Chapter Fifteen
Jack lit a cigarette as he stepped outside, saw Lock on the brick wall, drinking a water. He looked her over briefly, memorizing her outfit, then walked over and stood next to her.
"I'm not gonna have to dress like that if I join the band, am I?" he snickered, taking a drag.
"You won't have to, but if you want you can dress it up a little. . . Eyeliner, that stuff," she smirked.
"Eyeliner isn't a big thing," he laughed. "How long is your break?"
"Ten minutes."
"Hmmm. . ." he took another hit. "You cold?"
"Why?" she gave him a playful look.
"Well," he moved and put his arms around her, pulling the coat over both of them. "'Cuz I'd help you stay warm. Can't have you sick if you're singin'."
"Very true," she snuggled back into his chest.
Easy, Jackie boy, he told himself. Keep it innocent. . .go slow. . .
"You gonna sing any of your own songs tonight?" he pitched his smoke, then put his arm around her waist--slowly.
"Maybe, maybe not," she snickered. "You'll just have to see, won't you?"
"Well, I guess so," he smiled, feeling tingly.
She laughed, relaxing into him, and pulled the coat closer around them. Jack's heart raced in his chest, his mind spun out of control, and he slowly, gently nuzzled into her neck. Lock's heart was racing too, her breathing a tad uneven, and Jack moved, letting his chin sit on her head. Being 6'2" had its advantages. She relaxed again, her breath evened out, and he knew he needed to be more careful.
"Sorry 'bout that, Lock," he muttered."I guess I just keep pushin' it, don't I?"
"Yeah," she mumbled. "But you always know and back off. . . That's all I ask of you."
"No problem there," he hugged her. "I know this is prolly another push, but--."
She cut him off, turning around in his embrace, and lips met his. He let out a small noise, the shock of her answer catching him by surprise, but smiled into her lips. It was another innocent kiss, mind blowing as usual, and he loved it. She broke it and rested her head on his chest, arms around his waist.
"Question answered," he said softly, rubbing her back. "You didn't have to do that, Lock."
"I know," she said lightly. "I sorta. . . .wanted to."
"I see," he snickered a little.
They were silent, just snuggled against each other, and Jack's heart swelled. He'd made two mistakes tonight, relatively big ones considering Lock, but he'd been forgiven each time.He felt unbelievable lucky, he doubted that she'd ever kissed anyone before because she 'sorta wanted to', and felt warm all over.
"Jackie boy?" she murmured.
"Hmm?" he still rubbed her back.
"My break's over, I gotta get back. . ." she sounded almost disappointed.
"Mmmmm," he was just as disappointed. "All right. I should get back to Bobby anyhow, 'fore he thinks I got lost or some shit."
Neither of them moved, arms still around each other, and he smiled. Her hands ran over his lower back, drawing light patterns, and he shivered pleasantly.
"Jack, I really gotta go," she said with a slight snicker.
"Yeah, me too," he snickered.
"I'm serious."
"So am I."
"Really, I should go," she giggled.
"All right," he laughed. "But to do that, you have to let go."
Her hands slowly moved from his back, keeping contact with his body, came to a rest on his hips, and she looked at him. He smirked, brushed her hair from her eyes, and let his hands sit on her shoulders. She smiled and stood on tip toes to kiss him again. He leaned in and met her half way, letting her stand normally, and felt her smirk. He thought about asking permission to go deeper, but shoved it away--no more pushing.
"K, I'm goin' now," she smiled shyly.
"I'll be watching you," he grinned, grabbing another quick kiss.
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When Jack sat back down next to Bobby, he felt the blue eyes study him. He blushed and stared at his hands, feeling embarrassed.Bobby laughed, taking a swig of beer, and shook his head.
"So, how was it this time?" he snickered.
"Shut up, Bobby," Jack smirked.
"So it was that good, huh?"
"Fuck you," he giggled, shoving him.
"No, I don't swing that way, fairy," Bobby elbowed him. "And besides, you're my little brother, you creep."
Jack burst into laughter, shaking his head, and put his head on his arms as they rested on the counter. Bobby laughed, taking another drink, and Jack knew he was staring at him again.
"What?" he said, making eye contact.
"Nuttin'," Bobby smirked. "Just tryin' to process the idea of you kissing Lock."
"Go to hell!" he laughed.
Bobby went to say something, but Ransom was back on stage. They both turned and waited."And now, as promised!" Ransom yelled. "They have returned!"
The curtains opened, Lock finally had her guitar, and everyone clapped and cheered. She put her mouth close to the microphone.
"This is one of my own songs, it's brand new. So sit back, shut up, and enjoy the show," she looked at Jack and smirked.
Jack watched as the lights faded, in the crowd and on stage, until only Lock was visible with her guitar. A slow, sad intro flowed from her, eyes closed as the music came from her heart. The lights faded in on the band as they joined her one by one, the beat staying slow and sweet.
"With the gift of your kiss,
My whole world is alive.
Colors so intense,
I have to shut my eyes.
Whispers turn to screams,
Of feelings I can't hide.
I put my walls up,
Push you away,
As you pull me close. . ."
Jack's heart raced as he watched her play a slow solo, intently focused on her hands, and he couldn't breathe right.
"Broken and torn,
Lost and alone in this thing
Called life!
You found a way in,
You know hold a key.
That could unlock
Something deep inside me. . .
Chase away the monsters,
Keep the demons at bay,
Holding the hand
Of a lost little Stray. . .
Broken and torn
Lost and alone--
But you're here
To save my soul!
With the gift of your kiss . . ."
Suddenly, the beat exploded. Lock shook her head from side to side, hair fanning out, playing a fast paced solo, and then moved back to the mic.
"Whisper, whisper
Lost No More!
Whisper, whisper
Lost No More!
You hold the key,
Take this scream from me!
Unlock my heart,
Unlock my trust!
Whisper, whisper
Alone No More!
Whisper, whisper
Alone No More!"
They ended with a loud finish, Lock panting and smiling, the crowd screaming, and Jack was speechless. He turned and leaned on the counter, trying to catch his breath.
"Jackie boy?" Bobby touched his shoulder.
"I'm all right," he managed to say. "Just in shock."
Bobby rubbed his shoulder, laughing, and handed him the bar. Jack took it and downed some, wincing at the gross taste--he hated beer. He got his breathing under control, but the rest of his body was still freaking out.
"I think that song was about you, fairy," Bobby snickered, taking his beer back.
"Yeah," he breathed.
"That's a good sign, Cracker Jack."
"I know. . .it's just shocking."
"You gonna be okay?"
"Yeah," he turned and smirked. "I'll be fine."
She just changed the game, whether she knows it or not. . .he thought. That changes everything.
"Here," Bobby handed him another shot.
They slammed their shots together and Jack felt a little more relaxed.
"No more, Bobby. . ."
"A'ight," he laughed and nudged him.
Jack checked the time, it was only 9:30-they had a while to go.
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Around ten thirty, Lock and the guys called it quits. They packed up everything and loaded it into the trucks, then went back inside to hang out. She saw Jackie sitting alone at the bar, wondered where Bobby was, and decided to join him.
"Hey, this seat taken?" she smirked, gesturing the empty stool.
"Nah, go ahead," he grinned.
She laughed and sat down, feeling him look her over. He laughed a little, taking a drink of his pop, and Lock ordered a Cherry Coke.
"On the house, Lock," Mac grinned, also slipping her pay to her with the drink.
"Thanks, Mac," she smiled, pocketing the money.
Bobby and Jack did shots, she thought as she saw a couple of shot glasses upside down in front of him.
"I'm not drunk, Lock," Jack said defensively.
"Wouldn't be sitting next to you if I thought you were, Jack."
"Oh. . ."
She laughed and took a drink, relishing the sweet liquid in her throat. Jack stuck his tongue out, scrunching his nose, and crossed his eyes. She looked away, pretending not to know him, and repressed giggles.
"Cracker Jack," Bobby showed up. "Quit being a dork."
"Thanks for saving me from this dork wad, Bobby," she laughed, elbowing Jack.
"Anytime," he laughed, grabbing the stool on the other side of Jack. "Lock, you do shots?"
"Used to," she said, seeing Jack's jaw drop.
"Well, that's not the answer I expected," he snickered. "What do ya say, do a couple?"
"Define a couple, Bobby," she looked into the twinkling blue eyes.
"Two, that's it."
"What are we shooting?" she smirked at Jack.
"Daniels," Bobby leaned on the bar. "So, that a yes?"
"Just two. Wouldn't wanna drink you under the table, Bobby."
"You wish," he snickered, ordering the shots.
She felt Jack's hazel eyes burning into her and turned to him. He looked concerned and very surprised, fingers drumming on the counter. She shook her head, smiling, and grabbed her first shot. All three raised them up, then tipped them back, slamming the empty glasses to the counter.
"Fuck!" Lock gasped. "Forgot how much that shit burns!"
"Drink me under the table my ass!" Bobby laughed, sliding her the other shot.
"Blow me, Bobby!" she smirked. "It's been a few years since I drank."
"Cheers," Jack smiled, raising his glass. "To firsts."
"And lasts," Lock grinned, raising her own glass.
"And all the in betweens," Bobby laughed.
The burn wasn't as bad, but Lock was still happy they were only doing the two shots. Jack looked slightly buzzed, but she and Bobby were fine. She relaxed, leaning on the bar, and listened to the music. Bobby got up and went to the bathroom.
"You used to drink a lot?" Jack murmured.
"That was a different life, Jackie boy," she mumbled, looking at him. "One that I'll never go back to."
"Full of secrets," he smirked, leaning in close to her.
"You don't even know," she smiled, putting their noses together.
Quickly, Jack cocked his head and their mouths met She flinched a little, but let him kiss her. Jackie slid off the stool and moved as close as he could, carefully putting his hands on her waist.
Yep, buzzed, she confirmed. Don't let him go too far. . .
His tongue wet her lips, asking for entry, and she allowed it for some odd reason. Her body lit on fire as he explored her mouth for the second time that night, she held her ground and toyed with his tongue stud. She was only going on instinct, with what felt right, refusing to use what others had forced her to learn--she wanted to be a clean slate with Jackie.
'That's it, Lock. . .Ahhhh, yes. . .just like that. . .' a voice rushed back, making her feel sick.
"Whoa," Jack panted as she suddenly pulled back. "Lock, you all right? Did I push too far? I'm sorry. . ."
"It's not you, Jackie. . ." she was trying to get her breath back and to stop feeling sick.
"Hey," he soothed, looking at her. "What is it?"
"Uhhhh. . .memories. . .bad ones," she felt a tear slip down her face and wiped it away furiously. "It wasn't you, I swear. . .I just. . ."
"Shhh, Lock," Jack hugged her, rubbing her back. "I understand the whole memories flooding back thing, believe me."
"I'm sorry, Jackie. . ." she breathed into his chest.
"Don't be! You can't help it," he hugged closer. "I'd rather you stopped if it was a bad memory. . I don't want to make things any more difficult on you."
"Hey, Stray," Bobby was back, his strong hand on her shoulder. "What's the matter?"
She couldn't make her mouth speak, hugged Jack closer, and the older teen got the message.
"Bad memories, Bobby," Jack told him.
"Oh, Stray, I'm sorry, kiddo," he rubbed her shoulder with a strong, comforting hand. "Know what?"
"Hmmm?" she mumbled into Jack's chest.
"I think it's time we all got our butts home. It's been a long, exhausting night, we all need to just hit the hay. . ." he put her jacket on her shoulders.
She nodded into Jack's chest, slowly letting him help her into it, and stayed close to them as they left. She sat in the back seat with Jack, resting her head on his shoulder, and breathing in his comforting cologne. He laved their fingers together and set his chin on her head.
Three hours after she fell asleep, she woke with a scream locked in her throat, alone, scared, and she went upstairs--crying.
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Jack heard someone downstairs and got up to check it out. He saw Lock at the dining room table, staring out the window and a glass of water sitting in front of her. She'd been crying and was in the process of gnawing on her knuckle.
"Lock?" he murmured. "What are you doing up?"
"Couldn't sleep," she muttered. "Nightmares. . .memories. . ."
"It's three in the morning. . .we just got home at midnight. . ."
"I can't go back to sleep," she wiped her face. "Every damn time I close my eyes, they're there."
"Come on," he held out his hand. "You can stay in my room, I'll crash on the floor."
Her silver eyes looked at him with wonder, no fear whatsoever, and she slowly took his hand. He led her upstairs, smiling when he saw that she was wearing an old pair of his pajama pants and one of Bobby's old T's. He let her get settled and got himself some extra blankets and a spare pillow.
"Jack?" she whispered when he came back in.
"Hmmm?"
"As long as you have your own blankets. . .you don't have to stay on the floor. . ." she muttered shyly, looking like a terrified little kid.
"They're that bad, huh?" he whispered, motioning for her to slide over.
"Worse," she murmured as he got situated.
He wrapped one blanket over himself, then put the big comforter over them both, watching to see if Lock was uncomfortable with it. She wasn't and he shut the light off and lay back.
"C'mon," he murmured. "Come here."
She moved closer and snuggled into his bare chest, letting him put an arm around her and inhaling his scent. He could feel her relax, drifting off, and he gently kissed her forehead. He sighed, feeling content and needed, smiling to himself.
"Jackie?" she muttered, sleepily.
"Mmmm?" he hugged her closer.
"Thank you. . . For doing this. . .and not being--."
"Not being all 'Kett' about it?" he finished for her.
"Exactly. . .It means a lot to me. . .to know I can trust you enough to stay in the same bed and feel safe. . ." she whispered. "No one else has ever done this for me. . ."
"I'll keep you safe, Lock," he breathed. "No monsters and no nightmares for the rest of the night, deal?"
"Deal," she sighed and snuggled closer, one hand resting on his stomach, her head on his shoulder.
"Night, Stray," he yawned, closing his eyes.
"Night, Jackie boy," she breathed, moving and putting a light kiss on his lips.
He tingled from head to toe, biting his lip as she got comfortable again. She was coming to trust him more and more, and he soared because of it. Her face was hidden in his neck, breath warming his skin, and her hand on his midriff, but he was still able to fall asleep quickly--he was in no rush.
Song: One of my own titled "The Gift"