Flight of Destiny-28 &29

When they got back to the house Ally and Jerry were still in the kitchen. Jerry was still holding the ice on her shoulder and telling her stories and jokes to distract her from the pain. Jax could tell by the look on her face that she was still in agony.

"Have you taken anything sweetie?"

"You're back, we were wondering if you two snuck off to continue your affair. You're Mum gave me a pain killer but it's done diddly squat so far."

"No affair today we just cleaned the treehouse up."

"Can I get you anything Al?"V asked.

"A new shoulder would be nice but I'd settle for some tea and cookies."

"Give her my chocolate chip ones."Jerry said.

"You made cookies Jer? What are you going to give me food poisoning so I'll be so sick that my shoulder will be the least of my problems?"Ally laughed.

"V give her arsenic instead of sugar."Jerry said.

"Thought we were going to use rat poisoning?"V teased.

"I told you guys hemlock"Jax moaned.

"I suppose you all think you're funny?"Ally said sarcastically.

They looked at each other and grinned."Who says we are joking?"Jax asked.

"So breaking me was all a part of your diabolical plan?"She asked.

"Ally I did not break you. You did this to yourself."

"Sure, sure that's what you want everyone to think."

"She's figured it out Jax. We're going to have to kill her. I know you wanted to keep her around as your little plaything but she knows too much. You'll just have to let V be your playmate."Jerry snickered.

"You know Jer is right darling. You'll just have to be satisfied by me."V said seductively and wrapped her arms around Jax. Jax pulled her closer and gave her a kiss.

"You always satisfy me Natasha."He said wickedly.

"Brilliant move Jax now she knows my real name. She must die now. Drink your tea Miss McComb."She said harshly.

Ally took a sip of the tea throughly enjoying their little performance. "Well since you're going to kill me anyway tell me your plan."

"Might as well the poison will kill her in five minutes."Jerry said.

"Well Ally, J & J Jacks is the front for our global biochemical company. In two days we will be releasing deadly gases over every major European capital. There is an antidote that we will sell for billions. Of course the antidote only lasts three months so we'll never stop collecting the money. Our lab is underground in Port Charles. Sweet naive V is actually Natasha Von Frankle the world's top biochemist. The world believes she died five years ago but Jer persuaded her to join us in our plan to control the world. Brenda accidentally figured out my connection to Criterion Chemicals so I killed her and Sonny. They were really getting on my nerves. Alas I did love you wench but I love money and power even more. It's been a great ride though, you certainly did bring me immense pleasure. You've got about two minutes left. Any last requests?"

"Just one last kiss from you Jasper."Ally purred.

Jax bent down and planted several long deep erotic kisses on her.

"Hmm seems my two minutes are up and I'm still alive. Do you want to tell them or shall I Nat?"

V was grinning at Ally trying to quickly figure out what to say. "Tell then what Al? That you are really the WSB's top covert agent? Or did you mean that at this moment Criterion Chemicals is being raided by the WSB and that all of J & J Jacks' assets have been frozen? How about the fact that Lady Jane is working with us and the pain killer was really to inhibit the poison I had to give you to convince Jax that I was working for him? Or did you mean tell him you're really my sister Cassandra?"

"Yeah that, but you forgot two things Nat. You see Jasper as much as you amuse me I've never really loved you. My heart has belonged to only one man my entire life. It belongs to my partner in love and crime. That man Jasper Jacks is your brother. Read him his rights Jer so we can get out of here and flee to our secret love nest on Kronos."

Jerry looked as stunned as Jax at this turn of events and Ally couldn't keep a straight face. She started laughing and V joined her.

"Whose idea was that because it entertained me long enough for the pill to take effect?"

"You gave me the idea when you said diabolical plan Al but I knew Jax could come up with a faster story."Jerry said.

"Thanks Al for letting me play a better part than Jax's little sex toy."V laughed.

"You enjoy being my sex toy V and don't even try to deny it."Jax laughed. "So I amuse you Al or should I say Cassandra?"

"You fascinate me darling and since the pain isn't as fierce I want to have tub time. Of course you will have to undress me."Ally said with a smirk.

"It's a dirty job but someone has to do it."Jax groaned.

Ally finished her tea and headed upstairs. She tried to undress herself but wasn't having much success. She yelled for Jax as he opened the door.

"Thanks Al I'm deaf now. Need some help?"

"Sorry I didn't realize you were right there. I never thought about how much you need your left shoulder and arm."

"Stop moving and I'll relieve you of your clothes."He said in a sultry voice.

"You're enjoying this aren't you?"

"Umm hmm"he murmured. He pulled her sweater over her head and eased it off her shoulder without having to move her arm. Then he saw her tight velvet Tshirt.

"Al you have got to stop wearing layers. I'll be as gentle as I can but I'm going to have to move your shoulder." He tried to peel the shirt off her left side but it was too tight. He angled her arm and Ally winced in pain.

"Sorry, I'm almost done."

Ally gritted her teeth and waited for him to finish torturing her. She tried not to let him see he was hurting her because he was being as gentle as possible. "That was bearable." She lied.

"You are lying Al, I saw you wince and grit your teeth. Nice try though."Jax laughed as he pulled her jeans down.

Ally stepped out of them and put her good arm around him. She kissed his cleft and planted a sensuous kiss on his lips. Jax pulled her closer and deepened the kiss. He finally pulled away from her. He grabbed his robe and slid it on her.

"I'm going to run the water Cassie, met you in there."He said slyly.
"I prefer Cassandra Mr. Jacks."Ally laughed.

She waited until Jax called her and opened the door to the bathroom. She couldn't see the water because Jax had every tub toy floating around. He grinned at her like a five year old who was immensely proud of his work and she started laughing.

"Very nice Jasp but there isn't any room for us now."

"Sure we get in, create a huge wave and they move."

"What no refreshments this time?"She asked in mock horror.

No sooner were the words out of her mouth when Jerry knocked on the door. She opened it and he brought in a tray with cookies and milk.

"Cass, don't eat the one with the green M & M's that's the one with the poison."Jerry whispered.

"See you in Kronos my love."Ally whispered back.

"What are the two of you up to?"Jax asked suspiciously.

"Nothing."They replied.

"Jer before you go can you clip my hair up?"

"Sure Alley Cat."Jerry grabbed the clip, twisted her hair and pinned it up. He leaned down and softly kissed the back of her neck.

"Umm Jer, you just became my favourite hair stylist."

"Just call him Mr Jerry."Jax laughed.

"You can thank me later darling."Jerry said as he closed the door.

"Stop flirting Al and get in the tub."Jax said.

"Do I detect a hint of jealously there Jax?"She teased.

"Me jealous of Jer? Now that's funny Al."He laughed.

She got in the tub with Jax and started playing with her new tub toys. They sang the rubber ducky song and then raced the windup toys to see who was the fastest. They crowned the dolphin the first winner of the Tub Championships. Ally was munching on a cookie when Jax started chuckling.

"What's so funny Blondy?"

"Just thinking about your comment about being jealous of Jer."

She bit her lip, while she decided if she was going to give him a piece of her mind or not. She opted to stand up for Jerry.

"Jax why do you find it so hard to believe Jer is desirable? Forget the billions, he's attractive, funny, sweet, adorable, adventurous and very thoughtful. I have the most amazing conversations with him. If we weren't so similar Jasp I would have fallen for him myself. V is very lucky to have him. I wish you'd give him more credit Jax."

"Since when did you become his great defender? Need I remind you he's the same guy you punched out for leering at you and making suggestive comments?"Jax asked.

"Since I took the time to really get to know him. If you ever bothered to look behind the wise cracking, chauvinistic mask he puts up you'd be amazed at what you'll find. You say you love him Jasper but do you know him? I can tell you, he knows you almost as well as I do. Did you know that his heart broke for you when Brenduh left you? Why do you think he kept bugging you to go to Costa Rica with him?"

Jax didn't know what to say. He didn't think tub time would turn into lecture time. He had his answer to how close Ally and Jerry were.

"How often do you talk to Jer?"He asked.

"Four or five times a week."

"Why did you never mention this to me?"

"Because you never asked. I didn't think you'd care or mind."She said defensively.

"I don't mind but I would have liked to know that my brother and fiancee were best friends."

"Well now you now."She snapped.

"So you really think I'm cutting Jer too short?"

"No. I just like to hear the sound of my own voice. Weren't you listening to me?"She asked in frustration growing angrier by the second.

"Yes I heard you Al."

"Well then why are you asking me stupid questions?"She barked.

"I didn't think it was a stupid question."Jax said defensively.

"You didn't think, ever stop to consider that could be a problem?"She said icily.

Jax wondered what was bugging Ally to put her in such a foul mood. "Want another cookie?"
He asked to break the tension.

"If I wanted one I'd take one."She said angrily.

"Al is your shoulder starting to kill again?"

"WHY?"

"Because it's the only logical reason I can think of..."Ally was glaring at him. "Never mind."

"No you started this now finish it."She demanded.

"Forget it, it doesn't matter."

"Jasper Jacks finish your sentence now!"She roared.

He had lost his patience"It's the only logical reason I can think of why you are being such a bitch."

"GET out of here NOW"She screamed.

"Gladly."He yelled back. He jumped out of the tub, grabbed a towel and left the bathroom slamming the door. Ally hurled his rubber ducky at the door.

She grabbed a cookie and devoured it. When her anger subsided she realized she had no idea why she bit Jax's head off. She also realized that she kicked him out but needed him to help her dry off and put the robe back on. She sat in the tub for twenty minutes wondering what to do. Jax had changed, dried his hair and was about to go downstairs when he noticed the bathroom door was still closed. He wondered what she was still doing in there and remembered that she need him to dress her. He opened the door carefully incase she flung something at him.

"Need some help?"

"Yes"She said softly avoiding his eyes because she felt horrible.

Jax dried her off and knew she felt awful for snapping at him from her body language. He gently put her arm in the robe and tied it for her. He lifted her chin to look in her eyes and kissed her softly.

"Is my Ally back yet?"
"I wouldn't blame you if you didn't want her anymore."She said quietly.

"Oh Ally, it would take a hell of a lot more than a radical mood change for me to not want you. I love you sweetheart."

"I'm sorry Jasp. I don't know what came over me. I love you too."

"Is it that time of the month?"He asked with a grin.

"No"She laughed.

"What shall I dress you in?"

"I don't think Lady Jane would mind if I ate dinner in your robe."

"So your shoulder is getting sore again."

"Yeah, I think the pain killer is wearing off. It sure doesn't last very long."

"Hey what's my duck doing on the floor?"

"I hurled him at you and he hit the door."

"You killed my ducky."Jax said in a sad voice.

"No I just signed him up for the space program and gave him his first flight."She laughed.

Jax looked at her and started laughing. He picked the duck up and made her kiss him better. He pulled all the toys out of the water and dried them off. He shoved a cookie in her mouth and told her to finish the milk. He loosened her robe so he could pull it off her shoulders. He started planting light kisses all over her shoulder and neck.

"Doing anything for your shoulder?"He asked.

"No, but it's doing a hell of a job on me. Don't stop."

He continued kissing her and eventually worked his way around to her collar bone and throat. Ally was moaning softly which only encouraged him to keep kissing her. He picked her up and set her down on the counter. Jax undid her robe and gazed at her lovingly.

"You know Al, you have the most beautiful body I've ever laid my eyes upon. I know and love every square inch of you. From those five little moles lined up diagonally on your left arm to that little straight scar under your big toe. That little hole above your eyebrow from the chicken pox and your crooked right ring finger. How did you do that?"

"So that's what you do when I'm asleep, you study me."

"Yup"

"Kinda sexy of you I think. Liz broke my finger when I was sixteen. We were playing volleyball and she hit the ball to me before I was ready. I put my hand up to protect my face and the ball bent my finger backwards. The splint drove me crazy so I took it off early and it never healed properly."

"And this?"He asked as he kissed her right shin.

"Switzerland with Becky."

"Skiing?"

"No drunken fall. It was dark and I missed a step and fell forward. Luckily my hands hit the pavement the same time my shin went down the concrete landing. It sheered the skin off. All I felt was my stinging palms."

"Ouch"

"Umm Hmm it killed the next day. Becky saw it and thought the white was my bone. I didn't want to get stitches so I just kept putting peroxide on it to stop it from getting infected and bandaged it up. It didn't want to stop bleeding and I woke up with blood stained blankets. It finally stopped bleeding but the scab looked so disgusting because it was long and rather wide. Every time I moved my leg it hurt because what was left of the skin was being stretched. It slowly faded over time but I still have a noticeable concave scar. The skin covered over but all the layers couldn't be replaced."

"I bet it needed stitches."

"My doctor saw it when I got home and told me it was borderline. If I had gone to the hospital they would have given me about thirty stitches to be on the safe side."

"How about this burn?"He asked and kissed the inside of her right arm.

"I put my arm on the stove and the burner was still very hot."

"It's pretty faint now, how old were you?"

"Seven and yeah I should have known better but I forgot."

"I was nine when I did the same thing."He laughed and showed her his left arm.

"My turn, what about this?"She asked and kissed the scar above his lip.
"Jer's fist."

"Really?"

"No, I'm just teasing you. A friend swung a door open and I was standing too close and it split my lip open. Four stitches to close it."

"Hmm what about..."Ally gave him a long passionate kiss on the lips.

"Hey there's no scar there."He laughed.

"Really, you better come closer so I can have a real good look."

Jax smiled and walked into the counter. Ally held his face with her right hand and leaned in to kiss him. Jax was waiting for her and they exchanged several deep kisses until a knock on the door interrupted them.

"Kids dinner is ready."Jane said.

"Be down in a second Mum."Jax replied and kissed Ally as he put her back on the ground. He tied the robe back up for her and they headed downstairs.

"Nice dress Al."Jerry teased.

"I still have the use of my right arm Jer..... so watch it."She threatened.

She sat down and went to cut her dinner but before she could Jax grabbed the plate and did it for her.

"Thanks Blondy, that's sweet."

When she asked Jerry to pass her the bread, he buttered and ripped it for her. She told them she still had one good arm but they insisted on doing everything for her. Jax jokingly tried to feed her and she hit him.

"She's not that helpless."He laughed.

After dinner Lady Jane gave her another pain killer. Jerry and Jax took turns telling her about the trouble the two of them got into when they travelled together to keep her mind busy while the pain killer worked. She decided she'd never go anywhere remote with the two of them because they'd probably get her killed. Jax suggested the four of them should take a camping trip in the summer. Everyone thought it was a great idea except Ally.

"Come on Al, the great outdoors, sleeping under the stars and sharing a sleeping bag."Jax said seductively.
"Sleeping on the ground, battling bugs and outdoor toilets, I don't think so. Jasp my idea of roughing it is a Holiday Inn without room service."Ally laughed.

"We'll bring you one of those air mattress so you don't have to sleep on the floor princess."Jerry said.

"I'm still not interested but the three of you can go. I'll find a nice resort somewhere and sip Margaritas by the pool."

"Come on Ally where is your sense of adventure? I've camped all my life and it's really fun. You'll love it once you try it."V added.

"I tried it once and it was the worst experience of my life. I vowed I'd never camp again and I intend to keep that promise to myself. Now if you found a cabin on a lake somewhere with bedrooms, a bathroom, a kitchen and a porch I might be willing to rough it that way."

"Maybe a cabin with a deck and pool, a hot tub, satellite TV and a wine cellar."Jax said sarcastically.

"Now you're talking. I'd agree to that."Ally said enthusiastically.

"That defeats the entire purpose of camping."Jerry complained.

"So bring a tent and camp outside Jer. You can rough it if you want. I won't let you inside the cabin. At night though when I'm snug as a bug in a warm comfy bed I'll laugh myself to sleep thinking of you battling the bugs on the cold hard ground."Ally laughed.

"Well she is trying to compromise. I like the idea of a cabin too."V said.

"Now you're turning into a Princess too V. I give up!"Jerry teased.

"Then stay home."Ally barked.

Jerry wondered why she was yelling at him."Take a downer Al, I was just joking."

"You take a downer."Ally snapped back.

"Ally are you felling OK?"V asked.

Ally glared at her"I'm fine"She said through clenched teeth.

Jax was looking at her with concern trying to figure out why she was being bitchy again.

"What Jax!"Ally yelled.

"I didn't say anything."He replied.

"Let's go for a walk V"Jerry suggested.

"Sure"She replied.

"Be careful bro she looks like she's about to blow. Stay away from that fist."Jerry whispered.

Jax grinned"I plan to Jer., I'm not stupid."He laughed. "Al, I'm going to make some hot chocolate, I'll be back."He said.

"Whatever."She said coldly.

Right after I figure out why you're doing Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde Ally, he thought.

Chapter 29

Flight of Destiny
Part Twenty Nine
By Cathy
Jax ran into his mother in the kitchen. She told him she left her pills for Ally and to give her one before bed. Jax picked up the bottle and stared at it. He wondered if the pills were causing her mood swings. He called the pharmacy and the pharmacist said it was rare but possible if she was having a reaction to it. He said it could cause a chemical imbalance that may be mood altering. He told Jax not to give her another one just incase and suggested four Anvils with food for the pain. Jax brought the pills back to his mother and told her what he suspected. He made them hot chocolate with whip cream and grabbed some of the brownies V had made.

"Are you going to bite my head off if I offer you a hot chocolate?"He asked.

"Sorry, I don't know what's happening to me. I've got to apologize to V and Jer when they get back."

"I think those pain killers are causing your mood swings. The pharmacist said it was rare but possible. Have you ever had a problem with pain killers before?"

"No when I shattered my ankle I was on a morphine drip and pretty out of it but no mood swings. I remember from my pharmacology course that there are some pain killers that if you become dependant on them over time will give you major mood swings."

"Yeah I know, Brenda became addicted to them after she got hit by and car. She hurt her hip pretty badly and was in a lot of pain. It took me too long to realize she was dependant on them. In fact Sonny figured it out before I did. When they were trapped in the catacombs she went through withdrawal."

"Was that her excuse for sleeping with Sonny?"

"Partly, she said she was weak because she was going through withdrawal and she thought they were going to die. She said she didn't have the will to fight Sonny anymore and gave in to him. She begged for forgiveness and I forgave her. I never trusted her 100 % though after that."

"How could you forgive her?"

"I loved her Al. I didn't want to be without her. I figured I loved her enough for both of us. Sonny had her wrapped around his finger and controlled her. I wanted to show her that my love was unconditional that choosing me would be choosing freedom. So when she asked for space I gave it to her. She chose Sonny."

"The girl is an idiot Jax. Was she on drugs when she picked Sonny over you?"

"No"

"Are you sure?"

"I'm sure Al."He laughed.

"If I ever tell you I want some space ignore me and get me to a mental hospital pronto."

"Don't worry Al, I'm never letting you go."

"Good. You know I like the sound of your cabin. I'd spend a week there. Just make sure there is a place for Jerry's tent."She said with a grin.

"How about right after our honeymoon we take another week. I'll start looking when we get back."

"Sure and if it will help it doesn't have to have a wine cellar."She teased.

"Are you sure you can rough it that much princess."He teased back.

"For you I'll make that supreme sacrifice."She said dramatically.

"What am I going to do with you Ally?"He laughed.

"As you always say, kiss me"

Jax rolled his eyes and kissed the tip of her nose. She was about to ask for a better kiss when Fuzzy jumped up between them and rested his head on her lap.

"Did you have a tough day too Fuz?"She asked.

Fuzzy looked up at her with sad eyes and nodded his head.

"Poor Fuzzy, tell ya what, Jax is going to get you some of your favourite treats and I'll give you some TLC."

Fuzzy looked at Jax. "OK, OK, I'm going now."Jax laughed and got up.

Ally started rubbing his head and scratching underneath his chin. "Yeah, you like having your chin scratched don't you Fuzzy. That's such a good puppy. Oh yeah it's itchy isn't it."She said in baby talk.

She continued scratching and talking to Fuzzy as Jax watched her from the door. He imagined her with their first child, singing and talking away to the baby. He knew she'd be an incredible mom and they would spoil their kids like crazy with love and attention. Fuzzy noticed Jax and barked for his treats. He didn't want to leave Ally's lap so Jax had to feed them to him. When Jerry and V came back he jumped down and disappeared. Ally apologized profusely to V and Jerry and they told her not to worry about it. Jax made her a sandwich to take with the Anvils and they headed up to bed. She couldn't seem to get comfortable because she was use to sleeping on her left side to use Jax as her pillow. He switched sides with her so she could still lay on him, on her right side. She still couldn't get to sleep. Jax had an idea and asked her to move her head.

"I know what will put you to sleep."

"So do I it's called a sleeping pill."She grumbled.

"Not after four Anvils. Good thing you dropped out of Med School or you'd be overdosing patients left, right and center."He said and left the room. He came back a minute later with a book.

"What are you going to hit me over the head into unconsciousness?"She giggled.

"Only if my first idea doesn't work."

He put the bedside light on and climbed back into bed. Ally put her head on his chest and he kissed her gently. He told her to close her eyes and listen only to his voice. He found a poem she'd like and started softly reading it to her as he caressed her hair with his right hand.

She walks in beauty, like the night
Of cloudless climes and starry skies;
And all that's best of dark and bright
Meet in her aspect and her eyes:
Thus mellow'd to that tender light
Which heaven to gaudy day denies.

One shade the more, one ray the less,
Had half impair'd the nameless grace
Which waves in every raven tress,
Or softly lightens o'er that brow,
So soft, so calm, yet eloquent,

The smiles that win, the tints that glow,
But tell of days in goodness spent,
A mind at peace with all below,
A heart whose love is innocent!

Jax heard her breathing gently and knew she was asleep. Every time he read poetry to her regardless of the time she ended up falling asleep on him. She told him the combination of his soft, loving voice and the beautiful words were too intoxicating and lead her into a peaceful slumber. He put the book down and kissed her cheek and tried to go to sleep. Ally was sleeping peacefully but he was still wide awake two hours later. Jax gently slid her off him and went downstairs to get a drink and a book. The light was on in the kitchen and he found V standing over the stove. Nice baby dolls you're almost wearing V, he thought.

"Young lady what are you doing up at this hour ? It's 2am"He asked.

"I can't sleep and figured some warm milk would do the trick. What are you doing up young man?"

"Same thing as you but I was coming for Brandy. Why don't we mix the two?"

"Jax that sounds disgusting."She laughed.

"How about Bailey's? Ally seems to like it."

"Hmm a warm brown cow? Could work so count me in."V poured the warm milk into two mugs while Jax got the Bailey's Irish Cream and added it to the mugs. V took a sip and walked into the family room. Jax followed her and sat facing her on the couch.

"So what do you think?"He asked.

"Not bad, good thing I'm use to the way you mix drinks though."She giggled.

"You think I make them strong? Have you ever tried one of Al's or Jer's so called mixes? They both make them strong enough to put hair on your chest."

"Thanks for the warning. I'll mix my own or let you do it from now on."

"Deal. So how are things going with Jerry ?"

"You really want to know?"She asked skeptically.

"Yeah, I've realized that I haven't been a very good friend to you in the last few weeks. V you are my best friend and you should be able to talk to me about anything and everything in your life. Jer is a big part of your life now and I'm sorry I haven't been there for you."He said softly.

"Apology accepted. Jax I know you are just worried about me but you can't protect me from everyone and everything. Ivory towers are pretty darn lonely you know. I love you dearly for caring so much about me but you've got to let me take risks and make my own mistakes."

"I know, I just.... I just don't want you to suffer like I did. I hope it doesn't happen, honestly I'd love you to be my sister in law one of these years but if it does I'll be here for you, like you were for me. My instinct is to protect those I love and since I definitely love you my sweet Venus, you're just going to have to put up with me being over protective."

"Oh Jax, I love you too. You can protect me all you want and butt in whenever, with your two cents worth but I've got to make the decisions. OK?"
" I guess I can live with that. So how are you two doing?"

"So far so good. We aren't rushing into anything which suits me just fine. We've talked every night since he left New York. Jax he makes me laugh so much, even more than you do. In his own slightly warped way he says the sweetest things to me. We talk about everything and nothing at all. I can't wait to hear his voice every night. We talk about you a bit but I'd never share anything you told me in confidence. Ally comes up a lot and if I was the insecure type I'd wonder if they were having an affair. He adores her so much Jax, you'd think he was her fiancé. We're making plans to go away for a week in late February but we can't agree on a place. I have to ask my boss for the time off too. He's a fairly cool guy so I'm sure he'll say yes."She said with a wicked grin.

"Fairly cool? You evil little wench."Jax laughed.

"Oh alright, my boss is a total babe, sexy as hell, very smart, extremely cool and has the cutest accent around."V laughed.

"Much better, I'm sure he'll give you the time off now."Jax replied.

"I'm worried though that he'll be lost without me. You see last time I went away for a week he couldn't find contracts or a pen to sign them with. I get this call at noon asking where the Murphy file is, so I tell him. Five minutes later he asks me where the fax sheets are and how to change the paper. Then he calls at 12:30 to ask if I've seen his pen. I've spoiled him so much that I'm afraid he'll blow the office up trying to photocopy something. I don't think he can survive without me."

"Well I don't think he's a total useless idiot. Maybe if you leave him clear simple instructions and lists he'll only have to bug you twice a day. Once for work and once to say he misses you."

"He'll lose the instructions knowing him."She laughed.

"So make about 40 copies and I'm bound to have one left by the time you get back."He said with a grin.

"Jax how did you survive before me?"

"One word, Addie."He laughed.

"I organize you at work, Al does it at home, no wonder you are clueless with enablers as good as us. I bet you have no idea where your cheque book is?"

"Sure I do, one is wherever you put it and the other is wherever Ally puts it."

"Yet somehow you're the billionaire and I'm just the lowly assistant. What's wrong with this picture?"V asked sarcastically.
"I have the sense to hire people to make me look good."Jax laughed.

"You always look good Jax."

"Why thank you. You my dear aren't too sore on the eyes either. In fact V you are quite the babe yourself."

V blushed and hit his knee. He stuck his tongue out at her.

"Feel like playing the truth part of truth and dare Venus?"He asked.

"Sure why not, you can even go first."

"What did you think of me the first time we met?"

"Rather cute for a drug smuggler. You?"

"Sheriff's deputy now way, she's a kindergarten teacher."

"Thanks a lot Jax!"She said sarcastically.

"Anytime. Did you have a crush on me from that first week?"

"Nope, you annoyed me too much at the beginning. I couldn't wait to get rid of you. Just before the crash I started to realize you were a pretty decent guy and I started believing you were innocent. So I guess it started about 3 weeks before the crash."

"I annoyed you? You drove me insane woman. Every time I turned around there you were with that know it all, by the book attitude of yours. There was no grey with you only black and white. Heck even my legendary charm wouldn't work on you. That was rather intriguing. When you loosened up on the island I couldn't believe you were the same person. I like you a lot all of the sudden."

"No kidding you kissed me remember?"

"And you said no. Can you imagine us as a couple?"

"Hey it's my turn. What's my best and worse qualities?"

"Your best? Hmm there's a ton. I guess it's your warmth, loyalty and compassion. Your worst is still that know it all attitude."

"I knew you'd say that."She laughed.

Jax rolled his eyes"Now answer my question?"
V didn't want to admit that she had given great thought to them as a couple so she decided to try a distraction technique. "I'm going to put some more milk on, want some?"She got up and headed to the kitchen.

"Sure I'll come with you."

Crash and burn, I'll have to try something else she thought. She started asking Jax about the Millennium Ball. He knew she was avoiding the question but answered all her questions while they waited for the milk. He added a double shot of Bailey's to their mugs. V sat back down on the couch and propped her feet up on his knees.

"Are we comfy now?"He asked.

"Ummm hmmm"

"Good, now answer my question."

"Hmm your best quality is your kindness and heart of gold and your worst is the over protectiveness."

"Thanks but that wasn't what I asked. Quit stalling and answer me Venus."

"What was the question again?" What on earth am I going to say she thought.

"Can you imagine us as a couple?"

"Sure, I can imagine almost anything."

Nice try, you know what I mean. Now answer the bloody question!"

"I'll take the dare instead."

"No dares, now answer me!"Jax said and gave her his sad puppy dog face.

V took a deep breath and opened her mouth"Before Al and Jer I could have seen us together. We'd be very happy but I don't think there would be this incredible passion that consumed us. The sex would be great though. We'd argue a lot because we are both so stubborn. We'd never even think of cheating on each other. The kids would love you more because I'd end up being the disciplinarian. No regrets or wondering if our perfect someone was still out there. I wouldn't expect enough and you'd try too hard. I'd think of you and smile but my heart wouldn't skip a beat like it does when I think of Jerry. We would have turned to each other out of friendship, loneliness and attraction and figured why not at least we like and trust each other. That's what I can imagine."

"Hmm great sex life eh!"Jax said devilishly.
"Jasper Jacks, you are in trouble mister"V said and swatted him hard with a pillow. Jax reached to get the one behind him and V pushed him on his back and pinned him.

"Hey a demonstration, I love it Venus."He laughed.

V looked at him like she wanted to kill him. "Jasper you are very evil and deserve a huge black eye. You make me answer a question you know I don't want to and then you tease me. That's not very fair or nice of you."V brought her face inches from his"And just for your information your part in our sex life would be OK mine would be mind boggling." She puckered her lips and kissed the air. She punched him in the stomach and sat back up.

"I had to go for it V, you know I couldn't let that comment pass. Your turn."

"Pour me some more Bailey's while I think of something to make you squirm."

Jax came back with the bottle of Bailey's."OK try to make me squirm."

"I'm going for very personal instead. I'm not drunk enough to be evil. Is the sex better with Al or Bren?"

"V!"

"Answer the question please"

"You know this means war."

"Fine, now stop stalling and answer the bloody question."

"Definitely Ally. The girl is insatiable and excites me beyond belief. Brenda and I were hot, Al and I are volcanic."

"So I've heard and seen for myself."

"What?"

Thought that would get his attention she laughed to herself."Both of you are ...well rather vocal and you should really lock your office door before making love with Ally on the couch. Oh and while I'm at it, you have the best backside I've ever seen in my life."She said with a wicked grin.

"V!"

"Hey we're being truthful and you're getting me drunk. What do you expect. You know how opinionated I am and my perpensity for blurting."

"This could get a little dangerous."Jax warned.
"I thought you liked living dangerously Jasper. I'm game if you are. Any more Bailey's?"

"Let me look." Jax came back with two bottles of Bailey's and a straw. V started laughing and took a bottle off him. She opened it and filled the mugs. They clinked mugs and sat in companionable silence for a while. V set her mug down and looked into Jax's eyes. They were a little blood shot but still incredibly beautiful. After all this time she still could get lost in those azure sparkling pools. Jax smiled at her warmly.

"You know those eyes of yours should come with a warning."She remarked.

"What kind of warning?"He asked in amusement.

"Do not stare directly into these eyes. Has been known to cause women to loose their hearts and minds."She replied softly.

Jax grinned at her and picked up her hand. He kissed it gently and placed it back on her knee. He went back to running his hand along her shin.

"You know what V?"

"What?"

"I've missed us."

"I've missed us too Jax. You've been consumed with Ally, which I fully understand. I've spent the last three weeks attached to a phone. Think I'm going to start penciling myself in your daytimer."

"It shouldn't have to come to that though."

"I know but it's not you and me against the world anymore. You're building a life with Ally and I'm working on the foundations with Jer. We have to make time for each other now. Gone are the days of neither of us having plans for Friday nights. When was the last time you went to a half price movie on Tuesdays? With me I bet, when we went to see Lethal Weapon 6. The last Friday we spent together was two days before you left for LA. On the plus side I don't have to go to the Ice Ball with you."

"You said you had fun?"

"I had fun with you, making fun of everyone else. The Ball itself was an exercise in boredom. Real fun would have been whipping your butt at pool again."She laughed.

"One of these years, I'll learn to play properly and I'll be looking for a rematch wench!"

"I won't hold my breath."
"Alright you asked for it. Time to play again. With whom, when and where did you loose your virginity?"

"I've told you this before Jax."

"Well I've forgotten so humour me."

"I was 19 in a West Palm Beach hotel with James... James...James I can't remember his last name. That should tell you how memorable it was. You?"

"Paradise Beach, Australia and I was almost 19 too. Her name was Annie Rothchild and it was quiet memorable. Very memorable, in fact Annie made me feel things I didn't even think existed. She's married with 2 kids now, living in Melbourne. I think her husband's name is Shawn."

"Would you have taken Brenda back a year ago if she asked you to?"

"No, you know how badly she hurt me. I swore I'd never open myself up to that much pain again. Yet I fell for Al so fast and so hard that I'd do it all again for her but I would fight for Al. I learned my lesson the hard way. If she ever left me V, I'd stop living. It's that simple."

"Well Ally isn't ever going anywhere so I don't have to worry about that. I'm so glad you're happy Jax. I was really worried about you for awhile."

"I was worried myself. Gotta love commercial airliners."

"Yeah you seem to have all the luck in the world. Can I ask you something?

"I think I'm going to regret this but sure."

"I always wondered if... I mean when you thought of me.. Did you ever wonder...Oh never mind"

Jax grinned "Feeling a little flustered V? Did I ...ever wonder what it would be like to make love to you on my desk or your desk or on the boardroom table? Did I fight with the urge to tear your clothes off and ravage you with kisses. Did I ever not hear a word you were saying because I was too busy mentally undressing you? Did I ever wake up in the middle of the night at the Penthouse and see you asleep beside me and want you so badly that I had to take an ice cold shower at 3am?"

"Umm hmm"

"Yes, yes, yes and the water seems even colder at 3am ."

V couldn't help giggling at the thought of Jax having to take a cold shower at 3 in the morning.

"Oh you think ice cold water is funny? Why don't you go try it out now?"He teased.
"No thanks Boss I'm quite happy as I am. It is nice to know that I wasn't the only one having gutter moments."

"Ever dream about me?"He asked.

"At least once a week until Ally came along. The last dream I had was after seeing you and Ally on the couch. I had to go home and take a cold shower and I still couldn't get your backside out of my mind. I had a wicked dream then they stopped happening."

"Hope we went out in a blaze of glory"He said wickedly.

"Jax!!"Her jaw dropped and she turned beet red.

"Well?"

"Yes, now can we change the topic?"

"You brought this up"

"Then I'm changing it. So how about those Rangers?"She laughed.

"Yup I can still make you blush. Thankfully some things never change."

They sat there talking, laughing and teasing each other while draining the two bottles of Bailey's. V told him everything she loved about Jerry and Jax told her why he loved Ally so much. They had been talking for hours and were becoming very sleepy. Jax looked at his watch and it was 7:30am. V was blowing across the mouth of the bottle trying to make noise.

"V give it up. It just ain't going to happen. It's late, well actually early, time to get some sleep. Come over here and get comfortable."

Jax was already sprawled half way across the couch. V kept the bottle in her hand and moved up the couch and leaned back into his arm. He pulled her closer and tightened his arm around her. The both stretched out and Jax kissed the top of her head.

"Night my sweet Goddess of Love."He murmured.

"Umm Night Sir Jasper."She mumbled and feel into a deep sleep.

She Walks in Beauty by Lord Bryon.