Sorry for the long time between updates, everyone! I had finals week to contend with, and in your senior year of college… well, let's just say it can get painfully busy. Now that I'm on Christmas break though, I'll be able to put up maybe even TWO chapters :D
You know the disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters or settings or anything, this is purely for my own enjoyment.

Jak sat quietly, trying not to disturb the girl sleeping in his arms. His shoulder had long since gone numb from her head leaning on it, but he wouldn't have moved for the world. The silence felt strange to him, only broken only by birdsong and Keira's breathing. Ever since he'd escaped from prison, his world had been made up of explosions, gunshots, growling and shrieking of metal heads, or the roar of a stolen zoomer as he escaped from the KG yet again. His life had been in constant motion – when one mission was over, Torn or Krew or someone always had something else for him to do. He'd liked it that way. Nothing to consider, or worry about that he couldn't handle with his gun or jet board. After everything he'd been through, this stillness and tranquility felt peculiar, but he thought he might get used to it.

Keira shifted a bit in her sleep, and Jak looked down to make sure she wasn't waking up. Having her this close after trying to avoid her for so long was a blessing and a curse. Holding her close, feeling her hair tickle his neck as she breathed, and seeing her smooth, bare legs tucked beside her on the couch was almost too much. For all his bravado, Jak had never been this close to a woman before.

Sometimes he thought that since peace seemed to be returning to the city, maybe they could have a chance. Maybe he could have a normal life with her. But then the dark eco would burn in his veins, stronger than ever, and he hated himself for wanting her so badly. He'd try to think of other things and keep himself occupied – there was no way he'd ever put her in danger. Now, though, as he held her and the scent of her hair filled his senses, he couldn't get enough, and he hated himself for letting his control slip. His feelings for her had gotten the better of him, and now she was at risk.

Jak hadn't told her just how bad his dark eco condition really was – since he'd defeated Kor, it seemed to be getting stronger and stronger. Before, it had only raged out of control when he was frightened or very angry, but now, it would manifest suddenly with the smallest provocation. He wanted to believe that the Baron had been lying when he said that the dark eco would eventually kill him, but it was starting to feel truer every day.

Despite his grim thoughts, Jak's eyes felt heavier and heavier. He hadn't gotten much sound sleep for a while, with late night missions and nightmares contending with Daxter's parties and insistence that they hang out at the Naughty Ottsel as often as possible. Jak found himself breathing with Keira, and his eyes drooped twice before closing completely. He was fast asleep in seconds.

It felt like he was asleep for just seconds before his communicator squawked to life on the coffee table. Daxter's voice, shrill and slurred with hangover, rang out through the small apartment. "Jaaaaaaaaaaaaak! Where the hell are you? I been lookin for you for an hour!" Jak's body tensed at the sudden noise, and Keira woke up when his arms tightened around her. She felt extremely groggy, but noticed how his face reddened when he let her go. He reached across the table and picked up the comm unit with an annoyed expression on his face.

"I was sleeping. What's going on?"

"Torn's here and he's being all mysterious." In spite of her irritation, Keira could imagine Daxter wiggling his fingers and rolling his eyes as he spoke. "He says he needs to talk to you right now, but I don't see what the big –" Daxter's was cut off with Torn's gravelly voice crackling through the speaker.

"Jak. I don't care what you're doing; get your ass down to the Ottsel."

Immediately Jak's eyes narrowed and he brought the communicator closer to his face. "What's going on?"

"We've got a… situation on our hands."

"What kind of situation?"

"Look, just get down here and keep quiet. I don't want people getting panicky yet."

"Fine. I'll be there as soon as I can." Jak turned to Keira with an intense expression on his face. "Listen to me. Stay here and keep everything locked up. Don't go down into your garage and keep the blinds closed." He stood up and clipped his goggles back on, then shut the blinds with a snap. When he looked at Keira again, her eyes were wide with apprehension.

"What did Torn mean? What do you think happened?"

"I don't know. It might be serious. You need to stay here, ok?"

Keira stood up and shook her head. "Let me go with you. Maybe I can help."

"It could be dangerous. You need to stay here," he repeated firmly, slinging his gun out of its holster and checking the ammunition.

She put her hands on her hips. "I don't want to have to stay here alone, Jak! Why are you pushing me away?"

"Are you always this difficult?" he snapped without thinking.

Instead of shrinking back, Keira crossed her arms and stepped towards him. "You've asked me that before, as I recall. Haven't you figured out by now that it's not going to change?"

Jak found himself backing away from her. He could face ferocious metal heads and murderous Krimzon Guards, but this was definitely not the kind of confrontation he was used to. "Listen, Keira…" he began, but was unable to form what he wanted to say. After stammering for a moment, he gave up. Hell, he thought.

"Look, I just…I need you to… I need you to be safe," he said in a low voice. He hesitantly took her hand and squeezed it. "I promise I'll come back after I've talked to Torn."

Keira took a deep breath. "I'm going to hold you to that." She smiled at him and then impulsively threw her arms around his neck. "Please be careful, Jak."

He let her go and picked up his gun from where he had let it lean on the wall. "Just stay safe until I get back." Jak turned and sprinted down the stairs and through Keira's garage. After taking the steps two at a time, he found a conveniently parked zoomer at the bottom. He sped away on it, expertly navigating the tight streets, his heart hammering with disquiet. He hadn't liked Torn's tone of voice – something was definitely very wrong.

Keira peeked through the blinds to watch him go. She felt a strange uneasiness that had nothing to do with Jak leaving. She, and indeed no one else in Haven City, could have any idea of what was coming.

I would like to say thank you very much to all of my reviewers. It means so much to me that you leave such great feedback! It really encourages me to continue. Please take a moment to review if you haven't yet. You will become my favorite person :)