Well That Wasn't a Wasted Weekend Pt. 03

He was sitting on his bed scrolling on his laptop. It had been a few days since Jace had his last date with B. He was still in a good mood. They had had a good time and best of all it had ended back at his and she had agreed to another date. She had only asked that they do something other than watching a movie. He was just struggling to think of something that she would enjoy and wasn't exorbitantly expensive. He was a student in L. A though, everything was extortionate. Thankfully B didn't seem to be a high maintenance girl. But he still wanted to do something that would be a worthwhile date.

Then he had a flash of inspiration. He decided to float the idea by her, it would still be cost effective if she liked it. He sent her a text.

'I'm thinking about our next date. How do you feel about hiking?'

It didn't take long for his phone to buzz with a response from her.

'I like hiking, what do you have in mind?'

He texted back.

'I was thinking of a hike/picnic in Griffith Park doing the Hollywood sign trail. It's about four and a half hours.'

He received a reply a short while later.

'Sure, but you can't make comments about the sunhat I'll need to bring or periodically smearing myself in spf100.'

He chuckled, remembering that with her fair skin that would be a necessity. Texting her back.

'We can head off late afternoon to avoid the worst of the sun. Promise I will keep schtum about the sunhat, no matter how ridiculous and massive it is.'

B giggled, quickly typing out her next message to him.

'Now I just want to find the MOST obscene sunhat in existence to test that resolve. I'll borrow a car and pick you up. How are we doing the picnic?'

He typed back.

'Let's do a potluck. We both bring stuff we feel like. Then we enjoy it regardless of what unholy combinations we come up with.'

She giggled again.

'I'm looking forward to your cooking. Unless you're providing PB&J and instant Mac'n'cheese : P.'

'Give me some credit, I wasn't going to go for the omega level lazy options. Plus, I already know chocolate is out. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised ;).'

'Good to know, when did you want to meet?'

'How's the day after tomorrow for you?'

'Fine for me, pick you up at 1pm?'

He texted back a thumbs up. B was looking forward to it, she liked walking. She immediately set about planning what she was going to bring. Also checking where the hiking gear was. Eventually finding a rucksack with an insulated pocket at the back of the attic along with a pair of her mother's walking shoes. By the time she had climbed back down the ladder with her haul she was confronted with Tyler. Clearly summoned by her movement outside of her room.

"What are you going up in the attic for?" He asked with a bemused smirk.

"To retrieve things from it. I assumed even your basic powers of observation would have told you that." B answered facetiously. Trying to retreat back to her room.

Tyler huffed. "Yes, even I had gathered that much. But why? What's the hiking shit for?"

"Hiking." B said deadpan.

"Will you just answer the fucking question?" He asked, getting annoyed.

B pretended to think about it. She cocked her head at him and smiled. "Hmmm, no."

Then walked into her bedroom slamming the door. It didn't prevent Tyler from barging in. Looking annoyed trying to stare her down.

"I asked you what you're doing, answer me fully." He barked.

She dumped her items on her bed, then turned to face him. An amused and sardonic expression on her face. "Why do you need to know? You're not the boss of me. If you're concerned about my safety I can send my mother the details. Otherwise, it's none of your business." She shrugged.

He glared at her. "Christ you're seeing that loser again, aren't you?" He scoffed.

She rolled her eyes. "Care to elaborate in detail why that's a problem? It's not like you get a say in who I date. He's single and I enjoy his company. Frankly if you hadn't started fucking his girlfriend we would never have met." Giving him a smirk.

He huffed again. "It's still weird that you're dating my girlfriend's ex."

She raised her eyebrows in disbelief. "I'm sorry, are you playing the 'take my girlfriend's feelings into account' card? Don't pretend you give a shit about how she feels. You never do for any of them. Your pattern is tried and tested; you'll have a new vapid blonde by Thanksgiving. At this point it's not even worth remembering their names. So... say it out loud... the real reason."

B narrowed her gaze at him, refusing to break eye contact.

Tyler grinned lasciviously. "If I said it out loud, would you let me do it? Dad and Susan are out, I could show you exactly what you've been missing."

She scoffed with visceral revulsion. "No!" Then shoved him out of her door in disgust. Locking it once it was slammed shut.

She shook off the interaction, gross as Tyler was, she refused to have him ruin her good mood. She started planning out what she was going to bring on the picnic.

It was the day of their date, late morning and B was in the kitchen preparing what she was going to bring. She was confident Jace was going to like it. As she pulled the first tray from the oven Tyler appeared, starting to hover. When he tried to sneak and steal her labour, B with near lightning reflexes swatted his hand with a spatula.

He recoiled, expressing discomfort. "Ow! What the fuck?! Can't I have just one?"

She stared daggers at him, speaking as though he was a particularly stupid child. "No, because I didn't cook it for you."

Her Mum descended the stairs. A woman in her late forties who shared a lot of similar features with B, but her curls were brown and she wasn't fair, sporting a California tan.

"Yo, Susan, B is being super selfish and won't share." Tyler whinged to her mother.

Susan sauntered over. "What's this for?" She enquired to B.

B stood there stoically, predicting where the conversation was going to go. "I have a date later, this is for our picnic. Tyler can find his own food."

Her mum bounced and clapped with excitement. "Tyler, if she made this for her date, you have no right to take it without permission. Make your own snacks. Who is this new guy? Do we know him?"

B replied with a smirk. "His name is Jace, he's pre-med and is Caitlin's ex-boyfriend."

Her Mum raised an eyebrow. "Caitlin's ex-boyfriend?"

B threw some scathing side eye at Tyler. "Yes, the guy she was still dating when she and Tyler got involved. He knew."

Susan looked at Tyler with disappointment. "... Tyler." Shaking her head.

Tyler, affronted and feeling embarrassed left the kitchen storming upstairs. Her Mum refocused on her. "What caught your eye about him?"

B thought for a moment. "He's fun, good witty banter. Good looking."

Susan perked up. "Sounds promising. We should have him round for dinner. Any dietary requirements? Vegan?"

B pondered for a moment as she retrieved another tray from the oven. "No dietary requirements that I know of. He's not vegan, he'd have mentioned it by now... and I've seen him eat meat." She grinned. Her expression turned more hesitant and serious. "Not sure I'd want to bring him round for dinner. It's a bit early still and I'd want a guarantee that neither Tyler nor Caitlin would be here."

Realisation crossed her Mum's face. "Because of the awkwardness that must still be there..." She nodded.

B responded deadpan. "No, because they're both arseholes. Tyler's gone above and beyond to be a dick."

Susan sighed. "I don't understand why we all can't just get along."

B rolled her eyes. "Because Tyler belongs in therapy and no one is making him go."

Her Mother grimaced. "I don't disagree with you, but you can't force someone to go into counselling. Whenever Stephen and I broach the subject, he refuses."

B let out her own sigh. "Mum, be realistic. If Stephen threatened to cut off the purse strings Tyler would swiftly change his tune. But he doesn't so we all have to suffer with him being an intolerable shit. The way it stands I don't want to come back after summer is over. Like my ever so sensible brother Adrian, I will make you come to me in England. You need to ask yourself if you want to reduce the amount you see your family, to cater to your husband's refusal to do something about his son."

"Sweetheart don't say that, I would never get to see you. I can barely make it back to see Adrian as it is." She tried to reason with B.

B took a deep calming breath. "I don't want to cut you out Mum, but Tyler... if you saw the way he looked at me. How he treated Jace. I am not interested in putting my future partners through that spiteful, jealous behaviour. So, I would choose not to be in his vicinity at all."

"I think you might be being oversensitive, sweetheart. I doubt Tyler sees you that way. He was probably just being territorial of Caitlin. It's not mature behaviour I will grant you, but we are family." She tried to pull a warm motherly smile.

B clenched her teeth. She silently loaded her cooking into Tupperware and put it into the rucksack. Adding water, sunscreen and other provisions. Moving to the door to put on her walking shoes and sunhat, grabbing the car keys. Her Mother sensing she had said the wrong thing, hurried to the door to intercept.

"B, sweetheart, I feel we're leaving things on a bad note. I just want things to be clear between us." She said weakly.

B turned back to her rubbing the bridge of her nose, letting out an exasperated sigh. "Mother, I'm trying not to be a dick about this. But you have made it abundantly clear that you would rather permit your husband's pandering of his errant child, than believe what your own is telling you. Maybe think about that. If you'll excuse me, I'm going on my date."

B quietly went out the front door. The awkward tension drawn taut between them. She got in the car, blasting heavy metal on her phone. Then went to pick up Jace, trying to bury the feelings of the morning, so she and Jace could have a good time.

Jace has spent the morning cooking as well. Beyond happy with his efforts and looking forward to seeing her. He had also needed to bat away his roommates trying to prevent them from sneaking off with his picnic contributions. By the time he had all his stuff together and ready he got a call from B.

"Hey I'm outside, blue chevy." She didn't sound... very high energy to Jace.

He looked out the window, there she was. Sitting in the car.

"Cool. Down in a sec." He replied, quickly gathering his things and going downstairs.

He walked up to the car putting his things on the back seat. Then sitting in the passenger seat.

"Hey, you good to drive? Must be an adjustment driving on the correct side of the road?" He grinned as he delivered his light-hearted jab, hoping it would perk her up.

She raised an eyebrow and gave him a smirk. "It's not rocket science, just swapping between left and right. The real challenge is dealing with all the oversized cars on the road. Because you all seem to be collectively compensating for something as a nation." She pulled out and got them moving.

He chuckled. "Ouch, that's a good one. Are our cars really that much bigger?"

She mused over it for a second, then giggled. "Your average American SUV would get stuck down a European side road."

Jace googled it then chucked as the images came up from his search. "The defence rests. Jesus, those cars are so small."

B sniggered. "No, they're just what most of the world drives, American cars are huge."

Jace pondered this. "What do you drive back home then?" He asked curiously.

She tittered. Talking like a car commercial voice over. "A real shitheap Seat Ibiza, 2004 reg. It's a two-door hatchback, the passenger door does not open, and the driver's side window does not roll down. I keep a hammer in the glove box; it serves as a potential means of self defence. But mainly in the event that the driver's side door decides it doesn't want to open any more, I can escape."

Jace laughed. "Back home I had a..." Also swapping to his own attempt at a voice over. "1996 Ford Ranger, how it was still running by the time I got it was an absolute mystery. I had a running paranoia that it was haunted like Stephen King's Christine, a supernatural force keeping it running. It had holes in the floor, and the whole thing groaned like a disappointed grandma when I went round corners too fast. Then two weeks before graduation I was with my date in a make out spot, she very generously offered me head... the disappointed grandma haunting the truck then set it on fire in disgust, committing herself to oblivion." He swapped back to his normal voice. "That was the end of my truck. RIP you haunted old rust bucket."

B laughed. "You're bullshitting me, that can't be true." She lightly shook her head.

"I am not!" He insisted. "I have a photo, let me find it. Seriously, I had a date, making out, she offered to blow me, and the car immediately caught fire. We obviously bailed from the pending inferno, the local mechanic guessed there was something wrong with the fuel line. But you will never convince me it wasn't the disappointed grandma, she cock blocked me good. I did not get another date after that."

He brought up the photo on his phone. It was a selfie. A younger Jace wearing a horrified expression with the ford in the background on fire. B took a quick look while stopped at a red light.

B spoke in a surprisingly casual tone. "I have questions, first, why did you take a selfie?"

"After I called the fire service I needed to call my dad to come pick up me and my date. He initially didn't believe me and I required evidence." He reasoned.

"Okay, second. Are you a true believer in the supernatural?" B asked with suspicion.

"As a general rule no. I am in the 'crystals are only rocks and sage is just a herb' camp. But there are some things that just defy explanation. Like how a newly installed fuel line spontaneously combusts, just as I'm offered my first blowjob. The universe is filled with boundless mysteries." He said jovially.

B chuckled and nodded. "While my skeptical side says there's no such thing as the beyond. I have already encountered enough arseholes in my short time on this earth, that I'm willing to believe someone might, out of petty, judgemental spite, reach over from the other side to cock block someone. If it's possible. You're right there's a lot that is not fully explained."

Jace tittered. "Thank you for being open minded."

"But in all seriousness, you may be able to joke about it now... but that must have been really upsetting at the time." B asked probingly.

"Honestly yeah, I thought my Dad was going to kill me for trashing my car. But he was just really concerned. Obviously my date found it so upsetting she didn't want to see me afterwards. But I get that. The worst part is... I get major anxiety in the rare instance someone offers to blow me in a car." Jace confessed with a ponderous smile.

B sniggered, unable to hold it in. "I am so sorry. Intellectually I know I should not laugh but... I can't help it."

Jace giggled with her. "It's okay... it's fucking absurd."

A joke occurred to B and couldn't resist making it. "Do you still think the grandma is still out to get you?... that she might have found her way to a blue Chevy?" Cheekily raising her eyebrows.

Jace responded, feigning horror. "Don't you dare! The grandma is not to be taken lightly! She haunts my dreams AND cost me my 'safe driver discount'!"

B howled with laughter. Tears pricking the corners of her eyes. Almost wheezing. "No more, else my driving is going to suffer. Besides, we will be there soon."

Jace was thrilled. It always felt good when a girl laughed at his jokes. He was happy she seemed in a better mood. They pulled into the parking lot of the Greek theatre, finding a spot, B smothered herself in sunscreen, putting on her hat and sunglasses. Whilst Jace had worn a t-shirt and shorts, B was wearing a long-sleeved white t-shirt with leggings. As she walked Jace found his eyes drifting to the outline of her ass, admiring the shape and size. They put on their backpacks and set off on the trail.

"I like that you suggested this." Said B with a smile. "It's been a while since I last went on a hike. It's great."

"Why not?" Jace asked with interest.

She chuckled. "I go to Uni in London. It's not nice to walk around. Nothing like living in a city to completely kill my desire to stay there. I miss the green scenery of the countryside."

He nodded. "I feel the same about LA. When I lived in my hometown I couldn't wait to get out. The initial novelty wore off after the first few months. I realised I don't actually like it here."

B tittered, agreeing. "City people attitude? In London it's a 'capital city' attitude. But it's the same kind of thing. So many people who think that civilization ends at city limits. Believing that country and small-town folk are backwards and primitive."

Jace chuckled. " How many horror movies are set out in the country because screenwriters seem to find the idea of peace and quiet terrifying?"

"Yeah!" B emphatically agreed. "It's such a weird bias. Especially when you are far more likely to be murdered in a city. I just never find those films scary. They could easily set a horror movie in a city... where they explore the cold reality that you could be running down the street screaming for help and no one would assist you... they'd just pull out their phone and record it, if they noticed at all. That's terrifying." She shuddered.

Jace concurred with her. "Yup, totally get that. I've had some interactions in LA that have left me genuinely unsettled. There was an older guy who used to hang out around our neighbourhood and he would always, without fail, be wearing assless chaps with a thong." B raised an eyebrow. "Worst of all he didn't even have the ass for it." She giggled. "I mean... if you got it, flaunt it, but he did not have it." He said jovially, then continued in a more serious tone. "He used to aggressively hit on people who walked past. Then got angry when they inevitably rejected him. Even did it to me once. Then one day he just lost it, grabbed someone and tried to drag them into traffic with him. Getting hit by a car. The video was sent to me by one of the people in my building. Absolutely no one tried to help, they just watched or filmed. So, your horror movie idea... realistic."

"God, did they die?" B asked with concern.

"Thankfully, no. The car had slowed right down by the time it hit them. Just minor injuries, but assless chaps ended up in an institution. He clearly wasn't right in the head. But it was one of those moments where I realised that kind of shit never happened back home. It kind of confirmed it for me that when I settle down somewhere, it's going to be a nice small town. Definitely not LA." Jace explained soberly. "Sorry, I just harshed the tone a little, apologies."

B gave him a reassuring smile. "No, it's fine. I think the same thing. When I settle down somewhere, I also want it to be a nice small town, a house with a herb garden maybe? Besides, who wants to be around someone who insists on positivity all the time? Some things are just shit and that's worth acknowledging, so long as you don't dwell on them too long." She shrugged.

"Why... thank you for being understanding. I will say LA has one benefit over back home." He grinned.

"Oh, do tell. Please don't say take out at 1am, my opinion of you will lower." She raised an eyebrow with a wry smile.

"No." He chuckled. "If I am ravenous at 1am I am usually too drunk to care what I'm eating. So, I will devour whatever is in my snack cupboard. The answer is fewer bears."

She giggled. "I assume you're referring to the four-legged kind and not the gay community."

He pulled another grin. "Oh, LA has plenty of those kinds of bears. But as for the four-legged kind, unless you're venturing deep into the parks bordering the city, some black bears there. You are unlikely to come across any. Unlike back home where they are quite common and occasionally, we get some grizzlies. Black bears are fine, they aren't usually aggressive. Grizzlies on the other hand... you want to keep your distance."

She smirked. "In the 'man vs bear' argument I guess you choose man?"

He let out another chuckle. "With respect, the people who choose 'bear' clearly have never seen a grizzly up close. I'll take a guy, even a creepy one over a grizzly."

She flashed a curious smile. "Am I about to get another crazy story from you? This one involving a grizzly bear?"

"Absolutely!" He beamed.

She playfully rolled her eyes. "You've set it up, you'd best deliver."

He began his tale. "Back home, I was about to head out to my Saturday job when I noticed that a grizzly bear was just chilling in front of my truck. It was therefore immovable, even stepping out of the house was a real danger. Cue me pointing it out to the rest of the family so no one went outdoors. Then I had to call my boss, explaining that I couldn't make it in that day 'because of the grizzly bear'." She chuckled, then he switched to a deeper voice. "'Well, kid, if the bear eats ya then you ain't making ya next shift anyway. Stay safe and don't be stupid'."

She tittered. "That's surprisingly reasonable from what I've heard of American bosses. What happened next?"

He continued. "Then my parents argued. Mom wanted to shoot it, removing the threat to her family. My dad pointed out the ridiculous number of bullets it would need to take it down, even with a good aim. It probably wouldn't die quickly either, a moral quandary. Dad pointing out a male would weigh over 850 lbs. Even if we had killed it, getting it off the driveway would have been no joke." He spoke quickly, barely taking a breath. "It eventually wandered off as I was calling animal control. We were still nervous about going outside until animal control announced they dealt with it."

B looked at a loss for words for a moment. "I honestly forgot how safe the English countryside is compared to everywhere else. The worst we have are cows and badgers, both are easily avoided. The rest of America always seems worlds apart from the cities. It's good no one was hurt though. But I now feel like I have to regale you with some weird and wonderful tale." She pondered.

He gave her an understanding smile. "I'd happily listen to any tales you have. I'm sure you've got some." Raising his eyebrows.

B gave it some thought. Then smiled. "Back in England the drinking culture is prominent, so most have had a few drinks before turning eighteen. I was definitely one of those, my tolerance was pretty good. Mum came back for a visit, bringing Stephen and Tyler. I was staying with my Uncle and his wife at that point. I had prior plans to go out with my friends, but I was forced to bring Tyler along." She rolled her eyes. "We did our best to include him, but he was still... Tyler. He made the mistake of assuming cider is the same thing in the UK as it is in the US."

"How's it different?" Queried Jace.

"In the US you have cider and hard cider. In the UK there is only hard cider, but it's just called cider. Easy mistake to make, but when the cider we were drinking was 12% volume, an embarrassing one." She explained.

Jace tittered. "How drunk did he get?"

"After vocally declaring that Britain sucks because and I quote... 'why won't UberEats deliver to the middle of this fucking field?!', he tried to make love to our Guy Fawkes effigy." She recalled.

Jace wore a puzzled expression. "I need some context, what is a Guy Fawkes effigy?"

B clarified. "On November 5th we celebrate bonfire or fireworks night. We set off fireworks, make a huge bonfire and throw on a life-sized effigy of the catholic who tried to blow up our houses of parliament. Think 'V for Vendetta'. But the original 'Guy Fawkes' was not a hero, also he was hanged not burned. It's a bit of fun that's over 400 years old. Basically Tyler humped a dummy made out of paper mache and dressed in old clothes."

Jace chortled, he responded in a facetious tone. "Tyler must have been really pent up, poor guy."

B giggled. "Really must have been, he struck out with all my female friends and one of the guys he thought was a girl. Overall, he left a terrible impression. So, I carried him back home after they drew multiple detailed penises on his face. In permanent marker, Stephen wasn't pleased." She reminisced with a grin.

He laughed. "Please tell me there's a photo."

"Oh, yeah! But I'd have to do a bit of digging, I can pull it up when we stop for lunch. How far away is the picnic area?" She asked.

He pulled up his phone. "Just another couple of turns."

The pair of them kept walking, soon reaching the picnic area. They chose a table and sat down, unpacking their feast. Each bringing out two large Tupperware containers and some cutlery. Along with hand sanitizer for before they started to eat. Cleaning up, they then offered their food to the other.

B looked at Jace's contribution with interest. "What did you bring? It looks and smells great."

Jace grinned. "It's chilli con carne but I used slow cooked pork instead of ground beef. And this is homemade cornbread. My dad's recipes. Now what is it that you brought?" Gazing at hers with curiosity.

B smiled. "These are scotch eggs. Traditionally they are made of an egg surrounded with seasoned ground pork, then a layer breadcrumb. But I subbed the pork with bacon and chorizo."

"Okay I like the sound of that, and the other?" He asked.

"These are Cornish pasties. They're like a pie you can eat in one hand, made with seasoned beef, potato, onion and swede. All wrapped in golden pastry, thought I would show you British food doesn't suck." She explained with glee.

"Alright, you try mine, I'll try yours." Jace instructed.

B helped herself to a spoonful of chilli, smiling as she rolled it around her mouth. Then ripped off a piece of cornbread, slowly chewing as she sampled the taste.

B gave her verdict. "I like both, the chilli is actually spicy and has a good background flavour. The pork is a nice difference. The fresh cornbread is delightful."

Jace beamed then tried her offerings. He first had a scotch egg, biting through a satisfying crisp of the breadcrumb to the salty savoury layer of the bacon and chorizo then into the egg. A delicious mouthful. He finished it off, then took a bite out of the pasty. A delectable crunch through the pastry to a peppery mix of beef and vegetables. He had to admit he was impressed.

"Okay, if British food is like this then it is really good." He gave her a smile.

She smiled back. "See, it would be like saying all Mexican food is awful because taco bell is terrible. Can't let a couple of bad examples damn a whole culture's cuisine."

He chuckled. "True Taco Bell is terrible. I would rather go without than eat there."

"Out of curiosity, why did you bring Mexican food? Does your dad just really like it if they're his recipes?" B asked.

Jace gave her an odd look. "Well, the clue is in my surname."

She gave him an odd look back. "Which is something neither of us have told each other." Cocking an eyebrow at him.

"Oh, yeah." Jace sheepishly replied. He held out his hand to shake to properly introduce himself. "Hello I'm Jace Garcia."

B took his hand and gave it a squeeze. "Hello I'm Boudica Sharpe. Nice to meet you. I didn't realise, apologies if my question seemed insensitive."

"It's fine I realise that I don't look stereotypical, my dad is American but Mexican parents. My mom is white from Irish ancestry, so I'm a mix." He explained.

B mused on that, then smiled. "Aren't we all mixed in some way? Never been curious about my heritage like that. I can assume based on my hair a couple of my ancestors couldn't run away from the Vikings fast enough." She said with a smirk. Jace couldn't help the dark cackle that escaped him. "I'm joking it's not wholly accurate, while they undoubtedly engaged in some of that activity. It wouldn't account for the percentages of people across the British Isles and Ireland who have red hair or the gene. In reality a lot of the local Saxon and Celts were simply not as attractive, when the Vikings started settling."

Jace, amused by this tangent, questioned her. "Okay, why?"

She grinned as she explained. "If you were a woman in that time period, are you going to choose a Saxon/Celt man who thinks that marriage makes you his property and stinks because he almost never washes. Or the tall burly ginger man named Sven, who bathes, grooms himself and his culture demands he treat you well or you are entitled to leave. Which looks more attractive?"

Jace chuckled. "Hypothetically if I were a woman who was attracted to men, then yes I'd probably choose Sven."

She grinned. "See, sorry I just went off in my own direction. How did your parents meet? Was it in Alaska or did they move?"

"They were originally in the midwest. My Dad took a position as a police officer in my Mom's hometown. He met her by chance." Jace recalled.

"He fell at first sight for the farm girl?" B asked jokingly.

"Sort of, he had to pull her up because he caught her smoking weed in her car." Jace said with a smile.

"What? That's how they met, how did that turn into a loving relationship?" She chuckled.

"Well, my Mom managed to convince him not to arrest her. She got it down to a warning and gave him her number. Then that was that, 29 years and six kids later." He mused.

"If you are the eldest, they were together for quite a while before they started having kids?" She pondered.

"They were both quite young when they met, Mom was 18 and Dad was 23. They waited until they were older. I'm 21 now, so do the maths. What about your parents?" Jace enquired.

"They met at university through friends. Got married not long after. Popped out my brother, then me five years later. Then my dad got sick, it was aggressive, he passed away before I turned two. Mum met Stephen when his company was filming in the UK, they asked her to consult and hit it off. The rest you know." She explained.

Jace chewed this over. "So, is Stephen a producer? Or at least owns a production company? What does your Mom do?"

"My Mum is a translator who knows about five languages. Four fluently, one sort of. I suppose Stephen is technically a producer... but he made his money through finance. I'm convinced his production company is some kind of tax avoidance thing. Because all of the films they make suck. Like Uwe Boll bad." She raised her eyebrows.

"Let me guess, Tyler's Mom was an actress?" Jace raised his own eyebrows.

B nodded with a smile. "Bingo."

Jace chuckled. "The actress and the producer. A doomed Hollywood romance for the ages."

"Speaking of doomed romances... I am curious about something. You don't have to answer but... you and Caitlin, Why? I want to understand how that came about?" B gazed at Jace keenly, focussing on his green eyes.

Jace sighed, then began to formulate his response. "Despite current appearances I wasn't always this charming and cool." He pulled a wry smile.

B feigned surprise, laying the sarcasm on thick. "You mean you weren't born this way; it was a product of personal growth? Oh, the deceit! I feel lied to."

Jace grinned. "Yes, I must confess. Back in highschool I was the nerdy class clown. I got on with most people, but I was not successful with girls. Like any guy dreaming of punching above his weight, I had a major crush on the head cheerleader, who was pretty, blonde, tan and slenderly built. She was nice, popular, in a relationship... and obviously didn't really know I existed. So, when I got to USC and there was this girl who looked just like her..." He trailed off.

B finished his sentence. "... Those warm fuzzy feelings you had for the cheerleader came to the forefront. Blinding you to all the initial red flags."

He hung his head in shame. "Then even after I realised that I didn't actually like her as a person... I stayed in the relationship, because she was hot and I just was too spineless to end it. I didn't want to be the 'bad guy', but staying with her when I didn't actually want to be with her... made me the 'bad guy'. I don't delude myself about that. When I found out she was cheating and received that break up text... it was like a weight was lifted. There you are, my dirty laundry. Hope you don't find it too off-putting." He seemed almost nervous as he finished.

B thought over his response. "I really appreciate the honesty actually, you didn't have to be... she dumped you over text, didn't even bother with a phone call?" Jace pulled a slight grimace as he nodded. "Well, you gave me an answer to a probing intimate question, guess you are entitled to the same courtesy. What do you want to know?"

Jace pondered over what burning question to ask. "What were you like as a teenager at school? Before you left for college."

B smirked. "Well unsurprisingly, I wasn't one of the popular kids. Most of the time you would find me with a book in hand. Reading obscure sci-fi, wearing a pair of glasses so thick I looked like a ginger Professor Trelawney from Harry Potter." Jace tittered. "My baggy clothes, name, glasses and my choice in literature had me labelled as a 'weirdo'. Because I was reading the 'Dune' series before Timothee Chalamet made it cool. The number of guys who used to just treat me and any of the girls they didn't find attractive like absolute shit always amazed me. Like constantly hurling insults or sometimes actual objects." She shook her head in irritation. "Then I got a stepbrother who was the exact same."

"I've never understood the guys who do that." Jace mused. "It's literally going out of your way to be an asshole."

B nodded in agreement. "When I turned 18, I got laser eye surgery and dressed a bit nicer. That's it. Then all the guys who treated me like something subhuman suddenly started being nice. Tyler included. The fact they thought they had a chance, like my self-worth was so low that I would be interested, after they were awful to me... As a result, my dating history is rather sparse. Any guy who has vibes like those I knew at school doesn't get a second look. I know it seems petty but... it's just my way of weeding out guys I suspect to be pricks and hiding it."

Jace gave her a sympathetic smile. "If it's any consolation, I think you'd have looked cute in thick glasses. Also, I'm glad I passed your vibe check. There was a guy who treated my sister like that, then when she had her 'glow up' couldn't understand that she was the opposite of interested."

B raised an eyebrow. "I get the feeling there's another story there."

Jace grinned. "There is one, it's a heartwarming story of all the Garcia boys uniting against an enemy who made our sister cry. Discouraging him without violence. Just a coordinated campaign to ensure his whole life smelled like rotting fish. We left an ambiguous note saying it would only end when he left our sister alone. He eventually got the message."

B laughed. "While that sounds hilarious. That type can't have taken it quietly?"

Jace's grin got wider. "Oh, no. He tried to file a police report against us but had a hard time proving we had actually broken any laws. Which we hadn't. My dad read out his complaint at the kitchen table. He was strangely proud. What I am trying to say is, I am down with being petty for good reasons."

B let out a belly laugh. "Jace Garcia, are you actually just an agent of chaos?"

"I try to keep a handle on it most of the time. At some point I am planning to be a medical professional." He chuckled.

B playfully narrowed her eyes at him. "Which brings me to my next question, why did you choose USC to study medicine? If the goal was just to get out of your hometown?"

"In all seriousness it was purely financial. Of all the places I applied to, USC offered me a full ride. Scholarship covering almost all my tuition. It just made sense, even with the LA insanity. I will be using a similar decision-making technique for med school." He smiled. "Where do you attend University, Miss Sharpe?"

"Queen Mary's University of London. It's not one of the really famous ones but it's good. I've just finished my first year." She smiled back.

He raised an eyebrow. "Aren't you 20? Why are you only in your first year? Not trying to be judgy, just feels like there's a gap of time there."

B tittered. "That's because I had a 'gap year'!" She clapped to emphasize the terrible pun, giving him a big grin.

"Boo! Not punny!" He chortled. "What did you do?"

"I did what all pretentious wankers do and went to Asia to 'find myself'." She replied with a smirk.

Jace giggled. "What did you find out, oh wise and enlightened one?"

"That's it's impossible to find wine and cider. But gin and tequila are everywhere. Also, I'm allergic to Hong Kong." She said nonchalantly.

He burst out laughing. "What?! How were you allergic to a city?"

"Another one of life's mysteries. Anytime I was visiting Hong Kong, as it's a good hub to travel from, I was violently ill. I can't explain it, it just happened. First time, I couldn't help throwing up on a temple, I was mortified. Then every visit afterwards, just projectile vomiting. A phenomenal amount of my stomach contents ended up in Hong Kong harbour." She recalled jovially.

"Okay, if you were willing to believe the disappointed grandma is real... then I'm willing to believe you have an allergy to a city." He grinned. "You weren't just drinking heavily were you? Also, I'm glad we finished eating."

"Nope, sober as a judge. I told you, I can't explain it. All the other countries and their cities, totally fine. I reach Hong Kong and channel the spirit of the Chunder Dragon, every time." She shrugged. "Other than that, had a cracking time, rich culture, lots of historical landmarks and amazing cheap food. Even met some Korean Mormons, really nice people." She beamed.

He let out a chuckle. "Korean Mormons?"

"Yeah, by strange coincidence I met some Hong Kongese Mormons during one of the brief periods I wasn't vomiting. In all, more Mormons in Asia than you'd think." She mused.

Jace gently shook his head. Unable to keep in his laugh at the stream of absurdity. "I just remembered, you were going to show me Tyler's face covered in dicks. Then we should probably set off again."

B smirked, then pulled out her phone scrolling while Jace began packing up the remainder of the food. Eventually B made a noise indicating success, she handed her phone to Jace for him to look while she packed up. For the second time in a few minutes Jace couldn't hold in his laugh. The photo of Tyler was priceless. He was passed out on top of the paper mache dummy, with dicks inked on either side of his face drawn like they were being inserted into his mouth. Along with another on his forehead, all of them incredibly detailed. The piece de resistance was the 'knobhead' written in cursive on his chin.

"I like the artistry, I can feel the passionate resentment that went into this." He giggled as he handed it back.

"Yeah, they really turned it into a group project. Anyone who passed out first was always at risk of having a dick drawn on their face. In Tyler's case they really went all out." She chuckled.

They started walking the trail again. It was well into late afternoon, approaching early evening the heat of the day starting to taper off. As they kept walking B's phone buzzed with a text. When she pulled it out it was a message from her Mother.

'Hi Sweetheart, sorry about this morning let's talk more about that some time. Me, Stephen and Tyler are going out for dinner. You're going to have the house to yourself this evening, hope your date is going well. x'

They continued to walk the trail, idly chatting until they finished the circuit, making it back to the car.

"I guess that's the end of this." Said Jace almost sadly.

"It doesn't have to be." B grinned coquettishly.

"What do you have in mind?" Jace raised an eyebrow in interest. Picking up on B's mood.

"My place is empty tonight... we can have a shower and then make as much noise as we like." She spoke in a sultry tone.

"Yeah! I'm fully on board, let's go!" He practically dived into the car to show his enthusiasm, making B let out another chuckle.

She stepped in more casually and started to drive them back. Jace soon recognised the house as they pulled up, parking on the drive. They walked into the front door, deposited their leftovers in the fridge before walking upstairs. B guided Jace up to her room.

"Welcome to chez B. The bathroom is through there, you can shower first as the guest." B offered.

Jace gave her a bemused expression before going into the indicated room. He closed the door behind him, quickly taking a pee before stripping off. While the walk had not been intense, several hours in the afternoon sun had left him sweaty. He stepped into the opulent looking shower and began rinsing himself off. He couldn't help snooping at what products B used, finding that all of them were orange scented. It suited her, a tangy fresh smell. Using some of her orange scented soap himself to wash. After he had finished, he stepped out, wrapping himself in one of the towels then picking up his clothes. Returning to B's bedroom.

"All done, do I just sit and wait until you're finished?" He asked.

B stood up, turned on a gaming system and handed him a controller.

"Here you go." She smiled at him before disappearing into the bathroom.

As Jace sat down to play he regretted he hadn't asked if they could shower together. Then he remembered they were still using condoms. It would have been far too tempting to go without one. Was it too early to have a conversation about that? He had gotten himself tested after Caitlin, his paranoia demanded it. He wondered if maybe B didn't have something sorted, at which point the condom would be mandatory. He found himself barely focusing on the game as he tried to work out if the conversation was appropriate or how he could even broach the subject. As he mulled it over B stepped out wrapped in a towel, drying her hair with another. Grabbing some products from a cupboard and applying them to her hair.

"Um, I've got a potentially awkward question." Jace spoke sheepishly.

"Oh?" B raised an eyebrow, giving him a wry smile.

"Aside from condoms, do you use any other form of contraception?" Jace asked nervously.

B chuckled. Then she lifted up her arm exposing a small pink line. "I've got the implant, if that answers your question. You don't need to be too worried about the condom breaking."

"Ah, good. I was just wondering how you would feel about maybe not using one if that is okay?" Jace couldn't get the nervous edge out of his tone. "I can promise I am clean. I haven't hooked up with anyone besides you since I was tested."

B looked hesitant. "It's not really about whether you're clean or not... I've just never done it unprotected. I know it seems weird... but it would be quite a big step for me. I don't feel we're there yet... Sorry."

"No, don't apologise. I totally get it. If anything, it's responsible. I will not bring it up again, it's for you to decide when." He said, trying to sound comforting. "Speaking of which do you happen to have any? I only have one in my wallet."

B let out a sigh of relief. "Yeah, there's some in my nightstand, I bought some just in case."

"Ooh, so you were planning to have me up here and do the naked tango beforehand? This wasn't impulsive." He grinned.

She jovially huffed. "I just thought since we're seeing each other it would be a good idea. Tonight was impulsive due to the empty house."

Jace still grinned. He opened up her nightstand drawer. He found the box of condoms and something else caught his eye. His immature side couldn't resist pulling it out and examining it. When B turned to look, she gently chastised him.

"Really? It's not like you can't have seen one before. It's just a vibrator." She said with mock irritation.

He wore a boyish smirk. "I am just checking out my competition. I'm very happy it's not as big as me." He said incredibly smugly.

"Yet it doesn't have an ego." She jibed.

Jace mimed being shot in the heart and fell back on the bed, still holding her vibrator and the box of condoms. B finished dealing with her hair, walking over to the bed. She rolled her eyes when she saw he was still holding her vibrator.

"Are you planning to use your competition?" She asked with a puckish smirk, raising an eyebrow.

She pulled off her towel, letting it drop to the floor. Her curvaceous naked body exposed to his eyes, pale skin, light pink nipples and the triangle of ginger hair between her legs. She whipped off the towel covering Jace, leaving him as naked as her.

"Not on myself, but a plan is forming." He chuckled.

She climbed on top to straddle him, stroking her hands down his chest. He put the vibrator and the box of condoms to the side as he grasped his hands around her hips. Smoothing his fingers over her soft skin, a lascivious smile spreading across his face. She leaned down to kiss him, pressing their lips together, tongues caressing.

Jace shuffled the pair of them further onto the bed. The awkward inelegant movement caused B to break off their kiss and to laugh. When Jace had enough purchase he rolled them over so he was on top.

She giggled, speaking in a playfully sarcastic tone. "So smooth, so suave."

He chuckled back, running a hand through her hair. "I admit that was not the most graceful of transitions. But I ended up where I wanted to be." He grinned.

He reached over for her vibrator. Bringing it over with a mischievous glint in his eyes. "If you were to imagine this were my dick, how would you treat it?" He asked, cheekily raising his eyebrows.

B wore a smirk as she brought the tip of the vibrator to her lips. Watching Jace's eyes glued on her as she brushed the tip of it against her lips. Then licking it, gently sucking the top. Enjoying the ever-darkening look in his eyes and how entranced he was by the display. Once she had given it a liberal coating of spit he pulled it away. Positioning it between her legs and slowly inserting it. He switched it on, leaving it to vibrate inside her as he returned his focus to her upper body. Running his hands across her torso, luxuriating in the feel of her skin.

His hands paused on her breasts, squeezing and rolling them in his palms. The primitive part of his masculinity loving the size, how they spilled out over his hands. Flicking her nipples with his thumbs, rolling over them and feeling the buds harden. B soon began to pleasantly squirm beneath him. His touch on her breasts felt good, the teasing of her nipples and the way his hands were massaging them. Whilst it was causing little tingles on its own, it was also making her squeeze on the vibrator he had slipped between her legs. All contributing to a building sense of arousal. He drew one thumb away and started to suck on her nipple. Clamping his mouth around it, feathering his tongue and licking it enthusiastically.

B arched her back, pushing her breast further into his mouth. Running the fingers of one hand through his curls. His green eyes briefly flicking up to her blue, clearly enjoying what he was doing. B let out little sighs, biting her lower lip. Jace lightly pressed his teeth into her nipple, trailing a hand down her waist over her stomach and between her legs. Caressing his fingers over her clit, rubbing in small delicate circles.

B released a quiet moan, the sensation was delicious. She grazed her free hand over his back, starting to lightly roll her hips making her squeeze further on the vibrator. Pleasure steadily building within her, tenderly digging her fingers into Jace. He lightly growled, eager to make her come and watch it happen.

Then another spark of inspiration hit him. He pulled his mouth from her nipple, moving to kneel between her legs. He replaced the fingers on her clit with the underside of his cock, sliding it over that sensitive spot. Placing both of his hands on her breasts to rub and tease, leaning down to kiss her as he rolled his hips against hers. Her pleasure and moans contributed to his. She snaked a hand between them, lightly running her hand over his dick close to his tip. His every roll, thrusting himself into her hand.

He deepened their kiss, groaning into her mouth as their tongues met, sliding together. B wending her fingers through his curls again, letting out louder moans muffled by his mouth. Staying in that position, grinding their bodies against each other. B soon felt her muscles tighten and tremble, her breathing becoming harried and erratic. Jace matching her, his legs and hips shaking, feeling B's clit twitching as much as his dick. But he held on, trying to restrain it until he felt her reach the finish first.

B finally reached her peak, her squeal dampened by Jace's mouth as she felt a burst of ecstatic joy flooding through her. Quivering against him, Jace broke off their kiss, a groan escaping him, scrunching up his face as he let himself go. Bliss shooting up his spine as he released himself on her stomach. Huffing and puffing, he gave her a quick peck on the lips before rolling on the bed next to her.

He reached for a towel and wiped B down. She watched him do it, giggling.

"How gentlemanly of you to clean up after yourself." She said, still sounding a little breathless.

"Happy to oblige." Giving her a saucy wink, before flopping back onto the bed.

B reached between her legs, pulling out the vibrator. A cheeky grin spread across her face, as a wicked thought popped into her head. She perched on her side, running the still buzzing implement up Jace's inner thigh. He raised an eyebrow at her.

"Just saying right now, I am not cool with that going in any of my orifices. I'm not that adventurous." He light heartedly warned.

B tittered. "Duly noted, but that wasn't my intention. Just thought, unless you're still feeling too sensitive, that you might enjoy the vibration?"

Jace wore a ponderous expression. "I'll allow it." Then threw a bemused smile her way.

B slowly dragged it across his skin. Teasing it around his pubic area but not directly touching his cock and balls. Jace, reassured he wasn't going to be on the receiving end of any unpleasant surprises, lay back and allowed himself to relax. Enjoying the gentle vibration steadily getting closer but not quite. By the time his sensitivity had faded he was getting rather eager for B to start running the vibrator across his intimate equipment. He gently clasped his hand around her wrist trying to guide her to the desired location.

She took the hint, trailing it down to his burgeoning tumescence. He sighed as the vibration made contact, brushing along the sensitive skin. B explored the area, watching to see his reaction as different parts were touched. Seeing him grow increasingly absorbed when she teased it around his tip, massaged down his underside or caressed over his balls. He was lightly clenching his teeth, his face going slack.

"How is it?" B asked coquettishly.

"Oh, good. Keep going." Jace replied breathily.

B grinned. She focused on sliding it up and down his underside, with each pass briefly kissing his balls. With her other hand B rolled her palm over the head of his cock. Feeling a sense of victory when he started to rock his hips upwards, his breaths getting deeper and heavier. He reached a hand over to B, stroking his fingers along her thigh, as he got more and more lost in the sensation of what she was doing to him.

His legs and hips were on the verge of quivering. His eyes flicking between hers and watching what she was doing to his lower half. Internally vowing to himself that their next activity would be him burying himself deep between her legs trying to make her scream with joy. The thought caused him to tremble, his limbs to go taut and his dick to pulse and twitch. Finally letting out a grunt, a jolt of delight shooting through him as his balls pulled up and spurted into B's palm. Going limp and relaxing into the bed.

B pulled the vibrator away and put it to the side, then wiped her hand on the towel.

"Technically, you've come with a vibrator now." She jokingly teased him.

Jace grinned. "Nothing wrong with that. I certainly enjoyed it, but I can't help but hope the next activity involves a condom."

She chuckled. "I see no problem with that. Who's going on top?" She flirtatiously raised an eyebrow.

He rested an arm behind his head, then playfully mulled it over. "To be on top or not to be, for that is the question. Whether 'tis nobler to nut from behind and have a buffer from the swings and blows of your outrageous bosom... and I have run out of steam on that one." He tittered.

B laughed. "It is still pretty impressive that you converted a Shakespeare quote into such filth."

"Why, thank you, it's nice for my efforts to be appreciated." He gave her a flirtatious smile.

"But outrageous bosom? Really?" She feigned affront.

"I can only be grateful I wasn't subject to that piece of elaborate engineering you called a bra you wore last time. But they are outrageous in the best possible way." Flashing a cheeky grin. "But I am an admirer of the whole package in truth."

She chuckled. "I find myself an admirer of you and your package." Shooting him a lascivious smile.

He chortled, then in an exaggerated fashion flicked his gaze between his crotch and her. "Well, if you're such an admirer, I'd be happy to reintroduce you."

He reached for the condom box, pulling one out, tearing the wrapper and sheathing himself in it. He climbed over her, giving her another kiss, a teasing yet playful one. As he finished it, he lightly bit her lower lip then moved to whisper in her ear.

"Turn over and get on your knees." He puckishly ordered, then pulled away

B looked up at him with a smirk, then complied. She rolled onto her front then rose up to her knees, assuming the position in front of him. Jace couldn't hide his glee. He moved behind her, rubbing himself against her entrance before angling up and thrusting inside. Gently sinking in up to the hilt and the pair of them letting out a moan as his hips reached her ass. He smoothed his hands down her back, grasping her hips as he reached them.

Jace began pumping himself into her, softly at first. Then slowly speeding up, B's moans egging him on. She spread her legs wider for him, getting lower to the bed. He had to do the same, but he preferred it that way. He wove a hand through her hair sweeping it from her neck. Then he leaned over, pressing his lips to the newly exposed skin, nipping it with his teeth as he planted a hand down next to her shoulder. His chest resting against her back, instinctively wanting to be as close as possible.

His thrusts becoming more vigorous, his hips actively slapping into her ass. Pushing more and more of his weight against her. As good as it felt to B she was struggling to hold herself up against him. Her muscles strained until she fell flat into the bed. Jace was left awkwardly above her, looking down with worry.

"Shit! Are you okay?" Jace asked with concern.

B held out a thumbs up. "All good, but after a long walk my legs aren't up to a battle of strength with yours."

Jace exhaled in relief. "Sorry. Alright, let's change position."

He lay down on his side next to her and pulled her close to him. Her back pressing into his chest, he placed a kiss on her cheek and neck before he began rubbing himself between her legs again. Angling himself at her entrance then slowly burying himself within. Grinding into her as he wrapped his arms around, giving her one to rest her head on whilst playing with a breast. The other slid down her stomach through her hair to tease her clit. B moaned, rolling her hips and ass against him.

"Is this good?" Jace purred in her ear.

She chuckled. "It's acceptable." Giving him a puckish grin.

He let out a mischievous huff. "If it's only 'acceptable' then I need to try harder."

He pumped his hips into her harder. B reached her hands behind her to touch him, one at his waist sliding down to squeeze one of his buttocks. Her other hand stroked across his cheek, weaving her fingers through his curls. Her moans and intermittent mewls getting louder and more prolific as Jace picked up the pace. The sound of his hips smacking into her ass echoing around the room. He savoured the heat of her skin, the feeling of how tightly she wrapped around him as he buried himself deep inside. She was unconsciously writhing and wiggling her hips to encourage him.

B was losing awareness of all but him, Jace driving himself into her was the ultimate distraction. Each thrust a surge of pleasure, his fingers relentlessly caressing her nub and making her squeeze him. Feeling his muscles tense and work beneath her fingers along with the light sheen of sweat that was developing between them. The undeniable heat of their coupling and pulses racing as they ground their bodies together. Hearing Jace's grunts and groans as he exerted himself absorbed in the primal urge.

He nipped her ear, trailing his lips down her neck. Kissing and applying light bites to her skin whilst the hand he had on her breast squeezing and pinching her nipple. Ever so satisfied with how delightful it felt to press himself into her large squeezable ass. Both of them breathing hastily and heavily, while he felt his limbs begin to thrum with effort B was starting to quiver, her eyes half lidded and glazed over. Her legs and hips quavering in front of him spurring him on, telling him without words that she was getting close. Determined to make her reach that zenith he worked his hips even faster. Past the point his glutes were screaming in complaint. Their joining now making the sound of a wet, slapping Allegro beat.

B's eyes rolled back into head, her spine arching into him. Jace slid his hand from her breast up to her throat, gently clasping it and growled in her ear. She unleashed a scream, euphoric bliss surging along her nerves. Her insides clamped down, spasming around Jace. Lassoing and dragging him to his finish with her, letting out a groan as his muscles went taut. Rapture rapidly ascended to his synapses lighting them up, as his nuts rose to release their payload into the condom. His legs felt weak, and he was utterly spent but filled with zen-like peace.

Both of them lay on the bed, breathing deeply and utterly relaxed. B unsheathed him from her and rolled over to face Jace. Still resting her head on his arm, giving him a warm smile. Which he returned, brushing her hair out of the way with his free hand.

"I hope you found that better than acceptable." He tittered.

She giggled. "I'd call that performance exemplary. It's earned you the right to stay over and a ride back tomorrow morning. Unless you need to go back tonight?" She raised an eyebrow.

"I don't have anything I need to rush back for, besides... I suspect I'll be doing a walk of shame in front of your family either way." He jovially mused.

B chuckled. "Yeah." Checking the time. "I doubt we'd get out the door before they get back. Might as well stay in bed."

Jace grinned then surveyed her bedroom looking for the trash can. Pulling off the condom, tying a knot then tossing it with pinpoint precision. Getting it in on the first try. Having a victory fist pump on success.

"Yes!" He exclaimed. B gave him a curious yet bemused look. "Aww come on, it always feels good to get something in the trash on the first throw."

She tittered. "Ok, I will grant you that it is a universal human experience, but next time just walk it over and drop it in."

"Next time?" He grinned. "Will do. Exactly how many 'next times' are you expecting tonight?" He lasciviously raised an eyebrow.

As if cued to immediately kill the mood they heard the slam of the front door downstairs followed by a loud maternal, "We're home!"

B grimaced. "Can't say I'm in the mood anymore. Movie?"

Jace sniggered. "Yeah... I'm not a fan of trying to play a sneaky round of 'hide the sausage' either..."

B quickly found a t-shirt and some underwear, tossing Jace a baggy pair of pyjama bottoms then set about selecting a film.

"'Blues Brothers' or 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off'?" She threw out the question to Jace.

He pulled on the pajama bottoms, sitting back on the bed, giving her a smirk. "Well in light of the fact I wanted to make you 'twist and shout' one more time before your parents got home. Put on Ferris."

She chuckled. Putting on the movie before returning to join him on the bed. They snuggled up, settling in together for the night.

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Because it amused me to do so, I made Jace's parents one of my 'Erotic Couplings' couples. Feel free to check out those stories if you're curious, I think I left enough clues. : P