Ugh, this chapter was hard for me to write and was actually one of the reasons I started this exercise in the first place. First of all, I wanted to write a ridiculous scenario as sincerely and realistically as possible while also trying to teach myself how to write decent romance. It's hard I tell you so hard. . . .

Jak and Daxter and all affiliated characters and places are property of Naughty Dog. No infringement of copyright is implied or intended in this fictional work.

Chapter 13: Consequences

The inside of Daxter's mouth tasted like shit. There was no other way to describe the vileness that centered on her tongue and spread out through the fleshy wetness that surrounded it. She smacked her lips together to see if that could dissipate the taste. Nope, still disgusting.

The next thing she noticed was the throbbing in her right temple. It was just painful enough to be distracting and uncomfortable but not bad enough that she could feel justified whining about it without sounding like a girl. Wait, she was a girl. Damn it.

Her stomach growled. She was hungry but it felt like a spongy lump of something had lodged itself in her gut and her throat, that odd simultaneous feeling of both hunger and nausea. Somewhere in the back of her mind an image of tea and toast formed. That sounded like the best thing in the world at that moment. Daxter wondered if she should add protein to that. She imagined some eggs next to the toast. Her stomach attempted to jump out of her body. Okay toast good, eggs bad.

Well, if she was thinking this much it must be morning. Daxter experimented with peering out from under the covers with one eye. The brightness shot a stab of pain through her temple and her stomach rolled. She snapped her eye shut and instantly the pain was gone. Fantastic, she either had a migraine or a hangover.

The bed dipped as someone sat down. A hand rested on her forehead and Daxter blinked open an eye to see a certain blond male sitting there. "Mornin'" Jak said.

Daxter groaned. She flipped over in bed. "Go die," she muttered, burying herself deeper into the covers.

Jak frowned, gripped Daxter's shoulder and flipped her on her back. Daxter flailed her arm against the light. "Jeez, Jak," she muttered.

The blond hero pulled Daxter into a sitting position. "Sit up," he ordered.

"Hell no."

"Dax."

Rather than strain her back, Daxter did what Jak asked, propping herself up with pillows. Satisfied that she wasn't going to fall over, Jak took Daxter's right hand and entwined his thumb between Daxter's thumb and pointer finger. He found a tight spot of muscle. Jak pressed down, hard.

Daxter yelped in pain. "What are you doing?"

Jak ignored the complaint. "Be quiet, Daxter and keep your eyes shut."

The sidekick pouted but did as she was told. The pressure on her palm was intense but she resisted the urge to squirm. Jak had to be doing this for some reason, right? She felt a heavy pulse in her hand as Jak cut off the blood flow. The redhead wiggled her pinky to avoid getting pins and needles. A few moments passed and Daxter noticed that the pain in her temple was ebbing away.

"Huh," Daxter muttered. She blinked an eye open, no pain. She risked opening the other eye as well. "Neat trick. Where'd you learn that?"

"Samos," Jak replied.

A slight pout turned the corner of Daxter's mouth. "Old Green Stuff never taught me that one."

Jak gave her an amused smirk, "That's because you never listened."

There was a comfortable silence for a minute as they just sat together on the bed. Daxter twitched her fingers and noticed that Jak was still holding her hand. The redhead pried Jak's hand off hers. "That's enough, you might start getting ideas," she joked. She looked up into Jak's face. He wasn't smiling. "Something wrong, big guy?"

"You did something last night," Jak said.

Daxter gave him a wary eye. "I wasn't singing, was I? I got kicked out last time I did that. Some people got no taste. This one time, I climbed on top of a table--"

Jak cut off her rambling. "Daxter, shut up."

Daxter scoffed. "Sheesh whatcha looking so grim for, I didn't kiss you or anything, right?"

"Yeah, Dax, you did." Jak said.

She wasn't expecting that. Daxter's headache threatened to come back in full force. Her stomach was rolling from nervousness and some other unidentifiable emotion. "Come on Jak, I was drunk, it doesn't count." She flopped over on her side. "'Sides I'm all hungover and I'm lying here—" Daxter picked up the bedsheet, noting that she was in her pajamas. "Why am I in my pjs?" Daxter's eyes shot open wide. She pushed herself upright. "Did you strip me last night?" she asked, an edge of panic in her voice.

"No, Tess came over—"

"Tess saw me naked and I wasn't awake for it? Precursors, I just missed the biggest moment of my life." Daxter grabbed Jak's shirtfront and shook him. "How could you let me miss that!"

Jak remained impassive; he was not going to let Daxter squirm her way out of changing the subject. "Daxter, why did you kiss me?"

More than anything she wanted to look away but there was something in his eyes that told her if she lied that he would know. Daxter tried it anyway. "I thought you were Tess?" she offered, a lame smile on her face.

Jak shook his head.

The redhead did look away. Her fingers loosened their grip and slid down into her lap. Her cheeks flushed pink. "Oh." For once in her life, she couldn't think of a thing to say.

Jak sighed and took Daxter's hands. She noticed her hands seemed dwarfed by the warrior's own. The blond opened his mouth, "You also said some things—"

"I don't want to hear it," Daxter snapped in a soft voice.

Jak blinked in surprise at her tone. He chuckled, trying to lighten the mood. "Daxter, it's okay—"

"No, it's not!" the redhead snarled, jerking her hands away. "I'm not supposed to feel this way. I'm still a guy! I don't care what I look like, I still like drinking, I still like boobs and anyone who tells me otherwise is full of shit!" Her small fists clenched the bedsheets in anger. Daxter stared up at Jak, defiance in her eyes and in the set of her jaw.

"I've never said you weren't," Jak said, raising his voice.

"Then why're you treating me like one? Holding hands, making cute, dancing around it, why don't you fucking say what you wanna say and get this over with?" Daxter sat up straighter, pushing herself into Jak's face.

Jak could never back down from a challenge. "You want me to?"

"Yeah!"

"Yeah?"

"Yeah!"

"Fine!" Jak shouted. He grabbed Daxter's shoulders and jerked her forward. Their mouths collided in a painful jumble of teeth and lips. The warrior tasted blood as he realized Daxter's buckteeth had cut his lip, but he was too determined to have his heart's say to draw back. Daxter had other ideas.

Her fists smacked against Jak's muscular shoulders doing no real damage. She flattened out her palms and pushed, throwing her head to the side. Their mouths parted and Jak took it as a sign to work on the offered neck. His lips descended on the junction between neck and shoulder and he started to nibble.

Daxter gasped in a breath, her eyes fluttering. "Let go," she muttered.

"No," the blond murmured into her skin.

The sidekick shuddered. "Let go."

"Daxter—"

"No, seriously let go," Daxter whimpered, smacking at Jak's side. "I'm about ready to puke here."

Jak's eyes widened and he relinquished his grip. Daxter launched herself out of the bed, hand covering her mouth, and staggered into the bathroom. She kicked the door closed with her heel and seconds later Jak was graced with the sound of Daxter emptying the contents of her stomach.

It certainly wasn't a high point in the History of Seduction.

As Daxter spent the next several minutes regretting getting into a drinking contest with Hal, Jak wondered how much damage control he was going to have to do. Daxter was his friend; his best friend and Jak had known for some time that his affection for his younger partner was more than just brotherly. He also knew that Daxter was stubborn and very set on her ideas. Without even trying she would twist Jak's attention into another blow against her masculinity. But the redhead wasn't the only one with feelings to consider, there was also the Other.

Jak hated thinking about him but he couldn't deny that he was there. Over the two slow years that Dark Jak was created, Jak had retreated to his memories of Sandover to keep himself sane. As a result, the monster gestating inside him had fixated on his host's childhood and a certain redhead as a source of calm and peace. The beast shared Jak's feelings for the sidekick but they held more urgency and were more difficult to hide. Jak was able to keep Dark Jak at bay by sneaking into Daxter's bed every night, but he wasn't certain how long it would be satisfied with innocent cuddling. Besides, Jak had sacrificed so much in the past several years didn't he deserve some happiness?

The bathroom door opened and Daxter stood there, her face a little damp from washing it in the sink. She was quite disheveled, a messy mop of hair on her head, her tanktop skewed showing a slip of belly and pajama pants clinging to her slim hips. It was comical and alluring all at the same moment.

He had to touch her again.

Jak reached for Daxter's shoulder but she swatted him away. "Don't touch me, big guy, I don't feel so hot." She slumped to the side, letting the door jam support her weight.

He felt bad for pressing the issue while Daxter was not at her best, but he honestly felt that she wouldn't listen otherwise. "Daxter," he started. He took a step forward, their bodies brushing against each other. Daxter's bleary eyes stared up into his. Jak opened his mouth to say what he always wanted to say.

"Don't," Daxter pleaded.

Jak was puzzled. "Why not?"

"Don't tell me you love me or any of that mushy crap 'cause it's not true," Daxter said. Jak could see her trying her best to hold onto what scrap of dignity she had left. "There's different kinds of feelings Jak and sometimes you can get them messed up and I know this Dark Eco thing ain't helping--"

Jak frowned. "You said I was your best friend."

The corner of Daxter's mouth lifted. "You are my best friend, Jak. Doesn't matter if I'm a chick or a guy, you always will be, but this other stuff." She waved her hand around to make some gesture but it was quickly forgotten and it dropped back to her side. "It's okay though, the Eco's confusing me too, making me think things I shouldn't think."

"Why shouldn't you?" Jak asked, feeling some hope at Daxter's admission.

Daxter snorted, the answer obvious to her. "Because I'm not a girl, I just look like one."

Jak slipped an arm around Daxter's back, his hand pushing her up and forward into him. His eyes slid to half-mast, a tiny smirk curling his lip. "That's never mattered to me, Daxter." He pulled her closer, leaning his face down to meet hers.

Daxter recoiled; this was not the way things were supposed to go. Jak wasn't supposed to want to kiss her again. It was tempting though; his mouth was coming closer and closer. That strange expression from childhood was back but now Daxter could recognize a plea hidden behind it. She felt heat tingle in places she shouldn't have. She had to clear the air.

"That's bullshit!" She shoved with all her might and launched herself from Jak's grasp. She banged her hip against the doorway, sharp pain driving the lust from her body. It would bruise later. Not to be deterred, Jak grappled for her but the smaller woman ducked and evaded his grasp.

"Total bullshit," she asserted again. She needed to gain some distance, get somewhere safer, like a Metalhead den. Daxter stumbled to the other side of the room, placing the bed between herself and the warrior. It wasn't much space but it was something. The headache tried to pop up behind her eyes but she ignored the pain. This was important; she couldn't afford to lose because she was hungover.

Jak crouched to spring on the bed but Daxter held up a warning hand. He stopped, waiting for her to proceed.

"I can prove it too," Daxter said. She pointed an accusing finger, "I know about the cuddling thing."

Jak paused, a confused look on his face. "What cuddling thing?"

The redhead snorted in disgust. She knew he was just playing dumb. "You know, you sneak into my room every night and use me like a stuffed Crocodog?" she said.

"Like a what?"

Daxter rolled her eyes. She picked up a pillow and cradled it in her arms. "Like that sort of thing, Lurker Brain." She scowled at Jak "You only did that when I was a girl." She paused, a thoughtful expression on her face. "And that one time, just before I found myself with a new rack and a change of plumbing! Ya just mistook me for Keira, that's all. That's why it happened the first time." Daxter clutched the pillow in triumph; she had stumped him. That should stop all this mushy stuff and they could get back to being Daxter and Jak, the Demolition Duo. And when she got back to her manly self she could forget her secret dreams and the feel of her friend's arms wrapped around her.

She knew that all Jak had to do was say that she was right and they could go back to normal. "Daxter," Jak began. She awaited his reply in anticipation. "I've been doing that since you were thirteen."

The bottom dropped out of Daxter's world. "What? You gotta be shitting me, Jak."

Jak hurried to explain. "Your parents had let you stay over and it was raining outside, it was that really bad storm, the one that knocked the trees down. You were tossing and turning, like the thunder bothered you but you weren't waking up. I thought I could help."

Daxter flushed with embarrassment. "By crawling into bed with me?"

Jak scoffed. "I was fourteen, Dax."

"Yeah and I remember being fourteen, you perv," Daxter shot back.

Jak crossed the room before Daxter could blink. She had to crane her neck to look up at the man towering above her. He was standing too close, much too close. The air was heavy with the scent of his sweat. Electricity crackled around his body, something else coming to the surface. Jak's eyes darkened. Daxter's stomach rolled. He took another step forward, crowding Daxter between the wall and his hard flesh. "I was just trying to protect you."

His hot breath fanned over her tense face. Daxter gulped for air. She was trapped, she couldn't move, and it was hard to breathe. Blood pumped in her ears as her body sought escape. "You were taking advantage of me!" Daxter screamed.

Just like that the atmosphere in the room changed. Jak stared at Daxter with hurt in his eyes. "You. . . you thought," he started. The warrior took a step back, running a hand through his hair. "Did you really think that?" he asked.

Daxter looked at the floor. There were so many ways she could answer that question. Some would think that Jak's odd behavior reminded her of Erol, but it didn't. Their relationship, strange beast that it had become, did not allow for it. Daxter sucked in a breath. "No," she said. It was one of the hardest admissions of her life. "No I don't." She sat down on the bed. Her voice was soft, almost a whisper. "I even kind of like it."

Jak took a chance and took a seat beside her. "Then I can do it again?" Jak asked.

"Don't push your luck, big guy," Daxter said, punching his shoulder.

He grabbed his younger friend and ruffled her hair, mussing it beyond recognition as she shrieked indignities all the while. It was a stupid boy thing to do and it was just what they needed.

Jak released her and as she patted down her hair he said, "I do care about you, Dax."

Daxter shook her head. "No, you don't, not the way you think you do. You just say that 'cause I'm a chick. You won't like me when I'm a guy."

Jak pressed his suit. "I already did, Dax."

"Don't change the subject," Daxter snapped. "And I don't know if I'll like you that way, big guy. When I'm normal I'll be all about the babes again."

"You still like women, Daxter," the hero pointed out.

Daxter leered and she chortled as visions of Tess danced through her head. "Oh yeah."

"But you also like me," Jak added.

The smile slipped off Daxter's face. "It's the boobs talking, nothing else."

Jak scooted closer to Daxter. "What have I got to do to prove it to you? What do I need to say?"

The redhead thought about it for a moment. She looked him straight in the eye. "Tell me that when I'm a guy and we'll talk."

"It's a deal," Jak said. He leaned forward and pecked Daxter on the mouth. She sprang to her feet, sputtering and wiping her face.

"The hell was that?" she shouted. "No mushy stuff!"

"What about tickling?" Jak asked, a devilish grin on his face. He launched himself at Daxter who ducked out of the way.

She grabbed a chair, wielding it like a lion-tamer. "Back off Jak, keep your hands where I can see 'em!"

Before Jak could rush forward a familiar beeping sound broke the silence.

"Jak, Daxter get off your asses, you've got a mission," the not-so-pleasant voice of Torn filtered through the communicator.

"But I've got a hangover," Daxter whined.

"I don't care if you've got wumpbee fever, your first responsibility's to the Underground," Torn snapped.

Daxter muttered under breath, "Someone didn't get laid last night."

"What was that!"

"Nothing, what've got?" Jak asked.

"Our scouts have reported movement in Dead Town. Creatures are moving towards the Sacred Site, just like last time," Torn told them.

"Last time? What happened last time?" Daxter asked, a hint of worry in her voice.

Torn sighed, a crackling buzz through the device. "Metalheads broke through the old city wall. We fought them, but then the Baron pulled back leaving everyone outside the New Barrier to die." Obvious resentment hardened Torn's voice. Jak wondered if that was what turned the former Krimzon Guard against his leader. "Only the Shadow stayed and somehow stopped the attack."

"And now you expect us to go out there again?" Jak guessed.

"Are you nuts?" Daxter protested. She clutched at Jak's arm, hoping he'd reconsider.

"Look, if you keep the Metalheads from reaching the Sacred Site, the Shadow will be most grateful." Torn left it hanging at that.

"If we meet the Shadow, maybe we can get some answers. We'll do it," Jak said.

Daxter groaned in defeat. "You owe us for this, Tattooed Wonder."

Torn ignored the comment. "Tess has left you some weapon upgrades outside, you're gonna need them. And hurry, I don't know how much time you've got."

To most, the Krimzon Guard Headquarters was a prison, a symbol of tyrannical oppression that was to be avoided at all costs. If a civilian found himself locked into such a place, he would likely never find his way out again. To Erol it was a sanctuary.

In a more civilized time a man like Erol would not have amounted to much. He would have been an average man with an average job whose dark desires would lurk under a thin skin, simply waiting for a time to come out. Here, his ruthlessness propelled him to the top ranks of the Guard. Erol was thankful he lived in an era that could appreciate his talents.

Erol sat in an ergonomically designed chair that somehow still managed to cause lower back pain. His finger tapped against the console as his eyes scanned the latest reports from the Metalhead front. There had been fewer in-city sightings lately but that was due to the activities of a certain golden boy and his irritating sidekick. Erol had to admit they were efficient but that would only make the inevitable fall that much sweeter.

The metal doors behind him whooshed open and Erol turned to face the intruder. It was Baron Praxis, looking polished and clean. Erol guessed that he would be making a public appearance that day.

"Captain," the Baron began, pulling out a printout from his suit, "I've noticed that you've moved the capture of this red-haired girl to a top priority." Praxis shoved the picture at Erol. "Why?"

The Captain smirked; the picture represented Daxter quite well. It was a candid shot of her shopping in the slum district. Packages bulged under one arm while the other was clenched in a fist with a provocative finger pointed toward an unseen target. Erol schooled his features. "Because her capture is instrumental in getting Jak back into the Dark Warrior Program," he answered.

Praxis was intrigued. He waved a dismissive hand. "Go on."

Erol settled into his chair, his feet propped up on an unused computer terminal. "This Daxter's harboring Jak somewhere in the slums. She's feeding him, clothing him, keeping him warm. That alone is enough to brand her a traitor."

The Baron did not look convinced. "Yes, but if this is true, wouldn't surveillance be enough?"

Erol shook his head. "No, Jak has an emotional attachment to her, they have a history." He leaned in for the kill. "She was with him when he came through the rift."

The Baron frowned. "I wasn't aware that anyone else came through."

"It was in my report, sir," Erol reminded him. It had been mentioned several times, in fact, along with theories as to how and where the portal had come from and how the mysterious "second comer" could react as an unknown variable to the Dark Eco Warrior Program. But Erol didn't want to get into it. Right now, he had to convince the Baron to expend some of his valuable resources into catching this minor criminal. Erol said, "I also suspect that she helped him escape."

"Then in that case she should be shot on sight," Praxis replied.

The Krimzon Guard frowned, that wouldn't do at all; he had plans for that girl. "No, if we capture that girl Jak will come running and the whole Underground will fall apart without him."

A strange expression crossed the Baron's face as if he had just confirmed a suspicion. "Ashelin suspects this whole thing might just be your personal agenda."

Damn that bitch for trying to interfere. Erol's voice dropped to a low growl. "She can suspect all she wants, I'm not changing my orders."

"Fine Erol, I'll indulge you this time." The Baron leaned close to Erol, their noses almost touching. "But I expect results and I won't wait forever."

"Don't worry, you won't have to," Erol said.

Praxis gave him a curt nod and spun on his heel. Erol watched him go, a neutral expression on his face. He didn't care what the Baron's daughter thought, he would find Jak and Daxter his way. And when he did, a slow grin crossed his face, he was going to play.

I'm working again so this may be the last chapter for a while. Sorry if it seems rushed.