'All Grown Up'
 
It's been five years since they escaped that hell of a planet. Five 
years, god sometimes it seemed like it was only a day ago, especially 
in their nightmares. A cargo ship heading for New Mecca picked up 
on their distress signal, only a week after leaving the "Dark Planet" 
as Jack liked to call it. During that week Riddick found himself 
growing incredibly close to Jack. So close in fact, that when they 
finally arrived on New Mecca Riddick voiced his decision to have 
Jack stay with him, instead of Imam. Jack was of course ecstatic 
about this decision, while Imam voiced his concern over the matter 
after sending Jack away. Riddick could still remember word for word 
what the holy man had said.

*flashback*

"I do not feel it would be wise for the girl to travel with you. What 
is to happen to her if someone discovers you are actually alive 
and they send a mercenary for you. What will she do then?"

"I understand your concern holy man, but believe me I will not be 
caught, nor will I let anything happen to Jack. If there is any 
sign that I'm being tracked I'll send her to stay here with you. Deal?"

"I still do not agree with this, but I accept your deal Mr. 
Riddick."

At the time Riddick wasn't sure what had made him decide to keep 
Jack with him. All he could understand about it was that he had a 
gut feeling that she would be better off with him. Of course he didn't 
want to admit that he wanted her with him. He enjoyed her company, 
which was unusual for Riddick, being a typical badass and loner that 
he was. He was used to being on his own, but somehow during that 
week on the skiff Jack had weaseled her way into his head and heart. 

A lot had changed in five years, everyone seemed to accept that 
Richard B. Riddick was dead. Riddick had changed his name to Jacob 
Green, while Jack kept her name as it was. Her true name was 
Audrey Stevens, she explained that she had always hated the 
name Audrey and since her middle name was Jacklynn it would be 
okay for her to go by Jack. 

Not long after they left New Mecca Riddick had started teaching Jack 
how to defend herself. She was a fast learner and more than a few 
times Riddick had found himself knocked flat on his ass by one 
of her kicks or punches. As she neared the age of eighteen 
Riddick started to notice that she had grown into a very attractive 
woman. Where she had once been all angles she was now tempting 
curves, too tempting in Riddick's opinion. He constantly 
had to remind himself that she was like his kid sister not a woman 
he wanted to sleep with. No matter what he told himself he 
could still feel his attraction to Jack growing stronger every day. 

When Jack turned eighteen she got a job working as a waitress at 
a nightclub called Lasers. She had applied to be a singer 
there, but the owner said he wanted her to start out as a waitress 
and then maybe later he'd let her sing. Jack took the job knowing 
it was a good source of income.

Ridddick had taken a job as a pilot, working for the Hopson mining 
company. He usually stayed on the planet running crewmembers 
to different locations, when he did go off world it was very rare. 
Riddick liked this job because it gave him an excuse to get away 
from Jack for a day at a time. 

Her schedule at the club and his constant trips kept the two from 
seeing each for more than an hour at a time. Usually when Riddick 
got home Jack was already asleep, when she was awake he was sleeping. 
Riddick found that this was the best situation for them because 
it kept him from being tempted by her beauty. Jack however felt 
as though Riddick was preparing to ditch her. All she could 
comprehend was that Riddick was pushing her away for reasons 
unknown. This tore at Jack's heart, she had always been in love 
with Riddick, ever since they crashed on the "Dark Planet". 
She couldn't understand why he was suddenly trying so hard to avoid 
her.

They kept with this routine for a whole year. Not long after Jack 
turned nineteen the club owner came to her and said there was 
an opening for a singer the next night if she wanted it. 

"Are you kidding me I've been wanting to sing in this club for a 
whole year now. Of course I'll take the opening."

"Not so fast kid, I need to know that you can actually sing."

"No problem, do you want me to sing now?"

"If I hadn't wanted you to sing now I wouldn't have asked."

"Oh right"

After singing a few lines from one of Jack's favorite songs, the 
club owner told her what time she was singing the next night and 
that she'd better be ready. ~Oh I'll be ready,~ thought 
Jack, ~ and I know just what song to sing. Riddick will be 
home then, I'll see if he'll come to hear me sing. I'm sure he will.~

When Jack got back to the two-bedroom apartment that she and 
Riddick had been living in, she found that Riddick was fast asleep. 

~Perfect!~ She thought sarcastically,~ When he wakes up I'll be 
fast asleep. I could wake him up and ask, are you crazy Jackie 
girl? Remember what happened last time you woke him up after work, 
he nearly growled your head off. Right, he's too much of a grump 
when he wakes up. But I really want him to come here me sing. So 
leave a note duh! Oh yeah I knew that. Sure you did. God how 
pathetic must I be, I'm picking on myself.~

After searching the whole apartment for a pen and paper Jack 
wrote Riddick a short note. Then went to bed hoping that he 
would decide to come to the club. If he didn't then the song 
she was planning on singing would be pointless.

Riddick woke up the next morning feeling better, he had been 
given the next two days off so he could rest. He had just returned 
from a trip off world that had required he stay awake for 5 days 
straight. Normally it wouldn't have been a problem but Riddick 
had gotten used to going on the short trips. The ones that allowed 
him to return home and get a good night's rest before returning 
to work the next day. When he got up he went through his normal 
routine of checking to make sure Jack had made it home all right. 
After reassuring himself that once again she had returned 
home unscathed, he sleepily made his way to the kitchen 
where he found a note from Jack beside the coffeepot.

Riddick,


Hey you'll never believe this but Chad finally decided to let me 
sing at the club.I get to sing tonight at 10. Riddick I really want 
you to be there. Please, it would mean so much to me if you were 
there. I know you're off work for the next two days, so I wont 
except no for an answer.

Jack

~Wow she's finally gonna get to sing, it's about damn time they 
wisened up. Jack has a great voice, I'm surprised it took Chad 
this long to realize that.~

Riddick decided that he would go to the club to hear Jack sing. 
Over the last year Riddick hadn't been tempted very much by 
Jack because he hardly ever got to see her. 

~Shit I barely get to say two words to her now, and when I do 
get to talk to her she acts like she's expecting me to say I'm 
leaving for good. Well, gee dumbass probably because you've 
been trying as hard as hell to keep from having to talk to 
her. She probably thinks you want nothing to do with her anymore. 
God I need to stop arguing with myself.~

When Jack woke up the sun was starting to set, she didn't expect 
to see Riddick when she walked into the living room. Usually on his 
days off he was either always sleeping or out. Where he went Jack 
never knew.

" Oh shit!! What the hell are you doing home?"

"Gee thanx Jack I love you too."

"I didn’t mean it like that. I just didn’t expect to see you 
sitting here that’s all."

"Guess I’m gonna have to take days off on a regular basis, 
just so you can get used to seeing me home again."

"Why? It’s not like you say more than two words to me when you 
are here." Jack was starting to get angry she wasn’t sure why, 
he hadn’t done anything to make her so upset.

~I have every reason to be mad, god for the last year he has 
done nothing but avoid me every chance he gets. Actually 
Jackie girl he’d have to be home once in awhile in order for 
him to have the chance to ignore you.~

~Shit what the hell is she so pissed about? Simple answer I’m 
never here and when I am I’m avoiding her like the plague.~

"What’s your problem this even..,oh I mean this morning, 
Jack?"

"You know what forget it. If you can’t figure it out there’s no 
point in arguing is there."

~Damn I don’t think I’ve ever seen her change moods so fast. God 
I’m such an asswhole I forgot her birthday. Shit! She’s 
nineteen now, well if you weren’t trying so hard to avoid her 
you wouldn’t have forgotten. God she takes her birthdays 
seriously. Last time I forgot she didn’t talk to me for a week, 
and when we went through her training she beat the shit out of 
me.~

"Jack, I read your note."

"Yeah, so?"

"Well I’m gonna come listen to you sing tonight."

"You don’t have to Riddick, I just thought....forget it okay you 
don’t have to come."

"Jack I want to besides I owe you, since I forgot your birthday."

Jack began to cheer up they hadn’t talked this much, argument or 
otherwise, for almost a year. She almost wasn’t sure what she 
should say to him.

"So, you’ll be there at ten?"

"Yes Jack I said I would, okay?"

Jack couldn’t stop the smile from forming on her face. She immediately 
jumped into Riddick’s lap and gave him a tight hug.

"Thanx Riddick. It means a lot to me knowing you’ll be there."

"No prob. Would you mind loosening your grip, I’m starting to 
loose consciousness."

Jack released him to playfully slap him on the arm.

"Fine be that way, see if I hug you ever again."

"Sorry but I couldn’t breath you were squeezing me a little too 
tight."

"Whatever."

Riddick had lied in order to get Jack to let him go having her 
in his lap with her arms around him was almost too tempting. It 
had taken almost everything in him to keep from kissing her 
and then carrying her to bed. Now with her seated on the other 
side of the table he began to calm down again.

~She’s my kid sister I shouldn’t feel this way about her, that’s 
just wrong. She’s too young anyway. Well, technically, she is a 
legal adult now, has been for a full year. Oh shut up it’s still 
wrong she trusts me to take care of her not seduce her.~

While Riddick sat there deep in thought about Jack, he hadn’t noticed 
that she had left the room to get ready for work.

"Hey Riddick I’m leaving for work okay. I’ll see you at ten right?"

She was so worried that he’d change his mind and decide to 
stay home instead.

"Jack I’ll be there don’t worry."

"You promise?"

"I promise."

Smiling she grabbed her bag and heading out said, "Okay 
bye Riddick."

"Bye Jack." 

When Jack arrived at Lasers she had to find Chad in order to 
let him know what song she would be performing. Chad was a little 
shocked at her selection, but he all too quickly agreed with 
how the lighting should be for the performance.

"Jack are you sure? I mean that song is very...
provocative."

"Yes Chad I'm sure. That's the song I wanna sing."

Chad wasn't really concerned about how 'provocative' the song was. 
Hell, he thought it was perfect, but he just couldn't quite picture 
Jack being that sexy and alluring. Sure he had seen her dance before 
and the girl could definitely move, however, Chad saw Jack as just a 
little girl. He almost hadn't hired her a year ago when she applied 
to be a singer, but she was of legal age and so he couldn't tell 
her no. He had thought that she was too young and innocent 
looking to be working in the club. So he started her out as a 
waitress, over the course of the year his image of her as an innocent 
had changed. Especially when he saw her in action after a fight 
broke out in the club and there were no bouncers close enough to break 
it up. Jack had stepped in and put an end to the fight faster than 
any of his bouncers ever could have. Now here she was preparing to 
go on stage and be a little temptress, he was shocked and somewhat 
curious to see how she would pull this off.

"Jack you do realize that if you go through with this every male in 
this club tonight is gonna want to sleep with you."

~I certainly hope so Chad, especially one male in particular. 
Hopefully tonight he'll realize that I'm not a kid anymore,
hopefully he'll realize that I'm all grown up now.~

"Chad are you actually concerned about lil 'ol me? Don't worry 
everything will be fine. Now if you'll excuse me I have to go 
get ready."

As Jack walked Chad spoke his thoughts to no one in particular, 
"Damn Jack your gonna start a riot in my club tonight. I better have 
every available bouncer come in tonight, we're gonna need them."

Riddick walked through the throng of people standing at the entrance 
to the club. He had no trouble getting in, all of the bouncers knew 
him and knew he was a friend of Jack's. Chad had even offered him a 
job as a bouncer after learning that Riddick was the one that taught 
Jack to fight. Riddick had turned him down, piloting for the mining 
company paid a lot more than being a bouncer at a club ever could. 
Riddick didn't care for crowds, they made him edgy, thinking that 
someone in the crowd could be trying to ghost him. 

~Relax Riddick just remember you're here for Jack. She's counting 
on you, don't disappoint her you stupid fuck.~

Oddly enough the lights in the club seemed darker than usual allowing 
Riddick to remove his goggles without fear of the light hurting 
his eyes. Usually the club had lasers and strobe lights going 
but tonight they seemed to be turned off.

~That's odd, they never turn those lights off. Oh well at least 
this way I don't have to watch Jack through those dark ass goggles.~

//backstage//

One of the bouncers approached Jack as she waited patiently 
to go onstage. "Hey Jack, Jacob just got here."

~Yes! He kept his promise. Well, Riddick, I hope you appreciate 
the lighting tonight. It took a lot of persuasion before Chad 
finally agreed to leave the lasers and strobes off for a few hours, 
so he'd damn well better appreciate it.~

"Thanx Eric. Hey how do I look?" She did a dramatic twirl in 
front of Eric.

With a playful smile he said,"Like quite the little vixen."

"Thanx that's just what I was going for."

"Go get 'em Jack."

"I plan to."

Just as Riddick found a seat near the stage where he would have 
a good view of Jack, the music died down and Chad walked out 
onto the stage. A single spotlight shone on the man, it was as 
if he was the only thing on the stage. With Riddick's shined eyes 
he could see everything on the stage it looked the same except 
with what looked like torches set up near the back of the stage. 

~What the hell? What could Jack possibly be singing that would 
require torches on stage as a prop?~

Before Riddick could continue asking questions, Chad began to 
announce the next performer..Jack.

"Good evening tonight we have a new talent gracing our stage. Most 
of you know her as Jack for those who don't I present Jacklynn."

The club erupted into a loud roar of cheers. As the spotlight on 
Chad faded the torches were lit and the lights at the edge of the 
stage came on. They weren't as bright as usual, they were dimmed 
to give the stage an eerie glow. It was plenty of light to see 
Jack perfectly but not enough to bother Riddick's eyes. 

~Jack must have arranged this so I'd be able to see her without 
the goggles. Damn she must have arranged to have the lasers and 
strobes turned off too. Wonder how much sweet talking she had to do 
to Chad for him to agree to this.~

Once all the torches and lights on stage were lit just right, the 
music to Jack's song started and she began to talk, but she was 
nowhere in sight.

*spoken*

I know I may be young

But, I've got feelin's too

As she talked she came walking out onto the stage, looking hot 
as hell. She was wearing a dark green top that looked more like 
a bra than a top with tight black leather pants that hung low on 
her hips. Giving a wonderful view of her perfectly tan and muscular 
abs. Riddick's eyes nearly bulged out of his head at this sight. 
She was walking to the edge of the stage, slowly swaying her 
hips as she did so, in time with the music.

*spoken*

And I need to do

What I feel like doin'

So let me go 

And just listen

When Jack finished talking she was standing at the edge of the 
stage. As she began to sing she started swaying her hips from 
side to side.

*sung*

All you people look at me like I'm a little girl

Well did you ever think it'd be okay for me to step into this 
world?

As she sung these lines she pointed at the crowd. Then began walking 
the length of the stage looking every bit the seductive 
temptress.

~ I've always seen Jack as being very attractive but, right now she 
looks damn near irresistible. Jack do you realize what it does to a 
man to see a girl looking like that? Do you realize what it's 
doing to me?~

~ God please let this work. Please let him realize tonight that 
I'm not a little girl anymore.~

As Jack walked the length of the stage rocking her hips and 
shoulders to the beat of the music, the men in the club began 
throwing catcalls and whistles to her. Oh they were definitely 
liking this performance.

*sung*

Always saying little girl don't step into the club

Well I'm just trying to find out why 'cause dancin's what I 
love (yea)

Get it get it (whoo) get it get it (oh oh) get it get it

(Do you like it) 

(This feels good) [panting]

As Jack began to pant she bent her knees and leaned her chest 
forward. The catcalls and whistles grew louder.

Jack quieted the crowd by placing her finger to her lips before 
continuing the song. As she started the next verse she walked the 
length of the stage again stopping near where Riddick sat. Every 
few seconds she would look him in the eyes hoping to catch even 
a hint as to what he was thinking.

*sung*

I know I may come off quiet, I may come off shy

But I feel like talking, feel like dancin' when I see this guy

Jack took another second to look deep in Riddick's eyes. He was 
so good at hiding his emotions and thoughts, that Jack had no way 
of knowing what he was thinking. Riddick was thankful for that, 
he would die if Jack knew just how turned on he was becoming 
by watching her dance around that stage.

*sung*

What's practical? What's logical? What the hell who cares?

All I know is that I'm so happy when you're dancin' there

As Jack began to sing the chorus she dramatically dropped to 
her knees.

*sung* chorus

I'm a slaaaaaaaaaaave for you

I cannot hold it, I cannot control it

I'm a slaaaaaaaaaaave for you

I won't deny it, I'm not trying to hide it

She had her hands crossed at her wrists out in front of her almost 
as if she was in shackles. She was looking straight at Riddick, 
when she gave him a seductive smile.

*sung* bridge

Baby, (I just want to dance next to you)

Don't you wanna dance up on me, to another time and place

Oh Baby, (Are you ready) don't you wanna dance up on me, leavin 
behind my name and age

When Jack sung these lines, while still on her knees she rolled 
her upper body in a wave motion. Then placed her hands out in front 
of herself only this time she was moving them in a motion as if 
to say 'come to me'. She slowly and seductively rose from her knees 
and proceeded to roll her upper body then move her hands to lift 
her hair off her neck. Her hands then made a slow journey down 
the length of her upper body stopping at her hips.

*sung*

(Let's Go)

(Like that)

(You like it)

(Now watch me)

Jack spun around in a circle shaking her ass back and forth. When she 
had turned in a complete circle she came to complete stop before 
throwing another seductive grin at Riddick and the crowd and 
continuing with the song.

*sung*

Get it get it (whoo) get it get it (oh oh) get it get it

(Do you like it)

(This feels good) [panting]

Jack performed the same movements as before, bending her knees and 
leaning her chest forward. As she straightened her posture to 
continue the song she glanced at Riddick and saw his face tense 
in an emotion that seemed to be a warning to Jack. She glanced to 
the side of the stage and saw a drunk man dancing his way towards 
her. He must've snuck onstage. Jack didn't let this break her 
momentum she threw another glance in Riddicks direction 
and gave him a look telling him it would be alright. 

*sung* 

I really wanna dance tonight with you (I just can't help myself)

I really wanna do what you wanna do (I just feel I let myself go)

Jack allowed the man to dance his way towards her. As he approached 
she turned her back to him and let him dance right behind her. 
She rose her arms up over her head and could feel his hands lightly 
resting on her hips. 

*sung*

I really wanna dance tonight with you (wanna see you)

I really wanna do what you wanna do (Uh Uh Uh)

As she brought 
her arms back down, using the arm that the audience couldn't see 
she elbowed the guy in his stomach. Never breaking her dancing to the 
rhythm of the music she then turned and walked the guy backwards with 
her hand on his chest till he reached the end of the stage and then 
pushed him off.

~Calm down Riddick Jack handled the situation and rather well I 
should say. Still the thought of that guy putting his hands on her 
like that.~ Riddick quietly growled as he thought of where that guys 
hands had been on his Jack and how he had danced with her. 

~She's not my Jack and she never will be. She's my kid sister and 
truthfully she deserves a hell of a lot better than a psychopathic 
murderer for a lover. 

*sung* bridge

Baby, (I just want to dance next to you)

Don't you wanna dance up on me, to another time and place

Oh Baby, (Are you ready) don't you wanna dance up on me, leavin 
behind my name and age

Jack made it appear as if she was inviting Riddick to take what 
he wanted. Well he wanted Jack and he refused to take that.

~I don't deserve to love someone as wonderful and beautiful 
and shit...as perfect as her.~

*sung* chorus 

I'm a slaaaaaaaaaaaave for you

I cannot hold it, I cannot control it

I'm a slaaaaaaaaaaaave for you

I won't deny it, I'm not trying to hide it

{added to the chorus}-

(Take that)

(It just feels right)

(It just feels good)

Get it get it (whoo) get it get it (oh oh) get it get it

Before Jack finished the song Riddick got up and began heading for 
the door to go home. He was torn between what his heart and body 
wanted and what his head said he didn't deserve. All he knew was 
that he needed to leave before she finished her song and came to 
talk to him. 

Jack saw him get up and head for the door. She could feel her 
heart break a little, not only did the song seem to have no 
effect on him but now he wasn't even gonna stay to hear her 
finish. Anger began to course through every vein in Jack's body 
but she continued with the song until the performance was over.

*sung* chorus

I'm a slaaaaaaaaaaaaave for you

I cannot hold it, I cannot control it

I'm a slaaaaaaaaaaaaave for you

I won't deny it, I'm not trying to hide it 

{added to the chorus}-

(Here we go again) [laughs]

(Here we go now)

(Here we go)

(LIKE THAT!)

When Jack ended the song the club erupted in cheers and she 
even got a standing ovation. None of it mattered to Jack she 
was too upset to even feel honored. She acted as if she was 
though by smiling and taking a bow before walking off stage to 
cool down and change.

As Riddick made his way towards the door a hand grabbed 
his arm. Riddick spun around to attack when he realized 
it was only Chad. 

"Hey Jacob where are you going? Jack isn't done performing 
yet."

"Yeah, well, I don't feel real good. Tell her I'll see her at 
home."

"That's bullshit Jacob."

The threat in Riddick's voice was obvious, "Excuse me. What the 
fuck are you talking about?"

"Please man, it's so obvious that you have a thing for Jack. Geez, 
just about every male in this place has a thing for Jack."

The only answer Chad received was a low growl. Most people 
would be intimidated, but Chad was fearless. At least he appeared 
that way. Truthfully Chad had never been more scared in his life, 
he knew what "Jacob" was capable of. If watching Jack in a fight 
was any indication of just what Jacob was capable of then Chad 
knew better than to fuck with him. When he saw the look on 
Jacob's face while Jack was performing he knew there was something 
there. He'd only known Jacob and Jack for a year now, but he knew 
that they cared for each other. As long as he'd known them they'd 
been living together, he was wondering when Jacob would notice 
that Jack isn't a kid anymore and admit that he truly cares maybe 
even loves Jack.

He felt it was his job to make sure that Jacob didn't try to deny 
the connection between himself and Jack.

~Damn never thought I'd be playing the role of cupid to anyone 
let alone these two. I must be getting soft, it's all Julie's 
fault.~

"Get to the point sometime tonight Chad."

"Look you can't deny that you're attracted to her, it's kinda 
obvious. My question is why are you denying it? I mean she obviously 
feels the same way about you, so why fight it."

Riddick got in Chad's face he didn't like people sticking 
their noses where they weren't wanted. Even if he had a point 
Riddick didn't want to admit that Chad was right.

"You don't know anything about me and Jack so back the fuck off."

"Fine I'll back off but, answer me something Jacob. What were 
you thinking when that guy had his hands around Jack's waist?"

Another growl this time a little louder than before was Chad's 
only answer.

"Yeah, that's what I thought. Man at least think about it before 
you take off again. She really does love you I think, which I'm not 
sure why cause for the last year you've treated her like shit. 
You're never around and when you are you don't even talk to her. 
What is it? Are you scared to admit you care for her? Do you think 
it makes you look weak?"

"I thought you said you'd leave me the hell alone." Riddick took 
a second to think over what Chad had said to him. "Not that it's any 
of your damn business but I don't deserve Jack. She deserves so 
much better than me, I can't offer her the things she deserves."

"You know before you make that decision perhaps you should ask 
Jack what she wants."

With that Chad left to give him time to think about what he had 
said. ~I hope he doesn't just walk away from her again. they 
are both so stubborn yep they deserve each other all right.~

Instead of changing Jack put a short shirt on over her green top. 
She needed to get to her tables Chad had told her that he wanted her 
to wait tables immediately after she performed. As she was heading 
out of the locker room's back stage Chad came storming in.

"You do know this is the girl's locker room right?"

"Very funny Jack. Listen why don't you head on home Julie is out 
there and she doesn't want to give up her tables so you should 
just take the rest of the night off."

"Are you sure? I mean, I can go home?"


"Yeah you can get out of here. Oh Jack, you did a great job 
out there. I want you to perform every Friday night from now on. 
Do you want to?"

"Hell yes I want to. You know are you sure you don't need me here 
I kinda don't wanna go home."

Chad felt bad for Jack she had no idea how Jacob felt about her 
and he guessed if it was up to Jacob she would never know.

"Kid go home talk to Jacob. I think it's about time you told 
him how you feel about him. And how you feel about him always 
leaving."

" You're right, you know you are. It's just I'm afraid he'll laugh 
in my face and tell me I'm just a kid."

Chad couldn't help but start to laugh, "Kid trust me after that 
performance he'd have to be blind to not notice that you're a 
woman."

"Thanx Chad."

"Aaww you're welcome. Now get out of my sight."

Jack nervously entered the apartment she'd had an odd feeling. 
The whole way home, she kept thinking that when she got home 
she'd find a note from Riddick saying he left and this time he 
wouldn't be back. But when she got home there was no note and 
she could see Riddick sitting on the couch in the living 
room.

She walked into the room noticing that Riddick seemed to be 
staring at a spot on the wall. 

"Hey." There was no response from Riddick, nothing about his 
posture indicating that he acknowledged her presence. Jack couldn't 
shake the feeling that he might be mad at her.

"You know what, I think I'm gonna go take a shower." Before Jack 
could reach the bathroom Riddick caught her by her arm and turned 
her around so that her face was only inches away from his.

It was times like these that she really hated him wearing the 
goggles. She had always loved his eyes and couldn't stand the 
fact that he had to hide them with the goggles. What she really 
hated about him wearing the goggles was the fact that they kept 
her from having the slightest clue as to what he was thinking 
or what emotion he was feeling.

"Riddick wha..." She started to ask him what was wrong, or 
what he was doing. But before she could complete her question 
he silenced her with a finger to her lips.

"Sshh, listen we need to talk." His finger remained on her lips, 
neither one could deny the feelings that were coursing through 
them because of that contact.

When he said we need to talk Jack understood what he really meant 
was that he needed to talk and she needed to listen to what he had 
to say. They were still standing near the hallway, Riddick now 
had his arms wrapped around Jack's waist. Jack placed her hands on 
his upper arms to steady herself, she wasn't sure what to do so she 
just stood there patiently waiting for him to continue.

"Jack, no one has ever gotten to me the way that you do. Sure, 
Carolyn got to me but I wouldn't be who I am today if it weren't 
for you. I have been so scared of what I feel when I'm around you. 
I've tried telling myself that to feel so strongly for you was wrong 
because your supposed to be my kid sister but, dammit Jack I can't 
fight or control these feelings anymore they're too strong. 
I've watched you grow into the smartest and most beautiful 
woman I have ever met. It scares me to know that these feelings 
for you won't go away. I've been trying to fight them for the 
last year, that's why I've been taking every job I can just to 
stay away. I'm scared I'll only hurt you Jack, I don't feel that 
I deserve you. You know what scares me more is the way I felt when 
I saw that punk put his hands on you tonight. I can't stand the 
thought of you with someone else." Riddick had said everything 
as quick as he possibly could for fear that he would stop before 
he got everything out and would take it all back. Now that it was 
all out he took a deep breath and looked deeply into Jack's eyes.

"Riddick I don't know what to say...I always thought you saw me 
as just a kid. As a burden that you had to take care of especially 
when you began taking those jobs that kept you away most of the 
time. I was so afraid that one day you'd go on a trip and decide 
to never come back. Riddick I have cared for you ever since we 
were on that Hell of a planet. That's why I sung that song tonight 
I figured it would make you see that I'm not a kid anymore. I 
wanted you to finally notice me and see what I felt for you."

They were both telling their hearts, both were afraid of what the 
other would say. Riddick was sure that Jack didn't feel anything 
for him but, when she told him what she'd been feeling all he wanted 
to do was smile.. well maybe not all.

"Believe me Jack I noticed that you weren't a kid anymore."

Jack loved the feeling of being this close to him she found it 
overwhelming. So finally she blurted out what she'd been wanting 
him to do all along.

"Riddick..kiss me."

There was a small look of shock on Riddick's face that quickly 
melted away to reveal what appeared to be pleasure.

"I was wondering when you'd ask." He brought his lips down to hers 
in a tentatively soft first kiss. They pulled apart to look each 
other in the eyes.

"Jack I think I'm falling in love with you."

"Riddick I am in love with you." With that their lips met again in 
a kiss filled with more passion and desperation than the first. 
Neither one of them ever wanted to let go. Riddick gently picked 
up Jack and carried her into his bedroom where they spent the night 
making love. They both needed each other more than they could 
possibly express in words. So they expressed it through their 
actions. They knew that they would never be the same after this 
night, that they could never go back to the way things were and 
truthfully, neither of them wanted to.

~The end