A/N - Okay, I'm glad everyone enjoyed the last chapter as much as I did. On a happy note, the first chapter to "Bulletproof" will be up tonight. I've also got a Jommy / Juderman story on the way. And for any Degrassi fans, I've got a Craig-centered fic on the way, too! I've got lots to write, so enjoy this chapter! And don't forget to review!

-JQ-

---

Chapter Three : How We Play Our Hand

---

Jude opened her mouth and then shut it, not quite sure what to say. "Tommy," she whispered.

"Jude, I…" Tom looked around, horror on his face. Wringing his hands through his hair, he paced the floor. "Oh, my God! What did I just do?"

Jude's voice was soft, "Did you just say you love me?" She looked up at him, more confidence in her voice. "You just said you love me." He faced her, mixed emotions floating on his expression.

Tom took a cautious step toward her. "I did." He exhaled sharply, leaning into her. Wrapping his hands around the back of her neck, he captured Jude's lips under his, kissing her roughly. Her lips pressed hungrily into his, the kiss escalating.

Knock. Knock.

They broke apart suddenly, eyes wide.

"Jude?" Spiederman's voice drifted through the door. "You in there?"

Jude looked at Tom, terror in her eyes. "Spied," she breathed in a wispy panic. Tom sighed, taking a step back from her.

"What are we gonna do?" she asked, smoothing out her hair nervously.

"I don't know, Jude," he admitted, sounding completely lost.

At the sound of his uncertainty, she changed her frame of mind. "What does this mean?"

"I don't know."

Jude's eyes were wide in fear. She thought this time was different. "Tom…" He looked right at her, brow creased in frustration.

"Jude, don't." A hurt look crossed her eyes.

"Okay," she choked out, tears already forming in her eyes.

He relaxed, looking at her. "We'll talk later, okay?" She nodded and slipped out the door without another word.

---

"Jude, you okay?" Spied put a protective arm around her, pulling her into a tight embrace. Jude choked out a sob before the tears started pouring. "Hey, shhhh…It's okay." He rubbed her back, consoling her.

"Spied," she muttered, looking up at him. "We have to talk."

---

Tom groaned, pounding his fist into the wall. "Goddamn it!" He collapsed into a chair, head resting in his hands.

What's wrong with me? Jude is so out of bounds. She's sixteen---so not legal---and with Spied.

But, God. She's gorgeous. And talented. So much more than any girl I've ever been with. Not to mention that I can't get her out of my mind. Ever.

No one will ever be good enough for me. Not after Jude. Jude is it.

Tom looked up suddenly, realization taking a hold of him.

Jude is it.

---

"What are you saying?" Spied asked, anger in his voice.

Jude refused to meet his eyes. "I'm saying…I can't be with you anymore."

His gaze softened, anger dissipating into distress and sadness. "Jude, why are you doing this? Was I too goofy? I can change. I can change…for you. Jude…I…I love you."

She looked up, shocked. "Spied."

"Really, Dude...Jude! I do!" He took her hands in his. "You're the most amazing girl I know. You're so perfect. And talented, and beautiful. Blonde hair, red hair, no hair. Whatever. I want to be with you. Forever."

"Spied," she breathed, not sure what to say.

"I've never felt like this about somebody. And I don't want to let this go. Jude…please, don't give up on me," he begged, desperation in his voice.

---

Tom watched Jude and Spied from around the corner, his chest tightening.

Jude was breaking up with Spiederman? Since when? And what was he doing? Not taking it well, that's for sure.

How could he follow a performance like that? Spied had practically just proposed to Jude. What was Tom supposed to say now?

Uh, yeah, Jude. What he said. Me too.

No.

But then Tom realized the perfect time to talk to Jude. And he had to go thank Georgia for the idea.

---

"Spied," Jude said carefully. "Listen to me."

He looked deep in her eyes, searching for answers she could never give him. "Jude, no. Please. I can be that guy for you. Just let me show you."

"Spied…" He sighed, realizing the finality in her voice.

There was a moment of silence between them. "Okay," he muttered finally, admitting defeat. He took one last look at her before lowering his head slowly and walking away.

---

Tom jogged out the door to G Major, glancing around outside for someone. "Georgia!" he called out, halting her in her tracks. She turned around, a wide smile on her face.

"Hey, Tom. What's up?" She walked over to him, secretly wondering how things went with Jude.

"Can you do me a favor?" he asked, eyebrows raised.

"What's that?"

"You're taking Jude out tonight, right? Dinner or something?" he questioned, obvious anxious.

"Yeah," she replied, hesitant. "Why?"

"Just make sure she doesn't come to the studio tomorrow." Georgia cocked her head to the side. "Take her out, tell her she needs some time with her family. I don't care. Just make sure she doesn't come to G Major tomorrow."

"Okay?" Georgia glanced at Tom, still confused.

"Thanks," he muttered before smirking and heading back into the building.

---

A/N - Oh, man! What is Tom planning? What can Georgia do to make sure Jude stays away from the studio? And will Jude still get that 'Happy Birthday' after all? Find out next time!

I hope you liked Chapter 3. Review, please. Chapter 4 is in the works and the party is chapters 5 and 6! Keep me happy and send me those reviews.

-JQ-

PS: I HAVE to talk to someone about this past episode and next week's…AND if anyone saw that commercial for the rest of the season! I NEEEEED to talk. So, my Yahoo messenger name is JudeQuincy and my AOL is BooBearNQ…So, send me messages! I'd love to talk to you guys!