A/N: I had to break eleven down into two chapters! It was around 7,000 words long.

She's Worth Defending

Chapter Twelve: Wrong Place, Wrong Time

"Can I look now?" Daxter asked from underneath a blanket that, apparently, had been thrown on top of him.

Cara looked to the blanket that looked like it had a little ghost underneath it. "Yeah, you're good," Cara said as she grabbed her clothes and placed them on her bed. She had wrapped herself in a towel and she couldn't help but think about how nice the shower would feel on her skin. She wasn't used to the occasional shower, but she knew she had to get used to it. The room wasn't very bad either, considering the place. Her first apartment before she moved onto HQ grounds was much worse.

"Y'know," Daxter began as he removed the blanket, his fur all dismantled, "I've seen boobies before." Daxter brushed down his fur and looked to Cara with a flirty smile. The little ottsel seemed so proud of himself.

Cara looked to Daxter, a tight grip on the knot of her towel, "Really? A nice pair of ottsel boobs or what?"

Daxter scoffed, "No!" He crossed his arms, "I haven't always been an ottsel, yuh know. I actually used ta be the player of my old town."

Cara chuckled, "Oh, is that so?"

Daxter beamed, "Yup! How do ya think Jak learned his ways?"

Jak's ways? Cara wanted to die from laughing.

Cara blinked in confusion, "Jak's ways? He isn't exactly-…."

Then, the door to the room slammed, which caused Cara to turn around quickly and for Daxter to peer around her.

"Hey, buddy," Daxter chimed as he jumped from Cara's bed to Jak's bed, "We were just talkin' about you."

Jak didn't exactly look like he was relaxed or happy - well, he never really looked happy, but he seemed rushed. He immediately walked in and set everything down on the bed.

"Hey," Cara looked at Jak in slight concern, "Is everything okay? You seem a little..."

"Yeah," Jak answered, obviously distracted by something. "You going to do your laundry?"

"Well," Cara began, but she was completely enticed by Jak's anxiety. He wasn't fidgeting, but there was definitely something on his mind. "I was going to shower, but…"

"Alright, well you should go do the laundry first," Jak said as he looked around the room, obviously looking for something.

"Uh.." Cara looked around the room, trying to figure out what Jak was trying to find, "Okay."

Jak nonchalantly picked up a small, wash rag and threw it randomly on top of the TV.

"Okay, then," Cara said as she picked up her belongings. She blinked in confusion as she walked towards the door.

Meanwhile, Krew still sat in his recliner and watched as Jak and Cara seemingly argued in the room upstairs. Unfortunately, the recordings didn't have sound, but they entertained him just fine. Krew chuckled until he saw Jak grab a rag and throw it on top of his hidden camera. He glared at his, now, white screen. "Cheeky bastard."

Daxter sat on the bed in confusion and watched as Cara walked out of the room. "What was that about?"

"Nothing," Jak said as he grabbed a towel and walked into the bathroom.

"Ooh," Daxter smiled, "I see. Gotcha, bud!" Daxter then got on all fours and spun around a few time on top of some blankets before laying down. He yawned happily and curled his tail around his body. "By the way, there's lotion under the sink 'n plenty of tissues on tha counter, just in case yur wonderin'!" It was time for a much needed nap.

Jak turned the shower knob to the left and ran a hand under the water.

Cold.

He really wasn't surprised. This was his first recreational shower in years; he wasn't about to take a cold one. As the water started to fog up the mirror in the bathroom, Jak started to get undressed. He couldn't help but watch his reflection in the mirror. He hated mirrors. He didn't even look like himself anymore. Sure, his genetics ran on the short and thin side, but he never looked like this. He was also pale, but two years in an indoor prison will do that to you. Jak also took the time to look at every scar on his body before the steam completely fogged up his reflection. What would it take for him to become himself again? Could he ever become himself again?

Jak stepped under the hot stream of water and couldn't help but let out a relieved sigh. He was just wondering what he could do to become himself again. It may sound farfetched, but a nice, hot shower was already doing wonders. He let the water glide down his face; his eyes lids falling sleepy due to the water's comfort. It had also been a long time since Jak slept well. Jak then turned around and let the water hit his neck and back. He, honestly, felt like that was the best part. It was sad how great this felt - it was probably one of the best moments of his life; it, probably, taking second to the time he lost his virginity back in Sandover. He then began to wonder about his girlfriend, or, most likely, ex-girlfriend now. How was she doing? Did she miss him? Jak momentarily remembered Daxter's words about the lotion and tissue, but he decided to let the feeling pass. Jak began to scrub at his arms with soap vigorously; all of the dirt, blood, and grime ran down his body and into the shower drain. This shower brought so much clarity; he began to remember who he was, what happened, and everyone else. On his journey to destroy Praxis, he needed to find them. They had to be there too.

Cara clutched her towel tightly as she walked down the hallway from the laundromat. She was hesitant with every step and practically peered around every corner. It was very quiet; no music, no talking, no nothing. All she could hear were the sounds of the washers at the laundromat spinning. Also, almost all of the main lighting in the saloon was turned off. The only lights that remained on were a few lettered neon signs around the bar and a frame that lit up around one of Krew's self-portraits.

"Ey, there," Krew said from the darkness, causing chills to go up Cara's spine. Krew was sitting at the bar and downing what looked like a shot. "I just wanted to make sure my services provided were, hm, satisfactory," Krew said as he laced his fingers together.

"Yes, they're fine…thank you," Cara said as she rushed up the remainder of the steps. She bolted into the room and closed the door quickly. Her hasty entrance made an ottsel's ears perk up.

"Hey, lady, could'ya keep it down over there, I'm nappin'.." Daxter said groggily as he tried to his lift his head, eyes still closed.

"Sorry," Cara said as she looked over at the ottsel. Cara then looked to the bathroom when she noticed that the water was still on. "Is Jak still in the shower?"

"I dunno," Daxter responded, not even bothering to lift his head.

Cara just stared at Daxter. Well, the water was running, so I guess Daxter gave a stupid answer to Cara's stupid question. She picked up the deodorant and examined it, "He got me men's deodorant," she said with a smile.

"Maybe he's just tryna' treat you as an equal per your request," Daxter said, making Cara laugh.

She popped the lid and took a whiff, "It smells good."

Then, the water in the bathroom stopped.

Cara sat on her bed and fidgeted with her fingers as she waited for Jak to emerge from the bathroom.

Jak opened the bathroom door and sighed as he walked out into the much cooler bedroom. Steam poured out of the bathroom and Cara was quick to notice that Jak wasn't dressed. His chest and back were still decently wet and his towel remained wrapped around his waist.

Jak exhaled and rose an eyebrow at Cara as he walked past her, "What?"

"What?" Cara asked.

"How's downstairs?" Jak asked as he dropped his clothes on the bed.

"Ugh, so busy," Cara said sarcastically, "There might not be a washer available for you."

"Are your clothes drying?" Jak asked as he pulled his belt out from his pant's belt loops.

"Right now?" Cara asked.

Jak just looked at her completely expressionless. "...Yes, right now."

"Uh, yeah," Cara smiled, "Why?"

"Would you mind taking my clothes down there when you go to get yours out of the dryer?" Jak asked genuinely.

"That's fine, oh...woah." Cara stared at Jak's chest.

Cara had never noticed this before.

Jak had a tattoo.

Jak had a small, black, sun on the left side of his chest. It was very small and, most likely, a very old tattoo. The lines were very thin and, thanks to time, were greying.

"Have you always had that?" Cara asked, oblivious to the fact that Jak would probably have no idea what she was talking about.

"What?" Jak asked as he grabbed his deodorant and popped its lid off.

"Your tattoo," Cara stood up, "When did you get it?"

Jak didn't even look at her. "A long time ago," he said as he ran the deodorant under his armpits. "Why?"

"I, …I just never noticed it before," Cara finished.

"An old friend did it," Jak said, which surprised Cara. Was he actually making conversation with her?

"An old friend back at your old town?" Cara asked as she looked at a sleeping Daxter. The ottsel had mentioned that they were from the same town. Maybe if she showed that she was interested, he'd tell her more about himself.

Finally, Jak looked up at her. "Yeah," he said as he looked back down and began to collect his things, "He was the village sculptor. I was nineteen. I used to watch his muse a lot when he went out of town."

Before Cara could ask more, Jak had already left the room.

Wow, their first actual conversation. Granted it wasn't long, but it was something.

Cara heard a knock on the door while she was drying her hair with a towel. She stopped for a moment to listen out for more knocking. She couldn't tell if she was hearing things or not. Once she heard another rap of knocks, she opened the bathroom and door and walked to the room door, "Coming," she said as she unlocked the door.

Jak walked in, still in a towel, and with small boxes in his hands.

Cara watched as he walked in, her hand still on the open door's knob. "What's that?"

Jak looked to her, "Food."

Cara sighed, "Sweet! What kind of food?"

Jak, who obviously had a few bites on his way back upstairs, sat down on his bed. "Pizza."

Cara couldn't contain her excitement, especially around food. She waltzed over and sat down next to Jak on the foot of his bed. Yes, both still in their towels.

Daxter's nose wiggled and sniffed thoroughly when the smell of pizza engulfed the room.

"Hey, I smell somethin' delicious," Daxter said as he sat up, "Thanks for takin' my order." He said sarcastically. "WOAH!" He exclaimed when he saw the sight before him. Sure, Jak and Cara thought nothing of it, but it was a perfect set up for Daxter. Jak, who still had his towel wrapped around his waist, sat on the left side, while Cara, who's back was still completely visible in towel, sat to Jak's right. Man, if Jak were to accidentally bump Cara's arm - that would be the most action he's seen in years. "And what is this?" Daxter asked, getting both Jak and Cara's attention.

"What?" Jak asked.

"You know what I'm talkin' about," Daxter said as he wiggled his eyebrows.

Cara looked to Daxter, wiped her mouth with a napkin, and then looked to Jak. "What's he talking about?"

Jak rolled his eyes, "I don't know."

Daxter crawled his way up to the two, "It looks like we're havin' some much needed towel time, aren't we?"

"No, we're having pizza," Cara said, slightly defensive.

Daxter yawned while snatching a piece of pizza, "Whateva! I think I'll join in on this shower trend, mi amigos! 'N I'm takin' this with me!" Daxter said as he went to close the bathroom door. "Have fun, Jak."

"Mhm," Jak said as he continued to look down at his small takeout box and eat his pizza

"Okaaay," Cara said as she stuffed her face with the last bite of her pizza, "I think I'm going to go check on my clothes."

Daxter emerged from the bathroom, "Well, it's official," he said as he shook like a dog, causing him to turn into an orange cotton ball, "We're all outta hot water."

Jak, who was still in his towel, had a pillow up against his headboard and had fallen asleep.

Daxter looked around and realized that Cara was nowhere to be found, "Uh, hey, Jak?" Daxter jumped on the bed and walked over to Jak, while drying himself out with a rag. "Jak?"

"Hm?" Jak asked with his eyes still closed and his arms folded across his chest.

"Where's Cara?"

Cara couldn't believe what was going on in her mind.

She had just checked on her clothes and realized that they never made it into the dryer. Cara still wore her towel and watched as her clothes spun around in a circle. She fiddled her fingers, hoping that her clothes would be done soon, even though, realistically, they wouldn't be dry enough to wear for another half hour. Cara then tilted her head to side and continued to look at the dryer and how it...vibrated. She smiled when her thoughts took over. Cara looked around the laundromat, despite the fact that she knew no one was there. She ran excitedly to the door and checked outside: no sign of anyone. Besides, Jak had probably passed out. Cara closed the laundromat door quietly and walked back over to the dryer with a smile.

Cara placed a hand on top of the dryer and watched how her hand shook with the hefty piece of equipment. Once again, she peered behind her. No one.

She couldn't believe she was about to do this. Cara took a deep breath and chalked it up to human nature.

Cara hopped up on top of the dryer and turned herself around; her legs dangling over the edge. Cara opened her legs slightly, tugged her towel further down, and leaned over slightly so she felt the vibration in the right spot. Man, did it ever hit her in the right spot.

She leaned her head back and let a pleasured sigh escape her lips.

"She didn't tell ya where she went?" Daxter asked, honestly quite concerned. Even he knew Cara wondering around, at night, in Krew's joint wasn't the best idea.

Jak finally sat up, "She said she was going down to the laundromat to check on her clothes," Jak yawned, "And put my clothes in."

Daxter's eyes wandered down to Jak's pile of dirty clothes at the foot of the bed, "Well," Daxter put his hands on his hips, "I see that they made it pretty far."

Jak peered down at the foot of the bed, "Great." Jak groaned, sat up, and got up off the bed. Jak grabbed his clothes and headed towards the door.

By now, Cara's towel had fallen past her breasts. She had one hand gripping the edge of the dryer and her other tightened around the towel between her legs.

Cara found herself rocking her hips against the dryer.

Her breathing became heavy, her body started to feel warm, and small moans hummed out of her.

Jak, yet again, yawned as he continued to walk down the stairs and towards the laundromat.

Cara heard her nails scratch against the dryer as she rocked her hips even harder.

Her toes curled.

She arched her back.

"What the fuck?"

Cara quickly looked up to see Jak at the entrance to the laundromat. She went to pull her towel up, but slipped, and with a shriek, completely fell off the dryer.

Jak, who was now awake more than ever before, just watched Cara disappear behind the other washer and dryers with a bang.

Both Cara and Jak laid in their own beds, their eyes plastered on the ceiling as they laid on their backs.

It was quiet for a long time.

The walk upstairs was even more quiet, if that was even possible.

Finally, Cara spoke, "We never talk about what happened tonight," Cara said as she tapped her fingers on her hand.

Jak, with no hesitation, answered, "Deal."

Cara continued, "That never happened."

Jak hid a smirk in the dark, "Okay."

"Let's just start over. Gun course tomorrow, right?" Cara asked, attempting to mention their previous agenda to help forget the unfortunate scenario.

"Yeah..." Jak said, "If you can handle it."

Cara, in confusion, looked towards Jak, even though she couldn't see him. "Why wouldn't I be able to handle it?"

"I don't know," Jak said as he looked down towards his hands that were interlaced, "...the recoil." He smiled.

Cara seemed surprised, "The recoil? I'll be able to handle the recoil."

Jak turned over on his side, "Yeah...as long as you don't sit on it."

A/N: Alright, guys, there you have it! This is, once again, a filler. Hopefully, I didn't offend anyone. I just got my wisdom teeth out a day ago and I wrote this whole thing while I was on painkillers! *claps* So, if it's weird, don't blame me..

Dessa - Thank you! I enjoy grittier versions of, well, pretty much everything! Lol. I'm glad you don't think Cara is a Mary-Sue either. There have been many times that I have deleted portions of the story, or replaced it, because I didn't like how it portrayed Cara. Whether it be making her too lucky, too strong, or even too clumsy, I'm actually super picky about Cara's character! I'm glad you're enjoying my story and that you take your time, when you're not at work or school, to read it. That's super flattering!

wolvenlegend - Thank you! 'Battle Buddies' is actually the term for your designated, military friend in basic training in the military. I still, to this day, laugh at the term as well.

Ninazu - Oh, hush, you stop it! You're making me too excited to eventually write a lemon, lol. I love your comments, though. They're hilarious.

Oblique Strategies - That's funny, I learned the exercise in Psychology class, lol, granted I renamed it to something else in my story. It actually does work and I use it on a lot of people, sometimes not even strangers. Yes, I know Daxter was left out. I'm pretty sure I'll probably go back and edit him in. Also, I'm glad the Kor scene made you curious. I was a little hesitant on revealing Kor this soon into the story, but I feel like, with my plans, it would almost inevitable not to give away that it's him.

Ralph - Ehh, sexual tension for each other? Maybe not. Sexual tension in general, from not getting any in a long time, PROBABLY. But yes, I'm super busy more than half the time; when I post chapters, there's a huge chance that I was up all night writing and editing. I don't have that much time, but I'm pretty good about time management, so I get things done. I just got my wisdom teeth out too! This girl can't catch a break! Lol.