a/n: To the Guest reviewer who said that no true fan likes Sarah Hart. Your words somehow seeped into this chapter. Disclaimer: mild Sarah Hart bashing ahead

Chapter Sixteen - P is for Pizza

I never thought I would be so happy to see Sam.

I think he was just as happy (and relieved) to see me. The blood on my face and arms scared him a little but when I told him about the Corvette – his eyes widened. He'd seen the cop speeding up and down the road. The exit we'd taken was about five miles from the meeting place Six and Sam had discussed at the concert.

It was morning rush hour at the local McDonald's. Six was still waiting up at the counter for fresh coffee. Sam and I were seated at a table with a tray full of breakfast items.

I was starving but could barely look at the pancakes in front of me.

In Home Economics, Sarah and I made pancakes together. One plate, two forks and three gallons of syrup later I had a bad stomach ache. But that wasn't why I could eat – it was the memory of how our hands brushed together and how we'd taken turns feeding each other.

"You gonna eat those?" Sam asked.

I saw his foam plate was empty so I passed mine his way. "Naw," I replied as I reached for a hash brown.

"Yummmm," Sam uttered as he lifted dripping forkfuls into his mouth. "I don't care what that douche Morgan Spurlock thinks – this is the best food in the world."

"Who?" I asked.

"Super Size Me." Sam kept chewing. "It's this documentary…"

And that's where he lost me.

My attention went back to the counter. Six stood to the side of the line, arms crossed over her chest. I knew she was annoyed at having to wait. Her shoulders gently rose as she took a deep breath before sending a glaring eye toward one of the patrons whose indecisiveness was causing quite the traffic jam.

A few people walked in my line of sight blocking me from seeing Six. That was probably for the best. I shouldn't be staring at her. Or thinking about her.

I made myself take another bite of the hash brown while keeping one eye on the impatient alien. When the employee finally handed her a cup, he said something to her and she laughed.

I wish I had been listening harder because I really wanted to know what he said.

She came to the table and sat beside me, setting the steaming cup of coffee on the table.

"So where are we going next, Captain?" Sam asked Six.

She removed her sunglasses and looked over at me, nodding her head slightly. Then she looked at Sam.

"This is where we part company," she replied.

"Uh, excuse me?" Sam looked at me in confusion.

"What are you talking about?" I turned in my seat to face the blonde girl. This was news to me.

"It's time for you to go back to Ohio," she said looking Sam dead in the eye.

"That's not happening." Sam's voice shook with anger.

"Yeah," I agreed. Six's comments had taken me completely off guard.

She gave me a stern look, followed by a hastily, "We need to talk," as she pulled me out of my seat and into the vestibule of the closest door.

"We're not leaving Sam behind," I snapped at her. "His dad is a part of this and if there is any chance of finding him…"

"There isn't," she growled. "And Sam is holding us back. We need to find the others. We need to train…"

"What's this 'we' bullshit," I launched back. "We never discussed this and I am not leaving without Sam."

"Did you forget something?" Six snarled. "WE are soldiers. WE have a mission. WE are the last hope. That…" she gestured to Sam, "is a liability that is going to get us killed."

"He's a person not a liability!"

"Keep your voice down," she hissed at me. Grabbing me by the arm she pulled me out the door.

As pissed off as I was, I felt a little rush from where her hand gripped against my skin. She led me across the parking lot to where Sam parked the truck. Bernie Kosar stuck his head out the window and gave me a happy bark.

Six lowered the tail gate and climbed inside the bed. I followed her.

"I'm not leaving him behind," I repeated. "If Sam goes back to Ohio – then so I."

Six had been adjusting something on her bike, but she stopped and looked at me. "Fine."

"Fine?" I was confused. Wasn't "fine" one of those dangerous words that girls used? I started to get a little nervous. What if Six decided to blow up the McDonald's with Sam inside? Hell no.

I glared at her.

"If you can give me one example of how NASA can be an asset to us, I'll keep my mouth shut about having him around for another week."

"A week?"

"Then I'll have to reevaluate the situation."

"You'll reevaluate the situation. Funny, I don't remember voting for you to be in charge."

"Funny, I don't remember voting for you either…"

We stood there, in a brief stalemate before Six reminded me that I still hadn't given a reason for keeping Sam with us. Honestly, I couldn't think of one – other than in exchange for Sam's help back in Paradise, I promised him I'd help him find his father.

I felt Six's hand brush against mine. Then our palms touched as she clasped her hand around mine. Suddenly I wasn't quite as angry as I wanted to be. I tried to tug my hand away but she had a firm grip on me. I suppose I could have really pulled away or used my Legacies.

But from somewhere deep inside I didn't want her to let go.

"I know that you think you owe this to him," she said, her other hand sweeping across my brow then arcing down my cheek. "But sometimes we can't keep our promises. He'll understand."

Her lips brushed against my cheek. "We're together now. And soon we'll find the others. When we do we'll make those Mogs sorry they ever fucked with Lorien."

She kissed me again, this time on my mouth. I didn't want her to but at the same time I couldn't bring myself to stop her. Within seconds I was kissing her back. Her tongue swept against mine. In the warm sunshine, chills swept through my body. Before I knew it I and my Lumen were turned on.

"Shit!" I cursed balling my hands into fists. Beams of bright cobalt escaped through the gaps of my fingers. Beside me Six was frowning. Gently she placed her hands over mine, hiding the escaping traces of light. "Why does this keep happening?" I asked her.

"We'll figure it out," she nodded, smiling slightly. "Together."

I think she meant to sound confident but I knew she was only telling me what I wanted to hear. In reality she had no fucking clue why this was happening and that worried me.

"But first you should let Sam know, we'll be going on without him."

As she released my hands, I wedged them deep in my pockets. I hopped down from the tailgate and went back inside. Sam was sitting at the table, waiting.

I slumped down in the chair across from him. I didn't want to have this conversation. Regardless of what Six thought, Sam had more than proven himself. I trusted him with my life. I knew that he would keep our secret no matter what. But even more than that – right now I needed his friendship.

"What's the verdict, John?" Sam leaned across the table, face hardened as he prepared himself for the worst.

"You have one week to prove that you are an asset," I told him. "Or else…" I couldn't finish my sentence.

"Or else…," Sam looked at me. "Or else what? She shoots me?"

I managed a short laugh. "I won't let her shoot you." I almost said 'I promise' but stopped myself before making another promise to Sam that I might not be able to keep.

"So I have to be an asset," Sam rested his temple on his propped fist. "Exactly what does that mean? Do I need to learn karate or something?"

"She wasn't specific." I drummed my fingers on the tabletop. "But you absolutely cannot mess up at all this week."

"Got it." Sam repeatedly nodded.

"That means no tantrums," I warned. "Even if she takes you outlet shopping for an entire day."

"Please God," Sam folded his hands in prayer. "Save me from retail torture. Amen."

His prayer cracked me up a little bit. My mood lightened and I bit into a breakfast sandwich.

The crisis with Sam was averted. Now I just had to explain the word 'compromise' to Six.

When we finished eating, Sam followed me out to the truck. Six was waiting for us to 'help' her get her bike down from the truck bed. I knew she could have easily done it by herself – but that would have attracted attention.

We proceeded to lower the bike to the ground. From the cab, Six assisted Sam by using her telekinesis while she touched up her eyeliner in the rear view mirror.

As Sam approached she extended her hand. "Thank you," she said as she shook his hand. "We appreciate everything you have done for us."

"You're welcome?" Sam sent a questioning glance my way.

There was a moment of awkward silence before Six let out a tired sigh and crossed her arms over her chest. "You didn't tell him did you?"

"I did," I replied holding out Six's coffee as a peace offering. "He's got one week right?"

"That's not…," Six began but stopped and gave me one hell of an evil eye. She grabbed the coffee from my hand, downing it in one long gulp before handing the empty cup to Sam. "Seven days," she told him. "And you better believe I'll be counting the seconds."

"I believe you." Sam nodded stiffly.

"My work here is done," I smiled as I placed an arm around each of them, pulling them into a little group hug. Then I sat in the passenger side of the truck as they discussed our itinerary for the day.

Bernie Kosar jumped into my lap and proceeded to lick my entire face.

"I missed you too," I told him scratching him behind the ears.

It was a few minutes before Sam took his place behind the wheel. We backed out of the parking spot and followed the cherry red bike out onto the main road. Bernie Kosar curled up in my lap and I leaned my head back, closing my eyes.

"Hey!" Sam's arm shot out lightly punching me in the chest.

I opened my eyes, tiredly.

"Did my eyes deceive me – or were you and Jane making out in the parking lot just now?" Sam wore a wide grin as he looked my way.

"I don't want to talk about it."

"Oh, come on!" Sam pouted.

"Really. I don't want to talk about it."

"That sucks for you because I do."

I sighed, knowing I wasn't going to get any rest until I gave Sam some details.

"I hooked up with Six last night."

"I knew it!" Sam exclaimed pounding on the steering wheel. "I knew you guys were into each other. Soooooo, how was it? It was awesome, wasn't it? You can look at her and know it's got to be awesome," he babbled.

"We didn't have sex."

"What did you do then?" Sam was bouncing with excitement. "Did she let you touch her boobs? She did, didn't she? Come on John, no secrets. I want to hear all about it!"

I lowered my head into my hands. This was going to be a very long ride.

-SEVERAL HOURS LATER…

It's nearly dinnertime and I am starving.

The fucking truck broke down and we had to have it towed. It's been in the shop all day and now the mechanic claims he can't get the part for a couple days. Six is livid and does everything she can to plead our case – including agreeing to have dinner with "Mack" of Mack's Auto Repair.

The good news is; he's ordered the part with priority shipping so it should be here tomorrow.

The bad news is; I'm having some trouble convincing Six that Sam was in no way responsible for the truck's mechanical failure.

Mack was nice enough to call the local motel and get us a room for the night. They sent a shuttle and the driver was an elderly man who asked entirely too many questions. Who are we? Why are we traveling alone? Where're our parents?

I answer the questions as vaguely as I can but he keeps at it.

It's obvious Six is ready to explode. Sam and I both sense it. I think the driver does too because he finally shuts up and turns on the radio.

The hotel room is big with two double beds and a nice chair. Bernie Kosar leaps into the chair, circles a few times then curls into a ball and closes his eyes.

Six took her bag and went into the bathroom locking the door behind her. The water runs and I know she's taking a shower.

"So, uh, you okay with her going out with Mack?" Sam asks me.

"Why wouldn't I be?" It's not like she's my girlfriend.

"In case he tries something," Sam continues. "There're a lot of psychos out there."

"I'm sure she'll be fine," I tell him. Of all people, Six can certainly handle herself.

"And speaking of dinner," I remove a few menus from the drawer. "What are you in the mood for?" One of the menus has a picture of cheesy pizza on the front. My stomach growls at the thought of food.

After we place our order, Sam and I kick back and watch an episode of The Big Bang Theory. We're in hysterics at one of the scenes when Six comes out of the bathroom. At first I don't even glance her way, but Sam throws a pen at me and I automatically turn my head.

It sounds so cliché but I think my heart actually skipped a beat as I looked at Six. She wore the sundress from the mall, which fit her way too well. I had no idea her legs were so long or that she had such amazing cleavage. She'd straightened her hair, and it was really long and so very blonde. It framed her face perfectly.

"You look amazing," Sam said as he stared at her.

"Thank you," she frowned. "But I can't go out like this."

"Why not?" Sam asked.

She rotated her leg, revealing the three circular scars on the side of her calf. Then she held out her medallion, looping it back over her head. As it hung around her neck, even I could tell it looked very out of place.

"I guess I'll just change. Again." She walked back into the bathroom and shut the door.

"You are one lucky guy," Sam remarked. "What I wouldn't give to have a girl half as pretty as that."

"She's not my girl, Sam."

"Right," Sam rolled his eyes. "You're still in love with Sarah Hart."

"I am in love with Sarah."

"Whatever, John." Sam leaned back against the headboard and focused on the TV.

I was a little annoyed with Sam and his less-than-civil remarks about Sarah. He and I had a long conversation in the truck about my relationships with Sarah and Six. Sam seemed to think that I needed to forget about Sarah.

Then he proceeded to tell me all about Sarah Hart and Mark James and how they'd basically been together since fifth grade when Sarah got boobs.

"Mark was so on that. I remember him telling everyone that her boobs were so big her bra had two hooks. And then when they had sex freshman year…"

But he didn't stop there. He proceeded to tell me how Sarah was conceited bitch who thought everyone in the school was beneath her. She and Mark were the King and Queen of Asshole-Land. His comments got under my skin. In the time I'd known Sarah, she'd been nothing but sweet and kind.

"That's because you only knew her for like a month," Sam said acting as though he was the authority on Sarah Hart. "I've known her since pre-K and believe me this whole 'nice' act of hers is faker than her spray tan. There's a reason they say a leopard can't change its spots."

I was furious at that point and about to lay into Sam but that's when we heard a loud thud in the truck's engine beginning the whole situation that led us to this moment.

There was a loud knock. "Pizza."

"Finally!" Sam jumped off the bed and answered the door. I went too, taking the boxes from the delivery guy as Sam handed over some cash. We each took a box and went back to our respective beds for dinner.

Another episode of The Big Bang Theory was starting but my attention was somewhere else.

Six came out of the bathroom wearing jeans, a tank top and her jacket. She stood in front of the mirror, fluffing her hair and checking her make-up. Then she turned her body and craned her neck over her shoulder – checking out her own ass; first one side and then the other.

"What are you doing?" I had to ask.

"Nothing," she replied looking my way. In her line of sight was the stack of pizza boxes we'd sat on the table. "Feeding the entire floor?"

"Midnight snack," I answered chewing happily.

"And breakfast," Sam added.

Her head shook, blonde hair shimmered under the fluorescent lights. I looked away. I didn't need for things to get any more complicated.

"Alright," Six announced looking at her phone. "What are you going to do at half past eight?"

"Call you with an emergency," Sam and I answered in unison.

"What are you going to do until I get back?" she asked.

"Stay in the room and don't talk to anyone," we replied.

Six shoved the room key in her pocket (not that she needed it) and tapped her phone nervously. "Have fun," I smiled at her. She nodded again and reached for the door.

After eating all that pizza, Sam and I both dozed off. It had been a long day and we were exhausted.

At precisely 8:33pm, Sam frantically shook my shoulder. "Wake up, Wake up. She's not answering her phone."

"What?" I asked in my half awake state.

"I tried to call her five times and she didn't answer. What if she's in trouble?"

"Give me a second," I rubbed my eyes and sat up in the bed. I took my phone out of my pocket and tried her number. No answer. It was as though she had turned off the phone.

I tried again with the same result.

"Still not answering?"

"No."

"What do we do?"

It wasn't Mack the potential psych I was concerned about. It was Mogs. I located her phone via Sam's handy little app. It was still at the restaurant.

But was Six there too?

If she was she would answer her phone. There was something unsettling about this.

"You're going to stay here," I told Sam. "I'm going to look for her."

"But she didn't want us to leave the room."

"Yeah, well she doesn't get to make all the rules."