No Time to Waste
by TheRealXenocide
`
Note: In this story, the trio are 16, and Matt is 13. You can do the math for the rest.
Disclaimer: I do not own the characters, settings, or anything else you recognize from the show Lizzie McGuire. The plot, at it's base, has been around since Homer, and this variant since Henry Ford. However, this is the first I've seen it applied to Lizzie.
`
Chapter 54
By the number
`
The same Saturday morning Kate and Ethan began making plans for their wedding, Miranda and Matt were up early after having a decent night's sleep. There was still enough time before they expected anybody else up that they didn't want to make breakfast yet, so they spent the extra time in the living room. Miranda spoke first. "Do you think maybe we should try separate rooms tonight?" That seemed to come out of nowhere for Matt, and it showed on his face. "I like the time we spend together, but we both want to get better, and that is the next step."
"Yeah, but it's been less than a week since . . ."
"But we know why that happened" she interrupted. "You heard him. We need to be more aggressive in fighting this. I think that working toward sleeping normally is a good way to do that."
"You're right. But we have to ask our folks and the doctor about this."
She knew that he'd just said the incredibly obvious, but she also knew where that came from. She leaned in, and gave him a quick kiss. "After breakfast, okay?"
"Sure." He returned her kiss, which led to deeper kisses.
A few minutes later, between kisses, they began to discuss the day ahead. "Got any plans for today?" Miranda asked.
He had thought about making some calls to area shelters about a dog, but that was to be a surprise for her, as well as for Lily. "Nothing major." Another kiss. "Do you?"
"Well, mom's taking Lily to a friend's birthday party. Lizzie and Gordo asked me to join them at the Digital Bean, but I think they should go out alone, let everyone get used to them being a couple, ya know?" Another kiss.
"Makes sense. But what will you be doing?"
Miranda paused, then replied. "Weeell, that depends on your folks. If they're going to be hanging around here, we could go out somewhere."
He shook his head. "They're gonna be out most of the day. There's a sports memorabilia show today, and dad always goes. Mom goes so he can't spend too much."
Her face gained that look that made Matt feel like he would just melt into her, and not mind a bit. "So, it's another Saturday, with you, me, and an empty house. What ever will we do?"
"I've got a few ideas."
~~~~~~~~
When Ethan and Kate told his parents about their decision to move up the wedding to sometime before the baby was born, the elder couple were surprised.
At first, Mr. Craft had some concerns. This seemed a little rushed, and his experience with Tawny gave him some understandable suspicions. However, he had seen how she was with his son, and had seen the change in Ethan since her return. He also wasn't a fool. So, he gave them the chance to explain their reasoning.
Once he'd heard them out, he agreed.
The only issue would be getting Kate's parents to sign off on the paperwork. But, since this would mean that their legal obligation toward Kate would be over, nobody expected that to be a problem.
~~~~~~~~
During the phone calls after breakfast, there were reservations all the way around. However, the parents and doctor agreed, for two reasons. First, as with Miranda driving, it was a step that would be most likely to work if the kids thought it was time. Second, the parents thought that it would be easier to handle without having to worry about scaring Lily. So tonight, Matt would be in his room, his father on a sleeping bag next to the bed, while Miranda and Jo stayed in the den.
With that settled, Miranda went home. She wanted to get something to show Matt, hoping it, or rather him knowing what she did with it, might encourage him with what she had in mind. As she got it from where she hid it in her closet, she saw other box. The box that hid the surprise she'd bought for Matt the day she also got the speaker phone and those jeans. She considered using it today. As much as he didn't act like it at times, he was still a thirteen-year-old boy, and she knew this would have an effect on him. But that was also the cause for her to consider not using it yet. They had that agreement with their parents. If they, Matt and Miranda, held to their end of it, the prize waiting for them would be beyond value to them. But it took no small use of willpower at times, and she thought she knew enough of her limits, and his, to believe that to use it now would be putting that in very real jeopardy.
She decided. 'No. I'll stick to my original plan with that. For our honeymoon.'
She put the box back in its place, and left for Matt's with only what she had first come home for.
~~~~~~~~
While Miranda was gone, Matt decided to act on something that had been on his mind since Ethan and Kate's visit. When his parents had gone, he used the kitchen phone, and called Melina's house. He figured that, even if he wasn't allowed to speak to her, her mother should be able to help.
It was answered on the second ring. "Hello." It was Mrs. Bianco.
"Hello, Mrs. Bianco. It's Matt."
"Oh, hello Matt. I'm sorry, but Melina's still grounded from the phone."
"That's okay. I just hadn't gotten any mail from her in a while, and I was wondering if . . . you knew anything yet."
Mrs. Bianco remembered from Melina's first admission that Matt and his girlfriend were the ones that found she and Lanny. She also remembered Melina's call to the other girl, and how it seemed that, despite what had happened between them, the girl had tried to help. "Yes, we do. I'll have her write you the full story, but she's not pregnant."
"That's good news." He hesitated, then "if you don't mind my asking, I was wondering if . . ."
She cut him off. "I'm sorry, Matt, but I really don't think I should say any more right now. There are still a few things to work out." That was true, as far as it went. The three parents hadn't told Melina and Lanny what they'd decided, wanting to see how they handled the news for a little while, and she didn't want to risk letting anything slip while talking to Matt. "I'll have Melina explain everything in her letter, okay?"
He was a little put out by being cut off. But he realized that she didn't have to tell him as much as she had, and she had to have her reasons for going no farther. "Oh. Alright. Goodbye, Mrs. Bianco."
"Goodbye, Matt."
As he hung up, Miranda came though the back door, carrying a small box. He knew from the look on her face that she was up to something. "Where is everyone?"
"They're gone. What's in the box?"
"That's for later. Right now," she dropped to what she hoped was a seductive whisper, "come here and kiss me."
For most people, the effect may have been more comedic than seductive. Coming from her, however, at worked on Matt perfectly.
~~~~~~~~
Lizzie and Gordo were spending the day together at The Digital Bean, having been driven there by her parents on their way to the collectibles show. Even though everyone had had time to digest the fact that they were finally together, it was still a strange concept to some after all these years, and they still get some curious glances.
Earning them even more looks was the medallion hanging from a necklace on Gordo's neck. Well known for not wearing jewelry beyond a basic watch, the throng couldn't understand why he'd start now, why he'd wear something so big, and why it had that bird on it.
As they sat together, enjoying their smoothies, they managed to get to the subject of their casts. "So, your leg gets liberated Thursday?" Gordo asked.
She laughed at the way he said that. "Yeah, the day after your arm. And it's almost straight from there to the physical therapist." Lizzie said with a groan.
"It can't be that bad."
"I know. The doctor said I'd probably just be taught what I need to do at home, and check in once a week so they can see how I'm doing. I guess I wish we were doing it together, ya know?"
Gordo had to smile at that. "I've got at least three weeks for this one." He knocked on his leg-and-hip cast. "But like you said, I should have my arm freed this week, so we can work together, just on different parts."
"And I should get my arm done the week after that, so that will be good." She took another drink, then a wicked grin crossed her mind. "I bet we can come up with some exercises the doctors won't."
Gordo nearly choked, as he was taking a drink when she said that. "Lizzie," he finally managed, "please don't say things like that in public." As he collected himself, a thoughtful expression crossed his face. "I've been wondering about something, but I'm not sure about it yet. Can we talk about this next time we're alone?"
Lizzie would have been tempted with a joke, if not for the look on his face. She knew that look well, and it told her that her old friend was very serious. She also saw something . . . like he was concerned, but not sure if he should be. That last bit puzzled her. "Are you okay?"
"Yeah, it's just something that's been on my mind." He saw something in her expression, and took her hand in his. "Don't worry, it's nothing bad. It's just something I think we should be alone to discuss, okay?"
As he spoke, her usual anxiety had begun to creep in. But his simple act of taking her hand had helped her push it back. She knew she could trust him. "Okay, I'll wait."
~~~~~~~~
Matt and Miranda were in Matt's bedroom, as they had been that rainy Saturday weeks before. Now, as then, they were down to their underwear. However, when Matt went to edge them to the bed, Miranda stood her ground. He looked up at her. "Is something wrong?"
She smiled lovingly at him. "No, but before we start that, I'd like to show you what I brought."
He'd completely forgotten about the little box she'd carried with her. Now, as she went to where it sat, he wondered what it had to do with this. When she revealed what was inside, he was even more confused. "A beard trimmer?"
She said softly. "It can trim more than beards, Matt."
It took a second for him to make the connection to what she meant, then he got it, and immediately started to redden. "You mean . . . you use that . . ." His throat was getting very dry.
"On the only hairs on my body you haven't seen yet." She walked to him as she said this, still speaking softly. "Shaving itches too much, but I have to do something." She was next to him now, and took his hands in hers. "The last time we were like this, we kept that part of our bodies covered. If you're okay with it, I want to go that next step. I want you to see all of me, and I want to see all of you."
It took a couple of minutes for Matt to respond, his desires and his fears battling for supremacy.
~~~~~~~~
Gordo's mother picked up Lizzie and Gordo a little after three that afternoon. From there, they went to his house, where Lizzie would be picked up around five. The young couple got to Gordo's room as quickly as they could, so they could have they talk Gordo wanted.
When Lizzie moved to kiss him, he stopped her. "Later. We really need to talk."
She saw that strange look again. "What's going on, Gordo?"
He sat on his bed, and patted the spot next to his in invitation. When she was seated, he tried to begin, but still hadn't found the right words. He saw the concern on Lizzie's face, and knew he had to do, say something to keep her from panicking. Finally, he decided to just ask her one of the questions he'd been asking himself. "Lizzie, we've been limiting ourselves, for a number of reasons. But we always seem to come back to the casts." He paused, swallowed, then continued. "What happens when all the casts are off?" She looked like she didn't quite understand. "I mean, that's one of the reasons we've kept things 'above the belt', remember?"
"Well, yeah, but just one." Now she saw the anxiety clearly on his face, and placed her good hand on his cheek. "I know you're worried about me, and what could happen. I can wait for you."
"Why should you?" Now she was confused, and it showed. "Lizzie, ever since I saw how happy Ethan was, I've been doing a lot of thinking. Do you remember how, in spite of knowing they were too young, Larry was happy, and looking forward to becoming a dad?"
"Yeah. I remember how he could drive Parker nuts with his plans for the future. But now . . ."
He knew she had begun to think about little Jacob, and tried to bring her back to now. "Lizzie, look at me." She did, slowly. "Yes, he died. But before that happened, they were happy. They weren't as uncontrolled as Ethan, but they were happy." He shook his head. "I've been worrying about a very remote chance, made even more remote by you being on the pill. In doing that, I've made you worry needlessly. I've said it before, but I am sorry I did that to you."
"I know you are. But I can't tell where you're going with this."
"I guess what I'm trying to say is this. We need to have a serious discussion about the physical part of our relationship, because I've finally decided something. I'm not going to let fear of a less than one in a million chance hold us back." Lizzie saw something she could only remember seeing once before. Gordo was crying what were clearly tears of joy. "Once all the casts come off, and we're strong enough, it's your decision."
"My decision?" She felt her own tears of joy beginning, but didn't care. Was he saying what she thought, what she hoped he was?
He was. "Lizzie, I'm ready whenever you are. I'll make love with you whenever you want."
They moved into an embrace, and just silently held each other for a while.
~~~~~~~~
When Sam and Jo came to get Lizzie, she asked if Gordo could come over for dinner. Once there, Jo went to the kitchen, Sam went to the living room, and Lizzie and Gordo went looking for Matt to tell him that they needed to talk to Miranda, and ask if they could use the speaker phone. After not finding him in the den, they hobbled upstairs.
Gordo knocked on Matt's door, but got nothing in response. He didn't know Miranda was there, but thought it possible that Matt might be . . . doing something that teenage boys do. So, Gordo cracked the door just enough so that he couldn't see anything, but his voice could be heard more clearly. Still nothing in response. He thought he heard something, but soft as it was, he couldn't at first place it.
Lizzie heard it too, but she placed it . . . incorrectly. "Sounds like he's in pain." She hobbled to his door.
Gordo finally placed the noise, but NOT as pain. His good arm, his left, was the one nearest the door. He moved to grab her, but not before she opened the door just enough to see something she never wanted to. Gordo realized the timing would be off. So, in one motion, he grabbed her mouth just before the piercing scream could alert Sam, Jo, and the rest of the neighborhood, then swung his body weight around so that she ended up against the wall, no longer seeing into the room. "Lizzie, please don't scream." He hissed in her ear.
After a few seconds of commotion in the room, two tightly robed figures appeared at the door. "Lizzie," Miranda began, then she saw them. "Gordo. Explains why there wasn't a scream."
"I thought she'd fainted." Matt admitted.
"Sorry, guys, we had no idea. We were just looking for Matt . . ."
Lizzie finally shook off Gordo's hand. "What the hell were you doing with him?!?" She wasn't yelling, but she was still clearly upset, and glaring at Miranda.
Matt stepped between them, not at all happy with his sister's attitude toward Miranda. "WE were enjoying each other. Together. You saw it. The common term is sixty-nine . . ."
"STOP!" Gordo cut in, trying to keep his voice from carrying. "Lizzie, remember that big meeting we had a couple of weeks ago at Miranda's?"
"Yeah, but . . ."
"They weren't doing anything we haven't discussed today. And when you've calmed down, you'll realize a couple things. First, they're the ones that should be upset, since you barged in on them. Second, now we have people to ask questions of."
Everyone was looking at Gordo in shock. Miranda spoke first. "What do you mean discussed today?"
Matt had his own question. "Ask questions of?"
"We were going to talk to Miranda, but I think you both should be in on this." Gordo responded. "Could you get dressed, then join us in Lizzie's room?"
Matt and Miranda stepped away a little, and spoke in whispers. When they finished, Miranda spoke to them. "Could you give us about ten minutes?"
At Gordo's puzzled look, she arched her eyebrows, and lifted the collar of her robe just enough so he remembered what she was wearing, and more to the point, why. "Oh, right, sorry about that. In ten or so."
Each couple retreated to the McGuire partner's room.
~~~~~~~~
Late A/N: Not everything is as it seems. I expect the last scene shook up some readers. I can understand that, but if you've been with this story this far, I hope you've learned some things about me and my writing. One of these is that I almost never do anything just for the hell of it, and certainly nothing as major as the last scene. All I can do is ask you to trust me, and see how the reactions in the next chapter unfold.
by TheRealXenocide
`
Note: In this story, the trio are 16, and Matt is 13. You can do the math for the rest.
Disclaimer: I do not own the characters, settings, or anything else you recognize from the show Lizzie McGuire. The plot, at it's base, has been around since Homer, and this variant since Henry Ford. However, this is the first I've seen it applied to Lizzie.
`
Chapter 54
By the number
`
The same Saturday morning Kate and Ethan began making plans for their wedding, Miranda and Matt were up early after having a decent night's sleep. There was still enough time before they expected anybody else up that they didn't want to make breakfast yet, so they spent the extra time in the living room. Miranda spoke first. "Do you think maybe we should try separate rooms tonight?" That seemed to come out of nowhere for Matt, and it showed on his face. "I like the time we spend together, but we both want to get better, and that is the next step."
"Yeah, but it's been less than a week since . . ."
"But we know why that happened" she interrupted. "You heard him. We need to be more aggressive in fighting this. I think that working toward sleeping normally is a good way to do that."
"You're right. But we have to ask our folks and the doctor about this."
She knew that he'd just said the incredibly obvious, but she also knew where that came from. She leaned in, and gave him a quick kiss. "After breakfast, okay?"
"Sure." He returned her kiss, which led to deeper kisses.
A few minutes later, between kisses, they began to discuss the day ahead. "Got any plans for today?" Miranda asked.
He had thought about making some calls to area shelters about a dog, but that was to be a surprise for her, as well as for Lily. "Nothing major." Another kiss. "Do you?"
"Well, mom's taking Lily to a friend's birthday party. Lizzie and Gordo asked me to join them at the Digital Bean, but I think they should go out alone, let everyone get used to them being a couple, ya know?" Another kiss.
"Makes sense. But what will you be doing?"
Miranda paused, then replied. "Weeell, that depends on your folks. If they're going to be hanging around here, we could go out somewhere."
He shook his head. "They're gonna be out most of the day. There's a sports memorabilia show today, and dad always goes. Mom goes so he can't spend too much."
Her face gained that look that made Matt feel like he would just melt into her, and not mind a bit. "So, it's another Saturday, with you, me, and an empty house. What ever will we do?"
"I've got a few ideas."
~~~~~~~~
When Ethan and Kate told his parents about their decision to move up the wedding to sometime before the baby was born, the elder couple were surprised.
At first, Mr. Craft had some concerns. This seemed a little rushed, and his experience with Tawny gave him some understandable suspicions. However, he had seen how she was with his son, and had seen the change in Ethan since her return. He also wasn't a fool. So, he gave them the chance to explain their reasoning.
Once he'd heard them out, he agreed.
The only issue would be getting Kate's parents to sign off on the paperwork. But, since this would mean that their legal obligation toward Kate would be over, nobody expected that to be a problem.
~~~~~~~~
During the phone calls after breakfast, there were reservations all the way around. However, the parents and doctor agreed, for two reasons. First, as with Miranda driving, it was a step that would be most likely to work if the kids thought it was time. Second, the parents thought that it would be easier to handle without having to worry about scaring Lily. So tonight, Matt would be in his room, his father on a sleeping bag next to the bed, while Miranda and Jo stayed in the den.
With that settled, Miranda went home. She wanted to get something to show Matt, hoping it, or rather him knowing what she did with it, might encourage him with what she had in mind. As she got it from where she hid it in her closet, she saw other box. The box that hid the surprise she'd bought for Matt the day she also got the speaker phone and those jeans. She considered using it today. As much as he didn't act like it at times, he was still a thirteen-year-old boy, and she knew this would have an effect on him. But that was also the cause for her to consider not using it yet. They had that agreement with their parents. If they, Matt and Miranda, held to their end of it, the prize waiting for them would be beyond value to them. But it took no small use of willpower at times, and she thought she knew enough of her limits, and his, to believe that to use it now would be putting that in very real jeopardy.
She decided. 'No. I'll stick to my original plan with that. For our honeymoon.'
She put the box back in its place, and left for Matt's with only what she had first come home for.
~~~~~~~~
While Miranda was gone, Matt decided to act on something that had been on his mind since Ethan and Kate's visit. When his parents had gone, he used the kitchen phone, and called Melina's house. He figured that, even if he wasn't allowed to speak to her, her mother should be able to help.
It was answered on the second ring. "Hello." It was Mrs. Bianco.
"Hello, Mrs. Bianco. It's Matt."
"Oh, hello Matt. I'm sorry, but Melina's still grounded from the phone."
"That's okay. I just hadn't gotten any mail from her in a while, and I was wondering if . . . you knew anything yet."
Mrs. Bianco remembered from Melina's first admission that Matt and his girlfriend were the ones that found she and Lanny. She also remembered Melina's call to the other girl, and how it seemed that, despite what had happened between them, the girl had tried to help. "Yes, we do. I'll have her write you the full story, but she's not pregnant."
"That's good news." He hesitated, then "if you don't mind my asking, I was wondering if . . ."
She cut him off. "I'm sorry, Matt, but I really don't think I should say any more right now. There are still a few things to work out." That was true, as far as it went. The three parents hadn't told Melina and Lanny what they'd decided, wanting to see how they handled the news for a little while, and she didn't want to risk letting anything slip while talking to Matt. "I'll have Melina explain everything in her letter, okay?"
He was a little put out by being cut off. But he realized that she didn't have to tell him as much as she had, and she had to have her reasons for going no farther. "Oh. Alright. Goodbye, Mrs. Bianco."
"Goodbye, Matt."
As he hung up, Miranda came though the back door, carrying a small box. He knew from the look on her face that she was up to something. "Where is everyone?"
"They're gone. What's in the box?"
"That's for later. Right now," she dropped to what she hoped was a seductive whisper, "come here and kiss me."
For most people, the effect may have been more comedic than seductive. Coming from her, however, at worked on Matt perfectly.
~~~~~~~~
Lizzie and Gordo were spending the day together at The Digital Bean, having been driven there by her parents on their way to the collectibles show. Even though everyone had had time to digest the fact that they were finally together, it was still a strange concept to some after all these years, and they still get some curious glances.
Earning them even more looks was the medallion hanging from a necklace on Gordo's neck. Well known for not wearing jewelry beyond a basic watch, the throng couldn't understand why he'd start now, why he'd wear something so big, and why it had that bird on it.
As they sat together, enjoying their smoothies, they managed to get to the subject of their casts. "So, your leg gets liberated Thursday?" Gordo asked.
She laughed at the way he said that. "Yeah, the day after your arm. And it's almost straight from there to the physical therapist." Lizzie said with a groan.
"It can't be that bad."
"I know. The doctor said I'd probably just be taught what I need to do at home, and check in once a week so they can see how I'm doing. I guess I wish we were doing it together, ya know?"
Gordo had to smile at that. "I've got at least three weeks for this one." He knocked on his leg-and-hip cast. "But like you said, I should have my arm freed this week, so we can work together, just on different parts."
"And I should get my arm done the week after that, so that will be good." She took another drink, then a wicked grin crossed her mind. "I bet we can come up with some exercises the doctors won't."
Gordo nearly choked, as he was taking a drink when she said that. "Lizzie," he finally managed, "please don't say things like that in public." As he collected himself, a thoughtful expression crossed his face. "I've been wondering about something, but I'm not sure about it yet. Can we talk about this next time we're alone?"
Lizzie would have been tempted with a joke, if not for the look on his face. She knew that look well, and it told her that her old friend was very serious. She also saw something . . . like he was concerned, but not sure if he should be. That last bit puzzled her. "Are you okay?"
"Yeah, it's just something that's been on my mind." He saw something in her expression, and took her hand in his. "Don't worry, it's nothing bad. It's just something I think we should be alone to discuss, okay?"
As he spoke, her usual anxiety had begun to creep in. But his simple act of taking her hand had helped her push it back. She knew she could trust him. "Okay, I'll wait."
~~~~~~~~
Matt and Miranda were in Matt's bedroom, as they had been that rainy Saturday weeks before. Now, as then, they were down to their underwear. However, when Matt went to edge them to the bed, Miranda stood her ground. He looked up at her. "Is something wrong?"
She smiled lovingly at him. "No, but before we start that, I'd like to show you what I brought."
He'd completely forgotten about the little box she'd carried with her. Now, as she went to where it sat, he wondered what it had to do with this. When she revealed what was inside, he was even more confused. "A beard trimmer?"
She said softly. "It can trim more than beards, Matt."
It took a second for him to make the connection to what she meant, then he got it, and immediately started to redden. "You mean . . . you use that . . ." His throat was getting very dry.
"On the only hairs on my body you haven't seen yet." She walked to him as she said this, still speaking softly. "Shaving itches too much, but I have to do something." She was next to him now, and took his hands in hers. "The last time we were like this, we kept that part of our bodies covered. If you're okay with it, I want to go that next step. I want you to see all of me, and I want to see all of you."
It took a couple of minutes for Matt to respond, his desires and his fears battling for supremacy.
~~~~~~~~
Gordo's mother picked up Lizzie and Gordo a little after three that afternoon. From there, they went to his house, where Lizzie would be picked up around five. The young couple got to Gordo's room as quickly as they could, so they could have they talk Gordo wanted.
When Lizzie moved to kiss him, he stopped her. "Later. We really need to talk."
She saw that strange look again. "What's going on, Gordo?"
He sat on his bed, and patted the spot next to his in invitation. When she was seated, he tried to begin, but still hadn't found the right words. He saw the concern on Lizzie's face, and knew he had to do, say something to keep her from panicking. Finally, he decided to just ask her one of the questions he'd been asking himself. "Lizzie, we've been limiting ourselves, for a number of reasons. But we always seem to come back to the casts." He paused, swallowed, then continued. "What happens when all the casts are off?" She looked like she didn't quite understand. "I mean, that's one of the reasons we've kept things 'above the belt', remember?"
"Well, yeah, but just one." Now she saw the anxiety clearly on his face, and placed her good hand on his cheek. "I know you're worried about me, and what could happen. I can wait for you."
"Why should you?" Now she was confused, and it showed. "Lizzie, ever since I saw how happy Ethan was, I've been doing a lot of thinking. Do you remember how, in spite of knowing they were too young, Larry was happy, and looking forward to becoming a dad?"
"Yeah. I remember how he could drive Parker nuts with his plans for the future. But now . . ."
He knew she had begun to think about little Jacob, and tried to bring her back to now. "Lizzie, look at me." She did, slowly. "Yes, he died. But before that happened, they were happy. They weren't as uncontrolled as Ethan, but they were happy." He shook his head. "I've been worrying about a very remote chance, made even more remote by you being on the pill. In doing that, I've made you worry needlessly. I've said it before, but I am sorry I did that to you."
"I know you are. But I can't tell where you're going with this."
"I guess what I'm trying to say is this. We need to have a serious discussion about the physical part of our relationship, because I've finally decided something. I'm not going to let fear of a less than one in a million chance hold us back." Lizzie saw something she could only remember seeing once before. Gordo was crying what were clearly tears of joy. "Once all the casts come off, and we're strong enough, it's your decision."
"My decision?" She felt her own tears of joy beginning, but didn't care. Was he saying what she thought, what she hoped he was?
He was. "Lizzie, I'm ready whenever you are. I'll make love with you whenever you want."
They moved into an embrace, and just silently held each other for a while.
~~~~~~~~
When Sam and Jo came to get Lizzie, she asked if Gordo could come over for dinner. Once there, Jo went to the kitchen, Sam went to the living room, and Lizzie and Gordo went looking for Matt to tell him that they needed to talk to Miranda, and ask if they could use the speaker phone. After not finding him in the den, they hobbled upstairs.
Gordo knocked on Matt's door, but got nothing in response. He didn't know Miranda was there, but thought it possible that Matt might be . . . doing something that teenage boys do. So, Gordo cracked the door just enough so that he couldn't see anything, but his voice could be heard more clearly. Still nothing in response. He thought he heard something, but soft as it was, he couldn't at first place it.
Lizzie heard it too, but she placed it . . . incorrectly. "Sounds like he's in pain." She hobbled to his door.
Gordo finally placed the noise, but NOT as pain. His good arm, his left, was the one nearest the door. He moved to grab her, but not before she opened the door just enough to see something she never wanted to. Gordo realized the timing would be off. So, in one motion, he grabbed her mouth just before the piercing scream could alert Sam, Jo, and the rest of the neighborhood, then swung his body weight around so that she ended up against the wall, no longer seeing into the room. "Lizzie, please don't scream." He hissed in her ear.
After a few seconds of commotion in the room, two tightly robed figures appeared at the door. "Lizzie," Miranda began, then she saw them. "Gordo. Explains why there wasn't a scream."
"I thought she'd fainted." Matt admitted.
"Sorry, guys, we had no idea. We were just looking for Matt . . ."
Lizzie finally shook off Gordo's hand. "What the hell were you doing with him?!?" She wasn't yelling, but she was still clearly upset, and glaring at Miranda.
Matt stepped between them, not at all happy with his sister's attitude toward Miranda. "WE were enjoying each other. Together. You saw it. The common term is sixty-nine . . ."
"STOP!" Gordo cut in, trying to keep his voice from carrying. "Lizzie, remember that big meeting we had a couple of weeks ago at Miranda's?"
"Yeah, but . . ."
"They weren't doing anything we haven't discussed today. And when you've calmed down, you'll realize a couple things. First, they're the ones that should be upset, since you barged in on them. Second, now we have people to ask questions of."
Everyone was looking at Gordo in shock. Miranda spoke first. "What do you mean discussed today?"
Matt had his own question. "Ask questions of?"
"We were going to talk to Miranda, but I think you both should be in on this." Gordo responded. "Could you get dressed, then join us in Lizzie's room?"
Matt and Miranda stepped away a little, and spoke in whispers. When they finished, Miranda spoke to them. "Could you give us about ten minutes?"
At Gordo's puzzled look, she arched her eyebrows, and lifted the collar of her robe just enough so he remembered what she was wearing, and more to the point, why. "Oh, right, sorry about that. In ten or so."
Each couple retreated to the McGuire partner's room.
~~~~~~~~
Late A/N: Not everything is as it seems. I expect the last scene shook up some readers. I can understand that, but if you've been with this story this far, I hope you've learned some things about me and my writing. One of these is that I almost never do anything just for the hell of it, and certainly nothing as major as the last scene. All I can do is ask you to trust me, and see how the reactions in the next chapter unfold.