You guys seriously have no idea how much it means to me that you keep leaving these pretty comments! Lots and lots of good feelings directed my way=happy.
Okay...I didn't post last night....because I had to go eat dinner, but I felt bad so I got up early this morning to post more! yay...cheers....here you go.
These next few chapters got a LOT of bashing on FF.net so please.....whatever.
Where You Lead I Will FollowLisa quietly shut the bathroom door behind her and walked back out where Jackson was pulling clothes out of a suitcase. She didn’t say anything, just sat on the bed with her back to him. She heard him pause.
“Leese?” he asked. “You all right?” A silence greeted his question. She heard the shower water turn on in the bathroom. “Lisa?” He set down the clothes and moved to her, gently placing a large hand on her shoulder. She yanked away and hopped up from the bed, moving away to stand by the window.
“Lisa,” Jackson began to say again, but Lisa finally snapped and whirled around.
“I hope you’re happy,” she whispered angrily. “I hope you’re over the f*cking moon at what you’ve done.”
He shook his head in confusion. “Wha-”
“You know what, Jack,” she snapped, pulling open the curtains. The London skyline was illuminated by headlights of the cars below.
“Sorry, Leese, I’m drawing a blank,” he shrugged. “Is it still that killing of the old people thing? As I said, I’m sorry, but you need to get over-”
Lisa brought her hand up before she could stop herself and slapped him in the face.
“Her, Jack, Sarah. You had to get another innocent person involved. Call it female-drive emotions, but it’s traumatizing. I’ve been trying to get you out of my head for the past five years, trying to forget...” she trailed off, tears slowly sliding down her face. She saw slight anger dash across his eyes, but then he stopped, taking her arms in his.
“Lisa, why?” he questioned softly. “You moved on after the rape, for the most part forgot. Why is it me that you can’t get out of your head?” She looked away as a car alarm went off below.
“I think you know why,” he insinuated. Lisa slowly brought her eyes to meet his. Before she even knew what was happening, their mouths became one. She didn’t know who began it, but she didn’t pull away. Something in her chest ached and before she could stop herself she brought her hand up, running her hand through his soft brown locks. His hand was placed on her back as the kiss deepened. She fought all thought, all reasoning of why she was doing this and finally realized why he’d been stuck in her head for so long.
Because she was in love with Jackson Rippner.
RealizationsThe sudden stop of the trickling of water in the bathroom brought Lisa back to her senses. She pushed roughly away, breathing in deeply and staring at Jackson in horror.
“Oh God,” she cried, mortified. “What the hell am I doing...” she ran a hand through her frazzled hair. Jackson smiled a half-smile at her.
“Kissing me.”
Lisa rolled her eyes. “No sh*t, Sherlock, but...why...am I? You...you’re a jackass. I hate you, what am I doing?” she repeated, shaking her head.
Jackson took her shoulders. “Why does everything have to be black and white, Leese? Why do you never just let your emotions take hold?”
Lisa began to cry. “I can’t, be with, you, Jackson!”
“Why not?” he demanded.
“Because, you kill people for a living, you almost killed me and you are f*cking HOLDING ME AND A SIXTEEN-YEAR-OLD GIRL HOSTAGE IN A HOTEL,” she answered. Jackson’s eyes flickered at the numerous prosecutions but he remained calm.
“But I won’t hurt you anymore, Leese. I love you,” he told her. “Ever since I first lay eyes on you, I felt. First I didn’t know what it was, but I see now, I see. I love you.” Jackson’s voice was desperate, tender, something Lisa had never heard from him.
She sighed, her eyes filling again with tears. When she didn’t say anything, Jackson took her hands.
“Please, Leese. Give me a chance. That’s all I want,” he begged. “And I know you want it too.”
Lisa bit her lip and looked into his eyes. “This is nuts.”
“I agree,” he whispered. “But you can’t fight feeling.”
Their eyes then locked, blue and brown becoming one. Jackson gathered her up in his arms and Lisa cautiously yet involuntarily pressed her head against his chest, feeling his warm heartbeat against her cheek.
Suddenly the door to the bathroom opened and Lisa sprang away from Jackson as if he were on fire.
“Sarah,” she choked out. Had the girl seen them embrace? She didn’t think or hope so, as Sarah just handed Lisa the makeup bag.
She looked much better, her hair blow-dried and hanging loose, her outfit fitting her slightly loosely but nicely all the same. She’d thrown on a bit of eye makeup and lipgloss, too.
Lisa quickly grabbed the bag and stuttered, “I-I’m going to go get ready.” Sarah nodded and Lisa avoided looking at Jackson as she limped quickly into the bathroom.
She peeled off her gross pajamas and pulled herself into the shower. Lisa let the hot water slide down her back as she washed her hair, her brain still feeling foggy.
What was going on? She thought Jackson was right. It had taken her so long to get him out of her head. It was a nagging feeling that had crawled its way up her chest and was permanently lodged there now. Lisa had never been in love, hadn’t experienced the symptoms. But she’d read a hell of a lot of romance novels and this is what it was shaping up to be.
Was it lust? She didn’t think so, although it had been a while since she’d even just kissed a man. But she didn’t just want Jackson’s body, she wanted something...more. Him. Jackson. The assassin.
Assassin. That was another thing. He was a murderer, no matter which way you put it.
But then...no one was perfect, really. No one could be. Lisa herself sure as hell wasn’t.
Jackson wouldn’t hurt her. That’s what he said. But he already had. No matter if it was for her own good. That thought still lingered there.
He could quit. Quit being a manager.
But that won’t change who he is, a voice in her head told her. Lisa scrubbed furiously at her scalp. He won’t quit.
Maybe. Maybe. Maybe. Anything was possible. But all she could do for now, as Jackson had said, was to stop fighting feeling.
Lisa grabbed up her dirty clothes an hour later, her hair pulled into a tight knot, her face freshly accentuated by a small amount of makeup. She pulled a pair of baby-blue boots to go with her outfit and prepared to leave the bathroom.
She heard voices in the room and she listened for a minute behind the solid cherry door.
“...unbelievable.”
“I know.”
“What did she say?”
“Same.”
“But...why? You’re a freak.”
“Thanks. You’re charming.”
“No, but...you’re an assassin, not to mention the world’s biggest arsehole.”
“Again, such a sweet, sweet girl you are. And I don’t know, okay? But you can’t fight what I know both of us feel.”
“I guess. You better not hurt her, though.”
“I don’t plan to.”
“What about your stupid company? She’s not going to be with an assassin who’s holding her hostage.”
“Yeah. But I won’t be holding her hostage when this job is done.”
“She still won’t be with you after. Quit now.”
“Dammit, you’re so naive. I can’t.”
“Why?”
“Trust me, you are far too young to understand.”
“I’m not a child!”
“I know. But you’re still too young.”
Lisa’s ears perked up. Quitting...if she could convince him, there was hope. But she told herself no. She couldn’t be with him if he killed Keefe. It would have to be her way or the highway.
She stepped out of the bathroom and they stopped talking, looking up at her.
“Please, Jackson,” she looked at him firmly. His eyes softened. “Please.”
He sighed. “Give me time.”
Lisa thought. No, she willed herself to say. Your way or the highway. “Okay.”
Charming VigilanteJackson stood and surveyed the girls in front of him.
“You look nice,” he said sincerely. “Both of you.”
Lisa felt a childish blush creeping up her cheeks. “Thanks,” she muttered.
“Well, shall we?” Jackson offered his arm to Lisa. She took it and Sarah’s hand. They left the hotel room, Lisa now being able to walk without limping, her ankle supported not only by the wrappings but the boots. She grabbed her coat as they hopped in the elevator.
“Now, Lisa, I hate to remind you, but...” Jackson began.
“I know. Don’t try anything cute,” she sighed. “I get it.”
So Sarah knew. And she didn’t appear to mind the new couple’s formation. Maybe she, like Lisa, found it insane, but at the same time understood and condoned it.
“Where are we going?” Lisa asked, almost excitedly.
“Well, wherever,” he shrugged as they stepped into the lobby. “Doesn’t matter. Walk or cab? Do you think you can walk for a while on that, Leese?”
She nodded. “Let’s walk. I can walk fairly well as long as I take it slow.” He nodded and they stepped outside into the cool London city streets. Lisa breathed in deeply. Jackson glanced cautiously down at her face and slid his arm around Lisa’s shoulders. The gesture shocked her but comforted her. She looked up at him and smiled ever so lightly. His hair was freshly combed, his suit hanging loosely on his figure. It was black, the shirt underneath a light blue that accented his eyes. Lisa looked down and laughed, suddenly realizing something.
“We match,” she chuckled softly. He glanced at her outfit and then his and laughed.
“We do, huh?” he shook his head. “That’s funny.”
The sidewalk had quite a few people as they finally settled on a quaint Italian restaurant.
They were seated at a booth and Lisa slid in, figuring Sarah would sit next to her. But instead the girl slid in across from her and Jackson sat down next to Lisa. Lisa shot Sarah an I-Know-What-You’re-Up-To glance and shook her head. Sarah waggled her eyebrows mischievously. Lisa laughed. Sarah, the matchmaker.
Jackson took her hand as they ordered. Lisa let herself lean slightly into him.
“So, Sarah,” Jackson asked conversationally. “What grade are you in?”
She sipped her soda. “Eleventh. I’m a junior.”
“Oooh, prom this year, right?” Lisa interjected. “That was the only dance I ever went to in highschool, and I loved it.”
“Yeah,” Sarah nodded. “Did you get on court?”
Lisa nodded. “I did. And I was surprised, too, because I wasn’t all that popular. I mean, I had my small group of friends and I was fairly nice to the younger kids, but I never expected to get on.” Sarah nodded.
“I wasn’t, either,” Jackson said suddenly.
“I thought you dropped out,” Lisa said in confusion. Jackson shook his head.
“Nah. I dropped out before junior high normal school but then I was tutored and trained,” he explained.
“To be an assassin,” Lisa rolled her eyes.
“Yes. But Lisa, you make it sound worse than it is,” Jackson argued.
“So, you mean, killing people isn’t what it seems?” Lisa spat.
“First of all, we’re not the sociopathic killers you think us to be. We’re professionals. It takes a great amount of skill and ingenuity to devise the plots we do. And for the most part, our clients have legit reasons for wanting them dead,” Jackson said calmly.
“Like?” Lisa pressed.
“Often flaws in their politics, or something of the sort. Hidden innuendos behind the scenes, or business disagreements,” Jackson shrugged.
Lisa just sighed and sipped her drink. But she looked up when she realized Sarah had gone rigid.
“You-you’re going to kill my dad?” she whispered. Lisa glared at Jackson. “I thought he just had to quit his job.”
“Sorry, Sarah, but it’s my job,” Jackson explained. “The decline was necessary for the assassination.”
“No,” she was shaking from head to toe, her tears sliding quickly down her pale cheeks. “No, you can’t, no...why...”
Jackson sighed. “Sarah, it’s my-”
“No!” she screamed, leaping from the table. The silverware clattered as she dashed off to the restroom. Lisa moved to run after her but Jackson blocked her.
“Let me out, Jack,” she demanded angrily.
“No,” he shook his head. “She’ll be back.”
“You’re an arsehole,” Lisa spat. “How do you live with yourself? Keefe’s a good man, he’s a good father-”
Jackson slammed his fist down on the table and turned to look at her, his eyes angrily flashing. “He’s a good man, Leese? Well, I hate to break it to you, sweetheart, but this saint you’re speaking of is cheating on his wife with some Hollywood bimbo and he’s secretly authorizing a drug-smuggling into North Carolina from Cuba. Because Leese, if that’s what a good man is in your eyes than I fully understand your feelings toward me.”
Lisa just let her jaw slide open in shock.
“N-no, he wouldn’t-”
“Yes, Leese, he would. He doesn’t think on legality he justifies it by the nice sum it adds to his paycheck,” Jackson snapped.
“Well, Sarah doesn’t know that,” Lisa pointed out.
“No, and I don’t plan to tell her. By all means, by my guest.”
Lisa shook her head. “I’d rather she continue to see you as a d*¢k.”
He looked at her. “I’m sorry, Leese. Really.”
Lisa sighed and even though she knew she shouldn’t, she believed him. “I know. But after this hell is all over, I’m not going to allow myself to have a relationship with a killer.”
“I’m not quitting,” he told her stubbornly.
“Then I can’t be with you,” Lisa responded, clenching her jaw.
“Come on, Leese,” he begged. “It’s a good job, stable, and really we’re just vigilantes, you know?”
Vigilantes. That was a new one.
“How about this? You stay with me later on and I’ll try to quit,” he offered. Lisa bit her lip.
Your way.
Your way or the highway.
“Okay.”
Love?Sarah returned just as the food was arriving, her face blotchy and tearstained. Lisa felt absolutely horrible. Jackson caught the look on her face and sighed as Sarah stiffly fell into her seat.
“Sarah,” he said seriously. She didn’t look at him. “Sarah, I’m sorry, okay? If it were up to me, your dad wouldn’t be in this situation. So don’t be pissed at me.”
Sarah scoffed. “Not up to you? You’re a f*cking assassin.”
Jackson seemed taken aback by the girl’s strong language and cringed. “Yeah, but-”
“It’s fine. Whatever. Just don’t...talk to me, okay? I know the only reason you’re trying to get on my good side is to make Lisa happy,” she snapped.
“Sarah-” Lisa began. She felt so selfish, so idiotic, so ashamed.
“You know what?” Jackson cut her off. “This is about me and Lisa. You have no right to sit there and judge my actions.”
“Jackson,” Lisa warned. Sarah and Jackson fell into a silence, both competitors in a fierce glare-off.
Lisa sighed. This was going to be a long night.
They finally left the restaurant and Jackson seemed to calm down considerably. He glanced at his watch and looked at the girls.
“Well, its still early, what do you say we just walk around a bit?” he offered, holding open the door. Lisa glanced at Sarah.
“That okay with you?” Lisa confirmed. Sarah shrugged but nodded.
They ordered hot chocolate from a vendor and wandered down a beautiful, snow-covered street.
Lisa smiled, happy but also sad. She winced as her ankle suddenly felt a shooting pain.
“Ow,” she moaned. “Let’s sit down for a bit.” She hobbled over to a bench to sit as a light snow began to fall. Sarah looked up at the sky and slowly stuck out her tongue, letting the flakes fall slowly onto them. Lisa laughed and Jackson flopped down next to her. He slid his arm over the bench behind her and Sarah continued to spin around catching snowflakes. Her blonde hair whipped around in her face and the city lights illuminated her face. She looked beautiful and contented at the moment. Lisa saw the small smile on Jackson’s face and looked at him.
“What?” she chuckled. He looked embarrassed but shrugged.
“Her,” he said quietly. “Sarah. She’s so...easily happy by this one little thing, the snow.”
“Yeah,” Lisa agreed simply. “But...sometimes...when things are sh*t, it’s just...sorting through and making the best of the small things.” She looked up into his face, as if seeing if he understood.
“You’re right,” he agreed. “You’re absolutely right.”
“I know,” she laughed.
“And you’re beautiful,” he added, their eyes interlocking. She smiled at him and then their lips met. At first she was shocked, but then she let their embrace deepen and she leaned into him, warmed by his body heat as the snow continued to collect on her hair.
Finally, though, it was as if a lightbulb clicked on in Lisa’s head and she slowly broke away, tears sliding down her face.
“What’s wrong?” Jackson murmured, gently lifting her chin with his hand.
“It all has to end eventually, though, doesn’t it?” she whispered. “This-us-it has to end. Nothing lasts forever.”
“Leese,” Jackson gathered her up in his arms. “What we have, what it is...it is forever.”
And with those words, as if by some invisible switch, the lightbulb clicked back off.
Mood SwingsLisa yawned and rolled over in her bed. She looked at Sarah’s face, still placidly sleeping, and dragged herself out of bed. Despite how comfortable she’d felt the night before with Jackson, she hadn’t felt ready yet to sleep in the same bed as him. That was, after all, a huge step, especially for Lisa.
Lisa walked into the bathroom and, leaving the door open, examined her reflection in the mirror. Her face looked tired but in a way...natural, void of any makeup. Her hair, gone for several days without any curling or extra management, had begun to fall somewhat straight, but in a good way. Lisa sighed. She was changing so much, so quickly, inside and out.
“Good morning, Leese.”
Jackson’s voice behind her startled her and she jumped about a foot in the air, her ankle once again bending horribly. She shrieked as she began to fall but Jackson caught her in his arms.
“Sorry,” he laughed. “Thought you saw me.”
“No,” Lisa gasped. “I didn’t.”
He laughed again and they hobbled over to sit at the table.
“I-need to talk to you about something, Lisa,” Jackson said cautiously.
“Um...okay,” Lisa replied hesitantly.
“We’re meeting with Keefe today,” Jackson said simply.
Lisa looked up at him, her expression pained. “Jackson, please, don’t do this.”
“Lisa, it’s my job,” Jackson sighed, irritated.
“What about your ‘job’ as a human?” she cried. “How can you live with yourself after this?”
“I’ve learned to deal with it,” he sighed.
“What am I supposed to do?” she snapped. “How do I move on after assisting in a murder?”
“I don’t know,” he snapped. “You’ll think of something. Be creative.”
“I don’t want to f*cking do this!” she screamed, trying to stand up from the table. She weakly tried to walk back to the bathroom but Jackson took her arm. “I’m not doing this! I’m not doing this goddamn job and I’m not going to be with you!”
“Lisa,” Jackson began to reply angrily as Lisa tried to squirm away. He pushed her against the wall and she continued to struggle. “Lisa.”
“No,” she moaned, still attempting to wriggle her arm away. “Let go of me!”
Jackson finally lost it. His hand flew up and smacked Lisa hard in the face and ceased her struggling. She gasped as the hand hit her cheek and her eyes looked as shocked as his. Then they looked hurt. How dare he, how dare he, after all that...
“Lisa,” he began to say as she pushed past him into the bathroom. At the doorway she turned back to him.
“Go to hell,” she spat.
These next few chapters got a LOT of bashing on FF.net so please.....whatever. 
(.::Blinkie courtesy of Cillian Murphy Fan::.) 