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Love is Strong	By : harry102 Category: +M through R > New Adventures of Jonny Quest, The Views: 8124 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: I do not own Jonny Quest, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
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Author’s note: Just to clarify. In my mind, Jade has always been closer to Jessie’s age then Estella’s. Race is definitely a ladies man, so I don’t see it as far fetched that he would spend some time with a younger woman. For the purposes of this story, Jade is around 26 yrs old, and she has had an on and off relationship with Race for the last 4 yrs. Jessie, of course, hates her.

The two weeks leading up to Jessie’s arrival passed like molasses for Jonny, but he knew that they were flying by too fast for her. She was preparing for her final exams, and didn’t want to disappoint everyone that just expected her to do great. Jonny had exams too, but he’s never been the type to worry about such things. Not that he could focus on studying right now, even if he wanted to. Since he found out for sure that she was coming home, he’s been completely consumed with the idea of seeing her.

He’s decided against hatching any more elaborate plans. He just wants to focus on spending four, fun and stress free, weeks with his best friend. And, if that perfect moment comes along, he won’t let it slip through his fingers again. The only thing that he’s really worried about is the comment he made to Jessie the other night about her Christmas present. He still can’t believe he let that slip, and he doesn’t know what he’s going to give her that will live up to his promise.

All he does know is that he only has a little over twenty-hours hours until she’ll be home, so he’s hoping that something will come to him quick because he’s not gonna be able to concentrate once she’s here. As Jonny paces through the Compound trying to come up with a gift, another realization hits him square in the face. His father, Race, and Hadji will also be home in about a day, and the house is by no means in living condition. They’ve all been in India for the past three weeks negotiating a peace treaty, and Jonny has kinda let the chores go. Mrs. Evans was given strict orders by Dr. Quest not to clean up after his son. She was not to go above and beyond her normal duties and, unfortunately for Jonny, she has abided by that request for the last few weeks.

With a sigh, Jonny decided to get to work. ‘At least this will get my mind off of everything for a while,’ he suddenly thought. About an hour into his work, however, he heard a knock at the door.

“Iris?” Jonny questioned. “Who’s at the door? Why didn’t you let me know someone was approaching?”

“Unknown,” came the automated voice.

“That’s weird,” Jonny thought out loud. As he made his way towards the door, his senses were at full alert. “Who’s there?” he called through the door.

“Candy gram for a one Mr. Jonathon Quest,” came a familiar voice that brought a smile to his face without thinking.

Chuckling, he opened the door and couldn’t help, but appreciate the unquestionable beauty before him. “You know,” she started coyly as she walked past him and brushed her hands across his chest. “Iris really is getting on in years. Perhaps, she could use a face-lift. I worry about you. Are you all by your lonesome sexy?”

“Don’t worry,” he smiled, without missing a beat. “I’m perfectly capable of protecting my sexy self, and I’m sure you’re well aware that I’m alone,” he finished, following her into the house.

“Well, what can I say without sounding arrogant,” she responded. “On second thought, why even try. I find false modesty quite annoying, don’t you?” she questioned, jumping up onto the kitchen counter and crossing her distracting legs.

“I don’t think false modesty is a quality that will ever be associated with you Jade, so it’s not even worth discussing,” he answered. “So what can I do for you beautiful?” he asked with his trademark grim.

“I’m sure there’s plenty you could do for me handsome, but I did have something specific in mind now that you mention it,” she informed him, jumping off the table and making her way towards him.

He couldn’t help but smile at this little game they were playing. Jade has a way about her that could put any man on top of the world. It’s why she’s so good at what she does. Even knowing her like he does, Jonny can still feel himself being drawn into her web. Deep down, he knows that she would never really take advantage of him. Besides Race, he’s probably the only person in the world that can make that claim, but he definitely has moments with her where that belief is second-guessed.

“What’s going on?” he asked seriously and saw something flicker in her eyes that he recognized, but hoped that he didn’t.

“Can we take a walk?” she suggested soberly.

“Sure,” he agreed hesitantly, making his way towards the door.

They walked for about half a mile without saying a word, Jonny with his hands in his pockets and Jade with her arms folded across her chest. It was an unusually warmer day for the middle of December in Maine, but the weather was the farthest thing from Jonny’s mind.

“Jonny,” she started quietly. “I think…” but she stopped as he put a hand up.

“Please don’t,” he almost begged. “I can’t handle this right now. My family is coming home tomorrow, and things are finally gonna be back to normal for a while.” After saying this he began to walk a little faster, so that Jade had to jog slightly in order to keep pace with him.

“Jonny,” she said, grabbing onto his upper arm. “Just stop and listen to me ok. Look, you know I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t think this was for real. I saw first hand what it did to you last time, and you happen to be the last person in this world that I would ever want to see hurt,” she said honestly.

With a few deep and steadying breathes, Jonny slowly pulled away from her a sat down in front of a sand dune a little to his left. He immediately pulled his knees up to his chest and put his head down on his elbows, not trusting himself to speak at the moment. His mind is going a mile a minute at the prospect of what Jade’s sudden appearance really means, and he just wants to be left alone. To think that, up until a few minutes ago, his biggest problems were telling a girl that he loves her and trying to figure out what to get her for Christmas. He would give just about anything right now to go back and wallow in his teenaged angst again.

As he feels Jade slide down beside him and begin to rub his back in a gentle fashion, he can’t help but wish that she would just disappear. However, he knows that she’s not going anywhere and, even if she did, it would be a very short matter of time before he tracked her down to her what she had to say. He’s just not the type of person that can live with the what ifs. Reluctantly, he takes a final steadying breath before looking up to meet her gaze.

“I’m sorry,” she began as soon as their eyes met. “I was going back forth the entire trip here trying to decide if coming was the right thing to do. You have to know that I wouldn’t have come if I wasn’t sure Jonny. I double and triple checked, and I would have just done it on my own if I could have.”

Jonny knew that she really meant everything she said, but he’s still terrified that she’s wrong. “Jade,” he began slowly. “I don’t doubt that you really believe this is for real. I know you wouldn’t put me through this if you didn’t, but what if you’re wrong, huh?”

“What if I’m not Jonny?” she responded right back and immediately regretted it after the look he gave her.

“If you’re not then…,” but Jonny didn’t know how to complete that sentence. The only thing he does know is that his life is gonna change dramatically regardless of whether or not she’s right. At that thought, he can’t help but feel extremely overwhelmed, so he puts his head back down to prevent Jade from seeing him too upset. Vulnerable and weak are not qualities that define him on any other day, and he’s not gonna let them creep in now.

He just needs a moment to clear his head, but Jade is starting to seriously reevaluate her decision to come.

“Look, Jonny. I am so sorry. This was a huge mistake. I should have just gone to Race and…”

“NO,” he screamed, interrupting her before she even got close to finishing her thought. “This stays between you and me Jade. Race can’t know. He wouldn’t understand, and he would feel obligated to tell my father. Do you have any idea what that means? What,” and his voice broke very noticeably before he could continue. “What that would do to my family? You swore to me that you wouldn’t go to him. You can’t break that promise, ok.”

“Ok,” she agreed quietly.

“SWEAR IT JADE,” he yelled hotly. “This isn’t a game,” he finished in a slightly calmer tone, knowing that screaming at her wasn’t going to get him anywhere.

“I swear Jonny,” she promised, squaring her shoulders and looking him directly in the eyes.

“Thank you,” he breathed, only slightly relieved.

“So then, what’s our next move?” she questioned, getting right down to business.

“Where?” he asked distractedly

“About 60 miles south of here. We could do it in one night, if the circumstances are right,” she informed him.

“Only 60 miles,” he repeated in disbelief. “Are you kidding me?” he asked, but knew she wasn’t. His heart is racing steadily now. “How,” he stumbled. “How…”

Jade knew where he was going, and began to answer before he could get his question out. “Jonny, I never really believed that I was wrong two years ago. I know that it really looked that way in the end, and it kills me what that did to you, but I never thought I was wrong.”

“Why didn’t you say something then, Jade?” he asked, starting to get angry again.

“Would you have believed me? You were so upset, and I wasn’t gonna be responsible for putting you through more. The way I saw it, I had two choices. Either pursue it on my own, which I knew would take longer, or ask Race for help and break my promise. What would you have rather I’d done?” she finished.

“I honestly have no idea,” he answered in a defeated tone.

“I know this is difficult, but there is no use in looking backwards now, Jonny. It won’t help our situation at all. Here’s what I have in mind,” she continued. “I think it seems a little strange that he’s camping out only 60 miles away, so staking the situation out clearly takes priority. If this is a trap,” she paused, noticing the look of anguish on his face at that prospect. “If this is a trap,” she started again. “Then I’m not letting you within a hundred feet of the place. No,” she held up her hand as he tried to protest. “This is not up for discussion. I came here so that you could be prepared for the end game alright. I’ll handle the details,” she finished determinedly, only to hear his mocking laughter.

“No fucking way Jade. No,” he stopped her before she had the chance to respond. “I’m in this 100. I want to see this place now. I’m coming with you tonight.”

“Absolutely not, Jonny. Just shut up and listen to me for a minute,” she added before he could interrupt her again. “You were right before. This is not a game, and I am not gonna take you over there half cocked and have you do something stupid because your upset. It’s..”

“DON’T talk at me like I’m a child Jade,” he jumped in, despite the extremely annoyed look that she threw his way. “This is bullshit. I need to know the lay out of the area too, and I won’t do something stupid to fuck this up. I have a whole hell of a lot more to lose than you do.”

“Which is exactly why I think you’ll be more inclined to put your emotions before common sense. I know that you can take care of yourself. That you’ve been around the block. Hell, in my opinion, you’re already as good as Race ever was, but this is an unusual situation and everyone has a weak spot. It’s important that we do this right because I really believe it will be our last chance, ok. Besides, as I was trying to say before, your family is coming home soon. It’s not like you can disappear for hours at a time without someone getting suspicious. I need you to keep up appearances for a few days while I scope things out. Then, we’ll decide the best course of action TOGETHER”

Jonny was quiet for a long time after she finished, and Jade could only hope that he’d see the reason in her logic.

“Ok,” he agreed slowly. “We’ll do this your way for now, but I have two conditions that are not up for negotiation. First of all, there is no way in hell that I’ll wait more than four days. If you’re not ready to go by then, too bad. Second of all, I’m coming with you tonight because my family is not coming home until late tomorrow. No arguments,” he quickly added before she could object.

“Fine,” she agreed reluctantly. “I have some things to take care of now, but I’ll meet you by the front gate at 10:00.”

“Fine,” he replied, as she began get up. “And I want the whole story on the drive there, ok?”

“Yeah ok,” she relented and began to walk away.

“Hey Jade,” he called after her, but didn’t know what to say when she turned around. He wasn’t sure that he was thankful exactly, but it meant a lot to him that she seemed to care so much.

Jade seemed to understand. She just smiled slightly, gave him a small wink, and left him with two words, “Ten o’clock.”

As he watched her disappear into the distance, Jonny found that he was rooted to his spot. He could barley breath, let alone move, so he just sat back down and resumed his previous position. He can’t believe that this is happening again, but he knows that he’s gonna have to be a lot stronger in the next few days than he’s been in the last few minutes if he’s ever gonna get through it. All he wants to do right now is go to sleep and not think, but that’s not even a remote possibility. Instead he just lays back, closes his eyes, and braces himself for the inevitable onslaught of memories to come flooding back.

It was a little over two years ago. Jonny was about to turn sixteen and get his driver’s license. In other words, he was about as happy as he’d ever been. Race had been taking him out every day after school to practice, and he knew that he had it nailed. Parallel parking…no problem. Driving in the rain, snow, sleet, hurricane, or whatever else…bring it on. He was unbelievably confident, but refused to show it on the outside for fear of provoking Jessie’s wrath.

Jonny remembers that it was a Thursday during his winter break. He and Race had just gotten back from a particularly long lesson. Jonny’s dad, Hadji, and Jessie were all in New York for some conference that Jonny cared absolutely nothing about. It took some cajoling, but he was able to convince his father not to make him go, which meant that Race didn’t have to go either. Race is always appreciative when he gets to stay home with Jonny, as opposed to going to these conferences, so they always have a lot of fun together. Not that they didn’t always, but it’s different when it’s just the two of them. They goof around, make each other laugh, and Race teaches Jonny everything he would teach his own son. Normally, weeks like that one are always been filled with some of Jonny’s favorite memories, but all he really recalls from that particular week are the bad ones.

It was all a fluke how he ended up finding out. He should have never known about it. He should have been the one kept in the dark, but it hadn’t worked out that way at all. Maybe it was fate that intervened, or maybe it was just dumb luck. In any case, he was forced, once again, to grow up a little faster than he should have had to.

He and Race had been out driving around for three hours, but neither had thought to pick up food on the way home. Since Mrs. Evans wasn’t around to cook and Jess wasn’t there to harp on eating healthy (something that lasted for an annoying three months, during which she decided that she needed to be on a diet for some reason), pizza was the obvious choice. Race had their favorite place as speed dial number seven on his cell, so he called and ordered two large pizzas as they were walking into the Compound. As per usual, he left his number so they could call when they were at the gate, and Jonny thought nothing of it.

Against his wishes or intentions, Jonny remembers every conversation, word for word, that he had that day. He remembers what he was wearing, and what the weather was like. Absolutely everything about that day, and the days that followed it, are seared into his mind forever to be eternally relived and overanalyzed so he can willfully drive himself insane thinking about how things would be now if he had done even the littlest thing differently.

If he had just insisted that he and Race eat before going home that day, he would not be sitting on the beach in the middle of December two years later staring out at the ocean like a zombie rehashing old demons. If he had just gone up to his room to grab a shower as soon as they got home like Race did, he wouldn’t be here. Most importantly, though, if he had just never picked up the phone that day, he would be cleaning the Compound right now. He’d be blissfully unaware of everything going on with Jade, and he’d just be thinking about making his girl smile. Unfortunately, that’s not the case at all.

Jonny can feel that overwhelming urge to cry as he begins reliving the moments that changed his heart forever.

“Hey Cowboy,” Race had called out from the kitchen once they had settled down a bit from their long drive.

Jonny can’t help but smile a little whenever Race calls him ‘Cowboy’ because it makes him feel like a part of a real family tradition. He got the nickname when he was five and Race took him to visit his parents down in Texas while Jonny’s father was out of town. Jonny’s always been outgoing, and he quickly adopted Jessie’s grandparents as his own. They fell in love with him too. After his first visit, they insisted that he call them Grams and Pop, which he was excited about since his father and grandfather (who he never sees) were the only family he’d had left at such a young age.

Within ten minutes of being at Race’s parent’s home, Jonny had taken over. He wanted to see and touch everything on the large ranch. Before anyone could stop him, he was out the back door and heading towards the barn. Now, Jonny doesn’t remember much of this first hand, but the story has been told a hundred times since it happened. Apparently, his sense of curiosity and innate ability to sniff out, and put himself directly in the middle of, a dangerous situation combined so that he found himself inside a pen with a not so friendly steed. Race’s dad pulled him out just before the charging animal reached him, but he always says that Jonny never even flinched.

Race, of course, was furious. That was the first time Jonny can remember Race yelling at him, and it was not a pleasant experience. Once Race dismissed Jonny from his sight, Jonny spent the rest of the day moping in his room. Eventually, Race came up to apologize and get him for dinner, but Jonny remained quiet and withdrawn for the rest of the evening. He was afraid that he’d do something else wrong, and Race might not like him anymore. Noticing his behavior, Race’s mother questioned Jonny until he cracked. He remembers feeling like a baby for being upset, but Race and his parents quickly calmed his fears. Race took Jonny aside and promised that nothing Jonny could ever do would make Race hate him. Angry yes, but not hate. Race promised him on that day that he wasn’t going anywhere, and Jonny believed him. It was the safest he’d ever felt in his life.

The night before Race and Jonny were to head home, Race’s mother cooked a huge meal and was telling Jonny all these stories about Race when he was little. Jonny remembers liking it when she kept mentioned how much Jonny reminded her of Race at his age.

After she finished telling one of her stories about Race getting into some trouble, Race’s father piped in that he always used to tell his friends that Race was just a good boy with just a little bit of cowboy in him (A/N: I do love Tim McGraw by the way. If you don’t get that reference then never mind).

It kinda became a running joke between Race and his father that whenever Race did something wrong, it was just the cowboy, and that drove Grams absolutely crazy. Anyways, after spending an entire week with Jonny, Race’s dad announced that Jonny didn’t just have the cowboy in him, he was the Cowboy. The nickname stuck.

“Yeah Race,” Jonny called back, as he made his way towards the kitchen to see what was up.

“What do you say we make this a movie marathon night?” Race suggested.

“Sounds great to me,” Jonny smiled. He loved movie nights.

“What are you in the mood for?” Race asked.

“It’s definitely a Diehard Trilogy evening,” Jonny informed him with a grin.

“Of course,” Race supplied with a knowing look. “I’m gonna go take a shower real fast. The money’s on the counter if the pizza gets here before I’m done, ok?”

“Cool,” Jonny answered as he grabbed the money and Race’s phone before heading back into the living room.

He was just sitting there watching music videos when the phone rang. He didn’t even think about it as he picked up, sure that it was just the pizza guy waiting at the gate. Before he could even say ‘hello,’ however, the voice on the other end of the line was off.

“Race, don’t hang up,” Jonny immediately recognized the voice as Jade’s. “Just listen to me, ok. I know that things are hardly copasetic between us right now, but this is bigger than that. Meet me tonight at midnight down at that small edge of the Compound where the security cameras are blind. Don’t even think about not showing up because I am already on my way, and it’s important. Race?” she questioned at Jonny’s lack of confirmation

“Race, you son of a bitch,” she continued, but Jonny just held his breath and didn’t say a word. He should have looked at the caller ID before answering. “Fine you selfish bastard, don’t answer me, but you better show up tonight. Rachel Quest is alive.”

“What,” Jonny screamed, but she had hung up the phone immediately after saying it.

Jonny couldn’t breathe. He felt like he was having an asthma attack, but didn’t have time to react too much because the phone rang yet again. This time he looked at the ID, and it was just the pizza guy.
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Love is Strong