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 am doing my best to keep the updates nice and speedy for you guys. I'm hoping to get as much done as I can while I have somewhat spare time. Thanks for continuing to review, I'm sure any questions you have shall be answered soon in the story. Thank you! Much love – please enjoy the chapter to the fullest.

Cast In Stone

Chapter Twenty Three

Heath tried greatly to comprehend what Holt was telling him to the best of his very ability, being so tired and feeling a little ill it was increasingly harder to do than normal. "Wait, wait… so if no one knows outside our family… you mentioned specifically Frankie Stein earlier and…no, just no that can't be right. Holt, what'd you do? Does Jackson know? He'll kill me."

Holt put a hand up in slight protest, "I did nothing." It soon came down. "Well nothing much. I was just bored one day and… I wanted to see what Jackson saw in this whole school stuff, so I went – once." He continued defending himself. "I just had to though Heath, the curiosity was killing me and I just wanted to know what this place was that made Jackson anticipate yet dread it. That's all. I just had to know."

Heath blinked a few times; trying to truly understand the new information he'd been given. "Are you positive it was just once that you went to school?" He needed to have this information as correct as possible. If he was ever asked he'd rather not look like a complete idiot if he could help it at all.

Holt nodded, "Yes. Just once, I swear. See, I spent the day with Miss Fine Stein, getting to know her. There was a spark – literally, woo! She shorted an amp of mine!" He shook the small aloof grin from his face and wore a more serious, concerned look upon his features. "But I was kinda focusing more on what Jackson was feeling. I had this real uncomfy feeling in my gut, I knew he wasn't himself. I could feel it man, I could just feel it. Damn. But I went about my day and now that he's spending more time with… that gorgon guy, I think I'm starting to feel what he's feeling for him. Isn't that like, not cool? I mean, we're one in the same person… but we're two different people as well. If we could just be one whole person… things would prob'ly be way easier y'know what I'm sayin'?"

Normally Holt was very loud, but Heath almost struggled in hearing the words he was currently speaking. This was just one of the ways Heath and anyone else could tell Holt's sincerity. When he talked to you like he meant it and you could feel it, it was completely genuine. "Well you're not so… we have to deal with this as is. When I asked Jackson about you, he thought it was best to keep you on the down low to outside people. Don't be mad or anything, he's doing his best to protect you Holt. Y'got that?"

Holt gave an appreciative nod, "Yeah, I got it. I just feel like I'm not successful in protecting Jackson, from himself."

Heath let out a soft sigh, his head aching horribly. "You're a great person Holt. Don't you forget it." It wasn't just Heath's way of ending the current conversation, he truly meant every word.

Deuce was outside in the driveway of his home taking shots at the net all by himself. It seemed the deeper in thought he retreated… the harder he analyzed everything; the ball frequently missed the target. Nothing angered Deuce more than to not be his best at one of the only things he felt he was remotely close to being good at.

Feeling a stinging sensation just behind his eyes, he clenched them tight – he could not cry. Not right now. Not out here. It's not like his mother cared though, she wasn't even home. She only ever gave him money or a gift here and there to substitute for her absence. So Deuce was left alone by himself all day and night, with nothing but his thoughts tormenting his mind. Couldn't they just leave him alone along with everyone else?

It wasn't until Deuce felt the casketball slip right away from his hands. His gaze followed the stranger's hands down and he lightly gasped. "Jackson?!"

Jackson carelessly tossed the ball, it hitting the net directly with barely any effort. "It's not all that difficult, is it? I have no idea what you jocks bitch about." He lightly teased with a small smile. He fixed his glasses and bounced the ball once more as he caught it. He went to dodge Deuce but found himself being hugged from behind.

Jackson had gotten back into the game aside from the distraction in the form of Deuce hugging him, he watched as the other male took shot after shot at the casketball net until he noticed Deuce suddenly trip over an untied shoelace he picked up speed just a little to become the other male's landing cushion. "Hey there," Deuce greeted softly yet in a bit of a sultry tone as well, brushing the bangs right out Jackson's face casually, yet oh so sensually. "fancy seeing you here." He chuckled, hovering right over Jackson's shocked frame.

Jackson raised an eyebrow, "Mhm. You too I suppose. I was just out for a walk to get away from school… I saw you and… it's lunch and we're supposed to be still at school, both of us… but we're here at your place… and I -" Before the human could make any other form of speech, Deuce closed the space between them right away. Pressing his lips aggressively to the other male, biting feverishly at Jackson's soft lips in such lust. He'd been waiting quite some time for this to happen. It was almost surreal.

Jackson at first squirmed to get away, tried to wave his arms… but he couldn't help but to give in, his body just increasing relaxation with every passing second. He decided to not think at all and just 'go with it'. For once, Jackson Jekyll didn't stop to analyze a damn thing.

Oooh, nice place to leave it huh? Can't wait to hear from you guys!

It's always appreciated. :)