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I Would Do Anything For You	By : tj Category: +M through R > Real Adventures of Jonny Quest, The Views: 3344 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: Don't own characters or anything related to Real Adventures of Jonny Quest and not getting paid.

Chapter List
- 1-I Would Do Anything For You
- 2-2
- 3-3
- 4-4
- 5-5
- 6-6
- 7-7
- 8-8
- 9-9
- 5
- 6
- 7
Jonny went back to his own room in a bit of a daze. The room itself felt stuffy and he did not like being there by himself. He had been planning for weeks to spend every night with Jess and was disappointed that their bubble had popped so quickly. He was trying hard to stay logical. To see things from her perspective and not let his emotions take over, but he often found it impossible to be rationale when it came to her, especially when it came to her safety. Her ability to make him feel every emotion at once was debilitating and he hated it almost as much as he loved her.
He paced the room a few times, hung out on the balcony for a while and did at least two hundred sit ups before he had to get out. The text message she sent him was the last straw.
'Meet me in the gym for sparring?' he texted Race instead of responding to her. He was out the door before he even got an answer. He decided to take the stairs again to blow off some steam and fantasized about running into Tyler and exactly what he would do to him if the consequences could be ignored.

Jessie could not bring herself to go back to her room after their argument. Instead, she sought out a distraction. Down by the pool, she found Dr. Quest and her grandparents Bannon. It was exactly what she needed. "Hi guys. It's nice to see you like this," she commented and took a seat on an empty lounge chair next to them.
"Baby girl," Sarah's face lit up. "Like what?"
"Relaxing," Jessie clarified. "You three never relax. You work too hard."
"It's so beautiful here," Dr. Quest commented. "It's impossible not to take advantage."
"Thanks for arranging all of this Dr. Quest," Jessie said. "I didn't think I would like a warmer Christmas, but I was wrong."
"I'm glad," he smiled. "It's so nice to have a big group together." Jessie did not agree, but she could not find it in her to comment or even dwell on it because seeing Dr. Quest happy was worth it. "Tell me about your studies, sweetheart? I've loved talking to your peers, but I want to hear from you."
"Well," she smiled. She loved discussing her academics with Dr. Quest. She really hoped her decision to transfer would not disappoint him. "I've liked my robotics and micro electromechanical systems classes. Professor Garvin has spent a lot of time focused on the theory…"
"…and that is my cue," Jack stood up. "I'm sorry. I love you, Jessie. I'm also ridiculously proud of you, but I don't understand anything you two discuss. I'm gonna go find my son. Call me when you want to go for a run, sweetie."
"Deal, Pa paw." Jessie called after him with a smile in her voice as he walked away.
"JACK…that was so rude," Sarah scolded.
"Me maw," Jessie laughed. "No offense taken."
"Same," Dr. Quest cut in. "I could bore myself to sleep."
"Benton, you are certainly not boring," Sarah smiled. "Now excuse me while I go smack my better half upside the head."
"I'm sorry," Jessie apologized once her grandparents were out of earshot.
"Don't worry about it," he laughed. "So what's on your mind? You seemed distracted when you walked over."
Jessie took a quick look around to make sure they did not have an audience. "Jonny and I had a fight," she sighed. "I hate fighting with him."
"You two will work it out," Dr. Quest offered. "You always do."
"I know," she said quietly. "I think it just feels like a bigger deal than normal because we've been away from each other."
"He was impossible by the way," Dr. Quest mused. "I had forgotten how well you balance him until you were gone."
"Thank you for saying that," she grinned. It was exactly what she wanted to hear.
"I mean it. You're so good for him. What was this fight about?" he asked.
"I don't want to talk about it."
"So it was your fault?"
"Pretty much," Jessie laughed. "I already apologized and I know he needs time to cool down and accept it so we can talk it out. I'm just impatient to make up."
"You? Impatient?" he teased.
"I know. I'm usually so easy-going," she played along. They were both quiet for a long moment. Jessie was wondering what Jonny was up to and Dr. Quest was wondering when his kids had grown up. "Speaking of easy-going, when does Hadj get here?" she asked.
"First thing tomorrow," Dr. Quest answered in excitement. Hadji was in his second year at Yale. Dr. Quest had a minor freak out when Hadji chose Yale over Harvard, but it was short-lived. "So micro electromechanical systems classes?" he prompted.
"I actually," she stumbled nervously and looked away for a moment. That got his attention.
"What is it?" he urged with a worried look.
"I'm afraid that I'm about to sound insufferable," she paused.
"Impatient. Yes. Insufferable. No," he assured her. "Talk to me."
"I realized about halfway through my semester that I wasn't as….challenged as I expected. I mean it was hard, of course. Studying for finals kicked my butt…it's just," she struggled.
"You are a brilliant young woman," he told her. "I could not be more proud of you if I tried. There's nothing insufferable about wanting to challenge yourself more. It's actually quite admirable and I'm not surprised to hear this."
"You're not?" she asked.
"No," he shook his head. "I was concerned my alma mater's program would not be rigorous enough for you, but you were so excited I did not have the heart to bring it up, especially since a Harvard education could hardly be disparaged by anyone," he added.
"That's true," she started.
"…but you need more," he interrupted. "I can put in a few calls to MIT. They have the best and most cutting-edge curriculum or," he took a breath, his powers of deduction crashing down on him. "I suppose Stanford is the most logical choice for you when ALL factors are considered."
"Yes," she bit back a smile. "Your son is a pretty big factor in most things I consider, but the program at Stanford is a bigger factor in this decision."
"I never questioned that," he promised.
"So what do you think?" she was anxious to know.
"I think transferring to a better program is the right move," he told her slowly. "But I worry that it will be harder to focus on your studies if you and Jonny are together. For both of you."
"I would argue that being apart is a bigger distraction," Jessie responded. "I was…uneven without him too. He makes me better, Dr. Quest." She had the sudden urge to go find him. Well it was not sudden, but it was stronger than five minutes ago. She settled for a quick text to test the waters. 'I was wrong and I'm sorry. I already miss your face.'
"Then you have my support," he decided after thinking it over.
"Thank you," she beamed. "I think I'm gonna need it."
"Your parents will understand," he tried to ease her fears.
"Having you champion the academic side will help," she sighed with relief and then relaxed back into the chair. She planned to hide out here as long as possible.

Tyler's face. That was the only thing Jonny saw as he beat the shit out of the punching bag with tunnel vision.
"Ya know, spotters exist for a reason," Race yelled over the sound of Jonny's assault. Jonny stopped at the interruption.
"Yeah," he breathed heavily.
"So do gloves," Jack stared down at his red knuckles.
"Just getting warmed up," Jonny shrugged.
"You alright, kiddo?" Race asked.
"I'm fine," Jonny smiled convincingly. "Just looking to blow off some steam."
"I'm up first," Jack announced. "Don't go easy on me."
"I wouldn't dare," Jonny laughed. He already felt better.
"Gadgets away," Jack ordered when he saw Jonny go for his phone. 'I love you,' he texted her and then turned it off. His anger was starting to fade, but that gnawing feeling in his gut was still there. He knew it would stay until they talked.

"That was an impressive showing," Jonny teased, directing the jab at Jack. They were making their way toward the pool after going a few rounds. Jonny felt lighter and he was ready to make up with his girl.
"I've got over forty years on you and you barely beat me, kid."
"That's true," Jonny laughed. "I probably shouldn't be so proud of myself, but I've never beaten you before. You're next," he then directed at Race.
"Maybe in twenty years," Race shot back.
They grabbed a few towels from the stand and then made their way to the only open chairs. Jonny spotted Jessie across the pool with his dad as soon as they got settled. She was beautiful and he could not stop staring. She was staring at him too.
"Hi gentlemen," the waitress came right over. "Can I get you anything?" she asked, looking right at Jonny. Jonny was clueless as Race and Jack looked on amused.
"No…no thank you," Race laughed. The waitress lingered a moment and then walked away.
"You are so whipped," Jack kicked Jonny's chair and shook him from his revere.
"Huh?"
"Young man, you are whipped," Jack repeated and nodded in his granddaughter's direction.
"Completely," Jonny admitted with no shame. He was about to get up and join her when his mood plummeted in record time.
"Can I have a word?" Tyler walked right up to him. Jonny was so focused on Jess that he did not see him coming.
"You have some serious fucking balls," Jonny jumped up, pushing him back roughly and then getting right in Tyler's face. "I'll give you that much."
"JONNY," Race yelled and then pushed them apart.
Jonny turned his back and took a deep breath. 'Don't hit him. Don't hit him," he repeated to himself, but both his fists were instinctively clenched. He felt several eyes on him and out of the corner of his eye he could see Jess rushing over.
"What happened to your face?" Race growled. He had a feeling that he already knew.
"Jess hit him," Jonny turned around and announced.
"Walk away," Race ordered Tyler quietly.
"I'll go," Jonny offered. He needed to leave before Jessie got involved because he knew no one would be able to hold him back if she did, but he was not going anywhere before saying his piece. "You've seen what my girl will do to you," he sneered slowly. "It'll be my turn if you make her feel uncomfortable again and I'll fucking kill you if you TOUCH her again."
He could feel her behind him, so he walked away before it could escalate.

Jessie wanted to follow him, but thought it best to let him cool off and she wanted to make sure her dad behaved too.
"What are you trying to accomplish?" Jessie directed at Tyler.
"I…"
"Shut the fuck up," Race boomed to cut him off and for the first time Jessie saw Tyler smarten up and look nervous. "Leave…shut up," Race stopped him from trying to explain. "Go pack your shit. Turn around and go pack."
"Let's go, son." Jack stepped in. "I'll make sure Jonny doesn't hurt you," he teased.
For once, Tyler kept his mouth shut and walked away with Jack.
Race sighed and then turned his attention to Jessie. "Talk," he ordered.
"I think you caught all the highlights along with the rest of the pool patrons," she responded sarcastically and sat down. Race joined her and threw an arm over her shoulders.
"Sweetheart?" he urged.
"It wasn't a big deal, dad. I can take care of myself. You should know that. You taught me how."
"Now it makes sense why Jonny was trying to murder a punching bag earlier," Race commented. "How did you keep him from flying off the handle?"
"It wasn't easy. He was pretty angry and we got into a huge fight," she admitted. "Clearly he is still mad at me."
"You wouldn't know it from the way he was looking at you a minute ago," Race tried to comfort her.
"Yeah…well, this isn't a big deal either. We fight sometimes and then we make up. There are greater tragedies," she deflected. She did not want to discuss this again.
"Ok…I'll see you in a few hours," he got up and rubbed her head lovingly.
"Where are you going?"
"I know you can take care of yourself, but I will be personally escorting Tyler home to make it clear that he needs to steer clear next semester," Race told her. "I don't want to hear any arguments."
"It's not necessary," she started.
"Jess…"
"No," she insisted. "It's REALLY not."
"Why?" he asked with worry and sat back down.
"I'm not going back," she confessed. "I'm transferring to Stanford."
"Jess…"
"It's not because of Jonny," she cut him off again. Race pursed his lips and raised an eyebrow at that response.
"I just mean that I would be leaving Harvard no matter what," she added. "It's the right academic decision. Jonny obviously factors in to choosing Stanford as the alternative."
"When did you decide?" he asked in annoyance.
"About twelve hours ago. I wanted to talk to Jonny first. I was always going to tell you today."
"I assume your mother does not know this yet?"
"No," she laughed. "I'm still breathing."
"Shit. She was planning to apologize to you," Race informed her.
"She still can," Jessie replied stubbornly. "Stay please? Tyler can find his own way home."
"Yeah…ok," he agreed. He had a feeling he would be mediating again soon.
"Are you ok with this?" she asked.
"Does it matter?"
"Yes."
"Is it really the right move for your degree?"
"It is. Ask Dr. Quest if you don't believe me."
"I believe you. I just got used to you being two hundred miles away," he complained.
"So come with us," she suggested. "You guys can work from anywhere."
"You would be ok with that?"
"Yes. I'm not running away from anything. I'm running toward something," she grinned.
"I've come to join the two of you," Benton walked over. "Apparently, my son does not want to talk to me."
"I'm sorry, Dr. Quest. It doesn't have anything to do with you. He's still mad at me."
"You don't have to apologize for my son," Benton smiled. "And it seemed like he was mad at your friend Tyler from where I stood."
"Tyler's not my friend and believe me I'm the one Jonny's upset with. Let's talk about something else," she insisted.

Jonny was back to the blind anger and ready to hit something again. He blew right past his dad and tore through the hotel lobby to the elevators. He smacked the up arrow and waited impatiently for the elevator to arrive, but he did not get on when it did. Suddenly, the thought of being in his room again made him feel claustrophobic. He took a few deep breaths and then pushed the up arrow again. This time when the doors opened Estella walked out and Jonny was unable to hide the look of resignation on his face.
"What's wrong?" she asked.
He thought she seemed genuinely concerned, but he still responded with a quick "nothing."
"Tyler," she then switched focus as Tyler and Jack came around the corner slowly. "What happened?"
"Motherfucker," Jonny mumbled under his breath and tensed up.
"Jonny, take the stairs. NOW. You won't beat me twice in one day," Jack ordered.
Jonny did not even hear Jack. He continued to stare Tyler down and then made the decision that he definitely could not be caged up in his room the rest of the night so he walked towards them.
"Jonny," Jack warned and stepped halfway in front of Tyler in a defensive position.
'Pussy,' Jonny thought when Tyler let him.
"I'm just going to the beach," Jonny looked at Jack and threw his hands up, but he plowed into Tyler's shoulder hard as he walked by.
"Consider yourself lucky," Jack told Tyler. "Now go," he gestured toward the elevator.
"Jonny did that to him?" Estella asked in alarm as she watched Tyler scurry away with his head down.
"No," Jack laughed. "That was Jessie's handiwork."
"Jesus," Estella sighed. "I guess I'll just add that to the list of things my daughter and I need to discuss. Do you know where she is?"
"Down by the pool with Roger."
"Thanks Jack," she smiled and rubbed the side of his arm. "You look good." She had always liked Race's father a lot. His mother was another story.
"So do you, sweetheart. Now can you do me a favor?" he asked and waited until she nodded her head in agreement. "Keep giving my son hell. He deserves it. But please cut my honorary grandson some slack? He loves Jess the way I love my Sarah. I can see it in his eyes. A man can't fake that kind of love."
"He's a boy, but I do promise."
"Thank you… and he's really not," Jack grinned. "They went and grew up on us."
Estella smiled sadly and then went off to find her daughter.

"Hi Jess," her mother walked up to her. Contrite.
"Mom," Jessie sighed hesitantly.
"Can I treat you to a massage?" she asked hopefully. "Just the two of us. I promise. I actually booked a couples massage so we can talk."
"That's a little weird, but sounds like fun. Let's go," she got up. "Thanks dad. Dr. Quest you too," she smiled. She had a great time catching up with them and her heart felt lighter knowing that they were on board with her decision. She was excited to tell Jonny.
The hotel spa was beautiful and tranquil. Jessie felt even more relaxed when she put on her robe, but her mind naturally drifted to Jonny again while she waited for her mother to change. She missed him. It was pathetic how much she missed him actually. She hoped that she would never have to miss him again once they made it through the next six months.
"Ready sweetie?"
"Absolutely," she stood and fell in step beside her mother and their technicians on the way to the treatment room. It was dimly lit with candles and smelled like lavender. Jessie could not keep the smile off her face as she disrobed and got under the sheets. She took a deep breath as instructed and enjoyed the ministrations of her masseur for a few minutes before her mom interrupted the quiet.
"I'm sorry about lunch?" Estella apologized.
"It's okay, mom."
"Now that we have that out of the way," she sighed. "Can we discuss your new career as a boxer?"
"Oh that," Jessie quipped. "He deserved it. I told him to walk away and he didn't. It's best that I intervened when I did though," she continued to justify. "If he kept harassing me, Jonny would've really hurt him."
"You can't go around hitting people…"
"I don't go around hitting people. I hit one jerk who grabbed me in a stairwell because he was pissed that I refused to cheat on my boyfriend with him. He's an entitled asshole."
"Looks like you got him good," Estella conceded.
"Just like dad taught me," Jessie laughed.
"Speaking of your dad," Estella started slowly. "He and I were discussing your relationship with Jonny earlier."
"Yeah," Jessie sighed. "Did he talk some sense into you?"
"Yes."
"What?" Jessie asked in surprise.
"I like Jonny just fine. I always have," she admitted. It was not an outpouring of love, but it was more than Jessie expected. "First loves are amazing and intense, but they rarely last. You are so entwined in him. I don't want to see you hurt."
"He's never hurt me. He loves me, mom."
"I want you to live a full life and experience the world. I want you to settle down some day, but not too quickly."
"Mom, thank you. I have no plans to settle down any time in the near future. That's not happening until I have my PhD and I've started my work at Quest Enterprises," she promised. "Jonny knows what I want and we are on the same page. When the time comes though…it's gonna be him. All of it’s gonna be with him. I'm not sure how we'll get there or when, but I know it's him."
"Okay."
"Really?" Jessie asked skeptically.
"Yes. Your father assures me that Jonny is completely devoted to your happiness…"
"He is," Jessie laughed. "Annoying so. He makes me feel like a slacker in that department."
"Well your father and I don't agree on much, but I know he has higher standards for you than anyone so I have to trust you two."
"Let's end the conversation now and enjoy our massages," Jessie laughed. "This was perfect."
"Sweetie?" she asked after a beat.
"Hmm?"
"Are you and Jonny sleeping together?" Estella asked suddenly.
Jessie's heart began racing at the question and she felt her entire body flush. Her first instinct was to lie. Her second instinct was to get defensive and tell her mother to mind her own business. She ignored those instincts, however, and just told the truth. She was nineteen after all and times had changed.
"Yes," she responded and then held her breath waiting for her mother's response.
"You're being safe?"
"Always."
"And he treats you well?"
"Completely devoted, remember?"
"Right…okay," Estella took a deep breath and then settled back into her massage.
Enjoying her massage was out of the question for Jessie after that. Her mind was racing almost as fast as her heart now. She felt like the conversation went well, but she still had an uneasy feeling. She wanted to talk to Jonny.
"Are you gonna tell dad?" Jessie asked in a voice that came out a little squeaky.
"No," Estella promised and Jessie released the breath she was holding. "This is between us."

"Thanks again, mom. This was so nice," Jessie grinned as they redressed in the locker room. She still felt awkward and uneasy, but she was trying to ignore it and hope for the best. Transitioning to an adult relationship with her mother was bound to have a few bumps in the road.
"Can we have dinner together?" Estella asked. "…or will you just die if you have to spend another hour away from Jonny?" she teased.
"Don't start," Jessie pleaded. "I get enough of that from dad. I'm definitely up for dinner." Jessie had not forgotten that she still needed to tell her mother about Stanford. She wanted to tell her and she really wanted her to understand. "Can dad join us?" she suddenly asked. Her mom seemed to be finally accepting her relationship with Jonny after talking to her father. Maybe seeing that he supported her decision to transfer would help ease that blow.
"Of course. Let's go find him," she suggested.
"I can just call him," Jessie mocked. "You really need to start embracing technology."
"Yeah. Yeah. Go find him or call him and I'll meet you at the Lobby Lounge. I want to freshen up."

Jessie grabbed a table for four and was waiting for her mother with Dr. Quest and her dad. She figured two supporters in her camp was better than one. She was nervous and having trouble focusing on anything they were discussing.
'Baby?' she texted and then stared at her phone waiting for a response.
"Calm down," Race ordered. "It'll be fine."
"Your right," she told him as much as herself. Then out of the corner of her eye, Jessie saw Theresa and Martha rushing over. She rolled her eyes in annoyance. She did not have the patience left in her reserves to deal with their mooning over Dr. Quest right now.
"Jessie, what…"
"I'm sorry," Jessie cut her off quickly. "Can I catch up with you two tomorrow?"
Theresa ignored her. "When were you planning to tell me that you transferred to Stanford?" she yelled. "I had to hear it from Madison? I'm your roommate. And you punched Tyler in the face? What the hell is going on?"
"THERESA," Jessie yelled too and stood up. "I said I would talk to you tomorrow," she tried to finish patiently.
"Jeez…you gonna hit me too?" Theresa said it in such a bitchy way that Jessie really wanted to.
"Girls," Dr. Quest cut in. Theresa and Martha's posture changed instantly when Dr. Quest spoke. "Jessie will find you tomorrow."
Jessie remained standing until they were out of earshot. She was so keyed up. "I've lost count of the people that have screamed at me today," she complained and then dropped back down into her seat, head in her hands. "I'm ready to go to bed and start fresh on a new day. Who does Theresa think she is anyway?" It took Jess a full ten seconds to notice that they were not listening to her because they were focused on something over her right shoulder.
'Shit,' her breath hitched and she turned around reluctantly to see her mother. Arms crossed and a seriously furious look on her face.
"Mom…"
"Shut your mouth."
"Don't do this. We just had a nice…"
"I said be quiet," she whispered fiercely.
"Stel?"
"Stay out of this Roger. Wait," she then turned her anger on him. "Did you know about this?"
"I just told him," Jessie stood up again and crossed her arms. "I just told both of them. It's the best decision for…"
"You're gonna give up your dream to follow him across the country?" Estella asked in shock.
"No. It's…"
"I forbid this," she roared, which shook Jessie from her anxious state.
"You have no say whatsoever," Jessie shouted. "I don't need your permission and I definitely didn't ask for it."
"STOP," Race boomed and got in between them. "This is a waste of time until you both calm the hell down."
"Estella, I can assure you this is a good academic move for Jessie," Dr. Quest tried to help. "She is too advanced for Harvard's mechanical engineering program."
"That's not why she's doing this," Estella announced.
"You know NOTHING about me if you could think that," Jessie cried. She tried to focus on her anger, but the hurt just took over. She thought they had a breakthrough and now they were back at square one. Jessie stood there frozen and tried to shake away her tears, while her parents whisper yelled and her 'friends' stared. She could not see her mom any more. Her dad completely blocked her view as he tried to calm Estella down. Jessie appreciated that, but also knew it did not matter. Her mom would not see reason because she did not want to. When her dad turned around to speak with her, she could not focus on his words. She felt completely overwhelmed. "I'm going," she announced and then walked away.

Jonny was half watching the sunset, but mostly watching Jessie when his phone rang.
He had spent the previous few hours walking along the coast, hitting up the tourist shops and eating funnel cake. He bought a hideous dark green hoodie that made him laugh when the wind chill got to him. It had Florida written across the chest in bright turquoise. He actually thought it would look cute on Jessie. She had always liked wearing his clothes anyway. The stores also had an insane array of key chains and trinkets emblazoned with names. There were shot glasses, heart-shaped piggybanks and everything in between. He looked for his name and then hers on a few items just to kill time, but then saw something that he had to buy. Mostly to make her smile, but he did like the sentiment.
He ended up close to the spot where they had come the night before. Jessie ended up in the same spot about twenty minutes ago and he had been watching her. He just wanted to watch her for a bit longer before hashing things out.
"Race," he answered. "What's up?"
"Where are you?"
"Beach," he replied simply. "Out by some of the shops."
"I think Jess is headed in your general direction. Can you try and find her? She was in tears when she left and is not answering her phone," he then told him. Jonny instinctively looked up to make sure she was still in his eye line. When he squinted, it did look like her shoulders were shaking. 'Fuck.'
"Of course. What happened?"
"Estella did not take the Stanford news well."
"Shit." Jonny had forgotten that Jess planned to tell her parents today. "That news slipped my mind."
"Obviously."
"Sorry," he added simply.
"We'll discuss it later," Race sighed. "Just go take care of her," he ordered and then hung up.

Jessie pulled Jonny's contact information up on her phone and her thumb hovered over the 'call' button.
"Why are you hesitating?" she heard him ask softly from behind her. She closed her eyes and let the warmth of his voice wash over her and then the warmth of the hoodie that he wrapped around her shoulders.
"Didn't know if you'd want me to," she wiped at her eyes quickly. Her guard was still up.
"I came as soon as I heard," he ignored her comment.
"It's been a shitty day, Jonny."
"You want me to leave?"
"I'm just tired and I don't want to fight."
"I don't want to fight either, Jess."
"Then why do I feel like we're about to start screaming at each other? I'm fucking done being yelled at for the day."
"I was actually feeling pretty good until fifteen seconds ago," he sighed.
"Oh…so you were good until I started talking? That's nice."
"Why do I always have to be the patient one?" he asked quietly. "I'm here to help."
"Sorry being with me is so hard," she yelled.
He screamed inside his head for a minute and then tried to take a few calming breaths. She drove him fucking crazy.
"I can say 'reset' or I can walk away. Tell me what you want, Jess?" That gnawing feeling in his gut expanded when she kept quiet and did not turn around.
He made it about five feet down the beach before she surprised him from behind. "Reset," she whispered into his back and tightened her arms around his mid-section. "I don't want to fight."
He released the breath he was holding. It was a mixture of relief and exhaustion.
"I'm sorry," she pulled back and then sat down in the sand again. "I've had such a bad day. I didn't mean to take it out on you. You're the last person I want to take it out on. I feel…"
"Tell me," he urged softly. He wanted to scream it. Instead, he sat down next to her. Patiently.
"I'm not even sure where to start," she teared up again and her chin shook, but she did not let any fall.
"The beginning," he tucked hair behind her ears and cradled her face.
"I'm…my mom was in rare form today," she started. "She was pushy at lunch. She invited Tyler to join us and I was so angry because I wanted to spend time with her, ya know? She was being nice to him and she doesn't do that with you. She doesn't even try…"
"She used to," he started to defend.
"That isn't good enough," Jessie yelled. "She knows how I feel about you," she looked away. "Anyway, I was upset and then I had to deal with Tyler being handsy and you being pissed at me and my mother trying to have the sex talk with me about five years too late and…"
"Wait…what?" he couldn't help but laugh. She laughed too when she saw the look on his face.
"Yeah…that happened," she rolled her eyes. "I have no idea where it came from. She's mercifully never brought the subject of sex up before. I mean, I understand it's a rite of passage, but I thought the powers that be would give me a free pass since I had to go through it with my dad, which was beyond uncomfortable."
"How did that even come up?" he asked.
"It didn't really come up so much as she came right out and asked me if we were sleeping together," Jessie sighed.
"What did you tell her?"
"The truth. I didn't want to lie."
"Your dad?"
"He wasn't part of the conversation," she assured him. "My mom said she wouldn't tell him, but who knows." Then she started to sob uncontrollably.
"Come here," he pulled her into his arms and let her cry it out. "It's going to be fine, baby." He rubbed her back until she calmed down enough to keep talking. This was unlike her. He did not mind it, but it was unusual. He took a quick mental inventory and realized that he had seen her cry more in the last three months than the last three years.
"It was a good talk," she eventually sat back and Jonny wiped the wetness from her face. "I thought for a minute…" she shrugged. "I thought we were connecting for the first time in so long. She barely had a chance to digest that we were sleeping together before everything came out about Stanford. She didn't give me a chance to explain. All she could focus on was that I was following YOU and making a huge decision just because of YOU. She didn't even think to ask me why I wanted to transfer. It was awful."
"I'm sorry that I wasn't there, baby."
"Well, that was my fault too. Not yours. So yeah…just not my day, but tomorrow will be better…" she shrugged.
"We can talk to your mom in the morning, ok? We can explain together why this is the best for both of us," Jonny suggested.
"That's honestly not why I'm upset," she admitted. "It was just the last straw. Deep down, I always knew my mom would take it bad. I knew. Her reaction on top of everything else didn't help, but…" she stopped and then laid back to look at the stars. "Why were you so mad at me today?" she changed gears. "There was more to it than Tyler," she prompted. "He was just a symptom."
"Ace…"
"Tell me," she urged. "I want to make things right with us. That's what will make me feel better."
"I don't know if you'll remember this," he smiled to himself and then laid back beside her. She reached over and laced her fingers through his immediately. "We had a conversation a few days before the Columbus Day holiday about…"
"Going to Greece this summer," she cut in. "I remember. We started to argue about whether we should go to Athens or Thessaloniki first. It was so dumb since we would hit both regardless."
"WE didn't start to argue," he sighed. "I started it. I was looking for a fight because I was pissed off. I had mostly made my peace with our arrangement by then, but I really thought you were gonna change your mind and come home for a few days and it hurt that you didn't."
"I almost did," she whispered. "In retrospect, I should have. We ended up spending most of our time on the phone anyway. The phone sex was fun," she turned her head and bit her lip.
"The phone sex was fun," he laughed and got lost in that memory for a moment.
He had picked up the phone on the fourth ring. Annoyed. It was early on a Saturday and had woken him up. “What?” he grumbled, turning onto his back and running a hand through his hair.
“Hi,” she greeted. He could see her smile in his head. He missed her.
“Hi,” he said hesitantly. He knew something was up immediately by the tone of her voice.
“Are you alone?” she hummed.
“Checking up on me, baby?”
“Are you alone?” she asked again.
“Yes…why?” Now he was very curious.
“Just wanted to make sure before I started.”
“Start what?”
“Running the flat of my tongue up your long hard morning wood to wake you up,” she moaned, rolling her nipples between her fingers as she said it. “…and then taking you inside my mouth a few inches. Jonny…I wish it was your hands on me right now.”
They had never done this before, but he liked where it was going. He needed it. Every part of him missed her, especially his morning wood as he thought about her pleasuring herself. He could not resist wrapping a hand around his erection and stroking up.
“They are,” he panted. “I’m not letting you get out of bed this morning, baby. I plan to touch every inch of you and then start over with my tongue.”
“Oh God…you have no idea how much I want that and you,” she whispered, moving her hand south. Then he heard a buzzing noise in the background and she moaned his name again.
“Fuck,” he was sweating now under his blankets. “Promise me I get to watch this in person sometime soon,” he whispered.
“Anything you want, Jonny.”
As soon as they finished, Jonny propped his phone against the pillow beside his head and face timed her.
“Hi beautiful,” he breathed heavily. “I couldn’t resist getting to see you flushed. I miss it,” he admitted.
“Me too,” she smiled sadly and swiped her thumb across the screen of her phone lovingly.
They did end up staying in bed all morning.
"Anyway,” he continued. “It was immature on my part and I stopped it quickly. I didn't want to get into a screaming match when we were so far away from each other. Didn't seem like a good plan after I thought a few steps ahead."
"Babe, where are you going with this?"
"After we said good night, I started thinking about every big fight we've had…it was on my mind since I had almost started one."
"That's depressing," she commented.
"We haven't had many," he shrugged. "So they all stand out as pretty memorable and I realized something."
"I'm afraid to ask."
"Every real fight we've had has been for one of two reasons," he continued. "You getting pissed at me for acting like a caveman or me getting pissed at you for not talking enough. I tried so hard not to go there with the Tyler thing. I was trying to be better for you to avoid an argument, but then you shut me out and…I really need you to stop doing that, baby. Actually, I only need you to try harder and I'll be happy. I know it can't change overnight."
"I'm sorry," she looked away ashamed.
"I love you so fucking much," he told her. "I'm not saying any of this to make you feel bad. I'm just trying to explain why I was mad so we can fix it."
"I know," she cradled the side of his face. "I asked and I promise I will do better. It's the least of what you deserve."
"Thank you," he kissed her softly. "My turn. Go ahead."
"What?" she asked confused.
"What do you want to change about me…besides my caveman tendencies?"
"I don't mind your caveman tendencies as long as you aren't hitting anyone," she clarified. "I like being yours and that you let people know it."
"Well… what don't you like?"
"That's a dangerous game."
"Shit… is there that much you would change?" he smiled.
"Not what I meant, love."
"I know, but I'm serious. I would change for you. You're worth it."
"I don't want you to change, baby."
"Now I feel bad that I'm asking you to change," he sighed.
"Don't apologize for asking for what you need, Jonny."
"I love you," he whispered.
"I love you more," she smiled.
"Tell me something else then?" he asked. "Something you've never told me before. What is weighing on your mind?"
"That's a lot of pressure. Can you narrow it down because honestly the first thing that popped in my head is that I secretly like Clay Aiken, but I assume you want something deeper?"
Jonny laughed at that. "I already knew that, baby. I've just always loved you too much to call you out on it."
"I promise that I'm not deflecting," she said quietly. "I'm just trying to catch my bearings here."
"You can tell me anything."
"I know. There's one thing," she admitted slowly. She was hesitant, but had just promised him she would open up more. "I've always been a little afraid…" she stopped and burrowed into his chest. This was harder than she thought. It had been an emotional day.
Jonny wanted to push her to continue, but decided to be patient instead. He stroked her hair and then her back. His heart jumped when her breath hitched. "You would do anything for me," she mumbled. It was not a question. "Sometimes I worry that you'd leave me if you thought it was for the best. That you would make a unilateral decision out of misguided honor or in the name of love." Now her heart was jumping.
"Why…," he cleared his throat and sat up. "Why would you think that?"
"I don't know. I just...," she sighed.
"I wouldn't do that. You don't feel safe with me?" He was standing now.
"Baby?" she was not following his train of thought, but she was regretting opening up.
"You can't feel safe with me if you're afraid I'll just walk away…" he continued.
"That's not what I said," she yelled. "Don't twist my fucking words."
"I'm…" he laughed without humor.
"Are you trying to start a fight again?" she asked. "This isn't helping."
"I don't…I need to take a minute, ok? This is so…" he stared out at the ocean and wondered for a moment how they got here. Less than twenty four hours ago they were standing in the same spot and he was as happy as he had ever been.
"Don't walk…," she caught herself before she said it. She did not mean it the way she knew he would take it. "Please don't leave. Please talk to me."
"That's fucking hilarious," he snapped at her. "I'll come find you later," he added quickly and then turned away. He knew he would say something else that he regretted if he stayed.
"Jonny," she called after him and he stopped in his tracks. "Can we talk about it?"
He knew he was being unreasonable. "Let's head back and grab some dinner together," he suggested calmly instead and offered her his hand. He did not want to talk any more, but he was not going to leave her out here alone either. She took his hand and fell in step beside him.
"Babe?" she squeezed his hand. "I didn't mean to hurt your feelings."
"I know," he smiled sadly. "It's been a long day. We're both upset. Let's talk about it tomorrow. Can I just hold your hand for now and admire how crazy beautiful you look? We can work everything else out later."
She was silent for about a mile as they walked back hand-in-hand. She was focused on the ocean, his hand and the sound of her heart in her ears. "Jess?" be brought her hand up to his lips and kissed it.
"I love you," she murmured. He stopped then and pulled her into a bone crushing hug. "I can't stop feeling sick to my stomach when we fight."
"I know that feeling well," he kissed the top of her head. "I also know that we'll be fine, baby."
"I believe you, but how do you know?" she whispered into his chest.
He put two fingers under her chin and tipped her lips up to his. He kissed her tentatively until he heard her sigh. Then he slipped his tongue into her mouth and kissed her slowly and deeply until she felt so overwhelmed that she gently pushed him away. She licked her lips and breathed heavily, looking up into his eyes.
"Don't laugh at me?" he smiled a little embarrassed and she gave him a confused stare. "Look in the pockets."
She reached into the pockets of the hoodie he gave her and pulled out the keychains he had bought. She wanted to laugh and cry at the same time. It was two penguins. One had her name written on its stomach and the other had his name.
"I love them, baby."
"Don't be selfish," he teased. "This one is mine," he grabbed the one with her name on it.
"Thank you for this and for being you," she told him and then grabbed his hand and started walking again. He always put her first. Even when he was mad.
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I Would Do Anything For You