Ou... Awkward. Don't mind me. Please enjoy the chapter.

Poorly edited. Please ignore mistakes, my apologies.

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Beautiful

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The next couple days the Wasabi Warriors hadn't seen much of one another. With exams, everyone was kind of in their own little world preparing by themselves.

The group hadn't had a lot of time to visit the Dojo or hang out with one another, some of them barley had time to study. Some, like Kim Crawford, spent the majority of the time panicking and waiting for their acceptance letter to University to come in the mail. And others, like Jack Anderson, was busy packing their life into numerous suitcases before jetting off to Japan.

It was Friday, two out of the four exams has been completed and everyone was feeling rather confident. Instead of going to the Dojo for a workout like Kim usually does, she was at home, books laid out everywhere in her room, with a laptop in the middle, and she was preparing for her final exams, and looking into University preparation.

The sound of her phone buzzing snapped her out of her concentration. She rolled her eyes before answering the phone: "Hello?"

"Yooo." Came a voice from the other end.

Kim grew a grin before securing her phone between her shoulder and her ear and continued typing away on her laptop. "Hey Grace, whats up?"

"What are your plans for tonight?" Grace asked, completely ignoring Kim's question.

"Just studying, why?"

"No you're not. You coming with me to Kelsey's party so I'm not awkwardly alone with Jerry."

Kim rolled her eyes at her friends stupidity before grabbing the phone back in her hand and pressing it to her ear. "Grace," she said, starting out calmly. "ARE YOU STUPID?"

"Ugh, Kim! Why am I stupid? Because I don't want to be alone?" Grace argued.

Kim rolled her eyes again. "For a few reasons actually. One, why on earth do you think going to a party is something I feel like doing? I got drunk last weekend, not really in a party mood. And two, if you actually think you're going to be awkward with Jerry, don't go, but you're stupid if you think it's gonna be awkward."

Grace sighed knowing her friend had a point. "Maybe its not about being awkward per say, I just want someone else I love and who is the bestest friend in the whole wide world there just in case."

"No."

"KIM PLEASE!" Yelled her friends voice form over the phone. "What's it gonna take me to get you to this party?"

"I'm stealing that shirt you bought at the place after the thing we went to and I'm keeping it forever, you're buying me coffee and.."

"Ugh, fine, but you suck, deal, and..."

Kim sighed, she really couldn't believe she was actually going to ask this. "Y-you have to get Jerry to get Jack to come." She said, exhaling a breath. "But you can't tell Jerry that I want Jack there." She quickly added.

Grace grew a grin, Kim could feel it. "I so saw this coming!"

"Will you do it or not?" Kim snapped, embarrassed.

"Of course. Now get dressed and look hot, I'm picking you up in 30."

"K." Kim said before hanging up the phone. She sighed before getting up and glancing at the clothes in her closet, searching for the perfect thing to wear.

0-0-0

Grace smiled and let out a small shriek after she hung up the phone. Though it didn't seem like a big deal, the simple request proved to Grace that Kim had admitted to herself that she liked Jack.

And if you asked Grace, that was pretty damn exciting.

No time was wasted before the brunette started dialing Jerry's number to fill him in on what just happened. After a few rings the Latino picked up: "Sup Mamacita?"

"Hey Jer, look, I invited Kim because she's my best friend and I want to be able to spend time with her on the last party of the year. But I was thinking, why don't you invite Milton, or Eddie or Jack, to come with us so she's not alone?" Grace offered, mumbling Eddie and Milton's name but saying Jack's very clearly.

After a few moments, Grace received no reply.

"Uh, Jerry?"

"Oh, sorry babe, I was nodding, forgot you couldn't see me. Yeah, no, that's cool, I'll see what Jack is up to."

Grace's smile grew. "Thanks Jer! You're the best!"

"Pffft, I already knew that." He responded cockily.

Grace rolled her eyes at his ego. She was about to scold him when another thought occurred to her. "Hey Jer?"

"Yo."

"Can I ask you something?" She said hesitantly.

"Umm, yeah, sure, anything."

Grace inhaled deeply, then exhaled. "Does Jack, kinda, like Kim?"

She felt a pause from the other side of the phone, she could almost picture Jerry and his wide eyes standing there. Grace heard him sigh. "I'm sorry mamacita, I can't tell you, bro code."

Grace rolled her eyes again. He just basically told her that Jack liked Kim by saying he couldn't tell her because if he didn't Jerry would of just said no. She then grew a devilish smirk, she knew how to get him to tell her. "Well, that's to bad because Kim likes Jack-"

"-WHAT?" Jerry shrieked. "WHOOO! Dudette, I got to tell Jack!"

"NO!" Grace pleaded.

"What? Why not?" Jerry asked confused.

"Dude, girl code! I wasn't supposed to tell you that!" Grace protested.

"Then why did you?"

"Look," she began. "Kim likes Jack and Jack likes Kim. Both of them don't know it and we're not supposed to know, so what I'm thinking is for us to give them a friendly shove. They're going to get together obvs, it's a matter of when, not if but I'm getting tired of waiting, how about you?"

"True that. Alright, I'll drag Jack, we'll make a game plan, see you in 30 babe."

"Ok, bye Jer!" Grace said happily before hanging up the phone once more. She let out another shriek before going through her wardrobe and picking out an outfit. When she was satisfied with her jeans and purple lace tee shirt she gave herself a nod of approval and made her way to her friends house.

The ride to Kim's was never a long one, after jamming out to a few songs being played on the radio to get herself in a partying mood she was already there. She parked in the empty space on Kim's driveway - her dad must be a work - before opening the door and letting herself in.

Grace had been around long enough to walk in Kim's house- in fact, her mom was more annoyed when Grace knocked because then she had to get up and let her in.

"Hey Karen!" Grace called to somewhere in the house as she kicked off her shoes and heading up the stairs.

"Hey Grace!" A voice called back.

Grace chuckled to herself and walked into Kim's room. "Sup slut." She greeted before taking a seat on her friends bed. Kim simply rolled her eyes and chose not to respond. Instead she focused on putting on her earrings, and trying not to stab herself.

Grace did a once over of Kim's outfit. She was wearing a simple purple skirt with a lace patterned black tank and her hair was curled slightly. Even though the outfit was rather casual, she paired hoop earrings and a nice necklace with it to make it more formal. "Ready to go?" Grace asked a few seconds later.

"Yeah, just let me grab my shoes." Kim responded, tugging open her closet doors. "Brown or black boots?"

"Definitely black."

Kim smiled and slipped on her black ankle boots, then the two girls headed down the stairs, only to be stopped by Karen in the doorway. "And where are you ladies off to?"

"We're going to a party and then Kim is sleeping over at my place if that's alright." Grace answered. Karen raised an eyebrow Kim's way.

Kim sighed, she knew exactly what her mother was implying. "Sorry mom, it all happened last minute I forgot to fill you in."

Her mom smiled and laughed. "All good, have fun, and keep me updated. I'm home all night so if you need me, let me know."

"Alright mom, love you!" Kim said. She gave her mom a kiss on the cheek before her and Grace hopped in the car and left for the party.

Halfway there Grace realized that Kim hadn't said a word. She rolled her eyes before turning the music down and glancing at her friend from the corner of her eye. "You look good." She complimented, but received no response. "I bet Jack's gonna like it." She teased.

"Shut up." Kim snapped.

"Jeez, if I knew you were gonna be this grumpy I wouldn't of even bothered with you."

"I said I didn't want to go!" Kim argued.

"Yeah, well." Grace mumbled, not having a comeback. Kim rolled her eyes, it's not that she was grumpy, or even that she didn't want to go, it's just that she was nervous. "You do look good though, and don't worry about Jack, he likes you too."

Kim covered her face in her hands, trying to hide her red cheeks. "This is why I don't tell you things." Kim mumbled. "And by the way, he doesn't like me."

And that's when Grace snapped.

She stomped on the breaks, causing the car to stop immediately. Kim screamed as her body was slung forward but luckily stopped at the seat belt. "GRACE!" She scolded, staring at her with wide eyes. Before she had a chance to respond, the two of them were cringing at the sound of the horn from the guy behind them who then started shouting some very creative threats. "Sorry." Kim apologized to him sheeply. Her glare then returned to Grace.

"You've got to be kidding me!" Grace yelled at her.

"What did I do! You're the one who almost got us into a fucking car accident!"

"Jack sooo likes you! And if you can't see that well then hunny there is no helping you!" Grace screamed.

"ARE YOU STUPID!" Now it was Kim's turn to yell. "You almost killed us because Jack doesn't like me?!"

"But he does! NO guy would invest that much time in a girl AND sleep with her AND stick around afterwards if there wasn't any other feelings there!"

"Then why doesn't he do anything about it Grace!" Kim yelled, throwing her hands to the sides in exaggeration. "Why doesn't he hit on me, or ask me out or something?!"

"BECAUSE HE DOESN'T KNOW HOW!" Grace exclaimed. "Listen Kim, you're beautiful, smart, funny. You can get any guy you want, it's always been like that, but you've never wanted any other guy because it's always been Jack. Your biggest fear is loosing Jack as a friend right?" Kim nodded. "Well I can assure you that's his fear too. So if you're tired of waiting, you make the first move."

"Why do I have to?" Kim whined.

"Ugh, if you don't want to, then at lest drop enough hints so he knows to."

Kim groaned. "I hate it when you're right."

"Well get used to it, because I'm right a lot." Grace responded cockily, while flipping her hair.

Kim laughed loudly. "Yeah alright sweetheart." She teased playfully. "But I swear to god you almost kill us over a guy again I will stop talking to you." Kim threatened.

"Yeah fair." Grace sighed before putting the car back in drive. "But seriously, if you want him go and get him."

"Yeah yeah yeah." Kim sighed, waving Grace off before the girls scream sang the lyrics to the songs on the radio until they arrived at the party.

0-0-0

Jack Anderson was not in a good mood.

He understood that Jerry wanted a wing-man but that doesn't really mean he felt up for it, now was not the time for partying. He was pretty sure he failed his first exam because he spent so long procrastinating instead of studying. Besides, all exams really did was test your memory, not your knowledge, and right now, Jack was having trouble remembering anything.

Though it didn't seem like a senior boys idea of a Friday night, all Jack really wanted right now was to be home and studying and packing.

But no.

Jerry just needed him to come. He wasn't one hundred percent sure why, he had already landed Grace, why did he really need Jack's help anyways? Sure Jerry is clueless about relationships, but there isn't a single piece of advice Jack couldn't of given Jerry over text.

Regardless of Jack's dislike, he was here, being a great friend.

Woohoo.

When they entered the party everything was basically in full swing, it was around nine, made sense. Some people were already piss drunk, others had just started drinking.

Jack had no intention on drinking tonight, he was pretty sure he was Jerry's ride home. Besides, right now, Jack couldn't afford to lose any brain cells.

When they entered Kelsey's house, there were people everywhere. Her house was an open concept, so the dinning room and living room was where all the dancing was happening and someone had set up a turn table in the kitchen. It kind of reminded Jack of last Friday night.

Oh god, was last Friday ever memorable.

On one hand, Jack couldn't believe that all that has happened had happened only a week ago, but on the other hand he was surprised it had only been a week.

He sighed and ran his hand through his long brown hair before glancing over at Jerry.

Unlike Jack, Jerry's eyes were widened and he had a huge grin on his face. He was completely psyched for tonight and couldn't wait to get it started. His eyes scanned the crowd in search for a specific brunette and blonde combo, and his smile grew a little bit more when he saw them.

He gave Jack a light smack on his chest before pointing at Grace and Kim and heading over there. Jack nodded before following, but quickly grabbed the Latinos shoulder and spun him around when his vision landed on the blonde. "Dude, why didn't you tell me Kim was gonna be here?!"

"Whaa? Did I not? I thought I did." Jerry lied. "Grace wanted her to come."

Jack cleared his throat awkwardly. Well, if he had known Kim was going to be here he would of put on a nicer shirt instead of the tee and hoodie he had on or something. Maybe put on some of the cologne of his she liked or actually put a brush through his hair.

Since when was he so concerned about impressing Kim?

Maybe after he saw her naked and realized how beautiful she actually is and that his feeling are more than just platonic.

"You look fine dude." Jerry said, reading his mind. He gave Jack a pat on the back before leading him over to the girls. "Hello ladies." He greeted flirtatiously, sending a wink Grace's way.

Grace blushed a smiled. "Took ya long enough to get here." She teased with a sarcastic ring. "Com'on Jer, lets dance!" She exclaimed before taking him by the hand and leading him into the group of people.

Kim sighed; Grace had always been one for dancing, Kim on the other hand couldn't dance at all. She's surprised Grace hadn't pestered her to dance with her before the boys arrived.

Speaking of boys, Kim glanced over at Jack, who stood there with his hands in his pockets. When they made eye contact, he smiled at her, and Kim returned it.

Then there were two.

Kim internally began freaking out. Now what was she supposed to do? Bring up casual conversation? Maybe ask him to dance? Of course she couldn't ask him to dance, if he wanted to dance with her he'd ask her, right? Anything was kind of better than sitting in the awkward silence Kim could feel approaching.

Someone remind her why she wanted this again?

While Kim was freaking out inside, Jack simple chuckled. "Great party, huh?" He said sarcastically, bending over and saying it in her ear so she could hear him over the music.

The close proximity made Kim shiver, but she played it off cool. "Oh yeah, the greatest, kinda like last week. Oh wait." She joked, referring to how she didn't remember last week at all. Jack laughed, catching on. "Remind me not to drink would ya?" She joked again.

"I don't know, you were pretty entertaining last week." He teased with a wink.

"Yeah, you were pretty entertained, weren't ya?" She shot back with a wink of her own. And with that, she walked away into the crowd of people, exhaling deeply, calming her nerves after that comeback. She was proud of herself for it, as well as the fact when she walked away, she didn't turn back around.

She could make the first move, how hard could it be?

Jack stood there baffled as he watched Kim walk away. His glare quickly narrowed and his mouth transformed into a perverted grin.

He can't believe she just said that.

What is this? She can make jokes but he can't?

Jack chuckled to himself before running his hand through his hair. What was he gonna do with her?

0-0-0

A few hours had passed, and even though it was getting rather late, the part hadn't died down one bit.

Jerry and Grace had been attached by the hip the entire night, enjoying them selves and occasionally trying to shove Jack and Kim into one another, though nothing seemed to work.

Both Jack and Kim had meet up with other people, spent the last few hours socializing. Neither of them had really spoken to each other, but when they saw one another, they had a huge problem trying to look away.

It wasn't until around eleven thirty when something had caught Jack's eye.

Kim.

But not just Kim - he had spent practically the whole night staring at her anyways so it wasn't really a big deal.

But it was Kim, dancing, with a guy.

This guy had his hands all over her waste and a perverted smile on his face and Jack could almost hear his gross and detailed thoughts. The worst part of it all though, Kim looked as if she liked it.

This made Jack's blood boil. So what? She can sleep with him and it doesn't mean a damn thing to her and god for bid they make a relationship out of it but this guy can just waltz in here and and take his Kim with out even a little bit of effort?

Not on Jacks watch.

Besides, does he have any idea how long it took him to get into Kim's pants?

To long.

He straightened out his shirt and exhaled deeply. After convincing himself it was indeed a good idea, he walked over Kim's way. The guy was going on about the baseball game last night or something, Kim hates baseball. He was really into the conversation while Kim just sat their with a fake smile and occasionally nodding her head. Jack grew a smile.

Without saying a word, he walked up to her, put his arms around Kim's waist and picked her up. Kim shrieked as Jack's smile grew and he carried her away from the guy and to the other side of the living room.

Putting her down, he took a step back and smiled at her. "Hey." He said nonchalantly.

"Uh, hello to you too." He said sarcastically. "What was that?"

"Uh," Jack stuttered. "That right there?" He questioned. Kim moved her hands in a 'duhh' motion and raised an eyebrow at him. "Nothing, I just haven't seen you all night and I wanted to talk to you."

"You didn't like him, did you?"

"Not at all."

Kim laughed and smiled. "Well, thanks. That kid was weird, kept grabbing my hips, and talking about baseball." She explained. "I hate baseball." She grumbled.

It was Jack's turn to laugh. "Yeah, I know." He ginned.

From a few meters away, Jerry and Grace stood spying on the duo. They were both a little to excited that they were talking. Jerry politely excused himself from Grace's presents and went to put their plan in motion.

He crossed the dance floor and kept going until he found himself in the kitchen.

"Hey, yo DJ!" He shouted over the music. The DJ nodded letting Jerry know he was listening. "Mind playing a slow song?"

The DJ let out a loud laugh while raising an eyebrow. "You're kidding me right? Dude it's a high school party, ain't nobody have time for slow songs."

"Oh com'on dude. There's a lot of couples hear and it's the last dance of our high school experience, just one song."

The guy rolled his eyes and sighed before stopping the music mid-song and grabbing the microphone. Everyone stopped and turned to look at him. "Alright, alright. Listen up, we're gonna slow things down for a few minutes, so grab a pretty lady and get moving."

Jerry mouthed thank you before going to find his lady.

Jack and Kim had still been talking when the music had stopped and the DJ cut in. Before they knew it a slow song was playing and everyone around them got into pairs and began slow dancing.

Kim shot Jack an awkward smile, and when she received nothing in return, she waved before turning around on her heel and walking away. She had almost made it a step when a large hand grabbed her forearm.

Jack inhaled deeply, collecting his confidence before reaching out and grabbing Kim. "Where do you think you're going?" He asked smoothly while spinning her to face him, then around again once more. Kim giggled while Jack gave her a sweet smile, and placed his hands on her lower back, pulling her closer to him. Kim laughed again while putting her hands around his neck.

They stayed their for a few minutes, just enjoying each others company before Jack started cracking jokes and Kim started laughing obnoxiously loud. Soon, one of Jacks hands had left Kim's back and he had taken her hand in his and they began waltzing in circles.

No, Jack couldn't dance to save his life, but he didn't really look at the waltz as a dance. A few years back his uncle had gotten married for the second time and unfortunately for Jack he was forced to go. His mom on the other hand was absolutely thrilled. She had insisted that Jack learned the waltz so he didn't make a fool of himself.

Never in his life did he think the waltz would ever come in handy.

Thank you mom.

They waltzed for about a minute - Kim still laughing the entire time - before someone behind her had taken a step to far back and bumped into Kim. She stumbled forward, falling in to Jack's strong hold. She let out a nervous laugh before standing back up straight. "Sorry."

Jack shook his head and laughed before placing both hands on her back once more and pulled her completely towards him. He wrapped his arms fully around her waist and her arms went securely around his shoulders.

She buried her head in his chest - because she was two short to reach his neck - and smiled, inhaling his sent. Jack placed his chin on her head and smiled as well.

The song ended shortly after that, too short then either of them would of liked. The slowly pulled away, smiling sweetly at each other.

They had been in their own little world for the past few minutes. So oblivious to everything, they didn't even notice the chaos at the other side of the room.

After talking to the DJ, Jerry had gone to find Grace, and he did not suspect to see what he saw. His eyes grew wide and he started to panic; Grace was talking to Eddie.

Oh shit.

Eddie was spending another Friday night alone in his room.

He wasn't sure where any of his friends had disappeared to; he hadn't heard from them is days. He assumed everyone was just studying in their room like he had been doing early that night.

Eddie had no intention of going out, it kind of just happened. One of his friends from dance class was invited to the last party of the year because he had done some pretty girls homework earlier this semester, and he had dragged Eddie with him because every other one of his friends were too scared to go.

So here Eddie was.

He had wandered in right before the slow song started playing and his eyes immediately fell on the beautiful brunette standing in the corner of the room. Alone.

He smiled to himself while fixing his collar. Inhaling deeply, her walked over to her. "Hey Grace."

"Oh, hey Eddie." Grace greeted smiling.

"What's a pretty girl like you doing all alone at a party?" He said smoothly. Usually Eddie wasn't confident, like, at all. However, this was his last chance with this girl and he had absolutely nothing to loose.

Grace smiled, blushing slightly. "Thanks Eddie, that's sweet. But I'm not alone, I'm actually here with Jerry."

Eddies face dropped. "You're here with who?" He asked, anger filling his voice.

"Jerry. You know, Latino, confused, kind of you're best friend." Grace teased, smiling.

"I know who, but since with are you with Jerry?" He clarified, voice raising slightly.

"Since last week." She answered happily. "Yeah, we kind of hooked up at the party last weekend and have been out a few times since. He's such a sweet guy!"

"Yeah, the greatest." Eddie snapped. Grace looked at him sadly, taking a step back. He didn't mean to be rude to her, but he was pissed off. How could Jerry not tell him? Especially when he knew about his feeling towards Grace.

Eddie was about to apologize for being so short tempered, and explain why, when someone interrupted him. "Sup amigos!" He said in a high pitch voice, putting his arms around both Eddie and Grace.

And what's when Eddie lost it.

He shoved Jerry back away from Grace and him, and gave him a death glare. "How could you of not told me about you and Grace!" He screamed at Jerry.

Jerry didn't respond, just looked down sadly.

"Wait, you didn't tell him we were going out?" Grace chimed in, but she was ignored.

"And you knew how I felt about her! WHAT KIND OF FRIEND ARE YOU!" He yelled, shoving Jerry again.

"Look man I didn't want to hurt you feelin-" Jerry tried to explain.

"HURT MY FEELINGS? ARE YOU KIDDING ME! I'm a big boy Jerry, I could of handled it." He said, shoving him again. "You're an ass, and one shitty friend."

"Dude that's not fair." Jerry protested.

"Not fair!?" Eddie questioned, raising his voice once more. "So, you knew I liked a girl, then hooked up with her anyway and lied to my face-"

"I LIKE HER TO MAN!" Jerry interrupted, his turn to scream now. He made eye contact with Grace for a second before turning back to Eddie. "I like her too, a lot. And in my defense I didn't know till after it happened, and I couldn't just walk away. I didn't want to do that to her, and I liked her to much to just forget it."

"Awh," Grace cooed, "really?"

Jerry looked at her and smiled. "Yeah, I really do."

And that was Eddie's last straw.

With zero hesitation he took at step forward and punched Jerry in the jaw.

Not prepared for the impact Jerry fell back on his rear, hand now clutching his throbbing face. "EDDIE!" Grace scolded, "Why would you do that!" She screamed at him rushing to Jerry's aid.

Jack caught the end of what happened from the corner of his eye. He quickly pushed pass Kim and ran over to his friends. "Eddie what the hell man?" He said angrily, placing his hand on Eddies, shoulder so he couldn't step any closer to Jerry. "What happened?"

"What happened is Jerry's an ass!" Eddie said.

"Of course he's an ass he's Jerry! But that doesn't make it ok for you to punch him!" Jack argued back. Kim nodded as she took a spot beside Jack.

Eddie couldn't take it. All his friends were looking at him like he was crazy. A few other people from the party had stopped to stare at him as well. Eddie was never good under pressure, and he was even worse in front of crowds of people. "You know what, screw you Jerry. Screw all of you!" He yelled, before turning on his heal and taking off.

0-0-0

Half an hour since the scene with Eddie, the gang had dispersed again. Jack and Kim had ended up by Kelsey's pool chatting with a group of people, and Grace and Jerry were in the kitchen, Grace cleaning Jerry's face.

"That's was intense what happened with Eddie." Kim commented to Jack.

"Yeah." He agreed, running his hand through his hair.

"I wonder what Jerry did anyways."

"Who knows, it's Jerry, it could be anything. Besides, it's not normal behavior for Eddie, something else was probably happening."

"What do you mean." Kim questioned.

"Well, a lots happening right now. Last few days of high school, we're all kind of on edge. With exams and figuring out where we're going to collage and whether or not you're making the right choice. And trying to figure out how you're gonna tell your friends and how you're going to say goodbye to everyone and I don't want to leave you guys." Jack ranted.

Kim's face softened as she placed a hand on Jack's knee. "Jack, was that about Eddie, or was that about you?"

Jack's snapped his head in her direction as he thought about what he had just said. It had started out about Eddie, but she was right, it kind of just turned into him ranting about his feelings. Jack shook the thoughts out of his head. "You know, I'm thirsty. Want a drink?" He asked, standing up.

"Sure." She smiled, knowing completely that he was just avoiding the question, but decided not to push it.

Jack smiled back heading into the kitchen and filling two cups up with the punch of the counter, praying it wasn't spiked. "Hey Jack." Jerry said, sitting at the table with Grace standing in front of him.

"Hey dude, how's your face?"

"Feeling better. Listen, Grace and I are gonna head out, can you make sure Kim gets home ok?" Jerry asked.

"Yeah sure, no problem." All that meant was that Jack got to walk her home again, he was good.

Grace scowled slightly. "Anderson, you make sure she gets home, no repeats of last weekend, got it?" She threatened.

Jack gulped. "Got it."

"Good."

"K, see you later bro." Jerry said extending a hand.

Jack took it and they hugged. "Yeah, feel better man." He waved goodbye as he watched Jerry and Grace disappear into the crowd. He grabbed his and Kim's drink before heading back outside.

When he reached Kim she had been talking to Brett. He remembered this guy; Kim and him had dated back in grade nine for a little while but Kim dumped him for Jack. Jack smiled.

Haha, sucker.

Their conversation seemed rather innocent so instead of making something out of nothing Jack cleared his throat and smile before walking over there.

He had entered mid conversation so he didn't make a spectacle of himself. Instead, he just took a seat next to Kim and stayed quiet. Kim took the drink and smiled gratefully at Jack before responding to Brett. "Oh my gosh I know! Coach was so mad at you guys it was hilarious!"

"I know right? Who would of thought the old man was allergic? He was in hives for a week!" Brett laughed.

"Yeah, he got a paid-week vacation! He should of been thanking us not punishing us!" Kim commented with a smile.

Brett just laughed in response before his attention turned to Jack. "Oh hey Jack." He said friendly, extending a hand. Jack took it respectfully and said 'hey' back. "Listen, can I talk to you for a sec?" Brett asked.

Jack raised an eyebrow at the request, before glancing at Kim. A girl from the cheer leading team had come over to talk to her so she didn't notice Brett's question. "Um, sure." He responded carefully before following Brett to the other side of the pool.

"So listen, " Brett began, "a bunch of us guys wanted to go swimming, but the girls chickened out. So we we're gonna just toss one of them in and hoped the rest followed. We were thinking Kim because she's kind of the leader, and in all honestly she's pulled a prank on all of us sometime in the past."

"And you're telling me this because..."

"Will you help us?"

"You want me to throw Kim in the pool?" Jack asked, clarifying.

"Yeah basically." Brett admitting, slightly on edge. You could tell he was ready to step back in case Jack stepped forward, which Jack didn't fully understand. Why would he be afraid of Jack? Probably because everyone knew how protective of Kim Jack was and didn't want to rub him the wrong way.

Jack smiled evily. "Sure I'm in."

Brett smiled widely. "Great I'll go tell the guys."

Jack nodded and Brett was about to take off when Jack stopped him. "It's not really much of a prank if I'm the one throwing her in the pool." He stated.

"Yeah but I thought of it." He smirked before giving Jack a pat on the back and going to join his friend. Jack simply chuckled and rolled his eyes before heading back to Kim. Her and her friend were still chatting so he just took a seat beside her and let her talk, while waiting for Brett's signal.

A few minutes later her saw a bunch of guys in jerseys come out of the house smirking, and Brett nodded at Jack.

Jack smiled before pressing his finger to his lip, shushing the girl Kim was talking to. She nodded slightly -small enough so Kim didn't see - and smiled.

"WHO WANTS TO GO FOR A SWIM!" He screamed playfully while grabbing Kim bridal style.

"What?" Kim shrieked in disbelief as she was pulled into Jacks arms. Immediately she began punching his chest and screaming at the top of her lungs for him to put her down.

"Not gonna happen Kim." He smirked, making his way over to the pool.

"But Jack my phone!" She protested, trying to find an excuse.

Jack simply smiled and turned to the girl Kim was previously talking to. "Do you mind?" He asked charmingly.

"Not at all." She smirked. She then reached into the elastic part of Kim skirt where her phone was tucked away in the pocket of a pair of shorts underneath.

"JESSICA!" Kim scolded.

"Sorry Kim! Enjoy your swim!" Jessica laughed.

Jack chuckled and took the final steps towards the pool, Kim continuing to yell very creative threats at him. He rolled his eyes playfully, pulling his arm out from under her legs. She fell so she was standing on the edge of the pool, the only thing really keeping her up was Jack's grip on her waist.

Ok, now it was time to beg.

"Jack please don't do this."

"Why not?"

"Because you're my best friend and for once my hair is actually cooperating and you don't want to ruin that do you?"

"The guilt will eat me alive."

"Seriously Jack please."

He simply smirked in return. By this time the entire party had come either outside or was looking out a window at the two. Apparently the words Kim Crawford and pool was extremely exciting.

Kim on the other hand didn't find it exciting at all, more accurately annoying. If he wasn't listening to begging, maybe she could threaten her way out of this.

After all, threatening was Kim Crawford's specialty.

"I swear to god Jack if you drop me in this pool I will sac you so hard you will never be able to have children."

"Bring it on, blondie."

And with that he released his grip on her hips, giving her a little shove in the process. In panic, Kim reached out and grabbed the first thing she found - which happened to be Jacks shirt - pulling Jack in with her. His arm instinctively went around her waist as the two of them toppled into the pool.

After a few seconds, Jack resurfaced from the freezing cold water to see a fuming Kim. Within a few more seconds she had climbed on top of him and dunked him back in.

Take that Jack.

Jack came up again and grabbed Kim from behind, spinning her around a few times in the water before pulling them both into the shallow end, so the water rose to just above Jacks hips, and in the middle of Kim's torso.

He glanced at his surroundings. A few people were still laughing, others had their phone out and was recording the whole thing, others had lost interest, and some people were trying to push others in the pool.

He glanced back to Kim. "I can't believe you did that!" She scolded, giving him a shove.

"Hey, if you didn't notice, I myself am in the pool and I'm not to thrilled about it either." He protested. A smirk on his face, the smart ass in him beginning to show.

"Called karma Jack-ass!" She screamed playfully at him, pushing his again.

"It was funny though." Jack said smiling. Kim just shoved him again. "Oh come on, you love me!" He teased, grabbing her hands in his so she couldn't hit him again.

"I most defiantly do not." She argued, relaxing in his hold.

"Do too." He said, leaning slightly closer.

"Do not."

"Do too."

"Do not."

"Oh come on Kim, even you can't deny that you're attracted to all this!" He joked, gesturing to himself awkwardly before moving his hand so it rested on her back, bringing her closer.

"Jack, I total-"

"Kiss her!" Someone screamed, interrupting Kim. Jack looked over to see Brett standing there with a smile on his face. Jack rolled his eyes, and way about to shrug it off when another person yelled: "Yeah don't be a pansy! Come on, kiss her!"

"Yeah kiss her!"

"Kiss her!"

"Kiss!"

"Kiss her!"

"KISS HER!"

"KISS HER!"

"KISS HER!"

"KISS HER!"

And soon enough that was all Jack could hear as his fellow peers around him began chanting. He chuckled nervously before looking at Kim, who was currently looking everywhere except for him.

"We're just friends!" She tried to protest, but her voice was quickly washed out from the noise around them.

Yeah, friends with benefits, he thought.

And somewhere in his thinking process her was quickly brought back to a week ago. He was scared out of his mind to even make a move on Kim and then they did, that. So what did it matter now? Besides, it's not like she was complaining about the kiss. In fact, if you asked him, she seemed to of enjoyed herself.

So what was stopping him now?

He was soaking wet, in a pool, the last party of the year, holding the most beautiful girl he will probably ever meet. Even soaking wet, with her wet hair clinging to various parts of her face, her eyes slightly black from the make-up she was wearing, her beauty baffled him.

So with that all occupying his mind, Jack did, what Jack does back.

He didn't think, he acted.

He placed his hand on Kim's cheek pulling her attention towards him and within the same second he connected his lips with hers.

He held her there for a few seconds. Her lips were cold; wet. He could almost taste a bit of chlorine on them, alongside what he assumed to be processed strawberry flavor from lip gloss, maybe. As cold as her lips were, he felt her body instantly heat up when they're lips connected. He felt her exhale sharply through her nose as the goosebumps rose on her skin and then, he felt her relax.

And as fast as he was there he was gone again, only pulling away a few inches so he could still feel the heat of her breath on his face as she struggled to breath again.

Although he never took his eyes off her, he could hear the people around him cheering, a few shrieking before he heard the splashing of the water around him.

He was a bit preoccupied at the moment to turn around and check.

For a moment he regretted it.

Maybe Kim didn't want him to do that. Maybe she had truly meant it when she said she wanted to just be friends with benefits. And who really wants their friend with benefits kissing them in front of a shit load of people. Not Kim.

However, before he had time to sit there and panic and apologize, saying he shouldn't of done that, Kim stood on her tippy toes, and kissed him again.

He smiled into the kiss, hearing a few people cheer once more. The majority of them probably off kissing their own beautiful girl in the pool. His smile grew wider at the thought. His lips stayed glued to Kim's as he bent over and picked her up so her legs wrapped comfortably around his hips and her hands wove comfortably in his hair.

And the two of them stood there for a long time, in front of a whole lot of people, making out in a pool.

0-0-0

Jack and Kim were on their way home, soaking wet but with smiles planted on both their faces. They walked; hands intertwined with Kim's head rested on Jack's shoulder. Kim thought over their position - she had no idea how they ended up like this but by no means was she complaining.

They walked in a comfortable silence for a while, just enjoying their time alone. They continued walking up until they reached the corner where Jack was supposed to turn. Not unlike the last time they walked home together, Jack didn't hesitate to keep walking.

"Stubborn." Kim muttered under her breath.

"What was that?"

"Nothing."

"That's what I thought." Jack smirked.

Kim rolled her eyes and stopped walking. "You can go home you know. I'm a big girl."

"I've never once doubted that." Jack counteracted, taking a step forward and grabbing her hands in his, smiling down at her. He rested his forehead on hers before releasing her hands and moving his to the oh so familiar position on her hips. His smile grew.

Before he had a chance to move any farther the wind picked up, causing Kim's hair to fly in her face. He gently removed it, tucking it back behind her ear as he felt her shiver in his hold. "You cold?"

"Not really, just, wet." She responded sheeply.

Jack chuckled. "Here." He said tugging off his zip up hoodie. "It's dry."

"Jack, you don't have to do that, I'm fine."

"Seriously Kim, take it, it's fine." He smiled. He placed it around her shoulders, her sliding her arms into it as he did, and then he zipped it up. He placed his hands at the collar of his hoodie and smiled down at her. "Much better."

"How is this dry?" Kim then questioned. "You kinda went swimming with me remember?" She teased.

"I had taken it off when were were dancing, and grabbed it before we left." He explained.

"Oh." Kim responded dumbly.

"Hey Kim?"

At the sound of her name, she quickly tilted her head up to look at him.

God, he really was beautiful.

She new boys didn't like to be called beautiful, and she had no idea why. She believed that being called beautiful was an amazing compliment regardless of what your gender is. Jack on the other hand said the compliment had made him less of a man. And in return she had hit him over the head and said: "Knock it off."

She had told him he was beautiful when he was surprised that so many girls had asked him to the turn around dance in grade ten. It wasn't awkward or anything, it was just a comment; an answer to his question.

"It's because you're beautiful." She had told him. Then he flipped out and said that he wasn't, that only girls we're beautiful. So that's when she hit him.

She believed that being 'beautiful' wasn't just about your looks, it was about how you acted, and what your morals are and how you treated people. That it was shown more in a persons personality than they're looks. Which is why it meant so much to her when Jack had called her beautiful that night in his bedroom.

Because it was a gigantic compliment.

And because she knew he had meant it.

And god, was Jack ever one of the most beautiful people Kim had ever met.

"Yeah?" She answered, quietly.

Jack just smiled, tightening his grip on his hoodie around Kim's shoulders and pulling his forehead back to hers. He leaned a bit closer, so they're noses were touching and they were less then an inch apart. But before he had a chance to kiss her, a car came speeding down the road honking their horn obnoxiously.

"WAY TO GET IT IN!" A guy, who was partly hanging out the window -Kim assumed to be drunk - yelled at Jack.

That made his blood boil. Jack didn't like a lot of things when it came to guys mistreating woman, but objectifying them was one of his biggest pet peeves. Especially, when someone made it sound like all woman are is something to sleep with.

Who does this guy think he is?

Someone who isn't getting laid tonight that is for sure.

"Hey asshole why don't you shut it!" Jack screamed back at them, taking a step forward.

Kim rolled her eyes and chuckled, that was Jack, always having to be the good guy. She took his hand in her's and tugged towards her house as the guy 'WHOO'D' at Jack.

"Come on." Kim said.

Jack looked at their hands, then back at Kim, then smiled. "Yeah, let's get you home." He smiled. Jack gave her hand a quick squeeze before continuing back down the sidewalk.

They fell back into their comfortable silence, but no one seemed to mind. It stayed that way for the next few minutes before they appeared at Kim's doorway.

"Well, bye Kim. If I don't see you this weekend, I'll see you at the exam on Monday." Jack said with a smile.

"Yeah, I got a lot of studying to do. You better start studying mister!" She teased.

Jack rolled his eyes and shoved his hands in his damp pockets. "Yeah, yeah. You sound like my mother!" He joked.

"Well, your mother is very smart." Kim counteracted, causing Jack to raise his hands in playful defeat. Kim took this opportunity to walk into Jack's open - and wet- arms, hugging him goodbye. Jack's hands wrapped themselves around her waist as he have her a quick squeeze. "Night Jack."

"Night Kim."

Kim smiled to herself as she watched him walk down the steps of her front porch before turning around herself and entering the house. She sighed. Her head spinning from the extremely eventful night she just had.

Someone remind her to thank Grace later.

She chuckled at the thought before going to go to her bedroom. She had made it no more than two steps before there was a knock at the door.

She scrunched her eyebrows together, trying to think of who would be coming to visit her at this time of night. Cautiously, she opened the door to reveal Jack standing in her doorway.

She released a breath she didn't realize she was holding. "Oh hey Jack."

"I forgot something." He stated simply.

Kim thought it through for a moment before it hit her. "Oh, your sweater!" She exclaimed before going to tug it off.

"No not that. Keep it. It looks good on you." He said sweetly.

"Then what?" Kim asked dumbly.

"This."

And with that he took a step, cupping her face in his hands and kissing her for the however many time tonight. This was something he could get used to. He held her there for a few moments before releasing her. "Night beautiful." He said smirking, before turning on his heal and leaving towards his house.

Kim stood there, baffled, for a few moments before shutting the door behind Jack, and going upstairs to her room. She sat on her bed, mind spinning and partially numb, as she turned on her computer.

She then found herself in the same position she was earlier tonight. Amazing how much can happen in so little time. She began typing away, finishing off what she was doing earlier.

A pop up then blocked her screen. '1% battery life' it read before another one popped up reading 'goodnight' and the lap top went to bed. "NO DON'T DIE!" She screamed at it.

Regardless of how tired she was, she still had a bit more work to go before it was lights out for her. She scanned the room for her charger, and when it was no where to be found it hit her. She had been studying at the Dojo yesterday night in between working out and sparing with Milton and had completely forgotten to bring it home.

Well, there was one more stop for her before she put an end to this amazing day.

0-0-0

With a final 'Hiya' a sweaty Jack took a seat on the bench beside him, drying his brow with a towel. After Kim's, Jack headed straight for the Dojo for a late night work out. First things first, Jack wanted out of the wet clothes that were awkwardly clinging to his body, and the Dojo was closer to his house, and he needed to clear his head.

He really hated leaving Kim, because every time he did that, all his problems came rushing back at once.

How the hell was he supposed to tell her about Japan now?

It was hard enough before but with everything that just happened, he didn't have a clue what to do. He placed his hands in his knees and just sat there, trying to come up with a solution.

It was Rudy who entered the Dojo next. He had been on one of his side adventures will Phil, and after grabbing a late night snack he realized he had forgotten to lock the Dojo. That's when he noticed the black belt with his head in between his knees, looking like he had a rough night.

Now, as much as a child Rudy was, he knew when to be an adult, and to be a friend.

Right now, it look like Jack needed a friend.

"Hey Jack, everything ok?" He asked as he took a seat next to him on the bench.

"Yeah, I, I just, got a lot on my mind." Jack responded, sighing slightly.

"Want to talk about it? I could help." Rudy offered.

"I don't think you can help me with this one Rudy, thanks though."

"Try me."

Jack sighed again and looked up at Rudy. Given his facial expression Jack knew he was dead serious. "Can you keep a secret?"

Rudy scooted a little closer on the bench. "Of course."

"I got accepted into the Otia Academy." Jack said softly. He didn't realize how much that secret had been driving him nuts until he had finally said it out loud, it was like this giant weight was lifted off his shoulders.

"I know."

"Wait what do you mean you know!?" Jack snapped, standing up quickly as he started to panic.

"You're mom called me a few days ago, wanted to 'share the good news'". Rudy explained.

Jack nodded and shoved his hands in his track pants. "Not really good news." Jack grumbled.

"Jack are you insane!" Rudy began. "That's great news! I say this not just as your Sensi but as your friend. The Otia Academy is an amazing school and it's your dream! It will allow you to do Karate for the rest of your life is that not what you've always wanted to do?"

"It is!" Jack protested. "It's just- oh, I don't know."

"They're is somethings holding you back, isn't there?" Rudy questioned. Jack just shrugged and looked down. "It's Kim, isn't it." Jack simply moved his head to the side, not saying a word. Rudy sighed. "Now Jack, I know you and Kim have this flirtationship going on-"

"It's more than that Rudy."

Rudy raised an eyebrow.

"Can you keep another secret?"

"Yes."

"Kim and I slept together."

"YOU WHAT!" Rudy shrieked. He gasped loudly, bringing his hand to his chest and backed up, not stopping until he hit the wall.

"Would you calm down?" Jack scolded.

"NO I WILL NOT CALM DOWN THIS IS A HUGE DEAL!" Rudy continued to scream.

Jack rolled his eyes. "Are you done?" He asked, unimpressed.

"NO!" Rudy snapped. "AHHHHHHHHHHHHH" He continued to shrike for the next two minutes while he jumped up and down, did a few summer-salts and rolled around the floor as if he was in pain. Soon enough, he stood up, brushed himself off and walked back over to Jack and stared at him for a few moments. "Oh my god."

"I know, it just, complicates everything." Jack sighed, running his hand through his hair.

"Now Jack, I know you and I know Kim. I also have watched you to from the beginning slowly get closer -which was really cute by the way- and I know that how you to feel about each other is more serious than any of my relationships have ever been. I also know you're all leaving, whether its to Seaford community collage or to Japan. And I know that Kim is going to be here when you get back."

"But what if she's not. What if she finds a boyfriend in collage that is actually near her and forgets about me?" Jack asked, starting to panic again.

"She met Brett when you guys stopped talking, didn't she? And who'd she pick?"

"Me." Jack answered smirking. "Wait how do you know that?"

"That's right, I'm in the loop!" Rudy gloated, whipping off the imaginary dust off his shoulder.

Jack chuckled. "I don't know, it's just so surreal going so far away. I don't like change."

"I know you don't." Rudy said sympathetically. "But this change is going to be good for you, I promise."

Jack smiled. "I just, can't believe I'm actually going to Japan."

"You're going to Japan?!" A voice said in disbelief from behind them.

Jack spun around to see the last person he wanted to see.

Kim.

Shit.

0-0-0

Ok, I do realize it has been stupidly long, and for that I am truly sorry. Now, I'm still having technical difficulty because my laptop is an ass, and I was away all summer and my math teacher hates life so I am currently drowning in homework. I'd also like to point out this chapter is over 9 000 words long which is the length usually of 9 chapters in other peoples story, before you yell at me.

Excuses aside, I do hope you enjoyed this chapter, more drama, yay! Recap: Eddie punched Jerry in the face cause he found out him and Grace were seeing each other and no one told him. Jack and Kim made out in a pool (yay for kick) and they're kinda together now but Jacks leaving and Kim just found out in the worst way possible.

Ou awkward.

With that, before I make any promises I can't keep, this story will be updated when it is updated, keep reviewing to let me know you're still reading.

It honestly got to the point when I was wincing whenever I got reviews cause scared you guys were gonna yell at me.

But it did motivate me to finish the chapter :)

Keep reviewing, remind you y'all are still there! I love you so much, hope you enjoyed.

And I do promise, that I will not be quitting on any of my stories, you just need to be patient.

Thank you so much! Have a great day!

-Alex

Ps. I got a twitter, fan account, follow me and yell at me on there! nut3lla

... lame. I know.

REVIEW! :)