Summary: Tommy Quincy hates Jamie Andrews with a passion. But why? Takes place after "Date With the Night."

Disclaimer: All chapter titles are songs by Fall Out Boy. Also I don't own anything related to "Instant Star" except for a couple of Jude-centric fantasies.

Author's Note: Well, if the "Instant Star" finale didn't leave you hanging than you don't have a pulse. I mean, just excluding the whole "Who did she pick thing?", you have G Major closing, Jamie and Pagan starting their own record label, and Spied and Karma getting married. That's a lot for a half-hour show.

Anyway, on with the story!

88

Jamie downed another shot, paying little attention to the look Kwest was sending his way. "You wanna slow down there?' he finally spoke.

"Not really," Jamie replied.

Kwest gave a small nod and said, "What you did Jamie was..."

"Yeah, yeah," Jamie interrupted. "Save it."

Kwest sighed, trying to think of another way to reach his drunken friend. Finally it hit him. "You know, if the situation had been reversed, Tommy wouldn't have done that."

Jamie froze mid-shot and cast a wary glance at Kwest. "Really?" he asked, the glass still resting on his lip.

Kwest nodded. "Way too selfish."

Jamie finished the shot and smiled. "Yeah. He is, isn't he?"

88

Tommy knocked on the door to Kwest's house, where Jude and Stuart were staying following the episode with Jamie a week ago. Kwest had surprised Sadie with a trip to Mexico and Stuart was at work so Tommy knew that he would only be dealing with Jude.

The youngest Harrison girl opened the door, her hair a mess and clothes crumpled. "Tommy?" she asked, self-consciously smoothing out the wrinkles in her clothes.

"Yeah, it's me."

Jude motioned him inside. "What's up?"

Tommy walked inside and tried to think of something to say. 'Sorry your fiancé broke your heart and left you and your kids but I love you and want to be with you?' That seemed a little tacky. Finally, he settled on what he did best. Kissing Jude.

Jude pushed Tommy back and shook her head. "No."

"What?" Tommy couldn't help the confusion on his face.

Jude sighed and took his hand. "I can't do this. I'm sorry Tommy but you had your chance."

The feeling of dread enveloped Tommy as he asked, "What are you saying?" Before Jude even replied though, he knew the answer.

"I need some time. Alone. To sort things out." Jude cupped his face. "I'm so sorry but I really loved Jamie and I don't think I'm in any state to just go off and rebound with you."

Tommy nodded in understanding, willing himself to be a man and not run away in a huff like he always did. "If you change your mind..."

"You'll be the first to know," Jude smiled.

After a brief hug, Tommy left the small home and began walking. He didn't know where he was going but he had just had to get away/

88

Author's Note 2: A little short but I think I got the message across. Just two chapters left and then some, nay all, of you will be very angry with me. (Until the sequel) So for now I leave you with this: Who the hell was behind that door?