Old Gang

Three months had passed. David passed away two weeks after entering the hospital and everyone was still attempting to adjust to life without him. It had taken AJ eight weeks to muster up the courage to pack up the rest of David's things (with Jason and Punk's help) and start to make the apartment her own. Finally it was painted and decorated in a way that she loved and in a way she could afford. The apartment used to be an all boy's apartment and it was now feminine and spotless. Sometimes when Jason would stop over he didn't even recognize it.

AJ had also enrolled in school with the help of Punk who sorted through all of her options so she could pay for it herself. She was in school full-time and working part-time at night. It meant for limited time with Punk but absence made the heart grow fonder. Sure they argued here and there but for the most part everything was going smoothly. Of course Maria began dating Mike so there were many nights AJ would be leaving for work and see Maria hanging around the shop with Mike but AJ knew she still had a thing for Punk.

Punk was fast asleep in bed at around three in the morning. The shop had been busier than ever since two in the same neighborhood had closed. They were even hiring a few more guys but Punk worked most days and nights especially with AJ not being around much. Although he was exhausted he was a light sleeper and sensed someone enter his bedroom. He remained still until he saw an arm reach out over him and roughly grabbed it and tossed the person onto the bed and was ready to place his arm to the intruders neck.

"It's me." AJ choked out fearfully and Punk let her go and stepped back as his adrenaline pounded.

"Jesus AJ." He groaned as she sat up in the bed. "Are you alright?" he asked now walking over to her and inspecting her neck.

"Yea." she said rubbing her wrist. "Sorry. I was trying to surprise you. Thought it would be romantic."

"Not that I don't appreciate the thought but I wasn't expecting you at all." He said and noticed she was in her tiny work uniform. "Did you just get off of work?"

"Yea." She said kicking off her shoes.

"You have a paper for your journalism class due tomorrow though." Punk argued. "I know you didn't finish it."

"No dad I didn't." She mocked. "I couldn't even concentrate. I e-mailed my professor and asked for an extension and he granted it. I'm going to take tomorrow off and stay in and write."

"I know working is important but school should come first. You just need a few more credits to be a graduate AJ." he insisted.

"I know but I can't go to school without money." She said to him. "I took out so many loans and they don't even cover my books."

"I told you I'd help you." He reminded her. "The shop is doing great and you do get a piece of that too you are an owner now."

"I don't want that money. I want you and Jason to split it." AJ said to him.

"Your dad wanted you to benefit from it." Punk pointed out.

"I don't do anything down at the shop." AJ told him. "You guys are keeping it going and deserve that money."

"We're making plenty of money. We hired three new guys actually and if you want you can come down there and work." Punk suggested and she rolled her eyes and laughed as she helped herself by crawling under his blankets still in her uniform.

"I like my job." She yawned and he got into the bed next. "I make excellent money."

"And how did you get home tonight by the way?" Punk asked her. "I'm assuming you did just get home which means you worked late."

"I got a ride from Rachel." AJ said to him who was her co-worker she had become friendly with.

"Tomorrow night don't forget Jason and Kate are having a thing at their apartment and want you there." Punk reminded her.

"I remembered." She yawned again and rolled on top of him.

"Did you break into my apartment at three in the morning for sex?" He asked her almost annoyed and she nodded with a grin.

"I couldn't concentrate on my paper because I kept thinking about you." She admitted kissing the corner of his mouth.
"It's been so long."

"Ten days." Punk replied quickly and she laughed. "Not that I was counting or anything."

"Poor baby." She teased and sat up but was still straddling his lower half and pulled her shirt off of her body...

The next night AJ was actually late for Kate and Jason's dinner since she was finishing her paper and sending it to her professor. She rushed in and saw a group of hungry annoyed people.

"Sorry, I had to finish my paper." AJ said quickly racing over to the table and sitting next to Punk who was happy to see her.

"About fucking time." Mike groaned and Jason slapped him upside the head.

"Don't curse at the table or at my sister." Jason warned him.

"So can you tell us why we're here yet?" Maria asked anxiously who was at Mike's side but sitting directly across from Punk.

"We're having a baby!" Kate announced.

"What?" AJ asked with a big smile. "A baby?!"

"Yep." Kate smiled passing AJ the sonogram photo.

After a round of hugs and congratulations everyone was back in their seats.

"This isn't just a baby announcement." Jason warned the small group. "We're going to be moving."

"Moving?" Punk asked them surprised.

"I don't want my kid growing up in this dive." Jason smirked. "The shop is doing good so we're going to look for something with an extra bedroom in a better area."

"Can I get this place?" Mike asked anxiously.

"Sure." Jason shrugged and AJ rolled her eyes, that just meant more Maria.

"Are you still going to work at the shop?" AJ asked him.

"Of course. You'll still see me all of the time." Jason promised her.

"Well then I really want to sell you and Phil my share of the shop." AJ told him.

"You should sell it all to Jason." Punk said to her. "I don't need the extra cash." he said to Jason.

"Dad wanted-" Jason started.

"Dad wants his family taken care of and that includes his grandchild." AJ said to them. "I don't need a share of the shop I have no interest in it."

"Take it." Punk said seriously. "Get the hell out of this building."

"I really can't do that AJ but thank you." Jason said to her.

"I won't take no for an answer." She said simply as she picked up her fork and began to eat her pasta that was left out for her.

"Thank you AJ." Kate smiled reaching across the table and squeezing her wrist gently.

"What about school?" Jason asked her.

"I paid for school and I'm working." AJ pointed out. "You need it more than any of us do. I don't want my little niece or nephew taking their first steps down this hall." She cringed.

"Thank you." Jason said genuinely touched by AJ's offer.

"I can't wait to be a godmother." Maria added happily as she ate and now AJ rolled her eyes subtly again.

"You're a good woman." Punk whispered into AJ's ear and she shot him a sly smile.

"Actually Maria." Kate began and AJ was thrilled Maria was about to be crushed. "We didn't even ask yet or anything but we wanted Punk to be godfather."

"I think that's fitting. Punk and I have known you two the longest." Maria said to her.

"Actually no." Jason said to her. "I've known AJ the longest she is my sister and we were hoping she'd be the baby's godmother."

"Really?" AJ asked stunned. AJ wasn't an emotional woman but she felt her eyes get watery.

"You'd be great." Kate smiled at her.

"I'm confused." Maria chimed in. "I'm your best friend."

"You are but it was either going to be my sister or Jason's sister and we decided on AJ because she's in school and works and not to mention she's in a relationship with the godfather." Kate said to her.

"For now." Maria scoffed.

"I'd be honored." AJ said happily then shot Maria a smug smirk.

"She works as a whore waitress." Maria pointed out and Punk shot her a glare.

"Maria, AJ is family." Kate said simply.

"And I'm not a whore." AJ defended quietly.

"AJ is waitressing to pay for school and her rent." Jason reminded Maria. "When was the last time you paid for something yourself?"

"Relax." Mike said to Jason.

"I'm not going to let her trash my sister." Jason spat. "AJ is my blood and it's not a debate. We picked Punk and AJ for a reason and that's the way it's going to be."

"I'm full." Maria said standing up and Mike did as well.

"Don't be like this." Kate begged.

"I really am just full." Maria said giving her a kiss and ignored Jason. "I'll come by tomorrow. Good night Phil." she said smiling at him as she grabbed Mike and left the apartment.

"I'm sorry." AJ said to Kate and Jason and Jason just waved it off.

"She's a bitch." Jason scoffed.

"Jason." Kate scolded. "She's sensitive."

"I'd understand if you wanted to go ahead and ask Maria." AJ said to them.

"Maria will never be godmother to any of my children." Jason insisted.

"AJ we want you." Kate said to her. "You're mature, have a good head on your shoulders and you'll be around the baby plenty since you're their aunt."

"You've been quiet." Jason said nodding over to Punk.

"I'm just deciding if I want to be the godfather." Punk said seriously as he tapped his chin and Kate let out a small laugh.

"Phil." AJ smiled pinching his thigh.

"Come on you know I'll do it." Punk grinned. "I'm happy for you." He said to Jason and then looked at Kate. "Both of you."

"Thanks Punk." Kate smiled.

Later that night AJ was helping Kate clean up while Punk and Jason watched the game.

"Any idea where you're moving to?" Punk asked keeping his eyes on the game.

"Somewhere with a lower crime rate and not far from a school." Jason said to him. "It was nice of AJ to give me her share of the shop, are you really ok with that?"

"Are you kidding me?" Punk asked with a laugh. "You deserve it and she was right David would want the money to benefit his grandchild."

"You're going to keep an eye on her right?" Jason asked quietly.

"AJ? My eyes are always on her." Punk said seriously and Jason glared at him.

"Yea I've noticed. I don't just mean on her ass." Jason shot at him.

"Come on man." Punk sighed. "You know I take care of her."

"I feel bad about leaving her here." Jason said to him.

"You're not leaving her here you're still going to be working here." Punk pointed out.

"Yea I know." Jason said to him.

"If you really want to do your sister a favor I wouldn't let Mike take the apartment." Punk smirked. "Her and Maria will be killing each other."

"He's pissing me off too." Jason said shaking his head as he watched the game. "Doesn't it bother you he's with Maria?"

"No." Punk told him honestly. "I'm with AJ I don't care what Maria does."

"They're both pissing me off." Jason said to him. "Maria has been on my shit list since she dumped you but if she keeps insulting my sister it's going to be a problem."

"Maria is childish." Punk scoffed. "And AJ is a big girl she can defend herself."

"I want to make sure she graduates." Jason said to him. "If she's having money trouble at all you have to let me know-"

"Worry about your wife and kid and I'll worry about AJ." Punk told him. "I've got her, don't even give it a second thought. I can't believe you're going to be a dad." he teased elbowing Jason.

"I know it's wild." Jason agreed running his hand through his hair. "Kate didn't want to wait though."

"Boy or girl? What are you pulling for?" Punk asked.

"I'm pulling for healthy first but you know we always talked about each having a boy and they'd grow up together like we did." Jason laughed.

"We'd be in big fucking trouble if that was the case." Punk laughed. "And you're way ahead of me."

"Eh, our kids will be cousins." Jason shrugged.

"AJ is pregnant." Punk said to him.

"Yet." Jason smirked. "I'm not saying you're settling down anytime soon but let's be real, when you do it's going to be with her."

"Down the line maybe." Punk said to him. "Right now I want her to concentrate on school."

"How is that going?" Jason asked. "She tells me great but she feels like she can't tell me the truth she feels like I'm her dad or something and doesn't want to let me down."

"She's working her cute ass off." Punk said to him and Jason slapped him upside the head. "Fuck!" Punk hissed rubbing the back of his head.

"Stop talking about her ass she's my fucking sister." Jason hissed harshly.

"Sorry." Punk said still rubbing the spot. "She is working hard though. She loves what she's studying."

"Good." Jason said to him. "We need at least one Mendez will be a college graduate." Punk laughed at the remark as did Jason.

The next day in her English class AJ could barely keep her eyes opened. She was studying for a test for a different class the next day since she wouldn't get to do it tonight since she'd have to go straight to work after her class tonight. AJ's classes all ran pretty late so she barely had time to eat.

"April." The professor said shaking her shoulder and her eyes shot open and realized she was the only one left in class which was clearly over.

"I'm so sorry." AJ said closing her books.

"I actually wanted to speak to you." the professor said to her. "Do you have a minute to discuss your paper?"

"Sure." AJ said standing up and following him down to his desk. He passed her over her paper that had a C.

"Your first paper was an A, your second was a B and now you're at a C, do you see a theme here April?" He asked her.

"A C?" AJ asked surprised.

"You're slipping." The professor warned her. "You're a bright girl I don't understand what is happening with you?"

"I don't have any excuse." AJ said to him honestly. "Please let me re-write it and I promise you an A paper." she pleaded.

"I don't do re-writes and I don't even do extensions usually but I was hoping granting you one would bring your grade up." The professor said to her. "Turns out giving you leeway isn't the proper approach."

"Please." She begged. "I can do better."

"Maybe you need a tutor." The professor said to her. "Or you can come to my Saturday night classes and I'll give you extra credit."

"I wasn't aware that college allowed extra credit like that." AJ said to him. "I would do that Professor I really would but I can't afford to take on another class."

"No charge." The professor told her. "It's not on campus it's at a local high school. I teach it to adults trying to get their diploma."

"I don't need high school English." AJ insisted.

"I think you do." He said simply. "My students in that class we're given the same assignment but with a shorter demand and they out wrote you."

"I love writing." AJ told him. "I don't know how I screwed up so much."

"I want to help you April." The professor said to her. "This is a local college that most students come to because their parents were forcing them into straight out of high school yet you're an older woman who wants to be here."

"I'm not an 'older' women." She defended quietly.

"How old are you April if you don't mind me asking." The professor smiled.

"I just turned 24." She told him.

"Almost thirty." He teased.

"Ugh no." She cringed.

"Hey I'm thirty three and I don't look that bad do I?" the professor pointed out. AJ hadn't really noticed him before but he was young. He was only two years older than Phil.

"If I say you look twenty five will you let me re-write my paper?" She asked giving it a shot.

"No. But I will give you a chance to re-write it if you attend my night class." The professor told her. "What do you say?"

"I have work Saturday nights." AJ said to him then shook her head. "I'll get out of it."

"Are you sure?" The professor asked her.

"Yes I'll be there this Saturday." AJ promised.

The professor wrote something down on a piece of paper and passed it to her.

"That's the address." The professor told her. "I know you're not from Chicago-"

"How do you know that?" AJ asked him.

"Your first paper for this class you wrote about your childhood which was Jersey." The professor smirked.

"You remember what I wrote about?" She asked surprised.

"It was a wonderful paper." The professor told her honestly. "If you need a ride to the class my number is at the bottom." He offered.

"Thank you and I'll be there." she promised him.

When AJ got to work she realized she forgot her uniform and literally ran back to the apartment to get it.

"Aren't you supposed to be in school?" Jason asked as she rushed through the door.

"No I'm supposed to be at work and have to get changed." AJ said running to the stairs.

"Why don't you just wear your bra and panties it's the same thing isn't it?" Mike teased and Jason looked over to him.

"Keep giving her shit and we're going to have a problem." Jason warned Mike. "Whatever issues Maria and AJ have are between them. You're supposed to be my friend and you will respect my sister."

"Relax man it's all in good fun." Mike laughed. "But it is ridiculous."

"What is?" Jason asked him.

"AJ shows up for the first time in god knows how long and everyone throws themselves at her feet and it's not just Punk who did who I at least understand since he's balls deep in your baby sister every night but it's you, Kate and even your dad." Mike pointed out.

"You really are trying to get me to knock you the fuck out." Jason chuckled.

"Maria has a right to feel hurt is all I'm saying." Mike defended. "It's like she's been kicked out of the group."

"We're not kids anymore." Jason defended. "This isn't about groups this is about family."

"Maria was our family first." Mike argued.

"Maria picked up and left just like you did." Jason reminded him.

"At least we were around." Mike shrugged. "Where was AJ?"

"You sound like a teenage girl who lost her best friend." Jason laughed.

"I have!" Mike laughed as well. "Me you and Punk used to do everything together and now it's all different."

"I'm married, Punk is working his ass off." Jason reminded him.

"I'm working too but I didn't ditch my friends for pussy." Mike said to him.

"Are you referring to my wife as just some 'pussy'?" Jason asked taking a step towards Mike.

"What the hell is going on?" Punk asked walking into the shop.

"Nothing." Mike said glaring at Jason as AJ came running down the steps again.

"I'll give you a ride to work." Jason offered grabbing his keys.

"Great thanks." AJ said relieved. "I don't want to be later than I already am." she said then spotted Punk and grabbed his face and gave him a kiss. "I love you." She told him happily then ran out of the shop.

"You ok?" Punk asked Jason.

"Yea I just need some fresh air." Jason muttered and walked out of the shop after AJ.

"What did you do?" Punk asked Mike.

"He's fucking sensitive since he got married." Mike said brushing it off.

AJ was in the car with Jason who she could tell was pissed off.

"Are you sure you're alright?" AJ asked him.

"Yea. Mike is pissing me off but that's what happens when you work with friends." Jason shrugged keeping his eyes on the road.

"You and Punk don't fight like that." AJ pointed out.

"Punk is my brother." Jason reminded her. "Mike is an old friend."

"Want to talk about it? I'm a good listener." She offered.

"Nah it's ok. It's stupid shit." Jason smirked looking over to her.

"Ok." She shrugged pulling the piece of paper out of her purse that her professor gave her. "Do you know where Mackey High School is by the way?"

"Yea it's in the shitty part of this town." Jason said to her. "Why?"

"I thought we lived in the shitty part." AJ laughed.

"No we live in the crappy part which is a few steps up from the shitty part." Jason laughed as well. "Why do you want to know?"

"I have to go there Saturday night." AJ told him. "I got a C on my paper and my professor will let me re-write it if I go to his class he teaches there."

"I've never heard of that before." Jason said to her. "Do you really have to go? It's not the kind of place you want to be around after dark. Not a big police presence or anything."

"My professor manages it ok." AJ shrugged. "I don't know how to get there though. He offered to take me so I'll just have him pick me up I guess."

"Your professor offered you a ride?" Jason asked her pulling up in front of the Penny. "I'll take you."

"No don't worry about it." AJ said to him.

"I said I'll take you." Jason said to her.

"I don't want Punk to know. He's so invested in my grades and he'll bitch if he finds out I nearly flunked my paper." She said to him.

"What's he going to do ground you?" Jason teased.

"Well he actually does punish me but-" AJ stopped herself when Jason glared at her. "You don't want to know." she said taking her seat belt off.

"Good call." Jason said annoyed. "I'll take you Saturday I don't want you in a car with some professor in a shitty part of town."

"And you won't tell Punk about my paper?" AJ asked him.

"I swear." Jason said to her and she kissed his cheek and jumped out of the car. "Thanks!" she waved and he waited until she was inside before pulling away.

A/N: JasonVsMike, AJvsMaria- siblings will bond. :)