more zach & janet!!!
0:31] lollipopatrixxx: Janet thought the horrible experience of a week ago was behind her. Her father asked a friend's mother to take her to and from school every day after he heard the news...the police officer had taken her home and called him right away. An officer checked in on the family and watched the house over the night. Her father wanted to assign her a bodyguard but she assured him over and over she would be just fine. After all she had gotten away....but then the guilt of thinking of Zachary made her almost ill. She checked in with teh hospital and they said..they said he had never come in. Where was he? Was he ok?
[00:35] wobblefluff: Zach spent most of his week hiding in his bolt hole only a few blocks from Janet's school. It wasn't much at all, just a tiny space in the basement of an underground building, but it was all he had left. Word out on the street was that they were looking for him, and Zach couldn't risk going out for anything more than food. Still, he was hurting, and he had to risk going to the pharmacy to get some pain meds. It was closer to civilization than he liked, but his arm was killing him. It was also on the same street as the local mall, and Janet's school...
[00:38] lollipopatrixxx: Janet hadn't been able to concentrate on school all week. She did all her homework of course but too often she was reprimanded for daydreaming when she should have been studying. Worries about Zachary and joy of finding him again mixed with sorrow over having no way to reach him messed up her head. She almost forgot to go to the pharmacy to pick up something for her mother...who would pick her up right after. She was waiting in line when she smelled that smell of leather... she turned. Her eyes went so wide.
[00:40] wobblefluff: His hood was up, and he shuffled awkwardly into the pharmacy, straight into the line for the counter. The swelling of his face would definitely raise questions, and all he wanted was to get in, get the meds, then slip back into his hole and wait for himself to recover.
[00:42] lollipopatrixxx: She didn't even think. When she smelled that smell she ran over to him and tipped her head to peer under the hood. Oh let it be him. "Uh...Zachary?"
[00:43] wobblefluff: Surprise flickered through his eyes, and he jerked back, offering her a full view of his bruised face. Zach stared at her in disbelief. Why now? "O-oh... h-hey Janet." His mouth and tongue stumbled over the words, and he sounded thick, as if his jaw was swollen.
[00:44] lollipopatrixxx: She saw his lips and the memory of kissing him pushed into her mind....but then the bruises made her gasp. "Oh my god! Oh my gosh, Zachary...oh no. Oh no. I'm so sorry." Her eyes filled as if she would cry again. "This is all my fault. I'm so sorry."
[00:46] wobblefluff: "Shh shh... No don't... don't cry, please." the guilt rose first and foremost in his mind, and Zach put his good arm around her, holding her closer. He tucked her head under his chin so that she wouldn't have to look at his face anymore, whispering softly into her ear. "Its fine... I'm okay, see... I'm fine..."
[00:47] lollipopatrixxx: "You aren't fine. Those...those thugs! Oh, I can't stand the thought of it. I called the hospital but they said you never came and I worried that they'd gotten you again..oh Zachary I was so scared for you!" she clung to him and buried her head against his neck.
[00:49] wobblefluff: "I'm fine! Really. I promise." Zach rubbed her back soothingly. "I wouldn't lie to you Janet, you know I wouldn't." He sighed, relaxing for the first time in a week as he held her close. God, he missed her. "How about you? Has anyone... has anyone tried anything with you yet?"
[00:51] lollipopatrixxx: She shook her head and her words were muffled..but then a moment later she pulled her head up a little. "No, nothing. I'm not allowed to walk to school anymore or go to the football games, though. Father thinks they might try something again." She laid her head on his shoulder again. "What doctor did you go to? Would..you would do me a small favor wouldn't you?"
[00:54] wobblefluff: It was good, great even that they were taking precautions... but at the same time Zach wondered how she was holding up in such a controlled environment. "That's... good." He smiled, stroking his fingers through her hair. It was soft, and smelled nice, and Zach combed through it as she spoke. "Of course I would." There was no need to answer the first bit, surely she knew the answer already....
[00:56] lollipopatrixxx: She looked up. "My mother will be here soon. Please let us take you to Doctor Jenson...he's my family doctor. I've known him all my life...literally! Please let him look you over. My father will pay for everything - I asked him. I feel so terrible...please let me at least make sure you're properly seen to." Her eyes were big and wet and pleading...
[00:58] wobblefluff: Zach didn't know what to say. The longer he stayed out here in the open, the more likely... but... Janet didn't seem ready to let him go, and if she came to him, that would be even more dangerous. He bit his lip as he debated with himself, eyes averting from hers. He just couldn't concentrate when she was looking at him like that." Erm... just.... just one look over yea?"
[01:00] lollipopatrixxx: "Yes of course. Just...just let us take care of you. Please. It's so important to me...and my father wants to thank you for protecting me....but I don't know how." he had mentioned it at dinner and she was sure it was his way of making up for not having given Zachary a chance when they were little. A boy could rise above his circumstances...she just knew it! She hugged him gently. "Please say you will."
[01:02] wobblefluff: "Mmm... o.... okay." Zach petted her head, shuffling a little awkwardly. "yeah... okay. I'll.. I'll come. Do you... do you need to call her first or?...."
[01:04] lollipopatrixxx: "No, she'll be here soon. Here, let me get that for you." she took the bottle of pills from his hand and took it with her own purchase to the register and paid for them both. "Here you go." she pulled him outside and there her mom was waiting in the stylish powder blue car she drove. She smiled at Zach and repeated how grateful the family was for his protecting Janet. "Will you come for dinner tonight? I'm sure my husband would be very grateful...and Janet too of course." she smiled at her daughter..who blushed furiously.
[01:08] wobblefluff: Zach was a little overwhelmed, really. Normal human contact wasn't something he was used to anymore, and he tried his best to be polite. He smiled back shakily, nodding, "S-sure. I mean.. if you really, would like to have me." For the first time in a long time, Zach wished he looked so much more like a normal preppy highschool kid, that he would be able to at least be seen as respectable in front of her parents. "I would be.. really honoured to come."
[01:12] lollipopatrixxx: "Oh, say nothing of it." her mother smiled warmly. "We only wish we could do more. Well get in kids and we'll be home by the time the crock pot is done cooking." Janet's mother knew she did more out and about than some other mothers thought was right...but her husband approved of her being so active with charities and such. Soon they were at the doctor's office and the middle-aged doctor brought Zachary into his examining room. Janet and her mother waited outside in the waiting room.
[01:12] lollipopatrixxx: (we can skip over that part lol)
[01:14] wobblefluff: (XD haha)
[01:16] wobblefluff: By the time the doctor was done poking, and prodding and asking questions, Zach felt like he had a headache coming on. Still, the doctor was so kind, and gentle, choosing not to pry on how he got those injuries, but on trying to make him feel better. It made Zach feel a tiny bit better, and he slipped out of the office wearing a sling for his dislocated arm, and a few bandages and stitches on his face. His dirty shirt was gone, replaced by clean bandages that swathed most of his chest. He blushed and shuffled towards them shyly, "Erm... I'm... I'm done." His jacket was slung over his shoulder.
[01:18] wobblefluff: ( I gotta run soon though xD)
[01:18] lollipopatrixxx: Janet looked like she would cry all over again at the sight of him all stiched and bandaged but she bit her lip and nodded trying to be brave. Once they were in the car again her mother made one stop at a Woolworth's and came out with a package which she handed to Zach...a pair of shirts in his size. "There. I hope you like them." soon they were back at Janet's house and she was eager to give him the tour. "It's so good having you here. Really!" she beamed.
[04:48] wobblefluff: Zach blushed horribly at the gift, thanking Janet's mother profusely. The shirts were crisp, and new. Something he hadn't had in a while. Unpacking one of them, he pulled it, even undoing the sling for a moment to slip his bad arm through it. It felt good. He resisted the urge to make a big fuss about her house, and smiled back at Janet happily, his jacket folded neatly in the bag with his new shirt. "Its good to be here, Janet."
[04:48] wobblefluff: Ooooh
[04:49] wobblefluff: I'm sorry. I really tried to leave earlier, but my aunt was worried and asking questions
[05:10] wobblefluff: (You thereee??)
[05:10] lollipopatrixxx: wahhhh
[05:10] lollipopatrixxx: sorryyy
[05:10] lollipopatrixxx: no no thats ok lol its cooool
[05:10] wobblefluff: Watching porn?
[05:11] lollipopatrixxx: She gave him a huge smile. "It's good to have you here! It hardly seems like all that time has passed...oh Zachary! I know we're going to get along just like we did when we were little! You...you won't disappear again will you?"
[05:13] wobblefluff: He couldn't dash her hopes, could he? She was so happy and seemed truly glad to see him. Zach shook his head, reaching over a little awkwardly to pet her head. He wasn't sure how happy her parents would be if he hugged her right then. "O-of course not."
[05:16] lollipopatrixxx: He didn't have to worry. She gave him a big hug and...after checking to make sure her mom wasn't watching...even a kiss on the cheek. "Good. I couldn't bear the thought of never seeing you again."
[05:17] wobblefluff: Zach blushed, returning the hug and laughing soflty at the kiss. It was such a Janet thing to do, in his opinion, and he let himself cuddle her for a few moments before pulling away. "Cool. Want to... show me around your place?"
[05:19] lollipopatrixxx: "Sure!" she took his good hand and led him around the house to show him the sitting room and the den and the little library...and then the upstairs where her room was filled with music posters and fresh flowers. She blushed and hurried to shut the door.
[05:21] wobblefluff: It was mind blowing, how much stuff and beauty there was in her home. Zach was enthralled, and when it came to her room, he reached out a hand to stop her from closing it. "It looks beautiful. May I?" He always had a thing for fresh, natural things, and the scent of flowers had struck him long before they had even gotten close.
[05:24] lollipopatrixxx: She blushed even more! She let him go and stepped back even though she was terribly embarassed. "Umm. Sure, I guess."
[05:25] wobblefluff: Tentaively, he pushed the door open, stepping into her room. His eyes alighted on the beautifully arranged flowers, the scattered posters all over the wall. There were wide, open windows and a large bed. Zach briefly wondered if anyone had ever been in this room with her, and a short flare of jealously surged through him. "So.... do you... have a boyfriend yet?"
[05:28] lollipopatrixxx: Janet actually let out a yelp of surprise when he said that and bit her lip. "Oh gosh no." she managed. "I mean. Uh."
[05:29] wobblefluff: "No boyfriend?" Zach was surprised, placing his bag of things down by her bed before turning to her. "Are you serious? I mean.... you're in high school right? Aren't there boys lining up for you??"
[05:38] lollipopatrixxx: She laughed and then her laugh tuned a little sad. "Well...maybe. If my dad wins the senate seat then maybe there will be sone wanting to date a senator's daughter." she sighed. "Besides who my dad is though..I'm a nobody. Before he decided to run I couldn't even get on the cheerleading team."
[05:40] wobblefluff: "Thats bullshit." He frowned, folding his good arm over his bad one. "I can't believe that they're so.... arrogant, and... and... Stupid. You're beauitful, sweet.... amazing." zach spoke without thinking, blushing brightly when he realised what he had said.
[05:42] lollipopatrixxx: Her eyes widened . "Oh gosh! Zach....does your mother know you talk that way!?"
[05:44] wobblefluff: He blinked at her for a moment, before his eyes seemed to darken, and he turned to look out her window. His mother.... it was a sensitive subject, and though he shouldn't blame Janet for not knowing.... It still left a foul taste in his mouth. "How should I know?" He retorted sharply, a lot more angry than he wanted to sound.
[05:47] lollipopatrixxx: She had totally forgotten. Of course it was in the papers but not on the front page or anything and....she had never really connected the horrible story with the boy she knew from when she was little. So that was....Janet's hand flew to cover her mouth and she was horrified. "Oh gosh. Zachary. I....I'm sorry...I didn't...": at the same time she was hurt by his anger. She backed away from him and went all quiet and small again...like when they were little.
[05:49] wobblefluff: Zach didn't like it when she was like that, but he was too upset in the remembering of what had happened. He swallowed tightly, fingers tightening in the material of his new shirt, just over his chest. It hurt, so much.... and as much as he tried to not think about it.... "I.... I should go." He couldn't do this to her anymore. Couldn't get her into trouble, couldn't hurt her in the ways he knew he would. Zach had lived so long out there in the big bad world, that he wondered if there was anything truly humane about him and his thoughts. "I.... I'm sorry."
[05:51] lollipopatrixxx: He did hurt her...but only feeling the anger and hurt coming out of him did that. The only thing that hurt more would be...losing him. Without thinking Janet grabbed Zach and her eyes pleaded for him not to go. "But..but..dinner! And...and Father will want to see you and..."
[05:52] wobblefluff: "I'll.... I'll hurt you if I stay. I'm not.... I'm not like you. I don't...." Zach swallowed, glancing down at his feet. "I don't deserve this, or... or to be here. janet.. don't.... I don't want to hurt you."
[05:53] lollipopatrixxx: What could she do? She scoffed and touched his cheek with her fingers gently. "Don't be silly! You could never hurt me. You saved me. If anything I'v hurt you...more than once now. I'm so sorry."
[05:54] wobblefluff: He shook his head. "I..... I don't want to....." Zach didn't know what to say, and he closed his eyes tightly, willing himself to calm down. To make this better. Leaning forwad, he kissed her, his lips tender against hers, trying to show her how much he cared... how much he thought of her.
[05:56] lollipopatrixxx: It came as a huge surprise. How could she have known he was going to kiss her..and right in the upstairs hallway of her house too! Still she couldn't resist the way she still felt about him.... Janet let her eyes closed and pressed her closed lips to his as sweetly as she could. It was a bit naughty..and somehow she just didn't care! Her hand still cupped his cheek tenderly.
[05:58] wobblefluff: Zach savoured the contact, the press of her lips for as long as he could before pulling away. His hand slipped up to cover hers, coarse fingers rubbing gently over the back of her hand. "I... I care for you Janet. I don't want to hurt you, but I know that my world... my world is so much more dangerous than yours. I don't want to put you in any more danger.... never, ever again."
[06:00] lollipopatrixxx: She shook her head in complete denial. "Zachary. You would never hurt me. You...you keep me away from danger. I...I know you would never let anything harm me...you proved that. I..." she blushed. "If you feel like the world is scary..tehn I guess I'll just have to do what I can to make you feel safe. So make the world warmer for you." she moved as if to kiss him again..this time of her own will when her mother's voice came up the steps calling them for dinner.
[06:03] wobblefluff: He was... shocked. No one... not even his own family had ever said something like this to him. It made him weak, he knew, when he felt like he could trust her words... Zach felt so, so safe with Janet... so cared for, so loved. And it scared him a little as much as it healed him. He stared at her dumbly, swallowing hard. "Erm.. guess... dinner?"
[06:06] lollipopatrixxx: She knew the moment was broken and blushed...but slipped her hand into his for just a sec as they walked down the stairs. By the time they got to the bottom she pulled her hand away and they were seated in the kitchen as dinner was served...or would be as soon as her father got home. He came soon enough and was a little surprised at seeing Zach at his table but then they all prayed and it was time to dig in!
[06:07] wobblefluff: Zach squeezed her fingers warmly in his, as if trying to reassure her that he understood. He felt a little awkward at the dinner table, but was as polite as he could be, though he struggled a little with eating only with one hand.
[06:13] lollipopatrixxx: Janet's father looked at Zach awkwardly and after a while cleared his throat. "So. I've been talking with my wife..." he smiled at her and she smiled back. "About an appropriate reward for your bravery in defending my daughter from those...ruffians."
[06:15] wobblefluff: He nearly dropped his fork, but composed himself long enough to look up with a surprised gaze. "S-sir... there's.... there's really no need. I... Janet is my friend. I wouldn't let anyone harm her. I.... I don't need a reward... sir."
[06:19] lollipopatrixxx: He gave an awkward laugh. "Come now, son! How would it look if I was so ungrateful! No no. There's no need to think about it now...but I assure you I am properly grateful and will find a way to show it." Of course it was something for the campaign trail but Janet didn't think about that. She beamed at her dad like he was her idol and then she beamed at Zach. "See? I told you!"
[06:21] wobblefluff: There seemed something... odd about the situation. Zach was fairly good at reading people, and he wasn't getting a very good vibe from Janet's father. Despite his generosity, there was something odd about him... like he was trying to hide something. He smiled at Janet, but it was a little shaky. "You were right. I just... I really, don't think I deserve a reward, surely."
[06:26] lollipopatrixxx: "Oh, you leave that to me, son." the man said. He gave a broad smile and passed over the mashed potatoes to Zach. Janet was just grinning! Her mother looked happily on but was just a little reserved. "How was your day at school Janet?" the family moved on to ho hum conversation although Janet's dad did ask Zach lots of questions...about what he wanted in life what his plans were...all sort of things any father would ask his only daughter's friend.
[06:29] wobblefluff: Zach took the potatoes with a smile, shaking off his 'bad vibe' as just nerves. He tried his best to answer his questions truthfully, explaining his interest in cars and music, as well as vocations with charities that he would like to be involved in if he had the time. His manners were returning to him slowly, and as the night progressed, he became a little more polite and natural, returning to a semblance of his old self.
[06:37] lollipopatrixxx: Janet noticed...and so did her mother. Janet was so happy to see the Zach she remembered coming back and even more happy to see her family impressed with him. After all they had judged him harshly when they were young b ut this just proved that he had risen above it all and was someone she could be proud of! She smiled at him through the night and was feeling rather smitten by the time dinner was put away. Her mother shooed her into the front room to spend time with Zachary and her father disappeared somewhere to make his calls. She saw awkwardly on the couch and blushed.
[06:38] wobblefluff: He offered to help with the dishes, but was quickly ushered out to sit alone with Janet. Feeling rather comfortable, and sated for the first time in ages, he sat down right next to her, grinning at her. The bruises had faded a lot under the doctor's expert care, and his eyes were bright with excitement. "How did I do? with your parents, I mean."
[06:39] lollipopatrixxx: Janet decided to tease him. She faked an unsure look and tapped her chin with one finger. "Oh..I don't know...they aren't ready for rock and roll I don't think..."
[06:42] wobblefluff: Zach mock-gasped at her, tackling her playfully against the couch. "Don't tease me! I know I did good!"
[06:43] lollipopatrixxx: She lost her fake right away and started laughing and grabbing at him. "Yes yes yes! You did so well! I know my mother loves you, and..." she smiled softly and gazed at him. "Well...dad will come around. Just don't talk about the devil's music too much." she grinned. "And here you were nervous!"
[06:45] wobblefluff: He grinned and leaned over her. "well its all thanks to you, isn't it?" Zach chuckled and snuck a short peck on her lips before pulling back. "Well, I'm glad that your mother likes me. Your father.... he's... a little more scary now, I think." He laughed sheepishly. "I don't know, he scares me a little."
[06:50] lollipopatrixxx: She blinked at the kiss and blushed. ...but it bothered her what he said and she paused to tuck some hair behind her ear. She did get upset with her dad some lately...politics had changed him. Mad ehim harsh and cold...but she still loved him! "He's busy a lot." she excused. "I suppose the campaign is stressful but..he's does so much for us. Please...don't think badly of him."
[06:51] wobblefluff: "I'll try my best. For you." Zach grinned boyishly at her, reaching over to grasp her hand gently. "I... Thank you so much for today, Janet. You've... You've done so much for me...."
[06:57] lollipopatrixxx: She shook her head. "Hush. Compared to what you did? Saving me...I can't ever do enough to thank you! Please...let me do whatever I can. Let my family do whatever we can. You...you're worth it." she gave his hand a squeeze. "You're one of the best people I ve ever known."
[07:00] wobblefluff: The guilt was slowly eating up at him on the inside. What would she think if she found out? He was like one of those thugs.... the same ruffians that had tried to hurt her, he was one of them. Zach sighed, and tugged her fingers onto his lap so that he could trace her skin. "I'm.... I'm nothing great. I just don't like seeing good people like you hurt."
[07:01] lollipopatrixxx: She got a bit nervous then...what if her mom saw? Still he was so sweet.... "I don't like seeing anyone hurt. Especially not good people...like you." she stared into his face and she was just filled with so much tenderness and love...
[07:02] wobblefluff: "You're the good person here, remember?" All he could think about was Janet, and subconsciously he leaned closer, so much concern and love for her showing in the affection gaze he had.
[07:05] lollipopatrixxx: She felt so unworthy! "Gosh no. I just...you know...do my best. Why are you acting like you're good for nothing? I know better remember? Just becuase you came from..." she cut herself off. She didn't want to insult him... "You're a good person is what I mean. I can see that. Why don't you?"
[07:07] wobblefluff: Zach stiffened a little when she mentioned his past again, the air going out of his sails. His shoulders slumped a little and he shrugged. "I think.... I think where I came from is an obvious reason as to why I'm not a good person." He lifted her hand and placed it back on her thigh, patting it twice. "I should... get home."
[07:11] lollipopatrixxx: She shook her head and then knew she made a mistake. "Wait..wait. Zachary..that isn't right at all. You can't help where you came from. It..it means nothing. In fact..the fact that you rose above all that...well. I think it means all the more." she took his hand this time and held it between both of hers. "Please believe me. You...you impress me. I'm so proud of you."
[07:12] wobblefluff: "I haven't risen about anything, Janet. I'm... I'm nothing you should be proud of." Zach resisted the urge to pull away, to hurt her more. "I have no real future... nothing to offer to you or your family. I've.... If anything, I've fallen from what I once was."
[07:14] lollipopatrixxx: She shook her head. "That isn't true! You'll see. You just need to see what I do: that' you're a brave young man who does his best and...and..oh, Zachary!" she suddnely hugged him tight. "You do have a future. Maybe you just need a little help..but don't give up!" she pulled back and looked at him earnestly. "I am not giving up on you! No matter what you say."
[07:16] wobblefluff: Why did she care so much? He felt so warm in her embrace, and the niggling feeling of hope that just kept bugging him the more he spoke to her. Zach didn't know what to say, or where to look, settling on staring down at his injured arm. He just shrugged, looking a lot smaller and more fragile than he actually was.