Title: And Now for Something Completely Different...

Author: Aqua Phoenix1

Disclaimer: 24 and any people or places affiliated with it are not property of the author i.e. me. Unfortunately.

Rating: PG (Rated for language and mild violence)

A/N: Many thanks to all reviewers. I'm glad my fic has been so well-accepted, and that you're enjoying it. A lot of authors say they write purely for themselves. I'm not one of them; I write for the enjoyment of others as well as for fun. In other words, if it wasn't for you wonderful people I wouldn't have continued this, so thankyou for supporting me.

As always, feel free to donate ideas - I will seriously consider each and every one of them, no matter how silly you may think it sounds. And chapter titles. I'm in need of some snazzy titles.

More side notes: Nina is incredibly fun to write. She's just so evil!

Unwilling to see his tumbledown house become the topic of school gossip for the next month, Jack decided to wait for Sherry at the corner of his street, Collins, and Isabella, opposite the service station. The streetlight he stood under, one of few that hadn't had its globe smashed by some wise ass, was the only speck of light for what seemed like miles, save the shop over the road; he chose to stand there in case Sherry missed him in the dark. Night air that was unusually chilly for springtime was constantly nipping at his fingers, making him wish he had brought his jacket; a thought that hadn't crossed his mind in the relative warmth of his home.

Dirty denim jeans weren't the most sensible choice in clothing but they were comfortable, as was the black and blue shirt he wore; he wondered if his face'd match his shirt by the end of this. Thanks to Sherry, it was all he could do to take a quick shower and throw on whatever happened to be lying around; he hadn't had time to do a Kim and go through a gruelling six hour buy-a-different-outfit-and-hope-nobody-else-wears-the-same-thing-as-you process. Folding his arms across his chest, Jack shuddered, from cold or fear he didn't know, and checked his watch. The pale green readout blinked reassuringly.

Twin beams of light signified his ride had come at last. A red dodge viper roared round the corner, coming to an alarmingly fast stop next to him, tyres screeching. The window wound down; Chase's hair-free head poked out, 'Hey.'

In the passenger seat beside him, Kim finished applying strawberry lipstick, shoving the stick in her abnormally tiny handbag. When she saw Jack she broke into a happy grin. 'You comin'?' she chirped, waving him inside. He took one final look down the road, back at his house with the broken fence. It would be so easy to go back now, even if it was punking out. But a promise is a promise, Jack confessed, even if it was made to Sherry. Besides, this might be his only chance to be reinstated into society.

Grasping the handle firmly, he eased open the door and sidled into the vehicle. Chloe was lounging inside, entertaining herself with a glass of wine; the fruity aroma was poisoning the air. Her mouth formed a thin line when she registered the other adolescent's presence, a frown that reminded Jack of spaghetti. 'Listen. I don't want to be here any more than you. Just make sure you don't embarrass us both.' Chloe's flat voice left much to be desired, although Jack supposed the remark was mild by her standards and he wisely chose not to make any smart Alec comments. No good getting into an argument with the people he had to put up with for the rest of the night.

'What Chloe meant was we're happy to have you with us,' Chase pre-empted the verbal battle. Even though it was unnecessary, Jack appreciated the other boy's concern. Always good to know people are on your side. Thoroughly ignoring Chloe, Jack asked, 'Where's Sherry?' as he pulled on his stubborn seatbelt before answering his own question, 'Hector?'

Through the rear vision mirror, Jack saw Kim's head bob up and down. 'You know what they're like,' she replied as Chase flicked through his CD collection, shoved one in at random and resumed his control of the car. A lurch and they were screaming down the street.

Chase took the next corner at an insane speed; Jack felt for sure he'd roll the car. The pair in the front whooped like wild things as clown nose red liquid went splashing over the lip of Chloe's glass, making the girl curse in an unladylike fashion. 'Take a chill pill!' Kim told her, squealing with delight as they turned another corner on two wheels. More wine spilt onto Chloe's dress, eliciting a small whimper from her which soon turned into an outraged yell. 'That's it! You've completely ruined my outfit!'

'We're just hav-'

'Having fun? I've put up with your "fun" for long enough. Stop this thing right now!' The point was emphasised by a slap on Chase's shoulder. He seemed more than willing to oblige, pulling over immediately as he turned the music off. Chloe stormed out, slamming the door behind her, still muttering about what kind of idiot calls that fun. Chase watched her progress in the mirror and, once sure she was gone for good, allowed himself a victorious grin. 'Finally! I was wondering how long it'd take before she lost it!' Kim was giggling like a new admission to the asylum. Falling back into his seat, Jack breathed out. He hadn't even realised he'd been holding it.

Chase watched him, huge grin seemingly a permanent resident of his face. 'Hope we didn't scare you.' The blonde shook his head and added in an analytical tone, 'But my date's gone AWOL,' as he quickly moved to occupy the free space left by Chloe's departure; at least he could breathe freely now. He could hear the smile in Kim's voice as she said, 'I'm sure we'll find someone for you.'

The engine sprung to life and they were off again. Jack watched the city he hated rush by, staring at nothing in particular as he wondered what he had gotten himself into.

Thanks to Chase's... unique driving, fifteen minutes later the trio rolled up at the party. Through his now open window, Jack glanced half-heartedly at the impressive residence; there were more useful ways to spend money and if Jack had half as much as Saunders he'd be out of this place in an instant. Music met his ears, the beat making the entire car vibrate, too loose windscreen wipers rattled in time with the thump thump of the base guitar. Shutting off the engine, Chase stepped out, half-danced his way to the other side of the car and opened the door for Kim, who laughed at his antics and told him he was pathetic. Chase feigned indignation, earning himself a bear hug for his efforts. Together, they made their way up the garden path and Jack, not wanting to be left to contend with the questioning whispers alone, sprung out and tailed them.

He was quite relaxed for once, practically snoozing on the black leather lounge suite as he toyed with the beer in his other hand. Not able to resist much longer, he downed the remaining liquid in two gulps. Tony liked alcohol; it freed his usual constraints, making things easier to say or do... things that'd normally take three weeks for him to work up the courage to go through with. But that was all beer was. Tony didn't go overboard; he wasn't like Hector, who got drunk every second day. It was no surprise the guy only had Sherry, really.

Stretching like a large cat, Tony watched some girls dive into the pool outside. How they could stand the cold was beyond him; they must have steel skin or something. At least that one seemed normal, he noted when he caught sight of the girl sitting across from him for the first time. Long curly locks, rich coffee, flowed innocently down her back, accentuating her fine facial features; her almond eyes reflected inner strength. How could he have missed that, he wondered as she sighed, perhaps out of boredom, and glanced at her watch. Her pretty face rearranged itself into a scowl when she saw how late (early?) it was. Was she expecting someone? Only one way to find out.

'Hey.'

The girl looked up, startled, even though she tried not to show it. Tony ran a hand over his face and tried again, 'Having fun?'

She seemed to regard him suspiciously, trying to suss out his true intentions. Eventually, she decided to respond. 'It's nice here, not like last time,' she answered in a voice that was gentle and firm at the same time. Tony smiled in what he hoped was a reassuring gesture, stretching again as he replied, 'I think I know the one you mean. Don't think we'll have a repeat performance though.' Then noticing the empty glass in front of her: 'Drink?'

Back on guard, the girl answered, 'No thanks. I'm not that thirsty.' Fair enough, Tony nodded. You want to be like that, fine, but you're not getting rid of me that easy. Picking himself off the couch, he crossed the empty space and plonked down beside her. 'I'm Tony.' God, that must be the alcohol talking. He was never this straightforward.

'Michelle.' After an awkward pause, she went on, 'To be honest, I was a bit nervous about coming here. And none of my friends have shown up...'

Encouraged by this display of friendliness, he said, 'Say, do you wanna go check out the music collection? I can't stand this song.' Michelle considered the offer but before she could respond, Tony glimpsed a familiar figure enter the room. 'Ah, I'm really sorry, but could you excuse me?'

What the hell was Jack doing here? Tony had to stop himself from running over, instead settling on a brisk walk, hoping he could talk some sense into his sort of friend, but he was too late: Hector had caught sight of the blonde and was already striding over. Even from where he was, Tony could hear the harsh words, 'What are you doing here, Jack? I thought I told you to keep out of my way,' as Hector shoved the slighter boy. Chase was saying something but Hector was hearing none of it; he pushed Jack again, harder this time, forcing him towards the open door, almost yelling now. Taking a deep breath to banish his restless nerves, Tony cut in, 'Jack. Glad you could make it.'

Hector's eyes darted towards him, 'You invited him?' Trying to appear unconcerned, Tony shrugged. 'Well, he didn't come here on his own,' he nodded at Chase and Kim, who were both looking a little lost. Chase pushed her away, silently telling her to clear off before war broke out.

'I don't care who invited him. I don't want him here!' Voices too loud for normal conversation were drawing a few quizzical glances from other party guests. Jack wasn't paying attention. Dammit, Jack, just smack him one, Tony growled mentally. At least then he might think twice about it.

'You hear me, Bauer?'

Silence.

'I'm telling you, Bauer, you answer me when I'm speaking to you!' Jack was pushing him over the edge without even doing anything, Tony realised before Hector lunged at the sandy-haired boy. Acting on instinct, Tony made to restrain him; Chase had the same idea and the two both clutched at a struggling Hector, fancy sculpture toppled over, hitting the floor, shattering into odd-shaped shards. 'Hector!' Stephen's voice bellowed across the room as the teen threw a jaw-breaking punch at Chase, who hit the ground with an 'Oof,' narrowly missing the coffee table. Not listening, Hector made to do the same to Tony; Tony ducked just in time, air whipping through his hair as he grabbed his antagonist and tackled him to the floor. He was bigger but Hector had the experience; a hard kick caught Tony in the stomach, leaving him gasping for oxygen.

Click.

Halfway between standing and kneeling, Hector froze as he felt cool metal press against his temple. At the same time as Nina screamed, 'What are you doing!' Amador yelled, 'What part about "use only in emergencies" don't you understand!'

'Hector. Don't push me.' Stephen's voice was low and dangerous.

Eyes now wide with fear, Hector tried to reason, though negotiation clearly wasn't his forte, 'You know I'm only looking out for you, Stephen!'

'Get out.'

As the gun was removed from his head, Hector looked from Stephen to Nina to Jack, face drenched in angry sweat. 'You make a mistake,' he warned as he turned to leave. He sprayed Jack with his putrid saliva and shoved past him; Jack blinked once, then nonchalantly wiped it off with the back of his hand as Stephen regarded him, tucking away the weapon. The group were still staring at one another, unsure what was appropriate to do next, when Kate stumbled over, her wonky walk was halted many times thanks to collisions with various furniture. She came to an abrupt stop, swaying in a manner that made her look as if she'd faint then all at once she threw up on Amador's shoes. Tony suppressed laughter – that made his stomach hurt even more – as the older man's face scrunched up in a repulsed manner. Whining about Italian leather, he stalked off to clean himself up; a couple of girls ran over, giggling drunkenly as they helped Kate into a chair. Jack and Stephen exchanged a glance that was a strange concoction of amusement and concern, and for a moment they were friends again.

'Enjoy the party,' the host quipped before Nina dragged him away.

Jack was looking down at the tired Tony, wordless gratitude plain on his face. He offered his hand, which Tony accepted without thought. As he was hoisted to his feet, the dark- headed teen murmured, 'The hell do you think you're doing here, Jack?' in a tone that lacked its usual bite.

'Sherry asked me, said Chloe needed a date. But you can see that didn't work out...' he gestured towards Chase and Kim, who were absorbed in an assortment of food stacked on the long dining table, 'Thanks to these guys.' Tony arched an eyebrow but didn't say anything. He could guess what had happened; Chloe didn't take jokes lightly. And if you didn't like having "fun," Chase and Kim weren't the kind of people you wanted to be near. Tony knew from experience.

He had to repress a snort as Chase attempted to stuff an entire slice of pizza into his wide mouth and ended up with tomato paste smeared all over his lips. Instead, he massaged his aching arm, which must've somehow been twisted during the struggle.

'I don't get it, Jack. Why do you let him push you around like that? You could've helped, you know.'

'Like the last time I helped?' Jack had lost none of his wryness.

'Last time was an accident, and you still helped me.'

This time. Jack at least looked like he was considering what Tony said. This spurred him on some more. 'I know what you think, and it's not true. No one hates you, Jack. Hector doesn't count. He's just a loose cannon waiting to fire.' Again with that I-don't-give-a-damn shrug. 'Maybe.'

You need to relearn how to accept a friend, Tony thought. What he said was, 'I'll see you around…' and went off to find the girl he had left hanging.