Title: The Love Disaster

Author: thequietgenius

Genre: Humor/Romance

Rating: K+

Summary: Keira plots revenge on Ashelin by concocting a potion to make Jak fall for her. What happens when it backfires? Now not only Jak, but Torn is infatuated with her too. Will this obstacle stray her judgment? JxKxT R&R

Disclaimer: The Jak Trilogy is owned by Naughty Dog, not me.

Chapter 8

-.-.-.-.-.-.-

Jak sighed. Why must Ashelin be so clingy? I was hoping to have some time alone in the café.

Flashback

Two hours ago, just as Jak was about to leave for the café in Haven, Ashelin came sauntering in his room, positively beaming.

"Where are you going, dear? There's only a few hours before our engagement party." She had asked, wrapping her arms around his waist.

"I … I just need some time alone. To think things over … could you let me be, Ashelin?"

He could tell this wasn't what she was expected him to say from the expression on her face, but she let him go. "Be back soon, okay?"

The blonde nodded and the redhead loosened her grip on him. "Is everything alright, Jak? You've been acting strange lately. Is it something I've done? If it is I —"

She was cut off when Jak placed a hand on her shoulder. "It's nothing like that. I just need time to adjust, you know? A lot of things have been happening lately."

Seemingly satisfied, she walked away, stopping at the door. "If you need anything you know where to find me." There was a hint of hurt in her voice. As if she had been dumped. However, it was masked with a small smile. With that the baroness closed the door, leaving Jak to feel slightly like a jerk.

End Flashback

The renegade was approaching the café alone. Daxter was off with his lover, Tess. Doing whatever ottsels did with their mates on their honeymoon. He shuttered to have even brought up the thought. Things weren't the same as they used to be without his old pal, standing pompously on his shoulder. It appeared everybody was going their separate ways now. Still, something wasn't right …

Once he entered the ex-KG underground hideout, a few curious civilians glanced his way. It had been like this ever since the whole 'saving the world' ordeal. Not once, but twice. It hadn't come without its quirks though. Occasionally, the bartender would let him have a few drinks on the house. Then again, it began to grow bothersome with numerous requests for autographs, commercial appearances, sculptures, even marriage proposals from wealthy suitors offering big bucks.

He decided on a notion not to drink heavily today and ordered something light. It was probably for the best. Since, it's not easy trying to piece together your life when you're tipsy and your mind is a blur.

The blonde sighed heavily before settling at an umbrella covered table. Luckily, not noticing the couple sitting across from him. He had gotten used to gawking from awe-stricken citizens as if he was a precursor himself. Well, he was Mar and the savior of Spargus and Haven, after all. Yet, the stares, or rather glares, he was getting from a certain pair was for neither of said reasons.

What the heck is HE doing here? Without Ashelin, none the less? The aqua-haired woman thought suspiciously.

The hell…? The FG commander thought bluntly.

Eventually, the 'glowering' Jak was receiving was beginning to get to him. He whipped his head inquiringly at whoever was glaring at him enough to bore holes into his back. "What do —?" He started and then abruptly stopped at the sight that beheld him.

It was Keira and Torn sitting together looking at him loathingly. The former of the pair looked surprised and angry simultaneously, switching her gaze between the rebel and second in command. The latter of the two had his eyes fixed on Jak's coldly, grinding his teeth every few seconds. Like a bull about to charge any moment. It would have been an amusing sight had Jak not been the center of attention.

He felt perplexed and wary from their presence. And as to why they happened to be here with him at the same time and place. Almost as if they were expecting him. Could it have been merely a coincidence? Or were they actually stalking him? Torn's icy glare was starting to scare the poor, clueless blonde. If the tattooed man wasn't nearby, however, he would've had a chance to talk to Keira. To straighten this horrible mess out, of course.

At least Ashelin hadn't tagged along or it would've been a real disaster. Jak thought, though not quite relieved.

"What are you doing here, punk?" Torn suddenly growled.

"What's with the attitude, man? I'm just here for a drink, sheesh." Jak retorted.

"Likely story." Keira said dryly, crossing her arms.

"What are you talking about? Both of you have been staring at me for the past fifteen minutes!" He exclaimed, raising his voice. A few passersby began to whisper to one another.

"At least, I'm not marrying my superior's girlfriend!" Torn yelled.

"Who ever said you're the boss of me?"

"Who was the one listening like an obedient subordinate doing everything I say, huh?"

"That was only because I needed connections to Praxis. Besides, Ashelin never said you two were together."

"I bet you don't even love her! You'll probably go through her like you do guns and dump her afterwards!" The second in command shouted back, seething.

Jak got up abruptly, his chair clattering to the floor. "Don't you go telling me who I love and don't love!"

"Torn … Jak," Keira said through gritted teeth. "Could you take this outside please?" She pointed at the crowd of onlookers that began to gather. However, the mechanic was ignored.

"You haven't changed one bit, Jak. You're still the same scum I thought you were back in this very spot one year ago. Oh, and that mangy rat too …"

"Don't you go bringing my friends into this!" The renegade snarled. His eyes were full of malice and the essence of Dark Jak was beginning to expose. The tattoo faced man didn't know what he was getting himself into. Would he have even cared?

"E–Excuse me, sirs. But I have to a–ask you to leave. Or I'll have to c–call security." A scrawny man, possibly the owner, squeaked. He was disregarded as well.

"Ooh trying to threaten me, are you? What a coward. Fight me like a man, eco freak!"

Apparently, he hit a soft spot. Because the blonde transformed into Dark Jak, claws and talons flexed readily. He let out a rage filled roar and charged Torn full force. The second in command wasn't quite expecting this. He didn't think Jak would take him seriously. Nevertheless all those years of training in the Krimzon Guard weren't for nothing. He swiftly pulled out a pistol and aimed at his opponent's throat.

5 … 4 …

"Oh my god, Oh my god. What should I do?" Keira's hands were clamped on her mouth. She didn't think it would go this far. If she didn't do something quick, they would both be killed—or at least seriously maimed. Adrenaline rushed through her brain and possible solutions flooded her brain until one ticked …

What in the world? I must be mad! I'll be murdered for sure but—

3 … 2 …

Dark Jak's eyes locked onto Torn's and the corners of his mouth rose, forming a maniacal grin. Just before he pulled the trigger…

1 …

It all happened in slow motion. The bullet was released and it shot out towards its target. Screams and shouts were heard as the civilians in the café ran for their lives. Only one aqua-haired woman remained. Her eyes wide with fear. Somewhere outside a withered man dialed the number for security.

"NO! STOP THIS!" Keira shrieked, diving between the two.

The projectile hit squarely on the mechanic's shoulder, causing her to yelp in pain and collapse on the ground in a heap. The second in command looked aghast.

Dark Jak continued to hurtle himself towards Torn, tripping over Keira's body in the process. His head knocked against the cold concrete floor and he passed out.

Nobody moved.