A/N: Hi guys! I'm glad you liked the last chapter, I wasn't sure if the whole "can I kiss you" thing was a good thing, but I'm happy you guys like it. Thanks for not giving up on me.

Chapter Nine- Living Dead

We only kissed once. One simple kiss that made almost everything that happened worth it, for this one moment. I pulled away from the kiss and leaned my forehead against his. We breathed in unison, both out of breath, not completely sure why.

He pulled away from me and just smiled at me. The darkness in his eyes was lighter and accompanied with true bliss.

I smiled back and reached over to push back a strand of hair that went astray. He naturally leaned into my hand and we looked at each other. So much of me wanted to throw my arms around him and kiss him, feel him but I restrained myself.

"You're beautiful." He said after a moment of silence.

I smiled at him and kissed him softly on the cheek. Instead of engaging me in a kiss, he guided me to lie on his chest. It felt so right. He stroked my hair as I listened to his heartbeat. Slow and strong.

We laid there in silence. Not in awkward silence, trying to think of meaningless things to say but just pure silence.

After awhile I began to feel hungry I got up from Tommy and saw that he was watching me.

"I'm going to get something to eat, do you want something?" I asked him.

He got up, his hair a little ruffled, making him even more irresistible. "I'll get it." He offered.

We went into the kitchen, both extremely aware of each others presence. I wanted toast and butter and he just wanted a sandwich. When my toast was done I began to butter it, slowly and carefully. I knew Tommy was watching me. I felt two arms go on both sides of me and I felt warm breath against my neck causing me to shiver.

"Are you cold?" He asked me.

I turned around to face him. "No." I said softly, putting my arms around his neck.

He smiled. "No?" He questioned playfully.

"No." I said with a grin. "I'm actually quite hot."

I watched him smile, a devilish smile. "I agree." He said softly and then he kissed me on the lips. Many people say there is nothing like the first kiss but I have to say the second kiss is simply perfect.

I pulled away from the kiss and turned to finish my toast. He put his hands on my hips and kissed me softly on the neck. He returned back to his sandwich and we both sat down on the couch.

"What happened nine years ago?" He asked me, after he took a bite of his sandwich.

I looked at him, surprised.

He began to explain. "You were saying how nine years ago you began to hide your feelings, why?" He questioned.

I did not say anything at first; I looked down at my hands instead.

"Jude." He insisted.

"I haven't talked about this…ever." I said quietly, realizing how true that was.

He put his hand over mine, causing me to look at him. "Tell me when you're ready."

"I'm ready, I just…" I trailed off not sure where to start.

Tommy just sat and waited patiently.

I silently contemplated where I should start. "It happened nine years ago," I began. "When I was seven…."

Flashback: Nine Years Earlier

I heard the phone ring and I went to answer it but my mom beat me to it. I always liked answering the phone; you could meet someone new just by hearing their voice. I assumed it was my dad since he usually got home before now, he was calling that he was going to be late.

I walked to my mom's room an hour or so later to ask when dad would be home, but I froze when I saw she was on the floor in tears. She was shaking violently trying to muffle the painful cries erupting in her throat. The phone was on the ground in pieces.

"Mommy?" I questioned nervously.

I watched as she unsuccessfully tried to compose herself, and broke down, now making gasping sounds.

"Mommy?" I pleaded this time, now she didn't respond to me, I'm not even sure she heard me. I cautiously walked over to her and saw she was holding a picture in her hands. I felt everything go cold inside me.

My mom threw her arms around and hugged me tightly, afraid that I would leave her.

"Jude," She began. "He's gone," She held me tighter. "Honey he's gone."

"Daddy?" I questioned, staring at the photo of him. My mom loved this picture of him. He was naturally smiling, not awkwardly trying his best to smile but smiling; that smile that made her fall in love with him.

My mom didn't answer me for awhile she was crying now even harder I continued to hug her, I didn't cry, I didn't understand.

"Yes honey," She finally said her voice shaky and weak. "Daddy's gone."

"Where did he go?" I asked her confused. "When will I see him again?" I asked.

My mom fought back the tears that were begging to burst out. "You won't be able to see him again." She said carefully.

Then it hit me and I began to cry. "Daddy's dead?" I asked between sobs.

"Yes." My mom said quietly. "He was murdered."

Then I threw up.

End of Flashback

"They only found his right arm." I finished my voice was hoarse and pained. Even after nine years it hurt to talk about it.

Tommy was strangely quiet.

"Tommy?" I questioned.

He refused to look at me.

"Tommy." I insisted, hurt that he wouldn't look at me.

He finally looked at me. "What's up with you?" I asked, studying him.

"Is your dad's first name Stuart?" He asked me.

"Yeah…" I trailed off. "How did you know?" I started feeling uneasy.

"Jude," He began, avoiding my stare. "Your dad's alive."