A/N: Yes. I'm Evil… I love being evil and drama is my life. Yeh, that's enough warning for this chapter. Enjoy and try not to hurt me too much! LOL.

Chapter Seven

Bobby turned up the heater once again, shooting Natalie a look as they continued towards the Mercer house. He threw his right arm over the back of her seat. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing." Natalie shifted in the seat making sure the seatbelt was secure. "It was just a long shift that's all."

"Did you get more patients in or something?"

"No, it was more like a 'certain people were riding my ass the entire day' kind of something." She grumbled.

"Who?" His eyes narrowed as he glanced between her and the road. "People that work with you? They got names?"

"Bobby!" Natalie couldn't help but laugh. "Of course they have names." She crossed her arms leaning back in the seat. "It's not… It's just Melissa and some other ladies, that's all. They've been asking me things about you." She swung her gaze towards him. "Damn it Bobby, I told you not to do that stuff at work!"

"Whoa babe!" He chuckled throwing up a hand as if in surrender. "Not that I don't think you're smoking hot when you're angry, but hold up a minute. I'm sorry but you know I like to touch you. I didn't see a problem with giving you a hug in front of them, they're like family to you, it's not like they cared."

"They're taking bets Bobby! Like how long it would take you to ask me out and when we'll sleep together and…."

"Wait, what'd you tell them?"

"What'd I tell them?" She gasped. "The truth Bobby! I told them the truth!"

"You tell them how long my …"

"Bobby!"

He grinned moving his hand to grip the back of her neck, massaging in slow circles with his fingers. "I'm teasing you babe. So what they're curious? They just like to tease you like I do the fairy queen."

She relaxed against the warmth of his hand, sitting back with a sigh. "I don't see where it's any of their business. I doubt they'll ask anymore now that I told them you have an erection problem."

He slammed the brakes on the car right in front of the house. "A what?"

"Erection problem." Natalie gazed at him with wide eyes. "It's okay, they're all nurses. They understand it happens especially with men your age."

"Natalie, I'm about to turn this car around. I'll prove I don't have a… a… an erection problem to all of 'em, I swear it!"

She couldn't hold it in any longer, peels of laughter escaping her lips and Natalie fanned at her face continuing to laugh every time she looked up and saw his expression.

He watched her for several minutes before realization dawned on him.

"Very funny Tinkerbell."

Natalie chuckled. "I was only teasing you Bobby, turn about is fair play and don't call me that."

"Why?" He shot her a grin cutting off the engine. "I told you before, you look just like the cute little pixie from Peter Pan."

They climbed out of the car and he came over to her side, throwing his arm around her neck to pull her close and press his lips against her temple.

"Tinkerbell and the Fairy Queen. You two should get along just perfectly."

"Watch yourself." Natalie grumbled. "We might join forces and spray you with sparkle dust or something, could be deadly."

He chuckled kissing her temple again and they climbed the steps together, a shower of voices greeting them as Bobby shut the door.

He shrugged off his jacket, taking Natalie's and she smiled as Sofi came out of the kitchen, immediately fussing at Bobby for tracking dirt in the house. Bobby began to fight playfully with her and Natalie shook her head, stepping towards the living room.

Her eyes fell on the back of Jack's head as she came up from behind him, the television set on MTV and currently playing a Nirvana music video. Natalie cleared her throat, moving around to take a seat beside him on the couch.

"I like Smells like Teen Spirit but that wasn't their best song in my opinion."

Jack kept his eyes on the screen. "I didn't peg you as a Nirvana fan."

"I had a roommate who loved them back in college." Natalie shrugged. "Are you a big fan?"

He shook his head and changed the channel. Jack stopped on the Fuse channel, another video by some band she didn't recognize coming on. Natalie shifted beside him, clearing her throat as silence crawled in between them. Her fingers tapped on the sides of her thighs.

"Did you eat already? Need any medication or…"

"I'm fine."

"Well if you want I can…"

"We're not at the hospital anymore." Jack spat, "You're not on the clock so there's no need to hover over me or bother me okay?"

"Jack, I-"

"Forget it, okay? Just… just leave me alone for a bit." He shoved off the couch, moving too fast and Jack hissed between his teeth as he paused, hand moving to clutch at his shoulder.

Natalie sprung to her feet, wrapping an arm around Jack's waist and she steadied him with her free hand on his chest, spreading her feet as Jack's weight leaned against her. "It's okay Jack, just breathe sweetheart."

The muscle in his jaw jumped but he nodded, his hand moving to rest over hers on his chest, and Jack closed his eyes.

"Baby brother, you okay?" Bobby was suddenly at their side, a concerned look on his face with Angel close behind with Sofi.

Jack nodded stepping away from Natalie. "Yeah, I'm fine Bobby. Just got up too fast."

"Good thing my girl is here to look after your slow ass." Bobby teased ruffling Jack's hair with a grin. He shifted throwing an arm around Natalie to bring her close. "We might have to start paying you extra for taking care of Fairy here too."

"No, no extra pay needed." Natalie whispered as Jack's eyes found hers again. "I'm concerned because I care, not just because it's my job."

"You're one of a kind." Bobby pressed a kiss against her temple before he stepped away clapping his hands together. "I think we all sit down together tonight and have a family dinner, what'd you guys say?"

"That sounds good to me." Angel nodded. "I'm hungry."

"Angel, you're always hungry."

"Growing men gotta eat."

Bobby chuckled. "Yeah, growing out not up."

"You be quiet about my man Bobby!" Sofi pointed. "Just cause he's better looking than you doesn't mean you have to be rude to him all the time."

"You're just jealous your boyfriend's prettier than you."

"If you two are done complimenting each other," Natalie interrupted with a smile, "I think Jack might want some help to his room."

"I'm gonna go get a ham or something." Bobby nodded. "Angel, you and your boyfriend help Jack."

"I'm not letting you pick the ham by yourself." Angel shook his head. "No way, the last one you picked look like had fought in a World War. I'm coming along." He shot a look at Sofi as she glared at him and crossed her arms. "And so is Sofi."

"Then who will…"

"I'll help him." Natalie nodded. "You guys go and do whatever it is that makes you feel macho. Sofi will make sure we get a good ham, won't you Sofi?"

"You bet Mami. Come on boys."

Natalie waved as Bobby's car pulled away from the curb and shut the door. She came back into the living room but found it empty. "Jack?" He didn't answer and she stepped back towards the foyer, frowning. "Jack? Where'd you go?"

Natalie ducked into the hallway, eyes widening at the sight of him on the stairs. "Jack, what in the world do you think you're doing?" She rushed up the three steps to his side. "I said I'd help you."

"I don't need help Natalie."

She could see from her view that he was already sweating from exertion, hands on the rails on either side of him. "The way your body is reacting, I'd say you do."

"My body… What…" He tossed a glare at her from over his shoulder. "My body is perfectly fine. So… don't touch me okay?"

"I said I'd help you and I'm going to help you. That's final." Natalie squeezed under his left arm, coming up to rest under it, and she threw an arm round his waist. "Lean on me for support if you want and try to keep your weight on your left leg." She gripped the back of his shirt with her fingers. "It'll be a piece of cake, promise." Natalie looked up with a smile and froze at the sight of Jack looking down at her.

His head was tilted down, dark eyes locked on her face but she knew without hesitation he wasn't looking into her eyes. At first, she wasn't even sure it was her he was seeing, the expression in his eyes indescribable. Natalie paused listening to him breathing, not moving even as she felt the warm breath from his mouth hit her cheek.

"Jack?" Natalie whispered. "Jack, are you ready?"

He nodded and curled his arm around her, his hand cupping the top of her shoulder.

They began up the steps in a slow, careful pace.

"Natalie…"

"Yes Jack?" She kept her eyes on the stairs, watching their feet.

"Would you lie to Bobby and tell him I did this on my own?"

"What happens if I do and then he won't help you up the next time?"

Jack chuckled. "I'm sure I can make up something to where it'll make him feel manly for helping me."

Natalie smiled looking up to see they were nearing the top of the stairs. She fell silent, clenching her jaw and tightening her grip as she supported most of his weight.

Jack let out a sigh of relief as his feet hit the top step and he grinned. "It's good to be home."

Natalie slipped out from under his arm. "I'm glad to see you back here too." She lingered behind as he limped into his room, mindful of the cast on his leg. Jack took a seat on his bed but she remained in the hallway. "I don't mean to hover or suffocate you, you know? I just worry about you is all."

"It's your job Natalie but like I said, we're not at the hospital anymore. Don't feel obligated to help me." He grunted as he slid back to sit against the wall and Natalie moved forward kneeling down. Jack fell silent, watching as she sat down Indian style, lifting his foot into her lap to begin to untie his shoelaces.

She was aware he was watching as she undid the laces, keeping her head down. Natalie removed the shoe and placed it beside his bed before shifting his foot back to the carpet. She lifted her eyes to his.

"Is there anything I can do for you while I'm up here?"

"Yeah, get out."

Natalie jerked, eyes widening. "Excuse me?"

Jack nudged his head towards his door. "You heard me, leave."

She shifted back on her knees, moving her hands so they rested on her thighs. "Jack, I know that you're hurting but-"

"I said get out!" He screamed pointing at the door. "Get out of my room!"

Natalie scrambled to her feet and she jerked halfway down the stairs as she heard him kick the door shut. Natalie flew down the last final steps and covered her mouth with a shaking hand, throwing the other out to support her against the wall. Without even knowing why, she moved to the downstairs bathroom so he wouldn't hear her cry.

She didn't come out of the bathroom until she heard Angel, Sofi, and Bobby return an hour later. Loud music was coming from Jack's room and she wiped at her face with the towel before she stepped out to greet them.

Bobby eyed her but thankfully said nothing and a gasp escaped her mouth as she spotted the huge ham along with several grocery bags.

"What'd you guys do, buy out the whole store?"

Angel glanced at her, frowning and he exchanged a look at Bobby. They said nothing, Angel turning to help Sofi with the bags.

Bobby grinned as he slapped the ham proudly. "Best looking ham in the whole damn place, picked it myself."

Sofi snorted but didn't turn around from the sink.

"I'm sure you did." Natalie smiled. She glanced around. "What can I do to help?"

"You can sit back and enjoy yourself." Bobby pulled her close nuzzling her neck. He glanced over to see Sofi and Angel still busy. "Is everything okay?" He whispered in her ear. "You've been crying."

"What?" She pulled back, "No, I haven't, and I'm fine."

Bobby cocked an eyebrow and taking her hand, pulled her into the foyer. "Don't lie to me sweetheart." He scolded her as he cornered her, successfully trapping her against a wall with both arms. "I know you well enough by now to know when you're not being totally honest with me. What happened? Did you have a fight with Jack? You know better than all of us how cranky he gets on that medication."

"I'm fine, seriously." Natalie whispered. "Yes, he's cranky but we didn't fight. He's just tired that's all, poor thing made it mostly all the way up the stairs by himself. I guess I wasn't helping by hovering over him like I was."

"You're only trying to help him, and he should appreciate you a bit more." Bobby sighed pushing away to rub at the bridge of his nose. "You've done a lot for that boy and he's not been very nice to you. Maybe you guys should have some one on one time or something, that way you two can get to know each other better. He'll probably be less cranky if that happens."

"I don't know if that's such a good idea Bobby, I mean he-"

"Don't be silly Nat. You're a part of this family just like he is and seeing as how I'm hoping you might be around more often, getting to know you would be the best thing for Jack. Did you ever tell him you know how to play the guitar?"

She shook her head. "Be around more?" Natalie frowned but it was replaced with a hesitant smile. "Why would you say that?"

"Because baby," Bobby's grin widened as he moved his hands back to the wall behind her. "I like having you beside me when I wake up in the mornings."

"Bobby!" She glanced with wide-eyes over his shoulder. "Don't talk so loud."

"Why?" He chuckled. "Cause of Angel and Sofi? Please. I tell them all the time when they hear a loud thump at night that it's us."

"You do not!"

"I do!" Bobby nodded. "I just don't tell them that it's usually you kicking me off the bed in your sleep."

She laughed shaking her head. "But my apartment and my things… I like my apartment." Natalie pouted. "It's the first thing I actually started paying for on my own."

"Then keep it if you want baby." He lowered his head brushing his lips over hers. "Say yes."

Her eyes closed as she felt his teeth pull at her lower lip.

"Say yes Natalie."

She let out a sigh at the feeling of his fingers as they skimmed down the side of her torso, Bobby's hand moving down to grip her waist. He stepped forward bringing them closer as he bent his arm that still rested against the wall.

Natalie opened her eyes as the top of his fingers slipped under her shirt and she opened her mouth to respond.

"Bobby?"

He looked up over his arm, eyebrows raised, and Natalie immediately stepped away brushing her hands over her shirt to push it down.

"Yeah, what is it?"

Jack glared down at them from the top of the stairs. "Would you mind bringing me some water?" His eyes stayed on Bobby. "I need to take a pill."

"Sure thing Fairy; be right there." Bobby stepped back shooting Natalie an apologetic look. "Hold that thought Nat."

He disappeared into the kitchen and Natalie's eyes rose to Jack. He was staring at her, gripping the banister only a split second before he turned and disappeared back into his room, the door slamming.

Frowning, she followed Bobby into the kitchen.

&&&&&&&&

The house was quiet when she opened her eyes, rolling over to look at the clock on the nightstand. The blaring red numbers proclaimed it was almost 3 in the morning. Natalie rubbed at the sleep that had collected around her eyes and shot a look to see Bobby peacefully sleeping beside clad only in his boxer shorts.

She smiled remembering how he had argued for days about how he should be allowed to wear whatever he wanted to bed. She had forced him to take a vow in front of everyone that he had no dishonorable intentions being almost naked next to her and that it wasn't a 'smooth sexual move'. Just watching him raise his hand and state it out loud to Angel and Jerry had been enough for her to agree, after she had finally stopped dying laughing of course.

She was too scared to tell him the real reason was that because she had only been with one man before sexually, not because she wanted to wait when the time was right. Sure, she had been on dates and done other things when men, she wasn't naive but Bobby was a different type of man altogether. He knew what he was doing, had probably been with tons of women who knew exactly how to give him what he wanted, and the idea of disappointing him scared her.

A part of her hesitated because she wasn't sure if sleeping with him would be the right decision. Fear gripped her each time she thought about it. What if he got what he wanted and no longer wanted her? The thought almost made her hate herself. Of course Bobby wasn't like that. It didn't stop her from thinking it though.

Then, there was the side of her that still believed being in any type of relationship was a bad decision entirely. Nothing lasted forever, why should she believe this would? What if Bobby found someone else, would it break her? Did she even love him? Was it too early to think that? She wasn't even sure she knew what love was. Why exactly was she here? What exactly did she feel for Bobby if anything worth sharing with him?

Natalie slid from the bed, careful not to wake Bobby as she closed the door to his room behind her. She ignored the goose bumps that crawled down at her arms, scolding herself for not grabbing a robe as she made her way down the stairs in a black tank top and matching shorts. Not that they were indecent in case she ran into Angel but it bothered her she didn't have anything on to cover up with.

As quietly as she could, she grabbed a cup from the cabinet, moving to the fridge to open it and fill her glass with cold milk. Patricia, her nanny, always used to give her a glass of milk when she couldn't sleep. The memories brought a smile to her face and Natalie sipped at the milk in the darkened kitchen, only beams of moonlight giving her the ability to see what she was doing.

Finishing, she rinsed the cup before placing it in the sink. She was slow and careful as she made her way back up the stairs.

Natalie paused, her hand on the doorknob of Bobby's room, when she heard a sound from Jack's room.

Instantly concerned, she pivoted, inching forward with her head tilted to listen. She pressed her ear against Jack's door, hands flat against the doorframe.

It was unmistakable, Jack's groans of pain, and Natalie cracked open the door, sticking her head in.

The room was dark except for moonlight that came in from the window, the curtains pushed to each side. Natalie could see Jack as he lay on the bed, the outline of his face visible with half of it shadowed as it was tilted away from the window.

It was obvious he was sweating, still asleep, and she watched as he shuddered, mumbling. A groan escaped him, and Natalie ducked back out into the hallway.

She came back with a damp rag from the bathroom and shut his door behind her, inching towards his bed. "Jack?" He didn't answer, his body shook and Natalie sat down on her knees at the head of his bed. Steadying her hand, she leaned over to brush away the hair from his forehead and Natalie frowned at the heat that came off his skin.

Natalie brushed the rag against his face, smiling as the cool sensation caused him to sigh, tilting his head towards her in his sleep.

She wiped his forehead once again, watching as his body began to stop shaking and Natalie placed the rag on the floor, shifting so she could rearrange his blankets to cover him better. Jack's breathing was fine, his chest rising and falling in a steady pattern and she tucked the sheets in around his torso, mindful of the bandages and his cast.

Jack remained asleep, occasionally muttering and she was content for a few minutes to sit back and watch him. He looked just as he did the first time she saw him: young, helpless… cute. No, she shouldn't think that way. She shook her head. Not that there was any harm in it, she wasn't blind after all.

Jack mumbled something in his sleep. She leaned forward hearing the word again and Natalie froze at the sound of her name. Eyes wide, Natalie leaned back as he began to talk in his sleep. She looked down to see his fingers twitching and slowly, Natalie inched her fingers towards his hand. She held her breath as she slipped her hand into his, watching as the long fingers curled, tightening around her own.

She swallowed as she listened, her eyes lingering on their hands.

"Natalie…"

Her gaze rose, the strong features of his face magnified by the moonlight.

"I wish… Natalie… You're not… You're not there." His fingers twitched, his breath catching as a muscle spasmodically jerked in his chest. "You're not mine."

She covered her mouth with her free hand, squeezing her eyes shut as she felt the sob crawl up her throat. Trying to control her emotions, she looked away as she rubbed at the tears that had gathered around her eyes and began to remove her hand from his. Natalie paused at the feeling of his grip tightening.

"Jack…" Natalie leaned close raising her free hand again to brush her fingertips across his forehead. "Jack, let go." She tried again. "You have to let me go Jack."

He mumbled something she couldn't make out clearly.

"Jack." Natalie whispered more firmly. "Let go please." She was close to him now, almost leaning against the pillow supporting his head. "It's time to let me go. Right now."

She felt his grip go lax and Natalie smiled looking down at her free hand. She rubbed at her wrist, still smiling as she looked towards the sleeping man.

He was staring at her.

Natalie froze. "Jack-"

"What the hell are you doing in my room?"

"You were… you were in pain." She stuttered. "I came in when I heard you…I thought you might need my help."

Jack grunted, slowly rising up and he scooted back to lean against his pillow. She flinched as he reached to snap on the lamp and blinked against the sudden brightness until her eyes adjusted.

She was suddenly all too aware of her state of dress and Natalie cleared her throat nervously, not daring to move as Jack continued to stare at her. "Do you need anything? I brought you a wet washcloth, you seem to have a bit of a fever."

He took it from her without a single word, hand squeezing the cloth and Jack didn't seem to notice as water seeped from the material, running down his fingers and wrist.

"Do you want some water maybe? A pill might help or I could get you some Tylenol, I think I have some that might help you sleep."

"I want you to get out."

"No." The firmness in her voice surprised her. Natalie shook her head. "Not until I help you and don't tell me you don't need it because that's bullshit and you do."

Jack's right eyebrow rose but he said nothing.

"You need to take something if you're in pain and I'm here now so tell me and I'll get it for you."

"I'm not in pain." He whispered tossing the washcloth into the dirty clothesbasket at the foot of the bed. "I was just having a nightmare, that's all."

"A nightmare?"

Jack looked away. "Why do you care? Shouldn't you be with Bobby right now?"

"Bobby doesn't need me Jack, you do." She was hesitant but reached out nonetheless, placing a hand gently on his arm. "I want to help you Jack but you have to trust me and let me do that. Don't you see that I care for you?"

His eyes rose to hers. "I don't need anything from you…" He watched as the hurt look crossed her face again, "medicine wise." Jack cleared his throat. "But if you wouldn't mind, I'd kinda like to have my Walkman, it's behind me."

"Of course Jack." She smiled and moved forward, rising to take a seat on the edge of his bed. Jack made room and she tried to ignore his gaze as she reached over his left shoulder, spotting the portable CD player on the shelf.

Just as she touched it, she felt his weight shift again and concerned she looked down. "Jack, are you sure you're -"

Natalie sucked in her breath, her eyes locked on Jack's as he studied her, their faces inches apart. He had tilted his head, scooting forward to sit taller against the pillow, and it caused her to press her chest against him from the angle.

She slipped from surprise and flustered she reached out to grab the top of the shelf, the movement only bringing her closer to him. Natalie was silent as she felt Jack's hand slip between them to rest on the naked curve of her hip.

"Jack…"

He smirked and before she could untangle herself, Jack moved his head forward and captured her mouth with his.

Shock made her fall even more against him and she shivered as his tongue brushed against her own, his hand slipping under her tank top, fingers splaying out across her back as he pressed against her. Natalie returned the kiss as Jack deepened it, her hand slipping from the shelf to slide up his shoulder, her fingers digging into the choppy hair at the base of his neck.

Everything in her brain was screaming at that very moment, every warning bell and alarm whistling but they were drowned out by the sound of her heart as it beat against her chest. Someone moaned, she wasn't sure whom, and Natalie gasped as Jack's hand slipped around the front to cover one of her breasts.

He squeezed and Natalie jerked against him. She heard him chuckle, smiling against her lips and changed direction, skimming down her stomach quickly. She gasped as his hand slid down the front of her shorts and Natalie tore her mouth from his, releasing his hair so fast she swayed back and grabbed at his shoulder to steady herself.

Jack hissed in pain and immediately Natalie fell from the bed.

"Oh my god, Jack, I'm sorry." She covered her mouth with her hand reaching forward. "I didn't mean to… Are you okay? I'm so sorry."

"No!" He pushed her hand away and shook his head. "No, I'm fine. Just... just go."

"Jack…"

"Just go!" He turned his head away squeezing his eyes shut. "Please."

Natalie nodded, her eyes still wide with her heart thumping against her chest. She scrambled to her feet and the door opened and shut behind her within seconds.

She paused to lean against the door as her chest heaved. It took her several minutes to collect herself and Natalie stepped away from his door, running her hands through her hair. Slow, careful steps took her back into Bobby's room and she slipped back under the covers. Natalie turned away from him, curling herself into a little ball. Her eyes found the red lights of the clock and she fixed her gaze on them, never finding the sleep she so desperately needed.