Misunderstandings and making peace.

[Andy] *sitting on the couch in Joey's apartment, rubbing her back gently* What time is their game over again?
[Joey] *looking at her watch and smiling as she accounts for the time difference and them getting to a portkey* They should be here in about an hour, give or take some time. An hour and a half tops. Why?
[Andy] *shrugging* Just wondering if I should be gone before he *clearing his throat* they get home.
[Lizzy] You're being ridiculous Andy. Nate doesn't hate you as much as you think he does.
[Carrie] Nate? He's the cute big brother in that picture over there right? *smiling* Sorry, I'm still getting to know everyone's names.
[Joey] *smiling at Carrie* Yes the dark haired one, hell Luke is like my brother too. *turning to look at Andy* You know why he isn't crazy about you. He is just protecting me. He's always protected me.
[Andy] *pouting* I don't like the way he looks at me when I touch you. Like I'm some sort of ... *sighing* Well anyway, I don't want to make your life difficult. Maybe I should go when they get here.
[Lizzy] When did you turn into such a whiny little bitch Andy?
[Andy] *throwing a pillow at her* I had to listen to you pining over Tyler for years, you can just shut it. *laughing*
[Carrie] *smiling at Joey* These two may as well be brother and sister too.
[Joey] *giggling at Lizzy* It's cause he loves me. Somehow I broke him down and I don't even know how. *winking at Andy* Yeah, I agree Carrie. These too may as well be brother and sister, they sure do argue like it all the time. The more you hang out the more you will learn to just shake your head and ignore them. *smiling*
[Carrie] Got it, smile and nod I can do. *standing and looking at all of the pictures on the walls, seeing one with Luke and Joey* This is Luke? Oh my, he's cuter than the other one.
[Lizzy] *standing and looking at the picture with her* Yeah I guess. He's not really available at the moment, he's just been through a big heartbreak, but he is cute isn't he?
[Andy] *raising his eyebrow at Lizzy, but not saying anything*
[Carrie] Oh, sure, I mean I wasn't meaning it like that or anything, I was just saying ... *blushing* I'm not very good at social interaction in real life. Most of my friends live in my computer. *giggling*
[Joey] Luke is very cute! I agree. *frowning at Lizzy* He told me he was happy for Tyler and Jonnie. I know it took him a long time to get there, but I think he's accepted it. Maybe even moved on? *standing and looking at the pictures with them* That is Jonnie, she is my sister. They, her and Luke dated for awhile. Luke and Tyler are brothers. *scrunching up her face* Man my family is so messed up.
[Lizzy] *smiling at them both* No, I'm sorry. I've gotten kind of protective of him. You know I'm happy for Tyler and Jonnie too, but that doesn't mean I'm ready to fall for someone else yet. *to Carrie* Not that that's what I thought you meant. I was just saying... *blushing herself now and going to sit on her chair* I don't know, I'm just keeping an eye out for him. He does the same for me. Nate does the same for you.
[Andy] No need to get defensive Liz. I'm sure we all knew you were just looking out for your friend. He is just your friend still right, there's not something we don't know?
[Lizzy] *thinking, her brain going into overdrive for a moment trying to figure out how to explain the behavior even she didn't completely understand* Well, maybe I've got a bit of a crush, but it's nothing serious. Just, well like Carrie said, he's awfully cute. But it's not going anywhere, I'm sure of that.
[Joey] *looking at Lizzy in shock* You have a crush on Lucas? This Lucas? *pointing towards the picture* Oh Lizzy. *shaking her head and moving to be closer to Andy* What are we going to do with her? *playfully sticking her tongue out at her* So, Carrie are you ready to meet the guys because they should be here soon. Oh and then there is Sky, that is Nate's girlfriend. They are super cute together. You don't usually see him without her.
[Andy] *wrapping an arm around Joey and laughing* I have no idea what we're going to do with her, but I vote we keep her. She makes a very entertaining pet.
[Lizzy] *throwing the pillow back at him, accidentally getting Joey in the process*
[Joey] Hey! *taking the pillow and hitting Andy with it* I believe you were the target. *laughing and then kissing him*
[Carrie] *laughing as she sits* Sky? What a pretty name. Ok yes, I think I'm ready to meet everyone. Just forgive me if I get a little panicky, I'm not used to being around so many people. The last time I was I was at the world Cup, and I almost got arrested then. *giggling nervously* I can't believe they made me an alternate on the team though! I suppose I'm going to have to get used to being around people huh?
[Joey] You will learn to get used to it. I still can't believe Jackson and Mia, my cousins who I love dearly, are as famous as they are. Yet, they don't act famous at all. They just go out there and play like its nothing. *smiling at Carrie* When do you get to play? Like if someone is sick?
[Carrie] *nodding, her blonde hair falling in her eyes, so she takes a hair tie out and pulls it back into a ponytail* Yeah, if someone gets sick, or injured, or has to miss a game for whatever reason. I can't wait to meet all the guys. I still haven't met Hugh or Dominic, they were doing something when I came for practice. *biting her lip and blushing a bit* If your cousins play you probably know, what's Hugh really like. He's the most mysterious one on the team, nobody knows anything about him.
[Joey] Oh, Hugh. He's so sweet! I had a crush on him. He is very quiet, but that is because he is always in Dominic's shadow. What ever you do, don't fall for his trap. Dom is a player. He will use you then ditch you. I was warned about him from day one. But, yeah back to Hugh. Their dad died recently so they have been a bit out of sorts. You will meet them. You can see what a sweet, and shy guy Hugh really is. *looking at Andy* What? I can have crushes. What matters is that I am yours. *climbing into his lap and snuggling against him*
[Andy] *shaking his head and kissing her* You're right, that is what matters. Still, remind me not to leave you alone with this Hugh. I don't want your brothers convincing you that you should be with a nice sweet shy guy like that.
[Lizzy] You know, if you just acted like a good guy every now and again ... Oh, and if you hadn't shagged Nate's girlfriend he'd probably like you more. *giggling*
[Andy] Hey now, it's not like she was his girlfriend at the time.
[Carrie] Goodness. There is a lot of confusion isn't there? *to Joey* Hugh's always been my favorite. I have a poster of him up in my room. I heard about their dad too, I sent them a letter with my condolences. I wonder if they ever got it.
[Joey] *rolling her eyes* As much as I hate to admit it, he has a point Lizzy. *turning to look at Carrie* Hugh is one of my favorites too, but because he has such a good heart. Well, and that we aren't related so I was able to crush on him. I know there were rumors of him being gay, because he never has a girlfriend. But he was in love with Mia, so I don't think he's gay. But I wouldn't care if he was. I'd still love the guy. *looking at her watch and smiling* I can't wait to see them!
[Carrie] There was a rumor in the gossip sites about that, some even said that Dom wasn't his brother, they were actually lovers. I didn't believe it for a minute.
[Lizzy] You know a lot about the team, that's brilliant. I'd never heard of Quidditch until I met Joey and them. Being a morgol and all...
[Andy] Muggle.
[Lizzy] *giggling* Yes, muggle.
[Joey] *shaking her head* I know for a fact they are brothers. I hate that gossip site. They said Mia and Hugh were together and they weren't Conor's babies too. Remember all that? *seeing the doorknob turn she freezes, seeing Nate walk in and move over for Luke to come in* Nate! Luke! *jumping off Andy's lap and running into Nate's arms and then Luke's. I missed you two so much! *hugging Nate again and letting him pick her up and throw her over his shoulders* Nate, don't drop me, or fart. Both could kill me. *laughing*
[Lucas] *smiling at everyone* Hey guys, hi I am Lucas, Luke, which ever you perfer. *shaking Carrie's hand* Hey Joe, we kicked the other teams ass. Just so you know. I was team MVP. *winking at Lizzy*
[Nate] You are a damn liar! I was the MVP. *sitting on the couch with Joey* There, I didn't drop you, or fart. So why did I just see you on his lap? Joey, we've talked about this. I don't even know why he is up here.
[Andy] I can hear you know.
[Joey] Please Nate, don't. Not now. Yell at me later. I have company. *pointing at Carrie* That is my friend Carrie, and this isn't the time for you two to be mean to each other. *trying to get up and getting pulled back* Nate, please. *retreating and sitting with him* Well Carrie, meet Luke and Nate. *half smiling*
[Nate] I know you can hear, but I wasn't talking to you. I was talking to Joey.
[Andy] Didn't your parents ever tell you it's impolite to talk about people when they're right there?
[Nate] *looking at Joey* Your dog is house broken right?
[Sky] *following in and seeing the crowd, hearing Andy's comment she scowls at him* Nate, don't bother with him, he's not worth it. Joey, I offer you the same advice. You're so much better than that.
[Andy] *standing up* Alright, I know when I'm not wanted. Congratulations on winning your game. Liz, I'll be at home when you're done here. *looking at Joey with a sad face* I want you to have a good time. As long as they think like that about me, that's just not possible. *kissing her* I love you.
[Carrie] *watching the drama unfold, her eyes flickering from Lizzy to Luke and back. Luke, not seeming to pay any attention to Lizzy, so Carrie stands* Hi. *twirling her hair in her fingers* I'm Carrie. I just started on the Scotties.
[Joey] *pulling Andy's arm* If you go, I am going too. *looking at Nate, feeling his grasp on her tighten* Nate, I love you. You are the best brother ever. But this is mean. You can't do that to people. *looking at Andy* Go sit down a second, it will be okay.
[Nate] *shaking his head at Joey* Look sissy, you don't understand. You are so young, and innocent. I will always protect you. *rubbing her head and smiling at her* So did you have fun today? Did you get all your school work done and put in your bag? *seeing her nod* Good girl.
[Andy] *sitting in a chair listening to their exchange and muttering, loud enough for everyone to hear* Are you fucking kidding me?
[Lucas] The Scotties, that is perfect. What position are you playing? I couldn't pick a better team. They are a great bunch. *smiling at her* So you like sports? That's pretty awesome.
[Nate] Excuse me? I didn't understand you with all that barking you are doing. *smiling as Joey smacks him in the chest* Sorry, sorry! What is going on over there Andy?
[Andy] She's 18, not bloody 8. *shaking his head* When are you people going to accept that your sweet baby girl is all grown up? She's in college for the love of pete. She's ... *sighing* Whatever, you'll never see the woman I see.
[Carrie] *flashing Luke a stunning smile* Yes, I've always loved sports. I have five big brothers, and all of my friends are guys, so I play muggle and magical sports alike. On the team right now I'm an alternate, but I mainly play chaser.
[Lizzy] Andy, seriously, calm down. What has gotten into you.
[Nate] She will always be my baby sister. I don't care how old she is, I will always be older and protective. If you have a problem with that, well you don't have to date her. *holding her closer and taunting Andy*
[Sky] *putting her hand on Nate's shoulder seeing his irritation rising* Leave him be, he's just a sad pathetic excuse for a man, and hopefully Joey will see it before he hurts her. *to Joey with sad eyes* I'm sorry, but it's true.
[Lucas] You are probably going to play for Tyler, he went and got married. I am sure once Jonnie has the baby he will just give up on quidditch all together. He's had a good run. *smiling at her and trying hard not to look at Lizzy*
[Andy] *standing up* You think I don't know what it's like to protect a baby sister? You don't know anything about me, so you can just take your "baby sister" shit and shove it.
[Nate] *standing up and putting Joey in the chair, walking over to Andy, shoving him* Shove that. You don't know what she has been through. If you did you wouldn't even..
[Joey] *standing up and running between them* He knows! Nathan, he knows! And he loves me regardless.
[Nate] *breathing heavier* Why would you keep pursuing her when you are no better then those 2 men who hurt her? If you loved her, you would've walked away.
[Lucas] Oh, shit! *moving in front of Lizzy* If this gets ugly run out the door, take the Carrie and Sky with you.
[Andy] No better? No better than raping murdering fucking pedophiles? How dare you. *pulls back and punches Nate square in the mouth* I'm not the one who reminds her of it every time she tries to be a little independent. I love her for who she is, not who I want her to be, can you say the same?
[Joey] *looking at Nate who is holding his jaw and then at Andy* Oh my gosh! No, no, this is not good.
[Andy] *looking at her* I'm sorry Joey, but did you hear what he called me?
[Nate] It's fine Joey, just step back a minute. *pulling back his fist*
[Joey] *stepping in and taking Nate's punch and falling to the floor*
[Lucas] Nate! You hit her! Fuck man.
[Andy] *shoving Nate out of the way and sitting on the floor immediately, picking her up and checking her out* Lizzy, go get my first aid kit. *glaring at Nate*
[Lizzy] *running out of the room*
[Sky] Nate! What's wrong with you?
[Nate] *falling to the floor beside Joey and taking her hand* Joe, I am so sorry. Why did you have to protect him?
[Joey] *shaking her head and looking at Andy and then at Nate* I'm okay. I'm okay! *closing her eyes* No, I am not. I need to lay here for a minute. *patting Nate* I'm not mad at you.
[Nate] *kissing her hand and looking at Andy* I don't like you, not at all. But I guess I respect you a little. You are not them, but you are a dog. *sighing* I am sorry I said that to you. But she is still my little Joey, and if you don't understand that then I don't know what more to say. *looking up at Sky* I don't know. I just wanted to punch the shit out of him, but this kid here. Joey, sweetie, never step in between a fight!
[Joey] *trying to laugh* I think I get that. Thanks for the advice.
[Andy] *ignoring Nate* Are you alright, you want me to call Lizzy's grandma? She used to be a nurse. She could check you out. Make sure you didn't get a concussion when you fell or anything. *holding her close to him and kissing the already blossoming bruise on her forehead, when Lizzy comes back with his first aid kit, he opens it and takes out the tylenol, as well as a wipe to clean the spot where she was punched * Good, it didn't break the skin. Here, take two of these. *reaching up and finding that Lizzy had already brought a glass of water* They'll help your head. Are you ok? What were you thinking?
[Joey] *looking at Andy and then at Nate, smiling as Luke offers her a bag of baby peas from the freezer* Thanks Luke. *putting the bag on her head and wincing* I thought I didn't want you two to fight, so I just closed my eyes and went for it. I knew what I was doing, I braced for it. I am glad Nate hit me, cause if it was you he'd use that as another excuse to hate you.
[Andy] *angrily* Yeah, I can see how that would work. It's done wonders for how I feel about him.
[Nate] *shaking his head* Joey, I don't get your logic but you are right. *motioning for her to move closer to him* Look, I don't like that you are dating, I'd hate anyone you fell for. But, with him its different. He's got a reputation as a player. I can't let you get used. It's my job to protect you. I know he's changed, and I don't see women in and out of here. And I notice that. I am happy about that. What happens if you two sleep together. He will get bored and then you will be another victim in his game. *hugging her* I would rather that not happen.
[Joey] If my virginity is in question, I am telling all of you this now. I plan on keeping it. I will not give it to Andy, or anyone for that matter, until I am ready. I am NOT ready. So stop worrying about the what ifs Nate. Just trust me.
[Nate] *shaking his head and kissing her* I do trust you. I've always trusted you. It's the men I have a problem trusting.
[Lucas] *patting Nate on the back* But it's Joey, she will do what is right for her. She isn't ready to give up her innocence and we have to respect her for that. Besides, if he takes advantage of her I will hold him back and let you kick his ass. *smiling at Andy* I told you, he's changed. Give him a chance to earn your respect and stop kicking him down. You'll see.
[Lizzy] *standing behind Luke staring daggers at Nate* You'd be able to see a lot more if you didn't throw his past up to him every time you saw him. He's a good man. And he's right, you don't know the least little bit about his past except what you've heard from your girlfriend. Who is no wilting violet by the way. Or did you choose to think that she didn't participate in her actions with Andy willingly? And I'll tell you something, he wasn't her first, and he certainly wasn't her last.
[Sky] Hey, why are you bringing me into this?
[Lizzy] Because you're encouraging him! You know Andy, he was good and kind to you, and he didn't lie. He was certainly nicer than that guy you were seeing for so long. And more respectful too from what I saw in the halls.
[Andy] Lizzy, that's enough. Sky, I'm sorry, she's mad and she defends me. The fact is I fucked up in my past, and I know it, and I regret it every day. If I had known I would find this *looking down into Joey's eyes* amazing and beautiful woman, I would have waited. But I didn't, and I can't change that.
[Nate] *helping Joey up and then holding out his hand and helping Andy up* I just don't want her hurt, and if you can promise me that you won't hurt her I have to give you the space to keep your word. That is about all I can do. She wants to be with you and I want her happy.
[Joey] *smiling and looking at Andy with a grin*
[Andy] I can't promise you that, and no man with a brain could. I might hurt her, but I'll never do it intentionally. And I'll try my hardest not to do it unintentionally either. That's the best you're getting from me.
[Lucas] *putting his arm around Lizzy and nodding at Andy* It's okay, he's tough. They will work past this. Are you okay? Do you need to go for a walk or something?
[Nate] All I can do is sit back and wait to fix any problems she brings to me. You have to understand the years of hell I went through with her. I sometimes wonder how she turned out so perfect, with that in her past. But she still sees the good in everyone, she trusts, and she loves so freely. She has always been my priority, I am sorry I have been a prick. Can we just wipe the slate clean and start fresh? You can hate me for what I said, I deserve that. But I need to let you prove to me you will do good by her. I will step back and give you two space.
[Joey] *giving Nate a hug* Thank you for that. Now can I go hug my boyfriend without a nasty comment? *seeing Nate nod she hugs him again and runs to Andy hugging him and smiling at him as she kisses him*
[Lizzy] *hugging Andy, and then Joey and then standing back next to Luke smiling a bit when he puts his arm around her again* Yeah, I suppose. I don't think I want to be up here anymore anyway. *flashing another look at Nate, even as he apologizes to Andy* I'll see you back downstairs. *turning with Luke toward the door*
[Carrie] You're going for a walk? Can I come? I think they need some privacy, and I should probably get going anyway. *pulling her hair out of the ponytail and shaking it so it falls perfectly over her shoulders* And then we can all get to know one another.
[Lizzy] *staring at Carrie and then looking at Luke helplessly*
[Lucas] *looking from Lizzy to Carrie and seeing Joey look at him with pleading eyes* I think they do need privacy. Maybe we can walk you home and then by the time we get back things here will calm down enough that we can all hang out. If not we can always watch movies in Lizzy's room.
[Andy] *hugging Joey back and kissing her gently* Look Blondie, he's not the first guy to want to punch me, he probably won't be the last, don't make a habit of jumping in the way. I'm a big guy, I can handle it. *kissing her again* I don't want to ever be the reason you get hurt again. *moving her hair away from the bruise and sighing before looking at Nate* I know what it's like, kid sisters I mean. I know that protective urge. I can't really blame you that much, I guess. *reaching out a hand to shake*
[Lizzy] *beaming* Sounds like a plan. Come on Carrie, we'll get you home. *holding out her hand for Carrie's* Bye guys!
[Joey] *running to hug Carrie* Thank you for coming over, I am sure we will never see you again since my family probably scared you. I swear its not like this all the time. *hugging Lizzy* Sorry Nate is such a jerk, but I think somewhere in the big brother handbook I think there is something about this kind of stuff. *hugging Luke* Be careful, watch out for the girls okay.
[Nate] *shaking his hand* But, Lizzy and Joey are different. Not that you are wrong for protecting her, it's just different. Joey is my sister.
[Andy] Guess you don't know as much about me as you think you do then huh? I wasn't talking about Lizzy.
[Nate] *looking at him* You have a sister?
[Andy] *closing his eyes for a moment and then opening them back up, rage and sorrow warring in his expression* Had.
[Nate] I'm sorry. I had no idea. *looking at Sky, helpless*
[Sky] Sister? You never mentioned a sister to me. Oh Andy I'm sorry, I've been just awful to you. *wrapping her arm around Nate's waist* We've both been. *looking down* I'm sorry you lost your sister.
[Andy] It was a long time ago. *turning back to Joey* Want me to make you lot dinner? You've got some good stuff in that fridge, and cooking will make me feel better right now.
[Joey] *closing the door behind Luke* I think you need to tell Nate the truth. All this keeping secrets and half truths lead to today. Maybe he will understand you better. *looking at Nate* I think we all need to work this out because getting hit sucks. I don't want either of you to do that again, unless you are working together to hit someone bad.
[Andy] *looking at Joey and taking her hand as she joins him, walking back to the couch and sitting down, with her climbing naturally onto his lap, He starts playing with her hair as Nate and Sky come and sit down too* Fine, for you Blondie, I'll tell him. *looking at Nate and Sky* I had a sister. She had cystic fibrosis and spent most of her life in the hospital. She was an amazing girl, so happy and full of joy and hope, even though she knew she probably wouldn't live past fifteen. Her sickness tore our parents apart, dad disappeared and mom hid in a bottle. I took care of her. I raised her. I stayed with her for weeks at a time sometimes in the hospital. I loved her more than I've ever loved anything *looking at Joey and smiling* Until you. *back to Nate and Sky he says* She died several years ago. I haven't seen either of my parents since then. She was the light of my world, and with her gone I had nothing. I've found my way, I've got the beginnings of a great career, I have friends, but I had nothing to really deeply care about. So I messed around. I played with women because I liked making them feel like princesses, even if I knew it would just be for a little while. I stopped calling because I didn't want them to think there were chances of a real relationship, which I wasn't capable of. I slept with them because I'm a 23 year old guy, and I could. I didn't deceive or harm any of them, and I always used protection. *to Nate* Now, you know me. Feel free to pass your judgments.
[Nate] I am sorry you lost your sister. I can't imagine losing Jonnie or Joey, ever. But, how do I know you are capable of a relationship? Because, that is what I am worried about now. Joey is innocent and she really is made of perfection and goodness. I worry about her, boys will come and go, I know that I need to accept it. But, I am in a constant state of worry. Maybe because I know what you did with Sky. You left her when you were done with her. That's not exactly a good thing.
[Joey] He loves me Nate. He never loved anyone else. *looking at Sky and feeling bad*
[Sky] *holding Nate's hand, wiping her tears with her other hand* Nate, he never told me it was going to be anything more than what it was. I was just mad because he was so good to me on the nights we were together. I had hopes that I would be the girl that reigned him in. I wasn't, but I really think she is. I can see how different he is with her. He's not playing the nice guy, he really does care.
[Andy] You can't know that I'm ready. But I know, and so does Joey. In the end man, in the end that's all that matters.
[Nate] *rubbing Sky's back and looking at Andy, giving him a nod* You are right. In the end all that matters is that she is happy. You make her happy. So I give you my support, and respect.
[Joey] *smiling and hugging Andy* That is the best news I've heard all day!  *leaning in and kissing him, opening her eyes and seeing Nate and Sky kissing as well. smiling as she sighs and knows this is what happiness truly feels like*