Dedication for parts 19-?: To Tracy, b/c she gave me this idea (the courier one) when I drew a big blank. Thank you, thank you, thank you, and thanks for...what shall I call it? Critiquing each and every part. It must be time consuming, I know. =) Love ya!


**
I, I was the lonely one
wondering what went wrong
why love had gone
and left me lonely


I, I was so confused
feeling like I'd just been used
then you came to me
and my loneliness left me


I used to think I was tied to a heartache
that was the heartbreak
but now that I've found you


chorus:
even the nights are better
now that we're here together
even the nights are better
since I found you
(excerpt from: "Even the Nights are Better"; J. L. Wallace, Kenneth Bell, Terry Skinner)
**




Lucky was camped on Liz's bed, her duffel open in front of him. It was half full. There were clothes all around him on the bed. Liz was bending over, picking up the last three items. She gave each one a vigorous shaking, before tossing them to Lucky.

On the last one, a bug identical to the first fell free. Liz retrieved it and silently took it to Lucky. He smiled reassuringly at her. Liz returned it instantly. She was in full control now.

Liz watched Lucky put the bug on a nightstand. Lucky seemed to change his mind. He scooped the bug off of the stand and tiptoed to the window. Liz followed him curiously. He cracked the window and casually tossed the bug out. He made a face and Liz nearly collapsed giggling.

"If the fall didn't ruin it, the traffic will. Or it'll just drive him crazy."

Liz wondered how Lucky knew exactly what to do. She voiced her question aloud.

"Oh, my dad," Lucky said breezily, closing and locking the window.

"Speaking of..." Liz hinted. Lucky pretended not to hear her. He returned to folding and packing Liz's clothes. "Lucky..."

He sighed. "I'll call them tomorrow."

"Aren't they going to be worried?"

"Probably. They'll get over it. I'm a big boy."

"Most of the time."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Nothing."

"Uh huh. Are you implying that I'm a baby?"

"You said it, not me."

"I'm *not* a baby!"

"All men are babies."

"Hey!"

By now, the mock fight had escalated to a sock war. Socks sailed through the air, were picked up, caught, or stolen, then went flying again. Liz launched a particularly good shot and nailed Lucky's forehead.

"Ow!" he cried out.

Lucky took a little initiative and a huge leap over the bed, heading straight for Liz. She shrieked and dodged to the left. She stepped up on the bed, walking over her clothes, and went for the door. Lucky caught her ankle in his hand and pulled. Liz fell flat on her stomach. She released a quiet "Oof" and rolled over. Lucky was standing nearby, with his arms crossed, and a smug smile on his face.

"Ooh, you!" Liz grouched, vaulting off the bed and toward Lucky. He sidestepped easily and turned to face her. She charged again, this time before Lucky could react. She tackled him, wrapping her arms around his waist, and they fell to the bed together. Liz tried to pin Lucky down, but he wriggled away. Both the teens were panting. Liz swiped at her hair. Lucky watched her warily.

"Is that all?" he asked, a smirk firmly in place.

"For now," Liz promised. She swaggered past Lucky and went to find Kendrick.

**

Night had fallen before Liz returned to her room, Lucky following. She moved her now full duffel from the bed onto the floor and flopped on the bed.

"I'm beat!" she exclaimed.

Lucky winced.

"I wish you wouldn't say that," he said. He joined Liz on the bed, lying on his back and staring up at the ceiling. Liz conceded with a nod.

"So, you're sure you have anything. You didn't forget your toothpaste or anything?" Lucky asked, turning his head to Liz. She turned to look at him as well.

"Nope. How could I forget? You've reminded me twenty times."

He shrugged sheepishly. "Habit. Sorry."

"Lucky, it's ok. You don't have to apologize about everything."

Lucky grinned. He grew solemn. "You're sure about this whole thing? Going away?"

"I'm sure. I trust you."

"And you remember the plans?"

She sighed. "Yes. The ones we've gone over twenty times too?"

"Humor me, Elizabeth."

Another sigh from Liz. "We go to the courier place in the morning. They give us our tickets, etc. We go to the airport and get on an airplane. Then we fly. To where again?"

"He didn't say. He said 'out of the country'."

"And they're going to pay for *both* of us? You're sure."

"I'm sure."

"And the fact that we're minors didn't bother the man you spoke to?"

"I didn't tell him."

"What?!"

"I'll tell him tomorrow. Or he'll figure it out himself."

"And if he won't let us do it?"

"He will. I'll talk him into it."

"Well, I hope you live up to your name."

"Haha."

Liz giggled. "I thought so!" She blinked slowly.

"We should probably get some rest," Lucky muttered, rising and heading for the bathroom.

"Uh, Lucky," Liz called. Lucky turned from the doorway.

"Yeah?"

"Where that *thing*?"

Lucky's brows furrowed. "What *thing*?"

"From earlier. That...you know...*thing*."

Lucky finally realized she was talking about the bug. "Oh, *that* thing. It's in my room. Why?"

"What are you planning on doing with it?"

"Using it to confuse whoever put it there."

"How exactly?"

"I'll show you tomorrow. Ok?"

"Ok, fine."

Lucky grinned sweetly and left for the bathroom.

The two were ready for bed in minutes. Liz slid under the covers, looking up at Lucky uneasily.

"Do you want me to-"

"No!" she protested. "I don't. Stay."

Lucky half smiled. He perched on the edge of the bed and lightly stroked Liz's hair. He flipped off the bedside lamp and the room plunged in darkness. Liz tugged on his sleeve and he settled down next to her.

"'Night, Lucky."

"Goodnight, Elizabeth."

---

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