There You Go Again

by inspire-the-writer-x3

After Hayley's heart is broken, there's no better thing to do but to immerse herself in monster hunting; especially when there's a rare but vicious monster on the loose. But what happens when she finds herself falling for someone she'd never expect?

2. Welcome the Adventure

Hey again(:
Here's the 2nd chapter of "There You Go Again" so please tell me what you think of it in a review!

inspire-the-writer-x3

DISCLAIMER: I do not own the Troop.

SYNOPSIS: After Hayley's heart is broken, there's no better thing to do but to immerse herself in monster hunting; especially when there's a rare but vicious monster on the loose. But what happens when she finds herself falling for someone she'd never expect?

–

Chapter 2: Welcome the Adventure

I was already on my way to the airport with Jake and Felix in Mr Stockley's car. It was weird to see all of us in a cramped car, full with suitcases that were so stuffed, it seemed the seams were going to break any time soon. I believed that half the suitcases were actually clothes, because Mr Stockley had made sure we had sufficient weapons and appropriate technology to face the possibility of a Vortex monster. Felix had called shotgun so he was in the front seat next to Mr Stockley. He was excitingly describing the things we would see in Japan and I was truly intrigued til I saw Jake...

Of course he was completely dry now but because he was sitting next to me and I could smell his shampoo or body wash or something that was so damn delicious. I knew that thinking about Jake this way was wrong as he was just a friend, but when he pulled me in close and whispered into my ear...something just felt right. But I guess after the unexpected offer to fly to Japan to help the Japanese Troop and the whole mess with Brett, I was truly exhausted with all the drama and it would cause me to fog up my judgment. Guess my life was anything but simple.

As soon as I had gotten home after my little 'encounter' with Jake, I had packed hurriedly, still with an extremely flushed face. My mum was worried I was getting sick because my face was still really hot and yet it was rainy and cold outside. I told her that cheer-leading practice had gone ahead, despite the weather, and we had to train extra hard because of a big game that was coming up in a few weeks. I don't think she completely believed me but she remained silent and helped me to finish packing. I brought a big suitcase filled with appropriate clothes for monster hunting, but I decided that bringing a nice dress and my bikini wouldn't hurt if we had time to relax. I also packed my back pack that was filled with Troop weapons. Mr Stockley had given all 3 of us new laptops that were designed to record any weird sightings, research potential monster suspects that had access to not only the monster database but the criminal database too and could communicate with anyone, whether it was a telephone call or a video call, like our very own computers at home.

"So Mr Stockley," I spoke up, deciding to make conversation and distract myself from Jake, "How are we going to get past security with the amount of weapons we're carrying?"

"I have a friend there that will let us through with no questions asked," Mr Stockley assured, "Don't worry so much Hayley. I can't send you off this mission to relax again, like last time,"

Felix snickered and I frowned. The last time I tried to 'relax' was a complete failure because Felix and Jake had gotten into a mess and needed my help anyway, which put my stress on me. But I guess the benefit I got from that experience was that I shouldn't let stress get the better of me because after all, my friends were just as important as my wellbeing.

I glanced at Jake and saw him texting on his phone. I was curious to ask who it was but my phone suddenly came to life as I felt it vibrate against my leg.

"Hello?" I asked, as Jake lifted his head to look at me; his eyes asking me who was on the phone.

"Hey Hayley, I'm sorry I couldn't make it to our romantic dinner today," Brett apologised frantically, "I got caught up at..uhh...football practice and I forgot to tell you that I was going to be-"

"Don't lie to me Brett," I snapped, sick of his excuses, "I know where you really were. You really think I wouldn't find out about you and Roxanne?"

The phone fell silent and I could only hear Brett's breath quicken up. He was busted.

"I...I never mean to hurt you, Hayley," Brett stuttered, as I got angrier and angrier.

Like I never heard that line before. Boys never mean to hurt you but they still do. And it sucked. I rolled my eyes as Brett continued to blab on with more lies and fake apologies. I noticed that Mr Stockley was engaged in a conversation about monster hunting techniques with Felix and Jake but it seemed that everyone was actively participating in Jake's favourite topic but him- which made me wonder what on earth he was doing eavesdropping to my conversation! I turned my head slightly and my eyes caught sight of Jake. He was looking at me with a thoughtful but curious expression and his chocolate eyes were clouded with confusion. Before I could become mesmerized with his beautiful eyes, I was suddenly forced back into the conversation with Brett and his incessant chatter.

"Hayley? Oh Hayley, please talk to me! I know you're mad but I truly do care for you and I'll never do it again! Baby, just listen to me," Brett pleaded desparately.

"I'm not your baby," I barked; small tears started to fall from my eyes and roll onto my cheeks, "If you cared for me, you wouldn't betray me like this- you wouldn't kiss Roxanne. So don't say you care for me. Don't say you'd never do it again. Get some other sucker to fall for your lies. It's over, Brett,"

"Hayley, please," he whispered, "I love you,"

"That's too bad," I murmured, "Because I don't love you,"

I hung up on Brett and turned my phone off so I wouldn't get another one of his calls or texts until I came back home, and that wouldn't be for another 2 weeks. Hopefully by then, I would be given enough time to cool off and not be upset at Brett anymore. I tossed my phone into my bag and sat back, only to find a pair of brown eyes staring at me.

"Can you stop staring at me?" I sneered, looking out to the window so I could purposely avoid his stare and wipe away my tears.

"Hayley...I didn't know Brett did that because if I did, I would've-"

"It doesn't matter what he did," I sighed, "It's all in the past,"

"Hayley," he growled, "It was this afternoon...wasn't it? Was that why you were crying? Because of that idiot?"

"Look Jake, I know you're trying, and by trying I mean caring way too much than you should, to make me feel better about the whole Brett cheating on me with Roxanne thing, but what's done is done. The past can't be changed and I'm just glad we're leaving to Japan now. It'll give me a chance to clear my head," I replied with a weak smile.

"Whatever," he stated coldly, turning away from me so he turned to face the front, "If you don't like me caring about you Hayley, then maybe I won't,"

I didn't form an appropriate sentence to say to Jake before Mr Stockley's car stopped and we were parked in a space in front of the airport.

"Come on, guys," Mr Stockley insisted, "We don't have much time before the flight takes off,"

We hurried along with our suitcases, as we checked in at record luggage had been taken away to be boarded on the plane so we could now move a bit faster. We passed through security without a single issue, which was still unusual to me. Mr Stockley just whispered something into an old looking, slightly balding man, and we were let through without further questioning. After showing our passports and tickets at the gate, we said our final goodbyes and hugs to Mr Stockley as we boarded the plane. Mr Stockley said we were always obliged to call him to make sure he was updated on all the details and that we were all safe. I smiled, knowing Mr Stockley made us feel like we were his own children.

"What seats do we have, Felix?" Jake asked, as we moved along the aisles of the plane, trying to locate where we were placed.

"Umm...I have 27C, what about you guys?" Felix replied as he continued to search for our seats.

"I have 27A. What about you Hayley?" Jake said without emotion.

"I have 27B and guys, we're here," I mumbled; trying to ignore the fact that Jake was acting like I didn't exist right now.

Felix had the window seat and Jake had the aisle seat, meaning I was sandwiched between the two of them for the flight. I groaned upon realising this, as Felix sat down, removing the pillow from his seat, and placing it behind his head. I took our bags and put them in the overhead compartment, so we would have extra room below. Felix had closed his eyes when Jake so rudely slipped into my seat and I was left, blocking the corridor.

"What on earth are you doing, Jake?" I hissed as I took his seat so people could make their way to their own seats, "You're sitting in my seat!"

Jake clearly didn't acknowledge my existence as I shot a look at Felix. Felix's eyes widened and shrugged at me, as he listened to Jake whisper to him about something I, apparently, wasn't allowed to know or hear about.

"Umm...Hayley? Do you mind if you and I change seats? Jake doesn't really want to-" Felix murmured but was cut off when Jake punched him on the arm.

That tore it. I was upset enough from Brett but now that Jake; the guy I learnt to depend my whole life on, the guy that could make me angry enough to keep arguing with him, the guy that I could proudly call one of my best friends, along with Felix (not that I would let Jake ever know that), didn't even want to sit with me on a 12 hour plane trip. My eyes started to water and I couldn't help it. What was up with me today?

"Great, you made Hayley upset," Felix whispered angrily, and rather loudly, to Jake, "Hayley, I didn't mean it to offend you at all. Don't worry about Jake, he's just being silly, as always," Felix smiled softly.

"Thanks Felix, you're a great friend," I answered quietly, as I leaned over to give him a hug.

I could feel Jake's glare burn through the back of my head and his fists clench. What was his problem anyway? He had an official girlfriend now, Leanne, and he was getting a free trip to Japan to fight monsters- his favourite past time! Why was he being so moody towards me? It's my choice if I wanted to let him in, not his. So why was he being so damn difficult?

"Excuse me, Mr Collins, Mr Garcia and Miss Steele, but there have been a few complaints to this particular area about noise," a female flight attendant stated in an annoyingly nasally voice, holding a piece of paper, obviously showing the layout of seats and passengers, "I'm going to have to ask you to take your proper seats, so Mr Collins on 27A, Miss Steele on 27B and Mr Garcia on 27C please, thankyou,"

Reluctantly, Jake and I changed seats and I tried to ignore the fact that bolts of electricity shot up my arm when his muscular arm brushed against my own. As much as I tried to stop my trembling fingers and the incredible racing of my heart that was making me all jittery, I was unsuccessful as Felix had leaned over and asked me why my hands were trembling and why I was moving so much. I just brushed it off and told him that it was cold in the aeroplane.

"What did you say?"

I turned my head around and met with Jake's gorgeous brown eyes. Why did God have to bless him with eyes like chocolate pools that you just wanted to melt in? I gulped and he avoided my eyes and asked Felix the same question.

"She said it was cold in the plane," Felix replied normally, despite the fact that Jake was giving me the cold shoulder all night, "Now I don't want to be around when you guys fight so don't disturb me unless you have to," he said, clearly amused, as he put the complementary headphones on from the aeroplane and switched his television to the science channel.

"Here, wear this," Jake instructed, looking at me directly in the eye, "It's my grey hoodie. Put it on coz I don't want you getting sick, no matter how mad I am at you,"

"Thanks," I had managed to say, amazed at how nice Jake was being, "I thought you didn't care about me?"

"Hayley Steele," Jake smiled, "No matter what I say, unfortunately, I still care about you,"

A grin broke out from my face as I slipped his hoodie on. It was warm and a little bigger on me than I had hoped. It smelt like him...which was a weird thing to say but it smelt warm and familiar and caring- just like Jake. I couldn't contain a yawn as my hand rose, unable to be seen because of the particularly long sleeves Jake's jacket had, to cover my mouth.

"Passengers, this is your captain, Arthur speaking, to say that we'll be taking off shortly. Please fasten you seat belts and remain seated unless instructed otherwise from the crew. We hope you enjoy your flight on Free Flight. Thankyou,"

I yawned again, as I felt the plane jerk a little as it started to move. All of a sudden, it started to speed up and we were moving across the ground at an incredible speed.

"Felix..." I squeaked, as I held onto the arm rests for dear life, making sure not to disturb Jake.

Felix gave me a reassuring smile. I suddenly felt more relaxed because Felix was like a brother to me. After joining the Troop, Felix and I had become close friends, despite our different social statuses. I didn't care that Felix was a geek because his inventions and ideas got us out of many situations that could've ended up fatal. Without Felix, our team wouldn't be respected as one of the best and strongest Troops known within the whole world.

Soon though, Felix fell asleep and I didn't have him to reassure me that everything was going to be ok. I started to freak out again and Jake, without hesitation, lifted the arm rest up between us and grabbed my hard, unconsciously rubbing circles onto my palm. My heart stopped. Never, had Jake ever done that before and it made me feel uncomfortable, in a good way, if that was even possible. My mind was all hazy and thoughts didn't make sense anymore. All I could focus on was Jake's warm and safe hand, holding mine.

The plane suddenly jolted and I felt a weird sensation run through me. I started to get dizzy as I realised we were leaving the sweet, sweet ground for the clouds above- and who knew where that would lead me. I squeezed Jake's hand in anxiety and he just chuckled. How dare he laugh at me when I was practically petrified with fear? I could do monsters, ghosts and even ridiculous amounts of homework but planes wasn't something I could handle very well.

"It's going to be ok, Hayley," Jake whispered huskily into my ear and I was suddenly aware of how close he was if his lips were pressed against my ear, "Stop stressing and just relax. Sleep if you have to,"

Frozen, again, because of Jake's prescence, I rested my suddenly heavy head onto Jake's broad but rather comfortable shoulder. Jake shifted a bit to make my position a little more pleasant, though in my opinion, just being here with Jake was good enough for me.

"Oh and for the record," I breathed, looking up to Jake's face; his eyes inconveniently closed so I assumed he was sleeping, "I can't help but care about you too,"

I saw Jake's mouth turn into a smile and I knew he wasn't really asleep. Soon enough, we had both fell asleep and I realised that by now, I had forgotten about the scary journey up into the sky from safe Lakewood. Now all I could think about was that Jake cared about me and I cared about him- and that alone, was enough to make me grin in my sleep like Jake had.

"Hayley, wake up, come on," Jake cooed softly, as he shook me gently.

My brows furrowed as I was awoken from a contented sleep. The smell of plane food entered my nostrils and I felt strangely nauseated. I didn't like aeroplane food much. I looked up to Jake groggily and saw him smiling at me with a slightly concerned expression on his face.

"God, what time is it?" I asked; stretching my arms up, "Feels like I've slept for an hour or so..."

"It's about 9:30am in Tokyo right now," Jake laughed, as he witnessed my eyes bulge.

"Wow, we sure slept a lot!" I exclaimed, "Oh I smell food. Despite the fact I hate plane food, my stomach is growling like crazy right now. What's on the menu?"

"What do you mean we slept a lot?" Jake said; raising an eyebrow, "I woke up several times because of the turbulence, and to move you because Felix has the bladder the size of a pea," Jake smirked as I giggled at Jake's comparison, "And the plane's serving breakfast so we have a choice between scrambled eggs and bacon or a croissant with ham and cheese. We get the same sides like yogurt and fruit though,"

"Fine, I slept a lot. I'm a pretty deep sleeper," I admitted bashfully as Jake rolled his eyes humourously; no doubt thinking 'no kidding!', "So that's where Felix is..." I said observantly, seeing the empty seat to me on my right, "I need to go to the bathroom, Jake. Could you get a croissant for me please?"

Jake nodded as I unbuckled my seat belt. I almost fell over when I realised I hadn't stretched my legs in 11 and a half hours. Jake barely contained a snicker as I shot him a glare and he just winked at me. I tried to stop myself from blushing by numbly walking down the aisle to a vacant bathroom. I past Felix and waved a small hi at him, where he smiled back at me.

After leaving the bathroom, I walked back to my seat and saw Jake and Felix eating their breakfasts. Jake had picked the eggs and bacon while Felix had picked the same as me; a croissant with ham and cheese. Jake lifted his food off the table and tucked the table away to the seat in front of him so I could get past to my seat. I mouthed a thankyou and he just shot me another heart melting grin. I barely made it to the seat without passing out.

"Morning Hayley," Felix greeted, as he continued to munch on his croissant, "You know you talk in your sleep yeah?"

"What?" I screamed, "I do not!"

"Fortunately for us, you do," Jake said smugly, "You said quite a bit about Brett. Little Hayley isn't as innocent as we thought. You've got quite a...colourful language there, Steele,"

Felix choked on his croissant with laughter and I glanced at both of them with resent. Jake was still grinning like an idiot and Felix just tried to remain calm by eating the rest of his breakfast. I looked down at my own breakfast and pretended to start eating but at the moment Jake and Felix least expected, I grabbed their ears and pulled them close to me.

"Now listen to me you two," I threatened lowly, "If you ever tell anyone I sleep talk, I will personally cut those things of yours that you two pass off as balls then cheese grate them. Do we understand each other?

Felix wimpered a yes, and I was satisfied with his answer, so I let him go. Jake, on the other hand, just rolled his eyes so I pulled on his ear harder, making him wince in pain.

"Sorry Jake, I didn't hear your answer," I whispered, faking sweetness.

"Fine," he mumbled, "But for the record, how would you even know how my balls look like?" he winked and that immediately made me let go of his ear.

"You're disgusting Jake," I laughed, "Can't believe you just said that,"

"I know," Jake grinned, "I'm full of surprises. Now let's eat before we have to get off the plane and go through an hour of security checks because of our monster hunting technology,"

I nodded and ate my food, making constant conversation with Felix and Jake about landing in Tokyo in just a few short minutes. When the descent came, I grew nervous and Felix suggested me to drink some water. That cleared my head a little but it still made me slightly worried and ill, Jake just held my hand again and did that thing where he traced circles in my palm, and that made me instantly reassured it was going to be ok, although my heart was completely ecstatic at Jake's touch. However, when we made contact with the ground, the adrenaline rush felt like something I would have felt on a rollercoaster at an amusement park. After a little while, the plane finally made a complete stop and we were allowed to unbuckle our seat belts, grab our bags and move out of the aircraft.

"You can let go of my hand now, Hayley," Jake whispered, and as soon as I heard this, I let go of his hand; my cheeks flaring red.

"Sorry," I murmured back, as I started to help Felix get our back packs from the storage compartment.

"Don't worry, Hayley, I'll let you hold them later," he winked as I ducked my head to avoid his gaze.

"Welcome to Japan, passengers. It is currently 10:03am, 24th of October, here in Tokyo, with the weather being 25 degrees Celcius or 77 degrees Fahrenheit, mostly sunny with a chance of a shower later in the evening. I hope you've had an enjoyable time with Free Flight and on behalf of all the flight attendants and the captain, we wish you have a memorable stay here at Tokyo, or wherever your final destination is. We thank you again for choosing Free Flight as your travel airline, and we hope to see you some time again soon. Thank you," a flight attendant announced.

And then I knew it. We were finally here. I was finally here in Japan with Jake and Felix and it was time to kick some monster butt.

–

Don't forget to review; please & thankyou!
Sorry if it's a little lengthy~ I just wanted to add some specific Jayley ;D

inspire-the-writer-x3