A/N: Oh look, two parts in one day. I'm on a roll. Please enjoy the second part.

PART TWO

Jonathan made his way back from school listening to his music with his black shoulder bag slug over carelessly. He had another boring day at school where all his classmates talked about some nonsense they watched on TV. He really didn't get them but of course Jonathan had to worry about what he'll do after he turned eighteen and where he would get the money and a place to live that would allow him that also rents cheaply. His part-time job didn't give him much but it was something. He put his key in the lock and turned it.

Entering the house he made himself a quick sandwich and trodden up the stairs to his room where he met the sight of a person in a purple skirt swiveling and humming to a tune he didn't recognize. Clearing his throat Jonathan got the attention of the dancing skirt-hat wearing person. Oh. It was a guy… wearing a skirt?

"Oh, hi, you must be my roommate. I'm Sock." The purple skirt wearing kid with the greenest eyes Jonathan's ever seen was looking at him with a great big goofy smile.

"I'm Jonathan," he introduced himself taking a bite out of his sandwich. The kid couldn't be older than fourteen grinned huge like Jonathan gave him the answers to the secret of life or something. He seemed too happy to be in the system. Probably a newbie. But that'll wear off soon enough. It always did.

"Jonathan, Jonathan," he sang in his little tune. "Did anyone tell you, you have a nice name? Whole lot better than mine."

Jonathan sat on his bed watching this eccentric kid talk. "Well a name like Sock is bound to attract bullies."

"Huh?" the hat wearing kid stopped mid-twirl, "Oh, that's not my real name but I like it whole lot better than my real name."

"It's not? What's your real name then?" Jonathan didn't know why he asked. It wasn't like he cared but he was bored enough to talk to him. It's probably was his first time in the system and as a veteran he felt the kid could use a hand. Its not easy coming into the system, he should know.

"Promise you won't laugh?" Sock pouted suddenly looking like he was ten years old.

"Sure, sure," Jonathan answered. He suddenly thought he was no older then twelve though Sock was tall for his age.

"Napoleon," Sock muttered. Jonathan couldn't help himself, a chuckle escaped past his lips. He used his hand to cover the rest but it was too late. He hurt Napoleon's feelings. "See I told you, you would laugh."

"No, no. I'm sorry. I swear I didn't mean for it to happen."

Napoleon sighed collapsing on the floor in front of his roommate. "I know it's a horrible name. That's why I go by Sock. Do you go by anything?"

Jonathan shrugged because in reality he didn't. He was always just Jonathan. So he asked his new roommate a question. "How old are you anyway?"

"Seventeen," Sock said proudly.

Jonathan did not expect that. He didn't even look over fourteen. But that was just it, appearances can be deceiving. "So what grade are you in?"

"Eleventh. What about you?"

"The same," Jonathan replied. By now he already finished his sandwich. Removing his backpack he set up to do his homework. He needed to graduate by the latest his first semester of senior year. The quicker the better so he could leave the system with a diploma. Most places wanted you to finish high school so that's what Jonathan was doing.

Sock stared over his shoulder at Jonathan's work. "Do you mind?"

"Oh, I was going to say if you needed help in that I can help. My class just covered that." He pointed to Jonathan's chemistry homework. As much as Jonathan didn't want to admit it he was struggling in this class. And against his will, asked for help for the first time in years.

As irritating as Sock was to Jonathan, he had to admit that without the teen's help he wouldn't be doing so well in chemistry. During the past month since Sock's appearance in Jonathan's life Sock had found a way to infiltrate most of Jonathan's barriers. And by infiltrate he was referring to Sock digging and digging until Jonathan got worn out and just let the pesky kid in.

"Hey Jonathan," Sock said as they were walking back from school swinging his backpack from side-to-side, "How does the lunch at school taste horrible?"

"It just does," Jonathan tiredly answered. He swore Sock was a child, always asking a lot of questions even though the teachers seem to have had enough. And before Sock could ask another obnoxious question Jonathan asked one of his own. "Where are your parents Sock?"

And suddenly the skip in Sock's step left. He bit his lip and Jonathan started to regret asking. "I killed them."

And just like that he was left speechless, "W-w-what?!"

"I killed them. Also my best friend," Sock said cool as a cucumber.

"And you're completely fine with this?" Jonathan wanted to shake him just to get a normal reaction. Anything than the calm he spoke about in.

"My parents were awful raising me and my friend betrayed me." Sock stated.

"That's still no reason to kill them." Jonathan huffed making his way toward the house. He's been sharing his room with a killer. It almost felt surreal. Sock was perfect: he had the bubbly personality that no one would suspect. The fact that he walked everyday in a skirt helped his case.

"Is this true, did you really kill them?" Jonathan had to know, for his peace of mind. Maybe Sock was playing a joke on him and he walked right into it. Sock stayed silent that Jonathan had to turn around to face him. The look of deject was evident on Sock. So much so that it was a solid entity between them.

"No," Sock whispered his eyes watering up. Jonathan had to strain his ears to catch it. Then the tears slid down Sock's face and he looked so sad and so hurt that Jonathan had an overwhelming urge to comfort him. "I wish I did… maybe it wouldn't hurt as much if I did. That way, the only reason why my parents never contact me is because they're… dead."

Off he ran, into the house and probably somewhere inside their room. For a while Jonathan felt bad for asking about Sock's parents. He could tell by that reaction that it still hurt. And he was rejected by them just like he was by his mother. The only difference is that Jonathan long ago learned to deal with that old wound. Sock's wound was still fresh and was double because both of his parents.

Going into the house he made himself a sandwich out of habit and then made another one for Sock. Going into their room he found him buried in their closet and gently tugged him out. Sock's green eyes swam with tears and he hugged the blond tightly and began to sob onto his hoodie.

It took a while before Sock was calm enough to talk. Jonathan offered him the sandwich he made and Sock smiled shyly that Jonathan would remember his favorite sandwich: peanut butter and jelly with sliced strawberries. Eating their sandwiches in peace Sock sniffed every once in a while which made Jonathan grab tissues for Sock which he felt gratitude for all of Jonathan's kindness.

"Jonathan, can I ask you something?" Sock asked timidly in between bites. Nodding, Sock continued, "Why are you in the system?"

Jonathan's eyes glazed over thinking. After a long pause he answered, "My mother is dead and my father is as good as dead." Guessing by the cluelessness of Sock he elaborated, "He does drugs, Sock. And he doesn't plan to quit just because of me. If anything he started getting worse a few years back."

Comprehension dawn on Sock who apologized for bringing up bad memories. Jonathan shook his head saying he was over it. What his parents represented for him didn't bother him anymore. Though the green eyed teen had his doubts he didn't voice them out and continued to eat his sandwich later working on his homework with Jonathan.

"Hey kid," Mephistopheles greeted Sock on Saturday. Jonathan had gone to work at his part-time gig which reminded Sock he needed to find a job soon. "How have the Joneses treating you? Everything to your liking?"

"Yes, everything is to my liking Sir."

"Sock, don't get so formal with me now. Has the other foster teen treated you nicely?" he asked wearing another variation of his maroon suit. This one fading to black at the bottom.

"Oh yeah, Jonathan is great." Sock grinned widely.

"Jonathan, eh? I don't seem to know him. Maybe his case worker is someone I work with. What was his last name?" Mephistopheles grinned, scanning Sock's face for something and his eyes filling with glee when he found it.

"It's Combs." Sock said proudly.

"Uh-huh kid. I see he's been making passes at you." He watched as Sock's face turned red.

"It-it's not like that. We're just friends." Sock said puffing his cheeks out.

Mephistopheles didn't seem concern by that detail. "All relationship sprouted from friendships." Sock chose to ignore that which made the devil in Mephistopheles happy. Sock didn't use that he didn't like guys as an excuse which meant there was something happening here.

"Well I just came by to check up on you but if you're in good hands I don't have to worry so much. You seem to be adjusting well here. Which brings me great happiness that I'm doing a great job with you. I'll see you later kid. And thanks for the info. I'll look into it." And just like that he seemed to vanish quickly. Some people would think he'd vanish into thin air.

Name: Jonathan Combs

Age: 17

Background: has been in and out of the system for over 13 years. His mother is deceased and his father is currently serving time in jail for charges of drugs possessions.

Case Worker:—

Mephistopheles read Jonathan's file and his interest spiked when he noticed who was handling his case.

Providence.

His childhood rival. He got a sly smile across his face. He was going to use Sock to bring Jonathan to his side. He was planning to take this case away from her. Or at least cause some trouble… and entertainment.

Sock was downtown looking for any openings. He really needed to have some money saved up when he left the system. Plus, a little cash never hurt.

Looking round for any Help Wanted signs Sock didn't expect getting hit on his right shoulder when another person bumped into him. Losing his balance he tried to brace himself from the fall with his hands yet he fell on the sidewalk butt first. "Ow," he yelped.

"Oh I'm so sorry sweetie," her voice was sweet as honey with a slight southern accent as she apologized. "I didn't see you there. Let me help you up."

Declining the hand she offered, Sock pulled himself up ignoring the stinging from his palms and looked at the blue eyed lady. Her black hair was cut short like a boy's and her skin was dark brown. She had the whitest smile Sock's ever seen. The mysterious lady also wore a white waistcoat with a light blue dress shirt, "Sorry ma'am, I didn't see you there."

She smiled, "So polite even after I've knocked you down."

"No, it was my fault. I wasn't watching where I was going." Sock said brushing the dirt off his skirt.

"Well I don't believe that. But I'll apologize again. I was so busy I must've not seen you. Well I have to run now sweetie. Take care of yourself." She smiled. Sock smiled back. She seemed to be a nice lady. Getting back into gear he went into a coffee shop hoping to get employment.

"Sugar Bear!" Jonathan heard from across the room and he just slumped to the ground around the boxes. His case worker was here. He thought if he hid she would go away but he knew that wasn't the case. Sure enough she made her way towards him.

"Sugar Bear, what are you doing down there? Aren't you going to give me a hug?" she smiled.

"I'd rather not," he mumbled still sitting on the floor giving his case worker a wary look. What was she doing here? She didn't take no for an answer and pulled Jonathan from the ground giving him a tight hug.

"Don't you see how much I've missed you Sugar Bear?" she pinched his cheek getting a groan from him. She knew he didn't like it but she still remembered the young little boy she met the first day. A terrified four year-old with brown hair clinging to an old teddy bear while peering over the side of the couch. He seemed like he hadn't eaten that day and when she offered him her packet of sugar bears he smiled warmly at her. Melting her heart. Thus, she always referred to him like that much to his displeasure now.

"Why did you show up to my work Providence?" even though Jonathan knew her real name he went with the name she seemed to be referred to nowadays. She smiled her white teeth brighter against her skin.

Providence was quite beautiful which always puzzled Jonathan why she'd never married or seemed to be dating. Part of him hoped maybe if she was she wouldn't pay so much attention to him. He knew it sounded ridiculous but he didn't like being cuddled. The time when he wanted to had long since passed.

She pouted pretending to be hurt but stroked his cheek, "Can't I worry over you and want to visit you without ulterior motives?"

"No," he replied.

She sighed, "Fine. You're right. I came to check up on you and see that everything was fine with the Joneses."

"Everything is fine," Jonathan answered automatically. He knew the process and he gave the answer he knew that she would like.

"Now honestly Jonathan, you know I want the truth from you not what I want to hear." Providence sighed rubbing her temples. "Now, I'll ask you again. Is everything fine with the Joneses?"

"Yes," Jonathan answered telling the truth. It really wasn't that bad and he didn't want to admit it but ever since Sock showed up his life has been a lot happier. Though he would never admit it.

Seeing that he was telling the truth Providence relaxed, "How about the other foster teen who's housing with you, everything alright there?" She didn't want another issue with him like what happened three years ago.

"Yes, everything's fine," he exasperated not wanting to think about what happened. It was in the past. That foster teen long gone by now. Unconsciously he touched the left side under his ribs thinking of the scar still there.

Providence glanced to Jonathan's side thinking the same thing. "Are you sure? He's not bothering you?"

"Of course he bothers me but that's just how he is. He's harmless. A newbie in the system," Jonathan scoffed looking to the side so she didn't see what he was thinking. He's gotten use to Sock and it would really suck if because of his history Sock had to leave. "Don't worry about it. He acts like a kid most of the time so he's always around me asking questions. Nothing to worry about."

"Are you sure?" she asked concerned.

"Yes." He answered looking into her eyes. "He just hangs around me because he's new to this and just needs help adjusting." She didn't seem convinced but let it drop. She could always talk to the other teen later.

"Jonathan, I'm not paying you to stand around. Move those boxes downstairs." His boss came in slightly glaring at the teen and the woman in the white outfit.

"Sure thing sir." Jonathan said grabbing the box and making his way out of the room.

"I'll talk to you later, Sugar Bear." Providence patted his shoulder and walked out. He sighed out pulling the box up higher and got back to work.

When Jonathan got back from his job it was already dark outside and turned the lights on in his room noticing that Sock was lying on his bed. Smacking his leg Sock groaned turning his head slightly, "Off my bed dude."

"Take mine if you want," Sock mumbled not moving from his spot. He's butt was sore from the fall and it seemed to ache more after his nap. He hadn't found a job and was starting to get dishearten.

"No, get off." Jonathan said pushing him again.

Another groan passed Sock's lips followed by another when Jonathan moved him harder. He moaned in pain his body tensing. Jonathan stopped glancing at Sock lying on his bed with suspicion. "What happened?"

"I fell." Sock answered not moving to avoid the pain radiating from his behind. "And now my butt hurts. Please don't make me move Jonathan."

He started chuckling picturing Sock falling on his butt hilarious. "How did you fall?"

"I…" he was going to tell him the truth that a lady in a white suit bumped into him but thought better, "I tripped and landed on my butt outside. I even hurt my hands too."

A little bit of concern washed away the humor of the story and Jonathan crouched beside Sock's head. "Let me see your hands."

There was a pause from Sock before he slowly moved his hands toward Jonathan. Looking at the broken skin at the heel of his hands he got up and went for the first-aid kit he got from Providence. Getting some bandages and antibacterial wipes he went back and tended to his wounds.

"Ow, that stings," Sock hissed trying to pull back his hand but Jonathan had a firm grip and glared at him.

"I'm cleaning it you idiot. If you cleaned it when you got it I wouldn't be doing this. You're lucky if it doesn't get infected." Jonathan grumbled getting back to his work of cleaning the wounds before bandaging them up. Tossing the wipes to their small trashcan Jonathan sighed leaving the room to get ready for bed.

When he came back a fifteen minutes later he climbed up the steps into Sock's bed. Getting comfortable he closed his eyes ready to sleep.

"Jonathan…?" Sock's voice traveled from the bed below.

"What," he asked slightly weary after today. His shower having him relaxed enough to fall asleep quickly.

"I-uh, I wanted to tell you that your pillow smells nice." There was a pause as Jonathan's face turned pink.

"Well of course it does. I washed it not that long ago." His voice sounded a little rough to cover up his embarrassment.

"No, I mean it smells like you," Sock whispered so no one but Jonathan would hear. "So it smells nice."

Jonathan's face flamed but he just turned to the other side dismissing it, "Whatever." And he had to admit, the pillow he was laying on smelled like Sock… and it smelled good too.

The next morning for breakfast, Mrs. Jones was making pancakes. "Hello boys take a seat; the pancakes will be ready soon. Sock, hon, what happened to your hands?"

"I fell." He said sheepishly shrugging, "But Jonathan bandaged them up for me."

"That was nice of you Jonathan," Mrs. Jones smiled. "Please take a seat you two."

Jonathan sat down but Sock looked at his chair in question. Though the wooden chairs had cushions on them Jonathan took his off and placed it on Sock's. Smiling in gratitude he gently sat down while Mrs. Jones served them hot pancakes. "Eat up now."

The table stayed quiet as Mr. Jones walked in and seeing his face both teens knew he wasn't in the mood for a chatty table.

The whole episode of Sock's butt being hurt faded and was mostly forgotten about a week later. "Sock, someone's here to talk to you."

Sock sat on his bed doing some homework when Mrs. Jones popped her head in. His heart leaped to his throat. Was it his parents? Have they come back for him? It wasn't until that moment that he realized he's actually missed them. Part of him wanted to go with them because, really, they were his parents. But another part wanted to stay because of Jonathan. Climbing down the steps he made his way to the living room where he saw the lady in the white suit. The disappointment tugged heavily on Sock's heart.

"Hello, you must be Napoleon." She introduced before she fully saw him. Her eyes going wide when she recognized him as the boy she knocked over a week ago. "Oh, it's you."

"H-how did you find me?" Sock asked making his way to the couch before sitting down carefully. He was still going easy on his butt.

"I was actually here to talk to the other foster teen staying here. Never thought I would meet you again. I apologize again for what happened." Providence reassured him patting his hand. "So you're the famous Napoleon."

"Famous?" Sock repeated confused.

"I'm Jonathan's case worker. We go way back," She smiled leaning back in her seat. "So, tell me about yourself."

"I-uh… I don't know." Sock shrugged not sure what to say about himself. "I'd rather be called Sock."

"Okay, Sock. How would you describe your relationship with Jonathan?" Providence got down to business asking Sock questions. She was not about to put Jonathan in danger again. She owed him that much.

"Very good," Sock grinned widely. "He's so nice. He even bandaged my hands when… oh. I mean, uh, he's a good roommate."

"When you fell because of me you meant to say?" she answered looking at Sock as he fidgeted. She grew a little suspicious why he tried to omit that.

He shrunk into himself. "You're not going to tell Jonathan are you? I told him I tripped. I didn't want to worry him over me. He… he seems to have it hard as it is."

Providence lightly smiled glad that he seemed to care a lot about her charge. It made her relaxed a bit that Jonathan seemed to be safe with Napoleon. But she still asked him more questions just to be sure.

After another half an hour she left satisfied. Sock might be good for Jonathan. She knew he needed to socialize more and Sock seemed like good company. She'll still keep tabs on the two for her peace of mind. Walking back to her car another stopped behind hers and a man in a maroon suit got out.

"Providence, we meet again." Mephistopheles drawled leaning over his car looking at her with his devilish hazel eyes.

"It's been too long, Sugar." She smiled taking him by surprise. She always did have a way with pulling the rug out from under him. "How are you these days? Still having construction over there at Synergy?"

Mephistopheles grumbled. "Well not all of us are as up-to-date as Providence Inc."

She grinned delighted about the company she was directing. She was the face of Providence Inc. that's why she was referred like that now. "It is a wonderful building. I'm still surprise why you won't switch over to us. Providence Inc. could use someone like you."

He scoffed, "I'm not falling for your marketing techniques. Synergy's is where I'd stay. I'm not moving from there."

"Honestly, I don't know why you stay there. Providence Inc. could give you more opportunities than Synergy." She sighed shaking her head at his stubbornness.

"I'll have you know that I've been promoted to director at Synergy. So, no thank you. I'm doing quite well where I'm at." Mephistopheles retorted crossing his arms.

She just shrugged getting into her car, "Well if you change your mind, Sugar, you know where to find me."

He glared his arms crossed as she drove away. After a while he walked into the Jones' house to talk to Sock. "Hey kid."

"Hey, what brings you around here?" Sock asked leaning on one foot.

"I've come to ask you for a favor," that surprised Sock. He didn't think he could do a favor for his case worker. It was usually the other way around but he still nodded. "I need you to convince the other teen to drop his case worker. I want him to pick me instead."

END OF PART TWO

A/N: Oh look, two parts in one day. I'm on a roll. Please enjoy the second part.