It Never HappenedRight? Chapter 5 One Happy Family, an instant star fanfic

Song in this is "Far Away" By Nickelback

Chapter Five: One Happy Family?

Dear Diary,

It's been two years since Tommy left. It doesn't hurt so badly anymore. I just wish I would have told him about Luc before he left. I guess that's how life works, when you're too late, you're too late. Nobody had heard anything about him, not Kwest, not Georgia, and definitely not me. When he said he was leaving, I never thought he meant dropping off the face of the planet. It's almost as if he doesn't exist, that everything was a dream. But I look at Luc and I can still feel how real it was. Luc looks exactly like him, same smile, same eyes and same stubborn nature… or does he get that from me? I can't believe how much Luc has grown. Before I know it he'll be starting school and then getting married, I don't think I am ready for that.

Sadie and Kwest are good; can you believe they're engaged? I still can't, the wedding is supposed to be in a month, and Sadie is starting to show. Yes, she's pregnant. Surprise, surprise. Mom and her new hubby, Jake, just got back from their honeymoon. They seem as happy as ever. Dad is dating this woman, Stephanie, she's nice. But I still don't like her much; after all she is Yvette's sister. EJ has been dating some random guy at the Studio; he's not bad looking but way too cocky. I wonder how a guy who works in the mail room can be so cocky… mystery unsolved. Oh and did I mention, Kat and Jamie had their baby, a little girl named Jasmine. She's adorable. I kind of wish Luc was a girl; maybe then he wouldn't look so much like his father… Oh and Georgia and Darius are married, a weekend in Vegas does that to people. Note to self, never go vacation in Las Vegas.

It's still hard… not seeing Tommy, but yet seeing his picture every morning, then seeing him in his son. Sadie guessed the truth about Luc and Tommy, and trust me when I say that wasn't a fun conversation. But she wasn't that upset since her and Kwest were dating then. Nobody else knows the truth besides, Jamie, Kat, Sadie and Kwest. I am very proud of myself, it took a year but I finally stopped looking around stores and the Studio, thinking Tommy would walk in the doors. I still carry his cell phone though, hoping beyond reason he'll call. And yet scared that one day he will; scared that he'll walk through those doors, and into my life.

"Mom where is… Luc!" Jude ran after the little legs running down the hall.

Luc giggled loudly as Jude caught up with him and picked him up, "Gotcha, you little monster."

Tucking him under one arm Jude walked back into the kitchen, where her mom was making cookies. Victoria looked up and smiled.

"I am so glad you girls decided to come stay here for Christmas," Victoria said, "Even though you guys live only a mile or so away, it's still not the same with out you."

"I know what you mean, even at the apartment with Luc, I get lonely." Jude said with a smile, "I am more than happy to be home. My forth CD is finished so I have the rest of the month to do nothing. At least here I'll be surrounded by people."

"Hey guys! We're home," Sadie announced as her and Kwest walked into the room.

"Hey, hun. Did you guys have any luck?" Victoria asked as Jude sat Luc on the counter holding him there so he wouldn't fall.

"Yep, and it's really big! You're going to love it!" Sadie announced in delight.

"Where's Jake?" Jude asked looking around.

Just then the front door banged open and they heard a muffled, "Somebody… help..."

Sadie, Kwest and Victoria peaked around the corner, and saw Jake trying to bring the tree into the house with no help. He looked like he was about to fall over.

Sadie shoved Kwest towards Jake saying, "Help him!"

Kwest started walking towards him asking sulkily, "Why do I have to?"

"Because you're a guy, now be one!" Sadie commented turning towards the kitchen with a smile.

"Luc! Where did you get that cookie?" Jude asked looking down at Luc, he promptly pointed to the cookie plate next to him. "You have no manners; don't you know how to ask?"

Luc looked at Jude then stated, "No." Before stuffing the cookie into his mouth.

"Didn't think so," Jude mumbled. Putting her forehead against his she looked at him asking, "What am I going to do with you?" Then started tickling him, he dropped the cookie on the floor before breaking into helpless giggles.

"Awe, I can't wait to hold my little one in my arms…" Sadie said putting a hand over her stomach.

Victoria smiled gently as she frosted some cookies. Sadie walked over and started helping her. Soon they were all laughing and smiling. Luc had swallowed any cookie in his reach and was even bouncier than ever.

"Me down," Luc said looking at Jude. Jude, with out thinking put him down as she said something to Sadie.

Luc took off in a run, giggling. Jude looked down then up just in time to watch him run out of the kitchen and disappear.

"Get back here you little devil!" Jude yelled as she chased after him again.

"I definitely don't miss that," Victoria stated humorously. Sadie and Victoria smiled when the heard Luc being caught, his laughter was infectious.

A few hours later, Kwest and Jake had finally got the tree up. Sadie, Jude, Kwest and Luc decorated it as Jake and Victoria watched smiling. When they finished putting everything on the tree, Jude picked Luc up with the angel in his hand. She lifted him so he could set the angel at the top. Once he did so, they stepped back and turned the tree lights on.

"Pretty," Luc said from Jude's arms.

She squeezed him saying softly, "Yes it is."

Kwest's phone started ringing suddenly. Kwest looked confused as he stared at the number.

"Who is it?" Sadie asked.

Kwest shrugged before he answered it walking away a little. Everyone watching him.

"Hello?"

"Kwest?"

"Yeah… who is this…?"

"Listen man, can you walk outside?"

"Sure…" Kwest said as he looked up at Jude, he knew who it was.

Kwest left out the front door, leaving everyone confused, except Jude. He walked out a few feet before asking, "So… why did you want me to come outside?"

"Because I didn't want Jude to know it's me."

"And how do you know Jude was around me?"

"Because I am across the street."

Kwest looked up suddenly and saw a man standing in the shadows. "Tommy?"

"The one and only."

"What are you doing here? Where have you been?" Kwest asked taking a few steps toward the man lurking in the shadows.

"No, Kwest don't move. I don't want Jude to see me, and if you come over here, she will."

"Tommy, she wants to see you. Why are you hiding?" Kwest asked.

"I left; I broke her heart, Kwest. I have to hide. She doesn't want me back."

"What? Tommy, you don't know anything do you?"

"Don't worry, Kwest she'll love me again… she'll forgive me. Even if it's the last thing I do. Don't tell her I'm back." With that Tommy hung up and walked away.

Kwest could only watch. After a few moments he closed his cell phone and walked back into the house. He walked in to see Jude standing by the window looking at him.

"Did you see him? Was that him?" Jude asked urgently.

Kwest looked down at Luc playing with some toys on the floor and shook his head a little.

"It wasn't him…?" Jude asked brokenly before returning her gaze back outside. "I thought… for sure…"

"I'm sorry Jude…" Kwest said sadly.

Jude nodded still staring out the window. Victoria and Jake got up and went into the kitchen. Sadie grabbed Kwest and tugged him down the hall. Jude heard everyone leave and let her tears fall down her cheeks.

Why do I keep doing this to myself?

She fell to her knees crying when she felt a little hand on her arm. Looking up, Jude saw Luc with tears running down his chubby cheeks. Jude set him in her lap, hugging him tightly; she knew he didn't understand what was going on. All he knew was she hurt and that hurt him. They sat like that for minutes before they finally moved again.

"Kwest, who was that on the phone?" Sadie asked her eyes flashing.

Kwest looked at Sadie for a moment before looking away.

"Who, Kwest," Sadie persisted.

"Tommy," Kwest said quietly.

"What!" Sadie said angrily, "You just lied to Jude and broke her heart! How could you!"

Kwest looked at Sadie and took her hands, pleading; "Sadie, he doesn't want her to know yet. Please don't tell her."

"Right, like he wants her to know at all," Sadie sneered. "He wouldn't of left like that if he cared a wit about her."

"He cares Sadie… you know he does," Kwest said gently, trying to calm Sadie down, "It's hard to see her hurting I know. I don't approve of what Tommy did, or is doing; but he wants to make things right. He's hurting just as bad, you have to believe me. Things will turn out for the best."

Sadie sighed a little before leaning into Kwest. She put her face into his chest as he put his arms around her, holding her tightly. Kwest could feel her tears leaking through his shirt.

"She hurts so bad…" Sadie whispered. "And for so long… I just want it to stop."

"I know, Sadie… I know…" Kwest whispered back, "It'll end… it has to."

When Sadie stopped crying they walked into the living room to find a puffy eyed Jude tickling a puffy eyed Luc. He was one of the only things keeping Jude from falling off the edge, they all knew it. Luc laughed, Jude laughed; Jude cried, Luc cried. And visa versa. They clung to each other, needed each other.

A week later, Jude woke to a little face smiling at her.

"Wake Mama!" Luc said rather loudly.

"No, Mama sleep!" Jude said back closing her eyes.

Luc hopped on top of her bouncing. "No sleepy time!"

Jude groaned.

"Jude are you still asleep?" Sadie asked walking into the room.

"No… I would be if it wasn't for this little monster of mine." Jude said tickling Luc as he sat on her stomach.

Sadie took the giggling Luc off Jude saying, "You had better get up Jude, we have to get ready for dinner tonight. It's Christmas Eve, remember?"

"Unfortunately, I do…" Jude groaned again.

"Hungry, Luc?" Sadie asked walking towards the door, at his nod she asked "What do you want?"

"Cookies!" Luc exclaimed in excitement.

"I'm sure we can find some…" Sadie taunted looking back at Jude who was glaring at her.

"Yay!"

"Sadie! Don't you so much as think about it!" Jude yelled after her. "If that munchkin so much as bounces once, you're dead!"

"Cookie! Cookie! Cookie!" Luc chanted as him and Sadie descended the stairs.

"Sadie! I mean it!" Jude yelled again.

She had better not! The last thing I need is that little boy bouncing off walls all day!

It was around three in the afternoon when everyone showed up. Stuart and Stephanie were first. Followed by Georgia and Darius, who were arguing about something having to do with toothpaste and caps; who knows. EJ and her cocky boyfriend were third. Then Jamie and Kat walked in with Jasmine; they flew back for the holiday. They still lived in New York.

Everyone was sitting in the living room chatting when dinner was announced. Dinner was spent eating and laughing. Nothing but good cheer surrounded them, making things warm and inviting. Luc was the first to finish his food, not surprising since he ate like a horse and as fast as a dog. Swallowing his food, instead of chewing it seemed like. He slipped out of his high chair and walked into the living room. Jude was laughing about something Jamie said when Sadie asked a question.

"Jude, where's Luc?"

Jude looked over saying, "He's right here… Luc?" Jude looked at the empty high chair.

"He probably slipped out of it again," Jude said to the silent table, "I'll go find him."

Jude got up and walked into the living room, "Luc? You little devil, are you in here?"

Jude looked around the room until she finally spotted him. Walking further into the room she saw he was staring up at something.

"Luc, what are you doing…?" Jude asked her voice trailing off.

A figure sat on his heels looking at Luc. When she walked in the room his gaze left Luc and lit upon her, some what questioning. He turned his attention from Jude to Luc again, opening his arms. Luc with no second thought launched himself at the man. They gripped each other tightly, the bond was obvious.

"Tommy?" Jude whispered. She walked slowly towards the pair kneeling on the floor.

Tommy looked up at Jude and she stopped in her tracks. Picking Luc up with him, Tommy rose to his feet. Looking at Jude, Tommy wore a mask, hiding his emotions.

I hate when he does that, Jude thought to herself.

"Is there something you want to tell me?" Tommy asked softly, belying the way he felt. He wanted to yell at her.

"I think you already know, Tommy" Jude told him timidly.

"You're right;" Tommy spoke softly still, "What I am trying to figure out is why you didn't tell me."

Those words Tommy spoke so calmly hit something in Jude and an inner fire lit her eyes as she looked at him. Fury took her over as she glared at him.

"And when was I supposed to tell you Quincy?" Jude asked dangerously quietly voice, "Was it when you confessed love for my sister and not me? Or when you picked up and left? Or maybe after you tell me that that night had never happened? Or just maybe when you broke my heart in pieces and continued to do so. I don't know what you want me to say, Tommy. I was going to tell you in my song I sung that you walked out on before hearing; but no, little Tommy Q was too scared to hear it. Then you picked up and left not bothering to tell me or give me a chance to talk to you."

"You're the one who kept lying to me! I asked you, Jude!" Tommy yelled. Then said calmer, "There was no other guy was there?"

"No Tommy there wasn't, it was you, always YOU!" Jude screamed the last part. "But you kept running away."

Tommy didn't know what to say. He could only stare at Jude, words lost to him. Jude's anger disappeared when Tommy didn't say anything. Instead the pain she felt the last three years came back to her and tears fell from her eyes. Luc watched the tears on his mothers face make river paths down her cheeks. His own eyes filled with tears of confusion. He looked at the man who held him and demanded, "Down."

Tommy looked into his son's eyes seeing the pain and hurt Jude felt mirrored in his. They had a special bond, they felt each other. Tommy lowered Luc to the ground and let him go. He watched as Luc ran to his mother, tears streaking his little face. Luc grabbed Jude's leg, looking up at her he asked in a pleading voice, "Mama?"

Jude saw the pain he felt that confused him and cried more. She reached down and picked him up. Carrying him to the couch she sat with him in her lap. Once again, they clung tightly to each other; one confused, the other scared.

Everyone who should have been eating was watching them shocked. Sadie, Victoria, Georgia, EJ and surprisingly enough Stephanie, were crying silently. The news of Luc's parentage left all except four of them stunned. Even though Darius and Stuart made moves to interfere, they were kept out of the scene; being held back by five fierce women ready to attack them if they tried.

They all stood waiting, holding their breaths, scared they'd miss something. Long minutes passed before Jude was calm enough to get Luc to calm. Luc saw his mom was smiling at him, and thinking things better he stood in her lap and kissed her sloppily on the cheek before scooting off the couch and running to Victoria. Jude's smile left her face when Luc turned his back and left the room. She stared into space not knowing what to say.

Tommy took a few steps towards her. "Jude…" He said roughly.

"No, Tommy… please not again…" Jude said bleakly, "I can't do this again. I can't play these games… I thought I could. But you walk back here out of no where and you expect… what? What do you want from me?"

"Jude… please… listen to me…" Tommy tired again, blinking back tears.

"I can't, Tommy" Jude whispered desperately looking down at her hands. "I can't be hurt again… I can't take it… Luc can't take it. He's only two and he's felt more than he should."

Tommy came to Jude kneeling before her. "Jude… hear me out… if you still turn me away, I will go. But please hear me out."

Jude looked at Tommy weariness etched into her face, "Fine… I'll hear what you have to say."

Tommy smiled at her and she guarded herself from that smile. Tommy took Jude's hands bringing her to her feet and leading her to the stereo. He let go of her hands and pulled a CD out of his jacket, putting it in the CD player. Pressing play he told her, "I wrote something for you…"

The music played softly as Tommy took Jude's hands staring into her eyes. Then he began to sing:

"… This time… This place…
Misused… Mistakes…Too long…Too late…Who was I to make you wait…"

Jude's heart started to pound as her guard started to crumble.

"…Just one chance…Just one breath…
Just in case there's just one left...'Cause you know…you know…you know…"

Victoria, Sadie, EJ, Georgia and Stephanie all held tight to the guys as they cried. Sadie's face was buried in Kwest's shirt. Victoria, EJ, Georgia and Stephanie gripped their guys' with a bone crushing embrace.

"…That I love you…I have loved you all along…And I miss you…Been far away for far too long…
I keep dreaming you'll be with me…and you'll never go…
Stop breathing if…I don't see you anymore…"

Jude started to cry again as she watched Tommy sing passionately. Suddenly Tommy got down on his knees, keeping hold of Jude's hands.

"…On my knees, I'll ask…Last chance for one last dance…'Cause with you, I'd withstand…
All of hell to hold your hand…I'd give it all…I'd give for us…Give anything but I won't give up…
'Cause you know…you know…you know…"

Tears started to fall from Tommy's eyes as he sung, never breaking eye contact with Jude.

Jude gripped Tommy's hands tightly trying to fight her tears. She could hear his pain, the pleading, as it echoed in his voice.

"…So far away…Been far away for far too long…So far away…
Been far away for far too long…But you know…you know…you know…"

Tommy closed his eyes tightly as he put Jude's hands to his lips then held them to his face as he sung in desperation.

"…I wanted…I wanted you to stay…'Cause I needed…I need to hear you say…
That I love you…I have loved you all along…And I forgive you…For being away for far too long…
So keep breathing…'Cause I'm not leaving…Hold on to me and…
never let me go…"

Everyone held their breath in anticipation. Tommy didn't look up at Jude, he was scared. He put his heart on the table. He was too scared she wouldn't accept it. His eyes were still closed tightly; tears still fell from his eyes and hers.

"Tommy…" Jude looked away; she couldn't look at him kneeling at her feet.

Tommy kept his eyes shut as he silently prayed against her hands. Don't send me away… please don't send me away…please…I need you…

"Tommy…" Jude looked up at Kwest and Sadie desperately. She looked at Luc in Victoria's arms, and then down at Tommy. Closing her eyes tightly against the tears, she pulled her hands from Tommy's; whispering, "I'm sorry… I can't do this…"

Crying, Jude turned and ran from the room. Tommy still knelt on the floor, hanging his head in misery. Tears poured from his eyes as he silently cried. Sadie watched Tommy's shoulders shake uncontrollably. Letting go of Kwest, she walked over to Tommy; putting her arms around his shoulders. Tommy turned into Sadie's shoulder and wept brokenly.

Kwest slipped out of the room while everyone watched Tommy and Sadie. He followed the sobbing that echoed through the house. Kwest found Jude curled into a ball on her bed, her back facing him. She held a pillow close against her like it was her life line, as she sobbed into it.

Kwest walked to her and sat on the edge of her bed. Putting a hand on her back, Kwest tried to sooth her. After a little while, Jude calmed enough to speak.

"What am I going to do Kwest?" Jude asked hoarsely. She turned to face him, sitting up a little. "I'm so confused…"

"About what?" Kwest asked gently.

"Everything! Him… me… everything…" Jude said as more tears slipped down her cheeks.

Jude hugged Kwest tightly, like she held on to her pillow.

"I want to love him, I want to trust him… but it hurts. Whenever I do, it hurts…" Jude cried into Kwest's shoulder. "I don't want to hurt anymore…"

"I know, Jude, I know…" Kwest squeezed her comfortingly, "But he loves you and he's hurting too… give him a chance."

Jude pulled away from Kwest and looked out the window, not seeing birds or the trees. Kwest squeezed Jude's hand saying, "Give him a chance, Jude. Or you will regret it."

Kwest looked at Jude for a second then got up and left Jude to her thoughts.

Back in the living room, a little hand touched Tommy's leg. Tommy pulled away from Sadie and looked over. Once again, Luc had tears in his eyes and they slowly burned paths down his cheeks. Tommy's face was the mirror image as his, only older; but also with the sad tears. The confusion he read in Luc's eyes broke him inside. Luc lifted his arms to Tommy, and with out a second thought, Tommy had Luc securely in his arms. Tommy hugged him close, his eyes closed tightly against Luc's head. He was scared to let him go, scared to loose someone else.

Kwest walked slowly back into the room. Sadie looked at him with a question in her eyes. In answer, Kwest shook his head slightly. Returning her gaze to Tommy and Luc, Sadie let a few more tears fall before running over to Kwest. Kwest held her close for a moment before leading her out of the room.

Everyone followed Kwest and Sadie. Leaving father and son alone.

Jamie and Kat stayed sitting at the table when everyone else left the room to see what was going on in the living room. Sitting there they listened to all that transpired. Kat had her head on Jamie's shoulder as she cried for Jude and Tommy. Jamie couldn't think or move. He glanced up when everyone walked back in and sat at the table, trying to hold back tears. Nobody could look at each other. They sat in silence, listening to the cries echoing in the house.

Jude sat in her room. The tears had finally stopped. She stared blankly at the cell phone lying on her dresser. After a few moments, she went and picked it up, bringing it back to the bed with her. Opening it, she found the picture of her and Tommy on the screen. Quickly she closed to phone tossing it across her bed. Jude flung herself to her side, staring off into space. Something caught her eye and she looked up. There sat the teddy bear Tommy gave Luc. Jude picked it off her table wearily.

Luc had carried the bear everywhere in his two years. Surprisingly he left it behind, but with all the commotion with Christmas, he probably left it in there that morning. Jude closed her eyes as she held the bear tight.

I can't let him walk out of Luc's life again, can I? No… Luc deserves his father. I deserve his father! I am so sick of him walking away… I am so sick of hurting… Well that's it! It's about time I did something about it! I'll show him whose boss!

Jude opened her eyes and got off the bed. Clear purpose rang in her head as she stalked to her door and walked down the stairs with the teddy bear in her hand.

Walking down the stairs she saw Tommy reaching for the door handle.

"Open that door, Quincy and you'll be sorry!" Jude said authoratively.

Tommy stopped dead in his tracks but didn't look at her. He bowed his head a little, too scared to even hope.

"Are you not going to say anything?" Jude asked, suddenly loosing her nerve as she reached the bottom of the stairs.

"I think I've said about enough, Jude." Tommy replied trying to hide his raspy voice.

"Tommy… I'm sorry…" Jude whispered, touching his arm. Tommy immediately flinched as if she struck him. Tears filled Jude's eyes when she saw him flinch.

"I think we've established that you're sorry, Jude," Tommy said harshly, "I think you've about covered that."

"Tommy… you don't understand…" Jude tried to explain but was interrupted.

Tommy turned around pain and anger shinning in his eyes. "What don't I understand? That I lost my head, slept with you, ran away and happened to impregnate you; which may I add you never told me! Not even when I asked you, over and over again. You were too damn stubborn to tell me, to admit to me that he is mine. No! You lie over and over so you don't have to face your past." Tommy took a breath. When Jude tried to say something, Tommy stopped her before she could start, "Listen, I probably had no right to know that he was mine. After all I did to you; I'm surprised you can still look at me. I have made mistakes, Jude, I know. I ran away twice, but I was stupid and confused and… it hurt. It hurt so bad…" Tommy's voice became low and gruff, "It still hurts, maybe worse now that I know that there is no you and me. Loosing you hurts, but what hurts worse is the fact that I never had you… I love you, and I always will…" Tommy glanced away tears coming back into his eyes. He didn't want her to see him like that.

"Tommy…" Jude tried again.

"Jude," Tommy interrupted again, looking up at her his voice pleading like it was his last life line "Please, don't take my son away from me… I don't think I can take loosing you and him."

Jude walked up to Tommy as he watched her wearily. She put a hand on each side of his waist, Tommy stood as stiff as a board. The contact was killing him. Jude looked Tommy in the eye, trying to imagine the pain she saw wasn't there and the tears weren't glistening in his eyes.

"Don't worry, I wouldn't take one second away from you and Luc," Jude saw the relief flash in his eyes and smiled a bit, "In fact, I will personally make sure you're there for every second of his life; afternoons, evenings… mornings… and everything in between."

Tommy looked at Jude sharply; he tried to read her face. Jude just smiled at him.

"What are you saying Jude…?" Tommy asked slowly, scared he was jumping to conclusions.

"Well… you know…" Jude said mischievously.

"No, I don't. Spit it out Jude," Tommy said harshly.

Jude sighed, realizing she'd have to get serious. "Tommy, earlier… I was just as scared as you. I knew that if I loved you, I'd get hurt… I thought that by walking away… I wouldn't get hurt. But I never realized that sometimes you just have to get hurt. When you fall you have to get up, and I need to get up. I was just too scared so I stayed on the floor, not rising to my feet and that made me…"

"Jude!" Tommy said sharply, to knock her out of her rambling. "Skip it and get on with your point, please. I think I get the picture."

"Sorry…" Jude said giving him a small smile.

"So…" Tommy hinted, after she didn't say anything.

"So… I love you, Quincy and I forgive you…" Jude stated proudly. "For now at least."

Tommy grinned down at Jude before picking her up and swinging her around. Jude laughed as she gripped him tightly around the neck; burying her head into his neck.

"Okay! Tommy! Put me down!" Jude demanded happily.

Tommy stopped and put Jude down but never let her go. He never would again. They stood there, foreheads touching, grinning like idiots. Their eyes spoke everything they felt. After a few minutes, Jude decided to break the moment.

"So…" Her words were immediately taken by Tommy's mouth as he kissed her hard.

He pulled away a little to whisper, "Don't kill the moment, Jude." Then went on kissing her hungrily. Jude smiled a little as she kissed him back. At first the kiss was gentle and loving. But no sooner did Jude start kissing him back when it became intense. Tommy took advantage of her smiling lips and opened her lips up wider to bring her tongue into the game. In natural reaction Jude followed his lead and was soon the aggressor. Lost in their heated kiss, they never heard the cough, or the cleared throat.

But they did hear; "Mommy?"

Jude pulled away quickly and tried to move out of Tommy's arms, but Tommy held her to him. He raised his head slowly and looked at the crowd in the hall. Tommy gave them a devilish grin as Jude blushed and looked away.

"Terribly sorry to interrupt, but we were just curious over all the commotion" Victoria said smiling at them. "We didn't realize we were interrupting something…"

"Sure we didn't." Kwest smirked. Sadie smacked Kwest as she smiled at them.

Everyone besides Darius and Stuart were grinning like kids in a candy store, they had scowls in their faces trying to figure out how to deal with what was happening. They knew Tommy was going to hurt her again. The only question was when.

"So you two are together?" Kat asked.

Jude and Tommy looked at each other. Both of them grinning when they nodded.

"Mommy!" Jude looked over to find Luc with his arms out stretched towards her.

Tommy let go of Jude as she walked over to Luc and picked him up. Jude still had the teddy in her hand, Luc saw it and yelled, "Teddy!" while taking it in his own arms. Tommy's eyes glowed seeing this as he smiled at the two. Jude walked over to Tommy, her eyes reflecting his content.

"Luc, sweetie, there's someone you should meet" Jude said looking at Luc, he studied her silently. She looked back at Tommy, Luc followed her gaze, "This is your daddy."

Luc studied Tommy then Jude again before asking, "Daddy?"

"Yep, Daddy." Jude said smiling.

Luc noticed both Jude and Tommy smiling and copied them saying happily, "Daddy!"

Tommy's smile widened and he put his arms out to Luc. Luc automatically jumped into Tommy's arms.

"I love you, Luc" Tommy whispered into Luc's hair as he held him tight.

Jude watched them still smiling. Tommy looked up at her and opened one arm to her. She immediately walked into his arms and he hugged her and his son tight. When they finally let go a little and looked up at their audience; Victoria asked, "Are you hungry Tommy?"

Tommy smiled back at her, "Starving."

They all made their way to the dinning room. A chair was placed next to Jude and Luc's. They ate again, this time the mood was even happier as they laughed and joked; all smiling openly. Tommy held Jude's hand through out dinner, scared to let her go, scared she'd disappear and the whole thing would be a dream.

After dinner everyone was sitting around in the living room. The youngest of the group sat on the floor while the oldest of the group were sitting on the coach and chairs. Tommy and Jude were apart of the ones sitting on the floor. Tommy sat with his legs spread and Jude sat between them with her back pressed to his chest. Jude looked down at Luc in her lap and smiled. Luc was lying in her lap, out cold; nothing could wake him up.

"Tommy," Jude said quietly breaking him away from his conversation with Kwest and Jamie.

"Yes?" Tommy looked at her, his eyes still glowing.

"I'm going to take Luc up to bed, I'll be right back" Jude picked Luc up as she rose from Tommy's arms.

Tommy got up with her and picked Luc out of her arms, "I want to put him to bed."

Jude smiled tenderly as she led the way up the stairs. They didn't notice everyone watching them again.

"I wonder if they'll make it back down anytime soon…" Kwest commented thoughtfully.

Sadie looked at him sharply and smacked him in the arm, "I think its sweet, and be nice!"

Kwest put his hands up in surrender. Sadie smiled and hit him again playfully. Kwest raped his arms around her, nuzzling her neck. Sadie giggled as everyone rolled their eyes, and resumed their conversations.

Back up stairs Tommy put Luc in his crib gently. He let his hand linger on his cheek. Jude walked up behind Tommy and put her arms around his waist. She was still smiling when she saw Tommy's hand linger.

"I do that too," Jude whispered.

"Do what?" Tommy whispered back as he straightened putting his hands over Jude's.

"I can't get enough of him. I touch him to make sure he's real. I used to watch him sleep for hours," Jude whispered softly, "I don't know what I would do with out him. He's the only thing that kept me sane when you left, he was my life."

"Was?" Tommy asked quietly.

"Yep, was" Jude said sneaking a glance at Tommy. "Now I have you. My blue eyed prince and…"

"My blue eyed angel…" Tommy finished for her.

"Well… he's more like a blue eyed devil than angel…" Jude said smiling.

"No, he's perfect" Tommy stated. "And so are you, my punk princess."

Tommy turned around and faced Jude, her arms still around him. He kissed her softly, and then looked at his son. Jude watched him watch his son. When he looked at her again he smiled and took her hand, walking out of the room. Jude grabbed the baby monitor then closed the door a little. Jude took over the lead and led Tommy into her room. She closed the door softly then faced him.

"So…" Tommy said into the silence.

"So…" Jude echoed.

They stared at each other, neither moved a muscle.

"Aw, what the hell…" Tommy said as he walked up to Jude, taking her mouth passionately.

With a hand on each side of her waist, he pushed her against the door. Jude returned the kiss as she slipped her hands up and around his neck. When his tongue slipped into Jude's mouth, hers was there to meet it. Tommy's hands slid down her waist and gripped the back of her thighs. Swiftly he brought her legs up and raped them around his waist. Reflexes cause her to tighten her legs around his waist. She could feel how hard he was and smiled as she kissed him deeply.

Tommy felt her smile and decided to teach her who was boss. Carrying her over to the bed, he never once broke the kiss. They fell together onto the bed, Tommy on top of Jude. Tommy continued to kiss her passionately while his hands skimmed her skin, bringing her shirt up. Slipping her hands under Tommy's shirt, Jude yanked it off him. Once his shirt was sailing across the room, she let her hands roam over his back. Her hands traveled up his back to his head. Shifting her hands through his hair, she pulled him closer.

Tommy groaned deeply as Jude pushed him to his back. Breaking the kiss, she straddled his waist. Jude gave him a sexy smile as she slowly raised her shirt, up and over her head. Tommy could only watch in a trance as she stripped herself of her clothes. Only when she started tugging at his pants did he get his senses back. He helped her slip his pants and boxers off, then promptly grabbed her shoulders and pushed her flat on the bed. Coming over her, he slowly kissed his way up her body. Lazy kisses trailed up her stomach and rib cage. Before he could get any further, Jude had him on his back again.

She smiled mischievously and kissed him deeply on the lips. When the kiss started to get heavy, she pulled away and smiled again. Returning the favor, she kissed her way down his throat, running her tongue over sensitive spots. When she got to his chest, she kissed one nipple then the other; before tracing them with her tongue. Tommy groaned as she closed his eyes. Jude stopped and put on hand over his heart. His eyes came open desire and love shining brightly. He placed one hand over her hand and the other on her cheek, running it into her bright red hair. Jude placed her other hand on his hip as she continued kissing down his body. Tommy watched her with hooded eyes. When she got past his belly button, he swallowed convulsively.

Not being able to take much more, Tommy grabbed Jude by the shoulders and once again, threw her on to her back. He raised himself over her giving her a rakish smile. He kissed her lightly one the lips saying, "Two can play that game." He then took her lips, thrusting his tongue into her mouth.

When Jude started to kiss him back, he pulled away giving her that devilish smile. Coping her movements before, he kissed her throat, and lightly nipped the sensitive spots. When he got to her breasts, he sucked hard as she raised herself off the bed. Grinning, he finished with her breasts and kissed the sensitive peaks softly. Jude groaned as he started down her stomach. Her hands went to his head, trying to pull him back up, but he took her hands in his holding them prisoner. He stopped where she did and looked at her. Jude shook her head a little and he smiled softly.

Tommy skimmed his body along hers as he moved back up to her lips. He still had her hands in his when he took her mouth hard. He raised their hands above her head, kissing her. Jude's legs parted in instinct as he settled himself between her legs.

"Tommy, please, I want to touch you…" Jude whispered pulling at her hands.

"Trust me, Jude…" Tommy said roughly, pulling his face away to look at her. "Do you trust me?"

Jude silently nodded. He smiled and took her lips once again, his tongue driving into her mouth at the same time he pressed home. Jude met each thrust in abandon, gripping his hands tightly. Many minutes later, Tommy captured Jude's mouth again, saving the rest of the house from hearing her rise to heaven. A second later, he followed her to the white hot bliss, catching himself from yelling out and groaned instead.

Awhile later, Jude and Tommy lay entwined. Her head pillowed by his rising and falling chest. Tommy played with her hair, running his hands through the silky strands. Neither spoke, but they new each other was awake. Then didn't want to break the comfortable silence, the first they've had for a long time.

"So what happens now?" Tommy asked hesitantly into the silence. Scared to break a fragile truce.

"What do you want to happen?" Jude asked back, scared he'd leave.

Tommy felt her body tense against his and sighed.

"I want to be with you, forever" Tommy said quietly.

"So then, do it. There's nobody stopping you Tommy" Jude said tiredly. "Nobody but yourself…"

Jude drifted off to sleep; listening to Tommy's heart beat slowly.

"I know, and that's what scares me…" Tommy whispered to himself.

"Hmm…?" Jude mumbled sleepily.

Tommy smiled and kissed her head, "I love you girl."

Jude smiled, "I love you too…" Instantly she fell asleep, as if those words were what kept her up.

Tommy laid there for an hour, thinking. Until, finally, he pulled Jude closer and followed her into a deep sleep.

"Mommy!"

Jude peaked an eye open, catching a little figure running through her door in excitement. Groaning, she closed her eyes again, digging her face into the warm pillow. The only difference was that this pillow wasn't soft and fluffy like hers.

Jude snapped her eyes open and sat up, looking down at the sleeping form. She looked down at herself and quickly pulled a sheet over herself.

"Mommy!" Jude looked over to see a little head on the side of the bed, two wide blue eyes looking up at her.

"Morning sweetheart," Jude said softly as she leaned over Tommy and pulled Luc on to the bed and into her lap.

Tommy groaned, frowning in annoyance. He flung his outstretched arm over his eyes and drifted back to sleep instantly. Jude watched him and smiled. Looking down at Luc who was staring at Tommy too, her grin grew.

"Luc, honey, wake up daddy" Jude said softly. Luc looked at her and she pointed at Tommy saying, "Wake up daddy."

Luc copied her grin saying, "Daddy wake?"

"Yep, daddy needs to wake up," Jude told Luc. He quickly got off her lap and sat on Tommy, the best he could. Luc bounced a little while he put his face by Tommy's, yelling.

"Daddy! Wake! Wake!"

Tommy groaned deeply, trying to turn away from the pressure on his chest.

"No! Wake!" Luc yelled again, bouncing some more. "Daddy, no sleepy time!"

Tommy could only groan again, sounding more like a growl. Luc pushed at Tommy's arm over his eyes. When he moved the arm enough to see a mouth, nose, then an eye, Luc grinned like an angel.

"Daddy!" Luc demanded still giving Tommy his identical charming smile.

Tommy popped an eye open, took in the little chubby face hovering above his; and promptly closed them again, groaning once again.

"No! Wake!" Luc demanded again frowning.

Tommy gave up and removed his arm from his face. He looked at Luc with a dark scowl, Luc in turn just smiled sweetly.

"Hi." Luc said simply.

"Hi." Tommy responded watching Luc wearily.

Luc looked over, and Tommy followed his gaze to see Jude sitting next to him. She held a sheet tightly around herself smiling like a cat that just ate the last of the crème.

"I'm guessing that I have you to think for this abuse," Tommy commented gruffly.

"Well you've got to catch up; he's woken me up like this everyday." Jude said smiling sweetly.

Holding the sheet tighter to herself, Jude got up from the bed. Tommy grabbed the blanket around his waist before it was pulled off him. Jude had caught his action and laughed a little as she walked into her private bathroom and closed the door. Tommy watched her walk into the bathroom. When the door closed his eyes settled back onto the little person staring at him intently. They watched each other for a few moments, and then Luc got bored of the staring contest and laid his head down on Tommy's chest.

Tommy looked down, surprised. Hesitantly at first, he put his hands on Luc's back, rubbing softly. He ran his hands through Luc's hair, causing Luc to fall asleep. Tommy kissed his head softly and closed his eyes.

Jude walked back out of the bathroom in her pajama pants and tank top. She stopped short when she caught Tommy and Luc sleeping together.

It feels like forever that I have waited to see this. They're so cute…

"Jude…" Tommy said as he opened his eyes. He knew she was there; her presence was all it took.

"Yes?" Jude asked walking closer to him.

"Come here," Tommy said as he opened his arm.

Jude smiled as she climbed onto the bed, careful not to wake Luc. She snuggled up to Tommy, her head on his shoulder and one arm around Luc and him. Tommy hugged her close, putting his arm around her. He kissed the top of her head and set his cheek against the spot he kissed; closing his eyes. Jude smiled as she drifted off to sleep.

Two hours later, Sadie walked by Jude's room, peaking in. She saw Luc lying on Tommy's chest, eyes open; while Jude and Tommy were fast asleep. Sadie smiled at him and Luc struggled to sit up. In his struggle, he ended up smacking Tommy in the face who in turn smacked Jude. Jude's eyes shot open and she leaned up to look at Tommy. Tommy's eyes were still closed, so Jude smacked him on the forehead. His eyes shot open and he looked at Jude sharply.

"What was that for?"

"You smacked me first!"

"No I didn't! You smacked me!" Tommy glared at Jude.

"No, I didn't."

"Jude, yes you did. Just admit it."

"What! I was asleep!" Jude said annoyed. "I was woken up by you! Smacking me!"

"What!" Tommy said shaking his head, and closing his eyes. It was too early for this. "I did not."

Sadie watched this exchange, holding back her laughter. Luc looked from parent to parent, not knowing what to think. Sadie finally broke out in laughter, holding on to the door frame for support. Jude and Tommy's faces turned to her sharply, both frowning.

"I… I'm sorry…" Sadie said once her laughter ebbed a little.

"What is so funny?" Tommy asked her.

"You… her… him…" Sadie said in between laughing. "The whole episode…"

"I don't think I am following you…" Jude stated.

Sadie finally stopped laughing. "Luc smacked Tommy trying to sit up. Then he smacked you and you smacked him back. Sorry, you had to see it…" Sadie started chuckling.

Tommy and Jude looked at Luc. He was silently assessing them. They both smiled. He smiled in response.

"You little devil," Jude said taking Luc off Tommy. She brought his face close to hers. "Those innocent looks don't work on me." Jude acted like she was biting his neck causing Luc to giggle impishly.

"Merry Christmas," Sadie said as she walked away smiling.

Tommy watched Jude and Luc laughing and giggling.

I could get used to this…

Before Tommy knew what was happening, the little body jumped on him. For a second he lost his breath. Then he looked at the little face smiling down at him and swung him over. Tommy started growling as he went for Luc. Luc giggled in delight.

Jude was smiling happily as she walked into the bathroom. She brushed her teeth quickly, leaving the door open. She turned to find Tommy and Luc sitting propped up in the bed watching her.

"Do you guys find me amusing?" Jude asked in amusement.

"Yes…" Tommy looked down at Luc then back at Jude and nodded. "I do believe we do. Is there a problem?"

Jude smiled. "Nope, non what so ever," Jude walked over and picked Luc up.

Before she could lean back up, Tommy grabbed her around the waist and whispered, "Merry Christmas, love." In her ear and then kissed her gently on the lips.

Jude smiled at him and whispered "Merry Christmas. I love you."

Jude rose and started walking to the door.

"Are you leaving me? So soon?" Tommy gave her a pouty look, one that looked exactly like Luc's. "Love 'em and leave 'em, huh?"

"You know it." Jude said with a twinkle in her eye. "I would say come with us…"

Tommy gave her a questioning look. "But… I don't think my family would enjoy you nude as much as I do. This may be the time for sharing, but I think that's a little too much."

"Awe, c'mon, Jude. Can't I have a little fun?" Tommy said giving her his most charming smile.

Jude shook her head as she walked out, "Get dressed, Quincy. We'll meet you down stares."

Jude left a smiling Tommy. It took him a few minutes, but he finally stopped daydreaming and grabbed the clothes from the floor and threw them on. He ran down the stares and into the dinning room. Christmas music was playing while Victoria and Sadie were walking around the table, setting dishes down. Kwest and Jake were involved in some heated discussion. Jude was trying to scold Luc but was laughing too hard for it to do much.

Tommy made his way to Jude and kissed her cheek. "What's going on over here?"

"Your son wont stay seated the little devil." Jude said giving Luc a look.

Tommy laughed a little as he took Luc out of his highchair and settled him in his arms. "That's my boy! Giving his mommy trouble, didn't I tell you he was an angel?"

"Yeah… satans own…" Jude mumbled. "Only you would think so."

"Merry Christmas, Tommy" Victoria said as she walked up behind him and set another dish down on the table. "Okay, guys lets eat."

Everyone turned to their seats. Tommy settled next to Jude with Luc in his arms. Kwest sat next to Tommy with Sadie on the other side of him. Jake sat at one end. Stuart and Stephanie across from Jude and Tommy. Victoria at the head of the table. Everyone started filling up their plates. Jude put some things on Luc's while Tommy handed him some. Kwest looked over at Tommy and smirked.

"So how was your night?"

Tommy gave him a look.

"What?" Kwest asked innocently. "I was just making sure it was… good."

Sadie smacked Kwest in the arm. "Kwest! Shut up!"

He rubbed his arm as he stated, "Well, I am sorry but a guy gets curious when noises are coming from the room…"

Sadie smacked him again and gave him a shut-up look.

"Kwest!" Jake said sharply as everyone starred at him, Jude and Tommy.

Jude's face turned beat red, matching her hair. Tommy looked as if he was about to kill Kwest.

"Okay, can we change the subject please?" Victoria asked to the silent room.

"Gladly," Jude said relieved.

"Yeah, before Tommy kills Kwest." Sadie said, "That is, unless I don't first."

"Oh, come on, Sadie. You know you don't want to kill me…" Kwest said.

"Ha!"

"So… what about those hockey players?" Stuart asked loudly.

The conversation finally switched to safer subjects. Jake told some jokes, causing everyone except Luc laugh. About half way through the meal, Tommy put Luc in his high chair and Luc stayed there, content to smash his food together. Jude looked over to Luc and gasped.

"Luc! Look at that mess you made!" Jude announced as she ran from the room and got a towel. "Who gave him gravy?" Jude glared at Tommy, who looked around innocently.

"Are you blaming me?" Tommy asked in fend outrage.

"Yes I am," Jude said as she whipped the gravy off Luc's face, hands, and arms. "I'll be right back; I'm going to change this little devil."

Jude picked Luc up and went up to change him. Sadie got up from the table and took Luc's plate into the kitchen, coming back with a wash rag. Tommy took it out of her hands.

"Let me do that," Tommy said smiling. "After all it is my fault."

Sadie smirked and gave up the wash rag. While Tommy went back to scrubbing the high chair, the conversations soon filled the room again. Jude came back in when everyone was done eating. Jude sat back down with Luc in her lap. He didn't stay there long and was soon running to the living room, shouting, "Presents!"

Jude got up and went after him. Everyone around the table followed her lead. Luc sat in front of the tree, gripping a brightly wrapped present. Jude walked over to him while everyone one else sat down on the couches and chairs.

"Luc, that's not yours" Jude tried to pry his hands from the gift, but he turned away.

"Mine! Open, now!"

"Luc, no. Not yours." Jude tried again but Luc got up with the present in his hands and ran to Tommy.

"Daddy's" Luc stated when Tommy picked him up.

Tommy read the name on the tag and smiled. "Nope, not mine. Kwest's present."

"Kwest?" Luc asked looking around.

"Hey you little hooligan, stealing my presents" Kwest said as Luc handed him the present. Kwest tickled him causing Luc to grab Tommy's shirt giggling uncontrollably.

"Luc, honey, here's your present" Jude said still kneeling in front of the tree. Luc looked at her and struggled in Tommy's arms. Chuckling, Tommy put him on his feet. Luc ran to Jude and plopped in her lap, taking the present from her and hugging it tight. "Mine."

Everyone laughed. "Hey, Tommy, want to help me pass these out?"

"Sure," Tommy said as he walked to her. They continued to pass out the presents.

"Dang," Tommy said when they were done. "Spoiling the boy any?"

Luc sat in Jude's lap with a large pile of presents in front of him. He was grinning impishly as he looked at them.

"Okay, Luc, open them up." Jude said giving Luc the present he had dropped.

"Wait! Not yet," Sadie yelled as she ran out of the room. She came back in with a cam recorder. "Okay, go ahead."

Jude smiled as Luc tried ripping the paper open. "Mommy help." Jude smiled as she helped him. He pulled out some books, he glanced at them and then threw them to the side.

"He's definitely your son," Tommy said laughing.

"Hey! It's not like you read." Jude gave him a in-your-face look.

"I can read a lot better than you," Tommy stated.

"Ha! I'd like to see that," Jude said in disbelief.

Luc was watching them, back and forth. He got out of Jude's lap and tugged a large present over to Tommy.

"Daddy help." Luc said as he sat in Tommy's lap.

Tommy smiled down at Luc then looked at Jude and smiled. Tommy and Luc struggled with the box until they finally got the paper off of it.

"No way!" Tommy looked at the box in delight.

"What is it?" Jude asked crawling closer to him.

"Remote controlled Viper!" Tommy looked like a little kid. "Yes!"

Kwest started laughing. Jude looked at him. "Luc is a little young to play with that don't you think?"

"Kwest, you didn't" Sadie said turning to him as he chuckled.

"What? I couldn't help myself. It's even the same blue…" Kwest smiled. "Figured, father like son. Besides, look at Tommy."

Jude rolled her eyes and looked back at Tommy. His face was lit up as he read the box.

"Tommy, help your son with his presents and give me that." Jude said as she took the toy away from him.

"But… Jude…" Tommy looked up at her a little lost.

Jude pointed at Luc. "Help him."

Tommy nodded and helped Luc open the rest of his presents. Everyone else watched then started opening theirs. An hour later, there was rapping paper everywhere. Luc sat on the floor playing with an airplane while Jude and Sadie picked up the paper. Victoria was making some Christmas cookies. While the rest of the adults talked, Tommy was playing with the remote controlled Viper. Luc got up, leaving his toys where they lay and went to Tommy. Tommy pick Luc into his lap, putting the controller on Luc's lap, Tommy guided Luc's hands over the controls.

"Ouch! Tommy!" Jude said as she whipped around, pushing the remote controlled car away.

"Hey that was all his doing," Tommy said putting his hands up. Luc smiled and giggled at Jude.

"Yeah and we know where he learned it." Jude said giving him one last glare before going back to cleaning.

Luc giggled and pressed up on the controller.

"Tommy!" Jude said as she turned back around.

"He did it, I'm telling you it wasn't me," Tommy gave Jude an innocent look.

Jude snorted and pushed the car away with more force than the first time.

"Hey! Watch the paint!" Tommy said looking horrified.

Jude rolled her eyes. "Don't watch it Quincy, and I'll go do something to that Viper, and I am not talking this one." Jude pushed the car again.

"You wouldn't dare!" Tommy said with a glare.

"Oh, wouldn't I?" Jude started walking to the door.

Tommy carefully picked Luc out of his lap and ran after Jude. Jude looked back to see Tommy coming at her and took off down the hall. "One little scratch won't hurt much."

"You're not touching that car!" Tommy yelled at her as he chased her through the dinning room and back through the living room.

"Wanna bet?" Jude yelled back running into the kitchen. Two arms shot around her waist as she screamed. "Yeah, I wanna bet."

Jude started laughing as Tommy picked her off the ground, acting like he was biting her neck as he growled.

"Okay, okay! I give! I won't touch your precious Viper…" Tommy sat Jude down on the ground. She turned to face him and softly kissed his lips. Then whispered, "Not today at least…" And then took off running again. Tommy growled and took off after her again.

An hour later, Jude was sitting on the couch talking with Sadie. While Tommy sat in front of her on the floor with Luc in his lap, playing with the Viper again. Kwest sat on the floor by Sadie, playing with another remote controlled car he had bought, this time for himself; a silver Mustang. Tommy and Kwest amused themselves with races, Luc was allowed to drive sometimes, he was an expert at running the car into things.

"I win!" Kwest yelled as he bounced a little.

"Yeah, one out of a hundred… great job Kwest" Tommy rolled his eyes.

Jude and Sadie looked at them, and then looked back at each other.

"You would think they were the children." Sadie said.

Jude laughed. "They are."

"They will never grow up, will they?" Sadie mused.

"Nope." Jude stated.

"Hey are you two talking about us?" Kwest asked turning around.

"Why would you possibly think that?" Sadie asked innocently.

"My girl would never talk bad about me. Right, Jude?" Tommy looked at her.

Jude smiled and patted his head. "Keep telling yourself that."

"Oh you had better watch yourself, girl." Tommy turned around and stood on his knees as Luc walked away, trying to intimidate her.

"Why? You do it enough for the both of us." Jude smiled the same impish smile Luc gave.

"Oh aren't we just smart?"

"No, not we, just me."

"Oh you…"

"Snow!" Tommy stopped in mid-sentence, everyone looking over.

"Dang, look at it snow out there" Kwest commented, more to himself.

"That's at least a foot." Sadie mused.

"Looks like fun to me." Tommy said as he wiggled his eyebrows at Jude. He turned to Luc. "Luc, do you want to go outside and play?"

"Yay!"

"Tommy, no. He'll get sick." Jude said frowning.

"Oh come on Jude, live a little. Let him breath before you stuff him in a cage." Tommy got up and picked Luc up. "Let's go get you all bundled up."

"He had better not get sick, Tommy!" Jude yelled after them as they made their way up the stairs. She thought for a second and yelled back at them again. "You had better not get sick either!"

Tommy located Luc's snow clothes and swiftly put them on him. Tommy grabbed his coat and sweatshirt, throwing them on before picking Luc up and marching downstairs. Jude stopped him from opening the door.

"Tommy you need gloves, you're going to freeze your fingers." Jude grabbed his hand and led him down the hall to a little table. She opened the drawers, rummaging around before she came up successful. She handed him a pair of gloves and took Luc out of his arms. Tommy put the gloves on, took Luc back and started walking away. Before he got too far, he turned around and kissed Jude on the cheek. He turned and walked to the door, giving her a little grin before he closed the door. Jude followed him but looked out the window as he set Luc on the ground in the snow.

Sadie came up from behind her. "He seems to be taking everything great."

"Yeah, he seems to be." Jude said still watching Tommy and Luc. Tommy ran after Luc when he fell face down in the snow, picking him up and tossing him in the air.

"What's wrong Jude?" Sadie asked turning Jude from the window to face her.

Jude sighed and looked away. She walked over to the couch, Sadie following her. "I don't know what's wrong. I just get this feeling like something isn't right. He seems to be taking it all so good. But then there are moments, when his face becomes a mask, and I can't understand what's going on. It's probably nothing… but I have a feeling there's something going on in his head. Something not good." Jude looked back out the window in time to see Tommy and Luc throw a snow ball together at an innocent cat.

"Do you think he'll leave again?"

"I don't know Sadie. I wish I did, but I just don't." Jude looked away from the window.

"Jude…" Jude got up before Sadie could say anything else.

"I'm going to take a shower."

Sadie watched Jude walk up the stairs, frowning. I hope she's just imagining things…

Sadie looked outside. Tommy and Luc were trying to make snow angels, but weren't too successful. Kwest came into the room, and noticing Sadie's vacant look sat next to her.

"What's wrong?" Kwest asked as he put his arm around her.

"I wish I knew." Sadie said still looking towards the window.

"What's that suppose to mean?" Kwest asked frowning.

Sadie shook her head and looked over a Kwest then away. She snuggled her head on his shoulder, not wanting to speak.

A few minutes later, Tommy and Luc came back into the house stomping their feet. When Tommy closed the door, he looked around but didn't see Jude. He walked into the living room and looked at Kwest and Sadie who had just noticed him.

"Where's Jude?"

"She went to take a shower." Sadie told him.

"Oh" Tommy looked around. "Do you mind watching Luc?"

"No, not at all." Sadie reached up and grabbed Luc when Tommy lowered him to her.

Tommy started walking back to the door. Kwest and Sadie frowned.

"Where are you going man? It's like ten degrees out there." Kwest asked.

Tommy looked at him then looked away as he opened the door. "Just for a walk, I'll be back."

With that he left. Walked out the door and silently closed it. Sadie now understood what Jude was talking about. Tommy's face was void of any and all emotion when he said that. She never noticed that before now.

Sadie looked up at Kwest who was lost for words. She could read the confusion on his face. When he looked down at her she tried to smile, but it wouldn't work. So she looked down at Luc in her lap.

Luc had watched as his father left. His mind couldn't understand what was going on, but he tried. He looked at the miniature Viper, outside then back to the door. Everything seemed confusing.

Sadie saw how lost Luc became when Tommy left and decided to try and cheer him up. "Luc do you want some cookies?"

Luc's face brightened at the mention of cookies and he started bouncing in Sadie's lap. "Cookies! I want cookies!"

Sliding off Sadie's lap, he ran to the kitchen.

"Hey, you!" Sadie got up and ran after him with Kwest following her at a slower pace. "Wait for me."

For now their worries were forgotten.

Twenty minutes later, Jude came down the stairs to find Sadie and Kwest on the couch with Luc watching some children's show. She smiled looking around and walked into the living room.

"Hey guys." Jude said as they all looked up at her.

"Mommy!" Luc hopped off the couch and ran to her. She leaned down and picked him up.

"Hey hon, what are you doing?" Jude asked Luc.

"Watching Power 'Angers." Luc said innocently.

"Oh really, Power Rangers huh?" Luc nodded vigorously.

"Luc it's back on." Kwest said as the Power Ranger logo popped onto the screen.

Luc wiggled in Jude arms, forcing her set him on the ground. He ran back to the couch and Kwest lifted him up onto it. They both started watching the screen intently.

"Where's Tommy?" Jude asked Sadie, the only one paying attention.

"He left, said he was going for a walk." Sadie said almost hesitantly.

"Oh…" Jude looked at Sadie. She knew her sister now understood her worry for a future with Tommy.

Jude looked out the window and noticed it still hadn't stopped snowing. She hoped he'd come back soon. It was cold out there and getting colder. She looked back at Sadie and gave her a sad 'it's okay' smile and walked back up stairs.

When she got to her room, she sat on her bed; sheets still rumpled from last night. Jude didn't notice though, she was so lost in thought.

How could someone so happy be so unhappy? He seemed so content, like this is where he wants to be. Is it real or is this some house game he's playing with himself? I can't believe today has meant nothing, but has is meant enough for him to stay? Stay and be happy? Lord, I wish I knew the answers to my own questions. Maybe I am just jumping to conclusions, that it's all just in my head. Right, it's all in my head…

"Jude, mom wants us to help her with dinner. Something about guys should stay out of the kitchen." Sadie yelled from downstairs.

"I'll be right there." Jude yelled back. She took a deep breath and got up and left the room.

Dinner had come and gone. It was now almost twelve in the morning. Everyone had gone to bed. Luc was having troubles sleeping so Jude brought him into her room and laid down. Soon he was asleep. As much as Jude tried to stay awake, she fell asleep. An hour later her cell woke her from her troubled sleep.

Groggily, she grabbed her phone, careful not to wake Luc. She didn't recognize the number, but answered anyways.

"Hello?"

"Jude, it's me."

"Tommy? Where are you?" Jude sat up in bed, coming fully awake.

"I'm outside. Can you come unlock the door for me?"

"Uh, yeah, one second." The phone went dead as she got up from the bed silently.

Jude slowly made her way down the hall and down the stairs with out running into anything. She opened the first door, then when she got to the second she saw Tommy starring at her. She tried to smile but it didn't work, so she just opened the door.

"Hey." Tommy said uncomfortably.

"Hey." Jude watched him shiver and grabbed his arm and pulled him into the house. "What are you trying to do? Freeze yourself to death?"

They walked through the entry towards the stairs, Jude closing the doors on her way. Tommy stopped walking at the bottom of the stairs and faced Jude. Her arms were wrapped around herself as she stared at him.

"So," Jude said. "Where have you been?"

Tommy looked away. "I just needed to get out. So I went for a walk."

"A walk? A walk, Tommy, doesn't last over five hours." Jude said frustrated.

He looked at her, and then looked away knowing he couldn't continue to take her angry glare. "Jude please. I just needed to get a breath of fresh air."

"Well, that was one big breath you got there, Quincy. I hope you feel better now." Jude pushed past him and walked up the stairs and to her room. Tommy was right behind her.

"Jude, please…" He said as he came in to her room.

"What Tommy? Please what?" Jude whispered to him furiously. Then thought better of it and said, "You know what, never mind. Goodnight Quincy."

With that Jude climbed onto the center of the bed and put her arm around Luc who still slept peacefully. Tommy watched her for a moment then removed his jacket and slipped in behind her.

"I'm sorry." He whispered into her ear, kissing her shoulder gently; then setting his arm around her.

They lapsed into silence. Jude tried to figure out if she should ask or even bring the subject up. After a few minutes she gave up.

"Tommy?"

"Yeah."

"Is everything okay? Are… are we okay?"

Tommy thought to himself for a second before responding. "Yeah, Jude. Everything is fine, we're perfect. I love you."

"I love you too." Jude said lost in thought. As much as she would love to believe him, she couldn't help but feel that something was terribly wrong.

Both Tommy and Jude slept restlessly that night. Each caught in their own worries.