Something More

A/N: I can’t believe I took so long to update. You’ll forgive me, though. Won’t you? Thanks to Sione—both for reviewing AND for creating something new for us to read (and thank you for reviewing, too, VeryNaughtyOttsel). Thanks mostly to Robin for continuously pushing me to work on this. On with the fic!

Disclaimer: Jak and Daxter are the property of Naughty Dog, Inc. I’m borrowing them. I wonder why I always include this even though it’s right there on top, already.

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//What time is it?// Jak wondered to himself.

The racer felt as though he were stuck in this moment for some inordinate amount of time, a period he couldn’t even begin to determine. The hours seemed to crawl by as if they had decided that tonight was the night they’d finally slow down and enjoy themselves. Instead of slipping into an exhaustion-induced coma, Jak found himself suspended in time, and rather than pondering the consequences of tomorrow’s actions, the hero found himself thinking about his recent past. //Daxter.//

It always came down to this… to *him*. //Things seem to have changed… Now that we’ve come to this strange city.// Jak rubbed his eyes. As he lay there in the dark, he found himself staring at his best friend, whose sleeping form was little more than a soft shadow, but an easily distinguishable one, all the same.

The longer he thought, the more Jak came to wonder whether something wonderful had begun to bloom. Now that he had given himself a chance to calm down, everything that happened in the shower had started to seem more… *natural,* than strange. But what about *him?*

//Dax…// Jak groaned inwardly with mounting frustration. He was tired of being left in the dark, always wondering… The hero couldn’t help but hope that maybe he wasn’t the only one going mad over the state of his sexual desires.

//Dax really has been…* touching* me a whole lot more lately. I wouldn’t get so… excited… if it weren’t for the fact that he’s so comfortable with close contact all the time.// The racer sighed.

//I mean… Maybe it’s all in my head, but, he definitely… stroked me… during the race.// Jak blushed at the recollection.

//At first I thought he was just scared, but it doesn’t take an idiot to notice a pattern. It only happened at that one part of the track—that huge jump… By the third time around, I was actually expecting it.// He closed his eyes.

The racer was curious. He had finally overcome the initial fear that had driven him away from exploring his feelings—both physical and emotional—for his best friend and partner in crime. //And the way he just kept looking at me in the shower… Precursors, I was already so hard. His unblinking stare felt way more intense than any actual contact we’ve shared throughout our lives together.// Jak shook his head. It seemed wrong to nurture curiosities of *this* nature.

//It did feel good, though… No—it felt *great.*// The room started to feel a little warm. In a fit of boldness, Jak reached down and confirmed the existence of the rather obtrusive bulge in his pants. Despite the fact that Daxter lay asleep merely two feet away, and that all he had to do was open his little ottsel eyes to know exactly what was going on, the racer began touching himself. He could only hope that his best friend would never find out about this, or that Daxter would forgive him in the event that he did.

//But what does Dax feel?// Jak thought. //I mean, I know he had a little trouble dealing with the news about Tess… Could that be why he’s been paying more attention to me lately? Maybe he—//“Unhh…” Jak groaned softly.

// Maybe he’s lonely, and it’s making him all touchy-feely with me.// Jak frowned at that thought, and turned his head in toward his pillow, mostly in an effort to stifle the little cries that always seemed to escape. // I don’t know what to think, anymore.// Jak admitted to himself.

And then time seemed to start moving again. Jak found himself feeling as though he had just awakened from a pleasant afternoon nap. It seemed like several hours had passed.

//What time is it?// Jak thought. Light was shining in through the window behind him, but the sun hadn’t risen all the way.

//I don’t remember falling asleep…// He thought about what he had been doing.

//Ah, right… Did I…?// Jak’s thoughts were interrupted by a familiar voice.

“Did ya finish gettin’ yerself off?” //Woah—Dax?!// Jak leaned forward and scanned the room for any trace of his furry best friend. He heard footsteps coming from the bathroom.

“Uh… *Ahem*” Jak coughed nervously. He laid on his back and began fidgeting, rubbing his feet against one another. By the sounds of it, the ottsel had been brushing his teeth.

“What?” The racer called out, feigning ignorance in the feeble hope that it would work. Dax left the bathroom to facilitate their conversation, and what Jak saw nearly made his eyes fall out of his head.

//A hu-human?! D-D-Dax… When? WHEN did THIS happen ?!// Jak swallowed his words and simply stared, wide-eyed and in shock. It was then that he realized that his very human best friend was… *very naked.*

Daxter simply stood there with a hand on his hip and a toothbrush hanging out of his mouth. “Are you CRAZY?! I woke up because I heard ya say my name, and it turned out that you were lovin’ yourself so hard that ya forgot to keep yer mouth shut.” Dax cast him a look of exasperation.

“Wait, WHAT?” Jak nearly shouted in disbelief.

“I-I did—I did *that?!*” The racer seemed to have lost his mind. Dax heard him mumble “Fuck!” along with several other obscenities, and couldn’t help but smile.

“You… really don’t remember, do ya, Jak?” Dax sighed.

“Well, you *did* seem really out of it… Chalk it up to overexcitement and sleeplessness. When you realized that I had caught you—which wasn’t really that difficult, seein’ as how you did it in the middle of our bed and I was sleepin’ right next to ya—you panicked and tried to leave or somethin’. You seemed terrified of me.” The redhead walked over to Jak and sat down on the edge of the bed. He ran his fingers through the racer’s hair and went on.

“An’ anyway, I thought ‘this is exactly what I’ve been waitin’ for,’ so I wrapped my arms around yer neck and… We, um…” It was Daxter’s turn to blush.

“What?” Jak asked, a little calmer this time.

“We kissed. You really don’t remember any of this? It was just a few minutes ago—I mean, I know you’re weird, but for precursors’ sakes, ya really forgot?” His voice was laced with disappointment.

“Well anyway, we kept, ya know, kissin’, and then you laughed and told me I have morning breath.” The redhead explained. Jak giggled.

“Hey!” Daxter reached around Jak’s sides and prepared to tickle him, but Jak grabbed him and rolled the skinny redhead onto the bed and under his clutches. The racer was about to unleash his famous tickle attack when he realized that his best friend lay flushed beneath him, stark naked and with a toothbrush in his mouth. Jak relented and backed off like Daxter was made of dark eco.

“Lemme go spit this out.” Dax said. Jak nodded silently. As he pondered the situation a bit more, he wondered what was going to happen when Daxter finished brushing his teeth. Was his best friend planning to resume activities that he himself couldn’t remember engaging in? The racer felt his face grow hot as he tried to ignore the familiar ache in his groin.

Jak heard his friend close the water valve for the last time before Dax sauntered back out into the main living quarters. Jak simply laid there, tense, clothed, and with his eyes snapped shut out of pure trepidation. Apparently, this spoke to the animal in Daxter, as he crawled onto the bed bearing a predatorial grin.

By the time Dax had begun his descent unto Mt. Jak, the racer had already forgotten the cause of his anxiety… And then the tickling started.

Orange Lightning’s “down-the-shirt and under-the-arms” attack was one of the most effective tickling strategies that Jak had ever experienced, but this was unreal. Perhaps it was the element of surprise that left him so astonished and unready, not that the racer hadn’t anticipated the maneuver, but that it had been years since a humanoid lifeform had been able to dominate him in this manner. It brought back old memories of long-forgotten tickle fights on the shores of Sentinel Beach around midnight, when the fun and games ended with two best friends gazing at the stars through wide, curious eyes.

And then something changed. As quickly as the onslaught of tickling commenced, the giggles and gasps for air took over until the room became silent once again. It was the sound of his now-steady breath that first alerted Jak to his best friend’s proximity. Breathing quickly became kissing and steady quickly became tremulous as Daxter raised the racer’s shirt to caress the man’s sides and suckle lightly on the sensitive skin around his bellybutton. Jak found himself, once again, at a loss for words as these new sensations wracked his brain and forced his body writhe and mewl at the pleasure of it.

“Why so quiet?” Dax peeked up to ask. The hero simply blushed and shrugged his shoulders. Dax decided to take that as a challenge, so he grinned widely and then grabbed hold of Jak’s manhood, which had been supporting a small tent in his boxers.

“Nnnh, Dax!” Jak hissed as he bolted upright and began panting.

“Ha-haa! Not so quiet anymore, hmm?” Dax reveled in this newfound control.

The redhead leaned forward and crashed his mouth against the racer’s. He was buck naked and standing on his knees, and as he snaked his arms around Jak’s neck, his friend gasped. Jak was seeing what he had only ever dreamed of. Daxter’s fully erect and aching-for-attention member stood only inches away from his own.

“//Precursors…//” Jak thought aloud. His groin twitched at the realization.

“What?” Dax questioned.

Jak didn’t know what to say, but he found himself laughing as he lunged forward between his friend’s legs and began wiggling out of his blue-and-gray plaid underwear. The racer began kissing the redhead so fiercely that he had to make a conscious effort not to mash their teeth together.

“Mnh, Daxter—“ Jak started in the middle of a kiss.

“Nnh… Yeah, Jak?” The redhead used the opening to duck down below his friend’s neck, and he began removing Jak’s white undershirt by dragging it upward with his teeth. Then his right arm slithered between them and Dax found himself stroking the underside of Jak’s shaft.

“F-fuck…” Jak moaned breathily.

“W-what I wanted to say was—“ Jak closed his eyes and inhaled sharply as his friend’s stroking turned into pumping and the redhead’s teeth came a little too close to his left nipple.

“Ungh...” The racer groaned. He couldn’t help but buck into his friend’s grasp.

“Have I t-told you that I—“ Jak stopped for a moment to hoist his shirt over his face.

The racer looked directly down into Daxter’s eyes and smiled. Then he dove forward into the redhead’s neck and whispered into his ear, “Have I told you that I love you lately?”

He never heard his friend’s response.

Jak awoke so suddenly that he sat up where he lay. His heart rate had quickened, he was breathing heavily, and his hands were searching frantically for any sign of Daxter. The racer’s breath hitched as he located the warm furball. Orange Lightning was situated fast asleep and between the hero’s legs, but that wasn’t the only thing in his lap…

//Ahh! NO!// Jak thought, and he gingerly placed the ottsel on the pillow that lay opposite his own.

//It’s fine. He’s still asleep.// Jak reminded himself. He felt as though he were constantly humiliating himself. The racer decided to stretch his legs a little.

//What’s WRONG with me lately?// The green-blonde wondered. He found himself standing before the bathroom mirror with no recollection of his walk from the bedroom.

//I must be REALLY out of it.// Jak thought. Staring into the eyes of his reflection, he whispered to himself.

“What am I going to do?” The racer sighed. He grasped both sides of the porcelain sink and bowed his head. He needed to concentrate, to remember his dream.

//Heh… It felt so real. I don’t even need to try. I won’t be forgetting THAT trip anytime soon…// Jak flinched as if in pain.

//I think I meant what I said. Ugh, no. I KNOW I did. There’s no question...// After a few seconds of sulking, he chuckled darkly.

//I should have seen this coming.// Jak mused.

Once again, the hero looked himself directly in the eyes. “Dax,” he murmured.

“I think I’m in love with you.”

// - // - // - // - // - // - // - //

“Daaaax, wake up! Rise and shine, little guy.” Jak bellowed. A pair of tiny pants landed squarely on top of the ottsel’s head.

“Hrm?” Dax mumbled sheepishly. He rolled over onto his stomach and landed on top of his clothes.

“What’s goin’ on?” The ottsel spoke through a yawn. He rubbed his eyes before glancing at the alarm clock.

“Jak… It’s only 8 o’clock. Take your clothes off and get back in bed.” Dax grumbled.

The racer stared in shock. //Did he just say what I think he just said?// Jak wondered.

“Okay, let me re-it-erate.” Orange Lightning stood up to better deliver his message.

“It. Is. Too damn EARLY for you to be pullin’ this kind of crap!” The ottsel was breathing wildly as he pointed an accusatory finger at the man before him.

“Well, my furry little friend,” the hero placed an emphasis on the “furry” part when he ruffled the hair on the top of Daxter’s head.

“In anticipation of your…*rude awakening*, I made you this.” With that, the racer revealed the cup of coffee he had so expertly concealed behind his back, and the ottsel became putty in his hands.

“I love you, you know that?” Dax whispered and cooed to the mug of warm liquid. He had almost forgotten that only moments ago, he had found himself sound asleep, happily reliving an old memory in a dream. *Almost.*

“Hey, Jaaak—now that I’ve been…*appeased*, for what reason have you interrupted my oh-so-eventful dreams?” The ottsel cracked a smile before taking another sip of his treasured coffee.

“Dreams.” Jak muttered to himself as he gazed at the wall. //Looking at him now, it all seems so surreal.//

“HELL-O! Earth ta Jak!” Dax shouted. He was waving his hands in front of the racer’s face.

“Oh—ah, sorry Dax. What, um—what were your dreams about?” The hero asked. As distracted as he sounded, Jak really was curious to know what went on inside his best friend’s head.

“Tess.” The ottsel beamed proudly.

“I was relivin’ the time she hugged me so tightly that I almost suffocated in her rack! Hehehe, not a bad way to go, if I do say so myself.” Jak slumped his shoulders and took a seat on the chair next to their bed.

//Woah, what’s with HIM? He was like a bouncy cheerleader a few minutes ago.// Dax noticed.

“Hey, uh—Jak… Did *you* have any dreams last night?” The ottsel asked.

//Maybe if I engage him in conversation, he’ll perk right up.//

“No.” The racer lied.

//Maybe not…//

“Anyway, Dax, we have another race today. You wanted to know why I woke you up early?” Changing the subject seemed like the best idea.

“Already?!” Dax whined. “But I haven’t even started making the repairs!”

“Actually, Keira called earlier—that’s how I woke up, and she said she’s already working on it.” Jak explained.

Daxter nodded his head in recognition and downed the rest of his drink. “What else do we have ta do before the race?” The ottsel questioned.

“Why, I’m glad you asked.” The racer said. “While *you* help Keira finish those repairs, *I* am going to study the new track about ten times harder than I did last time.”

“What’re you talkin’ about, Jak? You did GREAT on the last run!” Dax reminded him.

“Yeah, I thought so, too, but it turns out that I was really unprepared for that big *jump.* You know the one I’m talking about?” Jak flashed a mischievous grin. If Daxter COULD blush, he would.

//Caught red-handed, eh?// Orange Lightning chuckled to himself.

//Oh well, it was totally worth it!// Dax decided. Then he lifted his empty cup toward Jak and made a pouty face. His friend got the message.

“Not until you get dressed and come sit at the table. I’m making breakfast, and once you’re finished eating, we’re outta here.” Jak smiled and retreated to their hotel room kitchenette.

“Oh, and Dax?” Jak called from across the room.

“Yeah, buddy?”

“Pancakes, or French toast?” The racer asked.

“How about pancakes *and* French toast?” Dax answered a question with a question.

“Hahaha, alright, have it your way. You better be getting ready, though!” Jak started cooking, Dax made himself decent for the outside world, and so began another long day.

// - // - // - // - // - // - // - //

“Tessy, *baby,* long-time no-see.” The ottsel chirped happily over the communicator. They were in a car on the way to the garage and Daxter was catching up with an old friend.

“Hi, Daxxie. I’m a little busy right now!” Jak snorted at her response.

//Too busy? Figures. They haven’t talked in days and this is her reaction? And what’s with Daxter? Isn’t he still upset at her? What was with that dream he said he had?// Jak scowled.

“Well, I guess I could get somebody to cover my shift for a few days—but I’d have to pay them extra for their trouble! We can’t just close the place down every time you wanna play in another city, ya know.” She smiled into the comm.

Wondering what he had missed, Jak nudged the ottsel on the shoulder and mouthed the words, “What’s going on?”

Dax lowered the phone and shielded the receiver with his free hand before whispering, “I invited Tess to the next couple of races—there’s plenty of room for her to stay in the garage.” The racer would have had to feign choking to mask the oncoming growls. Daxter just took a sidelong glance at his friend and sighed.

//Damn, Jak. The way he’s grippin’ that wheel, it’s bound to implode. Is he… GROWLING? And I thought *I* was the animal! I’ll have ta ask him about it lat—//

“Sweetie, are you listening to me?” Tess must have propped her communicator on a dresser or table because both of her hands were on her hips.

“Oh, ah, yeah hon’. What’s up? You gonna start packin’ or what?” Dax asked.

“How romantic.” She said flatly. “Are you sure you really want me to head over there? What about Jak, is it okay with him?” Dax turned to face his driver and best friend.

Jak’s response was to mouth the word “NO” as dramatically as he could muster. Dax turned the communicator to face him as well, and the racer was all but cornered.

“Hi Tess.” Jak spoke through gritted teeth and a fake smile.

“Hey Jak! Daxxie invited me to come watch the next couple of races. Are ya sure I won’t get in the way or anything?” Before Jak could open his mouth in response, the ottsel reconquered the comm and commandeered the conversation.

“Of COURSE you won’t be in the way, Tessykins! Besides, you’re our resident munitions expert. There are some really hard gangs out in these parts. I almost got killed on my first night!”

“Alright, Dax, you got me convinced. Lemme just make a few calls and I’ll be on the next transport outta here. See you tonight, then!” She blew a little kiss before the communicator went black.

Dax turned to his sulking friend.

“So, uh, *jealous* much?” The ottsel laughed.

“What is that supposed to mean?” Jak spoke gruffly.

“Only that you haven’t stopped brooding for ten seconds since I got on the phone with Tess! Really, what is WITH you?” Dax retaliated.

“She seemed a lot friendlier than the last time you talked. Did something happen?” The hero had finally started to relax.

“No, we haven’t talked. She’s just like that, I guess. Heh…” The ottsel leaned into the car door.

Jak eventually gathered the courage to speak his mind. “Listen, Dax. Isn’t this the same thing that caused your misunderstanding in the first place?”

Dax sighed. “I wonder if she’s capable of talking without flirting.”

They sat in silence for a while.

“Jak?” Dax piped up.

“Hmm.” The racer kept his eyes on the road.

“Heh, well… What I mean to say is, you don’t have ta worry about me. I’m way over Tess, ya hear?” And then he added, in the tiniest of voices, “Besides. I like someone else now.”

Jaks eyes grew to twice their size and Daxter’s face grew hot. Neither of them dared look at one another, and neither man knew what REALLY had his counterpart so unsettled.

Jak coughed to clear his throat, and changed the subject to clear his mind.

// - // - // - // - // - // - // - //

“Hey guys, how’s it hangin’?” Keira’s oil-stained dimples smiled at them from the floor. She had rolled out from beneath their car to say hello.

“Not bad.” Jak lied. There was no point in ruining anyone else’s mood.

“How’s the car?” Dax chimed in. As upset as he just was, the mechanic in him was still a little curious.

“I’m finishing her up right now.” Keira beamed. She was proud of her work.

“I gotta say, though—you sure do have impeccable timing.” Her smile grew into a sideways grin.

“Got here *just in time* to see me *finish* the work, so there’s nothing left to help with, eh?” The young tomboy winked in Jak’s direction and threw a towel over her shoulder.

With no real excuse for their tardiness, Jak opted to remain silent. Daxter noticed, so he asked, “If yer all done, does that mean we can take ‘er for a test drive? After I conduct a *thorough inspection,* of course.” Dax folded his arms across his chest and grinned.

Keira had already opened her mouth to respond when someone interrupted. “Actually, no.”

Jak, Daxter, and Keira each groaned inwardly. //Not HIM!//

“Today we’re hosting the tournament’s only team-building exercise up until the start of this afternoon’s race! It’ll help you… get to *know* your enemies.” Explained the obnoxious announcer.

“Excuse me, Mr. Blitz. Pardon the intrusion, but our arena contract and lease clearly state that each team be allowed complete privacy in their own garages. Doesn’t this leave us open to…*sabotage?* As this team’s sponsor, I must object.” Rayne had come to their rescue.

“And, Ms. *Krew,* you have conveniently ignored the statements appending the bottom of both your arena contract and lease entitling the tournament council some discretion when it comes to bending the rules. We assure you, any sabotage will meet *harsh* repercussions. Additionally, you *are* permitted to secure your vehicles prior to receiving any…*guests.*” The Blitzman’s lawyers obviously briefed him on this one.

“Besides,” the portly monkaw had to add, “there’s nothing wrong with making a few friends!”

“Pecker, I thought we agreed that *I* do the talking, hmm?” G.T. hissed under his breath.

“Fine. When do we begin?” Rayne asked. Dax couldn’t help but admire how she always remained so businesslike.

“Have your garage doors unlocked and opened by 11 o’ clock.” The announcer leered wickedly.

As the obnoxious man with questionably shiny blonde hair approached the exit, Pecker turned on his shoulder and called out to them. “Don’t worry, guys! How bad could it be?” And with that, they were gone.

Rayne began relocating their maps and tactical data, and Jak turned to face Keira once again. “So, I guess Daxter’s inspection will have to be good enough, then.”

“Let’s just hope we don’t explode as soon as the engine ignites!” The ottsel remarked.

Keira rolled her eyes. “If there’s nothing else, I’ve got a shower to take.”

Jak had begun to turn around when he felt Daxter’s nails fall gently against his scalp. “Keira! Actually, I forgot to mention… You’ve been staying here at the garage, right?” Orange Lightning began.

“Yeah, it’s the only way I can start repairs early enough and still get some sleep, why?” She replied.

“Mind bunking with Tess fer a few days? She’ll be here this afternoon.” The ottsel asked.

Keira smiled at the thought. “It’s been over a week since we’ve hung out.”

Rayne’s interest piqued upon hearing the news. “Did you say Tess is coming? Oh my, I’ll have to call! She was my best friend as a little girl and I haven’t seen her in *ages!*” The blue-haired woman was positively glowing.

Jak raised an eyebrow at that. //Who would’ve guessed? At least Tess will have someone else to pay attention to, and Dax won’t have to beat himself up so much.//

Daxter, on the other hand, looked like a kid in a candy store. He was currently drooling over images of Keira and Rayne fighting over Tess with pillows, *in their underwear.*

“So it’s okay with you, Keira?” Dax questioned.

“Yeah, my bed is too big for me, anyway.” Keira laughed.

“Nonsense! My bed is even BIGGER. Have you ever seen an empress-sized mattress? My suite is directly upstairs, so why don’t BOTH of you stay with me?” Rayne looked like a *fat* kid in a candy store.

Keira flashed them her biggest grin yet and simply nodded in agreement.

Rayne beckoned for the cute mechanic to follow her upstairs. “Come on, take a bath in my Jacuzzi! The boys and I will move your bags so you’ll have something to change into once you’ve finished.”

The ottsel barely overheard the rest of their conversation as they walked down the hall.

“Wow, Rayne! This is really nice of you. I was *wondering* why you always seemed to pop in and out so frequently! I just figured it was because you own the team or something.”

In the meantime, Jak headed into Keira’s old room. “Hey, Dax, looks like we can stay here if we ever need to.”

“And bunk with Samos? I don’t think so! Where is that old geezer, anyway?” The ottsel remarked.

“That OLD GEEZER you were just talking about is RIGHT HERE, boys! Why, don’t you have any respect for your elders? For precursors’ sakes, who *raised* you like that?” Their friend’s dad exited the bedroom adjacent to Keira’s.

“Who raised us like that, Jak?” The hero shrugged. Daxter went on. “Oh, wait. Now that I think of it—it was YOU, old man!”

Jak bit back a snicker and Samos fumed. “WHAT? Why, I NEVER!”

“Relax, Samos. Daxter’s just being himself. You know he doesn’t mean anything by it.” Jak successfully mediated the feud.

“At any rate, you boys are NOT welcome to stay in this apartment. That bed is for my little princess, and I sleep in the other room. Hmph!” The short man with the tall shoes looked awfully smug.

“Oh, didn’t you hear? Tess is comin’ over and Rayne invited Keira an’ her to sleep in *her* bed. Throw Ashelin into the bunch and that’s a picture *I’d* like ta see.” Orange Lightning winked candidly, and then Jak shielded him from the brunt of Samos’s staff.

“WAHH! It was only a joke, fer cryin’ out loud!” Dax cowered behind Jak’s ear.

“Hmm, so my darling will be sleeping with Ms. Rayne from now on.” Said Samos.

“That’s actually why *we’re* here—to transfer her stuff.” Jak added.

“Well, you two don’t have to worry about it. *I’ll* take it personally. I should talk to her, after all… Besides, I don’t need that RAT sifting through her belongings!” He raised his voice.

“And you’re STILL not allowed to sleep here! Now that Keira’s gone, I can multiply my experiments in that room and sleep in her old bed. Now get out! Out!” The boys’ surrogate father shooed them out of his two-bedroom suite.

“That’s fine!” Daxter recoiled. “I like my privacy, anyway!” He shook his tiny ottsel fist at the back of Samos’s door.

Jak laughed. “You like your privacy? Daxter, we’ve been sleeping in the same bed for as long as I can remember. Hell, since even *before* you went ottsel.”

Orange Lightning smiled at that, and in a quieter voice, he added, “Since even before you learned to talk.” They both had a good laugh.

“Now,” Jak said, “I figure we’ve got about an hour and a half before those doors open. Let’s clean up the rest of our maps and strategy guides—even the ones on those napkins, and then we’ll ask Rayne about the cars.”

// - // - // - // - // - // - // - //

It took about an hour to “secure their vehicles,” about forty minutes of which consisted of Jak babysitting Daxter so that he didn’t barge in on Keira’s bath. When Torn and Ashelin arrived, they helped push each of their cars to a remote area of the vast garage and erected a force field to protect them. Jak took the opportunity to relax.

“C’mon, Dax, give it up. Keira’s not gonna let you scrub her back, ya dork.” Jak had a sneaking suspicion that Keira might be the new object of his best friend’s affection. While that made him a little sad, he knew in his heart that Daxter could do worse.

“Let’s go explore! All I’ve seen is Keira’s old room and that fancy bathroom down the hall! We didn’t even *know* that Rayne was living here… Actually, if Rayne’s here, too, how come we’re livin’ offsite at that fancy hotel?” The ottsel wondered aloud.

//Because it’s safer. I told her that I wouldn’t do ANYTHING unless she could guarantee your safety.// “I dunno.” Jak lied. Unfortunately, lying seemed to be part of the day’s motif.

“Well I guess Ashelin and Torn are living outside of the garage, too. Probably so they don’t interrupt anyone’s sleep with all the *love* they’re makin’.” Dax commented.

Jak smiled. //I wish that was why WE had our own place.//

“ONWARD!” Dax declared in a badly-masked “deep” voice. He was pointing down the dark hallway.

After passing the fancy bathroom, they came upon a large coat closet. Beyond that, there was one more room and a winding staircase leading up at the end of the passageway.

//Man, Samos must’ve had LOTS of fun carrying those bags up THAT.// Jak thought.

Before he knew it, the racer had opened the last door and forgotten to look inside. Daxter’s reaction was enough to bring him back to the present, however, and he started with a long whistle. “WOW. Jak, look! Flick that light on. This room is HUGE! There’s like a whole gym in here. And look—a POOL! JAK! This is great!” The ottsel had crawled on top of Jak’s head and inadvertently dug all of his claws into the racer’s scalp.

Before Jak could peel his best friend away from his hair, Orange Lightning leaped forward and started to unbuckle his little belt. “Oooh, Jak! Please, please, please, PLEASE, PLEEEEASE say we can go swimming! We have a little time before those goons show up, come on!” The ottsel pleaded.

“Daxter, they’re going to be here in less than twenty minutes, so the answer is ‘NO.’” Jak knew he wouldn’t hear the end of this.

Daxter was about to break out the puppy eyes when Jak started up again. “However, I know you miss swimming and we haven’t done it in a long time, *so* I’ll bring you back the next chance we get, okay? Also, I’m sure our hotel has a pool, as well. We can probably go tonight if you want.”

That seemed to assuage Daxter’s disappointment for the time being. “Alriiiight.” The ottsel re-buckled his pants and resumed his position on Jak’s shoulder. They turned out the lights and left the room quietly.

On their way back through the dark corridor, they bumped into somebody. “Oof, sorry!” It was Rayne.

“Hey, guys.” And by the sound of it, Keira.

“Listen babe, you really oughta see about installing some lights down here.” The ottsel remarked.

“Did he just call me ‘babe’? How crude! You’re lucky Father isn’t still around. Hehe.” Rayne giggled. It was nice to know that *someone* still saw her as a woman.

“Hey, Rayne?” Jak asked.

“What do you need?” She responded.

“Oh, I was just wondering—what’s that gym for? And the pool? Daxter and I might wanna go for a swim sometime.” Jak wondered.

“Ah, yes—of course! The gym and pool are largely for training purposes. My guards use them to work out, but I believe the original intent—regarding the pool, at least, was to provide physical therapy for badly-injured racers.” Rayne explained.

“Anyway, you two are welcome to use it at any time—although you may find more privacy and nicer accommodations at the pool and sauna in your hotel. Whatever you like, it’s up to you.” She added.

//Again with privacy. What is she implying?// Jak thought.

When the four of them made it into the light, Jak’s breath hitched, and Daxter’s jaw all but fell through the cement flooring.

“DAMN, girl!” Ashelin was the first person to speak. Jak could feel his friend’s heart rate skyrocket against the side of his head.

Rayne must have lent Keira some clothing for the afternoon. Their lifelong friend had rescinded her tank top, suspenders, and boots for a beautiful yellow sundress that featured a modest halter top and came down to the middle of her thighs. She looked cute to say the least. She also wore a pair of silver dangling earrings and an adorable straw sunhat.

“Daxter, will you be alright helping Torn and Ashelin with any last repairs? Keira doesn’t want to get all dirty once again.” Rayne requested.

“Sure thing.” The ottsel paused as if he were thinking of what to say next. Sure enough, he added, “Keira—“ but was cut-off by his friend.

“You look *really* pretty.” The racer finished.

“Thanks, guys.” Keira was all smiles, and now she was blushing. “I wonder what Daddy will say.”

Jak walked away while Torn and Ashelin moved in to talk to the girls. He found the furthest chair and sat down.

“What was that about?” Dax whispered. He sounded a little annoyed.

“I-I dunno, I just got scared for some reason.” Jak responded in an equally unobtrusive tone of voice.

“Scared of what?” The ottsel was confused. //Oh, wait. OH! DUH, Jak likes Keira, but he doesn’t feel right flirting with her because of that promise he made me not to date anyone until I get back in the game.//

“Don’t worry about it, big guy. I understand.” Dax said.

“You DO?” Jak questioned. “I’m not sure I even understand it myself.”

“You obviously have the hots fer Keira, ya big idiot.” Dax sounded a little disappointed.

“Oh, ho, ho—*NO,* Daxter. I definitely don’t care about Keira like *that.*” She didn’t even turn him on. //You’re thinking about yourself, Dax.// After that, Jak didn’t feel like talking for a long while.

Looking at his best friend, Daxter was trying to understand what was going through his mind. If he wasn’t in love with Keira, then why did Jak try to keep him from finishing his sentence?

//I wonder what IS wrong with ol’ Jakky-boy these days. First he got all worried about my dreams this morning, and then he brought up that prank I pulled on him yesterday afternoon. Yeesh, talk about holding a grudge! For precursors’ sake, I didn’t even expect him to really notice, let alone react that strongly. He must pay more attention to me than I realized. He was probably worried about my safet—AH, that’s it, isn’t it? My little stunt put us in danger. I should’ve known. I’ll have to apologize to him later; I won’t make that mistake twice… and especially not three times in a row! Hahaha, that WAS a riot, wasn’t it? He should’ve seen his face, man, I tell ya. But really, I wonder what’s got him so serious lately.//

The ottsel was so lost in thought that he didn’t notice the representative from Mizo’s team introduce himself to the others.

//He seemed annoyed that I said I dreamt of that time I choked between Tess’s boobs, but what was I gonna say? That I dreamt I was human again? That I have almost every night since the first time? That “you had your thing in my mouth, and… I liked it”? Trust me, we’re all happier pretending to asphyxiate in Tessy’s bra. That’s what actually GAVE me the idea ta call her up in the first place! At least she’ll provide a worthy distraction. Who’d imagine that I’d have moved on so quickly? Poor Jak, though. When this racing business is through, I’m gonna ask him ta REALLY help me change back—ta make that our priority one, and once I do, well… Then maybe I can start tellin’ him about these dreams I’ve been havin’.//

// - // - // - // - // - // - // - //

“Daxter, can you come over here for a minute?” It was Ashelin.

“Be right there.” The ottsel was getting up from his spot on the sofa for the first time since Jak set him down, which was unusual in and of itself, but especially so now that more than a few guys from Mizo’s team had arrived.

//He must be pretty down. Later on, I’ll tell him what happened and I bet he apologizes up and down.// Dax smiled inwardly at that.

“What do ya need, Ashe?” Orange Lightning asked.

“Can you take a look under there and make sure everything’s alright? Keira usually checks Torn’s work, and I hear you’re her replacement. He gets a little…*distracted* when he’s working.”

Daxter gave an exasperated sigh and continued to crawl beneath the vehicle. “You know, maybe Torn wouldn’t get so *distracted* if a certain *somebody* didn’t pull her thongs up so high that it’s a wonder she doesn’t hurt herself.”

“WHAT?” Ashelin stormed off to retrieve Torn. She was fully confident in her Daxter-pounding abilities, but she’d rather have Torn with her in case Jak found out—which he inevitably would.

Daxter talked to himself for company. No one could really hear him unless they stood right outside the force field , anyway.

“At least *Keira* knows how to dress like a lady! Hmmph. Ugh, this IS shoddy work. Damn it, I should just let her get into an accident. Where’s my wrench?” A cold hand reached under and passed it to him.

“Thanks. I mean, yeesh. Why should *I* help her with repairs? I probably have to double-check *Torn’s* car right after this.” The ottsel quieted down as he got to work, but after a while, he couldn’t help but notice the smell of smoke.

“Alright, we’re all good here. I wish I could start up the engine just to make sure, but Samos said no igniting the dark eco in tight places like this one. Ah, well.” The ottsel crawled out from under the vehicle and headed directly for Torn’s. He didn’t even notice the visitor leaning on Ashelin’s car.

“I wonder what’s up with Jak lately, though. He’s been acting so weird.” Dax thought aloud.

“In vhat vay?

“Well, for example,” he found the same problems with Torn’s vehicle, and was already moving to repair them. “Earlier, he blurted out in front of everyone that he thought Keira was pretty. He said it to her face, no less! So I figured, Jak likes her. What’s not to like? She’s a beautiful woman. But when I asked him about it, he said he’s not interested in her and laughed, like that wasn’t even close to what he was thinking. The only thing I could imagine was that maybe he thinks *I* like Keira but that it’s too soon after my failed relationship with Tess to start anything, and he was protecting me from possible rejection…” He liked talking to his inner voice.

“Vait a moment, vhy vould you zhink *zat?*” His inner voice with the weird accent…

“Because before Jak told Keira that she looked nice, *I* was about to tell Keira that she looked nice. DUH. Anyway, as strange as it sounds, and as much as I appreciate the female form, I think the person I wanna spend the rest of my life with is… *Jak.* I thought it was strange when I first realized it, but after about two seconds, I realized that it made more sense than anything else. I just can’t figure out why he’s so miserable right now. I’m pretty sure it’s my fault, but I don’t know what I did wrong…” Daxter trailed off at that point.

Then something strange happened. A cigarette butt landed on the floor behind his head, and when he turned to see who left it, there was no one there. *Weird.* Daxter simply shrugged it off and finished tinkering with Torn’s car. He would need that swim a lot sooner than expected if this kept itself up.

// - // - // - // - // - // - // - //

Jak scanned the room for his best friend. //Ah, that’s right. He’s working on repairs for Ashelin. I really shouldn’t have left him for so long. I wish Rayne didn’t have to introduce me to almost EVERY other racer.//

The hero noticed an unfamiliar man taking strides away from the force field. When the man came further into the view, the realization hit him. “Hello.” The man said, as he lit a cigarette.

“My name is Razor. And you must be ze infa—“

“Jak. I’ve seen you before. You threatened Daxter at that bar a few nights ago. What were you doing near that force field?” Jak could feel the anger coursing through him.

“Vhat*ever* do you mean? I vas simply giving myself a tour of your *impressive* garage.” He said.

“Did you threaten him again? I have no qualms about killing you, old man.” Jak was all but grinding his teeth in fury.

“Old man? Vell, zhen I guess you are not interested in vhat zis *old man* has to say.” Razor took another puff on his cigarette.

“*What* are you talking about?” Jak was shaking, and his voice was barely above a whisper.

“Your leetle friend, Daxter, is it? Ze rat from ze bar. You zhink he is in love vith zat voman in ze yellow dress, but you are mistaken.” The man closed his eyes to bask in the tension for another moment before continuing.

“You zhink you are best friends, and zat you know everyzhing about one another. Zis is not ze case. Have you ever stopped to consider zat *maybe* young Daxter could fall for a *man,* like yourself?”

Jak was too shocked to move. Razor took one more drag on his cigarette, dropped it on the floor, and stamped it out. Then he walked away without another look in Jak’s direction. The racer was now faced with more worries than ever before.

His last thought before heading over to retrieve his best friend was, //WHO is it?//

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A/N: I don’t have any outtakes because I wasn’t feeling very silly this chapter. Maybe it’s all of the guilt weighing me down that compels me to work on this until it’s finished. Then I can procrastinate freely for a few weeks before the pressure begins to sink in once again. Hehehe.