"Ike, you're late... again."

Isaac Hanson, who was more affectionately known as Ike, walked into the large office carrying a briefcase and overnight bag in one hand, and two fresh coffees and bagels in the other. He looked at his business partner and best friend sincerely.

"Sorry Core, Zac's session took a little longer this morning."

Corrine Matthews features softened immediatly. Two months ago, Isaac's 18-year-old brother Zachary, was in an almost fatal car crash. Luckily, there was no brain damage, but he was paralyzed from the waist down and still showed no signs of recovering his walking abilities.

She gently laid a hand on her best friend's shoulder. "How is he doing?"

A bright smile took over his gorgeous face. "That's why I'm late... He took his first steps today, Core!"

Corrine let out a high pitched squeal and threw her arms around his neck. "Ike, thats so great!! I bet you were so proud of him... God, I wish I would have been there..."

He gently pulled away and looked down at her face. "Speaking of that, I'm having a little party tonight at my place... A little celebration for him. Can you come?"

Corrine nodded and wiped at her eyes. "Of course."

Isaac smiled and handed her a coffee and bagel. "So, who are we seeing today?"

" 'Waterdown' is at 11:15 and 'Neon High' is at 12:30."

"I've heard a lot about them... They play a lot of local gigs around here. I never heard of the first one tho..."

Corrine rolled her eyes and stared hatefully at some unknown object. "They weren't supposed to be here... Greg."

Isaac sighed, knowingly. "Core..."

"No, Ike, this is ridiculous. Why do you let him do this..."

He stared at her, amused. "What exactly, do I let him do?"

She rubbed the bridge of her nose and silently thanked that this was her best friend. "Isaac, this is YOUR company... YOUR label. Why do you let him bring in these bands that he KNOWS we'll never sign. They're not the style. 'Waterdown' is a hardrock punk band... We are Rock and Roll. These... people... sing about killing their girlfriends and raping squirrels... Why are you laughing at me?"

"Corrine..." He struggled for his breath. "You have no idea how much I love ya..." She smiled softly and began to blush. "The reason why I let him continue to bring these... interesting groups in... Is because even though they may not be what WE'RE looking for, maybe someone else is. We can recommend them to another label... Get them off on a good start. So we'll just amuse ourselves for an hour or so... Listening to squirrel anal-rapers and then we'll send them on their merry way. Plus, they need experience performing in front of..." He cringed and licked his lips. "Suits... God, I never thought I'd call myself that."

Core stared at him, admirably. "Well Isaac Hanson... I said it before and I'll be saying it for years to come..."

"What's that?"

"You are amazing..."
 

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

"SURPRISE!!"

Taylor Hanson stumbled backwards at the decipals that were flying towards him. Then he smiled brightly. "Aww shucks guys... You shouldn't have!!"

Core walked up to him and smacked the back of his head. "We didn't, moron..." Then a large grin took over her face. "WE WASTED THE GOOD SURPRISE ON YOU!!"

Taylor laughed and threw his arms around her shoulders. "You really do watch that movie too much." Core laughed and pinched his butt. "Corrine! Not here!"

Just then Isaac walked in, pushing Zachary in a wheelchair. Core's mouth formed an "o" shape and she pushed Taylor. "We really did waste the good surprise on you... dammit Taylor, go back to your hole."

Taylor kissed her temple and hugged her sideways. "Stop pretending you don't love me."

She pulled away and went over to Zac's outreached arms. "Hey Hard-Core, I missed ya." There was definite strain in his voice. He had to be tired.

Corrine wrapper her arms around his neck and hugged him for as long as he would let her. Before she pulled away, Isaac reached down and wiped a tear from her eye. She smiled appreciatively and stood back up, still holding Zac's hands. "It's been way to long, buddy."

He smiled and looked up at Isaac. He nodded back down at him and pushed the breaks on his wheelchair. "Well, I sorta have a gift for you." He whispered, starting to push on the chair handles. It took him a few moments, but he finally pulled himself out of the chair into a standing position. Gasps around the room. Corrine's hands flew to her face and she felt the tears coming. Zac laughed softly and waved her hands down. "No, not yet." He took a deep breath and focused on his feet for a brief moment, before looking back up at her.

He raised his arms out in front of him and delivered a heartwarming smile. Core was tempted to run into those arms, but she waited ever so patiently instead. She knew how much this meant to him.

"You ready for a magic trick?" She could do nothing but nod. "Then watch this..."

He wiggled the fingers of his right hand... and his right foot began to slide forward. Corrine's breath became locked in her throat as she watched him. When the right foot was where it needed to be, he did the same to the left. Then he stopped. "It would appear that my power has run out..." She looked at him, sadly, and began to walk towards him. "So, you'll have to do it."

She stopped dead in her tracks. "Excuse me?"

He softly called her over. "Come here..." She closed off the gap between them. "Gimme your hands." She did as told.

Zac leaned down and kissed each of her palms. "There, now you have the power.... Bring me to you."

A solitaire tear traveled down her face and she backed up. She brought her hands up and mimicked his actions. She started wiggling her fingers and he started laughing. "Did I forget to mention, that only I can do it that way..." I laughed lightly and dropped my hands. "You have to entice me to come to you."

Corrine smiled slyly and accepted his challenge. She blew a kiss to him then curled her index finger back and forth, signaling that she wanted him there, night now. He wasn't one to disobey.

He looked down at his feet again, almost willing them to listen to his mind. Then he slowly began walking towards her, arms outstretched. She stared at his beautiful form, slowly making its way towards her. She had to keep reminding herself to breathe.

Zac stopped right in front of her. His breath lightly mixing with hers. His hands wrapped around her waist, and she couldn't ever remembering feeling that good. He touched his forehead to hers and gently wiped away the tears that were falling down her face.

"You don't have to cry anymore, Core." He softly kissed the tip of her nose. She stared deep into his eyes. He kissed her sweetly and whispered into her lips.

"I made it."