A/N: Sorry again for my long absence, just a lot of rereading and writing. This chapter is a continuation with Lexie and John. Next one will be Lizzie and Will POV. I hope you enjoy this chapter, again sorry if it's rushed.
Thank you to everyone reading, following, favors, and reviews. It means so much.
Declaimer: I do not own P&P all rights belong to Jane Austen, except for other characters.
Ch. 50
Sawyer came downstairs heading straight for the door. He was in such a hurry he didn't notice Lexie and John making out on the couch. He froze noticing the scattered paper in the hallway and started picking it up. He heard moans and walked back into the living room. He could see John's shirtless back from behind the couch with her arms and legs snaked around him. Her legs were unhooking and being lowered. John sat up smiling. He cleared his throat loudly. Lexie saw Cat coming into the living room and shrieked causing John to jump up and go flying to the floor.
The puppies crying had woken Cat up, and she cursed letting them sleep in her room. She lazily got up and went into the living room to make sure they used the pad as Lexie would have done. She heard Sawyer coughing, followed by a shriek waking her up completely. Her eyes went to Lexie, she was pulling up her sweats and quickly averted her gaze to look at Sawyer and then John.
Everyone was as red as a tomato, and Sawyer was between angry or shock. Cat turned around trying to contain her laughter. As she got closer to the door she couldn't contain it anymore. The only other noise was from the puppies were running around trying to get some attention.
Lexie shot up sitting, blushing as red as a tomato. "Were you looking for the paper?" She asked averting her gaze.
John quickly handed her the paper and she held it out for him over the back of the couch without looking at him. He reached out for it too afraid to see why Cat rushed out of the room.
"We're going to go get ready for school!" Lexie said quickly and jumped off the couch, running for her room behind John.
The phone to the apartment rang along with his cell phone. He sighed and answered the apartment line knowing his it was either his father, Edward or Mr. Burton: all trying at once to reach him on his cell which he had left upstairs. He heard Lexie and John laughing through her door and smiled knowing that he could at least tell everyone she knew but didn't seem upset.
John was sitting under a tree watching Lexie take pictures of Nicky and Nate playing with the puppies. Nate was playing tug of war with Runt, and Nicky was brushing Dali's hair. Ivory jumped around her trying to get some attention as well.
He closed his eyes and thought about the past couple of hours with her. Even when he was away from her he still found himself falling, but he was beyond happy. He missed her so much this past week was torture but he knew he had to work. He heard the camera shutter and opened his eyes. Lexie lowered the camera smiling at him. Her bright smile filled with love and adoration. He held out his hand. She gracefully accepted it and he pulled her down forcibly onto his lap, peppering her face with kisses as she giggled. "Too rough?"
"Not at all," she kissed him.
"Are you having a good day?" He asked quietly.
She rewarded him with an exciting smile and nodded yes. "Yes. Thank you for today. I enjoy spending time with the kids." She caressed his face. "I told you I'm not upset about it. It's actually better this way. I didn't like her talking about our childhood. I know I should have just told her that straight out. I feel like a hypocrite; I always want everyone to be upfront with me as I try to be with them. Logically thinking, she loves her father and there is nothing wrong with that. He was a great father to her; she will always love him, and would never sever ties with him. I would never ask that of her either. I am happy she and Jane had a happy childhood."
"What about Catherine?"
"She told me Rose tried to manipulate her; me. She was really upset about it. I would say it was the hormones, but that seems stereotypical." She giggled. "She only has to deal with Rose. Rose is nothing to me. Catherine does not talk about our childhood. Although she has apologized profusely, she still feels really guilty about how mean she was… There are only a handful of good memories I have of her. We just speak about what's current." She closed her eyes and snuggled against him. "Nicky wants to keep Dali and Nate wants to keep Runt." She giggled. "They said I could stay with Ivory. Poor him." She sighed, "I told them that maybe they could puppy sit them once in a while if it was ok with Anne and Mary."
"Can I see the pictures you took?" She nodded. "These aren't too bad," he mused.
"Really?" She beamed. He nodded and placed the camera on the blanket. "Thank you, will you make me copies?"
"Only if you put them in our scrapbook."
"Deal." They kissed on it. "*Everything's so perfect it's scary." She sighed. "But in a good way! It's nice to have so much to lose." She smiled, "I meant that in a good way."
"I know." He sighed and caressed her hair.
"How much did it hurt?" She asked placing a hand over his heart.
"My tattoos?" She nodded. "Do you really want to know?" She giggled and nodded again.
"AAHGG!" She screeched as he pinched her shoulder really tight. "You're such a jerk." She giggled rubbing her arm.
"I can't hear!" He shouted, rubbing his ear.
"Good!" She scooted back to punch him in the shoulder.
"Oww!"
She giggled, "Whatever we both know it didn't hurt." She squeezed his bicep.
"It hurt my feelings." He pouted.
"Well poor you." She mocked.
He smirked, "Are you laughing at me?"
"Only a little, like this much." She said pinching the air. His smirk slowly turned into a mischievous smile, she started to slowly get off his lap. His arms wrapped around her to prevent her from leaving.
"I'll give you something to laugh about." He smiled. Before she could respond he started tickling her fiercely.
"NO! STO-TOP!" She laughed and squirmed out of his arms leaving her in a more vulnerable position. "NICKY! NATE! HELP!" She laughed as he continued his onslaught.
Nicky and Nate ran up to them along with the puppies. "Help me tickle Lexie." John told them as he continued.
"NO!...Get HIM!" Of course they chose to help him and tickled her as the puppies jumped around excitingly.
John's phone was ringing and he told them to keep going as he held her down. She was literally crying now and started to hyperventilate. He got off of her and broke the kids away.
"Your mom wants you guys to go get ready for tomorrow." John told them.
"Can we take the puppies inside Lexa?" They both pouted, automatically showing their puppy dog eyes.
"If it's ok with your mom," she said wiping away her tears and catching her breath.
"Call mommy and asked her! Pleeeaaaassssse." She showed her giant puppy dog eyes to John.
"Pleeeasse!" Nate gave him a big hug.
John called back Jenny who agreed.
"Ok. Just be careful. If they get in trouble put them in time out ok?" Nicky nodded and jumped up. The kids went running back calling the puppies behind them.
As soon as they were out of sight he gave Lexie a deep kiss. He didn't move his lips; he just kept them in place. She planted her hand on his cheek. They broke away and stared into each other's eyes.
"My tummy hurts," she pouted as she took a deep breath to breathe.
"Maybe next time you won't laugh at me." He smirked.
"Maybe." She giggled.
Lexie and John just hugged each other as they calmed down.
"That was so embarrassing." She laughed.
"You think you'd be used to it by now."
"And you are? It's never gotten as bad yesterday though." She buried her face.
"I'm just happy that the kids have no idea what you were doing to me." He smiled.
She gasped and sat up slapping him playfully. "You started it. Ok new rule. No… you know, unless we are behind closed doors. That can be locked." She giggled.
He chuckled, turning onto his back pulling her with him. "I think the problem is being apart. From now on we'll just have to spend each day together." He caressed her hips. "Do you think Cat saw anything?"
"I don't think so. I don't think my shirt was high enough. I hope she was looking at you." She ran her hand along his chest. "At least you had your pj bottoms on."
"Are you sure? They're very hard to miss." He said bringing his hand to palm her breast. "Perfect fit, and that's saying something." He let go of her breast and placed his hand over her face comparing it.
She giggled, "Imagine if they were as big as your feet!" She inhaled and exhaled slowly relaxing onto him. "You'd probably be able to grab my whole butt."
"You don't seem to mind that my feet are so big." He smirked and she blushed at his innuendo. "But I highly doubt that," his hand moved to her ass giving it a light squeeze. "Nope it would still be too big."
"Ugh I really don't want to deal with anything today or tomorrow or the rest of my life. I wish it could be yesterday. Yesterday was perfect." She smiled thinking of their day together.
"I know; me too. Everything is going to be ok." He held her tightly.
"I'm not upset... Much." She said sitting up.
He sat up and kissed her on the forehead. "Why is that?"
"Well I've already been referred to as a slut, so it doesn't really hurt my feelings. It's nothing I haven't heard. It's pretty hilarious. Never in a million years would I have thought anyone would call me that." She shrugged. "But everyone is going to think I cheated…. Wow."
"What?"
"People are going to think that I cheated on you. That is pretty mind blowing; I never thought that it was a possibility either." She thought about it. "I mean!" She jumped quickly.
"I have been cheated on before Lexie." He replied curtly.
"That's just insane though! I can't comprehend how anyone would do that to you. You're so amazing! Besides Taylor is beautiful looking and if you and Taylor never dated, how could she cheat on you if you guys just had casual sex? Well I mean I guess it would be pretty kind of gross to think about her being with someone a day before you were with her. I guess like tainted would be the right word, dirty?" She ranted. He studied her face as she tried to find the right word.
"Not to say that there is nothing wrong with having casual sex with multiple partners as long as you're safe about it. I mean I can see the appeal of having sex with no emotions. I imagine that's what my life was going to be. I never thought I would get married or someone would like me, but I wasn't going to die a virgin either. You cheated on Cindy, is that considered karma?" She asked more to herself. He knew it was rhetorical but he still wished he could answer.
John pulled her in for a hug and kissed the top of her head. "You are beautiful Alexandra." He said sincerely. It was an indescribable feeling to know that even though he had been a complete and total asshole to her personally in the past, she still loved him wholeheartedly and thought highly of him. Even while speaking about him cheating. Then he got angry once he dissected everything she said. "What do you mean?" He asked trying to contain his anger.
"About what?" She asked confused.
"You would have given your virginity to some random asshole?"
"That's what a lot of people do; in theory. I wouldn't have believed that this person loved me of course or cared anything about me. I probably would have waited until college or after college." He tightened his grip and she sat up to hug him. "I am happy that you came into my life. I am happy that I am yours and I gave myself to you. I love you and I am yours, only yours. Forever."
He relaxed and held her close to him. "Forever," he gave her a deep kiss. "I love you."
She smiled brightly and retuned the kiss. He phone went off indicating she had a message. "I love you too. We should go shower, I am sure I need to be on the phone all morning." She sighed. "What would you like for breakfast?" She asked texting.
"You get ready I'll handle breakfast. What would you like?"
"Whatever you make will be great." She smiled at him.
"You're so infuriating, why can you never give me a direct answer." He said agitated.
"If I had made you breakfast what would you have asked for?"
"I'm asking you what you would like." He said assertively.
"Pancakes?" She asked unsure.
He smiled brightly at her and kissed her head. "Pancakes it is then. Go take a shower."
John gathered his shirt, entering the restroom behind Lexie. "Change your mind?" She asked smirking standing before him naked. He felt all the blood rush to his member.
His hand rose of its own accord towards her breast but he fought the urge to take her and he pulled her in for a kiss. "I'm just going to brush my teeth." He breathed.
"Ok, can you please put on Sistrionix?" He nodded and gave her another kiss. He watched her walk into the shower and it took all of his will power not to follow her and continue what they started on the couch. He knew however that both of them were going to be on the phone all morning.
The bass and drums boomed through the radio in her room. He could hear it from the kitchen along with barking and shy giggling.
"Good morning Catherine." He smiled as she quickly walked into the room avoiding looking at Lexie's door. She jumped back.
"Hey John," she blushed looking down. "Um I thought that um….What's this?" She pointed to the door. He chuckled knowing exactly what she thought they were doing.
"Deap Vally-End of the World. It's a two girl band, a guitar player and the drummer."
"It sounds cool." She said shyly. "Um, what are you doing?" She asked still looking at the floor.
"I'm going to look up how to make pancakes." He waved his iPad.
"Um the mix is in the pantry." She said nervously.
"They sell a special mix for it?"
"No," she giggled, "Well yea, all you do is add water and oil I think. I don't know Lexie always makes them before I wake up." She walked to the pantry and pulled out the box. "Do you want any help?"
"No, I want to do this by myself. But thank you. You go get ready for school."
"K, I just have to feed the puppies." He just nodded and started to read the box.
Lexie got ready as quick as possible. She walked into the kitchen and saw Cat and Sawyer were already eating. She stopped to admire John, he really was the best. As if he sensed her he turned to look at her with his bright smile, having caught her staring at him.
"Morning." Sawyer greeted her nervously.
She giggled at his attempt to get a read on her. "It is a good morning. So; good morning guys."
She was going to help John but he instructed her to sit down. He came over and handed her a plate with a nervous smile. She kissed him and got the butter and syrup. She could tell he was still looking at her trying to see if she liked them just by their appearance.
"I know that they're a little burnt." He said shyly as she took a bite and swallowed.
"They're really good. Crispy," she smiled brightly taking another bite.
"These are delicious." Cat said helping herself to another serving. "I'm going to get really fat." She pouted and whimpered.
"Cat you will be carrying another human being. I think since you are naturally skinny you'll be able to drop the weight in no time with proper exercise and a diet." Lexie told her matter-of-factly lifting Cat's mood.
"I will be taking Catherine to school early, and I will come back in a different car to pick you up in the back." Sawyer stated standing. "Your mother asks that you call her."
Lexie nodded and continued eating. "What did the others have to say?" She asked looking intently at the pancakes.
"I have a friend looking into it. I am sorry I failed you I should have been doing my job."
"You didn't fail me, you never will. *You can plan a pretty picnic but you can't predict the weather." She smiled and giggled. "Your job is to protect me, are you going to start attacking people who have a cell phone near me?" She giggled again. "Don't beat yourself up about it. I'm honestly not too upset."
John came into the living room and Lexie was still on the phone throwing a ball around for the puppies to play with. She glanced up at him and told the other person that she would call them back later. He sat next to her on the couch and she moved closer to be in his arms.
"Are you ready for today?" She softly spoke.
"Yes. The kids won't be going to school today. There are reporters at the house as well."
"Do you think it will ever stop?"
"No, but next week we will be old news." All she could do was nod. "I wanted to ask if I could stay the whole week here with you?"
"We would have to ask Sawyer, but I would really like that." She squeezed him.
They arrived to school and sure enough the whispering started along with the glares. Lexie had already taken an anxiety pill, but she still pressed her body against his. He wrapped an arm protectively around her and told her to ignore them. She just nodded and kissed him, he was too shocked to return the kiss. The only time she ever kissed him at school was at lunch time.
The rest of the day continued much the same way, several girls actually walked up to him and others passed him notes which he trashed immediately in front of them. He knew that they were all offering him 'a shoulder to cry on'. He and Rich walked into the locker room. The usually loud room went deathly quiet. He walked to his locker and started to change ignoring everyone.
His friend Hector hesitantly made his way up to him. "Hey man nice tat;" Hector had been his best friend at one point, but once he started dating Lexie they slowly drifted apart. Hector's lifestyle no longer matched his own. They used to party together all the time, drink, drugs, and would often skip school. Hector didn't take any offence though he understood how John felt about Lexie.
On John's shoulder was a beautiful black and white tattoo of a pocket watch with a banner running underneath it. 'Mom 2-6-05 Dad,' was written elegantly in the banner. The hands on the clock read the time of his parent's accident.
"Thanks man, it hurt like hell but not as much as this one." He turned and placed his hand over his heart. There written in Palace Script was 'Alexandra' with a small bee flying off the last 'a'.
Hector's eyes widened. "Please don't tell me you believe the rumors. You really think someone like Alexa would cheat on me?" He asked smugly and Hector seemed to relax and he chuckled.
He heard a locker slam shut near him and turned to see Richard glaring at him. He mentally cursed himself, but turned his attention back to Hector. After gym he had tried to speak to Rich but he was evidently ignoring him. He wished he was walking Lexie to class but Hurst was escorting her right now.
"Hey Lexie," Rich said sitting down next to her for Speech. "How are you doing?"
"Hey Rich," she smiled. "I'm doing pretty good considering." She shrugged. Two girls passed by laughing.
"Ignore them."
"Impossible since they in fact exist." She smiled. "How was your Spring Break?"
"It was pretty boring. I was hoping I could speak to you after class." She nodded as the teacher walked in.
"So what's up?" She asked after the room had emptied out.
"Mind if I walk you to your next class?"
"Of course not, as long as you don't mind people staring and whispering."
"You know how I have John for gym?" He sighed and looked down as they started to walk.
"Yes… Did something happen is he ok?" She stopped and looked at him as if he held life threating news.
"No, he's fine."
"Oh, ok." She took a deep breath. "Did something happen?"
"Yes. Look I don't know how to say this…" he said looking down. "He asked Hector Sandoval if he really thought that someone like you would ever cheat on him." He said sadly still unable to face her. "I'm really sorry Lexie." He said softly after she hadn't said anything for a while.
"I am afraid I do not understand why you are apologizing. I am glad he knows I could never do that."
"Slut!" was coughed out loud and Lexie rolled her eyes and continued walking. Rich glared at the girl as he kept walking with Lexie.
"Lexie you're amazing. He doesn't deserve you if he thinks you're beneath him."
"I really don't think we should be having this conversation right now." She glanced around. "I suppose I understand what you are trying to say, but I know that you misunderstood what he was saying. I know John's feelings towards me; I do not doubt them for a second. My perspective is that everyone is unique. There is no one like me and that makes me special. He knows I would never do anything to hurt him. He does not doubt me or my feelings for him."
"Furthermore I know he does not speak about our relationship to you or Hurst. But I have actually met Hector and have become acquainted with him. He's always talking about how John cannot shut up about me." She smiled. "Do you really think John would say something bad me?" She softly asked.
"No."
"Thank you for being a great friend and telling me. It means a lot that you can be honest."
"You're welcome. You really are great Lexie. Don't ever let anyone tell you otherwise."
"Thank you."
"Play something for me." He softly demanded.
"What would you like to hear?" She asked while combing his hair with her fingers.
"What do you feel like playing? And don't you dare tell me it doesn't matter. Play anything." He said assertively.
She kissed him and made her way to the piano. Taking a deep breath she played from memory. Her fingers moved of their own accord as John pulled out his cell phone to record her. Lexie pretended not to notice otherwise she would lose her nerves and only play the song. She wanted to sing for him; he would have been happy either way.
"*I never thought that you would be the one to hold my heart
But you came around and you knocked me off the ground from the start
You put your arms around me
And I believe that it's easier for you to let me go
You put your arms around me and I'm home
How many times will you let me change my mind and turn around?
I can't decide if I'll let you save my life or if I'll drown
I hope that you see right through my walls
I hope that you catch me 'cause I'm already falling
I'll never let our love get so close
You put your arms around me and I'm home
The world is coming down on me and I can't find a reason to be loved
I never wanna leave you but I can't make you bleed if I'm alone
You put your arms around me
And I believe that it's easier for you to let me go...
I hope that you see right through my walls
I hope that you catch me, 'cause I'm already falling
I'll never let our love get so close
You put your arms around me and I'm home
I tried my best to never let you in to see the truth
And I've never opened up
I've never truly loved 'til you put your arms around me
And I believe that it's easier for you to let me go
I hope that you see right through my walls
I hope that you catch me, 'cause I'm already falling
I'll never let our love get so close
You put your arms around me and I'm home
You put your arms around me and I'm home"
Lexie was getting dinner ready as John set the table when her phone rang indicating she had a message, followed by another ping. She asked John to check her phone for her.
"One is from Gina and the other is from Louis, it's actually the same message to you and I'm guessing Will. 'We feel really bad for ditching you guys that day and that both of you have been in the media all week. We are about to go public with our relationship and hopefully that will take the entire spotlight off of you and maybe people will connect the dots. Do not try to talk us out of it, it is a decision we both agreed on. We know that you do not blame us, but we feel really guilty and are sick of people assuming the worst of you Lexie. Please send John our apologies once again.' They both say that they love you."
She sighed, "I have spoken to both of them every day this past week. I wish they would just believe that I wasn't bothered by it. I don't want them to be in the spotlight especially G."
John came up behind her and hugged her. "They both want to do this."
"I know." She leaned back against him. "I'll call them after we eat."
"Finally a Burton and Darcy come out about the relationship between the two families, but it may not be who you think. This last Monday, articles all over the country surfaced of Alexandra Burton (who is engaged to Johnathan Drake) and Fitzwilliam Darcy over Spring Break smiling and holding hands. The article stated that Alexandra is known for being promiscuous. However, following the release of that article Ms. Burton and future hubby were photographed in her home town together all week long looking very happy and cozy. Surprisingly even Mr. Darcy was photographed several times with an unknown girl."
"Yesterday Louis Burton and Georgiana Darcy, the younger siblings of Alexandra and Fitzwilliam revealed to the world that they are in a relationship via Facebook, along with changing their profile picture to the two of them together. It seems as if maybe Alexandra and Fitzwilliam might have just been getting to know each other, or maybe they are responsible for bringing the two young love birds together."
Lexie was just so happy to have John here this past week. They would go to his house after school every other day to spend time with his family and come back to her house. Unfortunately for both of them John had to sleep in the guest bedroom and they were always chaperoned. They were willing to compromise because it was a school week.
"I love you so much." She gave him a bruising kiss once they were all alone. "Thank you for being awesome." She smiled.
"I love you too Lexie. I honestly don't know what I would do without you. Thank you for allowing me to live with you this past week. I can't wait until we're married." He smiled.
"Me either, then we would be able to share a bed and a room of course." She giggled.
"But now it's the weekend." He smirked as his hand snaked its way up her leg.
The house phone was ringing and Lexie groaned and snuggled into his arms.
"Aren't you going to answer it?" He asked her.
"No. Sawyer." She gave his neck a lazy kiss. He pulled her over him and caressed her hair. He looked at the time it was 7 am. A couple of minutes later there was a knock on her door and she groaned again and sighed. She sat up and gave him a chaste kiss on the lips.
"Yes?" Lexie said sleepily through the gap in the door. "Ok, send her up." She sighed.
"What happened?"
"Mrs. De Bough is here."
*Shallow Hall-Rosemary
*Deap Vally-Sistrionix
*Arms-Christina Perri
