A/N: prepare yourself for the drama and angst. I was leading the story to this moment! ;) don't worry, I added a little extra for y'all.

PART SIX

Sock was grounded for three months for the "little stunt" he pulled. Pile that on to the two weeks of after school detention he also got from school. He just nodded accepting his punishment. He'll be willing to take them gracefully as long as all the focus was on him in the gossip at school compared to Jonathan.

He told Joane this when she tried to blackmail him. What Sock didn't suspect was that she was going to reveal someone else's secrets instead.

"You're really going to accept all of this?" Jonathan asked him on their way to lunch. Sock was gone all first period in the office.

"Yeah, I did skip school for a week…" he answered back.

"Why did you skip?"

"I just wanted time to think."

"Was it because of what you told everyone at school?" Jonathan asked.

"Maybe," Sock answered shrugging, "I also thought it would be good if I left for a while. Let the gossip grow. I know how they work at school so all I did was fuel it."

"You know you didn't have to do that."

"But I wanted to," Sock rebutted looking at the other teen. His green eyes burning bright, "I wasn't going to let you deal with this. It's my fault it got out."

"No it wasn't." he argued back before sighing, "But I appreciate what you did for me. You didn't have to do that… but… thanks." Sock smiled going to their table before attempting to leave to get lunch when Jonathan handed him a sandwich.

Accepting the sandwich Sock took a bite looking up at Jonathan in surprise. "It's my favorite… how did you know I would be here?"

Jonathan sat down as he pulled out his own food a slow blush spreading past his cheeks, "I didn't. I've been making them for the past week."

Touched by the sentiment Sock grinned, "Thank you Jonathan."

Jonathan blushed more turning his head slightly mumbling that it was nothing and to shut up and eat his damn sandwich already. Smiling Sock did what he was told.

The punishment wasn't that bad. He stayed after school doing his homework until he was let go and depending on the day he either went straight to work or home. Sock didn't comment that it wasn't much of a chore for him. He used to do this before his escapade, well not the detention part. Plus, if they were trying to keep him away from friends they were doing a horrible job. The only person he wanted nearby was Jonathan. Which he got to do everyday.

"Do you mind?"

Sock smiled sitting on the floor looking up at Jonathan doing his homework. "Nope, go right ahead."

Jonathan rolled his eyes getting back to work while at the corner of his eye he saw Sock lean back tilt his head to the side and smiled. All while looking at him. It did get on his nerves, but not for what he originally thought it would. He couldn't concentrate with the other boy staring making him conscious of his presence. Jonathan tried to ignore him, trust me he tried, but he couldn't and his face slowly turned pink from all the attention.

Sock began humming his tune again which Jonathan still couldn't pinpoint. "What is it?"

"I don't need anything," Sock replied.

"No, not that," he huffed. "What is the name of that song? It's been bugging me for months."

"Oh," Sock was surprise by that, "I thought you know this song. It's an old song."

"Well I don't know it. What is it?" he asked trying anything to avoid the warmth growing from his face from all of Sock's staring. Jonathan didn't know why he was blushing about this its not like he liked the guy.

"It's from The Foundations," Sock shrugged, "Build Me Up, Buttercup."

Finally, Jonathan knew the answer to what's been bugging him since he met Sock. "Wait, isn't that an oldies song?"

"Well yeah," Sock shrugged, "I listen to the oldies." That was something new. Jonathan didn't picture Sock listening to songs from the fifties and sixties. Sock could tell by his reaction that he couldn't wrap it around his mind so he elaborated. "My Uncle Maxwell, well great-uncle, used to babysit me and was always playing songs from his generation. I really liked them so I just grew to appreciate them. That song being my favorite."

"Huh," was all the blue eyed teen said as he mulled it over. "You mentioned your great-uncle before. Do you miss him?"

The teen sitting on the floor eyes went unfocused, thinking, "Yeah, I still do but it's been close to six years now. He was the only family adult who cared about me. My grandparents died shortly after I turned one. So he was the only relative I had left. I went a little crazy after he left."

"Acting out, dressing outrageously?" Jonathan hinted which got Sock to smile again which warmed Jonathan's heart.

"That was somewhat fun. I started dying my hair outrageous colors: red, blue, orange, black. Sometimes even multicolor just to get some reaction from my parents. But it didn't do much, I even dress strangely too. Gothic, punk, emo, metal…" he laughed thinking again, "I even went through a flower phase. Floral clothing and I even got a flower crown on. I was sent home when I showed up in a tank top and mini skirt with leggings underneath of course.

"Oh you should've seen the look on everyone's faces when I wore that." Sock grinned relishing in the moment. "Even Jojo told me not to…" And the moment left at the mention of her.

Clearing his throat, Jonathan asked him about the stunts he pulled at school. "Oh that, you know the generic: whoopee cushion on the teacher's chair, changing the whiteboard markers with permanent ones, and the funniest one was putting those poppy fireworks on the toilet seats. Those were the greatest hearing people scream thinking they broke the toilet."

They continued talking about all of Sock's pranks and it digressed to anecdotes of middle school when Mrs. Jones knocked on the door.

"Sock, I need help in the kitchen." Standing up he nodded while Jonathan went back to his homework. As much as he was having fun talking to Sock, Jonathan really needed to finish this up and was glad for the break.

Going downstairs Sock was handed the peeler and instructed to peel the carrots and potatoes then cut them up. Peeling them in no time he cut the top and bottom off the carrots and slice it in half and did it again so they were in quarters. Next, he cut them in little pieces and doing it with the rest of the carrots before he cut the potatoes in half then in four more slices and did the same thing he did with the carrots.

Completing his task, Mrs. Jones was surprise at how fast and well Sock did. "Oh, I use to cook back home. Kinda had to because of my parents."

Understanding she asked if he knew how to make an apple pie by scratch because she was having trouble. Nodding he started slicing the apples, his favorite part. Sock liked using a knife to slice food up and took over making the pie for dessert.

###

Dinner was surprising very good and even Mr. Jones noticed. When Mrs. Jones commented that Sock prepared the food, Chris was very surprise. "Well if the boy can cook he should take kitchen duty too as his punishment for skipping school."

Rebecca looked at her husband then at Sock. When he said he didn't mind they agreed he would so long as she kept watch over him. Guess his cooking talent gave her a break from being in the kitchen every night cooking dinner.

School for the second week of Sock's punishment was normal. Well, as normal as it can be with everyone gossiping about your life that is. However, Sock was fine by this he didn't care if his story got told, stretched, and just got plain strange, the only time he seemed to mind was when he heard anything about Jonathan's.

Jonathan always got in a sour mood every time he heard gossip about Sock. When he wasn't with Sock, Jonathan would hear snippets of conversation about him and none flattering. And because he's been ordered to keep silent about the issue by his roommate Jonathan grind his teeth together and grudgingly walked on. He still cursed Joane for creating this mess. He was at least glad that she hadn't popped up again in their lives.

"Jonathan," Sock said with a spring in his step as he got to his side. Jonathan's irritated mood dissolving a few notches at his presence, the blue eyed teen would never say it out loud but Sock started making his day just by being nearby with his cheerful attitude.

"Hey Sock, how's your day been?"

"It's great now," he smiled his green eyes filling with delight. When Sock glanced at Jonathan, the blond quickly looked away his cheeks lightly turning pink. Sock seemed a little curious by his reaction but he glanced down at Jonathan's lips before looking away too.

Sock was thinking about that kiss they shared a few months back. Of course, back then he didn't think anything of it but lately…

They made their way to lunch. Jonathan giving Sock his sandwich while Sock gave him his drink. A weird ritual they developed but it seemed to be a habit now. It was better to stick together than have Sock go in line and get lunch with the gossiping vultures.

It never seemed to amaze Jonathan that Sock got so happy about receiving his sandwich. They've been doing this for over two weeks and Sock still acts like a kid at Christmas. He would also eat the sandwich slowly savoring every bite which always embarrassed Jonathan. It was just a damn sandwich, why did he have to savor it that way?

"Would you quit that?"

"Quit what?" Sock asked generally confused.

"Eating that sandwich like it's your last meal." Jonathan replied flustered.

Sock tilted his head to the side, "But this sandwich is delicious. Why wouldn't I enjoy it?"

"It's the same sandwich I make every time. I don't add anything special." The blue eyed teen huffed clearly uncomfortable by Sock's appraisal.

Jonathan looked away for a bit before he turned his eyes back at the teen. A mistake on his part because those bright green eyes, were wreaking havoc to his peace of mind. He started drowning in those eyes, getting pulled under but Jonathan managed to pull away and mumble that Sock's bangs were messy. Jonathan put his sandwich down and put his hands under the table lest he get tempted to touching Sock's hair too.

Blinking Sock brushed his bangs to the side without knowing the teen on the other side of the table watched his every movement. Oh Jonathan wanted to touch his hair and he had no idea why he wanted to so badly. Clenching his hands into fist under the table he took a deep breath to calm himself of this weird urge.

Once he brought himself back under control he continued with his lunch and talked to Sock pretending not to be overly glad about their lunch together.

This back and forth between the two boys lasted a few days longer. Jonathan avoided direct eye contact with Sock unless absolutely necessary. He also kept his hands busy to avoid accidently touching Sock's soft brown hair.

Sock, on the other hand, kept staring at Jonathan when he wasn't looking wondering about the kiss and if he could try it again. He always found a reason not to but eventually curiosity would be too much for either one to handle.

###

Sock kneeled on the floor his eyes watching Jonathan in question. He still remembered the kiss they shared at the house party months ago. Though the spark they felt was due to the static electricity he conducted when he rubbed his socks against the carpet. There was the pain that came from it but then there was the other spark that made his lips tingled for the rest of that night. Sock at first deduced it as being the pain from the shock. But lately he thought maybe that wasn't it. And that's why he was staring at Jonathan wanting to try it again. But how to propose it was the mystery.

Jonathan tried to decipher what Sock was thinking behind those demonic green eyes. Looking at them was like playing with fire for Jonathan. He sometimes felt he could get lost in them and that simply couldn't be. Could it? No, what was he thinking of, of course not. Yet here he was looking at him without his hat on seeing his brown hair sticking up.

The first time he saw Sock without his hat, Jonathan laughed. He couldn't help it; he's never seen hair that defied gravity after being trapped in a hat all day. He thought Sock would have hat hair but that wasn't the case. After the first time there were more times when he caught Sock without it and by now they were both comfortable without the hat's presence.

Then there was that twitch with his hands again, the urge to run his fingers through Sock's light brown hair that Jonathan sometimes got, though the urge grew stronger in the two weeks. Without knowing who initiated it he lowered his head as Sock stood closer their eyes looking at each other trying to see what the other was thinking and asking permission at the same time. To what, Jonathan hadn't the slightest clue. Sock's hand shyly brushed against Jonathan's sending goose bumps up his arms, the hairs on his neck standing up.

Jonathan's breath hitched up making it into rough short breaths matching Sock's. Getting braver Sock's hand went up higher sending more chills down both boys' backs. The thrill enthralling them. Jonathan's free hand moved to the curve of Sock's delicate neck feeling his soft skin with his fingertips and the racing of Sock's pulse.

They both glanced at each others eyes, blue blending with green as they asked permission to continue. When neither protested, they continued their slow tantalizing discovery. Jonathan's hand went higher cupping Sock's cheek as the younger teen lean into it while Sock's hand went to the blond's back of the neck. Their eyes darken the irises growing thinner.

Their breath came out in short exciting gasps as they lean their faces closer greedily trying to get the details ingrained into their brains. Moving his other hand, Sock cupped Jonathan's face moving his thumb back and forth feeling the silky texture of Jonathan's skin.

Fascinated, Jonathan ran his fingers through Sock's unruly hair. He's never felt hair this soft in his life. Like puppy hair. The light overhead played colors to Sock's hair that enthralled Jonathan's attention trying to memorize every color. With both teens discovering new territories they moved closer together unconsciously.

Their mouths closer, their breath mingling with the other's. The air around them got heavy as the sexual tension was reaching its limit. Their breath got ragged. The spiciness of Jonathan's scent did incredible things to Sock's nose engulfing him in new senses he never knew existed. While Sock's more innocent fruity scent pulled Jonathan closer to Sock.

As they grew closer the atmosphere crackled with desire. There were a few seconds of clarity left to pull back but they pressed forward their lips meet in an electrifying kiss. This was different than the last time. There wasn't any painful static as electrons passed between their lips. This was pure desire.

Soft lips melting into each other they cautiously moved parting their lips still hesitating that they didn't push the other's boundaries. But it was pure bliss for Jonathan. He felt like he's been living for this exact moment. It all came down to this point, this second.

Daring to be reckless, Jonathan opened his mouth wider inviting Sock in. The taste of Sock intoxicated him, daring him further. Sock was very eager to continue the assault Jonathan seemed to be gallantly administrating as soft moans escaped from deep inside his throat encouraging Jonathan to continue.

Who knew how long the kiss lasted, the rich feeling went on and on and on. Pulling both teens into an ecstasy neither wanted to end. Cautious fingers became wandering ones as they ran into silky hair or satin skin. Sock managed to unzip Jonathan's grey hoodie and taking it off him. While Jonathan's hand got underneath Sock's sweater vest and T-shirt hitting the jackpot as he found his warm chest.

Sock hands went underneath the white T-shirt his fingers skimming Jonathan's stomach before his hands went up to his chest and down the side where Jonathan instantly froze his lips stopping as well. The scar, Jonathan thought.

Tearing himself away from Sock he turned to the side gasping cold fresh air into his heated body. What was he doing?! He shouldn't be kissing Sock like this. He shouldn't be kissing Sock, period.

Knowing it was over Sock pulled back, feeling his heart beg to go back. He knew he should give Jonathan space, "I…"

"This shouldn't have happened," Jonathan gasped, his breathing hard, jaggedly.

Sock understood. It was over, he needed to back up and give him room, "Fine." He sounded a little hurt and upset but Sock cleared his throat, stood up, and climbed up to his bed. The awkwardness of what happened hung in the air and it took both boys a long time before either could sleep halfheartedly.

The next day which also happened to be Friday, Jonathan was already out the door when Sock groggily got up and dragged himself to get ready. Sock hadn't gotten much sleep and he was regretting it this morning. When he slid down the stairs Sock wasn't that surprise that Jonathan wasn't in bed. After getting dressed and packed for lunch he walked to the bus stop where he noticed a missing teen. Disappointed he stood there in the late September cold waiting for the bus to get here.

Was Sock surprise to see Jonathan in class, perhaps but he shouldn't have been. Jonathan took his education seriously. He did want to graduate by the end of this semester. What Sock didn't expect was that he would belatedly ignore him. Tired and a little stung by the silent treatment he turned to his seat and ignored him too.

Why is he ignoring me? Sock thought some time later. He turned his head slightly to see the teen in question over his shoulder. Could it really be because of last night?

Sock turned back around and started bouncing his leg. Whether it was in agitation or nerves he never did know. All Sock wanted to know was why Jonathan was acting like last night didn't happen. No, worse, like it did happen and he wanted nothing to do with him. He found out just how much Jonathan wanted away from Sock when he went to lunch and sat down by himself with two drinks and no sandwich.

There were a few snickers a table down from him of a group who made it belatedly obvious that they were laughing at him. Trying not to let it affect him, Sock opened his drink and sipped it. Another group of girls walked by his table whispering loudly, "What a loser sitting by himself." Before crackling to themselves and going too far away to be overheard.

The green eyed teen took a deep breath to keep calm and not to react to the taunting that was going on around him. They knew he was by himself and took the opportunity to mock him. Sock had to show that it didn't bother him and took a long drink from his beverage.

When he finished his beverage he looked around toward the clock. Half of lunch already passed and Jonathan hadn't made his appearance, disappointed Sock opened the other drink and sipped it until the end of lunch.

His roommate never showed up.

###

For the rest of school, Sock didn't see much of Jonathan and when he did have class with him there was that thick wall of silence that kept Sock rooted to his seat. He was going to take the afternoon bus to talk to Jonathan but remembered on his way there that he had to serve his last day of after school detention. With resignation Sock marched to the room and began working on his homework his teachers gave him for the weekend.

That was the longest weekend in the history of history, Sock groaned inwardly. He'd rather be in school the last two days than at home. Or well, the place he was living temperately. Walls paid him more attentive than his roommate. He hardly saw his but Sock did try to talk to Jonathan which just got him a blank look followed by headphones being put on and getting tuned out.

Maybe it was a bad idea to have kissed Jonathan. But Sock brushed it aside because if Jonathan didn't want to he didn't have to kiss him back! And that just led to the brunet's body getting warm and his face flushing at the sensory memory, so Sock had to go up to his bed facedown until he calmed his clamoring heart.

The green eyed teen stayed still for a few minutes until the feeling finally wore off and took off his hat ruffling his hair a bit. Getting back down Sock walked passed the annoying teen and went to help Mrs. Jones. He ended up helping her prepare the food for dinner before putting on his hat again and going to work.

Tuesday morning he walked into school annoyed and totally determined to get Jonathan to stop ignoring him. So Jonathan felt uncomfortable by what happened? Fine, it never happened or wouldn't happen so long as he quit this annoying silent treatment. Storming to Jonathan's locker Sock waited until the teen closed it and turned around to face him.

Jonathan eyes went to the side and tried to walk around but Sock wasn't having it. "Look if this is about—."

"—Forget it." Jonathan said forcefully trying to leave.

"Fine if that's what you want," Sock exhaled, "It. Never. Happened." Turning around Sock stormed to his locker so he didn't have to walk with Jonathan to their first class.

###

Somewhere in second period the TV turned on and the news popped up: "Breaking News: Airline 392 from Los Angeles to Toronto crashed over the Rocky Mountains where possible strong winds and strong thunder storms were to blame. Falling out of the sky and crash landed over the northwestern part of Colorado. We are not sure if there are any survivors or if the causes for the plane crash were mechanical or human error. More news later this hour as we learn more about this devastating tragedy."

The class stayed quiet while the report went through before the chatter went above the volume of the news as the students talked about what caused the accident. Sock sat still watching the images on the TV wondering if the people on the plane were okay.

Walking out the door, Sock was met by his case worker. "Hey kid, can we talk for a minute?"

"I really can't right now, I have to get to work before I'm late." Sock answered and started going down the street to where the city bus stop was at.

"I'll take you."

Sock turned around surprised, "Really, you'll do that?"

"Sure," Mephistopheles said ushering him inside. With his seatbelt on they drove off.

"So, what did you want to talk to me about?" Sock asked.

"After you get out of work kid," Mephistopheles answered looking to the road.

"Okay then," Sock said pausing, "Should we talk about something else?"

"You pick."

"We could talk about if you patch things up with June?" Sock grinned.

Mr. Hellman wasn't amused. "Pick something else." Sock shrugged letting the subject dropped and asked about how Augustus' job was like as a social worker. The time was spend quickly and Sock was early for work.

"I'll talk to you after work kid," Mr. Hellman said to his charge, who just nodded and entered the movie-video store. Sock arrived early too, which was good because it was already packed with costumers and he got right to work.

Four and a half hours later with sore arm muscles and feet Sock made his way out the door glad that his shift was over. Some of the costumers talked about the news they saw on TV about the plane crash. Most were worried if they got on a plane if it would crash and some theorize that there was a terrorist inside who brought the plane down. Most were just speculation over the mystery of it and how planes seem to all be falling out of the sky, which wasn't true but Sock was too tired by then to argue with the costumer.

He was a little glad he didn't have to walk much as Mephistopheles leaned on his car waiting for him. "Tough day?" he could tell by the slump shoulders that Sock was tired.

"You could say that," Sock replied rolling his shoulders back. "What did you want to talk to me about this afternoon?"

"I think we should find somewhere quieter to talk," he answered pointing to the small park across the street. Agreeing the tired teen followed him and sat down on the bench to give his feet some rest. The news his case worker came to tell Sock was worthy of sitting down for.

###

Mephistopheles couldn't be serious. He's parents could be… dead. They were just traveling around the world. I mean, that's why he was here in the first place. They ditched him. But that didn't mean they were gone forever…? "No… no, you're wrong. They must be somewhere exotic. Somewhere remote. That's why you can't reach them."

"Kid, I really didn't want to tell you but you had to know. They were in a plane crash. There were no survivors."

"No!" Sock denied standing up. "Sure I heard about that plane crash on the news but they weren't in there. No, no. you're wrong."

Augustus sighed, "I really hate to be the barer of bad news but it's true. Your parents' names were on the passenger's list. They're trying to contact the family members before they told the press. I'm sorry kid."

Sock sat back down. His parents' death left him in shock. Sure they were terrible parents to him: leaving him stranded in various places, forgetting to pick him up at school, missing many parent-teacher conferences, ditching him to travel the world, and regretting ever having him. But he still loved them. They were the only family he had left. And now not even that. He was left alone in the world.

Standing back up he waved his concerned case worker and said he wanted to go back home, the one that's been his home for the last eight months.

Not letting Sock walk home after the bad news, Mephistopheles drove him home. Dropping him off he gave his condolences and offered a therapist if he needed one. Sock shook his head smiling weakly saying he'll be okay. Not sure that was the case Mephistopheles nodded giving Sock the space he needed.

Sock ran upstairs needing to tell Jonathan what he found out. Even if they weren't really talking to each other right now Sock knew Jonathan wouldn't leave him alone with this. When he opened the door he was greeted to an emptier room. The emptiness echoing inside Sock.

Jonathan was gone.

He too was gone. He could tell by the hallowness the room now felt. Closing the door gently Sock slid down slowly to the floor. The tears he's been suppressing since he got the news bubbling to the surface in quiet body-shaking sobs.

They were gone, he was gone. They were gone, he was gone. Sock repeated over and over in his mind, the torment crashing inside him like waves getting bigger and bigger each time. Sock covered his ears squeezing his eyes shut as he rocked himself back and forth. The buzzing in his head suffocating him as his chest tightened. The pain was too fresh, too raw. All his life he's dealt with neglect and abandonment, learning from a young age to always stay close to his parents while at the store or in public places least he be left behind. Maybe that's why he stuck close to his roommate. He always had this paranoia of being left alone.

Sock should've been used to this. They've abandon him again. This time permanently yet he's still suffering for it. He loved his parents despise their faults but this abandonment still hurt him nonetheless. It wasn't until this moment that he realized he still held hope that they would come back and love him. But that wasn't meant to be. That plane was headed to Toronto. Not here. Even after eight months he never got one phone call or a letter or anything. They still didn't care about him. And they never would.

And the only other person he was attached to left him too.

Jonathan didn't even say goodbye just like my parents.

That brought another round of tears.

It seemed Sock wasn't good enough for anybody. Everyone left him. Without a bat of their eyes. Poof, gone. He wasn't worth anything to anyone. Not even to Jonathan.

That kiss they shared meant nothing to him. Jonathan broke it off before it could go further and stayed at a distance from Sock these last few days. Like he knew he was leaving but didn't care to inform Sock of said fact.

Sock hit his knee with his fist anger swelling up inside him. But that left as quickly as it came. He wasn't good enough for anybody. The hurt and the misery making home in Sock's heart. Where it seemed like it belonged. All his life those two feelings lived there. All his life.

Sock thought Jonathan would be different but he shouldn't have thought that. Everyone he's cared for left him. What about Joane, he reminded himself. Then he rephrased it. Everyone he's loved had left him. And the heartbroken teen hung his head down and cried.

END OF PART SIX

A/N: Yes. The answer to your question is yes.

Did I mean to do that ending. Yes. Did I just rip up your heart and stomp on it. Yes. Do I enjoy your suffering. Y-kinda.

Don't worry, there's still two more parts. It could get better. Just read the next part ;)