...The Ones You Love.
Chapter Seven: Our Revels Now Are Ended.
It was a pleasant Saturday morning in Lawndale. Quinn was sitting at the kitchen table when Daria came in.
"Where's Mom?"
"She had to go to the office to finish up some paperwork, then she's meeting Daddy when he gets out of the hospital."
"Aha. He is getting out today, then?"
"I think. Let me check." Quinn picked up the phone, and dialed the number for the hospital. "Hello, this is Quinn Morgendorffer. I'm just checking that my father's getting out of the hospital today." A brief pause. "What?" Quinn went pale.
"What is it?" Daria got worried.
Quinn looked up at Daria, her face ashen. "He's in a coma."
Daria's stomach sank.
"What?" Quinn scowled at the phone. "Well, you should speak up, then!" She slammed the phone down.
"What?" whispered Daria, nervously.
Quinn looked sheepish. "Actually, they said 'He's coming home today', not "He's in a coma today.'"
Daria rolled her eyes. "Don't scare me like that."
"Sorry. Anyway, got to go. Fash...I mean, I'm meeting Sandi and the others."
Daria raised an eyebrow. "No Fashion Club?"
"We're not sure there's still one. That's why we're meeting."
"I see. I'm going to Jane's."
Quinn looked at Daria nervously. "So, are you guys...you know...dating?"
Daria shrugged. "That's what we're going to sort out today. We've both had a chance to think things through, now we're going to decide." She looked at Quinn, suddenly looking very nervous. "Um, Quinn? You haven't said anything to anyone, have you?"
"Daria! What do you think I am?"
"Do I have to answer that?"
"I haven't told anyone, and I won't. I mean, it still freaks me out a little, but I just don't think about it."
"Sensible."
"Are you going to tell Mom and Dad?"
Daria thought about that for a minute. "Not yet. When we've sorted more stuff out, then I will."
"Just don't start wearing dungarees, or I'll start calling you my cousin again."
Daria gave Quinn a look, then left.
Jake finished pulling on the rest of his clothes, and looked at himself in the mirror. The cuts and bruises had mostly healed, and his ribs felt a lot better. There were still scars from the gunshot wounds, but on the whole, he was in good shape, especially considering what his poor body had gone through over the past week and a half.
Doctor Philips walked into the room, sat down, and began flipping through Jake's chart. "How are you feeling, Jake?"
Jake shrugged. "Fine."
"Yes, which is odd, since you came in here a week ago, with..." He checked the chart again. "Multiple gunshot wounds, at least one broken rib, and several cracked ones, several very deep cuts, a lot of muscle sprains, multiple bruises, and severe blood loss. And here you are, almost all better again."
Jake smiled. "I guess I'm just a fast healer."
Doctor Philips smiled back. "Of course. Give my regards to Colonel Davers when you see him, and tell him that I really don't like doing this sort of thing. So stay out of trouble, Jake." He left.
Jake shook his head. The world certainly was a more complicated place than he'd thought it was. Oh well, he had to go meet Helen.
Daria took a deep breath, and knocked on the door of Casa Lane. After a short pause, Trent answered the door. "Hey, Daria."
"Hey, Trent."
Trent looked at her for a moment. "You're here to see Janey, right?"
Daria nodded. "But I wanted to talk to you first. Can I come in?"
Trent let her past, and they went into the living room. They sat down on the couch, and Daria took Trent's hands in hers. "Trent, I want to apologize. I...we...should have been honest from the start. We..."
Trent cut her off. "It's okay, Daria. Janey's already apologized. A lot. You guys were just screwed up and scared about how you felt. It's not easy to admit that to other people, you know?"
"Yeah, I know."
"Look, you two are great together, and I'm okay with it. I mean, don't worry about me. I'll be fine. We both know it wouldn't have worked out."
Daria looked into his eyes. "Maybe."
"We're better as friends, right? I'm cool with that. That's probably what I feel for you. You know, friendship." He smiled sadly.
Daria looked at him doubtfully. She said nothing, squeezed his hands harder, and leaned in to kiss him gently on the cheek. Then she got up, and walked upstairs.
Trent watched her leave, a wistful expression on his face.
Daria reached Jane's room, and pushed the door open gently. Jane was inside, painting. She looked up. "Oh, hey!" Her tone was surprised, but definitely happy.
"Hey, Jane." Daria moved round to see what she was painting. It was two lovers, entwined against a background of violence. Their faces were blank. "Interesting. Who are they?"
"I was hoping you could tell me. What brings you here?"
"Well." Daria paused. "I told you I needed some time to think it over."
"Yes?"
"And it's been a week."
"Yes?"
"And I've decided."
"Yes?" Jane was practically bursting with anticipation.
"I think...I want to do this."
Jane smiled broadly. "Really?"
"Yeah." Daria looked at the ground, suddenly unsure of herself. "I mean, you're the most important person in my life, Jane. I love you."
"I love you too."
"And if the last few days have shown me anything, it's that we could go at any time. And if I went without at least trying this with you, it would suck."
"You're so eloquent."
Daria smiled slightly, then her look grew more serious as she looked at Jane. "I just don't want to lose our friendship if this goes sour."
Jane shook her head. "Never. I promise." She smiled. "You may be a pain in the ass sometimes, but I couldn't imagine my life without you now."
Daria frowned. "When am I ever a pain in the ass? I'm always the happy one, aren't I?"
"Well, if it's just you and Leonard Cohen, then, yes, you're the happy one."
Daria smirked slightly. She suddenly looked unsure of herself. "Um. So what now?"
"I have an idea." Jane smiled and reached over to remove Daria's glasses. Daria flinched a little. Jane set them to the side, and stroked the side of Daria's face. She leant down and kissed Daria lightly on the lips.
Daria felt her whole body tingle as Jane kissed her. She wrapped her arms around Jane, and leaned into the kiss. Jane broke away, and smiled at her, still in her arms. "Wow. How come we never did that before?"
Jane grinned. "Don't think I didn't want to."
Daria smiled, one of her truly happy smiles. "We're going to take this slow, right? I don't think I'm ready to start rolling around naked with you yet."
Jane nodded. "We'll take it slow."
"I love you."
Jane leant down and kissed her again, deeper this time.
Stacy walked down the street towards Sandi's house. Sandi had called an emergency meeting of the Fashion Club. If there still was a Fashion Club, of course. That was what the meeting was about. She heard a familiar voice call her name, and turned to see Ted rushing towards her, his face still covered with his usual gee-whiz expression. She sighed, and stopped to let him catch up.
"Hello, Ted."
"Stacy, why have you been avoiding me?"
Stacy looked at him. "Ted, you almost got us killed! Didn't you know what you were doing?"
"I thought I was doing the right thing, Stacy. I mean, everyone always says that you should do the right thing."
Stacy shook her head. "Ted, I don't think we can be together. You're..." She paused. "A little freaky sometimes. It's like you don't have any feelings!"
"Stacy, I do. I'm just so new at this." Ted's tone was unchanged.
"I know. But it still freaks me out. At least, it does now." She looked at him. "You almost got us killed, and you're still smiling, and cheerful! This isn't going to work. I mean, I'm still willing to do everything everyone else says. So we're not really right for each other until we both get a little more experience. Okay?" She smiled warmly at him, and left.
Ted stood in the street, and thought to himself. His experiment in dating hadn't gone very well. Oh well, he'd have to find another experiment to keep himself occupied. He turned and walked down the street.
Quinn waited at the Griffin's front door after she had rang the doorbell. Presently, Linda Griffin opened the door. "Oh, hello Quinn. How was your field trip?"
Quinn frowned. "Field trip?"
"The one about a week ago. All Sandi's fashion friends were on it."
"Oh yeah." Quinn laughed nervously. "It was great."
"And your father?"
"Huh?"
"Well, I know he's been having a lot of emotional problems. He was ranting and raving all over City Hall one night. Tell your mother I'm so sorry."
Quinn bit her tongue, stepped inside, and made her way up to Sandi's room. Sandi and Tiffany were already there.
"Why did your mom ask me about a field trip?"
"That's where she thinks we were. I don't know why."
Quinn shrugged. Stacy came through the door. "I'm not late, am I?"
Quinn shook her head, and Stacy sat down. There was an uncomfortable silence in the room. Eventually, Sandi spoke up. "Now what?"
Quinn looked at the ground. "When you guys hurt me, I knew it wasn't your fault, but it hurt when you did that, because I thought you were my friends. And it hurt when Stacy and Tiffany didn't do anything to help me. But you weren't yourselves, and I shouldn't have ignored you like that. I'm sorry."
Sandi swallowed loudly. "Um. I'm, like, sorry too. I know I was a total bitch to all of you."
Stacy looked like she was about to cry again. "I'm sorry about Ted. It was...I mean..." She burst into tears again. Sandi and Quinn comforted her as best they could. After she had calmed down, everyone looked at Tiffany. She was idly checking her reflection.
The other three looked back at each other. "The Fashion Club?" said Stacy nervously.
"I don't know," said Sandi.
"Why don't we just hang out for a while?" said Quinn. "You know, see what happens?"
The other two nodded. The four friends smiled at each other, and began to discuss the latest trends.
Helen picked up her briefcase, and headed towards the door. She was stopped on the way out by Eric. "What are you doing here? It's Saturday."
"I came into talk to you."
"If this is about your office window, Jake already sent a check."
"Yes...I wanted you to thank him for me. For not saying anything."
"Well, if you scratch my back..."
"Yes, of course. How's your head, by the way?"
Helen absently touched the band-aid on her head. "Fine. It doesn't really hurt any more."
"Okay. I don't suppose I'll ever find out what all that was about?"
"Oh Eric. I told you. Jake just got a little high strung, and got annoyed when he couldn't find me at work."
"So he threw a desk out of a window."
"Well, you know Jake!"
"And the helicopters, and all that?"
Helen looked at him pointedly. "Eric, we've been very discreet. I think you should be too."
Eric scowled. Helen walked past him and out of the building.
Andrew Landon opened the front door of his house to see Mack standing there. "Michael! How nice to see you. How was the field trip?"
"Field trip?" Mack was lost.
"That you and Jodie were on last week."
"Oh yes." Mack thought for a second. "Fine." He noticed the large bandage on Andrew's head, and swallowed nervously. "What happened to your head?"
Andrew looked confused. "You know, I don't remember. Weird. Probably a golfing accident or something. I guess you're here to see Jodie?"
Jodie came up behind her father, and smiled. "Hey, Mack. I'll see you later, Dad."
She walked out, and closed the door behind her.
Mack gave her a look. "I'm glad he doesn't remember me smashing his head in."
"I know. I appreciate it, though."
"Well, it's one way to get rid of overprotective fathers."
"Yeah. So," Jodie looked nervous. "What are we now?"
"What do you mean?"
"Friends, girlfriend and boyfriend, lovers, what?"
"I don't know." Mack looked at her. "I'm still a little mad at you."
"Hey, I'm still mad at you."
"Well, we did both act a little immaturely."
"I shouldn't have dumped you over my extra-curriculars."
"I shouldn't have dumped you over your lack of time."
Mack and Jodie looked at each other. "So, since we've decided it was a bad idea to dump each other," said Jodie. "Are we back together?"
"You do owe me."
"For what?"
Mack smiled. "For saving your life."
Jodie raised an eyebrow. "As I remember, you didn't do a great job of it."
"Give me points for effort."
Jodie leaned over and kissed him. "There you go."
"I used to get a lot more, didn't I?"
"Let's see where things go." Jodie smiled. "And if we can both make this work, we'll see."
Mack took her hand, and they walked off.
Daria walked back into her house, feeling a great deal more content than she had for a while. Quinn was already there, looking equally content. Before Daria could sit down, the door opened again, and her parents walked in. Daria started with surprise. She'd been to see her father in the hospital, and saw that he'd been recovering, but his appearance was still a bit of a shock. When she had left him with Alexander, he'd been close to death. Now he looked none the worse for wear. He had some explaining to do, and she knew her mom and Quinn felt the same way.
"Hey, Daria! Hey Quinn!"
Quinn got up and hugged him. Daria waved a vague hello. They all sat down, and Jake cleared his throat. "Well. It's been an eventful couple of weeks..."
He looked around and saw the facial expressions of everyone in the room. He decided to start again. "Things haven't been the same lately, have they?"
More blank facial expressions. Jake scowled. "Oh hell." He told them everything that he knew. Everything that had happened in the last few weeks, and what he could piece together in the past. He left out a couple of things, such as Horizon kissing him, which he still couldn't understand, but decided not to pry. It was probably a substitute father figure thing, he guessed.
When he was finished, he looked around the room again. Quinn looked wide-eyed. Helen looked shocked. Daria looked incredulous.
"You expect us to believe that?"
"Based on what's happened, yes."
"Fair point. Never let it be said that my life was boring."
"Jake," said Helen. "Are you saying you have....super-powers?"
Jake nodded. "I mean, I can't fly or anything, but yes."
"Super-heroes are sooo geeky," said Quinn.
"A wise observation, as always, Quinn," muttered Daria. "Dad, what does this mean?"
"Nothing, kiddo! I'm still the same old Jakey I was before all this."
"Actually, I think you're a lot improved." Helen grinned at him. Jake grinned back. Daria rolled her eyes.
"I mean, what's going to happen to you?"
"Nothing, I'm going to go back to work, and keep trying to be the best dad I can be."
"What about all those creepy guys?" asked Quinn.
"They won't bother us again. We have...protection."
"So, our lives just go back to normal?" asked Daria, incredulously.
"Daria, I've been thinking about a lot of things over the past while. Meeting my father again just solidified it for me. He tried and tried for years to get me to live up to what he wanted me to be, even after I thought he was dead. A lot of what happened was because he was still trying to do that. A lot of people died as a result of that, and even more people were hurt. I've learned that, in this world, you have to take charge of your own life. You can be anything you want to be, and your parents should support you, help you, and give you advice. But you can't force what you want on other people. I've tried to be a good father, but I've been living under the shadow of my own. Well, now I'm free, and hopefully, I can be something like the father you girls need."
He finished and glanced at the two girls. Quinn had tears in her eyes. "Oh, Daddy. You've always been there for us. Maybe not in an effective way, but you have."
Jake smiled, and looked at Daria. Her expression was unreadable, as always. Suddenly, she got to her feet, walked over to Jake, and hugged him. Jake reacted in shock, but then hugged her back. She broke free, and sat back down.
"What was that for?"
"To say 'thank you'."
"Oh, Daria..." began Helen, her eyes in tears.
"Don't go getting all mushy on me, please." Daria seemed a tad uncomfortable. "Well. Now what?"
Jake looked at his watch. "Actually, I have an appointment to keep."
"Um, Dad?"
Jake looked at Daria. "What, kiddo?"
"I have a small favor to ask..."
Colonel Franklin Davers continued throwing crumbs at the ducks in the park. Jake walked up, and sat beside him on the park bench.
"Hello, Jake. How did the family reunion go?"
"Surprisingly well, actually."
Davers smiled, revealing those annoyingly perfect teeth. "At least they don't think you're crazy."
"Don't remind me. Half the town thought I was crazy beforehand, now they think they know it."
"You have a lot to learn about discretion. We did pay for that damage you did to the law firm."
"That's more your area of expertise. And hopefully, after this, I'll never see you again."
Davers raised an eyebrow. "Charming."
"I'm surprised the police haven't been round to arrest me."
Davers grinned. "I'm not."
Jake looked at him, then put his hand over his face. "You guys are everywhere, aren't you?"
"More fingers, more opportunities."
"Hmm. We had a deal, remember? I deliver you the machine and the ringleader, we get protection and left alone."
"Don't worry, we won't go back on it. And you had better not go back on it, either. We can't allow this to go public. If it turns out someone is talking, we would have to take care of that person."
"Interesting euphemism."
"Just make sure everyone keeps quiet."
"I will. I'm already feeling like I've done a deal with the devil. I mean, you do have access to that thing. I don't think anyone should have that much power."
"Not like you had much of a choice." He grinned. "Plus, you can trust us."
"Very convincing." Jake didn't sound convinced.
"You've done a lot of good, Jake. It'll take them years to recover from this, if they ever do. Plus, their main military leader, your father, is..."
Jake raised a hand. "I don't have a father."
Davers looked at him. "Of course." He rose to leave. "Well, just checking in. I guess we won't see each other again."
"I'd say it was fun, but..." Jake turned to him suddenly. "One more thing. My daughter wants a favor."
Davers stared at him. "A favor? Jake, this isn't pony rides on the beach."
"Hear me out." Jake told him. Davers looked at him, wide-eyed.
"I'll see what I can do. As a thank you." Davers turned to leave, and began walking away. He stopped, and turned back. "One more thing."
Jake looked up.
"As far as we could tell, the enhancements were done on you in the mid-70s, before the birth of your children."
"And?" Jake was lost.
"It doesn't skip a generation, Jake." And with that, Franklin Davers was gone.
Wendy stood in front of the charred remains of Morgendorffer Consulting. Horizon came up behind her.
"Hey, Wendy."
Wendy muttered a few terse words of greeting.
"What are you doing here?" Horizon asked.
"Just thinking."
"About?"
"Oh, just things. The truly screwed up events of the past few weeks."
"Ah yes."
"My parents always said weird things happened in the US. I scoffed."
"Why did you come over here, anyway?"
"Long story."
"I mean, we sure as hell didn't need you."
Wendy shot a glance at her, and flipped her a very rude gesture. "What are you doing here?"
"I don't know." Horizon shrugged.
They heard a familiar cry of greeting from behind them, and they turned to see Jake walking up. He gave them both a quick hug. "What are you two doing here?"
"Thinking."
"About the future? Because I have some news."
They looked at him. "Morgendorffer Consulting will be back in business very shortly!"
"Pull the other one."
"Wendy, I'm serious. I found us some new offices, and the insurance money will be more than enough to get us set back up."
Wendy shot him a look. "Well, there is the small matter that most of your clients probably think you're a raving loony after your recent exploits."
"Then we'll find some new ones! Come on, are you guys in?"
"Count me in," said Horizon.
Wendy paused. "Okay," she said finally. "At least it's not boring."
"That's my girls. Er, women." Jake smiled. "Oh....since you both have your old jobs back, can I have those severance packages? I kind of took them from Daria's college fund, and I don't think Helen's noticed yet."
Wendy rolled her eyes. "What am I getting myself in for?"
They began walking down the street. "You certainly look a lot better than you did the last time we were in the hospital," said Horizon.
"I know," said Wendy. "Hey, you never did tell us how you got out of there after we got the kids out."
Jake shrugged. "A crack government team stormed the building, found me bleeding to death, and rushed me to a hospital."
"Told you it was crazy. But did you listen?"
"Wendy, I'm only human."
Horizon looked at him. "You're a bit more than that."
He smiled. "Not where it counts."
He looked up as he heard a car horn. It was Helen, in her SUV, parked across the street. "That's my ride. I'll see you both at the office, on Monday!" He walked across the street, and nearly got hit by a passing car. After yelling after it for a few minutes, he got into the SUV, kissed Helen, and they drove off.
"Some things never change," muttered Wendy.
Horizon watched them drive off. "I guess they do make a nice couple," she said, a little sadly.
"Yeah, right," snorted Wendy. She turned to the taller woman. "Horizon?"
Horizon blinked in surprise, and turned to Wendy. "Yes?"
"We are going out tonight. We are both going to get very drunk, and do stupid things. I think you need it."
Horizon crossed her arms. "Really?"
"Oh, yes. Have to do something about the wardrobe, though."
"You're giving me clothes tips?"
"Melrose Place went off the air years ago. Get with it!"
Horizon took one look at Wendy's tank top. "I'm keeping my underwear."
Wendy grinned. The two women walked off down the street, exchanging friendly barbs with each other.
Jane and Daria walked down the street. "And that's everything he said," finished Daria.
"Wow. Your dad, a kung-fu superhero. Who would have thought it?"
"Not me, that's for sure."
Jane smirked. "Are you going to be his sidekick?"
Daria shot Jane a look. "It gets worse. Quinn immediately sketched out a costume he could wear, and volunteered the former Fashion Club as teen sidekicks."
"You're making this up."
"Jane, my imagination isn't that good. Mom squashed the idea. I think the idea of Dad spending all his time with hot teens in spandex was unappealing to her."
"I wonder why?"
Daria shrugged, and smirked.
"I have all the hot teens I need right here."
Daria flushed red.
"You're blushing! This is so cool. Next, you'll be giggling."
"And there go your chances of ever getting to third base."
Jane smiled. "You know I love you."
"I know."
"And you. God, you were willing to shoot yourself to save me!"
"You keep going on about that."
"Well, it doesn't happen every day, you know." Jane turned to Daria. "Showed me how much you care, despite your attempts to keep everyone at a distance."
"Not everyone." Daria smiled back.
"What was going through your mind back in there."
"Honestly?"
Jane raised an eyebrow. "Honestly."
"I was hoping he wouldn't drag Beavis and Butthead out and announce they were crack spies who'd been watching me since Highland. That would have been a bit too much to swallow."
"I can think of worse."
"Really."
Jane struck a dramatic pose. "Daria." Her voice as deep. "I am your father."
"Oh Ben, why didn't you tell me."
"What about your aunt? You know, the 'cool one'? If the cool one tried to kill you, I have to wonder about the non-cool ones..."
"Called her to apologize. She didn't know what I was talking about. She said she probably fell and hit her head on the kitchen counter, but she just couldn't remember it."
Jane thought for a moment. "Weird. At least you didn't alienate your favorite aunt."
"True. Though at least Rita never pointed a gun at me."
Jane grinned. "Where are we going?"
"Lawndale Cemetery. I have something to take care of."
"That's a great idea, Sandi," said Quinn, sitting on the floor of Sandi's bedroom. "You have such a good color sense."
"Really?" Sandi wasn't used to getting genuine compliments from Quinn.
"Oh yes. Haven't I told you this before?"
"Yes." She paused. "But I just assumed you were being, like, sarcastic."
Quinn thought for a moment. "I probably was, but I mean it now."
"This is awesome!" gushed Stacy. "We're just friends hanging out! Why didn't we do this before?"
"Hmm," said Quinn thoughtfully. "Sometimes I enjoyed the power games."
"Me too," said Sandi. "Kept me on my toes."
"This is better, though?"
"Definitely."
The former Fashion Club smiled at each other, and went back to their current hot topic.
Daria and Jane reached the gates in a short while, and found Jodie and Mack outside. They waved to them. Daria and Jane walked up to them. "Hey, guys," said Jodie.
"Hey," said Jane. "You guys work it out?"
They smiled at each other. "Still touch and go," said Jodie.
"But I think we can do it," finished Mack.
"Good."
"How about you guys?" asked Jodie.
In response, Jane slipped her hand into Daria's. Daria was surprised at first, then closed her hand around Jane's. Jodie smiled. "I guess you guys do make a cute couple after all."
Mack's eyes went wide. "Oh man, the rumors were true. I'm happy for you guys, though."
Jane smiled. "Me too. Don't tell anyone, we're not ready to make this public yet."
Mack nodded. "You can trust us."
Daria changed the subject. "What are you guys doing here?"
Mack looked up the hill just behind the gates. At the top, standing beside a gravestone stood Brittany. The foursome made their way up to her, Daria leading the way. At the sound of their arrival, Brittany turned, and smiled as she saw who it was. "Hello, Daria." She came, and gave Daria a crushing hug, that Daria tried futilely to escape from. "I just wanted to thank you for stopping me doing anything stupid back in City Hall."
"You're welcome," Daria said breathlessly. "Brittany, I can't breathe."
"Oh." She let go. She saw the others, and waved.
"How are you doing?" asked Jodie gingerly.
Brittany tried to smile, but only managed a teary half-smile. "Okay, I guess. At least my dad doesn't remember me tying him up. Keeps asking about the field trip though, which I don't understand."
Jodie and Mack looked vaguely worried by the tying up part.
Daria looked at her. "And Kevin?"
"Still miss him."
"I think we can do something about that." Daria looked down towards the gates. Brittany looked confused, and followed her gaze. A large black car drove up to the gates, and the doors opened. A shout of "Get out, moron!" could be heard from inside, and a familiar blue and yellow figure tumbled out of the car. The car sped away, and the figure drew himself to reveal Kevin Thompson, alive and well.
"Kevvie!" Brittany ran down the hill, and leapt into Kevin's arms, knocking him to the ground.
"Whoa, babe! I know I'm irresistible, but still..."
Mack and Jodie stared in shock.
Brittany kept kissing him over and over. "Oh, Kevvie!" She paused. "Wait, didn't you die?"
"No, babe!" Kevin thought for a moment, and pulled a piece of paper from his pocket. "Wait." He read off the paper slowly and methodically. "I was wounded, and then I was put in sups...spus...susp...puss..." He gave up and threw the paper away, and went back to making out with Brittany. Jodie and Mack had walked down to them, and were openly staring. Kevin noticed them, and got up. "Hey, Mack Daddy!"
"Kevin?" Mack stared at him. Then he grabbed him and hugged him.
"Mack Daddy! I'm hot, and I like you, but..."
Daria nudged Jane in the ribs. "I think this is our cue."
They slipped away quietly. Once they had gotten a little bit down the road, Jane stopped and stared at Daria. "You did that, didn't you?"
"Actually, Dad did, but it was my idea. I figured there would have to be a parallel dimension where they couldn't wait to get rid of him."
"You old romantic you. I knew you were an old softy."
"Congratulations. There goes your chance of even getting to second base."
"Damn." Jane raised an eyebrow. "How long do you think it'll take for everyone to get sick of him again?"
"I give it till Monday."
"Yeah. Great, air-tight story there. No-one will suspect a thing."
"I should have told them to keep it to one syllable words."
"Hmm. You realize you've re-inflicted Kevin Thompson back on this world?"
"One day, I hope the world forgives me."
Jane looked a bit uncertain. "You didn't mind me telling Jodie and Mack, did you?"
Daria shook her head. "I told Quinn."
Jane cocked her head to the side.
"I thought we were about to die. She won't say anything."
"One more thing. When do we tell everyone else?"
"Soon. I'm not ready yet, though."
"Me neither. Not ashamed of me, are you?" Jane said jokingly.
Daria looked up at her. "I think this answers your question." She wrapped her arms around Jane's neck, and kissed her deeply on the lips. Jane responded, and the two friends and lovers stood, holding each other for a long time, each lost in the other, and the feeling that, no matter what happened, they'd always have each other, and their love.
Jake sat, looking out of the window. Quinn had gone over to Sandi's, and Daria had said she had to go to the cemetery. He heard footfalls behind him. "Hello, Helen."
Helen sat beside him. "How did you hear me? Wait, never mind."
Jake smiled.
"What are you thinking?"
"Parenthood." He turned to her. "Helen, am I a good father?"
She stroked his face. "Oh, Jakey. You used to be a little clueless. And frankly, you still are. But you always tried. And that's important. Plus, since your change, you've been a lot more responsible. And you know the best thing about your parenting?"
"What?"
"You're not your father."
Jake smiled and kissed Helen. "That was the best compliment you could have given me."
"I can think of a better one."
"Oh?"
She smiled seductively, got up, and unbuttoned her jacket, and let it slip to the floor. She walked to the door, and paused. "Meet me in the bedroom in five minutes, and I'll show you." She winked, and walked out, heading up the stairs. Jake could hear several more items of clothing hit the floor as she walked. He smiled, and began to follow her. He stopped by the door, and his eye fell on the costume drawing Quinn had made earlier. He picked it up, and studied it for a few moments. Finally, he crushed it up, and threw it in the trash.
"No way," he muttered to himself, and went up the stairs to be with his wife.
The End.
