Disclaimer: This is a complete work of fiction, there's no resemblance to actual persons or events or places. If so, it is utterly not intended. I do NOT own Monster High, or anything to do with it. Thank you.

A / n: I honestly have no damn idea what to say to you all anymore… I'm still in shock about how many reviews there are, how many people are following it, how there's new people following the story even… it's just, wow. As I've said time and time again – it's all for you guys! Thanks again! xo

Cast In Stone

Chapter Twenty Two

It was now time for breakfast only Holt didn't get to join Isaac, Skyler and Heath – Jackson did. They were fully aware of Holt, they just knew that he'd rather let Jackson out to do all the thinking at school. Jackson worked hard, Holt played harder. In a few ways, they balanced one another. Now if only they were entirely able to communicate with one another, that could solve so many perhaps existing and future problems. "How are you feeling my darlings?" Skyler addressed both Heath and Jackson lovingly. She of course didn't want to put the attention solely on one person since that would only make things uncomfortable and awkward for them all.

Heath shrugged as he grabbed an apple. Accidentally flaming momentarily due to a gassy burp, he sighed at his scorched apple. "Being fire elemental sucks fire hydrants."

Skyler giggled and poked her son's nose, "Can't say I don't know how you feel, but it's okay… we can do something like, candy apples instantly with you around."

Jackson gave a small smirk, "I really like candy apples."

Skyler grinned, "There we go. Perfect thing to do after school today. Speaking of that, we have to leave now."

Heath went to pick up a piece of toast and enjoy it, when he burnt it to a crisp yet again. "UGH." He angrily threw the piece of toast out the kitchen window. An awful hiss and somewhat of a screech and growl were heard. Glancing out the window, Heath's eyes widened when he saw a very angry Toralei stomping mercilessly on the burnt piece of toast. "Oh shit." Heath ducked away from the window and quickly grabbed his backpack.

Jackson shook his head, finishing a small glass of milk before doing the same. "Do you and Clawd have this hatred for cats or something?"

Heath narrowed his eyes, then chuckled. "I swear, she has impeccable timing. I just don't understand it but what I really do understand is that it's not my fault."

"Save that for Dead Languages."

"Yeah, yeah, whatever. Get moving." As usual, they were now waiting on Heath's mother as they exited the cozy home. It was a good thing the vehicle was unlocked when they'd gotten out there. So upon sitting down inside the warm interior, Heath decided to start up some conversation. "So Jackson… uh, do you know what your blackouts are result of? I mean, did you ever get that checked into?"

Jackson raised an eyebrow, "If you're talking about the… uh, other side of me per say… then yes. I am aware. Nice gentle wording though, thank you."

Heath was shocked that Jackson knew about his duel nature. It wasn't all too surprising he'd figure it out in time though; he was the most intelligent being even Monster High had ever seen in quite a long time. It was only a matter of time theoretically before he'd figure it out on his own or not. "But… Jackson... your... blackouts... I... I thought…"

Jackson lightly shrugged, "It kinda freaks me out when he tries to communicate through, like mind link… but I just need some time to accept that before I just, do so. Y'know what I mean? But… Holt actually trying to communicate with me, it shows me he cares about me… he truly cares. He's not just using my body. Y'know what I mean?"

That oddly made sense to Heath. "I think so. So wait, I guess… you're not completely normie then. But everyone still calls you normie…"

Jackson glanced out the window, adjusting his glasses and letting out a sigh. "That's just typical high school behavioral issues for you, nothing but assumptions and the like."

A sad point, but a correct truth. "So Jackson… are you going to… show Holt to everyone? Or… what's going on with that?"

Jackson shifted his gaze back to Heath curiously, "That's actually a good question, I hadn't thought about it before. I mean, he deserves to have friends… his own life. I shouldn't be holding him back. That's not fair to Holt; he never did anything bad to me."

He couldn't tell if it was his intense sense of caution, considering he came so close to losing Jackson before but he didn't like where that thought was going at all. "Jackson, that's… the troubles with sharing a body I guess. I mean, you really don't get to… have the best of both worlds I guess. Maybe it's not supposed to be fair. I don't know. I'm just thinking out loud, y'know me."

Jackson gave Heath's knee a pat, "Nah, it's okay. Don't worry about it." Retracting his hand and trying to think of a solution took a bit more time than he expected it to. "Well right now, I'm going to do my absolute best to keep Holt on the down low. I think I need time to fully come to terms with it myself before anyone else really knows."

Heath nodded, "Fair enough."

Just then his mother finally approached the car. "Sorry boys, a girl's gotta look her best before leaving the house y'know." She told them as – a – matter – of – factly.

Heath cleared his throat, "Mother, you're married. Why should you give a crap?"

Skyler tossed some long honey blond hair over her shoulder, shutting the car door and she gave a wink. "I'm married, I'm not dead sweetheart."

It was now later into the evening yet again, only Holt wanted out a little sooner than expected so he emerged just after dinner. He was of course welcomed with open arms – Holt and Jackson were both beloved nephews of Isaac and Skyler. Or were they collectively a nephew? They didn't focus on the details though. It was the connection to them, as a family that mattered. "So how was school?" Isaac asked nonchalantly.

Heath took a moment to look up from his warm bowl of chili and as he did, he witnessed something he never thought he would. Holt Hyde… was blushing. "It was…" his voice was remarkably softer than it normally would be. "somewhat… uh, interesting. Learned stuff, but not enough apparently considering I gotta go back tomorrow. Well, Jackson does. I'm so lucky to have a smarticle particle of me so I don't have to bother studying. Jackson makes sure we always get perfect on everything." It was quite true. Holt once tried to do an alternative project but Jackson preferred it as normal as possible and done right the first time.

Holt showed Jackson not to always be so serious and that it was okay to play a little, and Jackson showed Holt that it wasn't such a bad thing to buckle down and think sometimes, analyze things a bit, have an opinion and politely voice it. After getting over the brutal differences, they complimented one another well and it wasn't hard to see – if you were aware of the dual personalities of course.

Isaac narrowed his eyes as he buttered a piece of soft bread. "It's not entirely fair that Jackson does all the work though Holt, he should be taking it easy, especially when it comes to stressing. He shouldn't be under too much stress."

Skyler put her hand on her husband's, her thumb caressing it. "Isaac… relax. It's okay, you know Jackson would have a shit conniption fit if his work wasn't done his way."

Isaac chuckled, "Yes, I suppose you're right. He would, wouldn't he?"

Holt cleared his throat, "I help with the more creative projects though, so I help when I'm asked to. Or if he wants my opinion on something I do my part too, but only when I'm asked. I ain't a mind reader y'know?"

Skyler nodded enthusiastically, "Neither am I sweet pea, so if you want me to do something – just say it. Don't do that hint shit, I don't get it."

Heath was barely able to finish his first bowl of chili, but luckily he did so and he politely excused himself from the dining table. He hadn't really felt all that great before dinner and now he was just hoping to relax. He soon plopped down on the sofa, grabbing a cushion and getting comfortable on the sofa, stretching out just so.

He just managed to close his eyes for a moment and rest…

"Pssst, you awake?" Holt poked Heath rather abruptly.

Heath groaned, slowly opening his eyes once more. He just felt so tired that breathing was a chore right now. "Yes Holt, I'm here. What's up?"

Holt lifted Heath's legs, sat down and plopped his cousin's feet upon his lap casually. "Well… it's just… at school, Jackson had a lot of… encounters… with the Gorgon boy. And… I think, Heath… I think," he took a deep breath, sharply exhaling with the rest of his statement, "I may like him too."

Tada! A somewhat speedy update for you.

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