Family Bonds

[Joey] *popping into her new building and seeing Andy's door, talking to herself* Great! Just what I need, but I should talk to him. No, he was rude to Evan. He has no idea how much I care for him. I should tell him that he has nothing to worry about. *sighing then turning to start up the stairs* I will wait, now's not the time. I wouldn't know what to say to him.

[Andy] *hearing the pop he opens the door and leans against the door jam, wearing only a pair of pajama pants* Hey there cutie, have a good date?

[Joey] *seeing him shirtless and looking down* Date? I wasn't on a date. I was chatting with an old friend. Just helping him get settled and filling him in on everything. Nothing more.

[Andy] You sure he knew that? *seeing her blush at his appearance he smiles even though he's still irritated, he reaches into the apartment and grabs a t-shirt pulling it on and sighing resigned* You want to come in?

[Joey] I don't think that's a good idea. I am still mad at you. Ty behaves better than you sometimes, and he's just a little kid. *taking another step up she pauses and just sits on the steps* I thought you liked me Andy?

[Andy] *shutting the door behind him and sitting on the floor in front of it leaning back against the door* What makes you think now that I don't?

[Joey] Because you weren't relaxed when we were at the airport. You got agitated any time I smiled at Evan. I'm sorry I don't hate him, but that doesn't mean that I am going to leave you to go back to him.

[Andy] Really Joe? Because it looked to me like that's exactly what you did. *looking at the floor instead of at her*

[Joey] I deserve that. I just didn't want him walking away feeling crappy. So I went with him and got his luggage. We came back up to look for you and the waitress told me you left. *looking at him with sadness in her eyes* So I went with him and made sure he got to Ryan's. After chatting for a bit I decided I should come home, but I went to see Mia and the babies. Mia was showing me all the new baby clothes she bought for the baby and gushed on and on about how her and Conor were thinking about names, but they didn't know what they were naming her. *pausing* Then I just figured I'd come home and be miserable.

[Andy] I did not get agitated any time you smiled at him, but you'll have to forgive me if watching the highlight reel of your relationship wasn't my idea of a good time. And do you mind if I ask what you got so pissed about? It's not like I said anything that wasn't true.

[Joey] I don't know what it was. I just know that I thought it was rude, almost like you were saying it to be a jerk. *biting her lip thinking about the fact that she smacked him* I am sorry I hit you. I am sorry I made you go in general. I just thought it would be the way it is in movies. Everyone getting along, and you two becoming friends. *putting her head in her hands* I get that I was foolish to think that. But it's over now. I won't put either of you in that position again if I can help it.

[Andy] *leaning his head back and banging on the door* Dammit Joey, *shaking his head not believing what he's about to say* Why do you have to be so sweet and cute? I can't be mad at you for wanting us to be friends. Irritated, frustrated, concerned about your grip on reality? *laughing a little* Yes, all of those things, but not mad. *sounding sheepish* And you're right, I was being a jerk. I don't like him, but I was taught better and I'm really a shite boyfriend for putting you in such a hard place.

[Joey] *smiling* You aren't mad. I was worried I'd come home and you'd dump me for even putting you in that situation. But, I didn't want to go alone. *standing up and walking closer to him then squatting down to kiss his cheek* You aren't a bad boyfriend. You are new to this as well. Come on, let's go upstairs. I need to change my shirt. Owen thought my shirt was a great target for baby food. I will change and you can look at those pictures I told you about. *holding her hand out to him*

[Andy] *standing and kissing her cheek* No, I'm not mad. *walking with her up the stairs, his hand around her waist, his fingers slipping under the hem of her shirt and touching her side softly* Can I help you change your shirt?

[Joey] *giggling* Sure, you can take it off. *seeing the excitement in his face* While I hold my tank top down. *kissing his frown and smiling* You really thought I'd let you help me change already? You are silly.

[Andy] I can work with you keeping your tank on, it's a step. *laughing* I don't think I've been called silly in years. I like it. *raising his hand from her waist and skimming it down her hair* You're very cute. *they get to her door and he waits as she opens it and walks in. When they get into the living room he takes an involuntary step back, as the girl sitting on Nate's lap stops kissing him and glares at Andy* Hello Skyler.

[Sky] Andrew. What a surprise, what are you doing here?

[Nate] You know him? Like, you KNOW him?

[Sky] We went out a few times. Last year. I haven't seen him since then, shocking since we live in the same building when you think about it really.

[Andy] *running his hand through his hair* Yeah, about that, sorry. I, uh... *glancing at Joey* yeah, sorry.

[Nate] *looking at Joey* I told you he was no good. But, nope you don't want to listen. Like I said, he will leave you too. Once he gets what he wants, he will be nothing more than a memory.

[Joey] *finally understanding why Nate was so pissed she looked at Sky, then at Andy* You two were together? Sexually?

[Andy] *quietly* Yeah. *then looking at Nate and Sky, and talking louder, defensive* But it's not like I lied to her or anything. There wasn't any commitment, real or implied. She knew it was just a good time, and she was into it. *almost pleading with Sky* Tell them. Please.

[Sky] We had three dates, within a couple of weeks, and yeah, it was a good time. I didn't ever really think it would be more, but you could have called or something. *flipping her hair* I liked you.

[Andy] I know you did, that's why I didn't call Sky. I didn't want you to think that I had any feelings for you that I didn't. *looking sad* And I sound like a real winner right now don't I?

[Nate] *moving closer to Sky and holding her* Well, looks like he lost out because you are my girl now. *kissing her and then turning to Andy* And, I'll be damned if you are going to hurt my sister. If you so much as play one game with her I will kick your ass. *turning to Joey* We are going to talk later, okay?

[Joey] *shaking her head* Okay. *looking at Andy* Come on, let's go back down stairs. We should give them time to cool down.

[Andy] *looking over at Sky and Nate* Sure, we can go back downstairs. Don't forget to grab a shirt, I'll just wait here.

[Joey] *running off to grab a shirt from her room she disappears*

[Andy] *to Nate while he's standing awkwardly in the corner of the room* I'm not the guy you think I am. Well, I am, or I was, but I'm not anymore. I like your sister a lot, I'm not playing with her. I swear it.

[Nate] Well the nameless women constantly blowing up your cell says something else. I hope you prove me wrong, because that is the sweetest girl in there. Even if she wasn't my sister I don't think I'd like you two dating. She is innocent and good, if you plan on changing that anytime soon, you and I will have problems.

[Andy] *standing up straight and giving Nate a level stare* I don't plan on changing anything about her, and if you knew your sister at all you would know that even if I wanted to I couldn't convince her. She's strong, and smart, and I don't think you give her nearly enough credit for being able to take care of herself.

[Nate] I do know her, and I know that she trusts everyone. Even people who are not worthy of that trust. But, like I said. I will give you a chance to prove me wrong.

[Andy] Yeah, well just so you know, sweet and innocent and trusting doesn't equal stupid or easily manipulated. But she loves you and takes your opinion to heart, so I guess I should just say thanks for the chance and I won't let her down. *looking toward her door*

[Nate] You are right. *putting his hands up* I'm not arguing that point at all. Look, just please be careful with her. *seeing her open her door and smiling without a care in the world before turning to Sky* I have my hands full with that kid right there!

[Joey] *smiling at everyone then looking at Andy* So, I decided since you were in your jammies, I would get comfy too. Okay, let's go back downstairs. Nate I will be back later, so if you are gonna do anything bad, take it to your room. *laughing as she turns red* I'm teasing, sort of. Have fun. I have my cell if you need me. *hugging Nate and Sky, she winks at Andy* Ready?

[Sky] I'll bet you do. *giggling and looking at Joey when she comes out of her room* It's great to see you again Joey. *hugging her back tightly* you've grown up so pretty. *Ignoring Andy completely she wraps her arms around Nate's neck* Now, where were we?

[Andy] *taking Joeys hand and walking with her out of the apartment, closing the door on Sky's giggles and Nate's laughter* Lizzy's out tonight so it'll just be the two of us. Are you ok with that?

[Nate] *after watching Joey walk towards Andy he leans forward and kisses Sky.* We were waiting for them to leave. *winking and kissing her again, paying no mind to anything else in the room*

[Joey] Where are Luke and Lizzy? I thought they were hanging out? *pausing a minute, a little nervous* Just us? Well we can hang out in the living room. Cause I am still afraid of your room.

[Andy] I think they went to a movie or something. I'm not sure, she didn't really tell me. And yes, we can hang out in the living room. We can do whatever you like. Just so long as you still want to hang out with me I don't care what we do. *stopping and standing in front of her, kissing her forehead gently as he runs the back of his hand down her cheek* Thank you for still wanting to spend time with me, between your brother and your ex I'm kind of afraid that you're going to be convinced that I'm slime.

[Joey] I don't think you are slime. I see the good in you Andy. I am waiting for everyone else to see it. *kissing him softly* How about a scary movie?

[Andy] Absolutely. *smiling and walking with her to his apartment* it is almost Halloween after all. But you have to promise you'll curl up with me on the couch and hold me if I get scared. *opening the door to his apartment and going to the fireplace* Let me just get a fire started.

[Joey] I promise to hold you if you get scared. *giggling* Watching him start a fire and moving to sit on the couch* And you'll hold me if I get scared?

[Andy] I'll hold you even if you don't get scared. *winking and running into the kitchen grabbing some pita chips and hummus and some iced tea, bringing it all back before putting a movie in the DVD player. He sits down with her and pulls her against him* Ready?

[Joey] I am. *smiling as he starts the movie* Oh my gosh! I love this movie. *clapping and then laughing at herself as he presses play* Sorry, I am easily excited.

[Andy] I love this one too, I always have to watch it around this time of year. *relaxing against her as she starts singing along to the opening song of Rocky Horror, taking a drink of his tea and smiling*

[Joey] I watch it any time of the year. Jonnie used to try and torture me with this movie, but after awhile I learned to like it. *smiling* You get bonus points for liking this movie in general. *giggling as the characters find themselves stranded* I am so glad I am magical. We will never be stuck like them.

[Andy] But then we'd miss out on wacky adventures with transsexual transvestites from Transylvania. Why would we want to miss that?

[Joey] Because, there will be a creature who will want one of us. Then the other will be jealous, and what then? *smiling* Neither of us need that in our lives. We are having enough trouble with the jealously monster. *looking at him* You were with Sky? She is so pretty. *sighing* I have complex issues as it is already.

[Andy] Yeah, I was with Sky. And she's pretty, but not as pretty as you. And I have my own jealousy issues. Your ex is pretty built.

[Joey] Evan? Yeah he's pretty too. *smiling and leaning on him again* I guess we both have a lot of learning to do. Look at Tyler and Jonnie. They finally learned to put the past behind them. I know Lizzy and Luke are still trying to find peace, but they will eventually.

[Andy] I'm sure they will. At least they have each other to lean on. *looking back at the screen as Dammit Janet starts playing, he sings along with her, pausing when Brad sings "I love you" and taking a drink instead*

[Joey] *smiling and thinking this would be a perfect time to ask him something weighing heavy on her mind* Andy, have you ever been in love? I know you have been with a lot of girls, but did you ever love any of them?

[Andy] *thinking for a little while before answering* No, I haven't. I've never even really liked a girl as much as I like you. I know, it's shameful. I should probably be saying that I loved all of the girls I've been with in their own way, but I didn't. Love is *pausing* falling in love scares me.

[Joey] Love is very scary. I understand that much. I know I am gonna be a set of firsts for you. Besides being your first real girlfriend. I know I will be the first girl you fall in love with. *looking up and smiling before looking back at the TV*

[Andy] *choking on his drink* You know that do you?

[Joey] I do. I have no doubt in my mind. I think a part of you is already falling for me. Not in love, but something. *looking up at him* See, if you didn't care you wouldn't have been bothered by the sight of me hugging Evan when he got off the plane. *taking a deep breath and pausing before whispering* I knew it hurt you, but I don't know why.

[Andy] You don't know why? *shaking his head* Joey let me tell you something about my family. My parents were great until Karissa came along. I loved them, a lot. But when Kissa got sick, dad started drinking and mom turned off. Dad left us before Kissa was five, and mom hid even further within herself. Why do you think I was always at the hospital with her? I was all she had. Mom did all the right things, but she never really let herself love her daughter. And I loved my sister more than I have ever loved anything, when she died I lost that. Mom couldn't handle it and moved to France. I haven't seen her since Kissa's funeral. So yeah I may be falling for you, I know that I feel more for you than I have for anyone since my sister died, but I don't know if I'm really able to love anymore.

[Joey] *crawling into his lap and kissing him* Thank you for sharing that with me. That is sad and I hope you never have to experience that kind of pain ever again. That is very hard to go through, but you made it. Now you have to think about your Kissa, she wouldn't want you out here afraid to love again. She'd want her brother who loved her, and who she adored, to love someone. Even if you never fall madly in love with me, I want you to experience real love with someone.

[Andy] I'm afraid. If I do let myself love y... anyone, then they'll probably just leave me and make me hurt again. But if I don't, then I'll become my mom, and I know how hurtful that is to everyone around you. *wrapping her up in a tight hug* I want to, I want to be able to love, but I just don't know how anymore.

[Joey] You need to come see my baby cousins. If you don't learn to love them, well then I guess I could buy you a puppy. You have to start somewhere right? *kissing his cheek* I don't want you to love me, well I do. But not until you are ready. Because love is very powerful.

[Andy] *laughing* A puppy? We already have Lucas running around. *thinking* Actually, that might be a good idea. Lizzy would love it, and it would be good practice for the kids I am bound to have one day. *chuckling* I know, especially talking about my lack of ability to love, thinking about having kids is a bit strange. But I do plan on that someday. At least one or two. And don't you worry Blondie, I think you're right, if it's gonna be anyone *kissing her neck and whispering in her ear* it's gonna be you.

[Joey] *smiling* Maybe my desire to wait will give you time to learn how to love a girl before trying to sleep with her. *pretending to gasp* Shocking right? *kissing him* I am just teasing you, you know that right?

[Andy] I do know that. *kissing her deeply* You're beautiful, and loving and kind and caring. I am so very lucky that you want to be with me. *kissing her neck again, moving her off of his lap and turning to the side, matching his breathing to hers and caressing her arm gently*

[Joey] You are pretty lucky. *winking at him before she turns to watch the movie* We need to go shopping for a wedding gift for Ty and Jonnie. It can be our first real task in our relationship. Shopping together for someone else. Yes, I think that will be great. *taking his hand in hers and kissing it before lacing her fingers around his*

[Andy] Ok, we can do that tomorrow. Come here *holding her against him again and breathing in the scent of her hair as he watches the movie*

[Joey] *relaxing into him she feels her eyes get heavy, yawning she stretches out, resting her head on his lap. feeling his hand rubbing her hair she fights to stay awake, but in no time she loses the battle with her eyelids and passes out on him*

[Andy] *rubbing her head as she sleeps on his lap he finishes the movie, feeling more relaxed than he had in a long time. When the movie ends he carefully gets up and goes into his room, he comes back a few minutes later with two blankets and pillows. He covers her up and puts a pillow under her head before setting up the other blanket and pillow on the floor beside her, laying down and looking up at her as she sleeps* Yes, if it's gonna be anyone, it's going to be you. *he closes his eyes and falls asleep beside her*