Chapter Thirty-Eight
Where am I? Lock thought, opening her eyes.
Panic was trying to weasel in, she fought it back, and tried to think. Bridget's party. The last thing she remembered was Bobby promising her that they'd go home soon and using Jack's thigh as a pillow.
"Babs?" a sleepy voice made her jump badly. "Hun, you ok?"
"Jackie?" she whispered shakily, pulling away from the warm body.
"Yeah, babe, it's me," he murmured, sitting up. "We're in my room. . .safe at home."
She let out a relieved breath, sinking against the wall, and felt Jack shift closer. She giggled in embarrassment, cuddling to him, and allowed him to nuzzle her neck, gently kissing here and there.
"You doin' all right, Lock?" he whispered, stroking her back. "Did you have a nightmare?"
"No. . .Woke up and had no clue where I was," she sighed. "I'm all right now. . ."
"Want me to leave so you can change?" he asked softly. "You're still in jeans and a T-shirt."
"Oh. . .Yeah," she snickered, letting him go so he'd move.
"All right," he kissed her nose, handing her some pajamas. "Lemme know. . ."
"Mmmm," she nodded.
He stepped out into the hall, she stood and quickly stripped her clothes, trading them for more comfortable jammies, and let Jack back in. She was still really tired, but he didn't seem to care, and quickly claimed her neck as his. Slowly, he backed them up to the bed, where her legs hit, forcing her to sit, and he sat on her, still on her neck.
"Shit, Jack. . .C'mon," she squirmed. "I'm still sleepy. . ."
"In a minute," he growled in his throat, leaving hers.
"No, Jack, c'mon let--," her whining was cut short as he quickly invaded her mouth.
He never got this today. . .desire whispered.
Lock, you told him 'No'. . .this isn't right. . .instinct growled firmly.
I don't think I really meant it. . .she whispered, too wrapped up in his kiss to care.
Somehow she ended up collapsed back, Jack supporting himself over her, and her hand was roaming his bare chest, tracing the dragon tattoo on his left side. She needed to breathe, Jack didn't notice or didn't care, so she turned her head, breaking the contact and sucked in air. There was a loud, displeased sound from Jack, one hand was turning her face back to him, and he was at it again. She was uneasy with his aggressiveness, but didn't know what to and what not to do.
Something's wrong! her mind screamed. Lock, something's not right with this!!
She tried to push him off, he growled, grabbing her wrists, and pinned her down, knees pulling tighter to her sides, and she started to really try to get away. Jack moved her arms above her head, holding her wrists with just one hand, and his free hand made her look at him. Dark green eyes stared at her, clouds of want swirling in them, and she could sense another person in the room suddenly.
"Told you he was kinky," Kett laughed, sitting next to them, stroking Jack's back like one would a dog, and it made Jack shiver in pleasure.
"This isn't real!" she screamed, seeing Jack twitch in anticipation of something. "I got away from you!"
"Go ahead, boy," Kett grinned, kissing Jack's cheek. "You were promised. . ."
She screamed, trying to get free, and heard someone calling her.
"Lock! Lock!" they yelled. "Hun, open your eyes!"
Jack was sitting next to her, brushing her hair back, and she freaked out. Lock scrambled to the other side of the room, only stopping when she came into contact with his dresser, and he tried to follow her.
"NO!" she screamed. "Stay the fuck away from me, Jack!"
"Lock?" he whispered, hazel eyes full of worry, and he took another step towards her.
"Fuck you! Stay AWAY!" she yelled loudly, looking for something to throw at him. "I mean it! Don't take another motherfucking step!"
"Babs, you must have had a nightmare," he said, backing up to his bed. "You just woke up a little while ago and didn't know where you were. . ."
"Shut up! You're lying!" she cried.
"No, I'm not," he argued. "I gave you some pajamas to change into and stepped out. . .You must have fallen back asleep. . ."
"NO!" she sobbed. "I changed and let you in! You kissed me, Jack. . .And you wouldn't stop! Then Kett was here and. . .and he said. . ." realization set in. "Oh my God. . ."
You were just dreaming. . .instinct said quietly.
"Lock, I was in the hall for ten minutes before I decided to come in and check on you. . ." he said gently, slowly standing up. "When I came in, you were still in bed, sleeping again. . .you were twitching and saying stuff. . .You never changed. . .Look."
She glanced down, seeing the jeans and tee she'd been in, then looked around and saw the pajamas on the floor by the bed. She felt so stupid and guilty, started crying freely, and sank to the floor.
"I would never hurt you, Lock," Jack soothed, keeping his distance. "Do you hear me?"
"I'm sorry!" she whimpered, avoiding his eyes.
"What the fuck is going on?!" Bobby demanded suddenly.
"She had a real bad nightmare-," Jack started.
"I dreamt that he wouldn't stop!" she yelled, furious with herself. "And Kett was here and told him to just go ahead! That he was 'promised'!"
"That still doesn't explain all the screaming between you two," Bobby mumbled, walking over and scooping her up. "Fuck, baby girl, you're burning up. . ."
She clung to Bobby, hearing Jack open the window, and the eldest Mercer sat on the bed. She was shaking and couldn't stop, even when Bobby rubbed her back, and she felt Jack run a very timid hand down her spine.
"Lock, can you tell us what happened?" Bobby murmured.
"I d-didn't know I was dreaming. . ." she mumbled into him, shifting into Jack's light touch. "I dreamt that I changed my clothes, let Jack back in, and he started to. . .kiss me. . .But it was different, forceful, and he had me pinned to the bed," she shuddered at the thought. "Then Kett showed up. . .petted you like a dog. . .I screamed that it wasn't real, that I got away. . .But it was so real. . .and then Kett just said, 'Go ahead, boy. . .You were promised.'"
"Stray," Bobby breathed, "you know he wouldn't dare do any of that to you. . .The fairy knows better."
"It felt so real," she whimpered pitifully. "All of it. . .I could feel his hands on my wrists. . ."
"Nightmares have a funny way of doing that to you," he murmured. "But you're awake now and you know none of it happened. . .Jack didn't force you and Kett wasn't here. . ."
"Lock?" Jack whispered, finger-dancing her spine.
"I'm sorry, Jackie boy," she muttered, moving to look at him.
Xxxxxxxxxxxx
The pure, raw sorrow in her phantom eyes was tearing his heart to shreds. Jack longed to pull her to his chest, to chase the fear away, but didn't think she'd let him do more than touch her back.
"Stray. . .you should change. . ." Bobby said gently. "Jack, give her some shorts and a tank."
"All right," he whispered, doing as he was told.
He set the sleep clothes near her on the bed, then went into the hall, followed by Bobby. His brother's blue eyes were a swirl of emotions, one moment they were furious, the next scared, and Bobby sighed, running a hand in his hair.
"She's fucking burning to the touch, man. . .I don't know if she's getting sick or if it was just that damn hot in your room, but she's got to get cooled down. . ." Bobby mumbled.
"I'll go get an ice pack," he offered.
"No, I'll get it. . .You two need to sort of. . .fix this," he whispered. "I swear. . .I'll kill those two if I ever get the chance. . ."
His brother stalked off to get the ice, his door was slowly opened, and Lock refused to look at him as she went and sat on his bed, facing the wall. He sat next to her, running a finger down her back, and saw her shiver, arching into the touch. Bobby tip-toed in, giving him an ice pack and cold water, nodded at Lock, and left him to his task.
"Lock, want some water?" he asked quietly, extending the bottle to her. "And there's an ice pack here for you to cool off with. . ."
She silently took both things, drank some water, and put the ice on her wrist to cool off. He shifted, sitting behind her, and ran a cautious hand down her back. When she didn't pull away, he slowly started to massage the muscles, and she let out a low sigh.
"Lock, I'd never ever do that to you," he murmured. "I'd rather die than harm you. . .I love you so fucking much. . ."
"I know. . ." she said quietly, her voice just above a whisper. "But it was so real feeling. . .I thought I was still awake. . .I'm sorry I freaked out on you like that. . ."
"No harm done," he whispered, gently caressing her neck.
"I love you, Jack. . .I really do," she whimpered.
"Oh, babe," he exhaled, slipping his arms around her waist, and pulling her back to him. "I love you too. . .No matter what."
There was a small sound from her, she turned, and hid in his body, crying softly. He held onto her, stroking her back and sides, and heard someone at his door. Bobby walked over, sitting next to them, and watched a minute.
"Stray, you two ok now?" he asked, brushing her hair back. "Or do I have to kick Dream-Jack's ass?"
She started giggling and shook her head, "We're ok now. . .No ass kicking needed."
"Love you, baby girl," he grinned, kissing her temple.
"Love you too, Bobby," she turned to kiss his cheek.
"Night, you two," his brother said, ruffling Jack's hair as he left.
"Night, Bobby," they said.
"Jackie?" she murmured shyly, head on his shoulder.
"Hmmm?" he hummed, finger-dancing her spine.
"Will you do that thing I really, really love?" she looked at him.
"Sure," he smiled, kissing her nose. "Let me think a minute. . ."
She gently hinted that she wanted to lie back down, they got settled, and he still had to think. Lock traced the dragon on his side, then the star around his navel, made him twitch by playing with his bellybutton, and drew up to his neck, giggling cutely. Silver eyes looked at him, one of her hands caressing his face, and she cocked her head, thinking.
"I should have known I was dreaming," she muttered, staring into his eyes. "The you in my dream had dark green eyes, they weren't the soft hazel eyes you really have. . .the ones that make me feel safe," she gently kissed each one of his eyes, he closed them for her, and she settled on his chest.
That's it! he grinned, knowing the song.
"This is what I brought you this you can keep,
This is what I brought you may forget me.
I promise to depart just promise one thing,
Kiss my eyes and lay me to sleep.
This is what I brought you this you can keep,
This is what I brought you may forget me.
I promise you my heart just promise to sing,
Kiss my eyes and lay me to sleep.
Kiss my eyes and lay me to sleep.
This is what I thought,
I thought you need me,
This is what I thought so think me naïve,
I promise you a heart you'd promise to keep,
Kiss my eyes and lay me to sleep.
Kiss my eyes and lay me to sleep.
Kiss my eyes and lay me to sleep. . ."
Lock smiled against his chest, hugging closer to him, and he felt better. She made him jump a little when she kissed his torso, she giggled, quietly, and looked at him. He wanted to kiss her so badly, but what she said about the dream prevented him from making a single move. Her fingers gently made their way to his lips, his eyes slid shut as she traced them, and he stayed perfectly still, letting her come to him.
Soft lips met his cautiously, then left, and then they were back, kissing gently. Lock kept it very innocent, but made the contact over and over, as if she were proving to herself that this was her Jackie.
"Jack?" she whispered, stroking his neck.
"Hmmmm?" he slowly opened his eyes.
She looked into him, brushing hair from his eyes, and he could tell that she was contemplating whether or not to kiss him.
"You don't have to, Lock," he murmured. "I understand. . ."
She suddenly leaned in, sealing her mouth on his, and he let her control everything. Timidly, she deepened it, flinching when he met her, and he backed off, surprised when she followed him anyway. He desperately tried to stop the noise from bubbling up, not wanting to scare her, but it clawed its way up, and he moaned softly into her lips.
GOD DAMMIT! he yelled, sure he'd ruined everything.
"Ok," she pulled back, smirking. "Now I know. . .You're my Jackie boy."
He went to speak, but she was gently kissing him again, and his eyes fluttered shut. Another noise worked its way out, she smirked, and left his lips to stare at him. He smirked gently, she touched his chest, and gave him another innocent kiss.
"Yep. . .Mine," she giggled, settling against him.
"Always," he sighed, tracing her back.
"Love you, demon boy," she yawned.
"I love you too, beautiful," he grinned.
Within a few short minutes, she was sleeping on his chest, but he stayed up to keep watch for a little while. Bobby came back in, nodding his approval, and quietly walked to the bed. Jack watched as his older brother put a hand to her forehead, checking her temperature, and saw the relieved look on his face.
"She must have just been too hot," he murmured.
"She's all right now, Bobby," Jack whispered. "I'll leave the window open and keep an eye on her."
"Right," he kissed her forehead, then messed up Jack's hair.
Bobby shut the light off as he left, leaving Jack alone with his thoughts.
She got away from them. . .but they're still torturing her. . .he growled gently. They better hope Bobby gets to them first if the shit ever hits the fan. . .
Lock shifted against him, sliding her leg over his, and burying her face in his neck. He let his thoughts go and moved closer to the girl, freezing when her leg curled up over his thighs. He glanced at her, seeing that she was still out like a light, and gradually relaxed his body. She nuzzled him, sighing softly, and soon, he joined her in restful sleep.
Xxxxxxxxxxxx
Bobby couldn't sleep, he tried, but just tossed and turned. He finally gave up, slipping a tank top on, and went downstairs to smoke. He lit up, inhaling deeply, and sat in a chair on the porch. He noticed an unfamiliar car across the street, thought he saw someone in it, and just knew.
He's dead! he growled, storming across the street, cigarette forgotten.
Kett slowly got out of the car, leaning cockily against it, and grinned at Bobby. He wasn't thinking, pure fury driving him, and he struck out, catching the smiling mouth with his fist. He went to deck him again, but Kett's simple laugh stopped him short.
"Now, Bobby," he smirked, wiping the blood from his lip. "I think you might want to reconsider hitting me again."
"Oh yeah?" he growled, grabbing the man's shirtfront, then slamming him back into the car. "Why's that?"
"Prison ring a bell?" Kett chuckled, pushing him off, and straightening his clothes. "Wouldn't want to leave Lock all alone with us monsters, now would you?"
"You stay the hell away from her, you sick son of a bitch!" he yelled, itching to pound the creep into the ground. "Or I swear to God--!"
"What? You'll kill me?" he grinned, crossing his arms casually. "Bobby, she was the one who never got a restraining order. . .I can be near her if I choose to be."
"Like a restraining order would stop your slimy ass! You're stalking her," he snapped, hands clenched at his sides.
"How so?" he acted innocent, green eyes glowing. "I just happen to be in the same place at the same time. . .Most would call that impeccable timing. . .Some might even say it's fate."
"You know, they should have never let you out of the loony bin," he said darkly, trying to lure a punch out of him. "That girl's parents should have had you put away for life."
"Mmmm," he closed his eyes, licking his lips. "That girl. . .God, she was fun. . .Squirming, squealing, begging for me to stop. . .She still came with my name on her lips. . .and hell, she tasted good."
"Fucking pussy," he spit at him. "A rich little brat. . .Parents sent you to a private school because they couldn't even stand you. . .You're pathetic. . .you prey on the weak."
"Bobby," Kett scolded, smirking darkly, "you should know that Lock is anything but weak. . ."
Bobby growled, then broke, and grabbed his shirt, pulling him close to him.
"You fucked with the wrong people this time, Kett," he glared at him.
"You can't always keep an eye on Lock. .. Or Jack for that matter. . .and the split second you take your eyes off them, I'll be there waiting. . ." he whispered sweetly. "Tell me, how's Jack-o been lately? I really do miss him. . ."
"You leave my family alone. . .Or I will hunt you down and kill you."
"His mouth isn't just made for singing," the man taunted. "And that tongue stud? OH GOD! It works every single time. . .I know we'll have a real blast together. . .She may not show it, Bobby, but all Lock really needs is a good, long, fuck. . ." Kett groaned at the last word, his hand moving down his body. "It'll loosen her right up. . ."
Bobby snapped; he moved and slammed Kett face first into the hood of his car, he rolled him over and nailed him in the face as hard as he could, the blood spraying all over. He yanked him back up by his shirt, saw the sick grin, and threw him to the pavement, landing a swift kick to his ribs.
"You will stay the fuck away from my family, you pussy bitch!" he bellowed.
"Bye-bye, Bobby," Kett sneered, getting up. "I was gonna let the first swing on me go, figured you needed a release. . .But you just fucked yourself. . .I'd go say good-bye to Lock and Jack-o while you can."
"Go to hell!" he growled, stalking back to the house before he actually killed the man.
"I'll be so sure to save you a spot," Kett called, laughing.
FUCK! You dumb ass! he snapped at himself. He's gonna get you sent back to prison! Now, Lock's on her own. . .
He showered, cleaned his hand up, and collapsed, exhausted, into bed, falling into a rough sleep. When he woke up, he heard voices downstairs, and slowly walked down, expecting the worst.
"Bobby never went outside last night," Stray was telling someone in the living room. "He had to stay with me. . .I had a nightmare. . .He kept watch to make sure I got some good sleep."
He saw Officer Green and his partner, Fowler, sitting and talking to Stray and Jack. Bobby's heart was racing, but he knew how to play it cool, and sat down next to his brother.
"Green, what's goin' on?" he asked casually.
"A call came in this morning. . .Seems a Kett Ramsey told the dispatcher that one Bobby Mercer beat the blue hell out of him," Green said, looking him over. "Where were you last night, Bobby?"
"Here," he said, making eye contact. "Baby girl had one hell of a bad dream and I stayed up all night to make sure she got some decent sleep."
"What happened to your hand?" Fowler asked.
"Damn car," he chuckled. "Friggin' wrench slips and I end up with a fucked up hand."
"You weren't using that hand to beat Kett up?" Fowler growled.
"Kett's a sick man," Stray leapt back into it.
"I saw the file, Lock," Green said gently, looking at her. "I know what those two put you through. . .I'm so sorry."
"You know that they've been stalking her?" Jack questioned, hell bent on saving his brother.
"She could get a restraining order," Fowler shot her a dark look. "It's strange that you didn't."
"Do you honestly think that would stop him!?" she shot back, tearing up. "You have no idea what those two are capable of!"
"Now, now," Green whispered, reaching into his jacket for a tissue to hand her. "We're not here to stir up trouble. . .Bobby, be honest: were you outside last night?"
"No," he lied through his teeth.
"Kett just wants Bobby back in prison so he can't p-protect me anymore," Stray cried a little. "He's hell bent on. . .on. . .fin-finishing. . ."
"Babs," Jack slid his arm around her, pulling her to him. "Shhh. . .It's ok, gorgeous. . .Bobby's not in trouble, right Green?"
"It's clear to me that he didn't do this," Green said, gently rubbing Lock's knee. "Lock, it's all right. . .Bobby's not going anywhere."
Fowler threw a hissy fit about Bobby getting off easy, screaming that he knew the idiot did it, and Green kicked him to the car when Lock started to shake and cry. Jack took her upstairs to get her settled down and Green confronted Bobby head on.
"Bobby," he said firmly, "we both know you're lying through your damn teeth. . ."
"Now, if you 'knew'. . .I wouldn't still be sitting in my living room," he looked at him coolly.
"Look, quit playing innocent and cute," Green got in his face. "We both know you beat the fuck out of this guy last night. . .Now, I'm willing to just 'forget' this whole thing because Lock needs you with her, but you better tell me the truth right fucking now."
He knew Green wasn't lying about sweeping this under the rug, they'd known each other a long time, but he also knew the man didn't fuck around either.
"All right," he sighed. "Yeah, I beat his ass. . .The fucker was waiting outside my house, sitting in a car. . .Talked shit about Lock and Jackie. . .and I flipped out. . ."
"Well, I know that nightmares can be a real bitch sometimes," Green winked, telling him that he was off the hook this time. "Sure is a good thing she's got someone like you here with her."
"Thanks, Green," he shook the man's hand.
"You don't do something like last night again, Bobby," he said firmly. "Or your ass will be in prison again. . ."
"Yes, sir," he was serious.
"You take care now," he said, leaving.
Bobby collapsed back on the couch, eyes closed, and he heard Lock and Jack come back downstairs. The girl sat on his lap and hugged him tightly, he returned the affection, even dragging Jack into it.
"Stray, why'd you cover for me like that?" he asked, looking at her smile. "And fake cry and shit?"
"I'm good at lying. . .And I know Green. . .He's a sucker for emotions. . ." she smirked, blushing. "He's a good cop. . ."
"Kett was here last night?" Jack demanded.
"Sitting across the street, watching the house," he grumbled, leaving it at that. "And yeah, I roughed him up. . ."
"Was Zane with him?" Stray whimpered.
"No. . .Or I woulda got a hold of his punk ass too. . ."
"Good. . .Bobby, will you make breakfast?" she asked sweetly, smiling cutely at him.
"Sure," he chuckled. "What do you want?"
"Whatever you make," she grinned, kissing his cheek.
"Cereal it is," he laughed.
"Bobby!" she giggled, messing up his hair.
"Pancakes is what I heard," Jack smirked.
"Then pancakes it is. . .What kind?" he smiled, getting up.
"Blueberry!" Stray shouted.
"Jack?" he looked at his brother.
"Blueberry," he beamed. "Please."
"Thanks, Bobby," she smiled innocently. "For everything."
"My pleasure," he bowed, going to make breakfast.
SONG: Prelude 12/21--AFI...YES!! Bobby kicked Kett's ass! Well, sorta….but still…he got him…..And yeah, the whole nightmare thing….I couldn't put it in italics cuz you'd know she was dreaming and I wanted the whole effect to be that she 'wasn't' dreaming, forgive me? Lucky Bobby….Green didn't throw him to the hounds this time…..Reviews please? Am I updating too fast for you guys?