Authentic Made

(Author's Note: Part II goes along with the movie 8 Mile with the exception of Lea being wrote into the storyline - however, even though I don't write about a certain part of the movie (such as Jimmy choking at The Shelter) that doesn't mean it didn't happen.)

Detroit, 1995

Jimmy Smith, Jr. sighed to himself as he threw a few more shirts into a trash bag. Jeanine would be coming home from her night out with her friends shortly, so he had to hurry. Dating her had been a mistake from the start, but now she was claiming to be pregnant - for the fourth time this year.

Every time they got into a fight, or Jimmy came home late from The Shelter, or Jeanine sensed that he was ready to leave her - she somehow became impregnated with his child. However, the real miracle was the fact that they hadn't had sex in nearly six months - at least, not with each other.

Another sigh escaped his lips as he lifted the bag onto his shoulder and glanced around the room. In the back of his head he knew that Jeanine was going to be highly pissed off that he walked out on her, but he didn't want to face her and listen to her bullshit anymore. He just wanted it to be over and truthfully - he never really wanted it to begin with.

~

"So how was school today, Lil? Are you and Mr. Johnson married yet?"

Lilly giggled at the thought of her first grade teacher - the amazing, wonderful, cute teacher Mr. Johnson. She slapped Lea with her tiny fist and ran off into her bedroom to get her storybook. "He says we have to read one story a night. Mom won't read with me though..." The book was nearly as big as she was - taking up her entire lap.

"Well I'm here and I'll read with you. What story do you want to read first?"

Lilly pointed to the picture of a horse and smiled up at Lea, "I really like the one about the horse."

"The one about the horse it is, then.." She assured, pulling Lilly and the storybook onto her lap. She focused on the little girl reading the simple story for a few minutes but her mind started to wander as she looked around the trailer. Lea had practically grew up in this trailer with Lilly's brother, Jimmy. Unfortunately, he wasn't around anymore.

"What's that word mean, Lea?"

Lea looked down, "..stable? That is where they keep the horses."

"Oh."

Jimmy had moved out of the trailer park almost six years ago coming in and out of Lea and Lilly's lives once in a great while. Lilly missed him terribly and she felt abandoned by him because he left her with Stephanie who was an un-fit mother. Lea was the one left responsible for the poor little girl - who had no one. She wasn't the only one who felt abandoned though.

They used to be best friends but love fucks everything up and she was a strong believer in that. Jimmy had fucked up - cheated on her with Jeanine of all people - and left her without even saying goodbye. He came back though, they always do - but Lea had nothing for him. He came back to the trailer park one night so drunk that he passed out on the front lawn, in the rain - and almost drown in his own vomit.

Unfortunately, it had to be Lea who went outside and drug him into her trailer - she was the only one who watched out for him. He had been grateful - tried to apologize in his drunken state for all the wrongs he had made between them but it was just words that didn't even matter to her. He came back week after week trying to talk to her, befriend her and make things better but it just wasn't in her anymore. Her heart broke over and over again every time she saw him and after a year she decided it be best if they just avoided each other.

"Did you like the story, Lea? It's my favorite.."

Lea smiled down at Lilly, "Yeah, I think it's going to be my favorite too." She assured, running a hand through Lilly's blond hair. She hated Jimmy for leaving this sweet little girl here to grow up alone, she hated Jimmy for a lot of reasons.

Suddenly, the front door opened and Stephanie made her way inside. She smiled sweetly at Lea and Lilly, "Hey.. Sorry I'm late, after bingo me and Greg hooked up.." Lea stood up and kissed Lilly on the forehead, "I've got to get to work.."

~

Jimmy placed his car keys on the nightstand in the living room, deciding that 'just incase' Jeanine was pregnant he would leave her his car, mostly in hopes that she would leave him alone. He would be lying if he said he didn't have feelings for her - but it wasn't love, and he knew she didn't love him.

He had only felt loved once in his life - truly wanted, needed and 'loved'. Unfortunately, his life had a knack for falling apart all around him. Things never worked out the way they were supposed to - not in the real world. Sometimes he felt like he would never get his break in life. He would never 'make it big' like Sol and the others were always saying. Never have money, fine bitches and phat rides.

Even though hip hop was his life - rapping, battles and his talents meant everything to him - he felt like he'd never get another chance to feel loved like he once was. There was no chance at true happiness because the only person that truly made him happy - wouldn't even speak to him.

~

Lea turned a corner in the diner, trying desperately to balance a large tray on her palm as another table asked for a refill on their drinks. She sighed and put on her biggest, fakest smile before tending to them. Jeanine and her table had been yelling for the check for nearly ten minutes now - causing her manager to yell louder as he ordered her to ‘wait’ on them.

“Williams! Finish those tables and take your break!!” Her manager screamed from the back, “…I swear whose idea was it to hire that girl?!” He added, causing Lea to glare at him. She was the hardest worker that asshole had ever hired.

“It’s about time.”

Jeanine looked up at Lea as she handed her the money to pay for their food, “Oh, and don’t drink and drive.”

“What?”

Jeanine and her friends laughed together as they watched Lea count the money and give them their change.

“That’s your tip.” Renee assured with a high pitched laugh, standing up to leave with the others. Lea just looked at them, hearing Jeanine yell, “Jimmy says Hi!” as she exited the diner.

Sighing to herself, Lea undid her apron and walked into the back - telling the manager that she was now officially on break. He just grunted in her general direction as she slammed the back door and disappeared into the alley.

She lit a cigarette and wrapped an arm around her waist, leaning her head back to look up into the clear black sky. She had been working for this diner for months now - busting her ass to bring home a pathetic check every two weeks. Her mother had left around Christmas time to live with her new husband, Charlie, giving Lea the trailer to live in.

She wasn’t proud of the way her life was turning out - no high school diploma, no friends anymore - but at least her trailer had electricity. Things could be worse.

Lea bent down to keep warm in the bitter Detroit air, covering her face with her hand as a sob suddenly escaped her. Who was she trying to fool? Herself? She knew all to well that her life seriously lacked.
------------------------------


Jimmy pushed himself onto his mother's vehicle and looked out into the trailer park. Greg had left twenty minutes ago after their brief fight, assuring his mother that he wasn’t going to take anymore of 'Rabbit's' shit.

"You have to get along with Greg, Rabbit. You can't fuck this up for me."

He looked up as his mother walked out on the small porch holding two beers in her hand. She smiled heartedly at him and walked over.

"He started it."

"Greg is going to be my ticket out of here... I just know it."

Jimmy sighed, shaking his head in disbelief. His mother had always counted on a man to change her life, instead of getting a job and supporting her own family.

"I had a ticket out and look at me... right back in the eight one oh-no."

Stephanie looked over at her son and frowned, "What happened with you and Jeanine? I thought you were getting married."

"Who told you that?"

"It's just going around."

He assured her that it was just 'talk' - more then likely made up by none other than Jeanine herself. He sighed at the thought, dreading the moment when she realized he wasn't coming home.

A vehicle very much like the one he was sitting on slowly pulled into the trailer park, parking outside of Lea's trailer. He looked up and watched as a young woman emerged from the car - carrying three brown bagfuls of groceries.

Lea sat one of the bags down on the porch and fished her keys out of her pocket, turning towards Jimmy's trailer for a moment. To her surprise, he was sitting on a vehicle - staring at her like he hadn't seen her in years. His mother was beside him talking and she lifted her hand in a wave.

"Whatever happened to you and Lea? She is so sweet."

"I don't know, mom. I've got to get some sleep."

Jimmy never let his eyes fall from Lea's as he talked, watching her turn her head finally and disappear into her trailer. He took in a breath and turned to his mom, "Can I get a ride to work in the morning?"
------------------------------------------------------------------

Jimmy sat behind the wheel of his 'birthday present' and sighed, hitting the dash. The engine sounded truly sick - and wouldn't even turn. It was hopeless - another day he'd be getting to work late. He looked up at Lea's trailer and sighed, noticing that her car was still parked in front of the house. Not that she would give him a ride - even if he begged.

Oh well, maybe he could still catch the bus - if he was lucky.

~

"Who the fuck is that?"

Jimmy looked up at Future, who was sitting behind the wheel of his broken down car - waiting on the word so he could try the motor again. His mothers generosity wasn't exactly living up to its full potential.

"Greg Buehl, that assholes practically livin' with my fuckin' mom, man. They met at bingo."

"Greg Buehl? Didn't he go to our school?"

Jimmy nodded slightly, turning his head as Lea walked out of her trailer. She glanced up at them and smiled, waving towards Future. They hadn't really talked since her and Jimmy fell apart.

"Yo, Lea! Get ya ass over here!"

"I've got to go to school." She assured, holding up the books in her arms. She had been trying to get her GED for the past few months and work at the diner in the evenings. It wasn't looking that great for her.

"I ain't seen you in forever, girl. Get ya ass over here, now!"

Defeated, Lea walked across the lawn and over to Future and Rabbit. This should be interesting.

"How you been?" Future pulled himself out of Jimmy's car and walked over to her, wrapping his arms around her tightly. She had always been like a sister to him - and everyone else in their group whether they admitted it or not.

Lea finally looked up to meet Jimmy's burning eyes, sighing deeply before she spoke. "Hey."

"Hey, Lea.. how have you been?"

She ignored him, "Are you back now? I mean, staying here?" He nodded, "Me and Jeanine broke... up.."

Lea stared at him in disbelief, almost laughing to herself at the thought of things not being as perfect for him as she had thought.

"Well, Lilly will be glad to have you back. She's really missed you.."

Jimmy nodded his head knowingly, "I missed her too." Lea held his eyes with her own for a long moment, finally breaking away to look at Future - who was smiling. "I've got to get to school, you guys take care.." With that said, she turned back to her trailer and walked off leaving Jimmy dumbfounded.

"You two were definitely eyeball fucking."

"What? We wasn't.. man, shut the fuck up and get back in the car.."

Future laughed as he sat back down and finished helping Rabbit get the car running so they could go out on the town.
----------------------

"Come on, Lea. You've got to come with me tonight.. all you ever do is go to school and go to work. You've got to live a little!"

Lea looked up from her book and sighed, turning to Alex. "I really need to study." She assured, tapping on a notebook with her pencil. Not that her friend wasn't telling the God's honest truth - she never had fun anymore.

"You really need to pull that stick out of your ass and go get ready! Come on, you can wear one of my outfits."

Alex had started working at the diner about two weeks after Lea - and even though they were completely different from one another they had somehow managed to create some type of bond. They talked on their breaks, bummed cigarettes from each other when they were out - and on rare occasions like this - hung out together. She watched as the eccentric girl walked back into the room and held up a cute black top and short light blue skirt.

Alex threw the clothes at her and a short fitting leather jacket, "Go! Get ready!" She ordered, pointing towards the bathroom of her apartment. Lea nodded in defeat and stood to her feet.

~

Te Chin Tiki was packed with people, drinking - dancing and partying. It was the most popular club in Detroit and everyone that battled at The Shelter came there.

Future sat down at 313's usual table, gathering up all the ladies he could find. Jimmy, Cheddar, Sol, Wink and DJ Iz took their seats and ordered some drinks - talking and laughing among themselves.

"Yo, Rabbit. Isn't that Jeanine?"

He looked over at the bar, noticing the very 'not' pregnant Jeanine drinking and smoking a cigarette - talking to a few of her friends. She glanced over at him and narrowed her eyes, turning her attention back to Renee.

"I thought she was pregnant?"

Jimmy looked up at his friends and sighed, pushing himself up from the table.

"I'm out guys. I'll be outside."

Quickly, Cheddar Bob stood to follow him - only to be shot down, "By myself."

~
Jimmy sat down on the back of his car and scanned his surroundings, mostly everyone was inside the club - except for the few people who were making out by their cars, or the last few battles. He watched a blond haired girl and her friend walk out of the Chin Tiki - towards him. They whispered to each other before breaking apart - the blond coming his way.

"You're Jimmy Smith, Jr. right?"

"Yeah."

"My names Alex. I hear you’re a real dope rapper."

"Who told you I was a real dope rapper?"

"It's around.."

Alex smiled over at him, crossing her legs after she sat down beside him.

"I saw you there the other day when I was going to borrow my brother's car. Why you working at Detroit Stamping? Only losers work there."

"Your brother works there."

"Yeah, well my brother's a loser."

Jimmy looked over at her as she pulled out a cigarette, "So what about you?"

"I'm over at Roscoe's (a/n: I couldn't understand where she said she worked in the movie) Diner downtown."

"Oh, well busting tables is much better then pressing buttons."

"I'm not going to be there long.."

"Yo, Rabbit! You and your new friend want to hit the after hours spot with us?"

Alex smiled over at Wink as she hopped off the car, "Rabbit.. let me go ask my friends.."
--------------------------------

Jimmy stood around his car waiting for Alex to return - she seemed like a nice girl - anything to take his mind off of Jeanine and Lea and Lilly and Stephanie and life in general. "Yo man, who is that.."

He moved past Cheddar and felt his heart literally stop - Lea was walking with her arm linked in Alex's, laughing at some dumb joke they shared. She was wearing a body molding black sleeveless top and the shortest blue skirt he had ever seen, with leather knee high boots. If he hadn't known better he would say they were sisters - they way they were both dressed.

"What's she tryin' to prove?" Wink asked, walking over to Future.

"Man, you're always up in everybody's damn business aren't you?" Future growled, pushing Wink back into the parking lot. "Move, get off my back asshole."

"What the fucks up with him?"

Jimmy turned his head from Lea - deciding she was a big girl and could dress and hang out with whoever she wanted. "Sometimes Fut thinks you talk to much shit.. about shit you don't know shit about."

Sol shook his head and opened the car door, following Cheddar into the back with Iz.

~

"I burned down the house!"

Cheddar ran out of the burning building quickly, laughing as he grabbed Lea by the shoulders and nearly pulled her down onto the ground. He took off through the abandoned street, yelling drunkenly. Lea shook her head and turned to Alex, secretly pleaded for Jimmy to emerge from the wreckage.

"Dumb fuck.." After a long and dreadful minute Jimmy jumped out of a window and landed beside the house, brushing off the black ash that had gathered on his clothes. "I think that fucker is mentally ill.."

"Yo Alex, come here for a minute girl..." Alex turned her head to Wink and grinned, slinking off into the darkness - leaving Jimmy and Lea both alone in they alley, just looking at each other.

"Hey, 'dope rapper'."

Lea took a step away from Jimmy - and the burning building, "Who told YOU I was a dope rapper?"

"Your biggest fan," She nodded towards the direction Alex went, "..but don't worry I assured her that you suck. Real bad."

"Thanks. Not like I need another fan," He nodded towards the nothingness around them, "I've got so many."

Lea nodded in agreement, glancing up towards the sky. Thick black smoke rose up into the darkness, consuming them both in flames. The red and orange light danced on their faces, illuminating their eyes. Never in a million years would she have thought she'd ever be standing with Rabbit - taking in their surroundings. After he left - all her hope went with him.

"I know it doesn't make a difference.. but Lea, I'm sorry I didn't say goodbye to you that day. Hell, I'm sorry I left in the first place. If I knew then what I know now.."

Jimmy shook his head, sighing as he looked over at her. "Don't." She muttered, looking down at the ground. "It doesn't matter, alright? We are different people now.. it's been... a long time since.." He loved the way she got when she was nervous - the way her eyes never focused on one thing and her hands idly played with her skirt. Her hair was shorter now, and darker then he remembered, framing her beautiful face in soft layers. Her eyes were still the same bright blue color, always filled with sorrow and despair - he had only seen them sparkle the few months they were together and she was happy.

"I never stopped, Lea.. I love.."

"Don't."

She looked up at him now, pleading with him to leave that part of their lives closed and forgotten. She didn't want to be sad - this was her night to be free from it all, have fun - meet new people but life always seemed to bring her back to Jimmy. If only he knew how hard it was for her - how much it killed her to look at him and not be with him. She still loved him too - but that didn't matter anymore. Nothing really mattered anymore.

"I missed you, when you left.. I felt like everyone in my life had abandoned me. I waited for you to come back - to realize that you wanted to be with me.. but that never happened and I guess I've grown cold."

Jimmy moved to stand in front of her, placing his hands on her arms. "You don't feel cold.." His voice was low and heavy in his throat, a sudden need coming very apparent between them. If only Lea knew how bad he wanted her - every second since the day he moved out of the trailer park. If only she knew..

Lea finally let her eyes fall back to their shoes, shrugging his hands from her body. She couldn't think of the right words to say to him so she simply took a step backward and walked off down the street - leaving him alone.
------------------------------------------------------

Jimmy stared into the vending machine carefully - lost in thought about what had just happened with Alex. He could be a real idiot sometimes with his actions.

“Why haven’t you called?”

He turned around quickly - surprised to see Jeanine standing in front of him with an evil glare in her eyes.

“What are you doing here, Jeanine? You’re gonna get me fired.”

“Why haven’t you called?? I'm your girlfriend and you just left without saying a word.. why did you leave?”

Jimmy searched the area for Manny - mentally pleading that she would disappear before his boss found them arguing. He couldn’t afford to lose this job - especially over Jeanine.

“No Jeanine, you're not my girlfriend - we broke up. Will you just leave? I’ll call you later.”

“Is it because I said I was pregnant?”

“Come on, Jeanine. I know why you said that bullshit.”

“Well what was I supposed to do? I didn’t know what else to do.”

He grabbed her by the shoulders, pushing outside onto the sidewalk.

“Go home, Jeanine!”

“Just tell me why you left and I’ll leave you alone. What are you running from?!”

“Nothing! This is my shit okay? It’s me. I had to go. At least I left you the car.”

Jeanine started laughing, thinking about the piece of shit car he left in her apartment parking lot.

"Everybody's calling you a loser from the other night - when you froze up and got booed off stage!”

“Shut the fuck up, Jeanine.”

She laughed harder, turning to leave Detroit Stamping.

“Fuck you, Jeanine! Go home!”

Jimmy turned around - face to face with his boss ‘Manny’. Fuck.

“What was that, Smith?”

“I’m sorry Manny.. it wasn’t my fau-… it won’t happen again.”

“Good, don’t be bringin’ that shit around here..”
--------------------------------

"Lilly? What's wrong?" Jimmy opened the trailer door quickly, picking his baby sister up in his arms. His mother emerged from the back room holding a piece of paper in her hand, a somber look on her face.

"What is it?" He snatched the piece of paper from his mother grasp quickly and turned Lilly around to place her back on the couch. It felt like his heart was in his stomach as he tried to focus on the small piece of paper. What could be so bad that his mother was speechless and Lilly was in tears? They already knew they were getting evicted - what could it be.

I know this is kind of sudden, and Lilly - baby don't think it has anything to do with you I just need to.. find myself. You'll understand one day when your older and grown up things make more sense, okay? I'll always be there for you - no matter what and I'll call you as soon as I figure out where I'm going. Tell your brother, tell him something - okay? Tell him that he should have never left you alone and tell him that he made the biggest mistake in his life when he went away but you've got him back now to take care of you so you won't be alone sweetie and I promise we'll see each other again. Love, Lea.

She scribbled a small heart beside her name and folded the paper to slide it under the trailer door - this was the way he had to be. She couldn't live here with Jimmy around and all of his shit and it made her crazy inside - not knowing what to do. The bus would pick her up in half an hour to take her out of Warren. To take her out of her misery, she hoped.

Jimmy looked up at his mom and let the note fall to the trailer floor - storming out the door without a beat. He was going to bring Lea home if he had to drag her kicking and screaming all the way. They belonged together - not matter what she thought.

The trailer door slammed shut, causing Lilly to jump.

~

Future opened his eyes slowly as someone knocked on the door, growling at the thought of Cheddar Bob, Iz or Sol ruining his sleep. Those were his brother's in every way but damn sometimes they could get on his nerves.

"Yo, ain't you nigga's got somethin' better to do then fuck wit me all the ti.."

Jimmy let his hand fall back to his side, his eyes bloodshot with pain and grief and worry. Not only had he worked his ass off at the Factory all day but he had spend most of the night searching for any sign of Lea. A steady rain poured down on him, soaking him to the bone.

"She left.. I've been everywhere, I can't find her, man."

"What? Get yo ass in here, dawg. Where's your ride?"

Jimmy took in a breath, running a hand over his face. It was almost 2am. He looked physically and mentally drained like he was about to pass out where he stood. Future sat his friend down and sighed, wondering what the hell was going on.

"Lea left Lilly some letter... said she was skipping town.. she said she loved me, but she's fucking gone." A sob escaped his throat - causing him to bury his face in his hands before Future could see. He had kept his feelings for Lea bottled up for years - never letting anyone know how bad it hurt him inside. "Lea wouldn't just leave, man. I mean where the fuck would she go? We are her only family."

"We haven't been much of a family to her recently, have we Fut?"

That was the painful truth - Lea owed them nothing - they had abandoned her. A boom of thunder rolled in the sky - causing Future to jump in his skin. Jimmy just sat in a worn chair, staring down at his hands.

"God, I tried.. I really fucking tried to talk to her the other night, to tell her how I feel.. but she didn't want to hear it - why the fuck should she listen to me? I fucked her over, man. She's never gonna be mine again."

"You gotta stop, B. This shit right here is gonna rip you up inside. We'll find her - alright, in the mornin'.. she'll be alright."

Suddenly, a horn blew through the alley-way - echoing through Future's paper thin house. He turned to the window and looked through the blinds - sighing as Sol's mom's car pulled up in front of his house. Jimmy needed him right now and these jack offs were gonna come in with their jokes and their bullshit - "Sol and Cheddar are outside." Jimmy stood up from his chair and wiped at his face frantically, pushing back his own emotions.

Future waited until his friend was together and jerked open the front door - watching Bob leap from Sol's car and come running towards them. "Yo, man.. nigga's get shot for making noise like that around here!" Cheddar ignored his comments and went straight for Rabbit - "Lea's down at the Chin Tiki drunk off her ass man, she passed out at the bar and the chink owners gonna call the cops or an ambulance or somethin'."

~

Jimmy burst through the front doors of the Chin Tiki - searching frantically for Lea. He silently prayed that she was still in there somewhere and they hadn't called the police or kicked her out in the rain. He watched as Cheddar moved past the crowds of people quickly - shoving huge bouncers out of his way to find his friend. The Chinese owner had yelled something about alcohol and poisoning and the police - so he panicked.

Fortunately, Lea was sitting on a bar stool with her head on the bar - totally oblivious to the world around her. She had wound up there around 9 o'clock trying to figure out her next move only to spend most of her bus money on eight shots of bacardi and four shots of vodka. Her cheeks were on fire yet the rest of her was white as a ghost.

"Lea, Lea baby."

Jimmy was the second person to find her, grabbing her up in his arms as her head bobbed from side to side before falling down on his shoulder. She was gone. "Lea.. baby, please.. please don't do this.." The bartender made his way towards them, an angry expression on his face. "Yo, this bitch hasn't paid her tab yet." He pointed to Lea, demanding thirty dollars for the drinks she had consumed.

"How much has she had to fucking drink?!" Future yelled, jerking the slim bartender over the bar by his oversized shirt. Two bouncers came towards them - ready to fight. "Yo man, we don't want no trouble here we just want to know if she’s alright!" Sol assured, standing between the bouncer and Future. "This ain't no fuckin' babysitter, bitch. She drank until she passed the fuck out - now pay her tab and get the fuck outta here."

"Jimmy..." Lea wrapped her arms around Jimmy's shoulders and held onto him as though the world was slipping out from under her. She didn't know what was going on - one minute there was complete darkness and now all these harsh sounds and lights were flooding her senses. "Come on, girl. We're leaving, alright." He turned to the bouncer, sliding his arm around Lea. "Alright, man?"

~

"Can you drop us off at my mom's, Sol? My car broke down about two miles from Fut's house."

"No problem, Rabbit." Sol glanced in the rearview mirror - sighing at the sight before him. Lea was laying with her head on Jimmy's chest, her hand on his stomach clutching him for dear life as she moved in and out of consciousness. They didn't know if she was alright - if her blood alcohol was way past normal - they didn't know anything, but seeing here there with Rabbit was almost heartbreaking.

"Where did you go? I haven't seen you in forever.."

Jimmy looked down at Lea as she opened her eyes, talking in a low and unheard voice - she was barely whispering against his neck. "I was so sad." The innocence in her voice made him want to cry - he knew all to well how it was when you were drunk, the things you said - the truth in your words.

"I loved you so much." Her hand was moving down his stomach in the dark, idly playing with the zipper on his coat before resting on his thigh. This caused the air in the small car to become thin and cherished. Cheddar sat with his head pressed hard against the cold window - almost snoring, and Future was dozing on and off - trying to focus on Sol's conversation about 2Pac - it was nearly 4am.

"Shh, baby. We'll talk about this tomorrow, we're almost home.."

Lea moved her hand directly over Jimmy's dick and pressed down, trying to turn around to face him in the backseat. The added pressure to his already intrigued member caused him to become instantly hard - not that Lea, in her drunken state of mind noticed. "I don't know where I'm going. I don't want to leave.." She whispered, pressing her face up against his as if he couldn't hear her. The smell of liquor and vanilla filled his nose - causing a soft moan to form in his throat. Her hand never moved from its post as she fumbled around in the dark trying to get situated - all the wile tormenting him. "Lea, baby - just sit down."

He grabbed her arm and moved it away from his lap, watching as Sol pulled into the trailer park slowly. Everything looked untouched and almost dead around him - no breeze, no color - it was depressing. "Peace out, B-Rabbit. Take care of our girl.." Sol assured, nodding towards Cheddar and Future - who were long gone asleep in his car. Jimmy just nodded, dragging Lea out of the backseat - she couldn't walk on her own.

"Thanks Sol, for everything man we owe you."

"Yo, B. Just remember - a drunk tricks words are a sober tricks thoughts." With that said, Jimmy closed the car door and watched his friend drive off - his final words burning into his brain.

~

"It's pouring the rain out here Lea, come on - where are your keys?"

Lea laughed as though he had said the funniest thing known to man - shrugging her shoulders as the fat rain drops beat down on their heads. It didn't really matter that they were standing in the rain - their clothes had been soaked through hours ago. Jimmy sighed in aggravation and reach for Lea, forcing his hands down the front of her jeans. She moaned quietly as his fingers searched for the key - surprised at her reaction.

After a beat he pulled the key from her pocket and shoved it in the keyhole - opening the front door quickly. They moved inside and shut the door, standing in complete darkness. "I don't like this.." She whimpered, moving closer to Rabbit. He could feel her cold hands on his skin, under his shirt - searching for something, for warmth.. he didn't know.

"Come on, we gotta get out of these clothes.."

"Okay."

Before he could protest Lea had pulled her tight shirt over her head and threw it on the ground - moving her hands down her wet stomach to her jeans. She stood before him in a lacey white bra - the button on her jeans undone and calling at him. Jimmy took in a breath and moved past her - grabbing a dry t-shirt from her closet. His once forgotten erection slowly started coming back to him. A flash of memories crashed down, making love to Lea when they were just teenagers, fucking Jeanine in her car, fucking Jeanine in the bathroom at The Shelter - moaning Lea's name, getting smacked across the face - fucking Alex, and now here was Lea again - silently begging for it.

"Lay down on the bed, okay Lea? I've got to go next door and get some clothes.. the rains letting up. I'll be back in five minutes?"

Lea slid down on her bed and started pulling her jeans down her thighs, causing Jimmy to lick at his lips. Bitch.

"Hurry.."

~

"You alright?"

Jimmy walked through the empty trailer slowly, listening for any sign of Lea. The rain had stopped and he had took a shower. Even the rain was dirty in Detroit. "Lea, baby?" He moved into her bedroom and cut on the light, surprised to see her wrapped up in an oversized sweater and dry jeans - passed out on her stomach on the bed. Her breath was soft and regular - causing her tiny body to heave up and down with every sigh.

At least she had fell asleep - at least he wouldn't have to fight her advances off - not that he would have been able to. One wrong move, one touch or kiss from Lea and he'd have her on her back halfway to happy land, drunk or not. At least she still looked peaceful when she slept - angelic like something sent to him from Heaven. It had been so long since he had seen her asleep, the way her lips parted with her breath.

Without thinking he slid down beside her on the bed and wrapped his strong arms around her waist - pulling her body into his. He moved a rough hand up her side and into her shirt, holding her cold damp body against his for warmth. She took in a slight breath and smiled as he untangled her hair with his fingers - pressing his lips against her forehead.

"I love you."
-------------------------------------

"Rabbit.. god it feels so good.. don't stop, baby."

Jimmy opened his eyes slowly, pushing away any thoughts of his dream - Lea on top of him, riding him like a pony. Cowboy hat and all.

"Mm, Lea?"

He was laying in her bed alone, the faint sound of a shower running in the background. It was nearly one in the evening. Oh well, at least today was his day off - at least Lilly hadn't woken him up at seven am wanting to play and watch cartoons and Stephanie hadn't kept him up half the night fucking Greg in the living room. Stupid bitch. He should'd never left Lilly there alone.

The running water stopped suddenly.

"Good morning." Lea stood in the door way, her hair wet and wavy around her face as she dried it with a towel. She stood in his oversized t-shirt and nothing else. Them hem falling just to the middle of her thighs. Damn.

"...'morning." He watched her move across the room like an alley cat, landing on the bed beside him. The familiar smell of vanilla filled the room and it took all Jimmy had to ignore it. "Feelin' okay?" She grinned, nodding her head. After two hours of puking her guts up she felt 'wonderful'.

"You'll sleep through anything, ya know that?"

"Not... 'anything'." Jimmy assured, as Lea laid down beside him. Her shirt rose up her thigh slightly, exposing her short boxers. Disappointed, he turned to his side and touched her stomach, pulling her in closer. "You sure your alright? You was pretty fucked up last night."

"Wasn't the first time... I'll survive. I guess." She didn't sound so sure anymore. Just a few hours ago she was planning her get away and now here she lay beside B-Rabbit, his hands idly rubbing her soft skin just below her breast.

"I can't do this.." Their eyes met, "I mean.. you can't expect me to control my..self.. you're so fucking beautiful.."

Jimmy glanced down at his 'growing' member between them, causing Lea to laugh. "What? Aw, fuck - don't laugh." She turned over on her back and stared at the ceiling - contemplating their situation. It had been... Jimmy had been the only one she'd ever been with and it had been such a long time ago. His hand trailed across her stomach and slowly up her side, "..kiss me.."

He wasn't sure if he had heard right - she wasn't even looking at him. After a second, he pushed himself up on his arms and leaned over her - bringing his mouth down to meet her own parted lips. Her tongue moved against his slowly as his hands moved under her shirt and groped at her breasts. A loud moan escaped his throat once Lea found his dick with her hand, stroking it just slightly through his sweatpants.

"..want..you.." They kissed hard, a once slow foreplay now turning into raw and needed desires. "..fuck.." Jimmy pulled frantically at her shorts, causing her to moan as he grinded his contained dick into her thigh. Lea's breath caught in her throat, feeling his fingers slip past her panties quickly.

"Oh, god.."

"Jimmy!"

Lea sat up, gasping as Jimmy withdrew his fingers from her core and rearranged himself. Fucking cockblock - he was going to die. "Fuck.. I'm gonna die.." He assured as Lea kissed him one last time and moved through the trailer - the sound of Lilly's tiny fists beating at her front door.

~

Jimmy walked into the living room slowly, finally getting his 'thing' under control. Lea sat on the cough with a crying five-year-old in her arms.

"Greg's over there beating up your mom." Lea whispered, watching Jimmy's eyes get big. "Great." He moved past them and towards the door, trying to think straight. He really needed to get out of this palace.

~

"Don't touch my fucking mom, bitch!"

Greg slammed Jimmy into the wall, screaming in his face about being a fuck up and a 'homeless kid'. "Fuck you mother fucker!" The fought until Greg was thrown on the floor, crashing into a small table - sending plates and cups flying to the floor in broken shards.

"Fuck this! Fuck you, Stephanie! Just a bunch of white trash gutter rats!"

Greg stood to his feet and walked to the door, slamming it hard as he left. "Get the fuck out, Rabbit! Get the fuck outta my house!"

Jimmy couldn't believe his ears, after all that had happened - she was kicking him out!

"You really need to get your fucking life straight, mom!"

Stephanie threw a plate at the door as he walked out behind Greg, "Don't judge me, Rabbit! Look at your fucking life!" She screamed.

Yeah, Rabbit - look at your life. Fuck, whatever. He just wanted to have sex with Lea.
---------------------------

"Man, Sol... you ever thought that you gotta stop livin' your life up here," Jimmy raised his hand above his head, "..and start livin' down here?"

Sol leaned back in his seat and looked over at Jimmy, "Man, it's seven thirty in the morning."

"Alright," He unlocked his door and climbed out of the car, slapping hands with Sol before turning to the large building in front of him. Detroit Stamping at it's greatest. "Tell your mom I said thanks for the ride."

"Alright, man."

~

"... fuck it - I'mma let home girl finish you off."

Jimmy grinned as the crowd clapped and cheered around him, causing Mike to back away as Vanessa started battling him again.

He turned around to go back inside - surprised to see Lea standing at the fence with her arms wrapped around herself. Her hair fell loosely down into her face - making her the most beautiful creature he had ever seen. She leaned back against the fence and smiled, turning her head for a moment.

Jimmy made his way towards her slowly - checking her out from the distance. She knew she was hot as fuck and was loving every minute of it. One of those 'you can look - but you can't touch' things.

"That was nice.."

"Just nice?"

She grinned, pushing herself away from him as she looked around the building.

"You just passing through?"

"I was.."

Jimmy grinned, reaching his hands out to touch her. He -had- to touch her. His hands ran down her arms slowly as they looked at each other - that old familiar look slowly coming back.

"You wanna go somewhere tonight? Just.. us?"

Lea looked around again, moving closer to him so only he would hear her.

"Why don't you just take me somewhere now?"

He stared down at her in disbelief, waiting for her to laugh out and walk away from him for actually considering what she was obviously thinking. They looked at each other for a long moment before he took her hand and nodded towards the building.

"Come on.."

~

Jimmy helped Lea down into the factory - pushing her against the machinery gently as her mouth found his. They kissed slowly at first - tasting each other as their tongues moved together.

He held her up with his weight, spreading her legs as he moved closer to her and began unbuttoning her t-shirt - feeling her legs wrap around his back as she slipped off her panties quickly. He stared into her eyes for a moment as she removed his beanie, helping him get his pants loose.

They kissed again, Jimmy's hands moving over her breasts to caress them roughly as his mouth found her neck. Lea stifled a moan into his shoulder as he lifted her up and placed his dick at her opening.

Their eyes met again as she moved down on him, both loosing their breath once he was completely inside. He hadn't felt 'this'... her in so long - he couldn't breathe.

Jimmy pushed himself inside of her - making sure not to make any loud noise incase someone passed by them. Fortunately, no one ever showed up on this side of the building, especially on lunch break.

He leaned forward as she put her arms around him - holding him against her body as they moved - grinding her hips into his. He felt Lea tighten around his dick as the tension between them became to much to bare, causing his own moan to surface. It was quick - to quick for his liking but damn it was good.

"Oh god.."

His knees slightly gave out as his orgasm passed through his body - holding her in place as they looked at each other - using each others bodies for support as they came down from their high.

Lea slid down on shaky legs and smiled up at him, pulling her panties back up her legs. Jimmy kissed her again before backing away to give her some room, smiling.
-------------------

"All we ever talk about is this shit and none of us ever do nothin'. Were still broke and livin' with our moms, damn.. shut the fuck up already."

Jimmy walked towards his car and climbed inside, turning the key - only to realize it wouldn't start.

"Fuck.."

"I'll give you a ride to work in the morning.. I'mma call yo momma.. see if I can't hook somethin' up.." Sol laughed, walking towards his own car. Future and Iz threw their hand up in a wave as they left.

In the corner of his eye Jimmy noticed the curtain move in Cheddar's house. He narrowed his eyes and got out of his car - moving around to the back of the house.

He pushed open the unlocked back door and entered the house - finding Cheddar 'asleep' on the couch. "Why you actin' like you asleep, Bob? I saw you out the window."

Cheddar opened his eyes slowly, "I don't feel like talking."

"Why not, man?"

"I don't want you guys making fun of me.."

Jimmy sighed, "Nobody's gonna make fun of you.. MC Bob."

Cheddar grinned, sitting up slowly on the couch. He nodded towards the crutches against the wall, "I'll be using those for a month or so.. the doctor gave me some medicine to help."

"That's cool, man. You gotta get back on your legs. 313 isn't the same without you."

"So what's been going on with you, Rabbit?"

Jimmy shrugged and took a seat on the coffee table, looking over at the TV.

"I've been takin' to Lea a little... it seems like things with me and her are lookin' up.. at least we're takin' again."

He had decided to keep his and Lea's 'private business' to himself for now. He didn't want Future or the others running their mouth to Lea - he had to take things slow.

"You and Lea should be together, Rabbit. You guys belong together."

He took Cheddar's words in, realizing that he was right about this. Cheddar was the one that was against him leaving eight one o in the first place - especially without at least saying goodbye to Lea.

"I think your right, dawg."
-----------------------------
"Hey.."

Lea walked out onto her porch slowly, pulling her jacket on. She was surprised that Jimmy was there - from experience, he disappeared for a few days after they fucked.

"You leavin'?"

"I've got a few minutes.. my shift starts at seven."

She glanced at her watch and smiled up at him, moving to sit down beside him on the steps. Jimmy watched her - trying to think of the right words to say. This conversation was either going to bring them closer or fuck everything up completely - and with his luck it would be the latter.

"Bob's doing better.. I went and saw him today. He's gotta use crutches for a while."

"At least he's getting better.."

They sat in silence for a moment before he started, saying a silent prayer that everything went smoothly.

"About today at Detroit Stamping.. did you mean.. for that to happen?"

Lea turned her head to the side and looked at him, "I thought it was my idea?"

"Well.. I wanted to do it.. I just.. it was sort of spontaneous."

"Big words... those words come with your high school diploma?"

Jimmy grinned at her, "I just want to know where we stand, Lea."

"Well I stand over at Roscoe's Diner in ten minutes. I've got to get to work."

"What is that supposed to mean?"

Lea stood up from the steps and began walking to her car - Jimmy just a few steps behind her.

"It was sex, Rabbit. I woke up this morning lonely and horny so I came to find you. I thought you'd be happy that I chose you instead of one of those losers from the Chin Tiki."

He stared at her in disbelief. She was saying that all today was to her was 'sex' - no emotion,

"Just bodies, Rabbit - remember? I'll talk to you later.. I'm gonna be late."

Jimmy stepped back on his heals, raising his hand slightly as she pulled out of the trailer park and blew the horn - disappearing down the highway quickly.

He turned around in a daze, realizing that his mother was sitting on her porch - obviously drunk.
------------------------

"Hey, Jimmy."

Alex waved slightly as Jimmy left his mom's trailer - she had heard them arguing inside and decided to wait until they were finished before she knocked on the door.

"Hey.. Alex? What are you doing here?" He muttered, the emotion in his voice startled her. Being back in eight one o was slowly but surely returning his life to the living hell he once knew. It wasn't like things ever were 'perfect' but living with his mother just wasn't something he could do.

Between Lea 'just not giving a fuck' anymore - and his mother's lifestyle - he shook his head and looked up at Alex, forcing a smile.

"You goin' somewhere? I could give you a ride."

~

"Are you sure you’re alright?"

Alex pulled her brother's car into the gas station slowly - realizing that she had to fill it up if she wanted to use it anymore this week. She watched Jimmy turn his attention away from the window and look at her, opening the door.

"Yeah... there's just a lot of shit going on.. my mom, the battles and shit.. I guess it's getting to me."

He nodded towards the small building, "You want something? I'm gonna go get the key for the bathroom.." Alex shook her head no and smiled, placing the gas nozzle into the vehicle.

She had her eye on him since the first time she had saw him at Detroit Stamping - the way he looked, and even moved - she wanted him. Her friends had told her that he had some great skills rapping and she had finally saw them for herself in the Chin Tiki parking lot a few nights ago.

Wink had canceled on her tonight - assuring her they would meet up tomorrow since he was going out with Papa Doc and The Free world - so she had decided to go see what the infamous Jimmy Smith Jr was up too - only to find him upset over his mother. She grinned at the thought of him being vulnerable.

Once her car had filled up she walked inside and paid the cashier, disappearing around the building to the bathrooms. She knocked on the men's room door quietly, "Hey.. it's me."

~

Jimmy looked up at himself in the mirror, trying to get his own thoughts organized before Alex came looking for him - but it was too late.

He opened the door slightly, surprised when she crawled through the crack and stood with him in the very small space. "What are you.." His question was cut off by her tongue in his mouth - kissing him passionately and unexpectedly.

They kissed for a few minutes - running their hands down each others bodies. Alex had wanted this ever since she met him and finally she was getting her chance. If Wink didn't want to hang out - she would find someone else who did.

"Jimmy.. what if I told you I've craved you since the moment I saw you?"

He looked down at her in disbelief as her hands moved past the waistband of his pants and into his boxers - grabbing at his quick rising member. She pulled his pants down mid thigh and fell to her knees in front of him - taking his dick into her mouth quickly.

Jimmy leaned back against the sink and bit his tongue to keep himself from screaming. This girl defiantly had experience. She moved back and forth on his dick like a pro - taking in every inch of him before withdrawing.

"Do you like that?"

He nodded slightly, closing his eyes in pure bliss as she continued her slow torture. After a few minutes Alex stood to her feet in front of him and removed her coat, pulling her skirt around her waist as she traded him positions and sat on the sink.

"You know you want this... Rabbit.."

Her voice was velvety, almost a whisper as she talked to him - beckoning him forward as her own hand found her slit. His mouth suddenly became dry as he watched her finger herself - taunting him with her silent pleas for 'him'.

It was unreal the way things were happening the past two days - first Lea and now Alex... he thought of Lea for a moment, picturing her in front of him instead - with her legs spread open, waiting for him. 'This' shouldn't be happening - not with the woman in front of him at least.

In the back of his mind he knew he wanted to be with Lea - but she had made it painfully clear that what they had was nothing anymore, just a one time booty call.

Alex moved her hips slowly as Jimmy moved towards her... his thoughts suddenly vanishing as she wrapped her arms around his back and pulled him towards her, gasping loudly as his dick entered her at a rushed pace, filling her to the core immediately.

They remained completely still for a moment - just taking in what they were feeling before Alex arched her back - causing him to slip even further into her depths. She smiled up at him as he started moving with her, holding onto her hips for leverage as she bucked against him.

She moaned loudly - wrapping her legs around his back as they quickened their pace. She was screaming, his name - her own name... every word she could think of as he pounded into her.

Jimmy dug his short nails into her shoulders as he held onto her - mumbling Lea's name into her neck as the feeling of release washed over him. Alex opened her eyes quickly, pulling away from him.

"What did you say?"

"What? Nothing.."

He stepped away from her and pulled up his pants, watching her look at him as she realized what he had just said. "You're the guy that Lea was talking about..."

"What? No, I'm not.. what did she say?"

Alex laughed quietly, pulling her own clothes back on.

"You're the guy she said she was still in love with.."
-------------------------------------
Lea tied her apron around her waist and scanned the diner for her customers, watching dreadfully as The Free world made their way - loudly - to their usual table.

Papa Doc sat down beside his girl as the others flooded to sit with him, pushing each other to get a seat beside 'the legend'. When he was in high school he thought that he was the shit - and now that he was winning battles at The Shelter, there was no stopping him.

Lea sighed to herself and grabbed a handful of menus, making her way towards the group. To her surprise, Wink was sitting at the table - almost trying to hide himself in shame. She glared at him for a moment then turned to the others, "Welcome to Roscoe's, what kind of drinks can I get everybody?"

Lotto smacked Wink on the back and laughed, "Yo aint you that bitch that was bonin' Whiety in high school? Wink's friend here the choke artist?"

Wink pushed Lotto away and stood up, "Not tonight, guys alright? Lea - can I talk to you?"

She studied him for a minute, finally deciding that she would take her break and let another waitress wait on them. It wasn't like they tipped worth a shit anyway.

She walked towards the back of the building and outside, glaring at Wink as he waited for the chance to talk to her. She knew that he was badmouthing 313 behind their back - not to mention his 'so called friends' and her, "What the fuck do you want, Wink?"

"Why you gotta be like everybody else, Lea? Damn. I thought you got away from those assholes. Everybody's got a problem with me now."

"Oh, I wonder why? Maybe because you're a two faced son of a bitch?!"

"You don't know shit Lea! I'm putting Rabbit and 313 on the fucking map! I'm going to make Jimmy big!!"

"You aren't doing shit for him, Wink. You are getting his hopes up with shit you cant even deliver."

Suddenly, Wink pushed her back against the wall - getting tired of listening to her bad mouth him. He was making things happen - working with The Free world was showing him that he could be better then all this bullshit in Detroit and if Jimmy didn’t want a piece of it then FUCK HIM. He slammed her against the building again, causing her to cry out slightly. He was holding onto her wrists tightly - silently begging her to run her mouth.

"Why the fuck are you taking up for him anyway, Lea?! You don't even know what the fuck he's doing."

Lea pushed Wink away from her and narrowed her eyes, "What the fuck does that mean?"

"Alex told me all about them fucking the other day downtown at the gas station. He's not going to fucking change for your stupid ass!"

She stepped back from him, trying to hold back her temper before she smacked his head clean off his shoulders. He was lying. Things with her and Rabbit were still rocky but they were progressing and he wouldn't just throw things away like that again.. he.. said he loved.. her..
Lea turned around and entered the diner quickly - spotting Alex in the crowd as she talked to Papa Doc's girlfriend. She looked up as Lea made her way towards the table, a look of hate in her eyes.

"Did you fuck Rabbit the other day?!"

Her voice was loud - booming through the small diner. Alex looked at her in shock as Lea grabbed her wrist and jerked her away from the table.

"Tell me!" She screamed, clenching her fists together at her side. She was surely to get fired now but she didn't CARE anymore, everything she tried to fix in her life just ended up fucking ruined in the end so what was the point? "Fucking tell me, Alex!"

"Lea.. I really don't think we should talk about this here... I'm sorry okay.. I didn't know.."

"You didn't know.. you didn't fucking know?! Everyone knows! Everyone is in everyone else's business in this fucking town but you didn't know!"

Lea stepped back from Alex and shook her head, throwing her apron on the ground.

"Fuck this.." She pointed her finger at Alex and narrowed her eyes, "Fuck you."
---------------
Lea parked her car on the curb and climbed out quickly - marching across the street towards Cheddars house. Jimmy's car was parked in front of the building and she knew that he was inside.

"Rabbit!!"

She banged her fist on the door loudly, causing the very foundation of the building to rattle. "Get your fucking ass out here now, Jimmy!"

He opened the door slowly, catching her in mid knock - noticing the look in her eyes. She knew.

Fuck.

"Lea.. calm down, what's the matter?"

"You fucked her. Do you know how many guys she's fucked since she came here? Gee."

Her voice was calmer now, almost a whisper as the emotion took over. A sob escaped her throat as she looked at him, backing away before the tears would come. She wouldn't give him the satisfaction of crying. She didn't give a fuck about him anyway...... another sob.

Jimmy stepped out of Cheddar's house and looked at Lea, holding her gently by the arms as she sank down onto the sidewalk and choked on her sobs. She allowed him to pull her into his chest as she cried freely, clutching his shirt in her hands.

He held her tightly against his body like he had many times before, when they were kids - and her mother would come home drunk, blaming Lea for all of her problems. She would come over to his trailer after his mother left for bingo and cry until she couldn't cry anymore.

"Things have been so fuckin' crazy the past few days. I don't know what’s going on.."

She wiped at her eyes quickly and looked up at him, moving away from his arms as if they were snakes. She glanced up at Bob, who looked utterly lost as he frowned - not wanting his friend to be upset. Lea crawled to her feet quickly and backed up into the deserted street, wrapping her arms around her chest.

"..you go for the jugular every time don't you.."

She shook her head slightly and turned away from Cheddar's house, idly rubbing her wrist from Wink's assault. Jimmy took a step forward and grabbed her hand, looking down at her bruised arms.

"Who told you that I slept with Alex?" He demanded, looking up into her eyes. He had known her long enough to know when she was lying - it was in her eyes.

"You're great friend Wink.. stupid bastard.."

She jerked her hand away and returned to her car, sitting down behind the wheel slowly as Jimmy realized what had happened.

"Did he hurt you, Lea?"

"I was trying to defend your stupid ass and he pushed me, fuck it alright. I'm a big girl I don't need anything from you.. god I swear I should have fucking let your ass go a long time ago." She slammed her car door and started the car, driving back down the road. Jimmy and Cheddar watched her leave, turning to look at each other.

"I gotta go man. I'll catch you later."

They slapped hands before Jimmy got into his own car and took off down the road.

~

[author's note: Jimmy goes to J.O.B and fights with Wink (because Wink is fucking Alex AND because he put his hands on Lea and told her that Jimmy and Alex fucked). The Free World bitches come to Jimmy's trailer and beat him up, just like in the movie. ;)

Lea stepped out of her car and glanced around the trailer park - surprised to see Lilly standing on her porch crying and banging on the door.

"Lilly, baby.. what's wrong?"

Fear suddenly filled her as she ran across the yard and lifted the small girl into her arms, wiping away her tears as she sobbed loudly and pointed towards her own trailer.

"Jimmy.. Jimmy's.." She took in a long breath, sobbing again. "He's dead.. he won't answer me.."

Lea turned towards the Smith's yard - feeling her heart sink into her stomach once she spotted Jimmy lying lifeless on the ground in front of his home.

"Baby.. you stand right here okay? I'mma go check on Rabbit.."

She sat Lilly down quickly and went over to where he was lying. He had slipped unconscious twice since The Free world had left - trying desperately to concentrate on Lilly as she beat her tiny fists into his chest pleading for him to wake up. "Jimmy.. what happened?"

"Lilly... where's Lilly.."

He sat up quickly, wincing as a short stab of pain passed through his chest. It felt like his ribs were on fire - broken into tiny pieces inside him. He deserved it - every bit of pain he felt, he deserved more then that. Papa Doc came rushing back to him - a gun pressed into his temple. I could end yo shit right now and nobody would even miss yo ass, bitch.
Nobody would even miss him.

"It's okay, Rabbit.. she's okay.."

He looked at Lea as she desperately tried to hold him down, inspecting his body as he leaned into her for support. He didn't even know if he could move - but he had to see for himself that Lilly was alright. If any of those assholes even looked at her they were dead.

"He's okay Lilly see.. come here.."

Lilly ran across the yard wiping her nose on her sleeve as she stopped in front of her brother, "Jimmy?"

He opened his eyes again and nodded, "I'm okay baby.."

Lea ran her hand through his hair gently, assuring Lilly that she would take care of him - and for her to go inside and get ready for bed. She hugged her brother tightly - causing another stab of pain in his ribs and disappeared into the trailer, relief washing over her.

"What happened to you?"

Jimmy groaned as Lea helped him to his feet, wrapping an arm around his waist as they walked slowly towards the trailer.

"Those Free world assholes caught me off guard.."

He winced again as she opened the door and ushered him inside, helping him onto the couch.

"Why are you doing this, Lea.. Why are you here?"

"Your sister was on my porch crying her eyes out.. she thought you were dead, Jimmy."

His head rolled back on the couch, trying to think of a way to assure Lilly he was okay. Sometimes he got tired of being everyone else's rock, even though his sister was only five. Sometimes he got tired of everything.

"I care, Jimmy.. alright? You really don't know how much you mean to me."

Lea moved across the living room and into the small kitchen, grabbing some ice in a rag. She sat down beside him on the couch and pressed the ice against his swelling eye, letting silence wash over them.
---------------------------
"She ain't waitin' on me.."

Jimmy looked up towards the machinery - noticing Lea as she stood at the top of the walkway, smiling at him. He didn't know exactly how long she had been here, and it surprised them that she was there in the first place.

"I'll be back.."

He walked towards her slowly with his hands in his pockets, "What do you want?"

"I came to ask you a question.."

She flicked her cigarette butt onto the ground and crushed it with her shoe, looking up at him slowly.

"Well what is it?"

"I was wondering if you were going to The Shelter tonight.. I got a night off.."

"Nah.. someone called in sick so I'm fillin' in..."

Lea smiled, running her hand down his shirt idly, "Savin' up for something big?"

"Yeah, studio time.."

"Cool."

They stared at each other for a moment, waiting for the rights words to come to them. Finally, after standing in silence for what seemed like forever - Lea's lips parted to speak.

"Do you think we've got a chance?"

Jimmy stepped back on his heals, taking in her question he didn’t know the answer to.

"Do you?"

"I asked you."

"I don't know.. hell, it always fucks up doesn't it.."

Lea nodded, wrapping her arms around herself. She didn't know what they were going through or if they could get past it. It felt as if every time she felt things were going perfect - things fucked up.

"What if I told you I loved you?" She asked, glancing up to meet his eyes. He smiled slightly and reach out to take her hand, "What if I said I loved you too?"

"You fucked Alex.... and Jeanine.. who's next?"

"Maybe you.."

She laughed, turning her head. "Is that so, Rabbit?"

Jimmy grinned, letting her hand fall back to her side. "Yeah.. maybe."

Lea reach out and pulled off his toboggan slowly.

"I'm going to The Shelter and I'm taking this with me.. if you want it back, I guess you'll have to go win some battles.."

She turned around before he could protest - walking slowly back outside and to her car. Jimmy turned around and walked back towards Paul, asking him if he could cover for him for a few hours.

"Yeah, I can do that."

"Thanks man, I owe you."

~

Jimmy turned his head to the side in shock as the 'almighty' Papa Doc just stood there, trying to find the words to battle him. His mouth opened slightly as the realization that he had won the championship hit him hard.

"Ohh! We gotta new champion in here! B-Rabbit! B-Rabbit!!"

Lea was standing in the back with Cheddar and Sol - cheering loudly as Jimmy took his victory - nearly leaping into the crowd. He scanned his surroundings quickly - unable to believe what was happening.

Papa Doc had choked on his own words.

He glanced towards the back, spotting Lea in the crowd. She grinned at him and lifted her middle finger high in the air screaming "You still suck.." as loud as possible. He laughed and flipped her off, turning back to Future and the others as they chanted 'Fuck Free world!! Three one three.'

~

"Three in one third.. we in the house.."

Jimmy walked towards the alley, followed by Sol, Iz, Cheddar and Future.

"Yo we on our way, man!"

"..and we gonna get all the bitches!"

"Man, where we goin?"

He turned around to look at them, spotting Lea standing at the doors. He nodded towards her and grinned, turning back to Future.

"I'm goin' back to work, dawg."

"Work? You aint goin' to work.."

Jimmy walked off with Future towards the alley, talking to him for a minute before slapping hands with him and walking on by himself. Future turned back towards The Shelter - ushering his group back inside.

"Peace out, Rabbit!!!"

He lifted his hand in the air - disappearing into they alley and back to Detroit Stamping.
---------------------------------------------