Chapter 9

After having dinner, Nikki was attempting to do her homework when Kristine sat down on the bed besides her. She looked up at her best friend who had a huge grin on her face.

"Yes Kris?" she asked.

"Oh please, don't give me that innocent look! So, what's up with you and Xavier?" she asked.

Nikki grinned, "Me and Xavier?"

Kristine rolled her eyes, "I am not blind. I know what I saw earlier was not mouth to mouth resuscitation. So?"

Nikki giggled, "So, we're talking."

"Nikki! That wasn't talking!"

"Okay, we were talking before you and Zach joined us. I... I told him about my family's deaths. He just held me and listened until I got it all out." She sighed, "He seemed to know I needed to get it out and cry about it, then he tried to cheer me up by asking me about the good times I remember having with them." She looked up at Kristine, "That's when you two came in, when we were trading the good time stories about our families."

Kristine nodded, "So, you told him what happened?"

"Yeah, every thing that I can remember."

"Oh." Kristine looked down at the comforter, picking at an imaginary string.

"What is it?" asked Nikki.

Kristine shrugged, "I don't know, I guess I just always thought you'd tell me what happened." She looked up at Nikki, "I mean, I always thought I'd be the one you would eventually open up to because I'm your best friend and all."

Nikki's eyes went wide, "Oh Kristine!" She threw her arms around her best friend and hugged her tight. "You are my best friend. You mean more to me than I can ever say."

She took Kristine's hands in hers. "I know I've been shutting you out and taking you for granted. And I just want to tell you how sorry I am for doing that. I never meant to hurt you. I never meant to make you feel like I didn't love you. Because I do Kris. I always have. You are my soul sister. And you always will be. You have to know that I wouldn't have made it this far without you here."

Tears were streaming down both girls faces as Kristine nodded, "I know. I'm just glad you are okay now."

Nikki chuckled, "I'm okay." She hugged Kristine again, "Thank you for being my friend. I love you Kris."

"I love you too chica." As the girls sat back and wiped the tears from their faces, Kristine asked, "So, he's cute isn't he?"

Nikki laughed, and nodded while blushing, "Yes Kris, he's cute."

"And?" Kristine prompted.

Nikki sighed dreamily, "And he's nice, thoughtful, easy to talk to, and he's a great kisser."

"I knew it!" Kristine exclaimed, "I knew you'd get the hots for him."

"Okay, yeah, you were right. I'll admit that. He's wonderful." She looked at Kristine, "I just hope that doesn't change."

Kristine nodded, "I hope so too. It's so good to see you smiling again. I'll kill him if he hurts you."

Nikki giggled, "Thanks Kris."

"No problem chica, you're my girl. I got your back."

They both laughed at that and then settled in to talk more about the two guys that had become a part of their lives.

**********************************************************************

Xavier walked slowly through the manufactory building heading towards the portal to the Overearth. He was going to meet the girls and walk them home from school alone. Zachary wasn't coming with him this time. He knew he was going to have to find a way to explain to Kristine why Zachary couldn't be there. Zachary had insisted that he go to the girls despite all of Xavier's protests.

As he continued walking, he thought back through what had happened since Kegan had told them about Zachary’s father’s death.

Xavier stood besides his best friend as the funeral pyre burned bright. Zachary's eyes were trained on the fire. He hadn't said much at all since he'd been told about his father's death. Xavier knew he had mourned on his own. He'd hoped Zachary would have come to him if he was needed, but when they had all met at the front of the castle to begin the funeral procession that morning, Zachary had appeared with eyes red-rimmed. He'd said his good-byes all alone.

No one had said anything to him, but Xavier, Evelyn, Kegan, and Charles had all grouped around him to show their support. Zachary knew they were there for him, he knew he'd never truly be alone with them there. He was grateful for their presence, their support and he made sure they could all feel how much it meant to him that they were there for him.

After the fire had died away and all that remained were the ashes, Zachary had turned to Xavier, looking him in the eye he spoke to him telepathically. You have to go to them, Xavier. You know they have to be protected from the gang and you know I have to take over as Chief Advisor for my father.

Xavier stared at Zachary, Kristine is expecting you to be there.

Zachary nodded and turned to look at the ashes, I know she is. And you know I want to be there for her. But I have to take over everything. Your father is insisting that I do so now. He sighed, Just tell her I'm sorry. And I miss her. Tell her that I will go see her as soon as I can, okay.

What do I say about your father? asked Xavier.

Zachary closed his eyes, Tell her what you think is right. Just don't let her worry too much about me. All I care about is that she's going to be okay. He turned to look at Xavier again, fear in his eyes, You have to protect them both Xavier. Don't let anything happen to either one of them.

Xavier nodded, and stepped back as the others began to come up and give their condolences to Ronan Zachary Grieves, son of Zachary Ronan Grieves.

One last time, he heard Zachary's voice in his mind, take care of them Xavier. I'm putting my faith in you to protect them both.

So, it was just Xavier who appeared at the gym for the girls who were waiting for the guys to show up. He moved up to them and smiled, "Hi Kris," he turned to Nikki, "Hello, Nikki."

Kristine frowned, "Where's Zach?"

Xavier sighed, "He couldn't make it today, but he sent me here to make sure you both get home okay."

"Is he all right?" asked Kristine, with a worried look on her face.

Xavier nodded, "He's okay. It's just that, well, his dad is really sick and someone needed to be there to take care of the family, so since Zach is the oldest son, he has to do it."

"Oh my goodness! Is his dad going to be okay? Does Zach need help? I can send something with you to take to him and his family." Kristine began suggesting things she could send with Xavier.

Xavier chuckled, "It's okay Kris. He's okay. Don't worry about him. He wanted me to tell you that he's sorry he couldn't make it today, that he misses you, and he will come see you as soon as he can and not to worry about him, okay?"

Kristine nodded, "Okay, are you sure I can't send anything with you?"

"I'm sure. He'll be fine. He's more worried about you being safe from the gang."

"Okay, if you say he's okay."

Xavier grinned, "Come on you two, let's get you home safely."

He put an arm around each of the girls and began to lead them away from the school. As they walked, he listened to the two of them talking about their day. He was aware of Nikki's arm around his waist and the way her fingers curled around the top edge of his pants. He could feel her leaning slightly into his body and he tightened his hold around her shoulder.

Kristine walked on the other side of him holding her book bag in front of her with her arms looped through the handles. His arm remained loosely draped over her shoulders.

"I'm telling you Nikki, Pam is the one who's with the gang leader. She has to be, you know how much of a manipulating slut she is!" Nikki rolled her eyes as Kristine went on, "She's the one who's been telling him all about us, she hates us remember?"

Xavier frowned, "Why does she hate you two?"

Nikki sighed, "I don't really know."

"Oh please," said Kristine, "She hates us because Nikki had always been the smart one growing up. She was always the teacher's favorite and everyone liked her. And when she tried to bully Nikki that one day in the playground when she was 10, I stuck up for her and put Pam in her place. She's hated us ever since."

Xavier's eyes narrowed as he looked down at Nikki, "She bullied you?"

Nikki blinked as she heard the low growl coming from Xavier, "No, she didn't hurt me or anything. She was just trying to act all big and superior than me. She thought I'd be scared of her because she was taller and meaner, but I wasn't falling for it, and Kris was the same height as her, so that's why she stepped in. As soon as she did, Pam backed off and it was over. That's all. Really." She waited until she could feel Xavier relaxing at her reassurance.

Kristine nodded, "Yeah, Pam did back off then. But to this day, she's never forgotten about it. So I think she went and found a way to repay us for standing up to her back then."

Xavier nodded, "Yeah, well, if that's what she thinks, she hasn't faced me or Zach yet."

He looked at Kristine and grinned, "Zach will not like finding out about someone wanting to hurt you like that. He'd make sure she never will get the opportunity."

Kristine blushed at that, as she turned and looked up towards the barn. She smiled and moved away from Xavier, "Hey, listen, why don't you two go hang out in the barn for a little bit." She looked at Nikki, "I'll cover for you while you visit with Xavier for a while okay?"

Nikki frowned, "Are you sure about that Kris?"

Kristine nodded, "Yeah, don't worry, I'll come up with something okay? You guys just go on to the barn. I'll come get you if there's trouble. Agreed?"

Nikki hesitated for a moment before slowly nodding, "Okay. But you come right back if you think you can't do it okay? Don't risk getting in trouble Kris, got it?"

"Got it chica." She gave them both a grin before heading towards the house.

**********************************************************************

Nikki hesitantly sat down in the hay next to Xavier. He had set her book bag on the other side of him and then patted the place next to him, indicating that she could sit there. She folded her hands in her lap and stared at them.

Xavier reached out and gently caressed her cheek, "So, did you have a good night?" he asked.

Nikki nodded, "Yes." She looked up at him and gave him a shy smile, "Thanks to you, I didn't have another nightmare."

"That's good. I'm glad you're okay."

"Me too." She looked down at her hands again, hesitating before she went on, "Um, I wanted to thank you for being there for me. For listening to me and allowing me to get all of it out. I just wanted you to know. I'm really glad that you are my friend."

He smiled, reaching down with his fingers under her chin, "Nikki, look at me." As she lifted her eyes to his he said, "I'm glad I was there for you. That you trusted me enough to let me listen. But, I'm hoping that I'll be more than just a friend to you. I mean, I want to be your friend too, but I hope you'll let me be more too."

He watched as a faint blush spread across her face and smiled. She was beautiful. And she had no idea just how much she affected him every time he was near her. He stroked her cheek with his thumb, drinking in the sight of her. She lowered her eyes again and leaned her cheek into his hand. He couldn't help himself. He had to kiss her again. He'd been thinking about that kiss they'd shared the day before and it was still lingering inside of him.

Leaning down, he brushed his lips against her forehead, inhaling her fresh strawberry scent. Her scent alone was enough to drive him wild. Every instinct inside of him went wild. That wildness in him wanted to reach out and make her his. To claim what was it's right. He swallowed, fighting down the wild urge to take her, instead, he let his lips brush over hers in a whisper soft movement.

Nikki felt her insides melting at the feather light touch of Xavier's mouth on hers. But it wasn't enough. She remembered how good it had felt to kiss him the day before and she remembered how she'd wanted to protest when he had pulled away. This time, she would get what she wanted.

She wrapped her arms around his shoulders, pulling him close to her and deepening the kiss. He didn't resist, instead, his arms tightened around her waist and lifted her slightly until she was practically sitting in his lap. As they held each other, she parted her lips, and teased his lips with her tongue.

Xavier felt the touch of her tongue against his lips and opened his mouth, letting his tongue duel with hers. Her lips parted more, giving him complete access to her mouth. He accepted it and devoured her. When he felt her hand digging into the back of his head, he growled low in his throat and pulled her tighter to him.

She pressed her body against his, chest to chest. He could feel her heart beating against his chest. And he could hear it pounding in his ears. He knew she was aroused, he could smell how aroused she was and all it did was drive him closer to the edge.

Nikki moaned softly as his hands trailed up her back, bringing her closer to his chest. She slid a hand over his shoulder and down his chest, letting it rest over his heart.

Xavier pulled away from her lips and dipped his head to her neck. Placing kisses along her neck before giving a long lick to her skin, just above her pulse. He heard her moan his name as her hand in his hair pressed him down to her. Her other hand moved around to his back, slowly making it's way down to his belt. Her fingers curled into his belt holding on for dear life as his lips continued to nip, lick, and kiss their way over the skin of her neck, shoulder, and collarbone.

It wasn't enough. Nikki knew it wasn't enough for her. She was burning up and she had no idea why. All she knew was that only Xavier could cool her down, but she needed him closer, she needed more. Grabbing his hair in her fingers, she tugged him up until his lips were once more kissing hers.

She moaned once more as she tasted him. She'd never known someone could taste this good. And she knew she'd never get tired of it. Her tongue dueled with his once more and teased his into claiming her mouth again. She climbed into his lap completely and wrapped herself around his body, letting her hands disappear in his thick hair. As she began slowly rocking against him, she heard the growl vibrating against her lips.

Xavier knew they were going too fast. He knew he should stop them, but she felt so good. How was he going to have the willpower to stop her from doing this to him if she was the one instigating it?

When she crawled into his lap and wrapped herself around him, he knew he was losing control. And when he felt her begin rocking against him, he knew he had to stop them before it was too late. Growling, he slid his hands around her wrists, and gently tugged them away. He pulled his lips from hers and placed his forehead against hers.

Panting hard, he tried to breathe before speaking, "We should stop, I don't want to get carried away and do something we'll regret."

Nikki pouted, "I don't want to stop." She leaned in to take his lips again.

Xavier pulled his head away, "Nikki, please. I don't want to hurt you." He caressed her cheek, "Let's take this slow okay. I want you to know me first, I want to know you."

She sighed, she knew he was right. "I know," she nodded, "I'm sorry."

He smiled as he ran his hands through her hair. "It's okay." He helped her sit next to him again before taking her hand in his. "We can keep getting to know each other okay?"

She nodded and just as she was about to say something, Kristine tapped on the barn door, "Nikki? Xavier? It's me, sorry guys, but mom's getting antsy."

"It's okay, Kris." said Nikki, "We were just talking."

Kristine made her way into the barn. Smiling as she saw the two of them holding hands and sitting next to each other on the hay stacks. "Well, at least you guys had a little time together."

Xavier nodded, "Yeah, thanks Kris." He gave her a grateful smile.

"No prob. So, will you tell Zach that I miss him too and he and his family are in my thoughts?"

He nodded, "Yes. I'll tell him as soon as I get back." He stood up and helped Nikki to her feet, "I'll walk you two to the door okay?"

"You don't have to do that, Xavier," said Nikki.

"I want to." He picked up her book bag and shouldered it, while taking Nikki's hand and leading her out of the barn with Kristine in the lead.

When they arrived closer to the house, Kristine turned and gave Xavier a hug, "Remember to tell Zach I'm thinking of him."

Xavier returned her hug, "I'll do that, Kris."

She smiled and walked into the house, as Xavier turned to Nikki. "Can I see you sometime tomorrow?"

Nikki nodded, "Sure," she thought for a moment, then said, "Amy and Felix are going to a meeting about one in the afternoon. We can meet in the barn around that time, okay?"

He graced her with a full smile, "Perfect. I'll see you at one then." He leaned in and gave her a kiss goodbye, before handing her the book bag. "See you tomorrow Nikki."

"See you tomorrow." she smiled, "Bye Xavier."

"Bye Nikki." He gave her a wave before turning and walking off.

Nikki grinned as she watched her more-than-just-a-friend jog off into the distance.