A Family Affair: Book One

Disclaimer: The characterization of Jondy, Zane, Syl and Krit is mine. All the actual characters belong to Mr Famous Sinking Boat e.g. James Cameron.

Note: Zack is written a little out of character because he is extremely drunk, ok? This is alternate AJBAC.

Songs: In order, the songs used are.

*Uptown Girl by Westlife (So Fresh Compilation)

*In My Pocket by Mandy Moore (So Fresh compilation)

*Turning Japanese by the Vapours (Charlie's Angels Soundtrack.)

*Drops of Jupiter by Train (So Fresh)

*I Want Candy (or whatever its called) by Aaron Carter (So Fresh)

*Case of the Ex by Mya (Top of the Pops, Vol 1)

*Hold On by B-Witched. (The Princess Diaries Soundtrack)

The lyrics contain a crucial part of this trilogy, so do read them..

Dedication: Um, I'll dedicate this one to Merry cause I hope she'll find this funny, it's meant to be a bit funny. Also to whoever ends up playing Jondy, she better not be a disappointment. LOL.

*~*~*~*~*~*

Zack frowned at the gathered group of X5s. "This is your own safety you are compromising," he said sternly.

"We know," Max said, rolling her eyes.

"It's your problem if Lydecker finds you," Zack retorted.

"Done," Syl smirked. "C'mon, loosen up, Zack!"

"I need a strong drink," he moaned, slumping on the stool.

There was a cheer from the other X5s and they looked around the abandon bar. Jondy and Max were mixing drinks, Syl and Krit were fiddling with a jukebox and the others were playing pool to the X5 rules.

Jondy looked around, "Hey, have you got the juke box working yet?" she called, wiping her hands on her apron.

Krit gave the ancient gizmo a kick and punched a button and the whole thing lit up.

"Yup," Syl giggled, taking a mouthful of champagne. Jondy rolled her eyes.

"X5 Karaoke Competition!" Zane yelled, "Everyone dump a twenty in the hat and the best singer out of us gets half."

"Who gets the other half?" Krit asked, gulping his third beer down.

"Me, cause It was my idea," Zane retorted, as Max, Tinga and Syl added their hard stolen cash to the baseball cap.

"Okay," Krit peeled off a twenty. "Me first!"

Krit scrambled onto the stage and plugged in the microphone. He stood at the front of the stage as the CD loaded.

" Uptown girl

She's been living in her uptown world

I bet she never had a back street guy

I bet her mama never told her why

I'm gonna try for an uptown girl

She's been living in her white bread world

As long as anyone with hot blood can

And now she's looking for a downtown man

That's what I am

And when she knows what

She wants from her time

And when she wakes up

And makes up her mind

She'll see I'm not so tough

Just because

I'm in love with an uptown girl

You know I've seen her in her uptown world

She's getting tired of her high-class toys

And all her presents from her uptown boys

She's got a choice

Uptown girl

You know I can't afford to buy her pearls

But maybe someday when my ship comes in

She'll understand what kind of guy I've been

And then I'll win

And when she's walking

She's looking so fine

And when she's talking

She'll say that she's mine

She'll say I'm not so tough

Just because

I'm in love

With an uptown girl

She's been living in her white bread world

As long as anyone with hot blood can

And now she's looking for a downtown man

That's what I am

Uptown girl

She's my uptown girl

You know I'm in love

With an uptown girl.."

"Bravo," Syl sniggered. "My turn."

Syl leapt up on the stage, as Krit jumped off. Snatching up the microphone, punching in a button, she began to laugh.

"I think Syl's had a bit much champagne," Zane whispered to Max and Jondy.

"Champagne?" Max winced. "Jondy and I added about three other types of alcohol to that."

Zack over heard this. "And what were they?" he growled.

Jondy smirked, "Vodka, Bourbon and some Whisky. It's get stuff."

"But incredibly strong," Max chuckled, pointing to Syl.

".. Among the many muted faces

You try to find me in the spaces

You're drawn to my song

You only move to keep from sinking

You close your eyes as if you're thinking

Afraid all along

That in my eyes you're so revealing

You'll find what you're needing

Nothing but pennies in my pocket

Nothing but faith to keep me warm

But, baby, then I'd be broke without it

Tell me, how much for your love

Slip my heart in your back pocket

All that I got to keep you warm

So baby, don't leave me here without it

Tell me how much for you love

Hoping the melody will leave you

You walk to where I might not see you

Reach out to the wind

Looking to catch it for a minute

But just to hold it not be in it

I've been where you've been

Cause some how I'm so afraid the love will reveal what you're made of

Nothing but pennies in my pocket

Nothing but faith to keep me warm

But, baby, then I'd be broke without it

Tell me, how much for your love

Slip my heart in your back pocket

All that I got to keep you warm

So baby, don't leave me here without it

Tell me how much for you love

Nothing but pennies in my pocket

Nothing but faith to keep me warm

But, baby, then I'd be broke without it

Tell me, how much for your love

Slip my heart in your back pocket

All that I got to keep you warm

So baby, don't leave me here without it

Tell me how much for you love?

Cause somehow I'm so afraid the love will reveal what you're made of

Nothing but pennies in my pocket

All I got to keep me warm

But, baby, then I'd be broke without it

Slip my heart in your back pocket

All I got to keep you warm

So baby, don't leave me here without it

Tell me how much for you love?."

There was a bit of applause for a slightly drunken Syl, who was laughing hysterically.

Jondy rolled her eyes as Zane leapt up on the stage, with a beer in hand.

"I'm going to sing now," Zane announced, kicking the machine behind him.

".I've got your picture of me and you

You wrote "I love you" I love you too

I sit there staring and there's nothing else to do

Oh it's in colour Your hair is brown

Your eyes are hazel And soft as clouds

I often kiss you when there's no one else around

I've got your picture, I've got your picture

I'd like a million of them all round my cell

I asked the doctor to take your picture

So I can look at you from inside as well

You've got me turning up and turning down

And turning in and turning 'round

I'm turning Japanese

I think I'm turning Japanese

I really think so

Turning Japanese

I think I'm turning Japanese

I really think so

I'm turning Japanese

I think I'm turning Japanese

I really think so

Turning Japanese

I think I'm turning Japanese

I really think so

I've got your picture, I've got your picture

I'd like a million of them all round my cell

I want the doctor to take your picture

So I can look at you from inside as well

You've got me turning up and turning down and turning in and turning 'round

I'm turning Japanese

I think I'm turning Japanese

I really think so

Turning Japanese

I think I'm turning Japanese

I really think so

I'm turning Japanese

I think I'm turning Japanese

I really think so

Turning Japanese

I think I'm turning Japanese

I really think so

No sex, no drugs, no wine, no women

No fun, no sin, no you, no wonder it's dark

Everyone around me is a total stranger

Everyone avoids me like a psyched lone-ranger

Everyone

That's why I'm turning Japanese

I think I'm turning Japanese

I really think so

Turning Japanese

I think I'm turning Japanese

I really think so

I'm turning Japanese

I think I'm turning Japanese

I really think so

Turning Japanese

I think I'm turning Japanese

I really think so

Turning Japanese

I think I'm turning Japanese

I really think sooooo.hey!"

Max had leapt on the stage and snatched the microphone from Zane's hand. "You suck, Zane. Give the mike to someone else!"

Zack was fairly drunk by now and watched the exchange with an idea. "It's my turn Maxie," he declared to the room at large and nabbed the microphone before anyone could voice their protests - after all, does Zack even seem like a good singer? No.

"C'mon, we can use it against him next time he's threatening us!" Syl whispered to the others.

Zack pressed a few buttons on the jukebox and began to sing.

".Now that she's back in the atmosphere

With drops of Jupiter in her hair, hey, hey

She acts like summer and walks like rain

Reminds me that there's time to change, hey, hey

Since the return from her stay on the moon

She listens like spring and she talks like June, hey, hey

"Wow," Max whispered, "Zack's a good singer."

"I expected him to suck," Tinga murmured in reply. "Especially since he's so drunk."

Jondy watched him carefully. His eyes lit up in a way that they rarely did. She smiled to herself, remembering why he chose this song.

".Tell me did you sail across the sun

Did you make it to the Milky Way to see the lights all faded

And that heaven is overrated

//"Jon, speak to me!" Zack cradled Jondy's pale body. "What did they do to you, baby sister?"//

Tell me, did you fall for a shooting star

One without a permanent scar

And did you miss me while you were looking for yourself out there

//Jondy sat on the hotel bed, her knees drawn up to her chest, with the remains of her blonde hair covering her face, so Zack couldn't see her crying. Soldiers don't cry.//

Now that she's back from that soul vacation

Tracing her way through the constellation, hey, hey

She checks out Mozart while she does tae-bo

Reminds me that there's room to grow, hey, hey

//Zack looked up. "What's the matter, Jondy?" Zack leant close to Jondy and brushed her hair from her eyes. She looked up at him, just as he leant closer to her lips.//

Now that she's back in the atmosphere

I'm afraid that she might think of me as plain ol' Jane

Told a story about a man who is too afraid to fly so he never did land

//Jondy curled up in the car seat, flipping through the radio stations, until she came to 'Drops of Jupiter.' "I love this song," she smiled at Zack.

Zack grinned back at her. "Yeah, I had the CD until Tinga borrowed it."

"Can you sing it?"

"Sort of."

"Give it a go!"//

Tell me did the wind sweep you off your feet

Did you finally get the chance to dance along the light of day

And head back to the Milky Way

And tell me, did Venus blow your mind

Was it everything you wanted to find

And did you miss me while you were looking for yourself out there

Can you imagine no love, pride, deep-fried chicken

Your best friend always sticking up for you even when I know you're wrong

Can you imagine no first dance, freeze dried romance five-hour phone conversation

The best soy latte that you ever had . . . and me

//"So, what is this Zack?" Jondy's voice deadly quiet. "We use each other for sex and that's it?"

"No!" Zack cried out, shocked at how upset Jondy was. "Of course not!"

"Then what?' Jondy spat.

"I love you, Jon." Both were silent, listening to the radio.//

Tell me did the wind sweep you off your feet

Did you finally get the chance to dance along the light of day

And head back toward the Milky Way."

Jondy smirked as Zack finished, singing obviously having a rather sobering affect on him.

Sipping her beer, Jondy turned to the others. "So, are you two having a go at the karaoke?"

All girls winced as Krit leapt back onto the stage.

".I know a girl who's tough but sweet

She's so fine, she can't be beat

She's got everything that I desire

Sets the summer sun on fire."

"YOU SUCK, KRIT!"

I want candy

I want candy

".Go to see her when the sun goes down

Ain't no finer girl in town

You're my girl, what the doctor ordered

So sweet, you make my mouth water..."

I want candy

I want candy.

"You suck."

"You suck!"

"YOU SUCK!"

".Candy on the beach, there's nothing better

But I like candy when it's wrapped in a sweater

Some day soon I'll make you mine

Then I'll have candy all the time

I want candy

I want candy

I want candy

I want candy.GIVE ME BACK THE MIKE, ZANE!"

Max put down her beer and made her way to the stage. "It's my go, Krit Kat," Max teased, using Syl's nickname for Krit.

"Okay, Maxie," Krit said, lying on the pool table.

"Bugger off Krit," Zack said, as he lined up a shot.

Max loaded the song she wanted and switched on the mike for the billionth time. "It's not my fault if I suck," she announced to the world at large.

". It's after midnight

And she's on your phone

Saying come over

Cause she's all alone

I could tell it was your ex

By your tone

Why is she calling now

After so long

Now what is that she wants

Tell me what is that she needs

Did she hear about the brand new Benz

That you just bought for me

Cause y'all didn't have no kids

Didn't shared no mutual friends

And you told me that she turned trick

When y'all broke up in 96

What'cha gonna do

When you can't say no

When her feelings start to show

Boy I really need to know

And how you gonna act

How you gonna handle that

What'cha gonna do when she wants you back

There's no need to

Reminisce about the past

Obviously cause that shit did not last

I know how a woman will try to game you

So don't get caught up

Because baby you'll lose

Tell me why she on the phone

In the middle of the night

Tell me why she in your life

Trying to get what's mine

She don't know me

She's about to know me

I'm in your life

That's how its gonna be

I've seen the broke ho

She ain't even all that

So if you want her back

You can take her back

Cause game recognize game

I could do the same thing

Get it right, change

Or take back this ring

Yo, playboy right now, uh

Uh, Mya, think girl, think girl

What What What What Uh

Red Zone."

"Go Maxie!" Zane bellowed, from his position under the pool table. Zack aimed his pool pew (is that what the pool stick things are called???) and the ball flew through the air.

"Tinga's go!" Syl yelled.

"No way," Tinga shook her head. "I don't sing."

"Jondy!" Syl yelled, pouring herself a glass of vodka.

Zack looked up. "Maybe that's not such a great idea."

Jondy pulled Syl's glass away from her and took a couple of mouthfuls. "Nah, I'll give it a go. Picking up the mike, she too chose a song.

".You've always been a tough girl

But you feel you're about to break.

You're feeling stuck and out of luck

Watching your dreams all slip away.

You've been working mornings in the kitchen

and nights at the corner store.

As your life flies by you wonder why

And you know that there's gotta be something more.

Hold On

But don't hold too tight

let go its gonna be alright

Don't run away from what your heart is saying

Ohh Be strong

Face what you're afraid of

Come on

Show them what you're made of

I know its hard when your hope is gone

But you gotta keep holding on.

You hear a voice thats calling

And its telling you to make a change.

It's time to fly

And say goodbye

And move on to a better place

You know you gotta take the first step

To get where you wanna be

Just get on track and don't look back

Cause its the only way you're gonna be free.

Hold On

Your gonna make it

Yor gonna be stronger

Hold On

Hang in there baby

Just a little bit longer

Hold On

There your gonna be fine

Dont give up

Be strong

When the going gets tough

You gotta Hold On

Hold On

Yeahhhhh

Hold On

Hold On

Hold On." Jondy grinned, looking pretty pleased with herself.

All the X5's began clapping. "Go Jon!"

"I do believe that Jondy has won," Zane said, counting out the cash. "Of course, I get half.

Syl yawned suddenly and rubbed her eyes. "Ack, I'm going home. I have the world's biggest hang over."

"You deserve it," Max retorted. "You drank the spiked champagne and about ten glasses of straight vodka."

"Ugh," Krit grimaced, obviously agreeing with Syl. "See ya tomorrow, guys."

"The terrible two have left the building," Zane said wryly. "I better jet as well - the curfew police will have been out for hours."

"I'm going to stay a while and clean up a bit," Max said, rubbing her eyes.

"I'll stay and help you, baby sister," Tinga said. "Can't be bothered to head back to the hotel yet."

"Better go myself," Jondy sighed, pulling her blonde hair into a scrunchie and grabbing her backpack. "See you guys."

"I better make sure Syl and Krit make it home - they don't just head to a club," Zack said, standing. "See you."

Jondy stood outside the door, waiting for Zack to appear. A pair of arms encircled her waist.

"Waiting for me?" Zack inquired.

"Who else?" Jondy smirked. "Got a hang over?"

"Yes," he growled. "Don't you?"

"Nope," Jondy grinned evilly. "I feel fine."

"Jondy, you were drinking vodka and bourbon straight from the bottle!" Zack said incredulously.

"Makes me a fun drunk - if I'd gotten drunk," Jondy shrugged. "I can hold my liqueur well - especially for a girl."

Zack matched her grin with one of his own and pushed her against the wall. "A fun drunk, huh?" She closed the short distance between them, and began to kiss him with fevor.

Zack didn't hesitate, but slipped his hands up her shirt. Jondy laughed and wriggled a bit, wrapping her arms around his neck.

//Mmmmm// Jondy thought, her senses dulled slightly. //Heaven.//

They must've been there awhile, or else Tinga and Max cleaned up extremely quickly, because suddenly, Zack was thrown across the other side of the alley.

Tinga and Max wore matching expressions of a mixture of anger, disgust and disbelief.

Jondy winced. //Oh shit, we are so dead.//

1 The End

Authoress's Message: Ok, I know how it ended, my sister almost massacred me. Can you even have a one person massacre? Anyways, it'll be continued in the next fic, A Family Affair: Book Two. The first chapter should be up this week some time, maybe tomorrow.

This started off as a ridiculous sugar high and became a deep and meaningful.