AN: Thanks to all of you for reading! I wanted to give you a heads up regarding this chapter. There is an intense nightmare scene about midway through, involving a rather violent death. No one actually dies, but the scene itself is fairly intense. I also wanted to give a shout out to HiddenPoet, and their story "Harry Who?" If you're into Harry Potter, give it a read! It's a very interesting and different take on Harry Potter. Anywhoo, as always, thanks for the Reviews, and please enjoy.
CK and MIM
Jessie didn't touch her desert, grateful when Jack dropped her key off. She was not in the mood for any of this, "I'm gonna stay here tonight. You're welcome to join me, or you can go back to the dojo with Marcus." Jessie offered.
"I'm a little tired myself. I think I'll stick with you. Plus, I've got your change of clothes." Elphie said, not wanting to be alone, either. Tony's people in town made her nervous. Jessie told Marcus she was leaving with Elphie, and headed out. The minute they left the banquet room, the press surrounded them again.
"Miss Reynolds….." Jessie shook her head.
"I'll be making a public statement sometime tomorrow. Tonight is about Make a Dream Come True." Jessie said, pulling Elphie closer, seeing her nearly pale at the massive crowd.
"Come on, Jessie. You are legendary for never loosing your cool or taking it personally. What happened?" Jessie ignored the reporter, and made her way through the crowd.
"Was it something to do with your new assistant?" Jessie paused for a moment, looking back at the reporters.
"Her name is Elphaba West. She is also off limits." Jessie said, hearing Elphie breathe a sigh of relief.
"But…." Before he could continue, Jack and two bellhops escorted Jessie and Elphaba to a waiting elevator.
"Thanks, dude." Jessie said, giving Jack a quick pound when the door closed.
"No problem, Jess. Sorry about the crowd. Apparently my doorman got a few high tips for admittance. Hope it was worth his job." Jack said, irritated.
"Nah, dude. Don't do that. He's probably got a family to support." Jessie said, concerned.
"Are you sure?" Jack really didn't like that the man broke one of his rules for some extra cash.
"Of course, Jack. Come on, I'm not that much of an asshole." Jessie said, shaking her head.
"He's damn lucky you're a nice person. But he is going to be suspended for three days." Jack said, as the elevator door opened. Much to Jessie's surprise, there was an overnight bag waiting in her bedroom.
"When did you guys start providing this?" Jessie said, motioning to the bag.
"We don't. Marcus dropped it off this morning. I guess he thought you might need it." Jack said, shrugging. Jessie pulled her wallet out, and got out two hundred dollar bills.
"Thanks, Jack." Jack nodded, taking the money.
"Breakfast as usual?" He asked.
"For me, yeah. My friend will have the steak and egg breakfast." Jessie said with a grin.
"I'll have it ready." Jack said, walking out.
"I like him. He seems to take good care of his customers." Elphaba observed, getting a nod.
"Well, I throw a lot of business his way. Anytime I'm doing business and don't feel like going back, I stay here." Jessie said, unbuttoning her jacket, and opening the bag. She laughed, finding two outfits.
"Elphie, he thought of you, too." Jessie said, passing her the pajama set she usually slept in.
"Remind me to thank Marcus in the morning." Elphaba said, going into the bedroom to change.
Jessie did the same, changing into sports shorts and a t-shirt, and stretching out on the couch. She had almost fallen asleep when Elphie came out, "Jessie, may I ask a favor?"
Jessie sat up. "Sure, Elphie. What do you need?"
"I…I really don't want to sleep alone tonight. Would you mind sleeping in bed with me?"Elphaba asked, not sure if she would or not. They had never slept in the same room, much less the same bed.
"Sure, Elphie." Jessie said, putting her arm around her.
Elphie breathed a sigh of relief, as Jessie led her to the bedroom. She laid on Jessie's arm, snuggling into her side. She felt safe with Jessie, and right now she desperately needed to feel safe.
"Goodnight, Jess." Elphie yawned, before closing her eyes. Jessie kissed the top of her head.
"Goodnight, beautiful." Jessie whispered, when she was sure Elphie was asleep. Jessie shook her head at herself. She knew better than to let her heart go to her head. So what if she felt her heart leap every time Elphie walked into the room? So what if, lately, all she could think of was Elphie? That stroke of panic when she said the name Tony, Jessie's grip tightened on her out of reflex. She couldn't imagine loosing her wonderful friend now. Which is exactly why she didn't want to say anything, better to dream than be rejected. Jessie kissed her tenderly on the forehead, before falling asleep herself.
()
Elphaba looked around in a sheer panic. How was she still in Kiamo Ko? She could hear them coming for her. The yelling, the screaming of those fools. They were going to kill her, or drag her back to the Wizard. Running to the top of the castle, she headed towards the trap door. That was her only chance of escape. However, flash bulbs went off when she got to the roof. How did they get up here so fast? Elphaba threw her hands up to protect her eyes. Turning her back she repeated one word in her mind: no, no, no! There was no other way to get to the door. Elphaba turned to see more closing in, and more flashbulbs. She could feel their hands roughly grab her, and tie her down.
()
"No….don't touch me…..please leave me in peace." Elphie mumbled in her sleep, twisting and turning. The motion woke Jessie up, who held her close. Jessie began stroking her long, black hair.
"It's OK, Elphie. It's just a nightmare. You're safe." Jessie began to whisper over and over, trying to calm her. Elphie whimpered, pulling away from the gentle touch.
()
She was being dragged through the streets of Emerald City. Some slapped her, while others spat in her face. More than a few rubbed on her skin, trying to get the green on them. She was in tears by the time they threw her into the wizard's palace. Elphaba's eyes widened when it was Tony that was sitting on the throne.
"I told you, you're my property. You can't leave." He said, roughly grabbing her arm. He dragged her over behind his throne. Jessie, badly beaten and near dead, was tied to a chair.
"Jess?" As if on clue, Jessie looked up at her, apologetically.
"You thought that could protect you?" He said, landing a vicious punch to Jessie's cut up stomach. She doubled over, her eyes filled with sorrow and obviously in agony.
()
"Leave her alone….she didn't do anything…..please…..Jess….." Elphaba tearfully mumbled.
"I'm OK, baby. And you're OK. You're safe, Elphie." Jessie felt lost right now. She desperately wanted Elphaba to wake up so that this nightmare would end.
()
Elphaba could only watch, as Tony worked Jessie over to the point that she was almost dead.
"Any last words, bodyguard?" He said, ripping the tape off her mouth.
"Elphie….I ….." Before she could finish, Tony dragged a dagger across her throat.
"You had to run, didn't you, Elphaba?" Tony taunted her, as Jessie bled out.
()
"JESSIE!" Elphaba screamed, bolting upright.
"I'm here. I'm here, Elphie." Jessie said, holding onto her for dear life. She kissed Elphie's head, rocking her soothingly. Elphie was openly weeping, beside herself.
"I've got to go." Elphaba stated before moving to get up.
"Go? Go where, Elphie?" Jessie asked, confused.
"Anywhere. I'm not safe for you, Jessie. I have to leave." Elphaba had settled back down on the bed, trying to calm herself a little. Truth be told she really didn't want to leave the comfort of Jessie's arms.
"Slow down, Elphie. What happened?" Jessie asked, not letting her go. Elphie clung to her like something bad would happen if she let go.
"I dreamed….I was back in Oz. They….they found me. The hunters. They tied me up…and brought me to the wizard's chambers. They were slapping me, spitting on me. Then I get there, and it's Tony. He … He killed you, Jessie." Elphie said, sobbing into Jessie's chest.
"Enough of this. Listen to me, beautiful. He can't touch me. He can't touch you anymore, either." Jessie said, kissing her head.
"But he can. Do you think it was an accident that I knew that girl?" Elphaba normally wasn't one to get shaken up by something like this. However, Jessie had become more important to Elphie than she realized.
"I'll call K tomorrow. When I'm done with that sonuvabitch, he'll wish he hadn't been born. But you're not going anywhere, beautiful." Jessie's words were comforting, but her grip revealed that Elphie really didn't have a choice on getting up right now.
"Jessie, he could kill you. He's done it before." Elphaba really didn't want Jessie getting hurt...again.
"So has Shang Tsung. So has Kano. If I had a nickel for every time one of the jack off boyfriends threatened to kill me in Pittsburgh, the shelter would be funded for life and I could retire. Elphie, I promise you, he can't hurt me. Except by hurting you and fuck if I'm going to allow that." Jessie said, holding her close.
Elphaba nodded her head as she relaxed against Jessie, "Thank you." Her tears began slowing and her breathing became normal again as she just clung to Jessie.
Jessie held Elphie, rubbing her back in slow circles until she fell back asleep. When she did, Jessie moved to the living room, staying in earshot, and called K. After hanging up the phone, she got on social networking and explained to her fans what really happened last night. She also explained the current problem. With that done, she crawled back into bed with Elphie, holding her close.
()
Marcus hadn't made it back to the dojo yet, either. He stayed in the room across from Jessie's to avoid the press. Her opponent, Maria Lopez, had fired up an absolute shit storm. Not surprisingly, she was fired before she left the arena. The IWMMA prided itself on fighting, not drama. Jessie, for her part, got a fifteen thousand dollar fine and ordered to issue a public apology for her behavior.
Marcus chuckled, imagining exactly what he thought Jessie would say. He had gotten the key from Jack, and decided to let himself into Jessie's apartment. He assumed she would be up. His jaw nearly hit the ground, when he saw Elphaba and Jessie laying in each others arms. The only part that had him shaking his head was they were both fully dressed.
"Jessie?" Marcus said, trying not to laugh. Jessie moaned, looking up at him.
"Go the fuck away." Jessie whispered, nuzzling back into Elphie.
"Sorry, kiddo. We've got business. The IWMMA made their decisions last night." Jessie groaned, sliding out from Elphaba's side.
"Shhhh, she's had a rough night." Jessie said, worriedly.
"So have you." Marcus said, as they went into the sitting area.
Elphaba smiled inwardly at Jessie's reluctance to get up. She had actually woken up a few minutes before Marcus walked int. However, she was so comfortable she decided to pretend she was still asleep. Elphaba was curious about what Marcus had to say.
"How rough was it?" Jessie asked, curiously.
"Well, Maria Lopez is fired. You got hit with a fifteen thousand dollar fine and you have to issue a public apology." He prepared himself for Jessie to get pissed about the apology.
"Not a big deal. I'll be glad to." Jessie said, yawning. She was relieved when the door bell rang with room service, and coffee. She made her a cup.
"Really? You're OK with apologizing?" Marcus asked, shocked.
"I'm OK with apologizing to the fans, the Make a Dream Come True Foundation, and the IWMMA. Maria can kiss my creamy white ass." Jessie said, as fact, closing the bedroom door. Kneeling next to the bed, she gently shook Elphaba. Elphaba let her shake a second time before opening her eyes.
"Good morning." Elphaba said, closing her eyes a moment. Her head was killing her.
"Breakfast is here, whenever you're ready. Marcus is here too." Jessie said, brushing some hair out of her face, "Are you OK?" The look of concern in Jessie's eyes made Elphaba absolutely melt.
"I'm fine. Thank you for worrying." Elphaba said, leaning forward. On impulse, she kissed Jessie softly, before pulling back, "I'm so…."
Before should could say anything, Jessie closed the area between them, kissing her deeply. There was so much need and desire behind the kiss Elphaba thought she was still dreaming. When Jessie pulled away, she looked down, smiling.
"Even if I get slapped, it was worth it." Jessie said, looking into Elphie's eyes lovingly, "I have wanted to kiss you since I saw you in the diner." She admitted, shyly.
"Believe me, I would have liked to kiss you, too. You are the first person on this world that treated me like I was normal. No, you actually you treated me like a lady, and I've never been treated so well." Elphaba admitted, a light blush coloring her cheeks.
"You're a queen, Elphie. You should be treated like one." Jessie said softly.
That drew tears from Elphie's eyes, as she pulled Jessie into a tight hug. "Thank you Jess." Elphaba whispered.
Marcus cleared his throat before speaking loudly, "Hey, Jess the limo is gonna be here in two hours."
Elphaba sighs but doesn't pull out of the hug, "He has really bad timing."
()
Jessie was dressed in jeans and her fight shirt, when she showed up to the press conference, Elphaba and Marcus at her side. She stepped up to the microphone. "I will address all of your questions and concerns, but I have a statement to make first. I apologize...to the fans, the IWMMA, and the Make a Dream Come True Foundation for my rude and unprofessional behavior last night. I got carried away when I heard the disrespectful and uncouth statements made by my opponent last night. I should have remained calm and walked away. Once again I apologize for my behavior. However, I will never apologize for standing up for the honor of any woman being besmirched. Maria decided to betray the IWMMA's code of Ethics when she attempted to attack me from behind, and continued with her comments. While my reaction I apologize for, I will not apologize for the reason I had it. I teach my kids to stand up for themselves and the people they care about. I wouldn't encourage them to do it in the way that I did. Now I'll open the floor for questions."
Elphie and Marcus looked at each other, and groaned. "I should've known it wouldn't be that easy." Marcus whispered to Elphie, trying not to chuckle.
"It is definitely Jessie." Elphie said, smiling herself.
"Maria is saying that you had her fired not to have to face her for the belt. After the way she stuck in with you in the first round, I'm inclined to agree. How do you respond?" Asked a reporter with a thin nose from the front row.
"I don't dignify it with a response. I knocked her cold with one punch in the second round." Jessie said, matter of factly.
"There's a rumor going around that your personal assistant was a Vegas showgirl. In fact, according to Maria, she was recently discharged for being caught with a customer. Any response?" Jessie looked back at Elphie, who was outraged.
"Number one, Elphaba West is off limits, as I mentioned last night…" Jessie stated, almost glaring at the snobby reporter near the back who had made the comment.
"Nothing's off limits, Blade, you know that." Said a female reporter in the center of the group.
"She is." Jessie stated.
"No, she isn't." The man with the thin nose sneered.
"Really? Conference over, thank you for coming." Jessie said, walking off to the reporters shouting questions. She walked out, Elphaba and Marcus right behind her.
"Jessie, you should have answered." Marcus said, shaking his head.
"No. I told them Elphie's life is off limits. I chose to be in the limelight, she didn't. Besides that, the question was offensive. Call Tamara, tell her I'm hers at her ready. Tell her I'll answer basic questions about Elphaba that she gives permission for, and are voiced respectfully." Jessie said, as they got into the limos.
Elphaba hadn't said a word since that question was asked. Marcus held the door open for Elphaba and Jess, closing it behind Jess. With that question posed, he knew they needed some private time. Jessie slid over, enveloping Elphie in a hug.
"I never touched any of those bastards, other than that fucking Jello match." She snarled. Jessie nodded.
"Just let it go. This isn't about you, it's about me. She wants a match." Jessie explained. On some level, Elphaba knew that.
"Jessie, this has Tony's name written all over it." Elphaba said, getting a nod.
"I know, but this has to do with me. He's hoping he can convince you to come back by harassing me. Elphie, I can't make you stay but please don't leave. I haven't had anyone make me feel as alive as you do for a long time." Jessie said, taking her hand, and kissing it. Elphie pulled Jessie into a hug.
"I'm not leaving, Jessie. I promise." Elphie said, holding her close. Jessie breathed a sigh of relief hearing that.