Lisa smiled as she hefted a file folder from one arm to the other.

"Back are we, Tiger?" a gruff voice asked from behind her.

She turned and nodded with a sly grin. "Of course. Since when has a little cold ever kept me out of commission?" she asked her long time friend and co-worker, Robert Gunning.

"Not for twenty-three years that I know of," Gunning replied, his pudgy face shining brightly at the fact that he could now call her 'Tiger' her marriage and motherhood had really brought down her tense persona although she was still pretty intense overall.

"Don't say that, you're making me feel old!" she retorted, walking with him to her office where her nephew and partner of twenty years were waiting.

"Aw, shut up. You and Nathan are two of the only old-timers who are barely showing your age...or your motherhood!" Gunning said, poking her still flat stomach.

"Don't touch me!" she scolded, smacking his arm as they reached her office.

Nathan heard the commotion outside and peeked his head out of the office, "Picking on my partner again Gunning?" he asked, a small smile tilting his lips

upward.

"As always. Still jealous she didn't marry me," he teased Lisa as he had ever since he really did have a crush on her at the tender age of 24. Now he was happily married with kids of his own. Lisa merely rolled her eyes and handed Nathan the file folder.

Nathan shook his head. "I’m sure the wife wouldn’t be pleased to hear that," he teased back as he skimmed through the folder.

"No, she wouldn't. And besides, I was closer to marrying Nathan than you," she shot back, exchanging a playful grin with Nathan. Gunning covered his heart as if wounded. "Ouch! That hurt!" he exclaimed and Lisa laughed.

Nathan laughed. "You don’t stand a chance against the Nelson men, Gunning. I hate to break it to you."

Ethan’s head came up from where he sat at the comment and he scowled wondering what it meant but didn’t say anything. It was obvious to him that his father and Lisa were the agency favorites in just the few minutes he had been there.

Gunning laughed as well. “Well, as you said, my wife wouldn’t be too happy with this conversation although I’m very happy with her,” he said with a soft smile.

“I still can’t believe you married,” Lisa commented.

“Neither can I,” said another voice, that of Peterson.

“Shut up, guys, you’re making the newbies stare,” Gunning said, turning around to look at the row of cubicles where a few twenty-year old fresh-out-of school agents sat listening to the banter of the most notorious agents in the agency.

“Well, its they’re fault they didn’t get their own office upon entrance like this duo over here,” Peterson said, pointing at the Lisa and Nathan.

“Whatever, Peterson. They’re your squibs,” she said. “Go train them.”

“Yes senior agent ma’am!” he said with a salute.

Nathan chuckled. "It was a friend of my father’s who gave the recommendations. They had a big expectation from me otherwise I probably wouldn’t have gotten an office right upon entrance or such a great partner…They just had a good sense that we were the best," he said winking playfully at Lisa.

Peterson walked inside the office to place some papers on Nathan’s desk and stopped when he noticed Nathan’s son.

"Who’s this?" he asked. Nathan turned having forgotten about his son’s presence due to his silence and smiled, all hostilities between Peterson and Nathan had ceased several years back and they had become good friends.

"He’s my son Ethan, Ethan this is agent Peterson and Agent Gunning," Ethan nodded a curt hello but didn‘t smile.

Peterson withheld a chuckle. "His attitude reminds me of yours when you first joined the agency, Nate."

Nathan shook his head, "It was not," he argued. "Was it?" he asked Lisa and Gunning wanting a second opinion.

"The first day we met we fought because you had that same face on that Ethan has on now," Lisa said. "I keep trying to tell you guys that, but you don't believe me. So anyway, we brought sport here today to see what we do and what have we shown him?” She laughed playfully and the other agents rolled their eyes. Both Nathan and Lisa, through the years had mellowed in terms of how tense they were about life, but never once had their seriousness about work, and now their families, wavered.

Nathan laughed. "Hear that kid, you’re just like your old man," Ethan rolled his eyes, "Oh goody" he replied dryly.

Gunning burst out into laughter. "That sounds just like you when Lisa told you you guys had to work together! I can't believe how much you disliked each other at first!" he exclaimed, missing the annoyed look on Ethan's face.

"Well, we don't anymore...I think," Lisa said, shooting a teasing glance Nathan's way and rubbing her hand affectionately down Ethan's arm in a soothing gesture.

Nathan chuckled. "Even if I wanted to I couldn’t. I’m stuck with you as a work partner and sister-in-law," he teased and Ethan rolled his eyes withholding a snide remark.

“And worse, it all came unexpected when you’re stupid brother just decided to sauntered into our high security office once day,” Lisa said with a grin, referring to how suddenly she’d fallen for Samuel. “No warning. I just get bombarded by these Nelson idiots.”

Ethan turned a smirk on his aunt. "You do realize you just dissed yourself too don’t you."

Lisa rolled her eyes and looked down at her wedding band before shoving her nephew lightly. “I shoulda just kept my own name, huh?” she said dolefully, although her voice didn’t hold the least bit of remorse.

Ethan smirked. "Oh I’m sure your kids would have loved to have 2 last names… Jason Tyler Crystal-Nelson that just sucks."

Peterson barked out a laugh. "I like this kid," he teased Gunning who he was standing beside.

"It would suck if we decided to let maternal names passed down," she shot back, smiling at Peterson. She was glad that he liked her family.

"You know Nath, if you ever don’t want him I’d happily take him off your hands," Peterson teased, liking Ethan’s spunk.

Nathan laughed. "Thanks but we’re pretty happy with him."

Ethan didn’t reply to that. ‘Oh, I’m suuuure ya are,’ he thought bitterly.

"I have a question though, I thought kids weren’t allowed in the agency unless they were 18?" Peterson asked.

Nathan nodded. "They’re not but since he’s my son and Kayden’s grandson I figured I’d bend the rules a little."

"Ya, I called last night. Of course Kay said 'yes'," Lisa explained.

"So, how about your kids? Those twins? I heard Nathan call them terrors once," Gunning said.

"Yes, exactly. They're not coming. Ethan is the oldest one who is the best behaved," Lisa replied.

Nathan chuckled. "It’s my son who leads your kids in their mischief if you remember, he’s just the most silent," Nathan corrected her.

"Silence is golden," Lisa stated wisely, nodding her head. "Besides, I want them to stop that crap anyway. Jason's stopped since that stupid little..."-Lisa paused to take an angry breath-"...that girl broke up with him, and then Nicole doing her homework keeps her out of more trouble. Thank God. I was beginning to think they'd never mature!"

"There, ya see, your kids aren’t as bad as ya thought," Peterson teased her.

"No, they're wonderful. Maybe one day if this trend keeps up," Lisa agreed. "The twins would love it here although I'm not sure about Michael. He takes more after his father."

Gunning smirked. "So he'll be suing the pants off everyone in town then?"

Ethan chuckled. "Who Michael? Naw, he’s too nice to sue anyone, doesn’t like confrontations."

Lisa laughed and ruffled his hair. "Ya, maybe he's got some of your mother in him, although I don't know how. Not a mean bone in her body," Lisa said. "Although Jenna is like that too. Maybe that's why they're so close. She's a sweetheart."

"I don’t know…Marie can be pretty confrontational at times if necessary, but Jenna is my princess. Won’t meet anyone sweeter than her," Nathan replied with a smile.

"Ya, I'm talking about the most obvious manifestations of Marie's personality. Although, when she wanted you she sure had you, despite all!" Lisa quipped, sending Nathan a sad smile, remembering how difficult that time was when they were getting together, and the many problems that kept them apart.

Nathan nodded in remembrance. "She almost didn’t though.”

Peterson nodded. "I remember that, I was almost disappointed when she did. Well since she wouldn’t date me very long at least she chose second best," he teased to lighten the mood. Ethan’s brow was furrowed in a scowl, wondering what they meant but figuring it had something to do to the conversation he had overheard years ago.

Lisa finally noticed Ethan’s face and remembered their conversation. She sighed. It was none of her business. She wished that the strife would end though. “The point is fellas, Marie chose the guy she always loved and who always loved her. I spent nights watching this bozo cry over her,” she said gently, although her words didn’t sound like it. “I love it that we’re finally a family now.” She remembered the many nights that she sat awake with Nathan, holding him as he cried, threw up, nearly had a breakdown over losing Marie. Her face screwed up as she remembered that horrible time in Technicolor. She almost lost Samuel, Nathan almost lost his life.

Nathan chuckled bitterly. "You’re going to ruin my tough guy image in front of my son" he teased, and turned a glance at Ethan, finally noticing the scowl crossing his features and wondered what he had done this time.

Peterson noticed it too and decided to lighten the mood. "So Ethan can you spar? If you’re anything like your father we might have something else to worry about in the arena."

“Yes, he can. He’s getting really good,” Lisa said with pride, putting and arm around his shoulder. She’d taught all the kids how to fight along with Nathan, thinking it good for Nicole and Jenna to know how to protect themselves, and for the boys to know the importance of control, physical fitness and mental concentration.

"It’d be interesting to see Father and son fight," Peterson said looking between the two.

Nathan chuckled and Ethan smirked. Nathan had been the main one teaching his son and over the years it would be the only time Ethan would talk to him; he had figured it was because he could have an excuse to lash out at him in his anger.

“They practice together once and a while. They already do,” Lisa said a little bitterly, angry at both of them for being stubborn. The double entendre was obvious. They physically fought during training and then this never ending silent battle.

Nathan glanced over at his son knowing Lisa was right. Ethan leaned back against the sofa and sighed heavily.

"So is this all you people do here? Sit around and talk all day?" Ethan asked.

Peterson was surprised by his comment and shook his head. "No but you’re right I have newbie’s that need training, You and Lisa will do a demo on the arena for them later still right?"

Nathan was equally shocked at his sons question but managed a nod to Peterson. "Yea we will."

Just then, their saving grace, Lisa's phone rang. “We will. We haven’t gotten to for a few weeks because I was getting over that damn flu,” she said with some venom, hating being off her feet, before she answered the phone. “Hello? Yes, right away. 43rd? Alright. See you in a few. Ya, you too. Bye.”

She dropped the phone in her cradle and glanced with a bit of doubt at Ethan. “That McKinneley case has a lead. A bit more than trace evidence. We have to go down there….now,” she said quietly and both Peterson and Gunning immediately dropped their playful demeanor.

“We’ll get our gear and the rest of the team and meet you out front,” Peterson said, departing with Gunning at his feet.

Nathan had thought today would just be some paperwork and research and he wondered what to do about Ethan; leave him there or let him come with. Finally he decided.

"Listen to me Ethan you can come with me on one condition, you listen to every word I say and do not disobey me. You can be pissed off and disrespect me later but for now I need you to heed my words or I‘ll leave you here."

Ethan nodded. "Fine."

“Good,” Lisa said, no smiles and all work ethic. “This works like a military operation. That’s why we’re top notch.”

Lisa and Nathan exchanged a glance and began to move at the same time, gathering everything they needed and meeting at the door, so synchronized it was eerie.

“Let’s go, sport,” she said, nodding her head towards the door.

Ethan acted nonchalant but he was actually anxious to see what his dad spent his days doing and thought it’d be neat to see them in action first hand. Nathan hopped behind the wheel of his Saleen; discussing the case with Lisa the whole way to their destination.

“The great thing, and bad, is that I have enough murders to build a really reliable profile on. I don’t think this guy is mofia at all. He’s just playing pretend. Like Bundy. It’s just a game,” Lisa was saying as Nathan pulled right outside the crime scene and Lisa hopped out of the car, immediately going to the trunk to gather her things.

"His profile is definitely inarguable, and I agree with you on his not being mafia but dropping clues that he is to lead us on. Now the thing is if not Mafia then what? Hired assassin? Or what?" he asked as much to himself as Lisa while slipping on some gloves and handing a pair to Ethan. "Keep these on at all times while in the crime scene and don‘t touch anything just follow our lead."

Lisa was pulling her hair back into a tight bun and fitting the gloves as Nathan spoke. “No, no hiring going on. He’s on his own. This is pure antisocial behavior. Remember the last lacerations of the upper thighs. You would go for the thighs so consistently unless you wanted them to bleed slowly and painfully from those arteries,” she said, grabbing her kit and her tape recorder for interviews. She glanced back at Ethan to see if he was okay. She loved him, and knew he was potentially very good at this kind of thing, she just hoped he wouldn’t get in the way. She, too, hadn’t thought they’d be on the field today.

Nathan sighed. "So, the only thing left is serial killer framing the mafia for his individual actions but so far there is no common MO. His victims have been male and female, all different hair and eye colors the only thing similar is his signature," Nathan said as he made his way onto the scene. Ethan listened to their calculations and thought they worked well together.

“This one fits the universal profile for psychopaths, impulsive, need for action. Explains why he wouldn’t think out his victims. They all have been in lower class urban areas though, that could be a connection perhaps. What do you think?” Lisa asked him as she waved Ethan over to look at what the photographer was capturing.

“They photograph every angle of the body to put on a machine down at the medical examiner’s office to find paths of wounds and in case we miss anything in the transportation of the body for any other kind of evidence the team will need,” she explained quickly while waiting for Nathan to respond.

Nathan was perusing the body as he answered. "There’s a good chance of that. The profile matches and it’s been urban…it fits."

Ethan watched the action going on around him with fascination. He was surprised when the body didn’t bug him, only the strong smell was starting to get to him and he wondered how his dad and Lisa could stand it all the time.

"When was the call in?" Nathan asked a man working the crime scene.

"’Bout half an hour ago."

"Who called it in?"

"Neighbors, Kerry and Garret Jameson. I guess our vic. hosts a woman’s Bible study every Wednesday morning. Kerry normally comes over to help set up. Saw the door was open and let herself in…found the woman like this."

Nathan sighed. "What’s the victim’s name?"

"Theresa Winters, single, 21..."

Lisa shook her head. “This one must have been fun,” she muttered sarcastically as she asked permission to tape a conversation and interviewed a few of the cops. “Well, we know he loves those carving knives.”

Nathan interviewed the neighbors and a few cops Lisa had missed. He came up behind her as he heard the last comment and nodded.

"Might give a hint into his profession though…"

Ethan had switched off between listening to his father interview people and Lisa. It was very fascinating and he found they were very good at their jobs.

“You mean you think this lady was Porky Pig?”

“If so what is his anger against those living in urban areas? And is he a farmer? Chef? Hunter? Why would he choose these type of targets?" he replied in a question.

Ethan was captivated as he listened; his dad’s questions making his own mind churn in deep thought and he found he wanted answers to the questions.

Lisa sat deep in thought. “Or maybe he’s not any of those. Maybe he’s just a shipping boy. Has to haul all the materials everyday onto the farm, into the butcher’s shop, watching people come and go. People who don’t deserve to live and who would be better off dead?” she suggested, looking over at Ethan. “You got any ideas, kiddo?”

She surprised herself by asking him.

Ethan was stunned that she had asked him but gave it a shot. "What about the butcher’s son? Grew up on a farm, made fun of through high school for being no better than a butcher’s son. Grew up hostile towards the lower class like himself. Being around his father’s all day he’d have access to such materials and he’s see the different damage each these materials could do…the carving knife could just be the material of choice," he offered.

Lisa paused and thought for a moment. “Motives wouldn’t exactly be that give the profile, but a son, or a position in the like, very probably. Good job, sport!” Lisa exclaimed, immediately turning around to order a few subordinates to check out all meat factories and butcher shops in the lower urban areas.

“I want names of sons, daughters, cousins, uncles, you name it. Even close family friends that work together for an extended period of time. If you find unusual behavior, I want reports from high school teachers and family and friends. I want this on tape if you can, and immaculate notes if you cannot. I want it by tonight. Get moving,” she ordered, before turning back to Ethan. “Anyone else you can think of?”

"My dad said there’s no common MO…but what if this is an older person…not a high school student anymore…what if the people he’s targeting were people who made fun of him throughout high school? They lived or married into urban areas…could it be revenge if it was a psychopath as Lisa suggested?" he thought it was probably off the money but he thought trying to analyze the case would be fun.

“Perhaps. The purpose of checking highschool, and just school history period is to track behavioral patterns that may have made this individual stand out as a kind of person who would commit such atrocities. But I think you’re right about it not being revenge. That’s just an excuse they make. They kill for fun. High school victims could possibly be there. Good excuses if they get caught. Plead insanity or rightful revenge slash self-defense and they think they’re homefree,” Lisa thought to herself. “Let’s ask your father. He might have some forensic evidence for us that might help.”

Nathan smiled at his son and partner. "It’s definitely a carving knife as you both have said. He also knows the damage it can do and by their deaths it has been a slow and agonizing death our victims have died. He knows the arteries and deathly places to strike. The slices are both deep but by the way the flesh is cut it shows a slow tearing, causing the main cause of death to be loss of blood and extreme pain. Why would you kill someone like that?" he asked his son.

Ethan thought a moment and then shrugged. "You want to hear them scream and see them writhing in pain before you. Deep hatred, and a grotesque sense of enjoyment on watching your enemy in pain, dying slowly before your very eyes. I’d imagine the perp edging them on, getting his last words in to them before leaving them there to die," he offered; it was the only reason he could think of.

“Yup. Sickening isn’t it?” Lisa asked almost cheerily. She’d long learned to block out the horrors of her job. If she didn’t then she would never be able to work. “Only thing is I think he would love to watch them ‘till their last breath. These guys like to know that their in control of a life. Death is sort of a disappointment for them, so they hold onto that life until it’s gone.”

Ethan shuddered. "That’s demented."

Nathan nodded sadly. "Yes it is, but people out there are like that, what you saw today proves it."

Ethan nodded. "So what now?"

Nathan smiled. "We go back to the agency and Lisa and I will compare notes over the interviews taken today while we wait for the crime scene technicians to send us the information from the medical examiner on cause and time of death and other information on evidence collected. Right now that part of the investigation is in their hands and all we can do is work on the info of our interviewees and try to put some pieces together."

Ethan nodded. "Wow, so you guys are really busy."

Nathan nodded. "Extremely so, especially on cases like this."

Ethan shook his head in disbelief now realizing how important his aunt and father’s work was and feeling a newfound respect for what his father did on a day to day basis; and for the moment his hatred and anger at the man in front of him was pushed to the back of his mind.

Lisa noticed it and couldn’t keep the grin off her face. ‘Please God, let this be a sign of the future. I don’t care how far. But let Nathan have his son back and let Ethan learn to rely on his dad while he can,’ she prayed before opening her eyes.

“Okay my handsome Nelson men,” she said, slinging an arm around each of their waists because they were too tall for her to reach their necks. “Shall we go back and swear our junior partner to secrecy and show him how this is really done?” She turned to look at both of them.

Nathan chuckled. "Let’s do it."

The rest of the day passed with Nathan and Lisa showing Ethan the ropes and some of the procedure they used in figuring out such cases. Ethan took in everything, thinking it was something he’d like to pursue someday. The day passed to quickly for him and before he knew it the clock struck 9 and they cleaned up for the day and headed home.

--

"Whoohoo! Who is done with all their homework for the WHOLE weekend. ME!" Nicole shouted, jumping up from where she had lain prone on Jenna's floor. She did a jig for joy that made her pigtails bounce comically.

Jenna giggled. "Aww, yay! I’m proud of you!"

Marie smiled as she came in with a plate of fresh baked chocolate chip cookies. "I’m sure your mother will be pleased to hear that," she replied, winking at the girls before heading out of the room again.

“Dad too!” Nicole added with a smile, sitting beside Jenna on the bed. “I might give them both heart attacks! How crazy!” She flopped back onto the bed, sighing with relief.

Jenna smiled and took a cookie. "Sean will be surprised with such a transformation! First wearing a little more girlish clothes and now actually doing your homework…what on earth will he do with the new you," she teased.

Nicole glanced down at herself with a grin. Jenna had taken her shopping a few more times and her wardrobe had slightly changed. She still hadn’t changed into her pajamas and stared down at the tank top and tight jeans she was wearing. “Hopefully he’ll like it,” she said doubtfully although the smile was still on her face. She knew Sean was a diligent worker but she wondered what he would think about her being one too. Would he think she was trying to overshadow him? “I hope he does.” She'd loved his reaction the first time she'd shown up in school wearing what Jenna made her, but it still didn't stop her insecurity.

Jenna laughed. "You know he will. He liked you in the halter when we ran into him at the mall…I’m sure he’ll love it. Quit worrying so much, girl," Jenna said polishing off another cookie and stretching out on her bed.

Nicole grabbed a few cookies and began to back them down. “Ya, I just can’t wait until things die down for him. I never see him anymore. And, he won’t let me help him pay rent. My job is just for spending money. I don’t mind giving it to him,” she said, shoving a few more cookies in her mouth. The only reason she could eat like that was because she was so active, playing sports with her brothers and Ethan and being on the lacrosse team.

Jenna smiled and sipped her water. "It’s pride, guys are full of it. He wants to be able to take you out and do nice things not have to take your money to pay for HIS rent."

Nicole smiled. "Really?" she asked, unused to being treated like a woman. She was used to being treated as one of the boys and every moment with him made her feel more like the sex she really was and just really special.

Jenna laughed. "Girl, you’ve got a lot to learn."

Nicole rolled her eyes. “I guess. It’d be nice to learn with him,” she said, chewing on a cookie and taking a sip of Jenna’s drink.

"I’m sure it would. However when it comes to dating soon you’ll be giving me the advice and I’ll be the clueless one," she teased.

"The party can start I’m here now!" Jadelyn said in a sing song voice as she entered the room and threw herself on the bed beside Jenna while helping herself to a cookie.

“Sorry to inform you, but the party started when this girl got herself some preppy clothing,” Nicole said, pointing to her outfit. She was currently wearing some of Jenna’s clothes.

Jadelyn laughed. "And might I tell you it looks great! You make a cute prep," she teased.

“Oh don’t even go there! Leave the preppy for you and Jen. Preppy punk is the look I’m going for. Notice the pigtails and chopsticks!” Nicole said, yanking out a chopstick so that one of her pigtails fell out.

Jadelyn laughed. "I beg to differ! I'm not preppy, I don’t have a style I just wear whatever is comfortable."

"So 'tis. Now why were you late young lady?" Nicole playfully scolded her, tapping the tip of her nose as she pulled out her other pigtail and swept her hair up into a bun.

Nicole was usually a joker and carefree but she took after her mom in one respect and that was concern for other people's welfare. Scooting closer to Jadelyn, she thought carefully before speaking. "Why so glum about it?"

"I don’t know…I mean I used to be really close with my mom but ever since my dad’s death we’ve grown apart…it’s like she blames me for his death and now finds fault in every little thing I do..." she explained, her voice just above a whisper as her eyes brimmed with tears.

Nicole’s skin prickled with the emotion that she felt radiating from Jadelyn. She couldn’t even imagine that situation in her family. Her mom would be completely devastated if Samuel died and Nicole knew she couldn’t cope with such a tragedy without her mom. “Oh, I’m so sorry, Lyn,” Nicole whispered, wrapping her arms around the girl who seemed so strong but was really just hurting inside.

Jadelyn hugged her back and turned her head to look at Jenna. "I guess it’s partially why I don’t get how your brother can act so horrid to your dad…I would kill to have my dad back," she said, a small tear sliding slowly down her cheek.

“Maybe someday you should tell him that,” Nicole said quietly, pulling away and staring at her fingers. “One of my biggest fears is that my mom will go away to investigate a crime and never come back. Nathan is her partner. Ethan will never have the chance to repair relations with him if something happens.” The thought of either agent dying was a bit too much to bear and even the tough Nicole teared up a little.

"Wow, what a sad bunch you three make," Ethan said as he walked into the room and came to sit on the bed beside Jenna and kissed her cheek in greeting.

Nicole was relieved by the interruption but also hoped that Jadelyn would tell Ethan someday. She twisted and lay her head in Ethan’s lap. “You’re a happy camper. How was work, sir?” she asked him, reaching up to play with his hair which was a bit messy.

Ethan chuckled. "It was really neat. I got to go to a crime scene with dad and Lisa and they showed me the ropes to their job. Lisa and dad sparred in front of the trainees. I never knew how popular they were at work…it was very cool. I could see myself doing that one day," he replied.

“That’s awesome! I wanna see mom fight! I knew she and Nathan did, but I wanna see. I mean, she taught us, but its not the same! And you saw a crime scene?! I’m so jealous!” Nicole exclaimed, excited about experiencing it too, but really more pleased to see how not once during his explanation did he flinch at the mention of his dad. He actually seemed happy to talk about it.

‘Thank God,’ she thought.

Ethan laughed and Jadelyn smiled softly enjoying the sound. "The scene was grotesque but they let me offer ideas as to what the suspect could be and what his motive was, and I got to watch them interview witnesses…The stench was horrible but the blood didn’t really get to me."

Jenna sighed. "Great," she said dryly "So now we have another morbid male in the family," she teased.

Ethan chuckled and hugged her around the shoulder. "Dad is still better than your mom when it comes to fighting but it was a neat match to watch," he said rubbing it in to Nicole and turning the topic away from the crime scene for Jenna’s sake.

“Well mom’s a better shot,” Nicole said, playing along, seeing what Ethan was trying to do. “So what was the crime about? Can you tell us?” Nicole really was eager to know although she had a feeling she wouldn’t get to find out.

Ethan shook his head. "I’ll tell you later. I wouldn’t want to corrupt my baby sister and I don’t know how Jadelyn would feel about it so ask me again later," he replied before yawning.

Jenna smiled and rested her head on her brother’s shoulder. "Aww, is my poor Ethan tired?" she teased.

Jadelyn laughed. She loved seeing Ethan around his sister and Nicole because he was so easy going and fun around them.

Nicole laid her head back in Ethan’s lap and the three of them made a cute picture. “I’m sure. Mom always comes home exhausted. I can’t believe they subjected you to all that work too,” Nicole said although she was still envious.

Ethan leaned back a bit till his head rested against the wall and he closed his eyes, an arm draped around each of his two favorite girls. "It was worth it though."

“Sounds like it,” Nicole agreed, yawning herself and missing Sean. “Sean is really cuddly. Where is he when you need him? Not that you’re not a wonderful pillow, Ethan.” Nicole didn’t mean for it to sound like she was insulting Ethan as a human pillow.

Ethan feigned jealousy at her words and pushed her off his lap onto the floor. "You just have no taste that’s all. I’m sure any other girl would trade places with you in an instant and agree I am the softest there is," he teased.

Nicole oomphed as she hit the floor and mock-glared at him. “I’m sorry if my BOYFRIEND is a better pillow than my cousin,” she said obnoxiously, climbing back onto the bed and placing her head back into his lap before asking hopefully, “Where is your best friend anyway? Maybe he can come over to visit, too?”

Ethan laughed and dug out his cell and dialing Sean. He leaned back against the wall and closed his eyes while the phone rang. Jadelyn perused him as subtly as she could and thought he looked very relaxed and handsome.

‘You’re falling for a guy who will never like you,’ she scolded herself and looked away as Ethan began to talk to Sean.

"Hey Sean I got a little whiner over at my house will you come over and silence her please?"

Sean laughed on the other line and sighed. "What’d you do this time to make her whine Ethan?"

Ethan chuckled. "What makes you think it was me? She’s the troublemaker! All I did was push her off the bed because she said I wasn’t a good enough pillow like you."

Sean laughed at this. "Fine, I’ll come over and see what I can do."

Ethan breathed a sigh of relief to tease Nicole. "Good you can take the reputation of human pillow, frankly it’s one I could live without," he said and then hung up.

Jenna giggled. "You’re such a brat."

“Ya,” Nicole agreed, sticking her tongue out although she was thrilled Sean was coming over and hoped that he felt as she did or else she would feel really stupid. She wanted to throw her arms around Ethan and thank him, but she didn’t.

Jadelyn smiled at them. "Jenna could you throw me a pillow please?"

Ethan opened his eyes and glanced down at Jadelyn who had moved to the floor and was smiling at them. "I have another shoulder if you want it?" he offered.

Jadelyn shook her head even though she wanted to take him up on his offer. "No thanks then you’d have a worse reputation than human pillow you’d be a pimp."

Nicole laughed. “Please. It’s not qualified as pimping when two of the girls hanging on you are your relatives,” she joked.

Jenna giggled. "Yea, that’s just wrong."

Jadelyn blushed and looked away feeling foolish. Ethan chuckled thinking the blush was kind of cute on her before he shook the thought away.

‘Today seems so…unreal,’ he thought to himself. ‘First the day with dad and not hating him all day ad now thinking Jadelyn is cute when she blushes,’ he sighed and closed his eyes; letting his head hit the wall with a thud followed by a groan.

“Stop, you might hurt yourself,” Nicole said, forcing her voice to be monotonous like Ben Stein’s.

Ethan glared playfully at her. "What you think I MEANT to hurt myself?"

"Hurting yourself AGAIN Ethan?" Sean asked from the doorway accompanied by a heavy sigh of good jest.

Nicole’s head snapped towards the door and she tried not to get up to quickly, but ended up flinging her arms around him. “Hey baby,” she whispered pulling him close to her, wondering why he made her feel so strangely.

Sean chuckled as he wrapped his arms around her. "Hey, what’s this I hear about you complaining to Ethan again?" he teased her.

Nicole blushed bright read, hoping he would forget about that and buried her face in his chest. “I, um, was whininabouthowImissedyou,” she muttered really quickly, extremely embarrassed. She was not normally so, well, obsessed and wondered if it would scare him away. She remembered her conversations with Jenna earlier as well.

"Oh, quit acting all embarrassed over it Nicole," Ethan teased her.

Sean laughed and pressed a kiss into Nicole’s hair before answering. "Well, I’m flattered, at least it wasn’t bad complaining," he told her gently.

"By the way aren't these Jenna's clothes?" he asked as he held her away from him to look her over.

Nicole’s eyes widened, surprised he’d notice. “Um, ya. We’re going for the preppy punk look. What do you think?” she asked once she got over her initial shock, posing for him and shooting Ethan a look that said, ‘Keep your mouth shut. You’ve done enough.’

Ethan rolled his eyes at her look and shut his eyes again before yawning wearily.

Sean smiled. "It looks really good," he told her.

"Jenna you are an artist" he said turning to his best friends sister.

Jenna laughed. "Well thank you Sean but it’s mostly her, I just make suggestions and do the makeup."

Nicole smiled, happy he liked it. Then, over her insecurity, she grabbed Sean and pushed him on the floor, nearly falling on top of him. “Now you have to be my pillow,” she said. “It’s your soul purpose in life.”

Ethan chuckled. "See what I mean Sean, I warned you about her."

Sean laughed. "That you did, but I’ll let it pass this time," he teased, ruffling her hair and wrapping an arm around her. Nicole snuggled closer to him and kissed his shoulder before laying her head against his chest.

"Perfect," she mumbled, closing her eyes for a few moment as she let her hand trace patterns on Sean's chest.

Jenna smiled at them and found herself wishing Hunter was there. She blushed at the thought and forced it away, snuggling against her brother’s shoulder. Jadelyn sighed and held the pillow tighter as she fought back a yawn, wishing she had taken Ethan up on his offer.

“How’s everything going for you, Sean?” Nicole asked quietly without opening her eyes. “Ethan treating you right? School? Work? Home?” She said the part about Ethan loudly but the other parts softly because they were more personal. They were not only boyfriend and girlfriend, but they were becoming really close friends too.

Sean made tiny circles with his hand against Nicole’s back and sighed. "I finally found another job…I’ll be working in Hot Topic with that guy we met the last time I saw you at the mall, school is fine and home…I’ll get by what about you?"

Nicole pressed her lips into a straight line. She didn’t like hearing that his home life was such that he didn’t want to talk about it. But, she planned to support him no matter what, maybe help him out. She definitely planned to try and spend more time with him. “That’s awesome about your job. I will always be awesomely dressed and I can make all the girls jealous by dating one of Hot Topic’s hot employees,” she said a bit louder now that the conversation wasn’t so personal. She grinned up at him and thought again how beautiful his clear grey eyes were.

"You’re working at Hot Topic now?"

Sean raised his eyes to look at Jenna and nodded. "Yeah."

Jenna shook her head ‘That’s insane, Hunter and Nikki’s boyfriend both working at Hot Topic?’ she sighed.

"That’s great Sean."

"Thanks Jenna and Nikki, you’ll be dating Hot Topics HOTTEST employee," he corrected with a teasing wink.

Ethan scoffed. "That’s only because I won’t be working there."

Jadelyn closed her eyes and snuggled into the pillow; listening to her friends banter back and forth.

“No, Sean’s definitely the hottest,” Nicole teased Ethan and Sean by caressing his stomach underneath his shirt as she delicately kissed the corner of his jaw, glad he was there so she could even do it.

Sean didn’t respond and merely lay there, enjoying her ministrations after a rough day and Jenna smiled.

"Well, I say Ethan is because he’s my brother so it’s a tie unless Jadelyn wants to offer up a tie breaker?"

Jadelyn opened her eyes, never having liked being put on the spot. She glanced at Sean and then Ethan and shook hr head, closing her eyes again. "It’s too difficult a call," she replied, silently pleading the fifth.

Nicole giggled. “Well, I think Sean is off limits. It doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks ‘cause they can’t have him,” she said, putting her arm over his torso in a playful defensive gesture. “Mine.” She said it like a three-year-old.

Sean chuckled. "You’re so cute."

Ethan rolled his eyes and sat up. "Aww, you guys are so sweet you’re giving me a cavity. I almost feel like I’m with Lisa and Sam or mom and dad," he said dryly and made a gagging noise as he rose from Jenna’s bed.

Nicole protested, “Are not! Then we’d be making out in front of you…unless you want us to…” She grinned deviously.

Ethan rolled his eyes. "Thanks Nikki but I’ll pass, I may as well go dream of sugar plum fairies dancing in my head," he said sarcastically while mocking a ballerina’s pirouette and made his way to the door. "It'd be just as sickening"

Nicole doubled up laughing at him. “It woulda been great if you had fallen. Maybe you shoulda become a ballet dancer!” She leaned her forehead on Sean’s shoulder to catch her breath.

Ethan shook his head. "Thanks but I’ll pass on that kid. Remind me not to consult you if I ever want advice on a career choice."

Jenna was giggling at her brother's antics and Jadelyn thought he was as carefree a she had ever seen him and didn't want him to leave just yet.

“Looks like you already know what you want though,” Nicole said sagely with a nod. “And you better tell me all about your day later.”

Ethan nodded. "I already told you I would," he said and then turned to leave.

"You’re really going? I thought you were just kidding?" Jadelyn asked and then mentally berating herself for asking.

Ethan turned with a smile. "I was planning on it unless you WANT me to stay?" he knew he was flirting with her in a way but the day had been so carefree and fun that he didn’t care for the moment.

Nicole whispered to Sean with whom she’d already talked about Ethan and Jadelyn, “Of course she wants him to stay. And he wants to stay, too. It’s so obvious.”

Jadelyn blushed in response and Ethan chuckled but reentered the room.

"You do know once I lay down I’m not getting up right?" he asked her and Jenna. Jenna threw a pillow onto the floor.

"Then you’re laying on the floor because I don’t want to share my bed with a brute like you," she teased him and stretched out on her bed.

"Some loving sister you are," he mumbled and flopped down onto the floor beside Jadelyn and Nicole.

“Isn’t she the best?” Nicole teased, making herself comfortable on Sean’s chest once again, wishing that Ethan and Jadelyn would get together so they would understand what it was like. It would also decrease the tension. She sighed as Sean continued to rub circles on her back.

Jenna smiled. "You know I am."

"I dunno what do you think Jadelyn?" Ethan said to tease his sister.

Jadelyn smiled at him. "I’m gonna plead the fifth."

"You know if Michael weren’t already happily taken, I’d say you were perfect for him since you don’t seem to like confrontations either," he said with a sigh.

“But Mikey is happy with Becca. Very happy,” Nicole said. “Besides, Jadelyn has enjoyed a few confrontations if I remember correctly.”

Jadelyn blushed in remembrance of when she had first met Ethan Nelson. Ethan chuckled "Oh you remember very correctly, her blush is proof."

Nicole slapped Ethan. “Leave my friend alone. Jadelyn if you don’t like it over there, you can come sit by me and my man,” Nicole offered, shooting Ethan a silly look.

Jadelyn laughed. "Thanks Nikki but I think I can handle him well enough on my own without running from him."

Ethan’s brow raised in question. "Oh really? Was that a challenge little one?"

Jadelyn shook her head. "Nope it was fact."

Nicole giggled. “Ouch, Ethan. You got burned,” Nicole said, observing their strong attraction with pleasure. They deserved each other.

Ethan scowled at Jadelyn playfully. "See what you did!? You turned my own cousin against me!"

Jadelyn reached over and pinched his cheek. "Aww, poor baby."

“Aw, Ethan,” Nicole said. “I still love ya.” She slung an arm over his shoulder. “You’re just an ass sometimes.”

Ethan laughed. "Guilty as charged."

Nicole settled back down against Sean, leaving Ethan open to Jadelyn, which was fine with her because she loved cuddling with Sean. She silently watched the interaction between her cousin and friend while she ran her fingers through Sean’s mop of blond hair.

Jadelyn rolled over onto her side, and propped herself up on an elbow so she could look at Ethan. "Why were you at a Crime scene?" she asked.

Ethan answered without opening his eyes. "My dad and aunt are CIA. They took me with them today and got a call to investigate a crime scene."

"And you want to do something like that?" she asked almost surprised before realizing how great his hardened personality would be for such a job. "Never mind, I’m taking back the question."

“Yes, he does,” Nicole answered for him, languidly tracing the letters on Sean’s PacSun shirt. “He came back glowing, Lyn. I’m so jealous.”

Sean captured her hand and brought it up to his lips before speaking. "Looks like your sister fell asleep Ethan and it’s getting late I should probably be heading home too."

Nicole felt her fingers tingled where he’d kissed it and she glanced up at Jenna sleeping peacefully on the bed. She held back a disappointed sigh.

“Say ‘bye’ to Ethan and Jadelyn and I’ll walk you to your car,” she said softly, rising and offering him a hand with a gentle smile.

Sean said his goodbyes and then followed Nicole outside to his car.

“Hey,” she whispered, turning to face him and tracing his strong jawline with her finger. “Promise you’ll call me if you can’t fall asleep tonight. I don’t like these sleepless nights with you alone.”

Sean smiled down at her. "It’s been a long day. I don’t think sleep will be long in coming once my head hits the pillow. But if not I’ll call you."

She smiled. "Sounds good to me," she whispered before leaning up to kiss him, reveling in the feel of his soft lips.

Sean kissed her tenderly and reluctantly pulled away a few moments later. "I’ll see you tomorrow," he told her quietly before hopping in his car and driving off.

Jadelyn had gotten up to get a drink and stopped in front of the window to look outside, just as Nicole kissed Sean. A small sigh of longing slipped past her lips and not noticing it turned her gaze to where Ethan was laying. The rhythmic rise and fall of his chest signaled that he had fallen asleep. His bangs fell against his eyelids, making him look so young and innocent. Her fingers itched to run though his hair, to push it back from his eyes as Nicole had done for Sean but she refrained from doing so.

Nicole walked slowly back into the house and paused, watching Jadelyn gaze at Ethan with longing.

“I know the feeling,” she whispered, referring to wanting something that was currently unavailable. She always hated when Sean left.

Jadelyn jumped at Nicole’s voice behind her. "What are you talking about?"

“Wanting something that is just out of your reach,” Nicole said, looking out the window in the direction where Sean had driven off to his small home and ever-absent father.

Jadelyn blushed. "I don’t want your cousin…I was just wondering if we should get Nathan to move him or something."

“How did you know I was referring to Ethan, then?” Nicole asked before smiling. “You just want to push that annoying strand of hair off his face, don’t ya?”

Jadelyn sighed heavily, mentally berating herself for being so obvious. "It just looks uncomfortable…I hate it when hair is in my eyes," she said as a cover.

Nicole just nodded with a grin on her face before she bent down and brushed the hair aside herself, slightly touching his forehead to stir him awake. Then, she whispered into Ethan’s ear.

“You can open your eyes now. Sean and I finished making out.”

Ethan groaned. "I don’t WANT to open my eyes," he replied and merely rolled onto his other side away from her.

“Oh come on Ethan, you’re now taking over sacred girl’s sleeping over night time,” Nicole whined, draping herself over him and peeking at his face.

Ethan opened his eyes and glared at her. "Your point?"

"Well, if you WANT to stay for the nail-painting, gossiping about beautiful boys and make-overs...I really think blue eye shadow would do you some good. Maybe your right," she teased him, taking his face in her hand and inspecting it. "Maybe some rouge, too. You can stay."

"I don’t care what you do just let me sleep," he moaned wearily.

"It won't be too interesting to listen to anyways because Jenna is asleep and without her your girlishness fades," he teased her and then yawned.

Nicole pouted. "Nothing wrong with being interested in sports and fighting and G.I. Joe," she protested before asking Jadelyn, "Should we wake her up then?" She glanced at Jenna and the large guy lying on the floor.

Jadelyn shook her head. "No, let her sleep. It’s fine. Ethan’s just being mean. You still make a good girl with or without Jenna."

"I’m not mean, what would ever give you that idea." You could hear the teasing in his voice but it was growing husky with exhaustion and the sleep crowding in.

"Gee, I wonder," Nicole muttered sarcastically, kicking him softly. "You lazy, bum. Come on, Jadelyn. My aunt Marie is a movie fanatic and has a hoard of great movies."

Jadelyn rose and followed Nicole out of the room. "Good now I can sleep in peace," she heard Ethan mutter loud enough to tease his cousin.

“Ya, and wake up with cramps in every place possible,” Nicole shot back as she pulled open the cabinets to reveal rows and rows of movies. “Take your pick.”

Now that they were alone she was curious to ask Jadelyn about her mother a little more, but didn’t know how.

Jadelyn scanned the movie titles and finally took out Coyote Ugly. Nicole nodded her agreement and during the movie, while the main characters were talking about their home lives, Nicole finally asked, “Is it really uncomfortable at home?”

Jadelyn didn’t remove her eyes from the screen as she nodded. "We used to be a happy family. My dad held us all together. He was amazing. He was fun and loving…and then one day he wasn’t there anymore. I think my mom wishes it had been me who died in the accident and not my dad. She hardly speaks two words to me and then it’s only to scold me over something that doesn’t meet her approval…"

Nicole frowned and put an arm around her friend’s shoulder so that Jadelyn’s head tipped and leaned on Nicole’s shoulder. “I know you’ve heard this, but she doesn’t wish you were dead. Just think how you feel about your dad dying and think about her. She lost her love. She probably doesn’t know how to cope. She should show you way more affection though. You deserve to be loved,” Nicole whispered softly, rubbing her friend’s arm, wishing her mom was there. Lisa always knew how to make people feel better.

Jadelyn shrugged. "I guess…" she murmured quietly.

"I'm so sorry, Lyn," Nicole whispered, rubbing her friends shoulders as they watched the tender love scene in the movie. Nicole's heart ached for Sean and also, for Jadelyn. She wished Ethan would just ask her out already.

Jadelyn sighed. "It’s not your fault."

“I know,” Nicole said, withdrawing and watching the movie quietly, thoughts buzzing in her head. A little while later she said. “You do like my cousin though. There is no denying it.”

Jadelyn laughed. "That came out of nowhere.”

“But you do, don’t you?” Nicole asked, turning towards her friend.

Jadelyn sighed. "I don’t know. He’s very nice to look at but he’s also a jerk, I really don’t know who the real him is," she said, ending with a shrug of feigned indifference.

“You’re not the only girl to like him you know. What makes you different is that he seems to like you back,” Nicole said off-handedly.

Jadelyn glanced over at her. "What?"

She didn’t know anyone else who liked him but realized it was very possible. Shaking the thoughts away she replied.

"He does not like me. The only reason he kissed me was because I forced myself on him, the only reason he tolerates me is because I’m friends with his sister and cousin. That’s all it is."

Nicole laughed. “But he kissed you back. He had that dazed expression on his face when you left that Sean does when I kiss him,” she said rolling her eyes.

Jadelyn sighed. "The dazed look is different. Ethan’s is shock, Sean’s is enjoyment."

“Whatever I guess,” Nicole said, seeing how determined Jadelyn was to not understand what she was saying. “You’ll find another guy then. Just avoid Sergio. I dunno if you heard, but he made-out with my brother’s girlfriend, well, his ex.”

Jadelyn nodded sadly. "So I heard, and as for a guy for me. I’m content as I am…I just need a full time job so I can be overly busy and not have a chance to worry about going home or thinking about trying to find a boyfriend."

“Working all the time doesn’t help,” Nicole said sharply, thinking about Sean and the problems his job had initially caused.

Jadelyn figured she was talking about Sean and replied. "When you’re in a relationship it wouldn’t…but when you’re single like me it would...besides what would Jenna say if she knew I liked her brother?" it was the first time she had admitted it straight out.

Nicole ignored the admission, not wanting to make her feel more uncomfortable. “She already knows,” she said. “We are cousins. We talk about these things. And working too much is good for no one. Dad spent half his time before he was married trying to get Nathan and mom to work less.”

"Once again, they were in relationships so working wasn’t helping them. I wouldn’t be in a relationship. It would mean I wouldn’t have to be at home as much and I’d have little time to think about guys or whatnot," Jadelyn was surprised to hear about Jenna knowing considering it had just been a guess on Nicole’s part but let it slide even though she was curious to know what Jenna thought about the idea.

Nicole shrugged. “Whatever makes you happy I guess,” she said, not understanding how her mom could hold out for hours. This was already wearing her out.

Jadelyn smiled. "Sorry if I’m being difficult but who else likes Ethan?" she asked curiously.

Nicole flashed her an off-center grin. "I can't just expect you to believe me overnight, girl. I'm a little overbearing. It's my genes I tell you," she joked before continuing. "Well, Becca did for a really long but after a while of spending time with Jenna and Michael that friendship grew and well, history is history. Lauren, she's in our first period. She doesn't think I know, but she does. Making cow eyes every morning is just a little not-subtle." Then, Nicole scowled. "And then there are a group of girl's who come to all the lax games and drool over the 1st string attackers...guess who they are. My cousin, Sean and Jason. I hate it. It drives me up the wall. And then, a few of the other cheerleaders."

Jadelyn managed a smile. "In the list of admirers you listed there has got to be one he likes right?"

"He thinks a few are cute. But he's picky and doesn't seem to have time for anyone but 'his girls' as he likes to call me and Jen," Nicole replied.

Jadelyn laughed. "I think that’s what got me to quit hating him was when I saw how sweet he was with you and especially Jenna," she admitted.

“Ya, sometimes you have just got to give people a chance,” Nicole said with a smile. “He can be a jerk. But, there are more parts to him than most people realize.”

"I’m finding that out," she said quietly, adjusting herself on the couch to make herself comfortable as she watched the end of the movie.

“God, it’s even better than that,” Nicole sighed, staring at the couple in the movie before clicking it off. “Let’s go make some mischief.”

Jadelyn laughed. "No way! What do you have planned for him?"

“Egg yolks? Or Syrup? Or lettuce up his nose? What do you think? We can each take one?” Nicole suggested.

Jadelyn bit her lip, laughing silently at herself for even considering doing something like this to Ethan. "Well, nothing up the nose, it makes it harder to breathe…but I’ll take the syrup," she said deciding to be a little adventurous.

“I’ll get the eggs. Okay, syrup on the face, egg in the hair. I want to get him, not make him miserable. Egg yolk is actually good for your hair and its easier to get syrup off your face,” Nicole said, raiding the fridge.

Jadelyn sighed heavily as Nicole handed her the syrup bottle; unable to believe she was actually gonna pick on Ethan. "You know he’s going to hate me even more after something like this.”

“Blame it on me. He’ll do it anyway. We’ve been doing this kinda thing to each other since we were kids,” Nicole said although she wasn’t sure how he would react to a virtual stranger doing it, but Nicole wouldn’t let him hurt Jadelyn. She didn’t care if she got yelled at, it was nothing new.

Jadelyn giggled quietly as they entered the room. "What and give you all the credit? This won’t change anything with his attitude towards me so I’ve got nothing to lose."

Nicole grinned at her and nodded with approval. Then, she help up a finger to her lips and dipped her hand into the bowl which held the egg yolks. Putting the bowl on the floor she lathered the yolk onto her hands like soap and set to work, gently massaging his hair.

Jadelyn watched her as she messed up Ethan’s hair with egg yolks before reluctantly starting with the syrup, pouring a streak of syrup around the outline of his face and then smearing it around. Ethan was normally a light sleeper like his father but he had been so worn out that even if an earthquake hit he wouldn’t budge.

Nicole couldn’t believe he hadn’t woken up when the cool syrup touched his face but took it as it was and gently roused Jenna.

“Look!” she whispered pointing at Ethan who looking completely silly.

Jenna blinked several times before her eyes opened fully and she drew in a surprised breath and giggled quietly. "You know he’s going to kill you for this."

“This is for when he cut my hair to two completely different lengths a few months back and mom had to trim it. I looked like Queen Amadala for two days!” Nicole said, remembering the incident with a smile. “It was funny.”

"True, but he did you a favor. If I remember correctly Sean really liked the new cut," Jenna reminded her.

“Ya, after mom cut it! Before I looked like a japanime freak with half my hair down my back and the other to my shoulders! But Sean did like it…” She’d kept her hair like that since.

Jenna giggled. "See it all turned out good though. I don’t think you’ll get a happily ever after when he wakes up this time though and now you dragged poor Jadelyn into it.”

“Maybe I won’t. But maybe they will if they kiss and make up,” Nicole whispered with a giggle.

Jadelyn blushed bright red. "He’d kill me before he ever kissed me you both know that. This isn‘t you and Sean we‘re talking about Nikki."

Jenna nodded in agreement. "I must congratulate you both however. I can't believe he didn't wake up...today must have really worn him out."

“Aw man, I wanted to see his reaction now,” Nicole whined, pouting ridiculously and poking Ethan with her big toe.

Ethan moaned and rolled onto his side. When his sticky face hit the pillow his eyes shot open. His hand touching his face and moving back through his hair. His eyes immediately sought out Nicole and glared daggers out her. "Was this really called for tonight Nicole. I mean honestly!?" he growled.

She burst out into laughter and fell back onto the bed, clutching her sides. “I told you!” she gasped between laughs, directing a playful look towards Jadelyn.

Jadelyn giggled. "You called it alright."

Jenna smiled at her brother. "Jadelyn helped."

Ethan turned a surprised glance at Jadelyn. "Damn Nikki you must be very persuasive to get Jadelyn involved in this too…"

“Just had to suggest it. She asked for the syrup. I got to lather egg yolk into your silky hair,” she said breathily as though she found him very sexy.

Ethan scowled at them both before wearily rising to his feet. With a quick movement he pinned her to the floor and rubbed his hair over her face, transferring the egg yolks. "Since you love my hair so much I figured I’d let you touch it one more time before I wash it out."

Ethan smirked at Jadelyn. "And as for you…" He didn’t finish but instead lay on her pillow and rubbed against it to transfer the syrup onto it before rising to go shower.

Nicole was just laughing as she wiped her face off. “Just put the pillow case right inside his door so he’ll step on it,” Nicole suggested going to the other bathroom to wash her face. “That was awesome.” The last comment was muttered to herself.

Ethan trudged into the bathroom. his neck was stiff from just the few hours he had lain their and his back was rather sore. As he stood beneath the warm water his legs turned to rubber. He was so relaxed he knew if he didn’t get out right then he wouldn’t get out at all. He tripped out of the tub and into a pair of pajama pants too tired to shrug into a shirt. He practically slept walked into is room but when he bent down to grab his pillow off the floor from where he had stretched out earlier, he instead just fell onto the floor and was completely out of it the moment his head touched the pillow.

"Wow, mom and Nathan sure wore that kid out. I didn't even get to wrestle," Nicole said a little disappointed. Inevitably Ethan would win, he was much larger and stronger, unless he was in a good mood and let her win, but it was always fun to blow of friendly tension. She'd just returned from the bathroom and peeked into Ethan's room, covering him with a blanket as she passed.

Jadelyn had heard the thud as he dropped onto his wooden floors and sighed heavily. She almost wished now that she had just let him sleep instead of wearing him out further and making him move when evidently he was too tired to make it into his own bed.

“Don’t look so mournful. We do this all the time,” Nicole said before yawning. “Besides, he’s just as comfy in his room without talking girls and a light on. I covered him and turned off his light and set his alarm. He’ll be fine.”

Jadelyn nodded an okay and yawned, taking the pillow case off of the pillow Ethan had rubbed his syrup covered face against before stretching out on a comforter that Jenna had laid out on the floor for them.

“I’ll get you a pillow and set that case to soak,” Nicole said, disappearing and returning a few minutes later with a few pillows.

The girls talked for awhile longer before finally going to sleep. Jenna had fallen asleep pretty quickly after her brother had left the room and it was becoming harder and harder for Jadelyn to stay awake so the girls said their goodnights and finally went to sleep around 2 am.

Please r/r guys. Let us know how we’re doing, what you want to happen and such.

Katelyn and Raine