AN: Wow, this is the second last chapter. I think I'll cry when I finish the fic completely. It's taken me over a year to write (organization isn't my strong point.)
Anyways, thank you to Jayme! At least someone else thinks the jokes are funny ;) And I hope this chapter is funny enough.
To Jzshiri :-) Denial rocks my socks. WGL ain't married ;)
AN2: Maxa (Jacey's daughter) speaks a little Spanish in this chapter. I have checked in at (a language translator) and pretty
much all of it translates from Spanish to English. Anyways, there's only three statements in Spanish and you should get the gist of them.
AN3: Due to some irritating errors, I re-uploaded this chapter. :D
Review like the fiends you are ;) I'm aiming for 125 reviews.
*~*~*~*~*
Wow.
That was an incredible night. Unbelievable. Wow. Completely amazing in so many ways.
Yeah, I'm saying that about multiple things, Muahahaha. But after we spent the night, and most of the early hours of the morning doing, you know, *stuff*, I completely slept. Like a norm. We both crashed about 4 a.m. and now it was almost 10 a.m., which was a damn impressive amount of sleep for me. Me, because, when I woke up, Zack wasn't in bed with me, damnit. I though it could've been a *fun* morning.
So, I pulled on an old ACDC shirt that was on the floor (it was Krit's, I could smell him all over it, but luckily it was clean) and a pair of boxers whose owner I couldn't identify. Food sounded excellent about now, I was absolutely starving. All I'd had in, like, eight hours was some Ready-Whip cream. Not that I'm complaining.
Zack was standing in the kitchen, naked to the waist (Yayness of all yayness-es!); dressed in boxers, drinking black coffee (how he drinks so much of it is beyond me) and reading the newspaper. How domestic. I came up behind him, wrapping my arms around his waist.
"Morning," I said, smiling, as Zack turned around, smiling at me.
"Hey. How do you feel?" Zack stroked my face.
"Pleasantly numb," I said with a grin that spoke for itself.
"Good to know," Zack chuckled, one arm snaking around my waist. "Wanna take the first shower?"
I wrapped my arms around his neck. "But I'll need someone to wash … my hair," I said, kissing him again. "Please. Then you can make breakfast for me."
"Will I?" Zack met my gaze with a glint of humour in his eyes.
"Oh, yes," I said with a wicked grin. "You so will."
For the record, we had the shower together (I could so get used to Zack and I doing that every morning) and I went and found my own pyjamas (at this point, we both decided that it was utterly pointless actually getting dressed. So the compromise was pyjamas. And since I so needed to do my laundry, all I had was a button up top and sweatpants.) The plan was to make breakfast, eat breakfast and then retire to the guestroom with either the mocha-chip ice cream or another can of Read-Whip.
But when I was reclothes, my hair was dried and I had started a load of laundry, Zack presented me with five flowers.
"Because I didn't get you any when you were in hospital," he said, almost sheepishly. I took the flowers, smiling. God, Zack was always surprising me so much. There were only five flowers there. I haven't got a clue what sort they were or anything. Two pink and three white.
Flowers are almost criminally expensive nowadays. I know it sounds stupid, but I was really touched. Zack does not fork out money for flower for just anybody . . . The mental picture of Zack buying flowers is actually vaguely amusing . . .
I flung my arms around his neck, kissing him, and being very careful of the flowers. His arms went around my waist. . .
We stood there making out in the kitchen for ages, my back against the counter. Finally, I just hopped up on the counter, wrapping my legs around Zack's waist.
Even as a teenager I had bloody awful timing. I'd be the one Lydecker caught giggling or making faces. I'd be the one Zack caught having sex with some ordinary. And then Zack would yell, order me to 'cover myself up', and beat the living pulp out of the poor Ordinary.
So really, it's pretty damned obvious that just as Zack unbuttons my top, everyone arrives home.
Its like a scene from one of those bad pre-Pulse sitcoms. Everyone just totally froze, gaping at us. Tinga's hands instantly covered Case's eyes. I just stared. I think the blood in my veins froze that moment.
We were so busted. So very, very busted. Syl's hand went to her mouth, as she tried to hide her laughter. Actually, I was wracking my brain for an excuse; any valid excuse. . . CPR? Heart massage? Okay, so it wasn't exactly my heart Zack was massaging… down, Jondy. . . Shit, shit, shit . . .
"Jon," Alec said, averting his eyes, a grin on his face. "You might wanna do up your shirt. . . Bit of an over share."
I think that's the reddest I've ever seen Zack turn. Actually, I'm pretty sure I wasn't exactly my usual shade of pale, either. I've never crossed my arms so fast in my life. I kinda wasn't expecting such an interruption yet, and the laundry needed doing. . . But I really, really should've put on a bra of some sort. I think I just majorly, majorly took family sharing to a complete and whole new level.
Um, oops?
I began hurriedly doing up the buttons on my top, focusing solely on the buttons so no one could see my face, which felt so hot, I knew my blush would clash with my hair.
"Feeling better, Max?" Zack asked, uneasily, trying to break the awkward silence.
"Yeah, I feel fine," Max nodded, with a grin.
"Dr Carr," Zane broke it with a grin. "Wanted us to make sure you, Jondy, were okay and all."
"You look like you have a ton of energy," Rain said, grinning. "Man, so were you going to actually get it on in Logan's kitchen?"
Logan held up a hand. "I do not want to know what happened in my kitchen, in the bathroom or anywhere else in this place. It's just not a mental picture I want."
I snorted with laughter, and looked up. "Your timing bites. You do realise how humiliating this is and you know you could've used your brains and called first," I pointed out, hands on my hips.
"Oh come on Jon!" Krit said with a grin, his arm around Syl's shoulders. "Evie, Maxa, what's the motto of this family?"
Evie grinned. "Humiliation is character building."
"Exactly," Krit nodded. "Think of how much character you've gained from this experience."
"Bite me," I said, running my fingers through my hair.
"As fun as standing in the kitchen is," Jace spoke up. "Well, it just isn't."
The others agreed, and Logan mentioned he was making breakfast (after making Zack and I swear that we hadn't done anything in his kitchen. I think if we told him we had, he would've gotten a new one put in. Logan's as paranoid as Normal when it comes to his kitchen.)
I decided laundry is good. Because when I don't even have a sports top to wear under my top, I think laundry service is a good plan. Clean clothes make me happy. And also, when Zack removes fore mentioned clean clothes, I get happier… man, my thoughts are total gutter-material. One night with the man and I can't get my thought away from him.
I think that's a good sign.
So, I'm loading a basket with my clothes, and random other dirty clothes and such, pulling my hair out my eyes with one of Evie's butterfly clips.
"Going to do the laundry," I call out.
Krit pulls away from Syl. "I'll help; you look like you could use some help, Jon."
I roll my eyes, but accept his … gracious offer. Meh. There will be an ulterior motive to Krit's helpfulness. He plays 'merciless baby brother' well. Damnit.
The ride in the elevator to the basement, where the laundry room was. It was a really crappy laundry room for an expensive place like Foggle Towers - twelve washing machines against one wall, and twelve dryers against the other wall. There's a nice soap dispenser and several dated business magazines on the bench. The bench is literally a park bench no body dares to sit on because it's so broken.
And lovely concrete floors. And rats. Maybe I'm the only one who notices the rats (well, maybe X5s in general) because of the feline DNA.
Krit and I wordlessly began sorting clothes and stuff into each machine. Maybe, maybe he is being a genuinely nice person for once. . .
"I didn't know you had a tattoo on your . . "
"Krit!" I smacked his head. He gave me a wounded expression. "No jokes."
"Okay, okay," Krit said with a grin, hugging me. "Good to have you back though, Jon."
I gave him a confused look. "Back? I've been here for over a month, Cat-Man."
Krit shook his head, kissing my hair. "Back-back. You sorta weren't with us until now."
"Until Zack and I hooked up again?" I said pointedly.
"You and Zack are like one person," Krit said. "He doesn't function right without you to lean on. And, sorry Jon, but you can be a real bitch when you aren't getting any," Krit shrugged.
"You are so going to die for that comment," I said, shoving him off me, with a playful grin on my face. "Evil, that was."
Playful wrestling with Krit is always fun; makes me wish we'd been normal kids. But then, maybe Krit and I wouldn't be as… well, anti-close as we are.
He has me pinned to the floor. "Sorry for not, you know," Krit began.
"We're Jondy and Krit," I supplied for him. "You're gonna be there when I need you. And when you need me, I'll be there for you. And other times. . . Well, we're Jondy and Krit."
Krit nodded, smiling, pulling me up. We sat on an empty machine, watching the washing spin round and round . . . And watching the water and bubbles leak out from one machine.
"So, are you moving in with Zack, or what?" Krit asked, his gazed fixed on the washing. The round and round movement was almost hypnotic. . .
"I gotta be back in L.A. for a summer's internship at the children's hospital," I say carelessly.
Krit looked at me sceptically. "Does Zack know this?"
I froze. "Nooo. Probably be a good thing to mention, huh?"
"Well, if Syl and I were in yours and Zack's situation, and Syl suddenly announced she had to 'go back home' 'to work for the summer'. . . I'd be pretty much convinced that she was bailing on me."
"Zack wouldn't think that," I said airily.
"Why wouldn't he?" Krit pointed out. "I mean, he's still feeling guilty over the whole wedding thing. I'd say the second you say 'go back to L.A.' He's going to start moping, Jon. Face the facts."
Maybe Krit was right. Zack was going to yell and mope and we'd break up again and it'd be one hundred times worse this time because I was admitting to my self I totally wanted him.
Mortification was obviously evident on my face, because Krit patted my shoulder. "Maybe. . . I dunno. Tell him after really great sex?"
I slugged Krit for that. Krit fell off the machine.
"Jon!"
"Learn to think before you talk English. Or Spanish. Or Russian. Or any language I can, in fact, speak, okay?"
"Yes *Mom*."
I punched him again for that.
*~*~*~*~*
Krit and I went back upstairs an hour later. Rather subdued, because I had been worrying about Zack's reaction to the news I'd have to spend the next three months in L.A. I'd never get a chance like this internship again. If I didn't take it, I might as well give up medicine now.
And Krit was worrying because . . Yeah, it's really not my place to say why Krit decided to freak out.
"Jon?" Krit said, as we were about to go back into Logan's. And the lock was still. . . Non-existent.
"Yeah?"
"Brin told me something years ago; before Syl and I hooked up."
"What was it?" I asked, shifting the washing basket.
"'Think not with your brain, but with your heart," Krit quoted, pausing with a grin on his face. "And when that heart attack comes, you'll know its because you think too much."
I rolled my eyes and went inside. To a reasonably empty penthouse. Max, Syl, Jace, Tinga and Brin were sprawled out over the couch, with various salted snack foods.
"Bout time," Syl said with a grin. "If I didn't know better, I'd think you and Krit were having an affair, Jon," she said with a teasing voice.
"Oh, we are," Krit said, slinging his arms around my waist. "You see, I know Jon has a tattoo on her…"
I jammed my elbow into his stomach. "Shut up."
"Oh yes," Brin said with a grin. "That is obviously true love, Syl."
"The guys took the kids to the park, Krit," Max said. "We need some girly Over-21 Bonding Time. Go away."
"Oh, I feel loved," Krit said, wounded expression on his face. "Okay. Later ladies. And Jondy."
I stuck my tongue out at him, plonking down beside Brin.
"So, what are we bonding over?" I asked, grabbing a handful of salted peanuts.
"Just bonding," Tinga smiled. "And by the way Jondy, I really must comment on your tattoo. It's a nice one. . .though I'm kinda wishing Case hadn't seen it."
I began turning red. "No tattoo jokes, okay?"
They nod resolutely, and Tinga beamed at me. "Charlie and Case are living in San Diego. And I'm going to spend the summer with them."
"That is excellent, Tinga," I said, grinning back at her. "Second chance, huh?"
"Definitely," Tinga said. "But. . ."
"There's a 'but'," Jace said.
"A very valid 'but'," Brin said with a grin.
"Zane does have a nice butt, right Tinga?" Max said with a grin.
"Zane?" I gaped at Tinga. "You? And Zane? As in You and Zane. Together. In a none sibling relationship. With, like, the sex and the . . ."
"Yes, Jondy," Tinga rolled her eyes. "I don't know. We both know that there is something there. . . I don't know. Summer with Charlie and Case should help me sort things out a but more."
I nodded dumbly. "You. . .and Zane."
"Tact, Jon," Syl said, giving me a shove.
"Um, okay. . . I can do tact. Tact. . . Um, it's great that you, Tinga, want to totally jump my brother," I said with a grin.
"Yeah, next time you try tact Jondy, try it with actual feeling," Tinga retorted. "And Zane and I…We'll see."
"I sorta hope you two do hook up," Max said, shrugging. "When was the last time Zane went out on a date?"
"He doesn't," Syl replied softly. "Remember Miranda?"
Brin and I exchanged confused looks, and the others nodded.
Jace looked up. "Miranda was Zane's last girlfriend… three years ago. She was nice girl. In fact, I think she was the girlfriend Rain actually liked. Anyway, Miranda was in a bad car accident with Zane and Rain," Jace paused. "Syl? Max? Tinga? Fill in the gaps. I heard about it from Logan, I do not know the details."
"Oh," Syl said, waving her hands about excitedly. "Miranda spent six weeks in ICU, while Rain and Zane walked away relatively unscarred. Miranda did something to her back or neck or something, so she couldn't move any limbs or something. She needed a 24 hour nurse and all.
"Basically, she didn't want Zane staying with her, caring for her, his whole life. Miranda's parents took Miranda back to Vancouver and six months later, she died. Zane never forgave himself for the accident and all."
"Rain went kinda independent after that, too. Anyways, yeah, we want you to be happy, Tinga," Max smiled.
"And here I was thinking this was cruel and unusual punishment," Tinga said dryly.
"Hey!" Brin and I protested.
Tinga smiled angelically at us, "Did I say that aloud?"
"Ok, ok," Syl said, holding her hands up. "Next subject open for discussion; Jondy, Zack and the scene in the kitchen this morning."
"No," I said. "Not going there in any reality."
"Oh, but we are," Max grinned. "And don't deny anything, Jay."
"But ladies don't kiss and tell," I said, smirking.
"You aren't a lady, and we all know kissing wasn't all you did," Brin retorted.
I stuck my tongue out a Brin. "Fine, so apparently it was obvious how Zack and I spent our time. Must we go and discuss every. Single. Little. Tiny. Detail?"
"Generally, yes. But because it was with Zack, who is in fact my biological brother, it makes it icky," Syl said. "So, just vague details, please."
"How about I tell you a problem I've got, and you help me solve it?" I offered ."It's a Zack-related problem, so technically it's still within your Jondy-torture range."
"Okay, I suppose," Syl said. "What's the problem?"
"Well, I need to go back to L.A. for a work thing this summer; and it's really important to me. And I need to leave in the next two days. But I'm worried if I tell Zack now, it's like . . ."
"You are completely rejecting him," Brin finished.
"Or bailing on him. And trust me when I say that neither is true," I said. "Help?"
"Be completely honest with him, Jon," Max said. "Don't make excuses or it'll look like you're lying."
I nodded. "But Zack's going to do the Zack-esque thing and blame himself. True?"
"True," Tinga nodded. "It really doesn't matter what you say to him, though, Jon, he's still going to self-blame."
I nodded. "Brilliant. Just peachy," I said sourly.
"Well, even if he does think you're bailing on him, Jon, Zack's gonna put up a damn good fight," Max said with a grin. "I haven't see him this animated since he moved to Seattle to be with you. Before the wedding."
I smiled. "Really?"
"Isn't that cute," Syl nudged Brin. "The cute little afterglow grin."
Brin nodded, smiling herself.
"And if I'm not mistaken," Jace said. "Brin also has the afterglow grin. Spill."
Brin looked like a deer caught in the head lights. "Nothing to tell, really. I usually smile. . . Like I've just had sex."
We all gave her identical sceptical looks.
"Alec. We hit it off," Brin said. "He understands all the Manticore stuff I have to deal with and I understand his Manticore-stuff. So, yeah. Alec and I are unofficially 'something'."
"So basically, you're getting it on and not telling anyone?" Syl asked. At Brin's Look, Syl held up her hands. "I was only asking! That's how Krit and I started."
"And Victor and I," Jace nodded, smirking. "Jondy?"
I blinked. "Oh, well, since there was no body to tell, really… yeah, that's how Zack and I started as well."
Brin nodded, smiling. "That makes me feel… happier than I have been in awhile. I owe you one Jondy, for making me come back to you guys." She hugged me.
"It's okay," I said, hugging her back . "You can pay me in cookies."
"Always thinking about your stomach, Jon," Max rolled her eyes.
I made a face. "Living off take out through med school and then coming to Chef Cale's? You would too, my dear."
"Touché," Tinga said, as we heard the guys bringing the kids back. "I think we're going to get stuck with lunch duty."
"It's almost a guarantee," Alec nodded. "We took the rug rats out, you get to feed the troops."
"Feed yourselves," Jace said. "We're not hungry."
"A woman's place is in the kitchen," Zack called from the kitchen.
"Whoa. Jondy. Zack totally deserves to die for that remark," Max said, shooting a deadly glare in Zack's direction.
"I make a mean ice cream sundae and I can order kick-ass take out, but that's as far as my cooking skills go. So obviously Zack's going to starve," I said, standing up.
"You guys make lunch and we'll make dinner," Krit offered.
"Done deal," Syl said.
Okay, Jace and Tinga make mean sandwiches. Syl and I made a mess. Brin was in charge of drinks. Syl and I managed to burn the pop corn and somehow, melt a plastic cup in the microwave.
We made ourselves scarce. Logan was not a happy camper when he saw the state of his microwave.
I was really quite edgy. Zack and I were going back to his place tonight, because everyone was staying here for the moment - Jace, Maxa, Syl, Krit, Charlie, Case, Tinga and Zane. Alec and Brin were both heading back to their places (though I'm pretty much guessing that Alec will go to Brin's tonight. Just a hunch.) Anyway, I'm going to Zack's. And I've got to Break The News; which I am, in fact, not looking forward to. Ugh.
Maybe I should just send him a nice singing, dancing email?
I ended up hiding out in Evie's room with the girls, playing Monopoly. And I am disgusted to say Maxa won. Not just won; she slaughtered us.
Then Case talked us into playing Chinese Checkers. I am disgusted with myself. Nine years of strict miliary training and I ended up coming last. Against four kids. Damnit.
"Don't challenge Case to a video game," Charlie said from the doorway. "He used to challenge me; if he won, his allowance was doubled. Unbeatable."
I looked up, grinning. "So Case knows how to play pool?"
"No, he doesn't," Charlie shook his head.
"He's got X5 blood and he can't play pool?" I gaped at Charlie. "Don't say that in front of Syl or Krit; they might cry."
"Why?" Charlie asked, as the girls began setting up Trivial Pursuit.
"That's how they used to pay the rent when they were kids. Hustling people in clubs and bars. Syl is virtually unbeatable," I said. "Krit can sometimes beat her, but that's not too often. I've never played Tinga."
"Huh. One of you will have to teach him," Charlie said. "Anyway, I just came to make sure Case wasn't making bets with the girls."
"C'mon Tia Jondy," Maxa motioned. "We want to start now."
Tia Jondy. I've been upgraded from random person to Aunt Jondy!
"Jon?" Zack stuck his head in the door. "I'm gonna go now, pick up some pizza. Do you wanna come now or meet me over there in half an hour?"
Get thrashed at Trivial Pursuit… deal with my boyfriend-issues… Boyfriend issues wins hands down.
"I'm coming," I said, pulling my shoes on and standing up.
"Tia Jondy, please play - we need cuatro personas to play," Maxa said.
"Please Jon?" Case added.
"Ask Rain," I said, motioning at the fore mentioned X8, who was sprawled on Evie's bed with a magazine.
"Juegue el juego con nosotros, Rain?" Maxa twisted around. Man, no wonder the girl didn't talk much. Spanish. Very cool. Jace was the best at Spanish when we were kids. . .
"Yeah, I'll play," Rain sighed.
"Bye guys," I called over my shoulder.
"Bye Jondy!"
"Véale mañana, Tía Jondy!"
Zack's arm was around my waist. "See you guys tomorrow," he said, as I grabbed my bag and coat.
Luckily Zack decided to take his bike to the pizza shop. It would've been an okay walk (aside from the rain) but I was definitely grateful of the bike; it meant we wouldn't have to talk. It gave me more time to procrastinate.
And I decided to look in the window of the shoe shop while Zack got the pizza. While there were shoes in the shop just begging me to steal, I was getting wetter. I hate the rain. I've got cat DNA, and cats don't like getting wet.
Zack came out with the pizza, and we walked the last two blocks to his block. It was too hard to juggle the pizza and keep it dry.
Zack's place wasn't the old place I remember; he must've moved since we broke up. It was sort of loft-esque. Really big and airy. Zack hurled his motorcycle upstairs, to park it in the living room (when I asked, he said he didn't want it stolen if he left it downstairs) and man, this was just so totally a *guy* apartment. There were a few *questionable* looking magazines (yeah, I'll let you use your imagination), the biggest collection of pre-Pulse action movies I have ever seen and it just … looked like a totally 'guy' apartment.
"What do you do to get a place like this?" I asked in awe. Trust me when I say that we never lived like this when I was here. . .
"Normal gave me some part time work at Jam Pony, part of his transgenic program or something. And I work for a PI firm; they needed someone to do recon," Zack said, going into the kitchen.
"Damn. I so need to work for Normal," I said. "What do you do - shop on the black market?"
Zack laughed. "No. I did Logan some EO favours. He gets me the stuff I need."
"Like the DVD player, Xbox, stereo?" I asked, with a grin.
"Yeah," Zack said, handing me a beer. "Logan has contacts."
"Impressive," I said, as we took the pizza box into the lounge room. I sat cross legged on the couch, at the opposite end, with my beer and pizza. . . You know, very few people realise the merits of beer and pizza. Its yummy and it has very little nutritional value. . .okay, Jondy, it's time to focus on *relative* things, such as how you are going to tell your boyfriend of twenty-four hours and thirty-seven minutes that you're leaving him for three months. Ugh.
"Jon, what's wrong?" Zack asked.
"Nothing," I said, focusing on my boots. They were really nice boots; I stole them in L.A. from this really expensive shoe shop . . . Oh yes, that's relevant, Jondy.
"Dee, you haven't looked at me directly all day," Zack placed the pizza box on the floor and took the bottle of beer from my hands and put it on the coffee table.
"The truth," I began, suddenly wondering Krit's plan of good sex, and then the truth was the better plan of attack . . . "Is that if I'd looked at you today, I totally would've jumped you." I leant over, kissing him passionately, pushing him back on the couch. . .
Zack pulled away from me. "Jon, as nice as that thought it, that's a lie."
Damnit.
I stood up, running my fingers through my hair, and began pacing. Shit, shit, shit. I'd made the situation worse. . .he's going to totally think I'm lying.
I paused in front of a window, gazing out at the rain. Now I was inside, and dry, it was almost calming.
Zack's arms wrapped around my waist, and he kissed my cheek. "Tell me, Jondy." It wasn't an order, it was a request. . . How is it, that he can do the simplest of things, and make me fall in love with him again?
I leant against him. "I have to go back to L.A. for the summer," I said, closing my eyes, my head resting against his shoulder.
"Why?" Zack asked softly. I recognized that voice. . . It was Unsure-Zack voice.
"Because I got an internship at a children's hospital," I said. "And if I drop out now, I'll never be able to get another placing that good."
Zack pulled away from me.
"Zack?"
"Jon, if you don't want us to go anywhere, you just have to say so. . .not make up complicated lies," he said, in CO-voice.
Damnit.
"Zack," I said, grabbing his hand and looking at him. He was hurt, I could tell by the way he was looking at me. Anger and indifference. "I really want this - want you to be a major part of my life. I love you.
"But I spent four years working on my career and if I don't go back to L.A. this summer, I'll have wasted those four years."
Zack stared at me, probably working out if I was lying. . .
"Three months in L.A, and then I'll move back to Seattle," I offered. "I really want us to work out this time."
Zack nodded and wrapped his arms around me. "I love you too, Jondy. I think I can handle three months."
I smirked at him and pulled back. "We'll just have to make some *really* good memories before I go, huh?"
Zack caught my meaning and gave me a matching grin. "I'll get the ice cream."
*~*~*~*~*
So was anyone expecting Tinga/Zane or Brin/Alec? *g*
Last chapter coming soon :-) Anything you'd like to see in the sequel I'm planning, any suggestions, any comments, please review. It totally makes my day when I get reviews for this fic :-)
Anyways, thank you to Jayme! At least someone else thinks the jokes are funny ;) And I hope this chapter is funny enough.
To Jzshiri :-) Denial rocks my socks. WGL ain't married ;)
AN2: Maxa (Jacey's daughter) speaks a little Spanish in this chapter. I have checked in at (a language translator) and pretty
much all of it translates from Spanish to English. Anyways, there's only three statements in Spanish and you should get the gist of them.
AN3: Due to some irritating errors, I re-uploaded this chapter. :D
Review like the fiends you are ;) I'm aiming for 125 reviews.
*~*~*~*~*
Wow.
That was an incredible night. Unbelievable. Wow. Completely amazing in so many ways.
Yeah, I'm saying that about multiple things, Muahahaha. But after we spent the night, and most of the early hours of the morning doing, you know, *stuff*, I completely slept. Like a norm. We both crashed about 4 a.m. and now it was almost 10 a.m., which was a damn impressive amount of sleep for me. Me, because, when I woke up, Zack wasn't in bed with me, damnit. I though it could've been a *fun* morning.
So, I pulled on an old ACDC shirt that was on the floor (it was Krit's, I could smell him all over it, but luckily it was clean) and a pair of boxers whose owner I couldn't identify. Food sounded excellent about now, I was absolutely starving. All I'd had in, like, eight hours was some Ready-Whip cream. Not that I'm complaining.
Zack was standing in the kitchen, naked to the waist (Yayness of all yayness-es!); dressed in boxers, drinking black coffee (how he drinks so much of it is beyond me) and reading the newspaper. How domestic. I came up behind him, wrapping my arms around his waist.
"Morning," I said, smiling, as Zack turned around, smiling at me.
"Hey. How do you feel?" Zack stroked my face.
"Pleasantly numb," I said with a grin that spoke for itself.
"Good to know," Zack chuckled, one arm snaking around my waist. "Wanna take the first shower?"
I wrapped my arms around his neck. "But I'll need someone to wash … my hair," I said, kissing him again. "Please. Then you can make breakfast for me."
"Will I?" Zack met my gaze with a glint of humour in his eyes.
"Oh, yes," I said with a wicked grin. "You so will."
For the record, we had the shower together (I could so get used to Zack and I doing that every morning) and I went and found my own pyjamas (at this point, we both decided that it was utterly pointless actually getting dressed. So the compromise was pyjamas. And since I so needed to do my laundry, all I had was a button up top and sweatpants.) The plan was to make breakfast, eat breakfast and then retire to the guestroom with either the mocha-chip ice cream or another can of Read-Whip.
But when I was reclothes, my hair was dried and I had started a load of laundry, Zack presented me with five flowers.
"Because I didn't get you any when you were in hospital," he said, almost sheepishly. I took the flowers, smiling. God, Zack was always surprising me so much. There were only five flowers there. I haven't got a clue what sort they were or anything. Two pink and three white.
Flowers are almost criminally expensive nowadays. I know it sounds stupid, but I was really touched. Zack does not fork out money for flower for just anybody . . . The mental picture of Zack buying flowers is actually vaguely amusing . . .
I flung my arms around his neck, kissing him, and being very careful of the flowers. His arms went around my waist. . .
We stood there making out in the kitchen for ages, my back against the counter. Finally, I just hopped up on the counter, wrapping my legs around Zack's waist.
Even as a teenager I had bloody awful timing. I'd be the one Lydecker caught giggling or making faces. I'd be the one Zack caught having sex with some ordinary. And then Zack would yell, order me to 'cover myself up', and beat the living pulp out of the poor Ordinary.
So really, it's pretty damned obvious that just as Zack unbuttons my top, everyone arrives home.
Its like a scene from one of those bad pre-Pulse sitcoms. Everyone just totally froze, gaping at us. Tinga's hands instantly covered Case's eyes. I just stared. I think the blood in my veins froze that moment.
We were so busted. So very, very busted. Syl's hand went to her mouth, as she tried to hide her laughter. Actually, I was wracking my brain for an excuse; any valid excuse. . . CPR? Heart massage? Okay, so it wasn't exactly my heart Zack was massaging… down, Jondy. . . Shit, shit, shit . . .
"Jon," Alec said, averting his eyes, a grin on his face. "You might wanna do up your shirt. . . Bit of an over share."
I think that's the reddest I've ever seen Zack turn. Actually, I'm pretty sure I wasn't exactly my usual shade of pale, either. I've never crossed my arms so fast in my life. I kinda wasn't expecting such an interruption yet, and the laundry needed doing. . . But I really, really should've put on a bra of some sort. I think I just majorly, majorly took family sharing to a complete and whole new level.
Um, oops?
I began hurriedly doing up the buttons on my top, focusing solely on the buttons so no one could see my face, which felt so hot, I knew my blush would clash with my hair.
"Feeling better, Max?" Zack asked, uneasily, trying to break the awkward silence.
"Yeah, I feel fine," Max nodded, with a grin.
"Dr Carr," Zane broke it with a grin. "Wanted us to make sure you, Jondy, were okay and all."
"You look like you have a ton of energy," Rain said, grinning. "Man, so were you going to actually get it on in Logan's kitchen?"
Logan held up a hand. "I do not want to know what happened in my kitchen, in the bathroom or anywhere else in this place. It's just not a mental picture I want."
I snorted with laughter, and looked up. "Your timing bites. You do realise how humiliating this is and you know you could've used your brains and called first," I pointed out, hands on my hips.
"Oh come on Jon!" Krit said with a grin, his arm around Syl's shoulders. "Evie, Maxa, what's the motto of this family?"
Evie grinned. "Humiliation is character building."
"Exactly," Krit nodded. "Think of how much character you've gained from this experience."
"Bite me," I said, running my fingers through my hair.
"As fun as standing in the kitchen is," Jace spoke up. "Well, it just isn't."
The others agreed, and Logan mentioned he was making breakfast (after making Zack and I swear that we hadn't done anything in his kitchen. I think if we told him we had, he would've gotten a new one put in. Logan's as paranoid as Normal when it comes to his kitchen.)
I decided laundry is good. Because when I don't even have a sports top to wear under my top, I think laundry service is a good plan. Clean clothes make me happy. And also, when Zack removes fore mentioned clean clothes, I get happier… man, my thoughts are total gutter-material. One night with the man and I can't get my thought away from him.
I think that's a good sign.
So, I'm loading a basket with my clothes, and random other dirty clothes and such, pulling my hair out my eyes with one of Evie's butterfly clips.
"Going to do the laundry," I call out.
Krit pulls away from Syl. "I'll help; you look like you could use some help, Jon."
I roll my eyes, but accept his … gracious offer. Meh. There will be an ulterior motive to Krit's helpfulness. He plays 'merciless baby brother' well. Damnit.
The ride in the elevator to the basement, where the laundry room was. It was a really crappy laundry room for an expensive place like Foggle Towers - twelve washing machines against one wall, and twelve dryers against the other wall. There's a nice soap dispenser and several dated business magazines on the bench. The bench is literally a park bench no body dares to sit on because it's so broken.
And lovely concrete floors. And rats. Maybe I'm the only one who notices the rats (well, maybe X5s in general) because of the feline DNA.
Krit and I wordlessly began sorting clothes and stuff into each machine. Maybe, maybe he is being a genuinely nice person for once. . .
"I didn't know you had a tattoo on your . . "
"Krit!" I smacked his head. He gave me a wounded expression. "No jokes."
"Okay, okay," Krit said with a grin, hugging me. "Good to have you back though, Jon."
I gave him a confused look. "Back? I've been here for over a month, Cat-Man."
Krit shook his head, kissing my hair. "Back-back. You sorta weren't with us until now."
"Until Zack and I hooked up again?" I said pointedly.
"You and Zack are like one person," Krit said. "He doesn't function right without you to lean on. And, sorry Jon, but you can be a real bitch when you aren't getting any," Krit shrugged.
"You are so going to die for that comment," I said, shoving him off me, with a playful grin on my face. "Evil, that was."
Playful wrestling with Krit is always fun; makes me wish we'd been normal kids. But then, maybe Krit and I wouldn't be as… well, anti-close as we are.
He has me pinned to the floor. "Sorry for not, you know," Krit began.
"We're Jondy and Krit," I supplied for him. "You're gonna be there when I need you. And when you need me, I'll be there for you. And other times. . . Well, we're Jondy and Krit."
Krit nodded, smiling, pulling me up. We sat on an empty machine, watching the washing spin round and round . . . And watching the water and bubbles leak out from one machine.
"So, are you moving in with Zack, or what?" Krit asked, his gazed fixed on the washing. The round and round movement was almost hypnotic. . .
"I gotta be back in L.A. for a summer's internship at the children's hospital," I say carelessly.
Krit looked at me sceptically. "Does Zack know this?"
I froze. "Nooo. Probably be a good thing to mention, huh?"
"Well, if Syl and I were in yours and Zack's situation, and Syl suddenly announced she had to 'go back home' 'to work for the summer'. . . I'd be pretty much convinced that she was bailing on me."
"Zack wouldn't think that," I said airily.
"Why wouldn't he?" Krit pointed out. "I mean, he's still feeling guilty over the whole wedding thing. I'd say the second you say 'go back to L.A.' He's going to start moping, Jon. Face the facts."
Maybe Krit was right. Zack was going to yell and mope and we'd break up again and it'd be one hundred times worse this time because I was admitting to my self I totally wanted him.
Mortification was obviously evident on my face, because Krit patted my shoulder. "Maybe. . . I dunno. Tell him after really great sex?"
I slugged Krit for that. Krit fell off the machine.
"Jon!"
"Learn to think before you talk English. Or Spanish. Or Russian. Or any language I can, in fact, speak, okay?"
"Yes *Mom*."
I punched him again for that.
*~*~*~*~*
Krit and I went back upstairs an hour later. Rather subdued, because I had been worrying about Zack's reaction to the news I'd have to spend the next three months in L.A. I'd never get a chance like this internship again. If I didn't take it, I might as well give up medicine now.
And Krit was worrying because . . Yeah, it's really not my place to say why Krit decided to freak out.
"Jon?" Krit said, as we were about to go back into Logan's. And the lock was still. . . Non-existent.
"Yeah?"
"Brin told me something years ago; before Syl and I hooked up."
"What was it?" I asked, shifting the washing basket.
"'Think not with your brain, but with your heart," Krit quoted, pausing with a grin on his face. "And when that heart attack comes, you'll know its because you think too much."
I rolled my eyes and went inside. To a reasonably empty penthouse. Max, Syl, Jace, Tinga and Brin were sprawled out over the couch, with various salted snack foods.
"Bout time," Syl said with a grin. "If I didn't know better, I'd think you and Krit were having an affair, Jon," she said with a teasing voice.
"Oh, we are," Krit said, slinging his arms around my waist. "You see, I know Jon has a tattoo on her…"
I jammed my elbow into his stomach. "Shut up."
"Oh yes," Brin said with a grin. "That is obviously true love, Syl."
"The guys took the kids to the park, Krit," Max said. "We need some girly Over-21 Bonding Time. Go away."
"Oh, I feel loved," Krit said, wounded expression on his face. "Okay. Later ladies. And Jondy."
I stuck my tongue out at him, plonking down beside Brin.
"So, what are we bonding over?" I asked, grabbing a handful of salted peanuts.
"Just bonding," Tinga smiled. "And by the way Jondy, I really must comment on your tattoo. It's a nice one. . .though I'm kinda wishing Case hadn't seen it."
I began turning red. "No tattoo jokes, okay?"
They nod resolutely, and Tinga beamed at me. "Charlie and Case are living in San Diego. And I'm going to spend the summer with them."
"That is excellent, Tinga," I said, grinning back at her. "Second chance, huh?"
"Definitely," Tinga said. "But. . ."
"There's a 'but'," Jace said.
"A very valid 'but'," Brin said with a grin.
"Zane does have a nice butt, right Tinga?" Max said with a grin.
"Zane?" I gaped at Tinga. "You? And Zane? As in You and Zane. Together. In a none sibling relationship. With, like, the sex and the . . ."
"Yes, Jondy," Tinga rolled her eyes. "I don't know. We both know that there is something there. . . I don't know. Summer with Charlie and Case should help me sort things out a but more."
I nodded dumbly. "You. . .and Zane."
"Tact, Jon," Syl said, giving me a shove.
"Um, okay. . . I can do tact. Tact. . . Um, it's great that you, Tinga, want to totally jump my brother," I said with a grin.
"Yeah, next time you try tact Jondy, try it with actual feeling," Tinga retorted. "And Zane and I…We'll see."
"I sorta hope you two do hook up," Max said, shrugging. "When was the last time Zane went out on a date?"
"He doesn't," Syl replied softly. "Remember Miranda?"
Brin and I exchanged confused looks, and the others nodded.
Jace looked up. "Miranda was Zane's last girlfriend… three years ago. She was nice girl. In fact, I think she was the girlfriend Rain actually liked. Anyway, Miranda was in a bad car accident with Zane and Rain," Jace paused. "Syl? Max? Tinga? Fill in the gaps. I heard about it from Logan, I do not know the details."
"Oh," Syl said, waving her hands about excitedly. "Miranda spent six weeks in ICU, while Rain and Zane walked away relatively unscarred. Miranda did something to her back or neck or something, so she couldn't move any limbs or something. She needed a 24 hour nurse and all.
"Basically, she didn't want Zane staying with her, caring for her, his whole life. Miranda's parents took Miranda back to Vancouver and six months later, she died. Zane never forgave himself for the accident and all."
"Rain went kinda independent after that, too. Anyways, yeah, we want you to be happy, Tinga," Max smiled.
"And here I was thinking this was cruel and unusual punishment," Tinga said dryly.
"Hey!" Brin and I protested.
Tinga smiled angelically at us, "Did I say that aloud?"
"Ok, ok," Syl said, holding her hands up. "Next subject open for discussion; Jondy, Zack and the scene in the kitchen this morning."
"No," I said. "Not going there in any reality."
"Oh, but we are," Max grinned. "And don't deny anything, Jay."
"But ladies don't kiss and tell," I said, smirking.
"You aren't a lady, and we all know kissing wasn't all you did," Brin retorted.
I stuck my tongue out a Brin. "Fine, so apparently it was obvious how Zack and I spent our time. Must we go and discuss every. Single. Little. Tiny. Detail?"
"Generally, yes. But because it was with Zack, who is in fact my biological brother, it makes it icky," Syl said. "So, just vague details, please."
"How about I tell you a problem I've got, and you help me solve it?" I offered ."It's a Zack-related problem, so technically it's still within your Jondy-torture range."
"Okay, I suppose," Syl said. "What's the problem?"
"Well, I need to go back to L.A. for a work thing this summer; and it's really important to me. And I need to leave in the next two days. But I'm worried if I tell Zack now, it's like . . ."
"You are completely rejecting him," Brin finished.
"Or bailing on him. And trust me when I say that neither is true," I said. "Help?"
"Be completely honest with him, Jon," Max said. "Don't make excuses or it'll look like you're lying."
I nodded. "But Zack's going to do the Zack-esque thing and blame himself. True?"
"True," Tinga nodded. "It really doesn't matter what you say to him, though, Jon, he's still going to self-blame."
I nodded. "Brilliant. Just peachy," I said sourly.
"Well, even if he does think you're bailing on him, Jon, Zack's gonna put up a damn good fight," Max said with a grin. "I haven't see him this animated since he moved to Seattle to be with you. Before the wedding."
I smiled. "Really?"
"Isn't that cute," Syl nudged Brin. "The cute little afterglow grin."
Brin nodded, smiling herself.
"And if I'm not mistaken," Jace said. "Brin also has the afterglow grin. Spill."
Brin looked like a deer caught in the head lights. "Nothing to tell, really. I usually smile. . . Like I've just had sex."
We all gave her identical sceptical looks.
"Alec. We hit it off," Brin said. "He understands all the Manticore stuff I have to deal with and I understand his Manticore-stuff. So, yeah. Alec and I are unofficially 'something'."
"So basically, you're getting it on and not telling anyone?" Syl asked. At Brin's Look, Syl held up her hands. "I was only asking! That's how Krit and I started."
"And Victor and I," Jace nodded, smirking. "Jondy?"
I blinked. "Oh, well, since there was no body to tell, really… yeah, that's how Zack and I started as well."
Brin nodded, smiling. "That makes me feel… happier than I have been in awhile. I owe you one Jondy, for making me come back to you guys." She hugged me.
"It's okay," I said, hugging her back . "You can pay me in cookies."
"Always thinking about your stomach, Jon," Max rolled her eyes.
I made a face. "Living off take out through med school and then coming to Chef Cale's? You would too, my dear."
"Touché," Tinga said, as we heard the guys bringing the kids back. "I think we're going to get stuck with lunch duty."
"It's almost a guarantee," Alec nodded. "We took the rug rats out, you get to feed the troops."
"Feed yourselves," Jace said. "We're not hungry."
"A woman's place is in the kitchen," Zack called from the kitchen.
"Whoa. Jondy. Zack totally deserves to die for that remark," Max said, shooting a deadly glare in Zack's direction.
"I make a mean ice cream sundae and I can order kick-ass take out, but that's as far as my cooking skills go. So obviously Zack's going to starve," I said, standing up.
"You guys make lunch and we'll make dinner," Krit offered.
"Done deal," Syl said.
Okay, Jace and Tinga make mean sandwiches. Syl and I made a mess. Brin was in charge of drinks. Syl and I managed to burn the pop corn and somehow, melt a plastic cup in the microwave.
We made ourselves scarce. Logan was not a happy camper when he saw the state of his microwave.
I was really quite edgy. Zack and I were going back to his place tonight, because everyone was staying here for the moment - Jace, Maxa, Syl, Krit, Charlie, Case, Tinga and Zane. Alec and Brin were both heading back to their places (though I'm pretty much guessing that Alec will go to Brin's tonight. Just a hunch.) Anyway, I'm going to Zack's. And I've got to Break The News; which I am, in fact, not looking forward to. Ugh.
Maybe I should just send him a nice singing, dancing email?
I ended up hiding out in Evie's room with the girls, playing Monopoly. And I am disgusted to say Maxa won. Not just won; she slaughtered us.
Then Case talked us into playing Chinese Checkers. I am disgusted with myself. Nine years of strict miliary training and I ended up coming last. Against four kids. Damnit.
"Don't challenge Case to a video game," Charlie said from the doorway. "He used to challenge me; if he won, his allowance was doubled. Unbeatable."
I looked up, grinning. "So Case knows how to play pool?"
"No, he doesn't," Charlie shook his head.
"He's got X5 blood and he can't play pool?" I gaped at Charlie. "Don't say that in front of Syl or Krit; they might cry."
"Why?" Charlie asked, as the girls began setting up Trivial Pursuit.
"That's how they used to pay the rent when they were kids. Hustling people in clubs and bars. Syl is virtually unbeatable," I said. "Krit can sometimes beat her, but that's not too often. I've never played Tinga."
"Huh. One of you will have to teach him," Charlie said. "Anyway, I just came to make sure Case wasn't making bets with the girls."
"C'mon Tia Jondy," Maxa motioned. "We want to start now."
Tia Jondy. I've been upgraded from random person to Aunt Jondy!
"Jon?" Zack stuck his head in the door. "I'm gonna go now, pick up some pizza. Do you wanna come now or meet me over there in half an hour?"
Get thrashed at Trivial Pursuit… deal with my boyfriend-issues… Boyfriend issues wins hands down.
"I'm coming," I said, pulling my shoes on and standing up.
"Tia Jondy, please play - we need cuatro personas to play," Maxa said.
"Please Jon?" Case added.
"Ask Rain," I said, motioning at the fore mentioned X8, who was sprawled on Evie's bed with a magazine.
"Juegue el juego con nosotros, Rain?" Maxa twisted around. Man, no wonder the girl didn't talk much. Spanish. Very cool. Jace was the best at Spanish when we were kids. . .
"Yeah, I'll play," Rain sighed.
"Bye guys," I called over my shoulder.
"Bye Jondy!"
"Véale mañana, Tía Jondy!"
Zack's arm was around my waist. "See you guys tomorrow," he said, as I grabbed my bag and coat.
Luckily Zack decided to take his bike to the pizza shop. It would've been an okay walk (aside from the rain) but I was definitely grateful of the bike; it meant we wouldn't have to talk. It gave me more time to procrastinate.
And I decided to look in the window of the shoe shop while Zack got the pizza. While there were shoes in the shop just begging me to steal, I was getting wetter. I hate the rain. I've got cat DNA, and cats don't like getting wet.
Zack came out with the pizza, and we walked the last two blocks to his block. It was too hard to juggle the pizza and keep it dry.
Zack's place wasn't the old place I remember; he must've moved since we broke up. It was sort of loft-esque. Really big and airy. Zack hurled his motorcycle upstairs, to park it in the living room (when I asked, he said he didn't want it stolen if he left it downstairs) and man, this was just so totally a *guy* apartment. There were a few *questionable* looking magazines (yeah, I'll let you use your imagination), the biggest collection of pre-Pulse action movies I have ever seen and it just … looked like a totally 'guy' apartment.
"What do you do to get a place like this?" I asked in awe. Trust me when I say that we never lived like this when I was here. . .
"Normal gave me some part time work at Jam Pony, part of his transgenic program or something. And I work for a PI firm; they needed someone to do recon," Zack said, going into the kitchen.
"Damn. I so need to work for Normal," I said. "What do you do - shop on the black market?"
Zack laughed. "No. I did Logan some EO favours. He gets me the stuff I need."
"Like the DVD player, Xbox, stereo?" I asked, with a grin.
"Yeah," Zack said, handing me a beer. "Logan has contacts."
"Impressive," I said, as we took the pizza box into the lounge room. I sat cross legged on the couch, at the opposite end, with my beer and pizza. . . You know, very few people realise the merits of beer and pizza. Its yummy and it has very little nutritional value. . .okay, Jondy, it's time to focus on *relative* things, such as how you are going to tell your boyfriend of twenty-four hours and thirty-seven minutes that you're leaving him for three months. Ugh.
"Jon, what's wrong?" Zack asked.
"Nothing," I said, focusing on my boots. They were really nice boots; I stole them in L.A. from this really expensive shoe shop . . . Oh yes, that's relevant, Jondy.
"Dee, you haven't looked at me directly all day," Zack placed the pizza box on the floor and took the bottle of beer from my hands and put it on the coffee table.
"The truth," I began, suddenly wondering Krit's plan of good sex, and then the truth was the better plan of attack . . . "Is that if I'd looked at you today, I totally would've jumped you." I leant over, kissing him passionately, pushing him back on the couch. . .
Zack pulled away from me. "Jon, as nice as that thought it, that's a lie."
Damnit.
I stood up, running my fingers through my hair, and began pacing. Shit, shit, shit. I'd made the situation worse. . .he's going to totally think I'm lying.
I paused in front of a window, gazing out at the rain. Now I was inside, and dry, it was almost calming.
Zack's arms wrapped around my waist, and he kissed my cheek. "Tell me, Jondy." It wasn't an order, it was a request. . . How is it, that he can do the simplest of things, and make me fall in love with him again?
I leant against him. "I have to go back to L.A. for the summer," I said, closing my eyes, my head resting against his shoulder.
"Why?" Zack asked softly. I recognized that voice. . . It was Unsure-Zack voice.
"Because I got an internship at a children's hospital," I said. "And if I drop out now, I'll never be able to get another placing that good."
Zack pulled away from me.
"Zack?"
"Jon, if you don't want us to go anywhere, you just have to say so. . .not make up complicated lies," he said, in CO-voice.
Damnit.
"Zack," I said, grabbing his hand and looking at him. He was hurt, I could tell by the way he was looking at me. Anger and indifference. "I really want this - want you to be a major part of my life. I love you.
"But I spent four years working on my career and if I don't go back to L.A. this summer, I'll have wasted those four years."
Zack stared at me, probably working out if I was lying. . .
"Three months in L.A, and then I'll move back to Seattle," I offered. "I really want us to work out this time."
Zack nodded and wrapped his arms around me. "I love you too, Jondy. I think I can handle three months."
I smirked at him and pulled back. "We'll just have to make some *really* good memories before I go, huh?"
Zack caught my meaning and gave me a matching grin. "I'll get the ice cream."
*~*~*~*~*
So was anyone expecting Tinga/Zane or Brin/Alec? *g*
Last chapter coming soon :-) Anything you'd like to see in the sequel I'm planning, any suggestions, any comments, please review. It totally makes my day when I get reviews for this fic :-)
