A/N: Wow. That last chapter was short.
Again, I want to thank all my reviewers who have given me hope through all the chapters an given me the strength I need to carry on grins. Again… I LOVE ALL OF YOU!
I want to thank:
Artimis-Sandstorm – See! I'm updating! Just like you told me to! And I really hope I'm forgiven.
Beckythorn13 – I really hope you don't fall down that cliff! Did any of the poor rocks hurt themselves? Thanks for taking the time to read my story, even thought you don't normally read stuff like this!
FanFictionFantom – I know. No fluff. It's terribly upsetting. There will be through! I swear! Thank you so much! You have reviewed ever chapter so far (I think)!
Alannalovingwriter – I liked that line as well! It kind of just- popped into my head! Please don't hunt me down! whimpers Please!!
Wake-Robin – I know! I reread the chapter after I'd posted it and noticed how pissed off Kel was! I also noticed how short it was…
Demented Hamster – Thanks again Lizi! You're so great! I love you! Except when you hit me and use up all the money on my phone…
Lady of the Flowers – I don't have a clue who you are, but thanks anyway! It does- in a way- show how tough she is really, doesn't it?
I walk a lonely road
The only one that I have ever known
Don't know where it goes
But it's home to me and I walk alone
I walk this empty street
On the Boulevard of broken dreams
Where the city sleeps
And I'm the only one and I walk alone
My shadows the only one that walks beside me
My shallow hearts the only thing that's beating
Sometimes I wish someone out there will find me
Till then I walk alone
Greenday, Boulevard of Broken Dreams
Midnight Unusualities
My Best Friends Idea to Winning Back the Love of his Cousins Life...
"And she didn't even give me an explanation, Neal! She just slammed the door in my face! She mentioned something about tears and blood, but I wasn't really concentrating. I was more concerned about her. Maybe it was something important…"
Neal shook his head sympathetically. "You didn't listen when a woman was talking to you? You're in deep troubles. Why when I don't pay enough attention to Yuki…" Neal trailed off here and shivered slightly for emphasis. "I really don't like what happens."
Dom's face went gloomy. "I really shouldn't have let Magdalene do that."
Dom was surprised when Neal shook his head, agreeing with him. "No… you shouldn't have. It was the stupidest thing you could ever have done, especially when you were in the middle, or wanting a relationship with Kel. She doesn't like to take mess off anybody, certainly not you. She thought you were her friend, and then you went and betrayed her! I'm not sure whether she'll be able to trust you again for a long time."
Dom buried his head deep into his hands. "What am I going to do, Neal," he moaned helplessly.
Although he had hurt his best friend, Neal did feel something close to pity for his cousin. He had cheated (unintentionally) on the love of his life. And it was the biggest mistake of his life. Sure, he hadn't made that big an effort to stop Magdalene, but he had at least tried to talk to Kel. That was something.
Neal patted Dom's back in what he hoped was a comforting way. He didn't like to see his cousin like this, even when he deserved it. Kel hurt him, so he hurt Kel. And now, because he had hurt Kel, he was feeling the pain. It was like a huge circle.
So now, Dom needed either to get back on his feet and talk to Kel and sort thing a out, or… (Neal didn't like to think of this one) hurt Kel even more to get back at her for hurting him. He had already done that, in a sense. But Dom could do it again. Because in a way, through Kel hurting, it was hurting Dom. So Dom might have done something to Kel so she would feel even worse. Although Neal knew his cousin wouldn't do that. At least he hoped he wouldn't.
"I really don't know what to do," Dom rubbed his head in his hands, raising it slightly so he could peer out from between his slitted fingers at Neal. "Everything is such a mess. I'm having a funny sense of déjà vu, you know? I'm sure I've been hurt by her before."
Neal stood quickly, his anger arising as quickly as a spark to tinder. "You will not give up," he yelled at Dom, his anger turning his face a slight red colour and making him look slightly mad. "Just because you have failed this time does not mean you will give up," Neal shouted, banging Dom on the head at each new word for emphasis.
"Meathead!" Dom laughed, attempting to fend off Neal while laughing, his momentary unhappiness forgotten.
Neal, still (unfortunately) rather angry and Dom, slapped his cousin mercilessly over the head a few times. "You will not call me by that confounded name!"
Suddenly, Neal had such a wonderful idea that he stopped slapping Dom and smiled, his face lightening up. "Say," He cried. "I have an idea!"
"Really, Nealan," Dom replied sarcastically. "An idea? From an insubordinate cur like you?"
Neal decided he should slap Dom over the head again, just to teach him a lesson. So he did.
While Dom was nursing his many wounds, Neal strode across the room, thinking. This was his one way to hurt Dom, and to help him get back with Kel! It was perfect! The mighty and wonderful plan was completely flawless!
"Dom," he cried, whipping around to face his cousin, clapping his hand with excitement. "I know how you can get back with Kel! And it will get me revenge at the same time!"
Dom looked confused. Kel had once told Neal how cute Dom was when he was confused. Neal was not one to go for men, but at this time, he was rather inclined to agree. Dom did look cute when he was confused.
Dom shook his head. "I don't understand, Meathead."
Neal decided to ignore the name. He would have his revenge soon enough. He spoke very slowly, as if he was talking to a small child. "I know how you can get back together with Kel. I have a very good plan. Do you understand?"
Neal knew what to do.
Now Dom just looked nervous. "Are you sure that whatever you're talking about will work, Neal? Because if it wont then…"
Too late. Before Dom could finish his sentence, Neal had already punched him hard in the eye.
A dazzling sunset rising on one eye, Dom winced with pain. Neal could sure punch. Then he scowled.
"Nealan," he growled menacingly. "What was that for?"
"It's all part of my wonderful and excellent plan," Neal replied happily. Obviously Owen had been rubbing off on him. "I punch you and then…"
Just like Neal had done to him, Dom punched Neal before could finish his sentence.
Neal howled and clutched his stinging cheek indignantly. "What are you doing? I'm helping you!"
Before long, Dom and Neal were having a full-out male scrap on the floor. Although Neal would have called it a bitch-fight. Dom did just not appreciate Neal's help.
In the end, breathing heavily, Dom and Neal rolled away from each other, lying on their backs on Neal's wooden floor. They were both gasping, trying to draw in as much air to their deprived lungs.
"Neal," Dom rasped. "Why did you do that?"
"My plan," Neal choked back, "is foolproof. Kel will take pity on you."
Dom's rarely existent temper surfaced. "So you decided to punch me?" he screamed.
Neal looked shocked. "Dom! You're taking this completely the wrong way!"
"Oh, sure I am!" Dom snarled. "I don't appreciate your help. I'll just get Kel back on my own if your idea of helping me is beating me up!"
"Look," now Neal was equally as angry. "Kel knows what she wants! And if she didn't speak to you the first time you tried then she probably wont the second! Or the third! I don't even know why I'm bothering!" Neal cried, throwing his hands up in resignation.
"So you think Kel doesn't want me?" Dom growled, glaring menacingly at Neal, the purpling bruise on his eye swelling nastily.
"No," Neal replied scornfully. "I know she doesn't. why would she want you? And you've cheated on her as well."
Neal knew he's struck a chord when Dom's face clouded over and (if possible) he looked even angrier than before.
"Why you…" Dom yelled, advancing on Neal.
"What?" Neal asked gloatingly, his voice retaining it's sarcastic tone. "You know that I'm right?"
"You…" Dom spat on the floor in front of Neal. "You're not even worth my breath."
And with that, Dom turned (albeit painfully) around, and hobbled out of the door.
At seeing Dom hobbling, Neal felt a strange sense of pride from his position on the floor. He had gotten Dom that time. And he somehow though (although he had not wanted to confess it before) that what he had said about Kel not wanting Dom back was true.
----------------------------------------------------------------
A/N: Oooh! Dom and Neal getting sweaty on the floor! Ahhh… sorry. I'll stop now.
The longest chapter yet! Eleven pages! And 103 reviews! Dudes! And I'm still alive! I never thought I'd live to write a fic this long! 11 chapters! And 103 reviews! If I could put that in capital letters I would, but unfortunately… with numbers you can't. Damn.
So… I'll write it like this:
DUDES! ONE HUNDRED AND THREE REVIEWS!!!
Cheesy? Yes, sadly, I know.
Anyway, please review. It would make my day. By the way I don't think I'll be writing another chapter until I get up to… say… 120 reviews. (Blackmail is always useful)
Anyway… please review.
Love,
Jess.