Chapter 52

She flashed her laminate to the security guard at the door backstage and sauntered in, her eyes scanning for the main room the guys dressed in. Hearing raucous laughter she moved in that direction and stopped in the doorway grinning.

"Hey Trouble’s here!" David shouted over the din with a grin.

Richie turned and looked over his shoulder then whistled "Damn girl! Look ‘atcha!" He crooked a finger at her.

She moved towards him, taking time to stop and plaster an outrageous kiss on David's lips. 'Just so you know what your missing." Slipping next to Richie her hands lifted around his neck as she slowly ground against him. "How are you hot stuff?"

"Mmm better now that you're here," he purred in her ear and sucked in his breath as she ground against the most sensitive part of him.

She winked and offered up a tiny smirk. "Thanks for wearing the leather babe." she pushed closer, one hand slipping between them to brush over the leather of his pants. “Black leather, it does things to me."

"Mel .... you keep that up I'm gonna take you in that room over there and...." he threatened.

She brushed circles over him again, her lips moving to tease the flash of nipple that the stringed tank never covered. "Nope, you gotta wear it until after the concert babe."

He growled, "damn ya woman, their gonna cut off my circulation."

She moved against him, "Or help ya keep that bad boy all hard and wanting.” She grabbed his hand and brought it to the jacket and unbuttoned the one button. "And you can think.. of what’s underneath."

He looked and licked his lips "you are SO gonna get it Mel."

She leaned up, her skin brushing over his chest, "Promises, promises."

Jon walked in to the sight of Richie and his wildcat damned near making out in front of all the guys. Clearing his throat he growled. "Not the time or place, Jesus."

Mel glanced over her shoulder and blew Jon a kiss. "Hello Spoilsport."

Richie chuckled, "aw man whatsa matter? Can't find a date tonight?"

Jon's brows furrowed as he flicked the middle finger at his friend. "Aww fuck you man." Shaking his head he turned to move to the door. "Come on, its time."


"Yeah yeah I'm coming. Later too," he grinned at Mel then kissed her quickly. "Behave lady!" he winked.

She winked and let her hand slide over him as he moved off. "Never."

He left for the stage with a beaming grin and a raging hard on.

Shannon found her seat easy enough, it was a lot closer than she thought it would be. He'd be able to see this row she was sure of it. She glanced around thinking to maybe use her laminate to go stand back by the sound board. As she eyed the women crowding around the men working back there, she decided against it. Maybe the lights would blind him up there.

She settled in to wait overhearing bits and pieces of fans chit chat and doing all she could to smother her grin. She'd use to be just like them, wondering what he was like, dreaming of a chance to meet him. She sighed in contentment thanking god she'd gotten a chance to know the real man behind the image.

He watched Richie shift yet again and try to settle his guitar and snorted. Glancing out at the crowd he muttered, "problem King?"

"Nothing that won’t be taken care of later," he grinned. "Damn that woman makes me insane!"

Jon’s gaze narrowed in on the front row, God that lil piece of fluff looked like his lil Bit. Shaking his head to clear it he turned back to Richie. "Man you were always insane."

Richie glanced at Shannon in the crowd and smothered a laugh "Well let's get this show on the road, I got business to take care of after."

Jon frowned as he started towards the mic. "At least you can take care of business." As David's intro revved up he hefted the mic twirlin it like a baton, his body already going into constant motion. "Hellloooo Everybody!"

As the lights went down and the sound exploded Shannon forgot to be calm and cool and lost herself in the excitement. There he was, finally, and from the start she was entranced. His energy was astounding; his voice was like a drug. She sang along and jumped and yelled just as loud as every other girl around her.

His eyes kept getting pulled towards his Shannon look alike. At least she was enjoying the show. Damn, made him miss his girl though. He pranced towards Richie and leaned against him during a solo. “That little lady makes me wanna quit and go home man."

Richie smiled down at Shannon then replied "Maybe you should invite her back... how many songs to go man?"

Jon rolled his eyes. "Shit the entire hour man at least. Can't invite her, not that desperate yet." he moved back to front stage and started the next song, cursing himself for his stupidity. Not like Shannon would know, he could have a free moment right? Right. He'd know.

Richie groaned to know there was still an hour to go, normally the show flew past but of course not tonight, he snuck a glance to the side of the stage an saw Mel there, twining her hair, her hips moving slowly with the beat of the music, her eyes beckoning him. He swore then and there the girl would never walk right again.

He moved to side stage, singing to everyone, and tried, to the dismay of the left side of stage, to not look that way. Song after song, he felt the siren call of the little lady in black, song after song he ignored it until after the last encore he sped off stage and to the bands room.

Picking up the courtesy phone he dialed her number. If he could just talk to her for a few minutes he could calm the raging need, only to have the phone ring and ring with no answer. "Well fuck."

Shannon almost floated toward the security near the stage. She was high on the music, high on him. She timidly fought her way thru the crowd of gathering women, ignoring the heated stares she was receiving she held out her pass to the guard and said "I 'm looking for... um.. Michael Francis?"

The guard turned and motioned her own through. Laminate said it all. "He's right over there." He pointed to the right. "That guy there, with the beard, that’s Mr. Francis."

"Thanks" she smiled and made her way to the hulking man. She tapped him on the shoulder and introduced herself "Hi.. I'm Shannon.... I was told to find you after the show?"

A genial voice, with an evident British accent chuckled. "Ahh so you’re the little lady."

"Um... yeah I um.." She blushed to the roots of her hair; she'd never dare to tell anyone anything about her and Jon so she simply stated "I'm um.... Mel's sister ... is.. um... is Jon real busy right now?

The big man grinned, "Yeah busy being a jackass. Come on I'll show ya too him."

Shannon wrung her hands as she nervously followed. Why was she so nervous? it was just Jon! She'd spent a week with him, constant, no reason to worry. Right? Then why was she so nervous?

He pulled the towel over his head and tried to ignore all the happy sounds around him. God dammit he wanted Shannon.


She entered the room and saw him sprawled and sweaty on one of the many couches, a towel covering his head. She glanced around noticing the curious stares the rest of the band was giving her as she approached their singer. She looked for Richie and Mel and they were nowhere to be seen.

She quietly approached, slid beside him and slowly pulled the towel from his head. Leaning in she whispered a breathless "Surprise..."

His eyes jolted open as the angel from the front row sat before him. Well fuck it had been no angel, it was his Lil Bit and he'd ignored that side all night. A smile began to creep onto his lips as he pulled her into his body. Ignoring the cheers and hoots, his hand wrapped around her neck as he pulled her in close for a kiss raging with need heat and hunger.

She was vaguely aware of the cat calls in the room, but they soon faded away as his lips ravaged hers. She inhaled the musky sweaty scent of him and linked her arms around his neck pulling him close and laughing happily as she nipped at his neck. "Mmm I missed you," she purred.

He lost himself in her taste and feel, her scent teasing his senses as her fingers teased his skin. "I missed you too, god if you only knew."

She ran her fingers thru his damp hair and kissed his temple gently. "Ya think I can kidnap ya now?"

He quickly sat up, the sparkle in those eyes that winked at him suddenly giving him more energy than he'd felt all day. "Let me shower and we'll go. Then you can tell me all about how you got here."

She laughed at his sudden energy spurt, "you go shower if ya want, but don't see why you'd waste water when you're just gonna need one again later."

He leaned in and pressed a kiss to her cheek, "Because even I can't stand the way I smell after being on stage. Don’t wanna kill anyone else." He grinned and moved towards the showers. She was here, he wasn’t sure HOW she got here but she was here, and he'd be damned if he let her leave too quick."

She let her head fall back against the couch as she watched him take off, her body already tingling just from his presence. She couldn’t stop the smile, her hand picking up a magazine to browse thru while she waited.


He showered the sweat off quickly and yanked on a pair of jeans and a tee-shirt. Within minutes he was back in the band room and heading her way. Scooping her up, he started towards the backdoor. "So now you get to tell me how you got here without me knowing."

Chapter 51

Shannon snorted at Mel’s self description ... level...... ha! Not since her Sambora syndrome kicked in. "Cranky huh? He been behaving?"

"He's too cranky not too. I think he gets Richie in trouble just to amuse himself. He's one sad puppy really. Keeps muttering. Not sure what, asked him once and he told me to fuck off or go fuck Sambora and leave him alone." She leaned back against the couch, "Damn near threw a pitcher of ice water at him."

Shannon frowned. That just didn't sound like the Jon she'd gotten to know before the tour kicked in. Sure he could be cocky sometimes but usually only in a light joking fashion. He'd certainly never been rude around her, not blatantly anyhow. "God I hope he doesn't get mad when he finds out I'm here."

She started to laugh, "Honey, I'm betting my ass your the way to getting him uncranky.'

She felt a little relief at her sisters words "Really you think so?" She hated to let anyone know how important he was to her. She played it so cool all the time but really, the last three months away from him had been pure hell.

"I'll bet ya Sambora's dorkhood on it."

She laughed " you're silly Mel!" She hugged her sister "ok look I gotta run! I gotta get ready... don't wanna show up looking plain ya know" she winked

"I'll see you backstage after the show. When its time to go back, ask for Michael ok?"

"Michael... got it!" She hopped up from the couch "Man I'm so excited!!" She smiled "See ya then sis!"

"See ya then honey."

With a light hearted laugh she disappeared out the door.


Shannon took one last look at herself into he full length mirror. She smoothed the hem of her simple black dress then tugged at the neckline, adjusting her little bit of cleavage just so. Ah there... that should do it... She smiled at her reflection and grabbed her ticket and pass, heading out the door to meet her sister.

She stepped from the hotel room and turned, nearly bumping into Shannon. Taking one long glance she started to laugh. She was definitely going for all out, nothing casual about this Outfit. Black lace fit her slight form like a glove, There was hardly any back to the dress, and the barest minimum of lace covering the front, with a plunging V neckline that was sure to have poor Jon drooling. The dress was short, but not obscenely so, but it was the killer black heels that lengthened her legs that was the final icing on the cake. "You wanna kill him or get to kiss him sis?"

"huh?" Shannon looked down at her dress and shrugged, "Just wanna look nice." She eyed Mel's head to toe black leather, from her short cropped jacket exposing the creamy skin at her neck right down to her ankle boots "Question is... you going to watch him or whip him Mistress??"

Mel winked, "I'm gonna torture him, he’s been a baaaaaaaaaaad boy. You know he’s been hitting the strip clubs? So we have an agreement, He goes, he gets punished."

Shannon laughed "You punish him for that?"

"Oh yeah baby girl. he owes me a trip to a Chippendales, he has to go watch them strip. Deal is I go with him and sit on his lap, then i pay him back. makes things rather interesting."

"Ya freak!" Shannon teased as she slipped her laminate over her head. "I'm gonna take a cab ok? I wanna sneak in under the radar. You taking the.... car?" She chuckled still in awe over the limo used to transport her earlier.

"You sure you wanna go in like a regular ticket holder sis?" Mel shook her head, "Limo has a wet bar."

"I'm sure... I wanna see it from the fan perspective ya know"

Mel grinned, "Well ok, just don’t forget to ask for Michael ok?"

"Michael Got it, um last name???"

"Don’t tease him, just remember its Jon's middle name too. Guys last name is Francis."

Mel chuckled, "big fucker with a beard, English accent. You can’t miss him trust me."

"Got it" she grinned, "so I'll see ya after... don't have too much fun." She winked and blew a kiss her sister’s way.

She leaned closer and grinned, "Not gonna have fun yet, but if you watch close enough you'll get it." She threw up a hand and waved before slipping into the limo. “See ya there."

"See ya," she called and flagged down a cab.

Chapter 50

He sat staring at the concrete wall, his fingers steepled before his face. It had been fucking months, well three, a quarter of a fuckin' year since he'd seen Shannon. At first he'd been able to control the urges to call. Sound checks, interviews, keeping Richie hopping from bar to bar. It had helped.

Ok, keeping Richie hopping had a two fold amusement factor. They went out, SHE got pissed, Richie paid the price and he got his own personal melodrama to watch. And yet, it still didn’t numb the need. He'd finally taken to calling her, always late at night and always had her moaning by call's end. Fucking glutton for punishment that was him.

One more fuckin' month, and half of that in Moscow, then he could go home, then he could see her.

**

Shannon grabbed the mail from the box, she noted her sister’s writing on one envelope. YES! The tickets for the coming weekend! Finally! She'd been getting worried, with her little vacation looming, she still had no clue what flight, when or anything.

She opened the door and shucked her jacket before collapsing on the couch to open it. There was a plane ticket, leaving the 27th from Newark, arriving a few hours later at Denver International. Mel had enclosed a note saying a car would be waiting for her; she also included the hotel information, booking number, a laminate for the concert and was that code names to get upstairs? Damn she was thorough!

She checked the envelope one last time and a slim piece of paper fell to her lap. Picking it up she rolled her eyes. Damn them! A check, from Richie no less, and the amount had her eyes going wide. Shannon huffed, she had it under control. She shook her head and rose from the couch. Padding over to the counter she stuffed the check in the stash jar in the cupboard. She would save it, just in case.

She finally allowed herself to be excited. She did miss Mel a lot, but she loved her new found independence almost as much. Then there was Jon. She felt the nervous butterflies in her tummy. She hadn't said a word to him about the trip, she was kinda nervous about seeing him again.

After a few weeks of absolutely no contact; the last few nights had been filled with surprisingly regular late night calls. They weren’t exactly long calls but at least long enough to make her nearly insane with the need to be near him again. She excitedly headed to her room to begin packing.


Less than five hours later, Shannon yawned as she looked out the window on her way to the hotel. The flight hadn't been bad, not at all, first class! And the car! A limo, for her? She was so tired yet so damn giddy.

As the car slowed to a stop in front of the hotel and the driver walked around to open her door, she grabbed her hat and tossed it on her head then slid her sunglasses on. She didn’t want to take any chance of Jon seeing her before the show was over. She planned on enjoying her first Bon Jovi show in total fan persona and she didn’t want to be worried about what he might think.

She exited the car and walked to the front desk, it took no time at all to get her room key, she grabbed her suitcase and turned to head for the elevators. As she neared then the doors opened. SHIT! There he was, of all the luck... She pulled her hat a bit further down and tilted her head down as she passed within mere inches of him.

His nose wrinkled at the female passed. Turning quickly his eyes honed in on the slight figure. Damn if it didn’t smell like....... Couldn't be her though, she was way back in Jersey at school. "Fuck." He entered the elevator, jabbed the button and watched as the doors slid shut.

She breathed a sigh of relief as she felt the elevator start to rise, that was a close call. When the doors opened again she hurriedly found her room and entered, Tossing her bags on the floor, she flopped on the bed and dialed her sister’s room number that the front desk clerk had scribbled on a piece of paper.

She turned and lifted the phone, one slender hand pushing Richie back slightly. "Stop it." Shaking her head she laughed out a quick "hello."

"Hey I'm here!"

"Ahhh that's good to know." She glanced over at Richie and snorted, "behave." Pulling the phone closer she waggled her brows. "So how long are you going to make me wait for a hug?"

Shannon heard Richie’s throaty laughter in the background, "is it safe?"

She bit her lip, took one long look at the man beside her and forced her voice to remain bland. "Of course."

"Well ok ... be right there!" Shannon hung up the phone and hurriedly ran a hand thru her hair before she grabbed her key and headed down the hall.

"Ok see ya." She turned to Richie and stretched out on the couch as she hung the phone back up. "I'm thirsty."

He rose from the bed. "That Shay?" he asked as her went to get her a glass of water.

She almost laughed but didn't, nor did she answer him. She watched him walk towards the wet bar and grinned,. "Ahh ya never know."

"Here ya go Princess." he held out the glass.

She took the glass and took a sip, then looked up at him an odd expression in her gaze. "Water?"

"Yeah... you said you were thirsty."

She stood slowly and winked before dribbling a slight amount of water along his chest, leaning in to quickly lap the trail moving along his chest. "Yeah I did."

"You’re rotten Mel" he grinned.

"Complaining are we Scarecrow?"

"Not a bit" he leaned down to brush his lips over hers lightly, his hands moving to cup her ass.

She leaned in closer, pressing a brief kiss to his lips just as a knock came to the door. "Why don't you get that babe?"

He sighed "Sure thing babe," and rose from the bed opening the door.

Shannon’s eyes nearly came out of her head, he was almost naked!!! "Um.... I um.... Mel... um."

Richie’s brow crocked up devilishly as he picked her up into a big hug. "Heya Shay!! Come on in good to see ya!" He couldn’t stop the grin at the blush on her cheeks. Hell you’d think he was naked or something. She’d have to learn he had absolutely no shame when it came to clothes or the lack thereof.

She looked past him to her sister then slipped thru the door "why... what??"

Mel stood and hurried to Shannon, wrapping her in a hug. "Hey Squirt."

She hugged her sister back "Does he always walk around in just a speedo?"

She snorted and shook her head. “Hell you got lucky Squirt. He’s usually naked.”

Richie shut the door and sauntered up to the two women. "I got no shame... besides," he winked, "Mellie likes it!"

Shannon gave him the once over, her eyes stopping only momentarily on the quite obvious bulge he was sporting and snorted "I bet she does..."

She turned to Richie and let a innocent smile out to play. “No spandex tonight King. Tight leather. Stringy tank, no coat.. bare-chested when ya sweat. Got all that?" She glanced at Shannon and winked.

"Can I leave my hat on?" he asked

Shannon looked at the two strangely.

"Honey if you take it off I may give you the spanking I threatened you with."

"Hmmm.... That's not much of a punishment is it?"

She leaned in and gave him a silky smile. "Trust me hot stuff. It will be."

Shannon just shook her head "You two are sooooooo strange"

She turned towards her sister nearly dismissing Richie in the process. "Go on, sound check is in half an hour and you have to get ready right?" she glanced over her shoulder and winked.

"Shit!" he looked at the clock "That soon?"

"That soon. And yes I have my laminate and yes I'll be there on time. and YES if you let THIS ONE SECRET slip I will go home and you'll sleep alone until 1991."

"Not a word I swear!!" he grinned and leaned over to kiss her thoroughly "Mmm damn... woman!" he exclaimed as he grabbed his clothes and headed for the bathroom to dress.

She grabbed Shannon's hand and pulled her to the couch. "So tell me how things are going.'

"Fine...." She laughed, "but obviously not as good as things are going here."

“What that? Oh that’s just him getting out of the doghouse he tends to like to stay in. Dork is always finding ways out of the doghouse." She winked at her sis. "I'm glad we could get you here. I swear I was ready to kill that guy."

"Kill... kill who? Richie?"

"No lord, Jon. he's the crankiest son of a gun I've ever had to deal with. People don’t usually get me going you know. I am pretty level, but him the last month? Let’s just say I wanna strangle him with those scarves."

Chapter 49

She snorted, "Yeah it figures. You ain’t gonna either." Turning to Richie she whistled.

Richie stood up staring at Mel in his in confusion "What.. where ya goin'?"

She faced him, her eyes shining with devil may care mirth as her dress opened. "You get to bunk with the one you wanted to be around naked with. THIS is what you're losing cuz you did." She turned, pulled her dress together and slipped out the door. "SLEEP TIGHT SCARECROW!"

Richie’s mouth dropped, watering at the sight of the lacy panties and underthings. As she disappeared he swore then looked at Jon "Ya just HAD to go didn't ya?"

He flopped down on the couch and grinned. "Hell yeah, we haven’t seen the girls since we recorded man."

"Well shit man, if you’re gonna drag me into trouble at least make sure you don’t say so around Mel! Man, " he sighed, " now she's pissed."

Jon frowned, then shrugged, "I ain't talked to her in the last couple days man, and I sure as fuck didn't tell her about the side trip."

"Well shit neither did I so who the hell did?" A frown bloomed on his face as he considered which jackass in the band had told Mel about their trip to the strip clubs.

"Beats the hell outta me man, only person I talked too other than the guys was Lil Bit. Ya know she’s really cool? Told me to make sure I handed out the dollars to the ones working hardest?"

Richie’s eyes bugged, "You told SHANNON you were gonna hit the titty bars?" Richie groaned, "I swear!" It all made sense now. Shay musta told Mel and now... he was in deep shit. Damn women!

Jon started to laugh. "Aww, poor Sambora."

Richie grumbled " You’re a pain in the ass ya know that?" He stood "See ya in the morning I gotta go grovel!"

He snorted, "Good luck with that man." he laid his head on the throw pillow and closed his eyes. Tossed outta my own room by a dork and his princess. Fuck. How'd I get so lucky?

Richie put on his game face as he approached the door and knocked. Damn that little sister anyway!

She flicked the switch for the TV and laughed, of course Jon would have it on MTv. As the knock sounded she turned and looked at the door, knowing exactly who it was. "You're supposed to be sleeping Richard."

"I ain't sleeping with him," he sighed. "Come on Mel have a heart."

She let the dress slip off one arm. "I dunno, you wanted to see something naked. Let him get naked." She walked towards the door grinning.

"I didn't wanna see HE did! HE just dragged me along I swear! I didn't even know where we were goin' until we got there!"

She cracked the door open, her eye pressed to the crack. "Sat there with your eyes closed too I bet."

"Nooooooo!" he frowned, "I told you all I did was look!"

"Didn't tip a one of them?"

"well of COURSE I tipped them" he grumbled. "The show ain't free!"

"So you touched them, cuz to tip them you have to put it in their g-string." She opened the door fully and nodded to the living room. "You can sleep on the couch."

He entered the room and glared before sitting himself on the couch. "There's a big difference between sitting at the stage, paying the girl for her stage show and taking her in the backroom for a little TLC ya know."

Her brow arched and her head tilted as she watched him settle into the couch, his eyes shifting around the room. "MMhmm I'm sure there is."

He stretched himself out on the couch, in the dog house already. He sighed "There is...." he closed his eyes, "none of them were near as pretty as you, ya know."

She let the dress slip further over her shoulders before moving to the couch to lean over. "Oh really?”

He peeked open one eye, the skin of her bare shoulders tantalizing his vision. "Mmm hmmm... I'd a been here sooner but Kidd was busy reminiscing"

She slipped onto his waist, straddling his groin carefully. "Here’s the deal. Each time you go see naked women alone, without me, you sleep alone. You wanna see naked I'll go with ya, but then you get to go with me to see naked men. Fair?"

Both eyes flew open "You wanna go look at naked chicks with me??"

She leaned into him, her lips brushing his, "I wanna be ON your lap while you watch."

He thought for a minute "Naked guys huh?" well that wasn't really his cuppa tea but hell if she'd do it for him...

She slid herself against him, writhing slowly, "I'll be facing you, getting the benefit of all you see.” She leaned in further her teeth pulling at his ear lobe, "Until all you see is me."

He groaned and let his hand settle on her hips "Does this mean I'm out of the dog house?"

"Maybe."

"Maybe?" He grinned as he pulled her mouth to his. "Well let me work on my apology just a little harder." He picked her up to carry her to the bed; turning off the light he told her with his body just how sorry he was.

Chapter 48

Richie fumbled with the room key, finally opening the door and stumbling thru. Damn Jon anyway! What a night! After the show he hadn't even blinked just grabbed him up and off they'd gone. Mel would shit. He wasn't tellin' her where they'd gone, hell no! If it was just partying, she’d be ok with that. He expected the lights to be out and her to be sleeping but the lights were blazing and she was zipping around the room...packing..... Packing??

"Ummmm Mel?"

She stopped mid step, turned and gave Richie an intense glare. His nose was as red as a Christmas light for god sakes. She shook her head and watched as he walked carefully towards her. Hell he'd partied to the point he had to concentrate to walk? "Yes Rich?"

"Whatcha doing?" he asked curiously. "We don't leave until tomorrow night."

She straightened. "Much as I hate it, I need to get back home." She moved to him, her head resting on his chest just briefly.

"What?" he hugged her to him, "why?? We’re just gettin' started."

She shook her head, "Called Shan tonight, we talked."

"Well that’s good.... right?" he looked confused.

"She ignored me when I asked what was left in the cash jar. She joked and laughed. She’s almost outta money babe. Someone’s gotta pay the bills, she’s in school." She lifted her head and snorted, "Besides ya won't miss me too much, you're a very busy fella."

He let her words penetrate his alcohol filled mind. Money... bills.....school...SHIT! He'd forgot! He had someone who did all that for him when he was on the road, but Shay was there alone in that house, taking her classes and all that and he'd planned on payin' up a few months before they'd left so she could relax and just focus on studying but in the chaos that was his life it just slipped his damn fool mind. He swore and crossed to sit on the bed "Damn Mel I forgot! I'm sorry!... No No No you ain’t going no where, I'll take care of it first thing in the mornin' I swear ok?"

She crossed her arms against her chest and frowned. "You want to pay my bills, Shan's bills so I can stay here?"

"Um, yes?" He frowned back at her as he tried to clear his foggy brain "I may be a busy fella," he mimicked her; "but trust me, if I didn't have you to come back to at night I'd be more insane than I already am ok? So yes I wanna pay her bills, or your bills or... fuck whatever! I'll send her some cash in the morning, express, she'll have it by the time we board the plane."

She stalked towards him, then leaned into his face and damn near reeled from the fumes. "So, I'm not supposed to work anymore, I'm to be here for you to ...fuck? Make love too? And you'll pay all my bills?" Her tone went deadly soft, "When did I become your whore?"

He scratched his head and peered into her face "I... I... huh? my... wha?" What the hell was she pissed about? Whore, she couldn't be serious men didn't love their whores. "Mel... your tripping again."

“You want to give us money.. and all I'm giving you of late is bedtime exercise. You call it what you want. I'm used to working for my money, but NOT like that!"

He stood a little too fast and quickly reached out to steady himself on the bedside table. "You really don’t get it do ya Mel? This is not about you, this isn't about me; its about US! You me together, two people as one en...er entity! Yeah that’s it. You ain't working for MY money ya idiot! What's mine is yours! You're my girl, I love your damn ass, so all I have I give to YOU. I will be sending Shay OUR money to pay her bills," he ended nearly yelling. He wasn’t yelling out of true anger but out of confusion.He was too drunk to make sense of this at the moment damn it all.

"A rose by any other name is still as sweet." She took a step back, his confusion, his loudness calling to the volatile part of her, "Lets just look at this shall we? What do YOU do to get [i]OUR[/i] money hmmmm? "

"I play my guitar," he said with a snort.

"Ahhuh and just WHAT do I do to earn OUR money?"

"Nothin', you don’t have to do nothin'. My ma raised me to be the one who is responsible for family, my dad always has been and damn it I wanna be like him, doesn't that make sense to you??"

"And all your mom did, was sit on a couch or lay on a bed and just WAIT for Mr. Adam to come get fresh with her." She turned and walked towards the window, not knowing how to explain the sameness day to day of just waiting. "All I do is wait, nothing to do but wait, and you come in and its holy god help me raunchy sex, then you sleep, then the day starts again. And you wanna make your money OURS for me doing that. Then ya don’t get why it makes me feel...." The words like a whore, were left unsaid, he didn't get that, he was a guy.

"No I don't wanna make my money ours for THAT I wanna make it ours cause..." his words trailed off and his voice softened, "cause I love ya damn it."

She started to laugh, but it sounded a little empty. "You're not a boring man. Never think that you are. But baby hotels are boring."

He sat and thought "Well... you don't have to stay here. I just thought.... I mean you said you ain’t had it easy and well,” he motioned to the lush surroundings, “I just thought you might like...." He shrugged "You don't have to stay in the room all the time, you can come with me to some things ya know."

"You just thought a woman who was used to working 7 days a week for years could suddenly become a lady of leisure and enjoy it. I wish I could but honestly my brain is melting." She tilted her head and sighed, "but I can't see interrupting you at work either. Although I gotta admit I don’t see how its work, but..."

He snorted "maybe you SHOULD tag along for a bit then, hell maybe you could actually get me somewhere on time for a change."

She bit her lip a moment, the anger fading into humor as a true laugh started. "Dork you're gonna be late to your own funeral."

He reached out and pulled her into his lap. "Thank God for small miracles." He nuzzled her ear, "I'm sorry Darlin.'"

She moved slightly as she snuggled backwards, her head dipping to the side to allow him better access. "For what? Trying to get me drunk off fumes alone?" She stopped a moment as Shannon's words flowed through her memory banks. "Strip club or bar?"

He pulled back to look at her face and blinked rapidly, the way only the truly guilty do. How did she know?? "Um... I... Jon.. um."

"You went to look at naked women and got drunk off of it, and now," she grew still in his lap her head twisting to study him intently, "you're all revved up huh?"

He hung his head knowing he was busted. "Aww Mellie.. I can't help it! All I did was look I swear."

She almost laughed at the repentant look that she KNEW was all an act. She reached over for the phone and dialed Jon's room extension. As a gruff and drunk "Wha?" echoed over the line she bit out, "Richie's room, NOW!" She cradled the phone and pushed off his lap to stand in front of him, her hands gliding over the front of her button up dress. "I coulda done that for ya," a few buttons came undone, "you could of gotten lucky." The dress was half way unbuttoned as the knock on the door sounded.

She held the dress together and moved to the door, and damn near laughed at the disheveled look Jon presented. "I want your hotel room key."

He blinked blurrily at her, "Uh wha? what for?"

She smiled, "You took him out, you got him drunk, YOU get to bunk with him."

Jon handed the key over confused. "Don't get it."

Chapter 47

She stretched as her eyes opened, only to find the room empty. They'd only been here a day or so, and were now waiting on the rest of the band to arrive. Shit if that didn’t fuckin' make her nervous as hell. Sitting up she saw that the room was empty and frowned. Well hell where'd he go? She glanced at the clock and sighed. Oh yeah, the band had gotten in sometime today. There was a concert tonight; he'd explained the things he had to do, tune guitars, sound check, photo ops. God.

Rolling over she lifted the phone and dialed. Maybe it was time to check in with the baby sister.

Shannon just shut the door behind her when she heard the phone ring. She sighed and set her books on the table reaching for the receiver. "Hello?" She answered breathlessly after running in to grab the phone before it stopped. Heck it might be Jon.

She couldn't stop the smile. "Well hello there Squirt."

"Mel," She exclaimed happy to finally hear her voice. Before Jon left he assured her that Mel would be just fine, to just give her some time and he was sure she'd call her. Shannon hadn't been so sure but arguing with it over Jon wasn't a winning situation so she just let it go. "Hey... don't call me squirt!.... where are you??"

"You won’t believe me..."

"I'd believe just about anything where Richie's concerned," Shannon said dryly.

"Yeah well he does defy logic, keeping me hostage and all. We're in Canada at the moment.”

Shannon snorted through the laugh. "You better keep a leash on that man of yours up there!"

She rolled her eyes and laughed, “more likely to have a leash on me.. but pray tell why leash him here?"

Shannon grinned as she recalled one of the late night conversations with Jon, "Strip clubs," she said simply then laughed "Do NOT let Jon take him out alone sis."

Strip clubs? Surely he wouldn’t? Her eyes stayed to the clock as she started suddenly counting minutes. She shook her head and changed the subject. "So how’s things going there?"

Shannon stifled a laugh, Mel was still uptight about some things. "Busy busy busy! I'm pulling double classes right now. I want that license so I can start making some damn cash!"

Shit, cash, she hadn't even thought of it. "How much is left in the jar sis?"

"Oh plenty... don't worry bout that," she laughed. "I'm just feelin' greedy and want some of my OWN."

She snorted, she remembered how much was there when she left. "So you're eating and you've paid all the bills?"

"Yes Melanie! I'm eating and the bills are no where near shut off ok? Trust me if it comes to that I'll be hunting you and Sambora down FAST."

"You don't let it get behind Shan," she sighed softly, "How many are sis?"

"None are behind I swear."

She changed the subject yet again. She knew Shannon would never admit to being low on cash, especially after how she went on about her having her own life. "So tell me, how did things go with Jon after we left?"

Thankful for the change of subject Shannon smiled. "Good, real good. He's.........really a sweet guy.... don’t tell him I said that though, it might go to his head."

"You got it, his head is poofy enough." She heard the happiness in her voice, little sister had a secret. "Ok so tell me."

"Tell ya what?" She stalled, unsure of how much she should say.

Mel snorted, “you never could keep a secret sis, hell you know ALL of mine now, so quit keeping yours."

"Well...." she paused " ok... we...... well... were.... friends....." She laughed, "very close friends," her voice had a wicked gleam to it.

"Ahhuh."

"With very, very nice benefits," she laughed. "God Mel he's just so," she groaned unable to come up with the words.

She closed her eyes and said a swift prayer. Little sister was flying high. "Found your first huh?"

"Yeah," she said dreamily "God it's only been what? A little over a week since he left and already I'm going nuts I swear!!!" She stopped and winced. "Shit. Mel don’t tell him I said this please?"

"At least ya waited until you were nearly twenty, less chance of it screwing up your life." Even now she wondered if she and Rich had waited if things would have been different. "So school is going ok?"

Shannon heard the slightest regret in Mel's voice and sighed. She hadn't totally moved past it all yet. It would just take time. If anyone could do it Richie could. Jon totally believed that and Shannon believed Jon. "As good as school can be." she rolled her eyes, "I love it but hate it all at once."

"Sounds like life as usual on that aspect then."

"Yeah, ya take the good ya take the bad" God it felt good to talk to Mel again, just like old times, maybe even better. "So.... how is your man treating ya anyway? He ever let ya outta the bed?" she teased.

She snorted and stretched again. "Occasionally."

"Oh such a travesty," she teased.

"I'm not complaining mind you. He's rather talented, and I'm not talking guitar. And don’t you tell him that. He's still the Dork.'

Shannon snickered. "He's a hottie sis, but honestly the only talent of his I’m worried about is the guitar."

"He doesn't really play you know, they hired him for his looks. It's all fake."

"Hired him for his looks??? Man they got jipped!" Shannon teased.

Mel started laughing. "Oh honey if you only knew."

"Sorry Mel my taste tends to run toward poofy haired blue eyed singers," she laughed.

"Thank god, if it ran towards tall dark and handsome with droopy brown eyes I might would have had to kill you."

Shannon laughed, "down girl! He's all yours!"

"Oh I have no doubt about that little sister."

It was so good to hear Mel laughing and joking, sharing secrets again. "So um, in a few months I'm thinking of coming to see a show."

Mel started to grin, "That's why I'm calling. See I have this inside track to tickets, and well I haven’t seen ya in the longest time. You have a small break coming up right?"

"Yeah pretty soon."

Mel snorted, "I hear you thinking, yes it’s only been a week, but damn I been cooking your breakfast every day for fourteen years dammit, I miss ya squirt."

"Ahhh I miss ya too... damn it with the squirt!"

"He's been Dork for 21 years, you've been Squirt, there’s just some things I won’t change."

"Yeah yeah I know," she sighed. "Well, I could do the weekend."

"We'll surprise the poofy one."

"Now that sounds like a plan!" she laughed

“I'll fix it up, complete with the plane tickets. I have a rich boyfriend now you know," her voice teased. She stopped a moment as it hit her, hit hard and fast. Boyfriend. She had one, and it was the one guy she'd always wanted. Holy Hannah, [i]I have a boyfriend![/i]

"Yeah when you pick ‘em you really pick ‘em eh?" she laughed. "Just let me know when. I'm game!"

"You got it sis. Take care of yourself ok?"

"Will do you too and um... if ya see Mr. Poofy hair tell him I said he sucks!" she chuckled at the inside joke. Jon would get it, she knew he would.

She so didn't wanna know. "Will do Squirt. Love ya." she slowly settled the phone back in the cradle and sighed, he sucked, they liked strip clubs and Shan needed money dammit. She curled up in the bed and groaned. he wouldn't be back for hours yet.

Chapter 46

The ride to Richie's apartment was filled with icy silence, just the sound of the revving engine, and their breathing. Once inside his place, with the door to the outside world shut, silence. He wasn't sure how long she was going to give him the cold shoulder but damn it he had to get her away from there, make her see.

She glanced around the room the memories of the day before fresh in her mind. Why had he brought her here? She sat down and hugged the old box to her and watched him stand there. She wouldn't speak first damn the man, he'd kidnapped her. Let HIM do the talking.

Richie disappeared for a moment, returning with two cold beers opened. He handed her one and sat down next to her. He took a long swig and simply watched her and that damn infernal box. What was so important about that box that she’d trotted out her number one weapon. She never cried, when she did it tore him up. What was in that box that was so fucking important to her?

She took a sip of the beer then settled it on the table, her hands smoothing over the box. Why wouldn't he talk? Damn him, he'd yelled, kicked in a door and kidnapped her. Why? She was just trying to do the best for everyone.

He reached over and knocked the top off the box delving his hand into the box and pulling out... stuff, lots of stuff. Hell he vaguely remembered working so painstakingly on some of those things. He lifted a tiny little bracelet, the threads braided and knotted carefully. And the pasta necklace? Damn, he made that macaroni thing in first grade! The ticket stubs to Nightmare on Elm street had him chuckling. He’d taken her just so she’d scream and grab for him, only the tables had turned and he’d held onto her while she snickered. Blood thirsty little heathen that she was. [i]She kept that too? What the hell else did she keep? Why did she keep this shit? What the fuck?[/i] He dropped it all back in and grabbed the bulkiest thing. [i]An album full of pictures?[/i] He opened it and started thumbing quietly thru each and every page and couldn’t stop the grin as it started to widen.

She winced. Damn she should of known he'd be curious. She watched as he rifled through the items and pull out the pictures. Well crap.

Memories of long ago. Them as kids, tormenting each other, both families gathered for cookouts, holidays and everything in between. Everything in that damned box had to do with them and no one else. He looked at the necklaces, the movie ticket stubs, little bits of this and that, all things pertaining to THEM, he and Mel and felt his heart start to beat wildly.If anything proved he was right, this one suddenly beautiful box did it in spades.

He chuckled after placing everything gingerly back in the box. Taking his beer with him he headed for the bedroom tossing over his shoulder "Hell you’re Cleopatra, Queen of De Nile!"

She muttered into the box, "am not.”

"Are too!" He called it out gaily, knowing it would rile her, she always did hate his ability to hear her mutters.

"Dork."

He stood in the doorway arms crossed "That all ya got?"

She took a deep breath and settled the box carefully on the table. Standing she turned to look at him, and felt the burn grow. "You over grown music playing dork of a rock star. YOU KIDNAPPED ME!"

"I did, didn't I?" He gloated, "consider yourself a hostage until you come to your senses."

"Four days ain’t that long."

"Four days? "

Her grin came out to play as she waggled her brows. "You only had a week off, it’s been three days.”

"Yeah so?"

"You leave, I go home. Four days."

"Ohhhhhh," he grinned. "Baby... I leave, you leave." He gave her a saucy grin and broke into song, "we're leavvvvvvvving on a jet plane!!! Don't know when we'll be back again."

Fuck. She glanced up into his sparkly brown eyes and shook her head. "YOU are one scary dude when you think you've gotten your way."

He shrugged and crossed the room to stand in front of her "Look Mellie.. I don't care what it takes... I don't care how long.. I will make you see... I know you care, your little box-o- memories tells me that. It's a truth staring you and me right in the face." He took her hands in his. "You can fight me, you can yell and scream, just try to make me miserable I don’t care, somehow I will prove to you that not everyone you love leaves you," his eyes softened.

She shuddered and fought the tears she felt threatening to over flow. "They always have."

He raised his hand to her face, his knuckles softly grazing her cheek "Not anymore Mellie."

She leaned in, his scent and warmth pushing at the doors she tried so hard to get locked tight. "It hurt for so long, it was just easier to live with it all shut away, ya know?"

"I know Darlin'," he pulled her gently to him. "I know, but I'm not gonna let you miss out on anything anymore," he grazed his lips over hers.

"You kicked her door in, she looked so surprised, you kidnapped me. No one has ever, well other than you has ever kidnapped me." Kidnap, rescue it was all the same in her mind. It was a warm feeling of being important enough to matter, important enough for someone to make that extra effort. Her arms went around his waist as she laid her head on his chest and sighed. She was tired of fighting at least about that, at least for now.

He gave a mental sigh of relief as he felt part of her fight slip away. He hugged her tight to him. "I'll fix the door, or Jon will don't worry, And Shay'll be just fine... you'll see." He buried his nose in her hair and kissed her ear. "I've been waitin' so long for someone to share all this with Mel.....this fame, this money.... what good is it if you’re lonely inside?"

She snorted into his chest. "Lonely? With all the women that throw themselves at you?"

"More lonely than you could ever know."

He sighed and scooped her up, walking her into the bedroom and settling her down in his big bed, scooting in beside her. "Imagine it. Surrounded by people yet so.... empty"

She understood empty, maybe not in the way he did, but she'd felt that too. "I do understand that feeling ya know.' she shifted slowly and curled herself into his body. "I ain't gonna stop fighting with ya."

"I don't want ya to....."

"You're still a dork, even if you are a rock star." She grinned as her hands slid up under his shirt and along his back. "A really cute, extremely hot dork, but a dork."

"I'll take that." He smiled and kissed her, his hands stroking her hair. "You'll always be a pain in my ass... an exquisitely adorable pain in the ass, but still a pain in the ass."

She pressed a kiss to his chest and laughed. "It's my job. I took it on years ago.'

"I think you're about due for a raise... your pay’s been shitty the last ohh what 14 years or so?" he grinned.

She rubbed her nose and smile along his chest. "Absolutely horrid."

With a sexy laugh he said, "Well lets remedy that darlin'.” Gently and slowly he reassured her, with hands, mouth, and all that he was. He showed her just how badly he needed her in his life.

The magic of his lips left her writhing, the joy of his lips sent her soaring, and with a hiccupped moan she pushed closer, opening herself to all that he was.

As they made love this time, it was more an emotional give and take. They filled the void in each other. He filled her, she filled his every sense, every longing. Touches and looks did more than words ever could. As they sailed to new heights together they both felt hope.

She couldn't get enough of the simple complexities of the moment, whispers, laughs, touches and sighs, each and every piece adding up to a meeting of heart, soul, and mind. And as they joined their bodies she felt, in that instant a rejoining of souls long separated, something new, fresh and totally fulfilling.

A slow sensual climb to the peak simultaneously as they crashed over falling down into the abyss together completely sated. Sleep claiming them, wrapping them in contentment and dreams of the future.

Chapter 45

Richie stood staring her down. She was lying on the bed with that old bear he'd won years ago. Good god she still had that thing? He crossed his arms and waited for her to acknowledge him.

She heard the door click open then shut and sighed. Fuck, only one damned soul had ever figured out her shifty lock. Rich. Closing her eyes and forcing herself to remain totally dead calm she whispered, "Need something Richard?"

"Yep" he said stonily. "Sure do....an explanation would be nice Melanie."

Her hands tightened onto DB the bear as she kept herself still. "Nothing to explain. I just.... she started asking questions, found me with my box and.. it’s for the best is all."

"Oh really, best for WHOM Melanie?" His tone was calm and cool and should have been a warning bell for her.

"You, her, hell even Jon out there. It's simple really."

"Ohhh best for ME too... I see...." He nodded then focused his eyes directly on hers "After all the misunderstandings before, you feel it's best to just let me leave..... to just say the hell with it all?"

She sat up, her eyes moving to his, a brow lifting at the flickering sparks of emotion in his brown eyes. "Lots of girls out there Richard. You'll be on the road, you won't be lonely. And Shan, well she needs to feel secure, like she can explore without worrying someone’s gonna go rabid on her. I'm sure Jon will appreciate that too." You can do this Mel, push, you can push him away, you can get back to normal. Just don’t let him see how it hurts.

He nodded. "I see." He stood there silently, the wheels in his head turning, his anger flaming higher with each second.

He suddenly exploded. "That’s IT!! It's over Melanie... you hear me?? O-V-E-R OVER!" He stalked to her closet and threw it open the door banging it against the wall loudly as he swore and shuffled and rummaged thru the mess. He knew it was in here, she’d just moved in a while ago after all. His eyes searched for and found what he was looking for and reaching in he yanked it out with an oath.

She watched, her curiosity getting the better of her good judgment. "What ARE you doing?"

He glared at her over his shoulder as he yanked hard almost falling on his ass as the object loosened to his grip. "I’m putting an end to this fucking madness that’s what!" He slammed her suitcase on the bed and turned, opening her drawers he began throwing the contents into the case.

He wanted her clothes? Why did he want her clothes? "Change of Lifestyle Dork?"

"Shut up Mel. I'm fucking serious," he nearly barked as he turned his attention to the clothes on the hangers and shoved them haphazardly in as well. "You're getting the fuck outta here."

"Am not."

"Are too," he huffed as he threw his weight into closing the latches.

"I ain’t going anywhere and YOU can't make me." She watched him try to shove her entire wardrobe into one suitcase and latch it. "You so can't do that. I don't wear half of it any ways. RICHARD DAMMIT, STOP IT!"

"I can do whatever the hell I want MELANIE and what I want is you!" He slammed the suitcase to the floor once it was closed and towered over her, his nose mere inches from hers, "and my name is RICHIE!"

Her shoulders stiffened, her eyes wide. "It's Dork! It's STUBBORN!!! I AIN’T GOING NO DAMN WHERE... specially without my box and you don’t know where it is and I ain’t telling ya!" She took a step back, glaring as he puffed up more. Well he wasn't gonna scare her with his big old body and nice strong muscles. It was just Dork on a rant, he'd wind down shortly.

"Wanna bet me?" He growled as he picked up the suitcase and stalked out the door, blazing thru the living room and out to his car, without even a glance at the two people standing there staring with jaws on the floor.

Jon and Shannon heard faint slamming of a door or maybe the trunk and then he was back in at lightning speed. He crossed the room to Mel and in one fell swoop jerked her up and over his shoulder caveman style. Holding her with one arm across her backside, he started back outside.

She started to struggle in earnest, her tiny hands beating at his back, "PUT ME DOWN YOU OVER GROWN EXCUSE FOR A ... I SAID NO!!! NO BOX NO GO!! DAMMIT RICHARD STEPHEN PUT ME DOWN!!"

"Hmph!”He carried her kicking and screaming thru the living room "The only box you’re gonna get is when I box your damn ears!"

Ok yelling wasn’t gonna do it. He was mad. He never got mad but when he did only ONE thing worked on him. Time to pull out the big guns. She grew still, her head turning to look straight at Jon and Shannon who were sitting there in shock. Her eyes fluttered and then she sniffled, her voice going all whispery as she let out a sob. 'I can't leave my box...."

Jon's brow shot up and he fought back the laughter. The sneaky little minx was trotting out the crocodile tears over some box? He couldn’t stop the soft, "Jesus,” as the show warmed up to max.

He stopped two feet from the door. Damn the woman!! Crying? No no no not now! I can handle anything but that! He fought it but lost and dumped her unceremoniously on the floor at his feet. "One chance Mel... get the box NOW and get back here or you leave without it."

She grinned and scooted back, coming to her feet in a surge of energy. Whirling around she ran for the bedroom. Grabbing the box from the closet she ran into the hallway and dead straight into Shannon’s room locking the door. "I SAID NO!"

"Why you little bi....." He gritted his teeth and followed her, banging against the wood. "Open it Mel!"

Jon leaned into Shannon his lips pressed against her ear, "And you want her like this now?"

She sniffled and turned on the waterworks, his anger thrilling her and calling to her own anger. "NO!"

"So help me God! I'll break this fucking door down!"

Shannon just whispered "My door..." in shock as she watched Richie attack it as if he were in an old 70's cop drama. BANG! His size 13 centered the door and kicked. SWOOSH! It swung open, half off one hinge.

Mel’s eyes went wide as the door crashed open. "You broke my damn door!"

"Told ya I would." He eyed her for one second before snatching her box and tucking it under one arm and swinging her back up again. He looked at everything but her, forcing himself to ignore her tears. He carried her back out pausing long enough to say, "see ya on the plane Jon," then he was out the door, his hostage in tow.

Shannon stood stock still for a full minute until she heard the sound of a revving engine peeling out and drifting away then she collapsed in a fit of giggles so deep it brought tears to her eyes.

His head turned as she dissolved into laughter. "What's so funny?"

"He... he..... kidnapped her!!" she managed thru giggles.

He shook his head, "And that's funny?"

"Fucking.... hysterical!!" she gasped. "Did you, did you see her face??"

He shook his head, "Man I was too busy watching Richie come close to having a fuckin' stroke. Never SEEN him that mad before."

Shannon regained a little of her composure. "Man she played him like a hooker plays a trick!"

"What?"

"Nothing," she chuckled a little then finally took a deep breath.

"If she’s playing him for a fool......." His frown grew as he considered the damage it could do to his friend. "Man, she’s not that cruel?"

"Huh?" she looked at him strangely. "She just got what she wanted."

He glanced at her confused. "She wanted her door broken down and him near a heart attack?"

"What?? noooooo!" Shannon reached out and gently shoved him. She got her box ya big silly!"

He leaned back relief racing through his system. "Oh. Ok. What the fuck was so great about that box then?"

"Fucked if I know."

He stood up then turned and scooped her into his arms. “Looks like we have the house to ourselves."

She linked her arms around his neck "hmmm..... all alone? What ever shall we do?" she teased.

"Recouperate."

"And how do you suggest we do that?"

He turned and started towards the bedroom, his lips dipping down to nibble along her neck. "First we take a nap and then I wake you up Bongiovi style."

She gave a throaty laugh "Mmm I do love your way of thinking"

He stepped into the bedroom and laid her on the bed, following her down before cuddling her in. "Good, we're in agreement."

She sighed in contentment. She was sure Richie could handle Mel, especially after that last scene so she was no longer worried about all that craziness and now she was in his arms again. She could get used to this... she could get soo used to this. She closed her eyes and twined her body with his.

His arms tightened around her as his eyes closed. Thank god she was calmer, he so didn’t need crazy, but her gentle calm, that he could enjoy. Richie could have the yo yo. He smiled as she snuggled in. His last thought as he drifted off was exactly how to wake her Bongiovi Style.

Chapter 44

Shannon stepped back and ran her hands thru her curls. She understood it all now, that this new, volatile Melanie WAS who her sister really was and as much of a shock as it was, now that she knew what a shell she'd been before she only wanted the REAL Melanie...... crazy mood swings and all. "Please Mellie...." she begged softly.

Mel lifted her eyes, a small smile gracing her lips. "Scoot, go get ready for that guy you like so much." If she stopped it now, it wouldn't hurt when he left. "I'll be ok, really. It’s just easier to stop things now baby, before he leaves ok? I'll be fine. I promise, and you know good old Mel. She never breaks a promise right?"

Shannon was at a loss. All she wanted was to understand. To make sense of the change in Mel, and she now understood that. But she didn't want this, her sister giving up..... on life, on love....She hung her head in defeat and slowly turned toward the door. As she exited the room she turned her head to her sister and in a last ditch effort to spark anything in her said, "Tell him your god damn self!” She spat it like a poison and left the room.

She moved to the door and locked it, her head shaking. Shannon would tell him, she might yell and snarl but she never denied a request. Moving to the dresser she picked up her brush and hair clip, quickly putting her hair back into her usual pony tail. Moving to the bed she lay down and pulled the little bear to her and closed her eyes. God she felt so tired suddenly. She trusted her sis. She'd tell him what he needed to know.

Jon pulled up and looked at the house chuckling. "Man what a day eh?" He reached over the seat and snagged the bags. He slipped from the car and grinned as his big friend just sat there. "Come on High Boy, let’s get inside."

"There’s never a dull moment with Mel." Richie grinned as he crawled from the car. He felt a bit more steady now. Jon had force fed him some coffee and a shit load of snacks and talked his damn ear off about Mel and Shay using his clever tricks to get him talking and get the whole sordid affair out. Damn man could get secrets out of a priest for fuck sakes.

He walked up, opened the door and stopped wide eyed. She was smoking a cigarette? She smoked? He hadn't seen her with one the entire time they'd been together. "Hey precious, I'm back."

Shannon looked up and glared before taking another silent puff off the cancer stick in her hand. God the thing was nasty but damn if it didn't make her feel a little better.

Ok she was glaring at him, that wasn't how she looked at him when he left. Settling the bags and cartons on the coffee table he moved to sit beside her. "What’s up?"

She stubbed out the half smoked cigarette and let her eyes follow Richie until he disappeared into the kitchen happily oblivious. She didn't want to talk to anyone, even hi. She wanted to brood but he was there, in her space, looking at her with those gorgeous blue eyes as if he cared. Fuck it all. "Talking to her is like slamming your head into a brick wall repeatedly," she ground out.

"You talked to her?" His hand slid out to pull her in, his lips brushing over her hair, "She went crazy on you and bit your head off. I'm so sorry baby."

She growled and moved from him, not wanting consoling right then. She was too angry. She got up and paced "I only fucking wish," she spat as she went into another of her typical long winded tirades. She told him everything, right down to her biting parting words.

Good god, she didn't? He pulled the tiny woman into his chest and held her tight. "No doubt she loves ya, no doubt your angry as hell after she told ya, but baby, you tell him what she said. Guarantee we get some sparks flying. Wanna pop some popcorn and watch?"

How could he do that? Calm her with just a touch? "I.. I don't wanna... tell him," her eyes shifted. Truth be told she was a little scared of Richie, and maybe a little in awe of him because of the effect he had on Mel.

Jon rolled his eyes, "He's just a big.... Dork right? He's actually a cool guy babe. He won’t hurt ya. I won't let him."

"You don't have to tell me Shay," a voice said from near the doorway. He'd heard her ranting and wondered what had her in such a snit, so as usual he'd eavesdropped. So Mel wanted to tell him take a hike did she? Well he had just a few things to say about that. "Don't you worry lil Shay I'll talk some sense into her... if I don't smack it into her first."

He turned and stalked toward the bedroom door and grinned to see it locked. Right Mel, that’s gonna keep ME out. He jiggled the door up then down and twisted the knob to the right hard. He heard the sudden pop of the lock giving. [i]Bingo. [/i]

Her eyes widened as the big man opened the locked door without a single problem and shut it firmly behind him.

Jon glanced back at Shannon and started laughing. "Didn't you say that was locked?"

"Uh huh."

He shook his head, "Told you, he has his ways."

"Damn crazies... the both of ‘em"

He chuckled, "Well look at it this way babe. Our lives are destined to never be boring around them right?"

She shook her head and fell back on the couch. "I know you said no promises but can ya try to do me just ONE little favor?" she asked.

He followed her to the couch and reclined back, his feet thunking on the coffee table.

"Sure thing Lil Bit."

She slid him a sideways glance "Don't ever get THAT fucking weird."

"Promise."

She gave him a little snort. "Thanks."

He pulled her close and snuggled in his eyes going to the closed bedroom door. "I bet we hear it all."

She sighed "yeah... I think I'd rather not." A sexy smile curled her lips. "Why don't we go make some noise of our own?"

He smirked slightly, "Oh I plan on that too babe, but gimme a few here, I gotta get me some Sambora ammo."

"Pfft!" She got up from him and playfully but firmly knocked his head a bit. "You suck Jon," she said with a slight laugh as she headed to the kitchen to see about popping him some of that damn popcorn.

Chapter 43

She pulled the old box down from the closet shelf, amazed at how well it had held up through the moves. It was special to her, the old box. She hadn’t opened it in nearly fifteen years, but she never went anywhere without it. Moving back to the bed she settled herself yoga style and prepared to be inundated with memory. Opening it slowly, she reached in and pulled out a small fuzzy bear. Damn it hadn't even gotten moth eaten in all this time.

She held it too her and inhaled, a strange sort of smile sliding onto her lips. "DB. I thought I'd lost ya forever." Dorkybear, he'd thrown so many silly damn balls at that fair wanting to get the big bear but ending up with this one. Hell she'd slept with DB on her pillow for months. Turning, she gently laid the little brown bear on her pillow then turned back to the box.

Faded flowers, ticket stubs, macaroni necklaces, everything that could be a treasure to a fifteen year old girl sifted through her fingers, and each piece held a memory attached to a brown eyed younger man. She slowly reached the bottom of the box and pulled out the faded photo album, her heart starting to clench. This was going to be way too hard. She went to open the book and stopped, considering just shoving it back in its safe spot. Sometimes memories weren’t meant to be revisited, even years later.

Shannon thought hard about what Jon said 'just ask her'. Would it be that damn simple? She sighed and cleaned up the mess from the late breakfast. She took a deep breath. She was stalling that was what she was doing. She so did not want to have a confrontation again but she knew if she didn't at least try Jon would probably brain her silly instead of fuck her and she certainly didn't want that. With a sigh she placed the last dish in the drainer and headed towards Mel's room. She knocked softly on the door half hoping she'd be passed out from the damn dope brownies.

She studied the book intently, then dared to open the front cover. There before her eyes was a picture of her parents, with their "three kids" around them. God Shay was the cutest little thing, crawling up the Dorks leg, and of course her, standing beside him her skinny arm sticking up holding the rabbit ears above his head.

She heard the rapping then, her finger brushing over the picture. "Come in."

Shannon opened the door and peeked in "um... you uh... ok?"

She closed her eyes a moment then turned to study her sis, "Sure Shan, I'm ok." Ok so her head still felt cottony and with the right cross-eyed look she might laugh her ass off, but she was ok. "Whatcha need?"

Shannon looked at all the things surrounding Mel on the bed, and stepped into the room "What's all that?"

Her lip half quirked upwards, "Memories."

"Of what?" she walked to the bed and curiously peered at the open photo book. "Is that me??"

"Yeah that’s you, I think you were like three at the time."

Her eyes widened. She had her arms wrapped around Richie's leg just above his knee and he was looking down at her with an annoyed expression. Melanie was standing on the other side of him, between him and their parents giving him rabbit ears. "No shit........ " she said incredulously as she plopped herself on the bed.

Mel nodded, "no shit."

She reached over and turned the page. So many photos, all of Richie, some with Mel in them some with other people Shannon didn't recognize, even a few more with her toddler blonde self seeming to annoy the both of them. "Why didn't you tell me??"

She glanced up at Shannon, confused, "tell ya what sis? That I knew some dorky kid in my hometown?"

"No dummy!" she scowled "That you and him .... were....ya know!! You had me believing you were sister fuckin Mary!"

Her brow arched as the bewilderment grew. "That we were, ya know, WHAT? Jesus Shannon, make sense."

"Geesh Mel sometimes you’re just so..."She sighed, " That ya'll had some kinda THING going, ya know what were ya anyhow? Boyfriend/girlfriend? Lovers? Fuck buddies??"

She felt the blood rush from her face at the anger in her sister's voice. "We were friends, We, well we fought a lot, and laughed a lot, but we were friends. Once mom moved us he wasn't a friend anymore. End of Story. Things changed. Simple to understand really."

"Liar. Nothing’s simple with you anymore. " She eyed her sister and groaned. "If it's that simple then why the hell are you suddenly Miss Jeckyl and Hyde?"

Her hand slid back and grabbed onto trusty DB, her body beginning to tremble. "Not lying Shannon. It's just not that simple to explain."

She pushed the photo album off her lap and stood, her heart beginning to hammer in her chest. Moving to the window she stared out at the backyard, and watched ghosts of memories in the backyard. Taking a deep breath she started to talk. "We moved here when I was like five I think, kindergarten started that year and there was this kid there. He was, well tall for his age. They put him behind me and he kept pulling my hair."

She turned to watch Shannon, "Low and behold the devil lived next door and we ended up being friends. He was, even then, kinda unique. He'd make me so mad, steal my doll my bike, make me fall over something then he'd look at me with that grin and I'd start laughing."

She shook her head, "We became friends and oh man the fun we had. Never a dull moment. He’d come up with some hair brained idea, I’d follow him with it and then get in trouble. He’d claim it was my fault and we’d fight. Then suddenly, well he’d do something to make me smile. Next time I’d be the one with the idea and it would start all over. Make it his fault.” A slight smile played on her lips as she remembered.

Shannon listened, a slight smile on her face, based on all she’d seen and the little she remembered from her childhood it began to make sense. She could actually picture the people in the pictures doing what Mel described. Her sister’s next words had her eyes widening.

“Then dad died.. "

She took a deep breath and began to shake in earnest, "He died and Mom got all weird and I was left taking care of you. Hell I barely went to school ok? One night he came by, Rich that is, he had borrowed his friend’s car. Shan he was fifteen and driving without a license cuz his friend needed to escape reality."

"We went to Anderson’s Pond. I started to cry, he started to hold me and..." She couldn't say it, she didn’t want to, it was her memory damn it all. Looking at the shocked expression on her sister's face she pulled it up tight and forced herself to keep talking. "He was trying to comfort me and cuz we loved? Hell liked? Shit ok whatever it was we felt, it sorta changed, and well I came home a little less innocent than before. After that, things sort of went weird on us, I tormented him worse, he got distant and more into his music.”

She turned back to the window her voice nearly nonexistent. She didn’t know how to explain the rest without making Rich out to be worse than he had been. She’d seen now that a lot of it was her own misconceptions. "Then mom moved us suddenly. I died that day inside. Nothing mattered. You got what's left of me to raise you. I’m sorry bout that."

Shannon didn't know what to say. She couldn't imagine. Feelings like that for someone.... or could she? "That's why... that’s why you made sure I'd stay away from guys and why you hated music..."

She sighed, her head dropping slightly, "He got lost in it and forgot me. Everything I was didn't matter. And every time I heard certain music, especially guitar well it made me remember. I had to shut it all out. I had to do that to stay on top of things. Then we came back and it was like someone had ripped all the damned bandages off of the mummy, I could breathe again."

She moved to the bed and knelt down, one hand reaching out to brush Shannon’s cheek. "I'll give that up though, go back to what ever it was you think is normal, if that’s what it takes Shan, You're all I got left, I can't hurt you."

Give it all up? Normal? Her sister’s words echoed through her skull. Melanie had a second chance at love? True love not just some flash in the pan feeling of lust and she wanted to give it all up to make HER happy? "You'll do no such thing Melanie!" She almost yelled.

Mel tilted her head, a wry grin crossing her lips. "Sure I can, it's the right thing to do right? You aren’t handling how I am, you want what you know, normal old boring Mel right? Only way I can maintain that is to push everything back down. That means making him go ok? It has to be done, it’s the only way. Just, when he comes back, tell him it was fun, and good luck with the music ok?" She pushed up and started pushing things back into the box, laying the album on top. "Go on, Jon will be back soon I'm sure. Just tell Richard I went to sleep or whatever you want. Just.. I need to be alone now ok?"

"No I will not!!!" Shannon finally yelled. "It's about time you stopped spending all your time worrying about me and actually did something for yourself for a change damn it! You need to cut the strings Mel and let me live so you can live!!"

"It's ok, I won't stop you from seeing Jon or well being grown up. It's ok baby, It's your time to fly. Just tell him what I said ok?" She moved to the closet and pushed the box up onto the shelf and to the back. "Go on, get ready. The store isn’t that far away."

"NO!" she stood and took Mel’s shoulders actually shaking her. "Will you PLEASE just......" she huffed in frustration. This was not what she wanted, not at all.

"Go Shannon, Just go ok?" She needed to be alone, she had to prepare, she had to get it buried, get the door locked. She could let Shannon go, let her fly, but she knew deep inside her quirky behavior wasn't helping. It was time to grow up again and let the goofy go. "Just go sis."

Chapter 42

Shannon saw the spark in Mel again and wanting to divert another confrontation pushed her half full plate under Mel's nose and shot Jon a look before saying, "I um... I guess the nun's broke free of the convent." She shrugged helplessly at the look on her sister’s face then simply ordered him to "eat."

"No, she just baked brownies and actually ate them." He slipped into a chair, pulling her plate back away from Mel. “Get your own damned food."

Mel walked by him, the urge to make him bald and pretty rising. Flicking his ear she wiggled her nose. "That is my damn food, I bought it."

Shannon blinked and looked to Richie who was sitting a bit away from the table laughing uncontrollably. Shit, he was gonna be no help! What the hell had they put in those brownies, hash or something?

Shannon turned her attention back to Jon sending him a silent plea to just let it go.

She moved over to the chair Shannon was in and sat next to her. "Hey! You ignoring me now? Found ya some hot stud and got no time for Sis?"

Shannon blushed to the roots of her hair at her sisters words. The events of last night still too fresh and personal to be discussing in open forum she stuttered "No... no just ... just trying to keep you from trying to kill said stud mmmkay?"

She leaned in close, "wouldn't have to kill him, just kick him good and hard, put him outta commission.”

"MELANIE!!" She huffed, "you need to go sleep it off!! You're drunk or high or something! "

"Am not drunk! only had, " she held her index finger and thumb up about one half inch apart, "this much saké. Weak as water, lemme tell ya." She leaned back and started to grin. "Course I did eat a plate of brownies. Oh hell Shay you’re no fun!" She stood up and started off towards her bedroom. "YOU YELL TOO MUCH!"

Richie stopped laughing long enough to grin at Shannon and Jon before following Mel outta the room.

Shannon looked at Jon and simply mumbled "sorry," with a shrug.

Jon snorted then reached out and laced his fingers through hers. "Lil Bit, she’s higher than a kite. Those brownies ain’t just brownies, but she'll be ok, He never keeps around a big stash."

"Amsterdam Brownies?" she shook her head, "Mel hates drugs."

He shook his head, "Ever get the feeling you didn't know her like you think? Seems to be a few levels to that woman you haven't exactly explored babe."

"I'm beginning to see that," she admitted.

Pulling her chair closer to him he smiled. "It's not easy huh?"

She shook her head and leaned her head on his shoulder. "No, not at all....I feel like... like we switched roles or somethin'... I'm usually the one pulling crazy shit while she’s sitting here being all offended... it's.... just....not how it should be."

"How's it supposed to be precious? She remains all dead inside and gives you everything and you just accept it? Ya never wondered why she had no life of her own?" His voice was soft, as he watched her. She hadn't thought too deep about things that was for sure.

"I just figured she felt she had to take care of me. She never wanted me to do anything to help, she never asked, if I tried she told me don't. She wanted to.... so I just... let her" Shannon sighed, there was so much she didn't know.

"Ever thought of just asking her?"

"Asking her what?? Why she's gone mental??" Shannon looked at him amazed. She couldn’t ask something like that.

He nodded, "For starters, yes."

She blinked at him rapidly. He could be so damn blunt sometimes. "Because it's kinda rude to just walk up to someone and say hey... why you such a freakin' nut case' ya know?"

"Nah, its not, I ask the jackass that all the time. Honesty in friends or family is the best policy baby. Ask her, might surprise yourself." He stood and pushed his chair back. "SAMBORA!"

They heard rustling then Richie appeared in the doorway "Yeah man?"

"You and me Man, store run. Come on." He fisted a hand into his friend’s shirt sleeve. "I need something stronger than coke."

"Dude!!" Richie whined "I was in the middle of makin' out ya know," he muttered as he allowed Jon to pull him towards the door.

"Yeah yeah, you always are. I'm sure that won’t be gone when you get back."

"But... but... I," Richie grabbed the door frame on the way out long enough to yell to Mel "Gotta run babe be back soon!! Captain’s orders!"