mitchie dropped her legs from his waist and let him back away. "I'll find you after the show." He promised. He started to walk away, then turned back to her grinning. "I'll need a shower after the show is over. You know how lonely I get. I'll leave the door unlocked."

Mitchie giggled and kissed his cheek lightly. "Go be a pop star." Shane gave her an exasperated look. "Fine," she amended, "go be a rock star." He nodded in satisfaction and ran towards the stage but not before giving her a long, deep kiss and squeezing her ass with both hands. Nate and Jason appeared laughing quietly. She glared at them. "Shut up guys. You're just jealous." She called after them, laughing softly.

The curtains fell on stage and the guys ran off. Mitchie hung back as they handed instruments and microphones off to different people. Shane brushed his hair out of his eyes yawning. "And we've still got the meet and greet don't we?" He asked. Nate nodded, working his way through the back hallway that lead to the lobby, where close to one hundred shrieking fans waited for them. Shane shot Mitchie an apologetic look as he followed Nate and Jason. Mitchie shrugged and followed after a moment.

She opened the door at the end of the hallway and found herself behind the guys, who were seated at a long table. Shane looked over his shoulder and smiled at her. "Took you long enough." He teased, pulling out the empty chair next to him. "Sit." He encouraged. She dropped wordlessly into the seat, unsure of what she was supposed to be doing.

A short blonde girl stopped in front of her, a poster and pink Sharpie clutched in her hand. "Will you sign this?" She asked politely, though her eyes flashed with the same eagerness the other screaming fans all possessed. Mitchie blinked at her, thrown totally off guard.

"You want me to sign this?" Mitchie asked in a dumbfounded voice. The girl nodded eagerly, her smile still fixed in place. "Why?" Mitchie questioned, accepting the Sharpie and scrawling her name in neat cursive near the bottom right corner. The girl stared at her like the answer was obvious. Shane merely looked on in amusement.

"Because you're famous! You're married to Shane freaking Grey! If you weren't perfect for him I'd hate you." The girl admitted. Mitchie stared at her blankly.

"How do you know we're perfect for each other? Not that we aren't, I'm just wondering how you know." Mitchie quizzed her, not in a rude way. The girl didn't miss a beat in pulling a tabloid-style magazine out of her purse. She dropped it on the table and both the Greys peered over it. The magazine had several pictures of their reunion at the airport. One of them kissing, another of Mitchie running into his arms. But the true gem of the collection was the shot from the side of Shane on his knees, his lips against her stomach. Mitchie bit her lip; not sure how to react.

The blonde girl smiled brightly. "No one could fake that sort of love or adoration. Oh...would you sign that as well?"

Shane stepped on the bus, exhausted. Mitchie was curled up in his arms, her head resting against his shoulder. "Too tired for a shower?" He asked wearily. Mitchie shook her head, fighting back a yawn. He laughed, pressing his lips to her forehead. "You're lying." He accused lightly, kicking open the door to the bunk room. Nate, Stacy, Jason and Brielle trudged up the steps, practically dead on their feet. They walked past Shane, who was tucking Mitchie into their bunk. Their friends collapsed into their respective bunks and fell asleep almost instantly.

Mitchie sat up in their bed and pulled her dress off over her head, letting it drop onto the floor. Shane watched, slightly slack-jawed, as her underwear followed. She patted the bed next to her, faint color creeping up in her cheeks under his scrutinizing, yet admiring, gaze. Shane crawled in next to her, nuzzling her neck softly. "I'm not complaining, but when did you start sleeping naked?" He asked, his eyes dragging over her curves appreciatively. Mitchie smiled slightly and pressed herself closer to him. Shane let out a small yelp as he felt her smooth skin against him.

"When I woke up this morning naked in your arms." She said simply, though the faint blush across her cheekbones remained. "I knew it was the only way I ever wanted to wake up." She grinned before speaking again. "Plus I knew you wouldn't mind." With that, she yawned delicately and dropped her head to the pillow. Shane wrapped his arms around her from behind, relishing the feel of her bare back against his chest.

Shane and Mitchie sat at the table, both looking at a copy of the magazine. "Well at least they're cute pictures." Mitchie grinned. Shane nodded, chuckling to himself. "So do we want to make a statement or something?"

Shane sighed, resting his head in his hands. "I think it would be best, but I really don't want you exposed more than you absolutely have to be." He muttered with his eyes on hers. "I want to protect you from my world. It's not a pleasant world and I would do anything to get out of it." Shane told her sadly.

Mitchie rested her head on his shoulder. "I know you want to protect me, and I love you for that and many more reasons." She smiled, continuing. "But this music is your life and it's my life too now. You can't give up music and I can't give up you. We'll talk to Chase and release a statement."

Shane smiled weakly. "We're both gonna get a lot of crap for this. You're only eighteen." He reminded her, rubbing the top of her hand. "I know we're in love—but they don't know that. They're going to attack us from every angle and it might get ugly."

Mitchie nodded seriously. "I understand...but we're together and that's all that matters." She told him, kissing him lightly on the lips. She stood up after a moment and looked down at Shane expectantly. "Pancakes or waffles?"

Shane's eyes lit up. "Chocolate chip waffles!" He exclaimed as he jumped out of his chair. "I'll go wake the others up." He called, already halfway to the door. Mitchie laughed and began to go through the cabinets.

Shane threw open Nate's curtain, not really paying attention as he turned to pull on a pair of jeans. "Nate! Mitchie's making chocolate chip waffles!" He yelled. Stacy groaned from the bunk and threw her pillow at Shane. He turned around at the feminine groan and his jaw dropped. "Stacy? Why are you in Nate's...oh my God." Shane muttered. "NATE!"

Stacy slapped a hand across his mouth. "Shut up! Nothing happened! I mean, we didn't have actual sex. You can't be mad." Stacy hissed defensively. Shane stared at her with wide eyes. Backing away, he continued to stare at her, slightly horrified.

"Please tell me you have clothes on under that blanket." He choked, gesturing to the sheets Stacy had wrapped around herself. Stacy rolled her eyes and Shane gagged. "That's not an answer...where's Nate?" He asked suspiciously.

Stacy sighed. "Yes, I have a bra and pajama shorts on. Nate's in the bathroom." She snapped. Shane held up both hands as if to surrender.

"Don't freak, jeez." He walked out of the room laughing. "Didn't know Nate had it in him." He chuckled. Stopping short he turned around and returned to the room. He stopped just inside the door. "JASON! WAFFLES!" He yelled and turned on his heel to return to the kitchen.

Everyone sat gathered round the table, eagerly eating the waffles. Stacy was curled against Nate to Shane's amusement, while Brielle and Jason sat slightly closer. Mitchie was sitting on his lap, eating from his plate. "Those are mine babe." Shane reminded her with a short laugh.

She turned to look at him and stuck out her tongue. "I made them." She retorted playfully. "But I'm about to go take a shower anyway." She stood up and stretched her arms above her head. Shane watched, entranced by her movement. She ruffled Shane's hair affectionately as she walked away.

Shane continued to pick at his waffles until he heard the water start to run from the back of the bus. He slid out of his chair and stood up. "Uhh...I'm just gonna go...er...over there." With those words, he darted back to the shower and knocked on the door. Mitchie opened it, her body wrapped in a towel. He noticed her hair was still dry, which meant she hadn't gotten in yet. He pushed the door all the way open and kissed her roughly, her face in his hands. Mitchie backed up into the bathroom and Shane kicked the door shut behind him. Still kissing fervently, she ripped the door to the shower stall open and Shane pushed her inside after tearing the towel from her body. He stripped quickly, watching her lithe body move under the downpour of hot water. He shut the door behind him.

Mitchie looked up at him through her lashes and before she could even comprehend it, Shane's mouth was on hers, sucking on her lower lip while his hands held her firmly against him. She let out a low whine, her neatly trimmed nails scratching at his back. He tore his mouth from hers and stared into her eyes. Water dripped from his matted hair and his breathing was heavy. "Tell me what you want." He demanded in a hoarse voice.

She stared up at him, chest heaving with every labored breath she took. "I want you." She said plainly. He shook his head, indicating he wanted more detail. "I want you to touch me." She added in a frustrated tone as she noted that his warm hands were no longer caressing her body. She let out a sharp gasp as her husband's fingers instantly delved into her. She felt her knees shake and Shane backed her up against the wall of the shower. "Shane, we can't! The others are in the kitchen, and for all we know, they're coming back here." She hissed through gritted teeth.

Shane pouted as he continued to stroke her. "Don't you want to have sex with me?" He asked, genuinely hurt. Mitchie nodded quickly, biting her lip. "Because I want you." He added, his other hand stroking her hair. Mitchie stared at him, unable to concentrate because of his ministrations and unsure of how to phrase her thoughts.

"Just because we want each other doesn't mean we can have sex all the time. Just because we're married now and it's okay to have sex doesn't mean we can be all over each other 24/7." She explained, frustrated that he couldn't understand this.

Shane grinned. "But I'm used to getting what I want." Mitchie let out an impatient shriek and turned the water off. She flung the door open and grabbed the discarded towel. "Mitchie? What are you doing?" Shane questioned.

"Proving that you don't always get what you want." She snapped, leaving the bathroom and letting the door slam. She quickly redressed in a long sleeve green shirt and a pair of Shane's jeans. Sighing, she curled up on her bunk, the one below Shane's. She shut the curtain and pulled the blankets up to her chin. Mitchie buried her face in a pillow, letting the tears fall. If there was one thing Mitchie hated, it was fighting with Shane.

Shane stepped out of the shower and dried off, redressing in the clothes he had shed earlier. He hung up the towels and left, shutting the lights off. "Mitchie?" He looked up in the bunk they shared. She wasn't there. He glanced down and saw her normally unused bunk's curtain shut. He opened it quietly and crawled in next to her. "Mitchie, honey, what's wrong? I'm sorry for what happened in the shower baby." He whispered. Her body shook with quiet sobs.

"I don't know why I'm crying. Damn hormones." Mitchie admitted. "I guess I just feel like you're turning back into the Shane who is only in the relationship for the sex." She whispered. Shane blanched, remembering that point in their past.

"Hey." He tilted her chin up so her eyes met his. Carefully, he wiped away her tears with his thumb. "I'll change. I've changed before—we know I can do it." She smiled weakly, and his heart soared. "There's that pretty smile I've been missing." He drawled. "Just don't run to Nate this time." He added teasingly. Mitchie stared at him. Hurt, she pulled the blankets back and scrambled out of the bunk.

She stood just outside the curtain, staring at him. "I can't believe you would throw that in my face." She whispered brokenly. She turned to leave, wiping away a tear as she left.

Shane groaned and punched the wall next to the bunk. "Great job Shane. Hurt the pregnant girl." He pulled the blankets over his head. "I'm royally fucked." He muttered.

Mitchie sat cross legged on the couch between Jason and Nate. Brielle and Stacy sat curled at her feet, all trying fruitlessly to calm her down. Silently, tears rolled down her face and she brushed them away impatiently. "Sometimes I just feel like he doesn't love me—that he only married me to sleep with me." She confessed.

Jason sighed. "Mitchie, you know that's not true. Shane loves you. He's in love with you." Mitchie shook her head, refusing to listen to the wise words of her friends. Nothing made sense in her mind right now.

"If he loves me, why is he still in bed while I'm out here crying?" She demanded. Jason hesitated, not sure he had an answer. Mitchie continued to cry, her arms wrapped tightly around herself as if to hold herself together.

Nate reached out and touched her hand. "Come here." He lifted her with ease on his lap, she buried her face in his shirt and her body shook with harsh sobs. As Nate rubbed her back and whispered something in Mitchie's ear; Stacy's glance tightened. She continued to watch suspiciously, her eyes narrowing as Nate's hand caressed Mitchie's lower back.

"You were practically feeling her up!" Stacy accused as she threw clothes haphazardly into her suitcase. Nate stared at her, trying with great effort not to laugh at his girlfriend.

"You're kidding, right? My hand was on her back! Stacy, you're being ridiculous." Nate protested, working just as quickly unpacking the suitcase her clothes landed in. She glared at him. "Stacy, I don't know what you're implying."

She tossed her hair and fixed him with a cold stare. "I'm saying you still love her."

Nate opened his mouth but no sound came out. He stared at her wordlessly as she shoved all her clothes into the suitcase and zipped it shut with an air of finality. "That's what I thought." She muttered, her voice laced with venom. Nate, stunned, continued to stare at her. "I'm leaving in the morning." She informed him.

"Stacy, don't leave like this. We have the dinner in a week and then the charity ball. Please stay." Nate whispered. Stacy sighed, sitting on her bunk and dropping her head into her hands. She fought back the tears that threatened to spill over. "Please." He repeated.

She picked up her head, her eyes cold and calculating. "The morning after the ball I'm gone." Nate nodded regretfully. "And I don't want you trying anything with Mitchie. She and Shane are happily married." With those words, she pointed towards the lounge with a cruel smile. "Listen." She hissed, her demeanor switching from victim to torturer in mere seconds.

Nate sighed in an exasperated manner. "I'm not going to try anything. I promise." He tilted his head to the side to listen. He groaned inwardly, hearing the breathy moans and gasps coming from the lounge. "Well this is really awkward. I'm going to leave now." He muttered, crossing the room to the door. Stacy laid down on her bed, her head resting on two pillows. Taking a shaky breath, she finally let all her tears out silently.

Shane walked back to the lounge as soon as Stacy had rounded on Nate, her harsh words spilling over soon after. He stopped short, seeing Mitchie on the couch already. He sat down. "Hey." He mumbled, not meeting her eyes. "I'm sorry for what I said. It was out of line."

She smiled weakly. "I'm sorry for overreacting. It wasn't that big of a deal and you weren't serious." She whispered, scooting closer to him. "I don't want to fight." Mitchie added as she wiped away the last of her tears.

Shane leaned in hesitantly to kiss her softly. Instinctively, her hands laced around his neck and her lips parted as Shane's mouth worked over hers. Their tongues met for a moment and a shock rippled through her body. "I love you." Shane told her as he pulled away. She repeated the words and turned so her back was to his chest. Sighing contentedly Shane wrapped his arms around her waist and rested his head in the crook of her neck. After laying like this for a moment, Shane picked up his head. "You smell good." He whispered as he kissed her neck slowly.

She shivered under his touch, not protesting as his hands ran up under shirt to caress her stomach. She brought her own hands up to stop him from touching her breasts, letting him know silently that they shouldn't have sex right now. "Maybe it's wishful thinking, but I do believe you're starting to show." Shane mumbled. Mitchie gasped, sitting up and tugging her shirt higher to inspect for herself. Shane took this opportunity to kiss her stomach, drawing little hearts on the taut flesh with his tongue. "Never mind." He grinned up at her cheekily with his hands firmly on her hips.

Mitchie sighed. "You're awful." She scolded with a smile. He shrugged, his mouth nearing the two buttons on her jeans. Mitchie held her breath as she watched him.

"Tell you what. If I can get your jeans off with my teeth and then your underwear, we'll have sex. But if I can't, we won't have sex for a week." Shane proposed, his eyes sparkling up at her. Mitchie laughed quietly, thinking it over.

"Deal." She agreed after a moment's hesitation. Shane's mouth instantly closed over the first button, manipulating it carefully. Mitchie waited impatiently for him to admit defeat. She knew he was good, but there was no way he was that good. It snapped open. He moved on to the next and this one released more easily that the first. He caught the zipper in his teeth and dragged it down, flicking the now exposed skin. She let out a sharp gasp as he pulled her jeans over her thighs with great ease. They pooled in the floor and Shane moved back up to the lace thong that waited. Her breathing was labored as he ran his tongue over her and she whimpered once when he bit the lace. Carefully, he removed it slowly and almost teasingly. He smirked up at her triumphantly. "God you're good." She gasped as he crushed his mouth over hers.

"Beginner's luck." Shane admitted with a wry smile. "Believe me, I'm just as surprised as you are that I could pull that off, especially with this." At his words, he thrust once against her firmly, letting her feel the arousal there.

"As hot as this is, we can't have sex on the couch everyone uses. Also, Nate and Stacy are in the bedroom fighting." Mitchie pointed out in slight disappointment. Shane paused, considering their options.

He grinned at her wickedly. "I could always take you on the floor." With that, he dropped himself onto the floor. Mitchie stared at him for a moment. "Come here." He whispered and she crawled down beside him. Carefully, he rolled over her and pinned her body to the floor. Mitchie whimpered, feeling the pressure between his legs.

"We can't have sex on the floor!" She protested, squirming under him. Shane groaned as she writhed under him and thrust his hips down to still her movements. Her protests were cut off and replaced with a sharp cry and a long moan as he repeated the thrust several times. "Okay, well maybe we can...oh Shane!" She cried, clutching at his back arching her chest into his. Her ankles wound around his back as she bucked her hips against him sensually, desperate for the intimate contact again.

"Don't squirm like that please!" Shane hissed, pulling her shirt over her head and allowing her nimble fingers to unbutton his own. "And yes, we can have sex on the floor; it's our floor."" He teased, cupping her breasts in his warm hands. Mitchie blushed under his probing stare and he blinked. "What's wrong?"

She shook her head. "It's nothing—it's just that...you can, you know, see me." Shane sighed, stroking her inner thigh and ignored the throbbing between his legs. "I just wish we could turn off the lights so you couldn't see me."

"Baby, you're beautiful. I love you and your body—you're so sexy and I wish you could see that." Shane stated quietly. "But I know it bothers you so come on." He stood up with some difficultly and tossed her his shirt. She pulled it over her arms and wrapped it shut around her front, confusion playing on her features. He opened the door to the bed room and then the door to the bathroom and pulled her in. He shut the door behind her and locked it. Quickly he turned on the hot water and let Mitchie in. "We won't even turn on the lights." He promised. Without the lights on, the small bathroom was plunged into darkness; the only source of light coming from the crack along the door frame.

Mitchie laughed and threw his shirt out of the downpour. It landed at his feet as he kicked off his jeans and boxers. Mitchie stepped under the hot water and curled her finger in and out, beckoning him. Without a second thought he pulled her to him and initiated long, hard thrust. She cried out and wrapped her legs around his waist, her head back against the wall of the shower. Shane's tongue was in her mouth and she let out a throaty moan, bucking her hips roughly against his, matching his strokes. Shane splayed a hand against the wall of the shower for leverage and grasped with the other her thigh as he thrust in and out of her heat slowly.

She tore her mouth from his to hiss in his ear, "Shane, please, faster!" He obliged, picking up his speed. Head tossed back, she gave a guttural scream and Shane kissed her, muffling her cries. "Shane...I'm...oh yes...don't stop!" She moaned, trying fruitlessly to continue to meet his thrusts.

"I love you." He gasped, falling against her. "So much." He added, stroking her thigh. She nodded wearily as he slid out of her. "I can't live without you and I hope you know that. I'll die if you leave me for Nate."

Mitchie blinked back tears and cupped his face in one hand. "I'm never leaving you and not for Nate. I don't love him like I love you Shane." She promised. Shane looked at her sadly. "I do love him...but like a friend. You have my heart." She kissed him with everything she had, whimpering as he sucked gently on her tongue. She pulled away for a moment. "Speaking of which; next time can we have some foreplay?" She grinned.

Shane laughed and nodded. "You're going to be a beautiful mother." He whispered, resting his forehead against hers. "And I love you too."

Mitchie laid back against his chest as he washed her hair, working the shampoo through with his fingers. "That feels so good." She told him, closing her eyes. Shane laughed and grabbed the shower nozzle to rinse it out. He reached for the conditioner and squirted it into his hands, before starting at the end of her hair and working his way up to the roots.

"Do you want me to wash your body too?" He whispered as he traced her cheek. She nodded with sheer exhaustion. He smiled to himself and grabbed her pear scented body wash, letting it fill his hands. He started innocently enough, lathering the sweet smelling foam over her shoulders and collarbone, his hands slowly working over her breasts. Mitchie sighed as his able hands rubbed the soap over her stomach, and she caught her breath as his fingers slipped lower, almost indecently.

"Shane!" She hissed, keeping her eyes shut. He laughed and moved his hands over her thighs and down to her calves. He turned, kneeling in front of her now and continuing to massage her legs. Slowly, he lifted one leg, lathering it and reaching for the other. He rose to rinse her off, then shut off the shower. Silently, he grabbed two towels and wrapped her body in one. She flipped her head over and twisted it up in the towel. He stepped out of the shower and dried off, leaving the towel around his waist. "I love you." Mitchie told him as they went into the bunk room to dress swiftly.

"I love you too." Shane whispered, one arm around her waist as they joined the others in the main room. Jason looked up from a magazine expectantly.

"Everything okay now?" He wondered aloud and both Shane and Mitchie nodded as they sat down on the couch. Mitchie noted that Stacy and Nate sat at opposite ends of the couch, while Brielle's leg was just brushing Jason's. Shane pulled her across his lap and kissed her temple.

"You're my everything." Mitchie smiled widely and kissed his cheek while Jason gagged playfully. Shane rolled his eyes. "Brielle, would you please shut him up somehow?" She hesitated for a split second, then silently pressed her mouth to Jason's. Shane's jaw dropped. "I meant use a stun gun or something, but yeah...okay. That works too."

Hooray for being finally caught up! I honestly don't know how many pages this is; I'm afraid to look. So forgive me if this one time I don't proudly announce a page number. Again, I'm so sorry for the long wait!

xoxo nora cecilia

EatSleepBreatheJonas

Reviews are love. :]