Disclaimer- All characters that aren't in the books belong to me. All the ones that are belong to James Patterson.
A/N- Somebody asked why this is rated M. Well, I intend for this to be my longest story. Like, really long. I have so many plans for Kacey and Iggy. I have no clue where their relationship will end up. Right now they're sixteen, and I plan to write about them until the end of highschool, then an epilogue. And possibly a followup sequel. So it'll probably be pretty damn long. Expect FAXNESS within the next couple chapters! For the record, Iggy, Kacey, Demetri, and Ryan all have exceptional hearing. Iggy because of his blindness and enhancement of his other senses, and the other three developed it while trying to keep their voices low as to not attract unwanted attention.
Iggy POV
We were all sitting at home, with Dr. Ma -ahem. I mean Mom- making dinner. I was nervously shifting in my chair, impending the disaster sure to befall when my crew 'meets the family' and Nudge was rambling about how some of the girls at school looked. I tuned in when she began with Kacey.
"Oh my god, Kacey is so unique, ya know? She kinda looks scary, not in a bad way, but like in a 'back off' way. Her hair is almost silvery lookin', and her eyes are all pale and green, but just barely! And her lips are sooo big. If she wasn't, well, Kacey, then I'd think she got injections. The only thing that really, like, actually makes me worried is how skinny she is!"
I was surprised to hear a slight 'mhm' in agreement from Fang from the kitchen, mixing the spaghetti sauce.
"I doubt she's anorexic or anything. She doesn't seem like the toootally self-concious type. I wish I was like her. Skinny, self-assured, and just... so different and totally ruthless with it. She defiinately doesn't care what people think. Especially with her clothes. I mean did you see what she was wearing. I can't judge, I'm hardly with the trends nowadays, but lord. Who wears a electric blue pencil skirt with fake black Prada pumps, and a white shirt with a bleeding stick figure on it?"
I snorted at the mental image Nudge just presented me. A bleeding stick figure? Huh? She only gets more strange. I could almost picture my Kacey now. I thought back to her comment about Kacey not being self-concious. I could clearly remember listening to her constantly fixing her outfit, her hair, reapplying makeup... I guess she cares more than she lets on about her appearance.
Nudge continued. "Ryan is like the hulk or somethin'! Like, he must be all muscle, sorta hot actually." My eye twitched and I took a deep breath. "His hair is colorless. I know it sound weird, but it's blondish gray. And his eyes are gray and he's all pale. Creeptacular. Demetri... um, wow. Black hair, pale skin, emotionless, anorexic, and his eyes are empty and bored like he never sleeps... Maybe he's a vampire." Max sighed in exasperation and I rolled my eyes. Emotionless? Maybe around large crowds, but when it was just me, him, Kaze, and Ryan...
The phone rang and I walked to go pick it up, ignoring my heartbeat and how fast it was. I heard Ella storm upstairs, probably to go scream into a pillow or something just as immature.
I lifted it up and hit the button I memorized as 'Talk'. Putting it to my ear, I said, "Hello?"
"Hey Iggs! It's Ryan. We'll be there in a few min-" "Dammit Ryan! Gimme the phone!" "Kacey get off! Lord, you heffer... OW! NONONO stop, I need those-"Heffer? As-fucking-if. Go die bastard. Not you Iggy. Hun, turn it on speakerphone."
I heard a faint screeching sound as I pulled it away from my ear and hit the button to put it on speakerphone. I set it on the table and flinched as I heard more yelling. Wow, they had loud voices sometimes.
"Igggggggggggsssss! Help m-" "God, shuddup. I've never met somebody so fucking annoying! Demetri don't you dar-" "Hello Iggy. I'm afraid we're running a tad late, due to some... distractions. Namely Taco Bell. Ryan had a craving and... well. He gets cranky when he's unfed. Do say hello to your family for us. I indeed so look forward to meeting them. Lovely night really. No clouds. Wh- NO! Not the hotsauce! NOT THE HOTSAU- This was my favorite shirt Ryan! You imbecile! You are beyond the point degrading mankind, you beastly little-"
"We'll be there soon, love. I was thinking we may skip the movie and just hang out. Anyway, tata my dearest." "Hey, I wanna talk to my bestest friend IGGZILLAAAAA-"
Click.
I sorta poked the phone, just to make sure it wasn't going to explode. When it didn't I turned it off and put it up on the receiver. Clearing my throat, I noticed even Nudge had fallen silent. I heard Gasman do his thing and I cleared my throat loudly. "Um... so they should be here soon. Yeah." Max was stifling laughs on my shoulder as I sat down on the couch next to her and I heard Fang choke back a chuckle.
Not ten minutes later, the doorbell rang. Lord help me.
"Come in!" I cringed at the high pitched keening. I hated Mom's yelling voice. If somebody I didn't know ever yelled like that near me I'd shove a spear through their eyesocket without a second thought towards their life. Ugh.
Demetri floated in, his soft, gliding footsteps hardly noticable to even me. "Hello Iggy. Lovely to see you." He kept his voice low enough so the others couldn't here so I'm sure they were confused when I answered at normal volume. "Nice to see you as well, Demetri. Where's Kacey and Ryan?" His hiss resounded slightly and I raised an eyebrow in question.
"They are currently attempting to mop up the hotsauce splattered across my precious '59." Again to quiet for the others to hear. He needs to quit that habit if he's going to come over more often. Just to irk him, I answered loudly again. "Hm, you might want to be careful with that. It might end up looking like blood stains, thus damaging your spotless reputation."
I was thankful when his responding laugh was able to be heard by the others, if only slightly. Maybe he could become friends with somebody else in his family? His social circle certainly needs to expand past three people.
My head turned as Kacey's delicate steps bounced through the front door. "Hello Iggikins. Ohhhh, is that spaghetti? That's it, if we go out to dinner, Olive Garden is choice numero uno. What a great house. Our apartment is so dank, we may as well live in an old crackhouse." She stopped her ramble to bound over to the couch and snuggle into my lap.
"God, Kacey, don't rape the poor man. And you know Olive Garden is run by terrorists, we can't go there! I'm also shocked you've forgotten that our apartment is some old room over a retired brothel. That would surely explain it's... 'dank' nature." Demetri's voice was bordering on impatient but Kacey ignored him and I felt her simply poked Max lightly.
"Um, yeah?" Hmmm, Max doesn't sound to friendly. I'll talk to her about that later. "Maxaroni, we should dance." Silence. I choked back my laugh in Kacey's shoulder, trying to imagine what 'Maxaroni' was thinking.
"...Let's not." I felt Max shift away slightly and cough awkwardly. Ryan suddenly burst in and potent mexican food washed over my nose, causing me to gag. "Holy shit... Ryan? How many beaners did you eat dude?" He stopped running and I could almost feel him smile. "I dunno Iggs, they're pretty filling. I'm guessing around six." He chuckled and sat on the side of me that Max wasn't occupying.
I listened, annoyed, as Ella's footsteps descended heavily down the stairs. "Igggggggggggggify me cap'n!" I felt my expression slip into shock as Kacey screamed that aloud. Okay then. But I smiled when I heard the brat freeze at the base of the stairs and run back up after she heard Kacey.
I struggled to ignore how Kacey was leaning against me, head on my shoulder, the front of her body twisted awkwardly toward mine with her long fingers grasping my shirt. Her shorter legs covered mine and she tapped her toes to a beat only she could hear. Hm, she's warm. Fang must have finished the spaghetti sauce because his boots were clicking nearer to us on the hardwood floor. "Fang, glooooorious Fang... why must you dieeee?" Kacey's singing voice was extremely high and Fang's steps faltered in surprise.
He was sitting on the loveseat, ignoring how Angel, Nudge, and Gasman were playing cards on the floor, before he answered. "Um, Kacey? I'm not dying."
Max POV
Wow, what an... interesting voice she has. I was actually bewildered at the contact Kacey and Iggy shared. They obviously weren't quite intimate, but I've never quite seen Iggy get so close to someone. He was physically fighting the urge to wrap his ams around her, that I could tell. His hands were at his side, twitching, and his arms jerked closer to her whenever she shifted or nuzzled his neck gently in affection.
"Fang, I know you have cancer. I just know these things, don't bother lying." Kacey was weird... wait. Cancer?! Well she couldn't possibly be serious. Fang's face twisted in confusion as Demetri raised an eyebrow at Ryan, who was trying to balance a spoon on his pinky. Um, where did he get a spoon? ...Whatever.
In a fit of rage, Ryan chucked the spoon violently at the wall. Mom screeched slightly and ran to ensure there was no dent left. "ARGH! My pinky must be radioactive. It's the only thing to explain this." Kacey nodded furiously. "Yes, Ryan. I believe that would explain the spoon's aversion to balance. Wouldn't you say Iggy?" I was slightly taken aback at his solemn face.
"Yes, that... or it is possessed with a poltergeist. Demetri, what is your analysis?" All of our heads snapped towards the ghostly looking boy sitting on the floor in front of the couch. "By all scientific means, my conclusion would have to be a radioactive poltergeist. I believe we must wrap it tin foil after performing a sort of spoon exorcism. Do you happen to have any holy water handy?"
Mom rushed in, holding tinfoil and a cup of water. We all watched in wonder as Demetri took them slowly and mom hurried up the stairs, probably out of fear. Good for her.
"Here is the subject." Ryan spoke seriously, handing Demetri the spoon. I caught Fang's bemused expression, taking in the slight annoyance present. I turned back to Demetri handing the water to Kacey, who dipped her fingers in lightly. Her face suddenly grew livid and she cried out- "The power of Christ compels you!" She splattered some of the water onto the spoon, looking at it with a challenge in her eyes.
Angel shot up and splattered some water as well, looking angrier than I've ever seen her. "She said- The power of Christ compels you!" Gazzy screamed it out along with Ryan, both of them raising their fists in the air. Nudge closed her eyes and clasped her hands in prayer, murmuring those same words under her breath.
What the hell? Is this some sort of cult?
Out of the corner of my eye, I watched as Fang stared in complete confusion, whipping his head to look at each and everyone of them. Both ours eyes widened as Iggy grimaced and dumped the water on the spoon in frustration. "Damn it, I compel you!" Kacey squeeled happily as Iggy spoke these words.
"Iggy, hun, you did it! The evil presence has left us!" Everybody but Fang and I sighed in relief. Demetri hurriedly covered it in tinfoil, setting it of to the side to... whatever. Right. I found my strength to speak. "What was that?" Ryan looked at me, surprised. "I suppose it was your family's first witnessed exorcism." Fang got up and walked upstairs without another word, looking at me pleadingly. Of course, I couldn't resist that face. He was just too damned cute for his own good sometimes, I swear.
"Gasman and Angel it's 8:30, time for bed. Nudge you can stay up if you want but only until 10 p.m." I got up and followed Fang to his room with the kids behind me going to theirs. I closed the door and locked it behind me, turning towards him.
Kacey POV
I curiously observed as the little ones, Fang, and Maxaroni went upstairs. They don't enjoy exorcisms? Humph. Their loss. That was fun. Ryan kept looking at the Nudge girl. She wasn't really his type, but he hadn't dated in awhile, so it might have changed. She was pretty though.
Mmmm, Iggy is comfy. I nestled closer to him, bringing his hand to my face slightly so he could feel my content smile. He ran his finger over my cheek and I leaned into his touch. Throughout the last week I had become as attached to him as I was to Demetri and Ryan. It's like our lives and personalities meld perfectly into a united bond.
It was wonderfully strange, the connection we had. Like I could do whatever I wanted and he would be okay with it, and I would feel the same for him. The difference between the way I was with Demetri and Ryan was that I could hide thing from them. I actually couldn't with Iggy. Anything he asked me to do, anything he wanted to know, I would go to the ends of the earth to satisfy his curiosity. I loved the way I felt around him more than any other person I've been near. I cared more for him then I've cared for any boyfriend or crush. The only people that rivaled my affection for him had to be Ryan and Demetri, but even they fell a little short in comparison.
His family was lovely too. Already knowing what to do during the ridding of an evil presence... they must be great people. Maxaroni and Fang were just sorta like... O.o WFT?! Silly little lovebirds. Sneaking glances when they thought nobody noticed. It was just too cute. Fang was pretty cute... nah. Too tall, dark, and stupid for me. Mondo serious was not attractive to me. (A/N- Kacey's view not mine! I love Fang almost as much as Iggy)
I quickly looked around the room. Demetri was singing under his breath, too low for even me to hear, Ryan was talking animatedly with Nudge about Harry Potter, and Iggy was continuously tracing my jawline with one hand. I smoothed it over my cheek and judged his face as he slowly ran his fingers over my features.
Iggy POV
I realized with embarassment that she probably saw the awe in my eyes. But I couldn't care then. I ran my forefinger over her nose as my thumb stroked her bottom lip, tracing around it softly, making a picture in my mind. I could do that. If I felt somebody's face, I could make out what it would look like in my mind.
Her fingers tightened their grip on my shirt as I skipped lightly along her cheekbones and arch of her eyebrows, pressing her bangs from her forehead. I followed the curve of her jaw down to her chin and couldn't help but feel her lips again for just a second before I pulled away rested both my hands on the couch beside me lamely.
She picked them up and wrapped 't them around her waist, holding them in her own tightly. "Iggy, I don't like when you feel uncomfortable around me. Is something wrong?" She sounded worried. I didn't want her to worry. "No Kaze. It's just nobody ever let me do that before." It was true, in a way. I had never asked anyone or even wanted to with anybody else.
Ryan had to interrupt. "Kacey! Nudge is a fan of Eli Roth! Can you believe that? I've never met any girl who like Eli Roth as much as I do." I felt her giggle into my shirt and answer him serenely. "Well, then. You two are hitting it off nicely." We sat there for nearly an hour, just talking nonsense and sitting contentedly, Demetri occasionally piping up with a dry comment.
Ryan and Nudge rambled about nothing with eachother, and I was glad they finally found someone to take out all the impulsive talking on. Looks like everybody but Ella likes them. Then it was time for Nudge's bedtime and time for them to go. "Iggy, you must visit us next time. And I'm sorry for driving your family from dinner. Nobody ended up eating except for Nudge and Ryan." Kacey hugged me at the door, but I pulled back slightly so she wouldn't feel my wings. I hoped she didn't think I was rejecting her.
Ryan shook my hand and clapped me on the back, while Demetri whisper an almost indiscernable goodbye. Of course, Nudge hugged them all fiercely and I felt Ryan and Kacey return it while Demetri stood rigid.
Just as they were about to leave, I felt a quick kiss on my collarbone, causing me to freeze. Kacey's lips, smooth as glass, moved against me. "I'll see you later. Call me." I could only nod as she shut the door and I stood there until I heard their car pull away. Turning around, I winced as Nudge shrieked, hugging me happily.
"Oh. My. Gawd. Can you believe that Ryan Releck, a freaking tenth grader, asked me on a date?" My eyes widened. I didn't hear that. Well, maybe I was a tad distracted with Kacey... actually really distracted. But still, I should have heard that! "Um, good for you Nudge. He's a good guy. I hope you have fun. When is it?" I trusted Ryan. He wouldn't hurt anyone, especially not one of my relatives.
Her maddening hugging ceased. "You didn't hear? Oh well. It's tomorrow night and it's a double date. You're going with one oh his friends, I don't know her name." Oh jeez, my heart just stopped. "Demetri and Kacey are going to this concert thing without us. I'm too young to go, so we'll be going to a movie or rollerskating or something." Date. With girl I don't know. Huh? "Nudge, I gotta go to bed. I'm real happy for you, by the way." She sighed happily and continued ranting until I made it up the stairs and shut the door.
I heard as she ran through the house screaming- "I have a date with Ryan Releck!" Max said something, as did Fang and Ella, but my mind was still too numb from the news I just got to care. I had a date with some random girl I've never met before in my life. Um... yay? I don't know how I feel right now. Happy? Indifferent? Upset? Oh well. I guess it I'll just go with the flow, as always. Laying down for bed in the same clothes I wore all day, I couldn't help but wonder if Ryan had planned this all along.
A/N- Okay, you're probably all wondering what happened with Max and Fang. Nothing really. They just hung out and talked. The stroy isn't ready for Faxtion (Fax Action) yet. Sorry. / I just took the plunge and put Nudge and Ryan together. I see him as the sort of guy to casual date every once in a while, and if things go well, he'll make it into a real relationship. And the spoon exorcism? Sorry. I had a vivid dream of that with the Twilight characters and my friend insisted I include it somewhere in my story. Also, I know it seems like Kacey, Demetri, Iggy, and Ryan have become friends alot more quickly than most people. That's the point. I wanted to make it clear they all have an extreme bond. Throughout the story, I also want to make it clear how unique Kacey and Iggy's relationship is. They're extremely close, emotionally and physically, and the wonderful thing is that they don't feel like they need to put a label on what they have aside from best friends. In a way, they're soulmates, but maybe not in a particularly romantic way quite yet. Love ya guys. 3
