Jade's last night in the house arrived after the chaos departed.
She hadn't planned on extending her stay past her cousin's healing, but Carly and Eric had needed time to sort everything out. She was angry at first that he had just gone along with her memories and desire to date Drake, but eventually Carly came around and understood why he had made that decision. She told Jade later how good her fiancée had been, putting himself aside in order to give her the best chance at healing that he could. She knew she was lucky to be marrying him. Jade didn't disagree, regarding Eric. Still, her cousin's choice to date Drake at all still baffled her. What anyone saw in Drake romantically was beyond Jade.
He wasn't all bad, though, she had concluded. He had sprang for dinner on their last night as roommates, and ordered her favorite. Things had been quite quiet in the house since Carly's accident. The perspective had shifted; it seemed the enemies had been able to find peace, once and for all.
They were still far from friends, in fact, one slip could break the delicate truce that had come into their home. Yet, they managed to be civil. After all, in just a few short hours, Jade would be living with Carly, and Drake would be on the search for a roommate once again.
They ate in pleasant silence until Drake's phone rang. "Hwo?" he said through a mouthful of sushi. He swallowed hard, unease springing to his face. "Well, why would – okay, okay. Gimme a sec."
Jade looked up to see Drake set his gaze on her. "What?"
"You know how my brother is getting married next Saturday?"
"Yeah."
"Their singer fell through, and he wants to know if you'd be able to step in." Josh's voice came through the phone, loud and clear despite not being on speaker. Drake winced as it cut through his ear. "And he wants you to know that he'll pay you whatever you want."
Jade's brow arched. "How does he know I sing?"
"Here." Drake handed her the phone, eager to get back to his meal. Being the middle man was annoying him.
"Hi, Josh?" Jade said into the phone, rising. She crossed over into the living room, standing by the window as she switched the phone to her other ear. She would miss that view of the city.
"Jade?" Josh's voice sounded funny through a phone. "Oh my gosh, I'm so glad you're there. Is there any way you can fill in and sing at my wedding? I'd pay you whatever you want. Please. It would help us out so much."
"What happened to your other band?"
"The Sing Kings made it really big with their new single, and actually ended up on Oprah- I was happy for them, a little jealous… okay, very jealous, because, I mean, it's OPRAH and-"
"Your point?" Jade asked impatiently.
"Anyway, I saw you sing in a show at Hollywood Arts once, and Mindy's actually heard you sing at your Saturday night gig a few times. She loves you, and this was actually her idea. It would mean a lot to us if you could help us out."
"This is next Saturday?"
"Yeah. Drake has all the info- and you know what, you're better off if I just give it to you myself. What's your email?"
"I want two thousand dollars."
"Jade!" Drake snapped from across the room.
"Done." Josh's relief was tinged with a bit of nerves at her price, but his agreement despite that caused her to soften.
"That was a test." She said, ignoring Drake. "It's okay. Of course I'll sing. How's two hundred sound to you?"
She could hear the stress fly free of Josh. "Perfect. Perfect. I'll write you a check tonight."
"No rush," Jade promised. "I'll see you then. Let me know if you have a specific set list in mind, or if you just have a few songs, and want me to fill in the rest."
They talked for the next few minutes, ironing out the details. Drake half listened, poking at his sushi. He wasn't sure Jade's presence at Josh and Mindy's wedding was the best idea, but the worst was over at this point. It probably wouldn't hurt. Probably.
X
Morning came with an early dawn. Drake woke before Jade, enjoying the quiet the house held. Her room had already been emptied. She wouldn't need to bring her bed; it would be left for the next tenant as it was for her. He liked the silence, and a piece of him hoped he wouldn't have to find another room mate. He'd like to have the place to himself for a while.
His door opened as if of its own accord. The jingle of Shark's collar grew louder as the big German Shepherd trotted in, throwing himself onto Drake's bed. Drake laughed as the oversize puppy licked his face.
"We've come a long way, haven't we, huh?" he asked the pup, remembering what a terror he had been through upon Shark's arrival.
"That you have."
Jade's voice caused Drake to skyrocket upright. "What are you doing in here?" He suddenly wished he hadn't taken off his shirt before he fell asleep. Despite how calm things had been, he still felt exposed and vulnerable.
Jade shrugged. "I came for Shark." She grabbed his collar gently, easing him off the bed. "Almost time to go, buddy." Shark whined, looking back at Drake. "It's okay, I'm sure you'll find plenty of love when we go live with Carly and Eric."
Drake slid out of bed, running a hand through his very messy reddish brown hair. "Jade," he called. She turned around. "Are you leaving just yet?"
"Almost." She answered. "I'm loading the truck."
"I'll give you a hand."
He took a moment to dress and brush his teeth. Arms loaded with boxes, he carried load after load to the bed of Jade's Chevy Colorado, fitting as many into her truck bed as he could. She loaded the back seat to the brim, but it was clear she'd need to make some more trips.
"We can use the mustang." Drake suggested.
"That eager to see me go, huh?"
He shook his head. "Look, that night you helped me get rid of Noel's junk… just think of this as a thank you for that."
Jade nodded, silent.
X
They dropped the first load off around eight in the morning, the second around ten. After that, Jade's truck could handle the last of her things- a favorite chair, a box of prized scissors, and Shark's bed along with his toys. The ever faithful dog stayed by her side, panting in the heat of the day.
Jade didn't know why she lingered. She was packed and ready- more than that, she was nearly completely moved out. Still, she took Shark inside for one more sweep of the place, one last chance to make sure she hadn't forgotten anything, and one last glance at the pretty little place she had shared with her archenemy.
"You'll miss it, won't you?" Drake asked, cutting through her thoughts.
"I'll miss dying your hair strange colours." Her wry smile made Drake want to check his shampoo to see if she had left a parting gift.
"Don't even think about it."
"How do you feel about neon blue?"
"Jade."
She laughed. "At ease, Parker. You've got nothing more to worry about from me. Disregarding any future screw ups, of course."
"…Really?" Somehow, he couldn't quite believe her.
Jade tilted her head, an annoyed sigh accompanying her eye roll. "You're going to make me say it, aren't you? Fine."
"You know what," Drake held up his hands as if to surrender. "It's okay. I think I know what you're going to say."
"She'd be happy to know we're actually getting along."
"You can tell her when you get there."
Jade stayed silent for a moment, taking in one last look at the view from her favorite window. "I know you still love her."
Drake's breath caught in his throat. "No, I don't."
"Please." Jade turned to him. "I saw you, when she had her memory lapse. You did well- you didn't take advantage of the situation, but I saw the way you looked at her. It's okay. I won't say a thing. Watching you go through that, uh, well, you did the right thing. You did right by Carly, which was all I ever wanted from you. It doesn't make up for what you did, but there's no point hanging on to that ghost anymore. Both of you are different people now. I think it's time to let that corpse stay six feet under."
Drake made a face. "Gruesome. But I get your point. I think, anyway. Thank you."
"My work here is done." Jade lifted the last box, setting it on her shoulder before she whistled to Shark. He came obediently. She dug in her pocket, extracting her keys. "It's been an experience." She said, shaking her head. "Goodbye, Drake."
Drake accepted the keys, removing her little silver scissor charm. "You might want that."
"Oh, yeah." He dropped it into her open palm, and she transferred it to her pocket. "Thanks."
"And, Jade-"
"Yeah?"
"If you're ever singing at a show, and you find yourself in need of a guitarist, look me up."
She tossed her head. "Thanks, but I think I'll look for someone with talent."
"…Wow."
She couldn't help but laugh. "I'll let you know."
With that, she was gone, with Shark trotting out by her side, and Drake nearly swore he could feel the very walls of the place relax with relief.
X
Josh and Mindy's wedding was exactly what Drake had thought it would be, save for Jade's voice serenading Mindy as she walked down the aisle. As much as Drake didn't care for Mindy, even he had to admit that she looked … almost okay in her wedding dress. Her face beamed with pure joy as she approached Josh, arm in arm with her as stern as ever father. Drake waited up at the front, proudly filling the position of 'best man.' Weddings weren't his thing, but as far as this one went, it was pretty nice.
Before the pastor could begin the ceremony, Mindy cast him a quick, apologetic look. Josh picked up on it instantly. "What's wrong?" he asked, panic creeping into his voice.
"Nothing, nothing." Mindy's grin nearly broke her face. Her words had a slight musical laughter to them. "I just – I couldn't wait any longer to give you your wedding gift."
"What?" Josh asked, confused. Mindy looked out into the small sea of faces before them, and Josh followed suit. His gasp was enough to shake the walls. "OPRAH?! What did you- how did you-?"
"Steady there, tiger," Mindy laughed, taking Josh's hands in her own. "Are you surprised?"
Drake thought 'surprised' wouldn't cover it. Josh looked like he was about to pass out. Drake stepped forward, ready to catch his brother in case the worst should happen.
"I can't believe- how did you-?" Josh gaped as Oprah gave him a polite smile and wave. "The restraining order-"
Indy waved her hand in the air. "Relax." She said. "My cousin, the make up artist, called in a few favors. Oprah is here for the ceremony and will spend an hour at the reception, provided you do not get in the driver's seat of a car at all during that time."
"No problem, no problem!" Josh was still in shock. He turned to Oprah, still not believing his eyes. He waved at her, certain he was dreaming. "I didn't get you anything nearly this nice…"
"Hey," Mindy squeezed Josh's hand. "It's okay. I did this for you, because I love you."
"I love you, too." Giddy as a schoolboy, Josh leaned in to kiss Mindy, pausing as the pastor cleared his throat. "Right, we gotta do the ceremony first…"
"Yeah," Mindy laughed. "We do. What do you say, Josh? You want to marry me?"
"One condition," Josh teased. "I get to be the husband."
Mindy cracked up, and the pastor began his ceremony. Drake listened with half an ear, his mind elsewhere. Soon, Carly and Eric would be saying their vows, too. He wondered if it might have been different, had never messed up. But, she was happy with Eric, and Drake just couldn't find it within himself to destroy that. He had paid dearly for his mistake in many ways, many times over, and now, he was content to move on, living his life, and letting Carly live hers.
"I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride."
Josh took Mindy in his arms, and held her like she was a treasure he had spent years looking for. Drake rolled his eyes jokingly as the newlyweds shared their first kiss as a married couple, kicking off the clapping with his own. Josh's love for Mindy shone, as did hers for him. As they took their time with their kiss, Jade began to sing the song Mindy had requested for the occasion. Even Drake felt the moment touch his heart.
The couple joined hands as Jade sang, and headed out to the receiving line, with the rest of the wedding party following behind them.
X
The ceremony gave way to a rather annoyingly long series of photos, at least in Drake's mind, but at least there was food. He smiled and did his best to show he was genuinely having a good time, but he was eager to get to the dinner and the bar Josh and Mindy had prepared for their guests. He waited through portrait after portrait, some with all of the family, some without, watching his mom and Walter happily back together. He couldn't help but linger on them, relieved Walter was doing better, much better, and seemed to be a happier, more stable version of a still very goofy guy. Drake was glad his mother didn't have to worry about Walter anymore. She looked truly happy, as if she hadn't a care in the world, and Drake found himself wishing his mother could live her whole life like that.
His phone rang, and he passed by his parents and Megan as he searched for a quiet space to take the call. It was an unknown number, but something told him it would be important.
Jade watched from afar as Drake disappeared into a room. She and Beck waited at a table that had yet to meet all of its occupants. Songs from a CD filled the air. Mindy had asked Jade to sing a little more at the reception, but not until after they had eaten their meal. Until then, she had a disk prepared that was sure to keep the joy going.
Jade pulled Beck's chin to her face, leaving the most tender kiss on his lips. He smiled into it, enjoying the feel of her soft mouth against his. For a mouth that tended to be harsh, he cherished every sweet moment she chose to bestow upon him. "What was that for?" he asked after they had parted.
Jade only shrugged. "Just because I love you."
The party seemed to go well. Oprah had to leave after she had eaten, but she spent a nice amount of time with Josh and Mindy before she left. Mindy was sure Josh was absolutely seeing stars, positively delirious with the joy of meeting his very favorite celebrity on earth. He seemed to be in a daze, but she didn't mind. She could catch him up on all the details later. After all, that's what the photographers and videographer were for- and thankfully, they had recorded plenty of great moments between Josh, Mindy, and Oprah.
As they took the center of the dance floor for their first dance, she knew she would never forget how happy she was in that moment. Mindy was certain she had never been this happy before in her life. Now, she was married to her best friend, the greatest guy she knew who truly loved her. Nothing could be better than that.
Jade sang their song, her own cover of 'Make You Feel My Love.' Her voice enchanted the moment, adding grace and passion to the dance Josh and Mindy shared. As they kissed, her eyes wandered to Beck, who watched his fiancée sing with shining pride. She couldn't help but smile at him, letting him know who she was really singing to.
Drake entered the party, late as always, but beaming. Jade caught sight of him sitting down to eat just before the couple danced past, blocking her view.
Later, Jade caught a break to dance with Beck as Mindy's playlist played once again. He spun her around, and a rare full smile decorated her face. Her long black hair swirled around as he dipped her, a light laugh escaping her. He brought her up and kissed her, happy in the moment.
"What was that for?" she teased.
Beck smirked, playfully shrugging. "I love you."
Drake munched on dessert, eager to tell someone his good news but unwilling to steal thunder from his brother. He waited, silent, stuffing his mouth with food lest he risk spilling the secret. A hot girl in a yellow dress tapped him on the shoulder, and Drake took the opportunity to rock her world on the dance floor.
Josh and Mindy danced close to Drake and his girl. Josh caught sight of the grin on his brother's face, but no matter how much he pressed, Drake wouldn't reveal a thing.
Josh didn't mind. He was already on cloud nine- he could find out his brother's news later on, and keep the good mood going. He grabbed Mindy, dashing across the dance floor to get in on the conga line Helen and her husband, Bludge, had started. Josh jumped in just behind his former cellmate, rocking the conga in his own way.
As the guests dwindled, it became time for the night to end. Jade took Beck's hand, and together they spent a minute giving their best wishes to the bride and groom. Mindy hugged Jade, thanking her once again for singing at the wedding. Jade repressed her urge to scream- she hated being touched – because it was Mindy's day. She returned the gratitude with a genuine smile, thanking her for the opportunity. They said goodbye, parting ways.
"So, I guess this is the last time I'll see you for a while." Drake's voice caught Jade's attention just before she left the hall.
"For a while." She smirked. "Never know what might happen. After all, I do know where you sleep."
A shiver travelled down Drake's spine. "Don't remind me."
Jade smirked. "See you around, Parker."
"Jade?"
"What?"
"I thought you should know… The producers of Dancing With The Stars called me. They love Bitchcraft. They wanted to use it on the show. They're gonna censor it, but still. It'll be in the Halloween one."
Jade's jaw dropped in genuine surprise. She didn't care for the show, but she was still impressed that their song would be featured. "That's really great!"
"Yeah, and that's not even the best part!" Drake's excitement lit up his face. He couldn't stop now. He was too happy. "They want me to be a contestant. I don't know who my partner is yet… I find out in a couple weeks. I'm so stoked. But hey- because you co-wrote the song, you and Beck can come any night I dance."
"Oh, cool… so we can come to the first night, which will be great, but we can't come for the good stuff? You know, after you've been eliminated?"
"Jade," Beck nudged her gently. He was able to tell she was kidding, but Drake wasn't so good at it.
"Ha-ha." He scoffed. "You get to go to the finale, too. And obviously, the Halloween one. And I'll do very well, thank you, so be prepared to see a lot of live shows."
Jade rolled her eyes, but she was smiling. "We'll see, Parker."
"I think they might even ask you to sing it that night, you know, if I'm still in the running. So you had better hope I do well."
Jade shook her head, a light laugh on her lips. "Good luck, Parker. I mean it. It'll be worth it for a chance to sing live on TV."
"Hi," a soft voice interrupted their conversation, and Jade turned to see one of the bridesmaids behind her. She was pretty sure this was Megan, Drake and Josh's sister. "You're Jade, aren't you? Your voice is amazing."
"Thanks. Yeah, I am." Jade tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear.
"I loved you in that mermaid commercial."
"Me, too. That commercial got me the lead in a movie coming out next year, Aris: The Dark Mermaid. Keep an eye for it."
"Will do! And, uh, I really loved the way you made my idiot brother's life a living hell for a while. You're awesome."
Drake could swear he saw evil sparks flying between them. Wary, he became eager to shoo Megan away.
"He's such a boob, isn't he?" Megan laughed. "They both are. But Mindy's pretty cool, so finally there's someone almost as awesome as me in this family."
"You got that right." Jade agreed. "Drake told me a couple things about you. He said it would be dangerous if we ever met. Maybe we should talk."
"Jade," Beck pulled the sleeve of her dress. "You finished your revenge, remember?"
"Is revenge ever really over?" Megan grinned, waving Jade over. "Step into my office."
"Oh my god!" Josh's excited cry echoed through the room. He bounded over, a huge bowl of enormous shrimp in his hands. "Check this out."
"Whoa! Those shrimp are huge!" Drake exclaimed, reaching for one. "They're so good. Better than the ones the record company had."
"I know, right?" Josh's eyes rolled back in his head in pleasure as he dug into the shrimp.
"Save some for the rest of us!" Megan commanded as she reached for one. The shrimp disappeared far too quickly, until only one remained in the bowl of ice.
Drake and Josh traded looks.
"I want the shrimp!" Drake grabbed it, only for Josh to take it from his hands.
"I want it!"
"No, I want it."
"I saw it first."
"I licked it."
"It's my wedding day!"
Jade and Megan exchanged glances, rolling their eyes. Jade reached forward, plucking the shrimp from the boy's hands. She dunked it in the sauce, popping it into her mouth. "Mine, now."
"Dude!" Both brothers exclaimed simultaneously. "Not cool!"
"You idiots do realize you can have them get more for you, right?" Megan arched an eyebrow while Jade took a sip of ice water, desperate to get the taste of shrimp out of her mouth. She was sure it had been tasty once, but now it was gross from being the object of a tug of war. Still, it had been worth it just to see the looks on their faces.
"Let's go." Drake turned towards the kitchen. "Let's ask them to make two."
"Let's do it!" Josh agreed, already two steps ahead of his brother.
But before they could head over, Mindy appeared. "Jade! You're still here. Can I ask you something?"
"No, I don't understand your husband's obsession with giant shrimp." she replied.
"They're freaking huge!" Josh nearly shouted. "And delicious! DELICIOUS!"
"Would you mind singing one more song for Josh and I?"
"Sure. I know just the one," Jade grinned, making her way over to the microphone. She didn't bother to sit on the stool they had provided for her. She gripped the mic in her hands, cleared her throat, and looked Drake dead in the eyes. She took a breath, thinking about how much she used to hate him, to the fact that now she could tolerate him, and even maybe be friends with him someday. Maybe not good friends, but somewhere between her friendship with Tori back in high school, and her friendship with Andre now. A good combination of torture, and toleration.
She sent him a purposefully unnerving smirk, always unable to resist the chance to mess with him, enjoying watching him squirm nervously until she began to sing the lyrics he already knew so well.
"Well, I never thought that it'd be so simple, but, I found a way, I found a way…"
Author's Note:
Well, guys, this is it! Thank you so much for reading my little crossover fic. I adore these characters and it was a joy to share this piece with you over the past five years! Can you believe it? This story began January 30th of 2013, and it's finally finished January 11th of 2018. Wow. I can't believe it's been that long.
Thank you so much for all of your reviews, and favorites, and alerts. Thank you especially to ScottyBGood- your reviews kept me going sometimes when I felt like continuing this story wasn't worth it. You are the best, and your reviews always made my day. Thank you so much x333.
Today, fourteen years ago, Drake and Josh premiered. Since that show was obviously a huge part of my life, I felt it would be a wonderful nod to the show to end the story on its anniversary. Drake, Josh, and Liz Gillies are all doing well (Fallon is the queen of everything on Dynasty, just saying :D) and that makes me happy. I hope you all enjoyed this story as much as I have. A part of me can't believe it's over, but you never know. Maybe I'll write some bonus short stories someday that I'll add to this one. :)
Thank you all for being a part of this. Love you guys!
xoxoxox
Meghara