Kim Possible Porn Story: Birth and Rebirth 01 Will I Chapter 8

Birth, and Rebirth 01: Will I?

Disclaimer/Authors Notes: Kim Possible and all the characters of the show are owned by the Disney Company. The original lyrics to the songs referenced in this story and the music are the property of the respective authors, artists and labels. All other characters can be blamed on the author (he, however, is not responsible for alh.l of their actions at all times, being barely responsible for himself most of the time).

This is a strictly not-for-profit, just-for-fun work.

Enjoy! Please read and review.

A/N Forward:

This is the tale of two individuals: how their lives wind and unwind as they twist and turn together, and how their lives both intertwine and fuse with the lives of others, creating relationships that last for…well, that last for a lifetime, and for more than eternity itself.

This is the penultimate chapter, with the final due out near the end of the month.

A Will Du tale…

—

Chapter 8: Harvest plant

—

Will was stretched out on his couch.

This was not where he expected to be after an invasion attempt, and certainly not where he expected to be after his revelation about his feelings for Lindsey.

Alone and in his apartment was just sick and wrong, he thought, and then he chuckled, realizing that being around Lindsey, who had spent a lot of time over the past months with Kim and Ron, had the effect of having some of Rons phrases rub off on him.

Unfortunately, the time spent together had translated into no more than a few moments alone for the two of them until just before the Lowardians landed

—

He had been on assignments, almost back to back, since March, with only enough time to get home, change out his kits, and head back out.

He did remember, though, to give Lindsey a key to the apartmentJust in case you need a place to crash, he had explained, and he was rewarded in front of Dr. Adams and the entire medical staff with a kiss that curled his toes.

Thank you, she purred, and he blushed.

He did have one time that he had come home after an extra-grueling mission to find dinner waiting on the table for him: a large covered platter that was producing a mouth watering smell along with a rather large ceramic-covered bowl. Both were accompanied by a note:

Its not Cajun, but I hope you like itlove, L, she wrote.

He lifted the plate cover and smiled, picking up a random piece of the baked chicken on the platter without really looking at it and bit into it.

He had never tasted anything quite like it before: the mix of Southern, Cajun, Jamaican, and Indian spices had his mouth burning for several minutes, but he loved the taste, and he gnawed at the drumstick as he headed into the bedroom, whistling and tossed his duffel on the bed.

Gotta get me some more of that, he said, stripping the drumstick down to the naked bone and bee-lining it back to the table. He was delighted to find an entire chicken, baked to perfection with these spices and lounging on the platter waiting for him, and long-grained white rice to cool his taste buds, nestled in the ceramic bowl.

How did she know? he asked himself as he scooped a big mound of the rice onto a quickly-retrieved plate and placed some chicken on top, spooning the sauce from the chicken on top of them both, smiling as he served himself. Doesnt matter, he grinned, as he sat down at the table: This is to die for! he laughed and began to wolf down the savory chicken and rice mixture hed created.

He had had a chance to call his parents and arrange for them to meet him in Bangor on a Saturday morning for breakfast, but he wouldnt tell them why. He managed to convince Lindsey to come along, although that didnt take too much convincing, especially when he told her that the previous night they would be at Keris house, visiting Keris parents.

He accompanied Lindsey to the wedding of his boss and Dr. Samuel Clemens Possible. He watched them ride off to the runway and their honeymoon jet in their surrey, with the fringe on the top, and he couldnt help but wonder what Lindsey would look like, standing there in her dress.

Yeah, Will, youre doomed, he laughed to himself, back at his apartment, as he looked for the phone numbers in the GJ database, and he found the one he wanted.

He surprised Keris dad with a call at his office

—

The phone rang, and Kenneth Jacobson looked perturbed, but then he looked at the caller-id and saw that it was blocked.

Not too many can do that on this phone, he muttered under his breath, then chuckled as he picked up the phone, placing a bet with himself on the callers identity.

Jacobson: its your dollar, he answered, and he heard a voice

Mr. Jacobson?

Yeswho is this?

This is William Du, sir, and Kenneth smiled a thin smile and made a note to buy himself a large iced coffee at a specific convenience store, on the way home for winning the bet.

How are you, my boy? And, just where in the heck are you?

Im fine, sir. And, as for where I am: I took your advice, sir, and Im one of Bettys Bouncers, now, Will laughed.

Good for you, Kenneth smiled and mentally changed the drink from coffee to his favorite treat: a special Root Beer that he had seen at that same convenience store: a Frostie Root Beer.

Sir, may I ask a favor? Kenneth knew what he was going to ask, and he smiled even bigger.

Of course, my boy: what is it?

May I come by on a Friday night to see you and your wife? he paused, then continued: I need to ask you both something important.

Do you have one in mind? Kenneth asked while thinking: No, make that a six-pack, and its about time, son.

Yes, sir: next Friday, if its convenient, Will responded.

Just a sec: let me check with Kathy, he put Will on hold and hit speed-dial 7.

Kat? Hunk here: Youll never guess whos on the other line that wants to come up next Friday, he started, and then he moaned and laughed at the same time. How did you know? he asked, and he listened and smiled. Is that good for you, dear? He listened. I know: it will be interesting to see how Karl reacts. Hes still peeved at Will, and I have an idea why, but he wont talk about it. Silence, and then All right, Ill tell himluv you, too, and he clicked over to the other line.

Next Fridays fine, Will, Kenneth replied.

Thank you, sir.

Will, you dont have to sir me.

I know, sir, Will chuckled. See you next Friday, 7:00?

Sevens fineby the way, Will, whats her name? Kenneth asked innocently while placing a double-or-nothing bet with himself.

Lindsey, sir, Will replied, then slapped his forehead while Kenneth laughed.

Must be prepared, my boy, for all contingencies. See you and Lindsey Friday, and he clicked off the phone.

Kenneth reached over and picked up the picture hed had on his desk. Hed snapped it, almost by accident, one evening when Will had come over. He and Keri were sitting on the front porch swing, just holding hands and smiling. Their smiles showed that they had their entire worlds in front of them, and no one was going to get in their way.

Hes coming back, Keri, he reached out and touched her hair in the picture with his other hand. Hes coming back, and hes moving forward, finally, he whispered, trying to hold back his tears with a warm smile. Its about dang time, too, he laughed and put the picture back, then stood, grabbed his BlueBerry, and headed for the next meeting, closing the door and locking it behind him.

The door had a simple name plate on it that read:

Kenneth Jacobson.

He quickly made it out of the wing and into the lobby, where he crossed the main floor on his way to his meeting. He had finally stopped consciously noticing the emblem and the words etched into the lobby floor:

Central Intelligence Agency.

—

Dr. Director?

Betty looked up and was still surprised to see, even after the past few months, a smiling Will Du.

I have an errand to run this afternoon, if you dont mind. Also, Dr., Lindsey and I will be leaving town next Friday morning for the weekend, and he was still smiling.

May I ask where? Betty grinned.

To Arlington and Bangor next weekend, Dr. Director, Will grinned back.

Business, or pleasure? Betty asked, noticing that Will had told her where they were going next weekend but not his afternoon errand run. She produced a grin of her own.

A little of both, maam, he laughed.

—

Dr. Anne Possible looked up from her flat-panel monitor in her desktop when she heard the knock on her door frame.

Shes been forewarned by the floor nurse that he was back, and he was carrying roses, again. Anne sighed and told the floor nurse not to call Security.

Are you certain, maam? he laughed. They can bring tranquilizers, he added as Anne hung up the phone, the raucous laughter still echoing over the phone and down the hall.

Mrs. Possible? Now, that was a surprise: Will normally used titles.

Yes, Agent Du? Her voice was calm, but she had her Pradas on today. She wasnt sure why she decided to wear them before: now, she knew why as she flashed back to the last time that he was in her office: she had gotten in some practice kicks, as well.

Ive come to apologize to you for my actions Will started, and Annes eyes widened, and to beg your forgiveness, as well, for insulting you, the last time I was here.

The look on her face spoke volumes, and Will decided to continue. And, no maam, Im not a synthodrone: we got rid of that one last week, he grinned, and Anne managed a smile, still with that same look on her face. Ill offer up a blood sample for you, if youd like, he continued with a smile.

Anne laughed. That wont be necessary, Will, but thanks for the offer, she said.

He pulled the roses from behind his back. I hope youll take this token of my apology, Mrs. Possible, and not throw them back at me, he added.

Anne stood and walked around her desk to retrieve the flowers. Will immediately noticed the shoes and grimaced.

Anne laughed. Not today, Agent Du. These are lovely, by the way, but I am curious: what happened?

Ive met someone, he said, simply, and Anne beamed.

Are you happy? she asked, and the smile on Wills face answered even before his mouth could.

Oh, yes, Maam! he exclaimed, then realized his volume of his outburst and blushed. Shes…shesI cant describe her, maam, he stammered, and Anne nodded.

Thats all right, Will, she said, and Will noticeably relaxed.

Would you be offended, if I may be so bold, if I stated that, for the record, that I believe that you are, indeed, an incredibly beautiful young woman, and that Mr. Possible is a very, very lucky man? Will smiled.

Anne blushed. Why, thank you, sir, and no, I would not be offended in the least by your compliment.

You are most welcome, he replied, relieved when he stole a quick glance and saw that no leg movement on her part was in play. Anne noticed his quick glance at her shoes and chuckled evilly inside

So, who is the lucky young woman? she asked as she leaned back against her desk and, with an obviously exaggerated motion, crossed her legs.

Will flushed for just a heartbeat and then laughed. No spoilers, Mrs. Possible, and then he had a thought. Would it be appropriate if I called on Kimberly Ann to apologize to her, as well?

Ill take that blood sample , now, Anne remarked, matter-of-factly, and reached into a pocket of her lab coat, removing a syringe and a pre-packaged alcohol wipe, laughing as she watched Will roll up his sleeve.

—

You have arrived at your destination, the VocalGPS announced from the rental dash, and Will winced as he placed the vehicle into Park..

See? Lindsey laughed. That wasnt so bad, now, was it?

Will mumbled something about not being a man if you have to ask for directions from a machine as he turned off the ignition and unlocked the doors.

Lindsey leaned over and kissed his cheek. Have I told you, lately, that I love you? she whispered.

Yes, but I can always use some more Lindsey-lovin, he grinned as she brought him out of the funk of using the GPS and turned his lips to hers.

Are you ready for this? she asked as they walked up the sidewalk to the rather nondescript home.

I think so, he admitted.

I know you can do it, Will, she stated, and he stopped and turned, a smile taking over his face in conjunction with a surprised look.

What? she asked.

Keri used to always tell me that she believed in me, Lindsey, he smiled and put his hands on her face. I know Ive found the right person, he added, then pulled her face down and kissed her.

Do I need to just get the CO-2 extinguisher from the kitchen, maybe dump a bag of ice on each one of you, turn the lawn sprinklers on high, or how about calling the fire department to hose you both down good? a calm male voice came from the direction of the door, and Will smiled as he separated from Lindsey.

Good evening, Mr. Jacobson, he spoke, extending his hand as the man came down off the porch and onto the sidewalk.

Hello, William, Kenneth Jacobson smiled and shook Wills hand. He cocked an eyebrow at Will, who blushed.

Im sorry, Kenneth: Lindsey, this is Kenneth Jacobson, formerly of the Maine State Bureau of Criminal Intelligence and Forensics, late of the CIA. Kenneth, this is Commander Lindsey Patterson, USN, on assignment to Global Justice, and former aide to Claudia Rose.

Hows the Red Terror these days, Commander? Kenneth laughed.

Shes quiet and shy, as always, sir, Lindsey stated calmly, then winked.

Come on in, he joined them in their laughter, Kathys been busy, preparing all your favorite dishes, William, he turned and headed back up to the porch, where he held the open for both of them.

Lindsey entered first, and she was assaulted by the aromas from the kitchen. The kitchen door opened, and a woman who could only be Kathy Jacobson emerged.

Lindsey knew that because Willie! came from her mouth as she ran up to him and hugged him.

She backed up and looked up at him, a sly grin forming on her face. I see little Willies not so little anymore, she smirked.

Will blushed

Lindsey sputtered

and Kenneth just groaned. Kat, did you have to bring that back?

Uh-huh, she nodded with an innocent shark-like grin on her face, and then she burst out laughing.

Mom! Will exclaimed. Youre as bad as Keri, he grinned, then pulled her into a hug, once again.

Ive missed you, William, she said into his neck.

Ive missed you, too, Mom, he responded softly. How have you been?

Hanging in there, she laughed, backing up and releasing Will at the same time. Trying my hardest to keep Kenneth out of trouble, and failing miserably, she added.

Now, who is this lovely young lady, William? Kathy asked, turning her attention to Lindsey and giving her the mother once-over.

Mom, this is Commander Lindsey Patterson, USN, on assignment to Global Justice, and former aide to Claudia Rose. Lindsey, this is Kathy Jacobson, my extra Mom, Will grinned as he introduced the two women. Lindsey is the reason Im here, Mom, Will added, and Kathy shook her head, sadly.

Well, Doi, William: you didnt think I figured that out, already? She stared at him, then burst out laughing. It took Kathy a moment to get herself back under control, and then she returned her attention to Lindsey. Claudia Rose, huh? she asked. Does she still nibble her pen tops when she gets mad, Lindsey?

Yes, maam, she does, Lindsey said, straight-faced. Thats usually a good sign to leave the country, if not the continent, she said, a hint of a smile on her face.

Nice to know shes as calm and serene as always, Kathy laughed.

Lindseys nose took over her brain when she took a breath, and then she took a deeper one. She got another good whiff of the smells coming from the kitchen. Smiling, she thought, he is a chicken man, if shes cooking what I think is his favorite dish.

Suddenly, an unseen door opened and slammed shut, followed by a male voice, calling, Mom! from the kitchen. We got company tonight? A male voice asked, and the kitchen door swung open as a body emerged. He took two steps from the kitchen into the next room and stopped, staring at Lindsey with a huge smile, then turning and staring for a few moments before the smile shrank considerably. He took two steps toward Will, stopped, and turned, running down the hall and slamming a door that was obviously to his room.

Will, Im s- Kenneth started, but Will held up his hand and headed down the hall, Lindsey and both parents following behind him.

Will reached up, found a button, and pressed it. The door opened slightly, and he pushed it the rest of the way so he could enter. Lindsey and the parents stayed back, away from the open door.

I ticked you off, big time, when I left, Will said to the young man, sitting at the lone desk in the room, his back to the door and his fist pounding into a pillow retrieved from the bed.

No shakes, he growled in reply, never turning to face Will.

I know Id be furious if I saw the guy who was my best friend show up after all these years, and hes holding someone elses hand after he was in love with my sister. Id want to kill him, personally, not caring who knew or if I was killed in the process.

I can tell you this, Karl. Will walked over and sat on Karls bed, Wills back ramrod-straight. I am who I am today because of Keri and your dad, he started, but mostly because of Keri, he added, not ignoring the small sounds coming from the chair at the desk. If I hadnt loved her, Id not be here right now.

We talked, about six months before she died, about what we would do if something happened to the other one; then, we talked about what would happen if one or the other of us moved away with our families. We both agreed, after some long conversations and tears, that we would go our separate ways and that, should we find someone else, wed come back and introduce that person to our best friend as a final litmus test, if we had any doubts.

Keris not here, Will continued, holding back his own tears, and Lindsey was smiling as she watched him from the door, but Ive already had those talks with her, more than once, over the last few months, before, during, and after the Lowardians. I needed her strength when I first met someone, because I felt I couldnt betray her. She told me it wasnt betrayal and to remove my cranium from my rectum, please and thank you, he laughed, and Karl laughed with him, still never facing him.

You left me, Karl spoke softly, the richness and the anger in his deep bass voice surprising both Will and Lindsey. You left me with all my pain, and I hated you for such a long time, I never thought Id get over it.

Maybe Im not completely over it now, he continued, pounding the pillow, but I do know one thing: if you didnt love my big sis: still love her in a very special way, you wouldnt be back here, asking Mom and Dad for permission to get married. I cant hate you for loving her that much.

I can hate you for leaving me, and I did. You were my big brother, my guide, and you left after you got out of high school and never came back. We moved, and you never wrote me.

I HATED YOU SO MUCH, I COULD HAVE KILLED YOU!

He turned suddenly and threw the pillow at Will, and Will finally got a good look at the man his little brother had become: he was no jock with his black horn-rimmed glasses framing his full, mustached face. He was probably no more than 5 8 tall, just full and a touch pudgy, but his dark eyes both shone with intelligence and the sadness of long-held anger and grief.

Will stood and walked over to him, removing his watch as he walked and placing it in Karls hands.

This is a Global Justice-issue stun watch, he explained. When the watch knob is pointing at me and the button is pushed, it will shoot out up to several hundred Watts through a pair of wires that impale the target. I set it on kill and gave it to you, Will said, then backed up and stood, spread-eagled in front of the bed.

If you want to kill me, go ahead. You will have witnesses that I gave you the weapon and asked you to do it. There will be no reprisals from Global Justice, but you have to ask yourself this one question before you push the button:

If you do, will you feel any better?

Will it make the pain go away? Will asked, seeing him wince.

Wills lips formed a lopsided grin. I know I wont, Will added and, closing his eyes, he stood still for a long time in the now-silent room, the only noise that of Karl, turning the watch over and over in his hands and examining the mechanisms.

—

Will, how is Middleton, and how is Elizabeth? Kathy asked, handing him a platter of baked chicken.

Shes fine, Mom, he smiled as he took the platter and put it down on his plate, only removing it when he felt Lindseys glare of disapproval burning a hole in the side of his head and her foot kicking him in the shin. Will managed to keep any sign of Lindseys warnings on his manners off his face and out of his voice as he added, Lindsey told me that she was as giddy as a schoolgirl with her wedding planning.

Holding the platter with one hand, he quickly reached out with the other and piled his plate piled high with rice, sauted zucchini and yellow squash. Only after it was perfect did he place five pieces of chicken on the mound, only doing so after he had served Lindsey to her satisfaction.

Hey! Karl called out. Leave some for the rest of us, will ya? he laughed and pulled the platter from Wills hands, grabbing three pieces of chicken for his own personal mound of rice-and-gourds.

Some things never change, Kenneth commented with a smile as he was handed the platter from his wife, who had managed to abscond with it from Karls grasps before it was totally emptied and purloined two pieces for herself, reminding her husband that there was more in the kitchen.

I remember how that boy could eat chicken, she whispered with a chuckle to Kenneth, who smiled and took the platter from her

So, Karl, youve got the ladies all tied in knots, huh? Will asked in between his third and fourth piece of chicken, and Lindsey smiled inside.

Yeah, right, Karl snarked, then smiled as a faraway look crossed his eyes for just a second. Lindsey caught it and smiled inside. Theres Eileen…but were just good friends.

Ill bet, Lindsey smiled a knowing smile, and Karl blushed.

We have been playing ‘baseball’, Karl grinned knowingly, and Will laughed, but her dad Karl grinned, her dad is on the Presidents Detail, so I am not going for home runs or triples, he added with a smile. Besides, even before he and I had the talk, he gave a faux-shudder, and Will and Lindsey both laughed, she and I decided not to go too far, too fast.

Good for you, Will replied, and Karl beamed.

Hey, shes no Lindsey, Karl grinned, and Lindsey blushed, but she likes me for who I am and isnt scared of Dad, so Im all right, he smiled, attacking a large forkful of chicken, rice, and zucchini.

Im no Keri, Lindsey said, but I love my doofus, only the Lord knows why, she rolled her eyes and sighed, generating a massive blast of laughter from Kathy.

You have been around Claudia Rose too long, she chortled.

You should see him in the kitchen, Kathy, Lindsey smiled as she bit into the chicken shed cut up mixed into her rice and gourds. My goodness, that boy can stir up some Cajun, she laughed, and Will blushed. It was almost worthyou know, she giggled, and Karl held his hands over his ears in mock horror.

Will, cook? Kenneth shot out a massive laugh. Will was a LIHOM, Lindsey: a Legend in his Own Mind, for several years until his dad finally threatened to chop off his hands before he ruined another grilling session. That boy would burn charcoal briquettes to a crisp with nothing but a match; I never could figure out how he did it, Kenneth laughed, and Lindsey looked at Will and let out a laugh while Will tried to look innocent.

Well, hes definitely gotten better, she grinned,, moving her hand from her lap to Wills thigh and giving it a squeeze.

I must have, if you were willing to put up with me and my actions, Will grinned and blushed a bit from her touch. He was rewarded, however, with a full on-the-lips chicken-zucchini-and-rice-tasting kiss.

Mom, Dad, Will finally spoke after his blood pressure dropped, must to the enjoyment of Karl and Kenneth, Ive found someone, as you know, and he stood, pulling Lindsey to her feet with him. Before I make a complete fool of myself, I wanted to ask for your blessings to…, Will stopped for a few moments, steadying himself before continuing, ask for your blessings to share my life with her.

I know Im not Keri, Mr. and Mrs. Jacobson, Lindsey interjected, and, I never will be her. I want to try to make Will a small percent as happy as she would have done. If I can do that, Ill be as happy and proud to be Lindsey stopped, realizing that her eyes were as full of tears as Wills.

Lindsey, Kathy stood and walked over to her, wrapping her arm around Lindseys shoulders, stretching up to do so, I know I can speak for Keri when I say this, dear:

Youll always be welcome in the family, and the two women faced each other and hugged and cried.

The women separated when they heard the pop of bottle caps: Kenneth had snuck into the kitchen and returned with a six-pack of some dark bottles that Lindsey didnt recognize, but that Will was almost ecstatic over seeing.

Frostie Root Beer! he exclaimed as Kenneth had him a cold one. I havent had one of these in years, he added, lifting the glass bottle to his lips and drinking.

You need to come by more often, Karl laughed, drinking from his own.

Hey, Will laughed. Im just glad you got lucky when you fired the watch at me. Hitting me between the legs and no more than four inches below was pure luck, he added.

I havent been playing those games, all these years, to be lucky, Will: I hit where I aimed: between your legs, 20 cm below your… Karl smiled.

Will blanched while Lindsey grinned, squeezed his hand, and drank from her own bottle. I love this, she thought. I wonder if Betty or Doc Adams has ever heard of Frostie Root Beer, she thought.

—

You have arrived at your destination, the VocalGPS announced from the rental dash, and Will winced.

See? Lindsey laughed. That wasnt so bad, now, was it?

Will mumbled something again about not being a man if you have to ask for directions from a danged machine as he turned off the ignition and unlocked the doors.

Lindsey leaned over and blew him a raspberry. Not this time, lover, she giggled and got out of the car parked on the street. She looked at the driveway: a full-sized, four-door sedan in the driveway, looking like it had just been hand-waxed to perfection.

No respect: I get no respect, he whined as they headed for the front door, already open with the wide storm door blocking the entrance to the house and leaving it open at the same time. Lindsey noticed that there were no steps up to the porch: one less thing to worry about in the winter, I guess, she thought.

Son! A voice came from the side of the house, and Lindsey looked over to her right as Will pulled his hand loose and ran to the voice.

Dad! Will called out, and Lindsey saw a side of William Du shed never seen: him hugging his father, the two of them both crying and laughing at the same time.

She used the time to compare Will to his dad: father was a few inches taller, a few pounds heavier, a head filled with silver hair, a pair of gardening gloves on his hands, and the Du family style of dress: immaculate, she thought with an inner grin. Only a Du would garden in a sports coat, a Meezod shirt, slacks, and black boots, with matching kid-leather gloves, and everything remaining spotless and wrinkle-free, she chuckled inside.

Dad, I want you to meet Lindsey, Will was pulling his father toward her, and the older gentleman stopped and looked her over with a fathers eye before smiling broadly.

William, you told me she was pretty, but I see you still have the gift of understatement, I see, the accent-less tenor voice responded. Shes almost as pretty as your mother, he added, and his tone brought a hint of blush to Lindseys cheeks.

Right answer, came from the front door, and Lindsey turned.

Im going to kill Will, Lindsey thought, right then and there.

The older smiling woman sat almost regally in the electric wheelchair, a massive grin on her face that, Lindsey was convinced, rarely left her face: the smile lines seem to have been embedded into her very psyche. She was handsome, not pretty, wearing a sharp grey business suit and a perfectly-matched pink blouse underneath the jacket. Her sharp skirt draped just below the knee: in this case, Lindseys use of the singular was appropriate as the womans left leg was missing from just above the knee.

She looked at both of Wills parents but had no idea as to their age. She only knew one thing: the love for their son was almost overwhelming, just as strong, or stronger, than their love for each other.

—

Hello, Ellen.

Patsy! The waitress smiled as Wills mom moved into the spot at the table, and her husband slipped around and behind her, sitting on her right. Howya doin, hun?

Fine, Ellen, Patsy laughed as Ellen began to place the four glasses of water down in front of the plates.

You all want the usual? She asked Patsy, and she nodded, as did her husband.

And, this handsome young man with who has be the lucky bride, based on the smile on her face? Ellen faced them, smiling.

Lindsey was surprised to see Will stand. You never called me handsome before, Mrs. Gentry; usually it was that half-crazy dreamer, Will smiled and held his arms open.

Half-crazed dream William? Is that you? she asked, surprised, and Will nodded.

William! she cried and pulled him into a hug. Youve been away for too long! she added, pulling back and giving him the once-over. You want your usual, I’ll bet, sweetie, she asked with a twinkle in his eye.

Only if youre cooking it, Mrs. Gentry, he replied with a smile. Mrs. Gentry, this is Commander Lindsey Peterson, USN, my friendand, maybe I can convince her, a little bit more, he winked, and Ellen laughed.

Commander, Peterson, welcome to Ellens Diner, and thank you from me and my family for serving our country, she smiled, and Lindsey realized that hers was an honest smile, tinged with a bit ofsomething else. All active military eat free here, so what can I gitya? She pulled out a notepad licking the pencil she magiced from behind her right ear.

Ill have the special, coffee, black, and a large glass of apple juice, please and thank you, she replied, and Ellen laughed heartily as she headed into the kitchen.

Why didnt you tell me? Lindsey whispered to Will, and he laughed.

Tell you what? he asked, loud enough for his parents to here and for Lindsey to want to crawl under the table and hideafter killing her BF, of course.

BF, she realized that she used that phrase for the first time, and she smiled inside for a bit, just before Patsy spoke.

Because, Lindsey, theres nothing to tell, as far as Wills concerned. Ive always been like this, Patsy replied. I lost the leg to cancer when I was 23, long before Will ever showed up. Lucky for me, I had already found Ray, and I was even luckier that something like my losing a leg didnt bother him, she smiled, taking his hand in hers. My wedding was magical, and the honeymoon night, she giggled and squeezed her husbands hand, and Ray blushed. Oh, my, she laughed, and Lindsey glanced at Wills face, him starting to blush more than a bit.

MOM! Will laughed.

Mrs. Du? Lindsey asked. Patsy? she changed her question with the mock-glare she got from Wills mom, what happened, if you dont mind my asking?

I fell at graduate school, tripping over a maple tree root, of all things, she laughed. I broke my leg, and the doctor didnt like the look of the break. In less than 72 hours, I was down one leg, she replied matter-of-factly, and Lindsey wondered what else could happen to this family. Ray was with me from the time I was brought into the hospital and stayed with me, every hour, until I finally went home. He almost wouldnt let me go, even then.

He proposed later that year, she smiled. I asked him if he was doing it because he felt sorry for me. No, he replied, I just happen to think youre sexy, and I want to spend the rest of my life with a sexy woman, no matter how many limbs she has, he knelt and opened the box.

Willa was born 11 months later, she smiled, and Ray grinned.

Here we go, Ellen called, and Lindsey looked up to see an overly-filled cart approaching the table. Two orders: two eggs, over-easy, with link moose sausage, hash browns, and a side of three blueberry pancakes with maple syrup, she placed the multiple plates in front of Patsy and Ray.

For the growing boy, Ellen laughed, placing three plates in front of Will, Three eggs, fried, with four links of moose sausage and a side order of moose chorizo, home fries, and a stack of five buttermilk pancakes, with butter and maple syrup, she announced, and Will grinned and tucked his napkin into the top of his shirt, spreading it out on his front.

And, for the lovely Commander, Ellen chuckled, placing a plate in front of Lindsey, two eggs, scrambled, with a side of Scrapple and home fries, and three buttermilk pancakes, she grinned.

Whats Scrapple? Lindsey asked.

Everything but the oink, Ellen replied, and the entire table exploded with laughter.

Lindsey looked at Will, and he smiled and gave her an almost imperceptible small shake of his head no; that was enough for her, and she cut a piece of it, stabbed it with her fork, and put in her mouth.

Well? Ellen asked.

Oink, Lindsey replied, then covered her mouth in horror as the table and Ellen all burst out laughing, realizing that she was in on the joke.

—

Mom and Dad are picking up the flowers on their way from the diner, Will told Lindsey as they headed for the cemetery, the sun peeking out on rare occasions from the gray sky covering Bangor after the invasion attempt. Lindsey saw the remains of at least four pods, off to the side of the road, and she saw several burned buildings along the way, but she also saw demolition of a pair of buildings and construction activity beginning on a third site.

New beginnings, for them, and for me, she thought with a smile. Will, your parents are wonderful, Lindsey beamed. They are such a perfect pair for each other, and I can see just how much they love each other and you, she added, reaching over and touching his right hand gently.

That generated a smile from Will as he drove US Highway 2 (State Street) and turned into the Mt. Hope Cemetery. Its been awhile since Ive been here, Lindsey, but I know where they both are buried, he said as he headed down different lanes in the Cemetery, pulling over after a few minutes to the right side and stopping the car.

Were here, he announced, getting out of the car and coming around to open the door for Lindsey, his parents pulling up right behind him and stopping. Ray got out, retrieved the wheelchair, and helped Patsy by getting out of her way after he moved the chair into position and opened her door. Lindsey watched her smoothly get out of the car and into the chair, checking the controls to make certain that everything was working. Ray opened the trunk and retrieved what looked like to Lindsey a floral shop: red, white, and yellow roses, all professionally arranged for presentation. He handed the bunch to Patsy: she placed them in her lap and looked over at her son who, by this time, was beaming like a full-bore idiot and fighting back tears at the same time.

Ready, Will? Patsy asked, and Will nodded. She started down the path, Ray walking next to her. Will reached out and took Lindseys hand, and they followed the pair to the first pair of gravesites:

Vincent James Quermasse

Willa Du Quermasse

Hey, BIL, Big Sis, Will said as he into his mothers lap and pulled out two roses: one white, and one yellow. Im sorry I havent been here in awhile, but you know whats been happening with me, Im sure, Will smiled. But, I bet you never thought Id get back here, and with a beautiful, stunning woman at my sidebesides Mom, of course, he added, and Patsy snorted.

Willa, this is Lindsey. Im havent asked her yet, formally, but Im pretty sure that she will say yes. Shes put up with me for the past six to eight months while Ive been a total horses rump, and shes helped me get past a lot of my tudes. And, shes been to Keris parents, she survived Mom and Dad, and she even ate Scrapple, Will laughed.

She knows about Keri, and she doesnt want to replace Keri: she wants to be with me, and I was convinced, for so long, that no one would ever want that. He knows I tried, Will rubbed his backside, and Lindsey held back her laughter, but I never found anyoneuntil her.

I miss you both, he ended, placing the white rose on Vincents marker and the yellow one on Willas marker. He reached over, grabbed a handful of roses, and guided Lindsey down 15 plots to another spot, this one with a marker surrounded with moss rose that rose halfway of the sides of the marker, and wild flowers covering the ground in front of it.:

Keri Innes Jacobson

Beloved daughter, sister, and friend to all

Lindsey felt Will squeeze her hand, and she took the roses from him. Will went to his knees, kissed the marker, and then stood back up.

Hey, he started, and Lindsey could hear the strain in his voice. He took a deep breath, and restarted.

Hey, Will spoke once again, and Lindsey saw his tears begin to form. I love you, you know that, and Ill always love you. Your mom told me what you said, his voice broke a bit, what you said, just before youdied, he grabbed Lindseys hand and squeezed it tightly. She told me that you said, Mom, tell Will I love him, and not to wait and you closed your eyes for the last time.

Lindsey saw Ray and Patsy had left their daughters gravesite and were now standing off to the side of her and Will, and both were smiling broadly.

I didnt understand what you meant for the longest time, Keri, but I do, now, he squeezed Lindseys hand in a way that she would understand.

You told me not to wait, Keri, and I finally figured it out. I finally removed my head from my rump, my Keri, but it took time.

Time, and a very special person, Will said with a smile in his voice that could had lit the entire Tri-Cities area for weeks.

Keri, I think I found herno, thats not right: I know I found her, Keri: Shes everything I need, everything I want, much more than I deserve.much like you were, KJ, he grinned, and Lindsey smiled, notching one more item in her log books for her later discussion with Will.

I can finally let you go, a bit, he said softly, bowing his head. The thought doesnt pain me like it used to domaybe Ive grown up some, he joked, but Lindsey could hear some pain behind it, albeit much les that he had had in the past. Youll never be gone, completely, but it wont hurt anymore.

And you know Im not replacing you, he chuckled, since you threatened me the last time I even mentioned that.

Keri, Lindsey began, and Will was surprised. I wish I had known you, but I feel like I do, after talking to Will and watching you perform, Lindsey spoke softly, bending over and placing a white rose on her marker. Ill never replace you in his heart, just know that, but I hope I can occupy some small piece of it. She stopped, took a deep breath, and continued: I promise Ill keep him straight, she chuckled, and make sure he turns out to be the man you would be proud of, she finished, then stepped back and snapped a salute, dropping her arm slowly to her side.

She felt her cell vibrate with the priority signal, and she stepped back and placed the ear bud in her ear.

Lindsey, this is Betty, the voice began, and Lindsey grinned. Im back at the ranch, and it was won-der-ful!

I want you and Will up here ASAP for two things:

One, to update me on the current status of things; Ive already talked to Commander Adams, Lindsey grinned, and he filled me in on everything he had going. Besides, I want to know how your East Coast road trip went.

Two, Slim has a hankerin for some grilled buffalo steaks, so were throwing a small party Sunday afternoon at 5:30 PM MDT. Breakfast and lunch will be available if yall make it here before then, and Lindsey couldnt help but laugh at her boss, using yall.

Im leaving a message for Will, as well, but not the same one, Lins. I really hope it went well, and Im so happy for you. I know Claudia Rose is, as well. See you tomorrow, and the circuit cut.

Duty calls, eh? Lindsey jumped a bit: she had almost forgotten that Ray and Patsy had come up.

Yes, sir, she replied, but Ray waved her comment away.

Thats Dad to you, little missy, he chided, and Lindsey couldnt help but smile.

I bet your parents are very proud of you, Patsy said, and she saw Will, standing behind Lindsey, suddenly wave his arms at her in a NO, NO! manner.

It didnt work.

Lindsey caught him waving out of the corner of her eye and grabbed one of his arms, pinning it to his side. Its all right, Will, she laughed.

I know they are, Mrs. Du, because I talk to them every night when I pray, Lindsey started.

Theyre up there, she pointed to the heavens, courtesy of a zealot who decided to blow them out of the sky.

Lockerbie, she said one word, and Patsy and Ray both let out tiny gasps.

Lindsey reached into her purse and pulled out a picture, handing it to Patsy. You would have liked Mom and Dad, Patsy: they were a lot like you and Ray: vivacious, free-wheeling, Patsy snorted, and they loved their children a whole lot.

I was three when they called me from the airport, just before they boarded the flight. They told me that they loved me, I told them I loved them, and they told me to be good for Aunt Jamie Lynn: I was staying with her, my older brother, and her four kids while my parents went to Europe on business and a bit of a long-overdue honeymoon.

Aunt Jamie Lynn and Uncle James Lee raised us like their own kids, Lindsey grinned. See, you all have made me start to cry, and I swore I wouldnt do that here, Lindsey laughed and reached into her purse, but two handkerchiefs came from the men and one from Patsy.

Thank you, she chuckled as Will gently wiped her right cheek.

Lindsey, Ill never leave you, Will announced.

Dont write a check you cant cash, William, she joked, dabbing the last of her tears away.

Oh, I can cash it, Will said smugly, remembering the box in the suitcase, padded on the outside with clothes and, on the inside, with packing peanuts, a single wine glass and, as the Good Doctor would say, A lil sumptin extra, Will grinned to himself.

—

06/13/2009

Thanks to jakt and Star-Eva01 for wonderful beta work; their suggestions and thoughts are timely and appreciated, as always. And no, kt, the chapter title does not refer to that plant, either (giggle right back at’cha).

Friendships wed all like to have, possess, and nurture forever that stand the test of time, and are unconditional: that describes both Lindsey and Will, and it describes my feelings for my wonderful betas.

—

The chapter outline for the story of one Global Justice Supervising Agent Will Du, and someone who thinks he’s special, in a weird sort of way.

Chapter 1: Find seed

Chapter 2: Prepare soil

Chapter 3: Plant seed

Chapter 4: Water plant

Chapter 5: Nurture plant

Chapter 6: Weed plant

Chapter 7: Prune plant

Chapter 8: Harvest plant

Chapter 9: Enjoy fruits of labor

From your friendly neighborhood ‘nebster.

—

For Commander Argus…Calm seas, and prosperous voyages, my friend. May you dance with the angels, sir.

For readers who honor me by naming Joss Possible Best Minor Character from my JadeKimVerse: thank you, and I hope to live up to your honors.

Congratulations to the other winners, as well:

Repeat winners (from previous years) JAKT, MrDrP and Slyrr; and

First-time winners MaceEcam, Neo the Saiyan angel, NoobFish, Ran Hakubi, Star-Eva01, and whitem.

And, for someone special: you know how I feel about you. Congratulations, and I know that the E-Ring will never be the same.

—