XXI

~ "She did what?" Levy and I were walking back from our tables that we just took orders from. Right before we separated to the tables, I had informed her what had happened the other day at the doctor's office.

"Yah, just full blown slapped me. My cheek was red for a good while." We both put our order slips on the order spindle.

"I can't believe it…" Levy was still processing it all.

"I can." I walked and sat down at our usual spot on the empty bar. "I kinda went at her, and said somethings that weren't that pleasant."

"Still! I don't think she should have slapped you."

"Maybe…but there was a lot of tension, and we both got swept up in the emotion of it all. I don't blame her for slapping me."

"You're a bigger person than me, Helen."

"No, I'm sure after you settle down you'd think the same as me. I mean, I was pretty pissed at the time, but after I thought about, it makes sense."

"You didn't tell Jean?"

"I didn't see any reason to. What happened between Vanessa and I, needs to stay between us. Bringing in Jean, who was technically the reason for the whole blow up, would only make things messy."

"Hey Helen." A waiter got our attention. "Someone's here to see you." He disappeared back into the restaurant part of the building. Me? Normally Levy is the one with the "visitor". We both looked at each other before getting up to go see. As we rounded the corner, we spotted Jean and Adam at a table. My cheeks instantly getting warm and I could feel myself perk up. As always Levy practically skipped her way to the table. I tried my best to keep a good pace and not join her in the skipping. From Adam and Jean's expression, it looked like Adam was teasing Jean about something.

"What are you two doing here?" She always lights up when Adam's around.

"Well we decided to go out for lunch, and figured we could surprise some pretty ladies." Adam flirted as he gave his fiancé a big hug. "Isn't that right Jean?"

"Would you knock it off." Jean whispered harshly. I couldn't help but note the slight blush on his cheeks when he looked up at me.

"So, which one of you wanted to see me?"

"It's me." Jean said as he picked up his menu. "Pops wanted me to ask you if you would be able to come to the shop early today?" He said as he looked up over his menu at me. "We've been busier than usual, but we can still manage if you're not able." Really? Was sending me on a guilt trip necessary?

"I should be able to. I can talk to my manager and ask. Things have been pretty slow here today, so she might let me go early."

"Thanks, I know pops will really appreciate it. Mom came down with a cold so it's been a little rough this morning."

"Oh no, is she alright?"

"She'll be fine. She's tough. Pops thinks she over did it, so with some good rest she should be back on her feet."

"Is there anything that I can do to help?" His smile was gentle but there was a bit of mockery to it.

"You already are."

"I don't consider coming earlier for my job is helping. I mean…I could bring you guys dinner?" His eyes lit up instantly.

"Really? Are you sure?"

"Well…yah? Is your dad not that good at cooking?" His reaction was making me giggle.

"No and unfortunately he passed his cooking genes to me. We were both dreading dinner tonight."

"Well then it's settled! I'll bring something."

"Why don't you just come over and cook it at my folks?"

"Oh. Umm…" Cause it would be weird? "Sure. Do you or your dad want anything specific?"

"As long as it's not made by either of us, we'll eat it." I couldn't help but scoff out a laugh. I highly doubt he's that bad. I mean, he lived by himself for the longest time.

"Has anyone ever told you guys that you two would make a great couple?" Adam interrupted us with a sly smile. I actually forgot that Levy and he were still there.

"Excuse me?" I was a bit thrown off. I could tell by the warmness of my cheeks I was blushing. Jean gave a look of warning to Adam. "Don't be silly Adam. Jean has a girlfriend." I don't think it would never not feel weird to stand up for myself…

"Is that the only thing keeping you two apart?" The nerve! "I mean, you two have some pretty good chemistry going on here. I can totally see it."

"She doesn't do it for me." Jean said bluntly. Okay…new weird feeling. I'm both hurt and happy by his statement. "Don't get me wrong!" He panicked seeing my hurt expression. "You're very beautiful, but… compared to Abby…sorry I'll just shut up now." What do you mean compared to Abby!? I AM ABBY GOD DAMN IT! Without taking their order, I curtly turned around and practically stomped my way out of there.

"Helen?" I could hear Levy chase after me. I've had it! I'm going to tell him tonight!

The week seemed to have gone by both slow and fast. I never went over to cook dinner for Mr. Havoc and Jean. Mrs. Havoc had turned for the worst and they had to get her to the hospital. She had a real nasty stomach bug, but after getting her on a drip she started making a fast recovery. She just has to take it easy from now on, doctor's orders! I'm just glad she's doing better. The shop has been hectic without Mr. Havoc. It's just been Jean and I, with me doing all the running around. Of course, I took it with a grain of salt. It's not like he could help it. He would even apologize every once and a while. I had to finally yell at him to stop apologizing.

I had to take the week off from the bar. My manager wasn't too happy about it, but she understood for the most part. She even wished for Mrs. Havoc to have a fast recovery. I couldn't tell if it was because she was concerned for Mrs. Havoc, or so that I could come back sooner. With everything that's been going on, I've barely had the time or energy to even think straight. Next thing I knew, I was standing in front of my full body mirror, getting ready for Adam and Levy's dinner.

"I should have asked what kind of dinner it was…" I mumbled to myself. I've gone through most of my wardrobe by now. I didn't know if it was more of a hangout type dinner, or dress a little fancy. Knowing them, it was probably just a hangout. Pulling the dress I had on over my head, I went back to my dresser to fish out a pair of jeans. The real question is, what was Vanessa going to wear? I opened my top drawer to go through my shirts. If she still knew Jean the way I do, she'll probably go for something low cut. Next question…do I stoop to her level? Do I even have the assets to compete? Screw this! I just grabbed whatever t-shirt that was on top and put it on. Slipping on my shoes and my coat, I made sure to lock my door behind me.

I headed in the direction of Mr. and Mrs. Havoc's house. I wanted to see how Mrs. Havoc was doing and I told Jean that I would walk with him to Adam and Levy's. He's been by himself this whole time while his parents were away. I had offered to come over and make him the dinner I promised, but for whatever reason he didn't want me over. He seemed perfectly fine with the idea when his parents were around. Maybe that's what it was? Maybe he didn't feel comfortable being alone with me. Or Helen? Without thinking about it too much I knocked on the front door and walked right in.

"Hello?" The quietness of the house made it seem like no one was home, but the stove that had a boiling pot of what looked like soup, said otherwise. Jean wheeled in from the living room, with Mr. and Mrs. Havoc following slowly behind him. Mr. Havoc was helping her walk. She still looked weak.

"Helen, it's good to see you." She said with a rough voice.

"It's good to see you too. How are you feeling?"

"Much better. Gave Alan a good scare, but I'm starting to feel like my old, healthy self." She gave me a proud smile. I returned the smile.

"If there's anything I could do-"

"You do too much already." She cut me off with a playful laugh. "I just want you and Jean to have a nice time together."

"There's going to be others there to, ma." Jean exasperated. It seemed they've had this discussion before. "Let's go."

"And let's get you to bed." Mr. Havoc started to guide Mrs. Havoc down the hall.

"Don't forget the soup-"

"I'll get it Marie." They were too cute. I continued to watch them banter back and forth.

"Ready?" Jean brought be from my thoughts. I smiled and nodded my head.

"Ready."

The evening ended up being rather lovely. The food was great and the company was even better. I was right about Vanessa. She was making a good attempt at showing off her amazing boobage to him throughout the night. It did me proud to see him ignore all her attempts. I was in the kitchen, helping Levy clean up dinner. Everyone else was in the living room, chatting away. Adam even started the fireplace, giving the room a nice glow. They have a nice house together.

"Thanks so much for helping, Helen." Levy gave her gratitude as she handed me another plate to dry.

"I wasn't going to have you clean all that up by yourself."

"Levy! Get in here already. The dishes can wait for tomorrow." Adam yelled from the other room. Someone must have been telling a good story, because Adam was roaring with laughter.

"OR you could come in here while Helen and I finish up." Levy yelled back with a bit of annoyance in her tone. The room became quiet, and a moment later they were all sitting at the counter. A small, satisfied smile crept of Levy's face.

"Ok, so continue the story Jean."

"Wait! What's the story?" Levy asked looking over her shoulder. Adam started to chuckle, trying to hold back his laughter.

"I don't see anything funny about this story, Adam." Vanessa didn't seem very pleased. Jean on the other hand, was very proud of this story.

"Should I just start over?" His cocky gaze went to Adam.

"Please." Adam said through a chuckle.

"Okay, this was back when I was still stationed at the Eastern Headquarters. A lot had happened, things I can't really talk about with you normal citizens." Levy was amused by his words. Must be an ongoing joke between them. "Actually, let me start with what happened previously than what I already told you." Jean was referring to Adam and Vanessa. "I was given orders to be Abby's bodyguard for specific reasons and after a few days, she was given a double bodyguard who was my good buddy, Breda. I slept on the couch downstairs, while Breda slept on this cot that she bought that was in her bedroom." This asshole would have rather sleep on that horrible, back crippling couch than on that stupid cot I bought for him?! My drying motion became very fast, and hard. I realized Levy was giving me a look of concern. I gave a nervous smile and continued to dry more gently. Where was he even going with this story? "It was about the time we were needing to be rolling out to get to work on time, and I didn't see life coming from the bedroom. So, I knock on the door and peek inside. I see-" Jean stopped a moment to let out a brief chuckle. I'm trying to picture when this was all happening. "I see Breda, standing at the foot of her bed and his expression is priceless. I get his attention, 'Breda? What's going on? We need to get moving.', and all he does is point to her. I walk towards the bed, and she's just…" He paused and when I look over my shoulder to see what was happening, I could see the blush on his face. "Oh boy, she was thrashing around like she was having a nightmare, but…" He had us on every word.

"But?" Adam wanted more.

"Let's just say she was having a very good dream, and moaning my name in her sleep." The cup that I was drying slipped from my grip and fell very loudly in the sink. Everyone had jumped from the sound but I was still in a daze. I could vaguely see myself in the window, but I could tell my whole face has turned red. I'm going to kill him!

"Helen? Are you okay?" I snapped out of it and looked at Levy.

"Wha-Oh, yes. I'm fine. Everything's fine! I'm so sorry." My voice was cracking. I picked the cup back up and examined it. It didn't seem to be broken or cracked anywhere. I guess it was a heavy-duty cup. I continued drying it.

"Are you sure? Your face is pretty red…"

"No everything's fine! Please continue." Do not continue!

"Anyways…" Adam pressed.

"So, we let this go on for a while. I ended up sitting next to her on the bed, but Breda had, had enough and woke her up. She shot right up and was completely dazed. She practically fell out of her bed when she realized I was sitting right next to her." Adam started to chuckle again. Everyone was back into the story. God…if you're listening? Please kill me now. "So fast forward to the end of the day. Whenever Abby would get pent up about something, she would go to the gym and let her anger, or whatever her issue was at the time, out. Apparently, Breda and she had this bet to see who could win in a one-on-one combat fight. We all make our way to the gym to watch Breda get the crap beaten out of him. She knocks him out in one punch." Adam looked impressed by that.

"How much of a sissy was this guy?" My eye twitched when Adam said that. So the only way I could beat up a guy is if he was a sissy?

"Hey now, that's my buddy you're talking about, and he was a tough guy. Not as tough as me, but what can you do." Someone needs to take this boy off his high horse. "So a few guys who had watched the match scoop Breda up and take him to the infirmary. Abby mentions that she wanted another fight. She was just itching to punch something else."

"I gotta meet this girl." Adam let out an amused laugh. Is Jean even going to mention how awful I felt? Of course, I felt awful because I had wanted Breda to last longer than he did, but I still felt awful!

"I volunteer to give her a match." I could hear that cocky smirk that I hate so much on his face.

"She beat your ass too?" Adam asked mockingly.

"Well first, I pissed her off. I told her that I wasn't going to lay one blow on her, but I was still going to take her down." Adam was getting more and more excited with each detail Jean brings out. "She was a good challenge, but I ended up bring her down and pinned her so she couldn't escape. Now, this pissed her off even more." Maybe because you were mocking me with that stupid Uncle bullshit! "She screamed at me and when I let her up she walked out, in tears…You can imagine I felt like a piece of shit after that." I'm female! I get emotional even when I don't want to. I'm sorry! "So I sulk my way back to the shower room, trying to figure out what I did wrong exactly. I storm in and I hear someone's already in one of the showers. Low and behold, it's her."

"What?" Levy was surprised by this turn of events. The embarrassment from that day came rushing back. I can't believe he's actually telling them this story.

"Yah! I'm facing this wall that has all the sinks and mirrors, normally used to shave one's facial hair if they haven't gone home in a few days. I see her, in the mirror, peeking her head out of the shower door and she starts yelling at me!"

"Did you go into the wrong shower room?" Levy was trying to piece the puzzle together. No Levy. I wish that was the case. I was just a jumpy, dumbass who thought something was following her.

"Nope. She was in the men's shower room. So she's yelling at me to get out, and I'm trying to inform her that she's in the wrong shower room. Of course she says, 'I wouldn't make the mistake and come into the men's shower room, Havoc.'" Him trying to impersonate my voice was a bit comical. I can gladly say he could never pass as a female. "Before I can argue with her, the door opens and she hides back behind the door. Luckily, when you stand up against the shower head wall, you can't really see anyone's feet in the shower because General Larson was the one who walked in. Of course he's the most strict superior in HQ and he's already not happy seeing me outside of my already hot shower."

"Oh no!" Levy saw where this was going.

"Oh yes! General Larson asks me, 'What are you doing in here?' and 'What's with the extra set of clothes?', because her clothes were already neatly folded in a dirty basket. Basically I ended up getting ordered to take my shower. I get undressed and opened the door…" Adam is once again roaring, while Levy has stopped washing the dishes, covering her mouth in astonishment. Vanessa wasn't amused in the slightest. "I'll tell you what, the sight that was before me, almost killed me. There she was. Completely vulnerable, and naked. She was facing the wall, so all I had was her back side, but it was perfect. It was better than I had ever imagined." My heart was beating so fast in my chest that I was starting to feel dizzy.

"Jean Havoc, I'm disappointed in you." Levy was starting a lecture for him.

"Now hold on. I closed my eyes when I started to walk in. It took everything in me to do it, but I did. I had to feel my way to the damn wall. I ended up accidently trapping her between my arms. I was concentrating real hard on behaving. I felt her turn around and face me and I had to confirm. I took another peek and when I saw that she was reaching to touch my face, I couldn't help but open my eyes again. She was startled and turned around right away, so I didn't really get a good look, but I'll never forget that day. I do appreciate it more now than I did back then. I'll admit I wasn't too happy about it at the time."

"Why's that?" Adam didn't seem to see a reason to not be happy with such an occasion.

"I was dating Emily at the time. I felt like I had just cheated, even though nothing really happened, but…the feelings I have for Abby, definitely grew in that shower." The room went quiet. No one knew what to say after that. I always wondered if that was the reason he was so angry at me. I guess he was more angry at himself.

"Can we please talk about something else now?"

"What's wrong, Nessa? You don't like Jean talking about his girl?" Adam seemed to be getting tired of her attitude. Levy handed me the last dish to dry with a tired smile.

"No, I just want to do something and not just sit and talk." Vanessa was very defensive.

"We have a few board games if you want to bring one out?" Levy suggested as she wiped her hands dry on a new towel.

"No." Vanessa scowled. "Let's go the bar."

"I'm down!" Adam stood up, as if everyone else was okay with the idea. I wasn't sure about Jean and Levy, but I really didn't want to drink tonight.

"I suppose…" Levy didn't seem okay with the plan. Adam was already putting out the fire.

"I think I'll skip the bar tonight. I'm not really up for making my way through a crowd." Jean said as he looked down to his chair.

"I'm not really in the mood for a crowd either." I threw in my two cents.

"Oh come on you guys! How about we just go and get the beer and then we come back and chill?" Adam made a hard bargain. Jean and I ended up agreeing. We all made our way to the entrance to put our coats on.

"I'm gonna go to the bathroom real quick." I mentioned as I made my way into the restroom.

"Hurry up, we'll be outside." Adam hollered. Before I shut the door, I heard Jean ask Vanessa to help him with his coat. I'm sure she was more than happy to oblige. After doing my business, I did a quick check on my make-up. I still look good. I gave my reflection a quick wink and opened the bathroom door. What I saw by the entrance door almost had me to my knees. Vanessa was leaning down to Jean, trying to kiss him. Adam and Levy were nowhere to be seen. Her lips just barely touched his when he brought his hand up, blocking any further advancement. When Vanessa opened her eyes, you could see the hurt in them.

"Vanessa…" Jean sounded disappointed.

"Why?" Vanessa straightened up, almost in tears.

"You know why." He was saying it gently, as if to not hurt her anymore. I know I should be happy that he stopped her when he did, but my body was hot with anger. She just doesn't get it! Well…maybe she'll get it now.

My feet started to move forward with determination. Nothing in me was telling me to re-evaluate my decision. Both Vanessa and Jean looked disturbed when they realized that I was approaching. Jean looked more troubled than anything. I gently pushed Vanessa out the way, a sound of protest escaped her mouth, but it didn't stop me. I planted both my hands on Jean's arm rest, lowering my head to the same level as his. He was taken aback by my actions. Before anyone could say anything, I aggressively brought my lips to his. I was a bit surprised when I felt him kiss me back. I almost forgot how good his lips felt on mine. I was desperate for his touch. I had to hold in a moan that wanted to escape with the pleasure. I didn't want to let up, but anymore and I'd be in his lap. I pushed away to see his face red and angry. I stood up and with a blank expression, looked at Vanessa. She was in shock.

"Don't touch what's not yours." Is all I said and then I swung the front door open. Levy and Adam were waiting outside. They were confused when they saw me power walking toward them. They knew something was up.

"What's wrong?" Adam asked as I stormed pass them.

"Nothing. I'm going home." I said curtly.

"Helen!" Jean called after me. I took a sharp turn when I hit the sidewalk and continued my fast pace back to my rental home. "Helen!" He must be following me. "Helen!" His voice was getting louder each time he called out to me. No one else seemed to be following us. I'm not 100% sure since I refuse to turn around to see. "For Christ's sake Abby, would you stop?" I stopped in my tracks. What did he just say? I slowly turned back towards him. He was a bit farther away than I thought. He was trying his best to catch his breath. "You know…it's not fair…I can't really…move as fast…as I use to." I still looked at him in shock.

"How long did you know?" How long have I been making a fool of myself?

"Please! I knew the second I saw you." His breathing was getting more in rhythm. The sensation to throw something big and hard at him was phenomenal. "Although, I will admit that I had to second guess myself at first, but…I wasn't going to make the same mistake twice."

"So all those times…you knew?" I sounded angry. I was angry!

"What can I say? It was cute seeing your reactions."

"Cute!?" He just smiled. He knew I was angry with him.

"Are you going to come here, or do I have to wheel myself to you?" I didn't budge an inch. He sighed before grabbing his wheels, moving them forward again. "Always the stubborn one." He stopped when he was right in front of me. "You know, we're going to have to explain what happened to the others?" I remained silent, and kept my glare. "Come on, Abby. I stopped her. What more could I have done?" His question angered me.

"I'm not angry at you, or at least I wasn't. I'm angry because you told them that damn story! AND you've been making me feel like a fool for weeks."

"I'm sorry." He reached for my hand, and I let him take it. Despite being angry with him, I still wanted his touch. "I didn't mean to hurt you, and I wanted to tell them that story because it's one of my favorite memories right now. I wasn't saying it to embarrass you."

"Well you certainly weren't refraining from it." He let out another sigh.

"What do I need to do for your forgiveness?" Now we're getting somewhere. I didn't even need to think about.

"Apologize."

"I already di-"

"Do you want my forgiveness?" His patience was running thin with me.

"I'm sorry. I promise I won't doing anything like that again. Please forgive me?"

"Now kiss me." I had to say it quick before the embarrassment settled in. He was surprised by my demand, but his gaze softened when he realized what I was truly wanting. He softly pulled my arm down, and placed my hand on his arm rest, like I did back at Levy and Adam's house. I placed my other hand on the other arm rest and gazed into his memorizing blue eyes. He brought his hands up, cupping both my cheeks. My pulse quickened to a dangerous speed as he slowly pulled me in. It was almost torturous with how slow he was going. He stopped when we were just centimeters away from each other. I've had enough. I closed the distance and locked my lips with his once again. It was like I could finally breath for the first time in a long time. Nothing mattered. Not the story, especially not Vanessa. It was like our lips were trying to mesh into one. I grabbed onto his shirt pulling him closer to me. I let out the moan I had held back then and it only made Jean kiss me deeper. This was bad. I wanted more. I needed more! I quickly pushed away and slowly went to my knees. He was going to kill me. I looked up at him, panting with passion. I could tell by the glimmer in his eyes, that he also wanted to take thing further. "Sorry…I need a moment." To cool off! His fingertips started to graze the top of one of my arms that were now resting on top of his legs. Such a simple gesture had my head spinning all over again. "Jean…" His look told me that he knew he had me. I couldn't help but tremble by that gaze he held.

"Hey!" We both stiffened when we hear Adam's booming voice shout at us. "Everything okay?" I peeked behind Jean to see how far they were. They were a bit away. It was only Adam and Levy. Vanessa was nowhere in sight. I glanced back up at Jean when he made a tired sigh.

"I'm sure Vanessa told them what happened."

"Should we tell them?" He remained silent for a moment. His gaze was serious, looking down at me, thinking about my question.

"Do you trust them?" Was all he asked. I thought a moment. They were getting closer. I looked back up at him, a smile slowly snuck on my face. I nodded, knowing we had a lot of explaining to do. ~

END OF CHAPTER 21!

Thanks for reading!