*Somewhere Between Enemies and Lovers*
Well now, that had been quite a run. Jack was ready for another but as she glanced over her shoulder she knew the troop couldn't handle it, they were hacking and wheezing all over the place. Talk about seriously out of shape, it had only been an eleven mile run. Jack turned herself around completely. . .well, all but one were out of shape, Riddick stood at perfect attention awaiting a command. Amazing, he didn't even look winded but neither was Jack. She almost laughed, finally after many-too many- years they were equals. Superior at what each did but completely undefeatable to either one. Perfect. That word seemed to be popping into Jack's head far too often since Riddick had returned. The weirdest part was, the word was used to describe him. Jack knew he was one of the furthest things from perfect but somehow. . .he just. . .was. Jack stood up straight; the break was over. Time for more training.
*********
It was getting late, Jack knew she should let the troop go but she wasn't quite through. They were currently training on using hand-held weaponry, main focus for the moment being knives. Just a little more and she'd let them go, shit had she worked them hard today. They deserved it though, damn assholes! She'd hold a grudge for a while. They deserved what they got. Jack almost laughed inwardly.
"Any questions?" Jack threw her personal shiv in her hand into the air and caught it by the hilt.
"Yeah, I got one. . ." a soldier named McCarr piped up, "Why the hell are we learning to use knives? Wars are barely fought with guns anymore, now its all pushes of a button. Bombs and shit. Why do we need to know how to use a knife?"
Idea. "McCarr please step up and put your hand on the wall." Jack pointed to a free standing piece of wood that posed for a target wall. McCarr did as told and Jack continued turning her back to him and addressing the rest of the soldiers, "While it is true that most wars are button fought every now and then you are lucky enough to have a full on contact battle. Fucking great shit. So let's make a scenario. . .you're legs have been blown off, you're objective capture an enemy. Okay, so the enemy is dead in front of you his hand on a detonator that will take out all your fellow soldiers but you have no legs to catch him or stop him from pressing that button. What do you do? Well, if you know how to use a knife properly you can disable the enemy. . ." Jack spun on her heel sending her shiv flying into McCarr's hand-dead center. "Giving you just enough time to get some reinforcements. It's vital, really, McCarr. Answer your question?"
The man's face was turned in pure pain, "Yes Sergeant Major."
"That's what I thought! Any other questions?"
Corigon trotted up and tapped Jack on the shoulder, "Bortelli wants to see you, Jack." He whispered discreetly, "It's about Jefferson."
Jack sighed, "Okay take care of the troops." She walked up to McCarr and pulled the shiv from his hand, "Also, take him to medical. The hand'll be fine. Told you not to question me, McCarr, I wasn't kidding." With that she sauntered away to the Captain's office.
*********
The bitch was fucking ruthless! Riddick loved it! She fucking wounded her soldier, it was a minor injury but damn, that was great. He almost couldn't hold back a laugh; oh shit had that been amazing! Damn, she was good! He refocused his attention to Corigon, Jack had such a bond with him-and Mandol. He'd look into that, probably been around each other forever and they formed a bond. Oh, his Jack. . . amazing. His now. Perfect.
*********
"I understand that I helped to provok the fight Sergeant Major Melivenski but please don't kick me out. I want this so bad, please don't do this!"
Begging. . .the lowest point a human being could ever reach. Jack would never stoop so low, "Look, Jefferson. Fact is you fought me, that's assault on a superior. You're a COULD be a good soldier but no you decide to be a fucking dipshit! What in fuck's name were you thinking?"
"I wasn't Ma'am. I'm sorry."
"Shut up!" Jack, in a rapid movement, was suddenly inches from Jefferson's face, You listen to me and you better listen damn good! I wont court marshal but only because I think you have potential. I catch you talking shit or fucking around EVER even for a second and I'll have you out of here in no time. I'm giving you a second chance, Jefferson, don't fuck it up." Jack straightened, "Captain Bortelli, I would like to change my orders. No court marshal. . .probation for three months and then Jefferson may begin training again." Jefferson tried to protest but Jack let it be known it was over, "This conversation has ended." Jack saluted the Captain and walked out the door.
*********
Jack walked through the front door slamming it behind her, too long. The day had been too damn long. She was frustrated, tired, and hungry. Riddick stepped into view, great just what she needed.
"Tired?"
Jack sighed pulling off her coat and heading towards the bathroom, "That doesn't begin to describe it." Not in a talking mood. Jack walked into the bathroom shutting the door behind her and she hoped into the shower.
When Jack re-emerged she was greeted by the smell of food, shit Riddick cooked-funny. She hoped she wouldn't die after she ate it. Jack changed quickly into a gray tank top and a pair of black, loose fitting stretch pants. She strolled into the kitchen and was greeted by two plates of food set on either side of the table. . .wow.
"I figured you were hungry." Riddick's voice took on his form as he stepped from the shadows of the kitchen.
"How nice." Jack was thoroughly surprised when he pulled her chair out and let her sit.
"After dinner I thought I'd give you a massage, look tense." He was being too nice.
"I'm tense because you're being too kind. What are you doing?" As usual, she was cautious. . .that was one thing the service definitely instilled you with-a sense of cautiousness or nervousness, it just depended on the person.
"Just trying to be nice. Eat, it should taste okay."
Jack wanted to protest but her stomach wasn't allowing and so she ate. He was right, the food tasted more than okay. . .it was delicious. A hidden talent, Jack wondered what other talents Riddick hid. That was childish; it didn't matter. His business was his. The meal went by easily enough; no idle, pointless chit-chat, which was good for Jack. She figured Riddick was the same way. Once the two finished Riddick put away everything before Jack had a chance to move after that he took her by the hand and led her into the bedroom, surprising both herself and Riddick she complied silently. Too damn tired.
"Lay down," Riddick's voice echoed in the small, dark room.
"Excuse me?" Was that teasing Jack heard in her voice?
"It was meant in a completely a-sexual way, Jack." He guided her to the bed laying her on her stomach.
"Glad to hear it," Terrible recovery.
Before she knew it, Jack was laying belly down on the bed Riddick crawling onto the bed behind her. Suddenly, his hands made contact with her shoulders. So nice. No. Why's this happening? Why was she letting it? It was Riddick; it didn't matter. His hands felt so nice. But he was working his way beneath her defenses. . .no, that couldn't happen. Jack tried to push herself up from the bed but Riddick wouldn't allow it.
"Just relax, this will feel good." His voice was exceptionally deep. . .almost sensual.
Jack couldn't handle it any longer; she gave in. His hands worked away any tension that had been held in her muscles. He was so special, so perfect. Fuck it all! Riddick was perfect, Riddick had been her savior, her dream, her. . .what was it? She couldn't remember. Once she'd let him so close, why'd she push him so far away now? It made no sense. Fuck it! Fuck it all! It was Riddick, HER Riddick. Jack let go of everything around her, let go of an restraint or thought of caring. She turned herself over so she was on her back gazing up at Riddick with pleading eyes.
*********
Riddick sensed her tenseness at first, no big surprise-he'd expected it. After a while she started to relax and now. . .suddenly she was turned facing him her eyes searching his. When had she become this woman, this beautiful being that could start a fire in his soul that he couldn't put out? She was so. . .PERFECT. That word couldn't even describe her, so special, stunning, amazing, and perfect. She was so much like him, practically identical-a match for a match-he could stay like this forever.
Slowly, Riddick moved his body to entirely cover Jack's, he leaned down connecting his lips to hers. So right. So perfect. Now.
*********
Was this a dream? No, this was real. Riddick was here, he was on top of her. They were kissing. Perfection, so true. This was something Jack had only dreamed of in her early years when she and Riddick had shared a life. Somehow that dream had died out somewhere between their separation and learning to kill a man. But now. . . holy shit, every feeling she'd ever carried for him suddenly came crashing down into her. The feel of his body on hers, the taste of his lips, the traces of his hands. . .so perfect. The feelings were uncontrollable, the only thing real now was the pure animal instinct of needing him, to be with him. Jack's hands began to roam over Riddick's body, quickly she pulled his shirt off and ran her hands over his back. Riddick's magical lips trailed down to her neck.
"Jack. . .doesn't this feel so right?" Riddick spoke into the crook of her neck.
"Yes,"
"So perfect, Jackie. Whatever happened," kiss, "to the,"kiss, "Jackie girl I used to know." He kissed her lips once more.
RED FLAG. Jack shoved him upwards breaking contact between the two. Jack's face hardened, her eyes narrowed and her defense she'd carelessly let go of now took its place once more, "I killed her."
*********
Jack pushed Riddick off of her and stood she didn't look over her shoulder merely walked to the corner put on a pair of shoes and left the room, moments later Riddick the front door slam. She was gone. He guessed he'd said something wrong. Shit! Things were going so well, what happened. Fuck it! Fuck her! It didn't fucking matter!
A sudden wave of anger rushed over Riddick, he stood as well. Damn it all. He put on some shoes grabbed his shiv and tucked it into his pocket; he needed to do something.
*********
Jack strode into the bar, it was fairly empty, not surprising the bar wasn't really known of. As she'd been betting, Mandol sat in the corner a beer in his hand as he stared up at a t.v. monitor.
"I hear it's hot in Tahiti," Jack sat down across from him waving for a waitress.
"Maybe so but it's hotter in hell. . .oh wait this is hell." Mandol was so comical.
"Well, you got one thing right." Jack pushed her hair away from her face, frustrated as hell, "Goddamnit! Can't anyone get a fucking beer around here?!" Quickly a waitress took the hint and waddled to her setting it on the table and left.
"What's up, Jack? Aren't lookin' too happy." Mandol took his eyes from the t.v. screen and focused on Jack.
"Aren't you a quick one. Naw, it's stupid man." She really didn't want to talk about this shit.
"Stupid man or what pissed you off is stupid?"
"You know, I hate that you know me. It's really annoy." It was now Jack's turn to look at the television.
"It's what I live for Jacquelyn, to annoy you. . .well that and kill people." Mandol flung his head back and chugged his beer.
Jack followed suit and slammed back her beer, finishing it in one gulp, "Oh I do so love this joint. It shouldn't be called The Front Line, it should be called the place to go for raging alcoholics."
"And of course you'd know." Mandol smiled in his joker-like manner.
"Fuck off, Mark!" Jack flicked him off playfully.
"Okay, so no bullshit. . .what's the deal? I know it's Riddick, what happened?" Mandol ordered himself and Jack another beer another beer and crossed his arms over his chest.
"What in the hell? It's bullshit, how do you know it's Riddick."
"Jack. . .you never act like this so it has to be a man and the only one you care about other than yours truly is Riddick. Simple, it's Riddick. Besides, I know he's staying with you. Bortelli sent me out there the other night just to make sure things were okay." Shit, he was probably going to catch shit for that.
"Daryl always worried 'bout everyone but number one. Gotta love the man." Jack slammed down another beer and ordered another.
"Sure, so what is it?" He wasn't letting go, now was he?
"He just has a way of getting to me, really rubs me the wrong way." Jack sighed, pushing her hair out of her face.
"How do you know him?"
"Remember the crash I was in? Well, he's Richard B. Riddick the man who saved me from the planet hell. That's our history summed up in less than a minute. I don't know, Mandol. I used to be open with him and I don't know, I just can't do it anymore. After I left I just put up a wall, I guess I expected to never see him again. I just don't know."
"Well, that's something you gotta figure out yourself, woman." Mandol laughed downing his beer, they went through drinks like they were going out of style.
"Yeah tell me about it," She once more threw her drink back.
Jack and Mark Mandol went way back, back to the days of Ranger training. He was her partner in training and her partner once they were Rangers. They went through their Ranger years together never getting separated, together they were damn near invincible. They could tear anything to shreds. Unstoppable, the two of them. Even after all their moves from base to base, assignment to the next they'd managed to never get their partner changed. They complimented each other's strong points and held together on weak ones. Sure, Jack held a real soft spot for Mandol. . . how could she not? They were more than partners, they were friends, and briefly. . . lovers. Crazy was what that was. Mandol was Jack's first everything. Quite shitty really, he was her first boyfriend, first kiss, first fuck. . . the whole deal. It was fun while they lasted but they were better friends than anything else. She'd die for Mark Mandol without any question. Beside Riddick, Mandol was the key to Jack's strength, her emotions, her control-he mattered nearly as much as Riddick. . .maybe more. No, equal maybe, but never more. No one could matter more than Riddick. Never.
********
Riddick returned to the house late, very late. The darkness of the night painting everything in the house black, it was comforting. He stood still for a moment, shit Jack still wasn't back. Yeah, he followed her but only to make sure she was okay. Of course she was okay; Jack would always be okay. She'd gone to some bar; Mandol was there. What was their deal? FUCK THEM! He still harbored some anger but after his long work out at the gym he was feeling better. Jack better make it home soon or he'd go drag her from the bar. Just then there came a crash from outside the door and two voices laughing, Jack's and. . .Mandol's- go figure.
********
Jack tripped over a garbage can almost tumbling to the ground. She was drunk, plain and simple shit faced. It was great. It'd been a while since she and Mandol had drank like this. The two laughed as Jack draped her arm over Mandol's shoulder and they staggered to the door of the housing unit.
"HOME, HOME ON THE RANGE!" Jack stood on the porch yelling/singing at the top of her lungs.
Mandol laughed incessantly, "Shh shh, Jackie, we're gonna get in trouble."
"No we wont!" Jack turned around and looked at the unit, "Look, I'm at home! Wow! How'd we manage to get here, Marky Mark?"
"I dun noo Jack-off." Mandol began to laugh again.
"Oh, shit! Riddick's probably worried. WHO CARES!" Jack hugged Mandol tightly, "Bye bye, Marky!"
"Bye, Jack-off!"
Jack watched as Mandol stumbled off into the darkness and then retreated into the house. Sleep beckoned to her, it used to be the toilet but she'd long left behind any state of nausea. Jack used to get sick when she drank but now she could drink with the best of 'em. HELL YEAH! Jack swayed to the living room knocking over things as she went, while Riddick sat silently watching. She plopped down on the couch, rolled her head back and closed her eyes. She felt Riddick come stoop before her, slowly she opened her eyes.
"Yes?"
"Where the hell were you?" Riddick stood up completely.
"Does it matter?" Jack sat up rubbing her temples
"yes!" Riddick boomed
"No! It's irrelevant. Don't play tough guy, Dickey. Just say you were worried." Drunk, completely drunk. Doesn't matter. Been using that phrase too much, it does matter. No it doesn't!
"Worried isn't the right word for it." Riddick scoffed
"Damn," Jack closed her eyes again.
"Why are you like this Jack?"
"Like what?" Jack looked up.
"A bi-" Riddick quickly stopped himself short of spouting out the word. "So cold, I try to be nice and then you treat me like shit!"
"Oh, you want to go there. . .what happened to the Jackie I used to know. What kind of shit is that?! Huh, jackass?" Now, finally, Jack stood- thoroughly pissed off.
"You're so different, you used to be so loving, and open." Was that longing, regret in his eyes?
"Well that's not me anymore!" Jack voice was almost a sob.
"Yes it is! I know it is!" Riddick voice yelled back to her.
"Get over it! This is me, Riddick." Things were going black, no this isn't happening. Gone. Long gone.
"No it's not, I see straight through it. You're afraid, scared to care for someone. I know the feeling, I used to be that person Jack. Remember?" Riddick put his hand to his chest.
"You don't know me! Don't try to analyze me! You can't. This is who I am! Where'd Jackie girl go? I DON'T KNOW! I got rid of her! I hid her away when I left you. Jackie girl became a soldier and she got killed, replaced by something else. Something you don't like. I DON'T KNOW, RIDDICK! You don't think I don't ask where she went? My best answer is she's dead! I killed her, my fault! She's GONE!"
"No she's not, Jack. She isn't. I saw that girl in you while we were together. I saw her in the woman that you've become and I want her back. I lo-" He was pleading, he cared so much. Jack wanted her back too.
"FUCK YOU!" Jack screamed into Riddick's face and then turned on her heel and went into the bed room.
What an odd relationship, two contrasting behaviors. Feelings fighting to break free, would they? Funny. First nearly lovers, now enemies.
------------- *AN: So hey, how'd you like it? Longer than most. Glad I'm finished. Going to go crazy trying to write the next chapter, nothing's coming to mind. So yeah, thanks for the reviews, appreciated very much. Okay, review once more. Love comments, ANYTHING really. Okay. . .desperate person showing again. Who cares! Review and maybe the voices will be happy enough to speak. Lots o luv!
Well now, that had been quite a run. Jack was ready for another but as she glanced over her shoulder she knew the troop couldn't handle it, they were hacking and wheezing all over the place. Talk about seriously out of shape, it had only been an eleven mile run. Jack turned herself around completely. . .well, all but one were out of shape, Riddick stood at perfect attention awaiting a command. Amazing, he didn't even look winded but neither was Jack. She almost laughed, finally after many-too many- years they were equals. Superior at what each did but completely undefeatable to either one. Perfect. That word seemed to be popping into Jack's head far too often since Riddick had returned. The weirdest part was, the word was used to describe him. Jack knew he was one of the furthest things from perfect but somehow. . .he just. . .was. Jack stood up straight; the break was over. Time for more training.
*********
It was getting late, Jack knew she should let the troop go but she wasn't quite through. They were currently training on using hand-held weaponry, main focus for the moment being knives. Just a little more and she'd let them go, shit had she worked them hard today. They deserved it though, damn assholes! She'd hold a grudge for a while. They deserved what they got. Jack almost laughed inwardly.
"Any questions?" Jack threw her personal shiv in her hand into the air and caught it by the hilt.
"Yeah, I got one. . ." a soldier named McCarr piped up, "Why the hell are we learning to use knives? Wars are barely fought with guns anymore, now its all pushes of a button. Bombs and shit. Why do we need to know how to use a knife?"
Idea. "McCarr please step up and put your hand on the wall." Jack pointed to a free standing piece of wood that posed for a target wall. McCarr did as told and Jack continued turning her back to him and addressing the rest of the soldiers, "While it is true that most wars are button fought every now and then you are lucky enough to have a full on contact battle. Fucking great shit. So let's make a scenario. . .you're legs have been blown off, you're objective capture an enemy. Okay, so the enemy is dead in front of you his hand on a detonator that will take out all your fellow soldiers but you have no legs to catch him or stop him from pressing that button. What do you do? Well, if you know how to use a knife properly you can disable the enemy. . ." Jack spun on her heel sending her shiv flying into McCarr's hand-dead center. "Giving you just enough time to get some reinforcements. It's vital, really, McCarr. Answer your question?"
The man's face was turned in pure pain, "Yes Sergeant Major."
"That's what I thought! Any other questions?"
Corigon trotted up and tapped Jack on the shoulder, "Bortelli wants to see you, Jack." He whispered discreetly, "It's about Jefferson."
Jack sighed, "Okay take care of the troops." She walked up to McCarr and pulled the shiv from his hand, "Also, take him to medical. The hand'll be fine. Told you not to question me, McCarr, I wasn't kidding." With that she sauntered away to the Captain's office.
*********
The bitch was fucking ruthless! Riddick loved it! She fucking wounded her soldier, it was a minor injury but damn, that was great. He almost couldn't hold back a laugh; oh shit had that been amazing! Damn, she was good! He refocused his attention to Corigon, Jack had such a bond with him-and Mandol. He'd look into that, probably been around each other forever and they formed a bond. Oh, his Jack. . . amazing. His now. Perfect.
*********
"I understand that I helped to provok the fight Sergeant Major Melivenski but please don't kick me out. I want this so bad, please don't do this!"
Begging. . .the lowest point a human being could ever reach. Jack would never stoop so low, "Look, Jefferson. Fact is you fought me, that's assault on a superior. You're a COULD be a good soldier but no you decide to be a fucking dipshit! What in fuck's name were you thinking?"
"I wasn't Ma'am. I'm sorry."
"Shut up!" Jack, in a rapid movement, was suddenly inches from Jefferson's face, You listen to me and you better listen damn good! I wont court marshal but only because I think you have potential. I catch you talking shit or fucking around EVER even for a second and I'll have you out of here in no time. I'm giving you a second chance, Jefferson, don't fuck it up." Jack straightened, "Captain Bortelli, I would like to change my orders. No court marshal. . .probation for three months and then Jefferson may begin training again." Jefferson tried to protest but Jack let it be known it was over, "This conversation has ended." Jack saluted the Captain and walked out the door.
*********
Jack walked through the front door slamming it behind her, too long. The day had been too damn long. She was frustrated, tired, and hungry. Riddick stepped into view, great just what she needed.
"Tired?"
Jack sighed pulling off her coat and heading towards the bathroom, "That doesn't begin to describe it." Not in a talking mood. Jack walked into the bathroom shutting the door behind her and she hoped into the shower.
When Jack re-emerged she was greeted by the smell of food, shit Riddick cooked-funny. She hoped she wouldn't die after she ate it. Jack changed quickly into a gray tank top and a pair of black, loose fitting stretch pants. She strolled into the kitchen and was greeted by two plates of food set on either side of the table. . .wow.
"I figured you were hungry." Riddick's voice took on his form as he stepped from the shadows of the kitchen.
"How nice." Jack was thoroughly surprised when he pulled her chair out and let her sit.
"After dinner I thought I'd give you a massage, look tense." He was being too nice.
"I'm tense because you're being too kind. What are you doing?" As usual, she was cautious. . .that was one thing the service definitely instilled you with-a sense of cautiousness or nervousness, it just depended on the person.
"Just trying to be nice. Eat, it should taste okay."
Jack wanted to protest but her stomach wasn't allowing and so she ate. He was right, the food tasted more than okay. . .it was delicious. A hidden talent, Jack wondered what other talents Riddick hid. That was childish; it didn't matter. His business was his. The meal went by easily enough; no idle, pointless chit-chat, which was good for Jack. She figured Riddick was the same way. Once the two finished Riddick put away everything before Jack had a chance to move after that he took her by the hand and led her into the bedroom, surprising both herself and Riddick she complied silently. Too damn tired.
"Lay down," Riddick's voice echoed in the small, dark room.
"Excuse me?" Was that teasing Jack heard in her voice?
"It was meant in a completely a-sexual way, Jack." He guided her to the bed laying her on her stomach.
"Glad to hear it," Terrible recovery.
Before she knew it, Jack was laying belly down on the bed Riddick crawling onto the bed behind her. Suddenly, his hands made contact with her shoulders. So nice. No. Why's this happening? Why was she letting it? It was Riddick; it didn't matter. His hands felt so nice. But he was working his way beneath her defenses. . .no, that couldn't happen. Jack tried to push herself up from the bed but Riddick wouldn't allow it.
"Just relax, this will feel good." His voice was exceptionally deep. . .almost sensual.
Jack couldn't handle it any longer; she gave in. His hands worked away any tension that had been held in her muscles. He was so special, so perfect. Fuck it all! Riddick was perfect, Riddick had been her savior, her dream, her. . .what was it? She couldn't remember. Once she'd let him so close, why'd she push him so far away now? It made no sense. Fuck it! Fuck it all! It was Riddick, HER Riddick. Jack let go of everything around her, let go of an restraint or thought of caring. She turned herself over so she was on her back gazing up at Riddick with pleading eyes.
*********
Riddick sensed her tenseness at first, no big surprise-he'd expected it. After a while she started to relax and now. . .suddenly she was turned facing him her eyes searching his. When had she become this woman, this beautiful being that could start a fire in his soul that he couldn't put out? She was so. . .PERFECT. That word couldn't even describe her, so special, stunning, amazing, and perfect. She was so much like him, practically identical-a match for a match-he could stay like this forever.
Slowly, Riddick moved his body to entirely cover Jack's, he leaned down connecting his lips to hers. So right. So perfect. Now.
*********
Was this a dream? No, this was real. Riddick was here, he was on top of her. They were kissing. Perfection, so true. This was something Jack had only dreamed of in her early years when she and Riddick had shared a life. Somehow that dream had died out somewhere between their separation and learning to kill a man. But now. . . holy shit, every feeling she'd ever carried for him suddenly came crashing down into her. The feel of his body on hers, the taste of his lips, the traces of his hands. . .so perfect. The feelings were uncontrollable, the only thing real now was the pure animal instinct of needing him, to be with him. Jack's hands began to roam over Riddick's body, quickly she pulled his shirt off and ran her hands over his back. Riddick's magical lips trailed down to her neck.
"Jack. . .doesn't this feel so right?" Riddick spoke into the crook of her neck.
"Yes,"
"So perfect, Jackie. Whatever happened," kiss, "to the,"kiss, "Jackie girl I used to know." He kissed her lips once more.
RED FLAG. Jack shoved him upwards breaking contact between the two. Jack's face hardened, her eyes narrowed and her defense she'd carelessly let go of now took its place once more, "I killed her."
*********
Jack pushed Riddick off of her and stood she didn't look over her shoulder merely walked to the corner put on a pair of shoes and left the room, moments later Riddick the front door slam. She was gone. He guessed he'd said something wrong. Shit! Things were going so well, what happened. Fuck it! Fuck her! It didn't fucking matter!
A sudden wave of anger rushed over Riddick, he stood as well. Damn it all. He put on some shoes grabbed his shiv and tucked it into his pocket; he needed to do something.
*********
Jack strode into the bar, it was fairly empty, not surprising the bar wasn't really known of. As she'd been betting, Mandol sat in the corner a beer in his hand as he stared up at a t.v. monitor.
"I hear it's hot in Tahiti," Jack sat down across from him waving for a waitress.
"Maybe so but it's hotter in hell. . .oh wait this is hell." Mandol was so comical.
"Well, you got one thing right." Jack pushed her hair away from her face, frustrated as hell, "Goddamnit! Can't anyone get a fucking beer around here?!" Quickly a waitress took the hint and waddled to her setting it on the table and left.
"What's up, Jack? Aren't lookin' too happy." Mandol took his eyes from the t.v. screen and focused on Jack.
"Aren't you a quick one. Naw, it's stupid man." She really didn't want to talk about this shit.
"Stupid man or what pissed you off is stupid?"
"You know, I hate that you know me. It's really annoy." It was now Jack's turn to look at the television.
"It's what I live for Jacquelyn, to annoy you. . .well that and kill people." Mandol flung his head back and chugged his beer.
Jack followed suit and slammed back her beer, finishing it in one gulp, "Oh I do so love this joint. It shouldn't be called The Front Line, it should be called the place to go for raging alcoholics."
"And of course you'd know." Mandol smiled in his joker-like manner.
"Fuck off, Mark!" Jack flicked him off playfully.
"Okay, so no bullshit. . .what's the deal? I know it's Riddick, what happened?" Mandol ordered himself and Jack another beer another beer and crossed his arms over his chest.
"What in the hell? It's bullshit, how do you know it's Riddick."
"Jack. . .you never act like this so it has to be a man and the only one you care about other than yours truly is Riddick. Simple, it's Riddick. Besides, I know he's staying with you. Bortelli sent me out there the other night just to make sure things were okay." Shit, he was probably going to catch shit for that.
"Daryl always worried 'bout everyone but number one. Gotta love the man." Jack slammed down another beer and ordered another.
"Sure, so what is it?" He wasn't letting go, now was he?
"He just has a way of getting to me, really rubs me the wrong way." Jack sighed, pushing her hair out of her face.
"How do you know him?"
"Remember the crash I was in? Well, he's Richard B. Riddick the man who saved me from the planet hell. That's our history summed up in less than a minute. I don't know, Mandol. I used to be open with him and I don't know, I just can't do it anymore. After I left I just put up a wall, I guess I expected to never see him again. I just don't know."
"Well, that's something you gotta figure out yourself, woman." Mandol laughed downing his beer, they went through drinks like they were going out of style.
"Yeah tell me about it," She once more threw her drink back.
Jack and Mark Mandol went way back, back to the days of Ranger training. He was her partner in training and her partner once they were Rangers. They went through their Ranger years together never getting separated, together they were damn near invincible. They could tear anything to shreds. Unstoppable, the two of them. Even after all their moves from base to base, assignment to the next they'd managed to never get their partner changed. They complimented each other's strong points and held together on weak ones. Sure, Jack held a real soft spot for Mandol. . . how could she not? They were more than partners, they were friends, and briefly. . . lovers. Crazy was what that was. Mandol was Jack's first everything. Quite shitty really, he was her first boyfriend, first kiss, first fuck. . . the whole deal. It was fun while they lasted but they were better friends than anything else. She'd die for Mark Mandol without any question. Beside Riddick, Mandol was the key to Jack's strength, her emotions, her control-he mattered nearly as much as Riddick. . .maybe more. No, equal maybe, but never more. No one could matter more than Riddick. Never.
********
Riddick returned to the house late, very late. The darkness of the night painting everything in the house black, it was comforting. He stood still for a moment, shit Jack still wasn't back. Yeah, he followed her but only to make sure she was okay. Of course she was okay; Jack would always be okay. She'd gone to some bar; Mandol was there. What was their deal? FUCK THEM! He still harbored some anger but after his long work out at the gym he was feeling better. Jack better make it home soon or he'd go drag her from the bar. Just then there came a crash from outside the door and two voices laughing, Jack's and. . .Mandol's- go figure.
********
Jack tripped over a garbage can almost tumbling to the ground. She was drunk, plain and simple shit faced. It was great. It'd been a while since she and Mandol had drank like this. The two laughed as Jack draped her arm over Mandol's shoulder and they staggered to the door of the housing unit.
"HOME, HOME ON THE RANGE!" Jack stood on the porch yelling/singing at the top of her lungs.
Mandol laughed incessantly, "Shh shh, Jackie, we're gonna get in trouble."
"No we wont!" Jack turned around and looked at the unit, "Look, I'm at home! Wow! How'd we manage to get here, Marky Mark?"
"I dun noo Jack-off." Mandol began to laugh again.
"Oh, shit! Riddick's probably worried. WHO CARES!" Jack hugged Mandol tightly, "Bye bye, Marky!"
"Bye, Jack-off!"
Jack watched as Mandol stumbled off into the darkness and then retreated into the house. Sleep beckoned to her, it used to be the toilet but she'd long left behind any state of nausea. Jack used to get sick when she drank but now she could drink with the best of 'em. HELL YEAH! Jack swayed to the living room knocking over things as she went, while Riddick sat silently watching. She plopped down on the couch, rolled her head back and closed her eyes. She felt Riddick come stoop before her, slowly she opened her eyes.
"Yes?"
"Where the hell were you?" Riddick stood up completely.
"Does it matter?" Jack sat up rubbing her temples
"yes!" Riddick boomed
"No! It's irrelevant. Don't play tough guy, Dickey. Just say you were worried." Drunk, completely drunk. Doesn't matter. Been using that phrase too much, it does matter. No it doesn't!
"Worried isn't the right word for it." Riddick scoffed
"Damn," Jack closed her eyes again.
"Why are you like this Jack?"
"Like what?" Jack looked up.
"A bi-" Riddick quickly stopped himself short of spouting out the word. "So cold, I try to be nice and then you treat me like shit!"
"Oh, you want to go there. . .what happened to the Jackie I used to know. What kind of shit is that?! Huh, jackass?" Now, finally, Jack stood- thoroughly pissed off.
"You're so different, you used to be so loving, and open." Was that longing, regret in his eyes?
"Well that's not me anymore!" Jack voice was almost a sob.
"Yes it is! I know it is!" Riddick voice yelled back to her.
"Get over it! This is me, Riddick." Things were going black, no this isn't happening. Gone. Long gone.
"No it's not, I see straight through it. You're afraid, scared to care for someone. I know the feeling, I used to be that person Jack. Remember?" Riddick put his hand to his chest.
"You don't know me! Don't try to analyze me! You can't. This is who I am! Where'd Jackie girl go? I DON'T KNOW! I got rid of her! I hid her away when I left you. Jackie girl became a soldier and she got killed, replaced by something else. Something you don't like. I DON'T KNOW, RIDDICK! You don't think I don't ask where she went? My best answer is she's dead! I killed her, my fault! She's GONE!"
"No she's not, Jack. She isn't. I saw that girl in you while we were together. I saw her in the woman that you've become and I want her back. I lo-" He was pleading, he cared so much. Jack wanted her back too.
"FUCK YOU!" Jack screamed into Riddick's face and then turned on her heel and went into the bed room.
What an odd relationship, two contrasting behaviors. Feelings fighting to break free, would they? Funny. First nearly lovers, now enemies.
------------- *AN: So hey, how'd you like it? Longer than most. Glad I'm finished. Going to go crazy trying to write the next chapter, nothing's coming to mind. So yeah, thanks for the reviews, appreciated very much. Okay, review once more. Love comments, ANYTHING really. Okay. . .desperate person showing again. Who cares! Review and maybe the voices will be happy enough to speak. Lots o luv!