Chapter Twenty-Seven

The three of them went downstairs, Jack had the back pack and the movies inside it, and Lock hit the door first. She slammed out and saw Zane.

"Leave me alone!" Tony yelled, trying to escape the man.

"Brat!" Zane slapped the boy, drawing blood, and Tony cried. "Stop cryin', you baby!"

Lock couldn't wait for Bobby, no one fucked with these kids--NO ONE. Before he even saw her, she grabbed Zane by the front of the coat, and shoved him back. All the children scrambled behind her, comforting Tony and glaring at Zane.

"Don't worry, Tony," Jay soothed. "Lock's here! The Punisher herself! She'll take care of Zane!"

"Lock!" Zane laughed, dusting himself off. "So, ready to take care-?"

Her fist in his mouth cut him off, he stumbled back, licking blood off his lips, and grinned. Bobby wasn't intervening yet, so she kept going. She slammed him into the wall and he just laughed at her: he loved this shit. He wouldn't be loving it for very long.

"And I thought I was hard before," he taunted.

"Go to hell, Zane!" she released his coat to pull back and hit him.

He shoved her back, driving his knee into her middle, and she doubled over. His fist slammed into the left side of her jaw, splitting her lip and making her see red. She straightened up, Bobby was suddenly between them, and she knew it wasn't her fight anymore.

"Stray, you all right?" he asked, staring at Zane.

"Peachy," she said and spit blood out.

"This is between me and Lock," Zane snapped. "MOVE!"

"Don't think so," Bobby was calm, staying put.

"Get 'em, Bobby Mercer!" Tony yelled, crying. "He hit me and Lock!"

Lock looked to the kids, worried, but soon relaxed. Jack motioned for the kids to sit on the steps with him, which they did, and Tony carefully let himself be put on his lap and his lip looked at.

"Mercer?" Zane mumbled.

"Yup," Lock taunted. "They're who I've been staying with, Zaney."

"Stray, go sit with Jack and the kids," Bobby commanded. "I've got this."

"All right, Bobby," she said, gently touching his strong back before leaving.

Jack immediately moved Tony from his lap and yanked her into it. He went over her face, carefully inspecting her 'wounds', and she allowed him to settle his nerves.

"Jackie," she smirked, "I'm fine."

"Just checking," he said, pulling her into a kiss. "I love you. . ." he whispered against her lips.

"Love you too, Jackie boy," she murmured into his mouth.

I said it! I really fucking said it! she was in awe. That wasn't that hard. . . Wow!

Jack's eyes filled with emotion, he kissed her again, and she felt fuzzy from head to toe. Bobby's raised voice caught their attention, they both turned and looked at the same time.

"Think it's fun hittin' little kids around?!" he yelled, shoving Zane into the wall.

"The shit deserved it!" Zane snapped.

Jack pulled her back when she tried to go after him, locking his arms around her, and whispered in her ear.

"Bobby's got it, Lock. . .Don't. . ."

She stayed put, still tensed up and ready to fight, but she stayed put. Tony sniffed, glancing at her, and she scooped him up into her lap. He wrapped his arms around her neck, sobbing into her shoulder, and her heart broke. She'd spent her whole life making sure no one suffered as she had and felt horrible when she failed.

"Shhhh, Tony," she rubbed his back, crying a little herself. "Bobby'll take care of Zane."

"Rest of you kids should go inside," Jack said quietly.

"No way!" they said as one. "We stick together!"

Jack laughed, hugging her closer, and helped to soothe Tony. Lock watched as Bobby whispered something to Zane, then grinned sadistically as he beat the fuck out of him.

That 'No Mercy' tattoo is sure living up to its purpose, she thought. Kick his ass, Bobby!

Zane was on the ground and Bobby reached into the back of his jeans, pulling out a gun. He aimed it at Zane, finger on the trigger.

"Bobby! NO!" she yelled, keeping Tony's head turned away. "Jesus fucking Christ! DON'T!"

He looked at her and winked, pulling the trigger. Zane screamed in fear, she heard Jackie gasp, and she shut her eyes tight. No shot rang out, no scream of death, Jackie giggled nervously, and she slowly eased her eyes open. Bobby smiled evilly at Zane, ejected the clip and showed it to him.

"Empty," he laughed. "But if you keep comin' around here, fucking with Ransom or anyone else, I'll load it and find you. Understand?"

"Y-y-y-yeah! All right! Just put that the fuck away!" Zane pleaded.

"Get gone," Bobby commanded, putting the gun back where he pulled it from, covering it up with his shirt.

Zane scrambled up and bolted. Bobby fixed his jacket and strode over to the steps, smirking.

"Kids, inside!" she commanded.

They listened, briefly telling her good-bye, and slammed the door shut behind them. She got off Jack's lap and into Bobby's grinning face, reaching around him to find the gun. Bobby let her look at it, snickering as she ejected the clip like a pro--she hated guns, but had learned long ago how to use one, she still preferred the knife.

"Fucking Air Soft gun?!" she laughed. "That's all this is? Not even real?"

"Looks real though, don't it?" Bobby laughed, taking it back.

"Bobby," she started shaking, "that scared me so bad."

"Oh, baby girl," he pulled her into a hug. "I'm sorry. . . I wouldn't dare kill him while I'm on probation. . ."

"Jesus," Jack snickered, "you freaked us all out."

"Zane pissed his pants," Bobby smiled.

Lock laughed into his shoulder, slowly getting over her shock, and Jack rubbed her shoulders. She turned and looked at Bobby's face, his blue eyes reflected sincere apologies, concern, and humor, and he gently kissed her forehead--letting her know he really was sorry for scaring her.

"Ready to go home?" he smiled. "Watch some movies?"

000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000

Jack cleaned Lock up when they got home, hating to see her blood on her lip and the bruise on her jaw. Bobby was making popcorn for the movie marathon they were planning, as well as scrounging other snacks.

She said she loves me. . .she actually told me. . .

"OW, Jack!" she winced, smirking. "Watch it. . ."

"Oops," he smirked, gently kissing her jaw, "there, better?"

"Much," she smiled.

"Yo, Stray!" Bobby called. "Which one comes next in the Resident Evil series?"

"Apocalypse," she told him. "We'll be right there, don't you dare start it without us!"

"Lock. . ." Jack whispered.

"Hmmm?"

"Earlier. . .you know. . .you didn't have to tell me. . ." he blushed a little.

"What?" she put their noses together. "That I love you?"

"Yeah. . .it's not like-."

"I know that, Jackie boy," she smirked. "I told you. . .I meant it. . ."

"Lock," he breathed, his heart going nuts in his chest.

"Jackie," she kissed him gently, "I love you."

"I love you too, Lock," he kissed her deeply. "So much. . ."

"Move your asses!" Bobby warned. "I'm waiting!"

"Come on, let's go. . ." she grinned, grabbing his hand. "My movie's on."

They went into the living room, Jack flopped on the couch and drug Lock with him. Bobby rolled his eyes, shaking his head, and smiled at him. He loved this, the feeling of Lock so close to him, the fact Bobby was getting used to them being all 'cute and shit' in front of him, and knowing that she loved him. Bobby hit play, handed them a bowl of popcorn, and kicked his feet up.

My dream come true. . .well, technically speaking of course, he thought, eating some popcorn. Someone who loves me for meActual love. . .not some warped, abusive, twisted form of it. . .this is the real fucking deal. . .

They watched the movie, Lock giggling when they jumped, and finished off the popcorn. Eventually, Lock curled on her side against him and he knew she was sleeping. He let out a contented sigh, toying with her hair, and felt at peace.

"She's come one hell of a long way, huh?" Bobby asked quietly.

"Yeah," he breathed, "we all have. . .Living here with Ma kinda does that. . ."

"Be good to her, Jackie boy. . .She needs it. . ."

"Have I been anything but good to her, Bobby?" he asked, grinning.

"No. . . You know what I mean, boy!" Bobby smiled, flicking his ear. "Just cuz she's comfy with you doesn't mean you can try taking it to a new level, got it?"

"Yes, Bobby," he snickered. "I got it. . .Hey, I think our first show's on your birthday. . ."

"Mmmmm," Bobby mumbled. "Movie. . ."

Jack turned his focus back to the TV, thinking that maybe the show could be his gift to Bobby, and Lock snuggled into his stomach. He froze, breath catching, and waited to see if his body would betray him. Luckily, it didn't, but he moved her back up to his chest just to be safe. She made an annoyed noise, growling really, and faced into the couch, arm around his waist. He snickered quietly, relaxing again, and felt her get comfortable again. He tried to watch another movie with Bobby, but his eyes kept closing, and he gave in--falling asleep. Memories that he'd locked up, broke free and ran in his mind.

'Hey, wake up,' the older boy muttered. 'Come on. . .'

'No!' Jack grumbled. 'Go 'way!'

'Jack. . .just get up. . .' the boy said, rubbing up against him.

He sighed and opened his eyes, figuring he might as well just get it over with. The 'dad' wasn't there, so why was he being woke up? He rubbed his eyes, sitting up, and looked around. The older boy laced his hand in Jack's hair, yanking his head back, and a tongue found its way to his.

"MMM!" he struggled, not wanting this, but wanting it all at the same time.

'Jack, c'mon. . .I know you fucking want this. . .' the boy panted.

'SO!?' he snapped.

He was twelve, at the evil foster home, and this was the night he found out he was really bi. He'd been wondering for a while, the stuff the boys did here didn't bug him as much as before, he kind of enjoyed it. This wasn't the way a child should find out about their sexual orientation, but it was how Jackie found out.

'So. . .' the boy pulled him closer. 'Show me how far you're willing to go with me. . .'

'WHAT?!' he tried to pull away. 'No fucking way!'

'Nervous. . .I can get that. . .' a hand slowly massaged his crotch.

'Oh fuck!' he moaned, arching up. 'More. . .please. . .more. . .'

'How much more?'

'Ahhh-ah-ah-ah,' he rocked with the hand. 'Just d-d-don't st-stop this. . .please

'Put your hand on me. . .makes things better. . .there ya go. . .' the boy arched into him.

Jack moaned loudly, loving this and hating it all at the same time. How fucked up was he? He shouldn't be liking this stuff! But he was. . .a lot

'Jack. . .' the boy panted. 'Let go. . .I've got a better idea. . .'

He listened, whining as the hand left him as well, and gasped as a hot mouth replaced said hand. His young body was on fire, his toes curling up from pleasure, and he begged for more.

'Please. . .don't fucking stop! This is--SHIT!' he arched up, close to coming.

The boy slowed, keeping his climax to a halt, and then things slowed and went weird. The mouth left him, he was pulled into a naked lap, something slippery found its way inside him, and then something bigger entered.

'OW!' he yelped, squirming. 'What are yo-?'

'Shhhh,' the boy soothed, 'relax, Jack. . .it'll get better. . .'

'FUCK YOU! It hurts!' he snapped.

Relax and it won't!'

Jack slowly relaxed, scared to death, and to his surprise the pain left. The older boy carefully moved, Jack winced, and lights flooded his head.

'More?' the boy groaned.

He couldn't speak, the new sensation was too much for his young body, but he nodded furiously. He was lifted up, pushed down, again and again, and he realized he was no longer a virgin. Not that he was a real one before he came here, but now it was official. He whined out loud as the boy quickened his pace, eyes closing and rocked with the older boy. The boy inside him nailed something that made spots flood his eyes.

'Do that again!' he begged. 'Whatever that was. . .PLEASE!'

'This, Jackie. . .' he purred, nailing the spot dead on.

'OH GOD!' Jack writhed, releasing all over himself and the strong hand he didn't know had gripped him, but the boy inside was far from done.

'I told you, Dad!' he laughed, thrusting harder. 'He's mine now, right? I don't have to share him?'

'Keep fucking him, Brad!' the dad yelled, pleasuring himself. 'The camera's on! We'll see how well you do. . .'

He'd been tricked! This was all for the sick fuck of a father to record! He'd given up something precious to Brad and it was all a fucking joke! Brad did as he was told, fucking Jack until it hurt, and made him want to die

"Jackie?" a woman murmured. "Jackie, it's your mother. Wake up, baby."

"Ma?" he asked weakly, opening his eyes.

"Yes, sweetheart," she stroked sweaty hair from his eyes. "How do you feel? You were having a bad dream. . ."

"Sick. . ." he mumbled. "How bad was it this time?"

"You were screaming and thrashing all over. . ." Bobby said gently. "Scared the living fuck outta me and Stray. . ."

"She all right? I didn't like--hit her or nothing while I was thrashing all over?"

"Nope," Lock said quietly. "We were making something to eat. . .See, no damage. . ."

He smile weakly, happy that he hadn't hurt anyone this time, but still felt sick to his stomach. His mother shooed the other two out and took care of Jack. She followed him upstairs, stayed with him even as he threw up, and helped him into bed. He was so shaky he had a hard time standing on his own and gladly collapsed into his soft bed.

"Jackie. . .you haven't done that in a very long time, sweetie," Evelyn said gently, brushing his hair back with her hands. "Are you all right?"

"Yeah. . .it was. . .when I got placed somewhere else. . .before you made me a permanent part of the family. . ." he murmured.

"Oh, honey," she kissed his forehead. "I'm so sorry. . ."

"Ma. . It's fine. . .I'm here now, where I damn well belong. .."

"Lock really cares for you. . ." she smiled at him.

"How'd you figure that one out?" he gave a shy grin.

"Well, she was the first one at your side. . .Bobby had to pull her back so you didn't hit her. . ."

"She all right? I mean. . .seeing me freak out must have been scary for her. . ." he felt horrible.

"She loves you, sweetheart. . .She's probably just worried. . ." Ma whispered, getting up.

"Tell her I'm really just fine. . .Just gotta cool down and stuff. . .please?"

"Of course, Jackie," she gave him another kiss on the forehead. "But don't be surprised if her and Bobby come up here to make sure for themselves."

000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000

Lock didn't feel like going to see Jack with Bobby, she was too shaken up.

Did I cause the bad dreams? she wondered. My cuddling and stuff? Was it me?

"Stray?" Bobby muttered, sitting on the swing next to her. "You gonna go see him? He's fine, kiddo. Just a nightmare. . ."

"How long has it been since he's done that?" she asked, kicking snow.

"A few years. . .Lock, don't you dare think that!" he was holding her face, looking at her with gentle eyes. "You are not the reason for his bad dreams. . .Understand?"

"But he didn't start having them until I showed up!" she felt tears coming. "I ruin everything I touch! I'm fucking poison!"

"Stray," he pulled her into a tight hug, "no you're not. . .you are a good thing for the fairy. . .you're not ruining him, you're helping him. . ."

"Yeah!" she growled. "Helping him into an early grave!"

"Stop it," he was stern, but loving. "Jack's been messed up for his whole life. . . But it's not my place to be telling you what he's been through, that's for him to share. . ."

"He scared me so fucking bad!" she cried.

"I know, I know," he patted her back. "He wants you to go see him, kiddo. . .I want you to go see him."

"He's really OK?" she mumbled.

"Go see for yourself," Bobby snickered, wiping her face.

Reluctantly, she went inside and up to Jack's room. She stood at his door, watching him toss darts at a dart board he put up recently, and didn't know what to do.

"Lock!" he smirked, motioning with one finger for her to go to him.

She shyly went into his room, chewing her already split lip, and stood next to his bed. He gently grabbed her wrist, pulled her onto the bed, and held her close. She turned into him, resting her head above his heart, and closed her eyes.

"I'm sorry I scared you so bad. . ." he murmured.

"You're all right?"

"I'm fine. . .More so now. . .with you here. . ." he whispered, tilting her head to look at him. "Ma told me how you reacted. . .Are you all right?"

"Gettin' there. . ." she breathed.

"Mmmm," he smiled, kissing her nose. "How 'bout now?"

"Jackie. . ." she giggled.

"Not yet? Hmmmmm. . ." he kissed her lips gently. "Now?"

She laughed, resting her hand on the back of his neck, and looked into his eyes. Slowly, her concern vaporized, he was just fine, and she pulled him close. They kissed gently, making the contact several times, and she felt a lot more relieved--he was still the same Jackie, gentle and loving.

"Now," she smirked, resting her head on his shoulder.

"I'm glad I could be of assistance," he laughed, hugging her. "Love you."

"Love you too," she sighed, closing her eyes. "Jackie?"

"Hmmm?"

"Can I. . .ask you some stuff?"

"About my past?"

"Seriously," she pulled back and looked at him, "how do you do that?"

"Talent," he kissed her cheek. "How 'bout I just tell you some stuff. . .that way no one's made uncomfortable. . ."

"If you're sure. . .you don't have to, you know. . ."

"I wouldn't be offering to share if I was uncomfortable or didn't want too. . ." he said.

"All right," she turned and leaned back into his chest.

"When I was twelve, I found out for sure that I swung both ways. . .It was before Ma had adopted me officially. . .I got tossed into a shit foster home. . .They uhh. . . .paired us young kids up with older boys," he took a breath. "One night, the boy I was paired with, Brad, woke me up and well. . .I think you can. . ."

"I get it. . .you knew for sure. . ." she saved him.

"Yeah. . .but I found out that it was all just for the sick entertainment of his dad. . .I meant nothing to him, besides a good lay. . ." he muttered. "Luckily, I got put back here shortly after that. . .but I was. . ."

"Damaged?"

"Yeah. . .Beyond what I ever was before. . .That's when this whole Gothic phase started. . .I was depressed, suicidal, I even cut myself. . . I honestly wanted to die," he sighed. "I've obviously toned down on the Gothness. . .I don't cut anymore, and I most definitely want to live."

"I like the Gothness. . ." she mumbled, toying with his hands. "It's cute. . ."

"Why, thank you," he snickered. "You would think that, wouldn't you?"

"Jackie boy. . .I wanna tell you something about my past. . ." she whispered.

"Only if you want to, Lock. . ." he murmured.

She slowly told him about Rod, Kieran, and her eighth birthday. He stayed silent, holding her hand and listening as she spoke. She explained that since turning eight, she didn't celebrate birthdays anymore, and she fessed that even though she didn't want to be touched by the boys, they did something to make it feel all right.

"I understand that. . .the last place. . .Brad could make the worst things feel nice. . ." he said softly. "And Lock, about your birthday. . .how about you try to replace that yuck memory with a new one. . .When's your birthday?"

"Next month. . .The day after Valentine's Day. . ."

"Would you be willing to celebrate your nineteenth birthday with us?" he nuzzled her lovingly.

"I don't know. . ." she whispered, feeling fear creep into her heart.

'Kieran!' Rod yelled. 'Lucky you! I changed my mind! Get your ass in here!'

'Hey, darlin'. . .' Kieran purred, stripping. 'What am I doing, Rod?'

'Use your tongue. . .'

"Hey," Jack pulled her back to reality, "no bad memories on my watch. The birthday thing is just an idea. . .Will you at least think about it?"

"I'll have to. . ." she whispered, thankful he was there to stop the memories.

"Speaking of birthdays. . .Bobby's is next week. . .I was thinking . . ."

"Maybe do the show for him?" she asked.

"Well," he kissed her temple, "seems like you have the talent as well."

"Seems that way," she smirked. "What music does he like?"

"Old rock. . .Van Halen, AC/DC, Guns 'N' Roses. . .that stuff. . ."

"Hmmmm. . .I think I may have a plan, but it'll take everyone to help. . .Think they'd be up to it?" she asked, devising her plan.

"Sure thing. . . I've gotta warn you though, Bobby's not really one for birthdays. . ." he said.

"Oh. . ." she muttered.

"But, I think he'll enjoy this one if you're planning it," he laughed, nuzzling her.

"He better. . .I've got great ideas!" she giggled.

"Mmmm," Jack's lips were preoccupied with her neck.

"Jackie boy," she squirmed, "cut it out! That tickles!"

"I know," he growled, nipping her.

"You're only making my next strike worse for yourself," she growled playfully.

Shoe: Ahhhh! My friend came over so I don't know when I'll be able to type more up! Grrrrrr….he picks the worst times to drop in and stay…..oh well. . .What you think of this chapter? Warning for whenever I get the next one up: Jack's 'normal teenage guyness' shows up again, and Lock is having 'those' sorts of dreams too. . . .hehe!