~ NEXT DAY ~ MONDAY, MAY 3, 2010 ~

~ VERY EARLY IN THE MORNING ~

Sebastian and Jared are at the diagnostic center, have talked to the doctor, and are now waiting for them to ask Jared to give a sample.

Sebastian: I still think we came here for nothing.

Jared: Sebby, please!

Sebastian: But the doctor said it outright. You have no reason to be sterile. You never got hurt there, you didn't have the mumps, and there's no history of infertility or prostate in your family.

Jared: And what if?

Sebastian: What if? What if? Even if ... we'll figure something out. There are alternatives. Just stop doing that.

Jared: Can I ask you something?

Sebastian: Just don't say what I suspect.

Jared: If I'm right and I can't have a baby, will you help me?

Sebastian: How? Fuck Chloe? I'm sorry, bro, but I can't do that. She's like a sister to me, and besides, I'm not into redheads.

Jared rolls his eyes.

Jared: With a little healthy sperm, Sebby. That is, of course, if Chloe is willing to go through the ordeal of IVF and doesn't kick me to the curb.

Sebastian: Jesus Christ! What's that I hear on Cockrow?

Jared: Answer me.

Sebastian: Chloe would never kick you to the curb.

Jared: Sebby, please. Yes or no?

Sebastian: Yes, you idiot. Yes! Yes! Yes! What do you think? That I'm gonna leave you unprotected? You're my brother, Jay. I'd die for you.

Jared: Thank you.

At that moment, a nurse calls Jared over. He stands up and adjusts his pants.

Jared: Here we go.

Sebastian: Good luck, Beta, and if you get in a jam, call me to help you out.

Jared: Asshole.

After a while, Jared comes back into the waiting room, quite flushed. His cheeks are burning and his eyes are shining.

Sebastian: How did it go?

Jared: Fine, I guess.

Sebastian: Did you fill the cup?

Jared: I'm not touched by your sarcasm. You know I produce enough quantity. It's quality we might have a problem with.

Sebastian: Bullshit. Your quality will be fine and you'll see. Whatever! Tell me, what was it like in there?

Jared: It was a simple room, Sebby. What exactly were you expecting?

Sebastian: I don't know. Something arousing, I guess. Something to lift your spirits.

Jared: There were a few magazines, but I didn't need them. A simple thought of Chloe and ... You know.

Sebastian: Yeah. I know what you mean.

Jared: To tell you the truth, it seemed kind of weird to me. I haven't done it since I was fourteen years old.

Sebastian: That makes sense. Since you became an unstoppable sex machine.

Sebastian laughs and Jared bares his teeth.

Jared: Shut up!

Sebastian: I'm sorry. Come on, tell me. How long will it take to get the results?

Jared: The doctor has them prioritized. They'll be ready around five this afternoon. He'll email them to you.

Sebastian: To me? Why to me?

Jared: Because I can't take it. I'd rather hear the bad news from your mouth than read it.

Sebastian: You are incorrigible. Let's get out of here. Our women are waiting for us.

Jared: Let's go.

The two friends come out of the diagnostic center and walk to the car.

Jared: Really, what was your excuse for leaving so early? What did you tell Lois?

Sebastian: Your mom wanted us to fix something at her house. She asked me if she could come, but I told her we'd be back before she woke up.

Jared smiles.

Sebastian: What's with the smile?

Jared: For nothing. I just said the same thing to Chloe.

Sebastian hugs Jared and laughs.

Sebastian: There's a reason we became best friends, Beta. Don't you remember me telling you that?

Jared: I'll never forget the first words you said to me ... "Hello, my name is Sebastian and I am a lone wolf. I like your face. Will you be my best friend? I promise to honor your friendship."

Sebastian: And you shook my hand and told me ... "Hi. My name is Jared and I am also alone. I really want to be your best friend and I promise to honor your friendship too."

Jared: And from then on, we were never apart again.

Sebastian: And we never will be. Not even when my son is screwing the daughter you're about to have.

Sebastian laughs and Jared is about to explode, but finally changes his mind and answers calmly.

Jared: Yeah. You are right. Not even then, and you know why? Because if anyone has to fuck my daughter, I want it to be your son. At least with him I can be sure he won't hurt her.

Sebastian opens his mouth to reply, but strangely, he doesn't know what to say. Jared looks at him with a cocky smile on his face.

Jared: Well, Alpha? Don't you have anything to say?

Sebastian: No, and you really piss me off when you do that. You're the only person who can do that to me.

Jared: Try vinegar. It works wonders when you're angry.

Sebastian: Get in the fucking car, Beta.

Jared: Sure. Besides, I've a daughter to father. You know. For your son.

Jared gets in the car laughing loudly and Sebastian does the same, baring his teeth.

Sebastian: Remind me why I still keep you around?

Jared: Because even the greatest leader needs a sidekick.

Sebastian: You are not just a sidekick.

Jared: And what am I?

Sebastian: You are my support. My rock. The man behind the leader. If it wasn't for you, I don't know where I'd have ended up.

Jared: Sebby, stop. You're gonna make me cry.

Sebastian: Do it. We're alone. I won't tell anyone.

Jared: Just let me drive the damn car, Sebby.

* ~ *

~ AFTERNOON OF THE SAME DAY ~ AROUND 5 p.m. ~

Sebastian and Jared are in the kitchen of Matt and Alexander's house, preparing the family dinner. The others are out in the garden.

Sebastian: The sauce needs to be salted.

Jared: Put some in, but don't overdo it. Last time, we needed several gallons of water to recover.

Sebastian: Are you implying something about my cooking?

Jared: No, never. Just be careful with the salt.

Sebastian: Fuck you, asshole.

At that moment, Lois and Chloe enter the room.

Lois: Charming as ever, my Wolf, huh?

Chloe: And who is the recipient? My poor baby, of course.

Lois: Tell us what happened this time.

Sebastian: He insulted my cooking.

Jared: I was just saying that the last meal he made us was a little salty.

Chloe: A little? I was up all-night getting water. That wasn't food, it was the salt sea.

Sebastian: What an exaggeration, my God!

Lois: Don't listen to her, baby. I liked it.

Chloe: You're knocked up. Your opinion doesn't count.

When Chloe mentioned Lois' pregnancy, Jared sighed and Sebastian rolled his eyes. While they were talking, Jared kept looking at his watch, which of course Chloe hadn't missed.

Chloe: What's going on, baby? Why are you looking at your watch all the time? Are you expecting something?

Jared: Like what? No. I'm just looking at the time for dinner. You know, so it doesn't burn.

Chloe: Are you telling me the truth?

Jared: Of course, my Beauty.

Chloe: Hmm ...

Jared: You don't believe me?

Chloe: No, it's not that. I just feel like there's something wrong with you the last few days.

Jared: Don't worry, baby. Everything's fine.

Jared turns away to check on the food and Sebastian, pretending to look at the food as well, walks up next to him and whispers something in his ear.

Sebastian: Are you going to get serious? I'm going to hit you. If you keep this up, everyone will know. Is that what you want?

Jared: No.

Sebastian: Then pull yourself together!

A few minutes later, a noise from Sebastian's phone makes Jared flinch, causing the pot he's holding to slip through his hands and fill the floor with sauce.

Jared: Goddammit!

Sebastian snorts indignantly and Chloe rushes over to Jared.

Chloe: Okay! That's enough of that! Tell me what's going on right now.

Jared looks at Sebastian, but he nods in denial.

Jared: I can't, Chloe. Not yet. Not until I know.

Lois: Until you know what? Sebastian, what's going on?

Sebastian: Kitten, take Chloe and get out of here. Don't come back until you hear from me. And don't let anyone in.

Chloe: No. I'm not going anywhere. I'm staying with Jared.

Sebastian: Lois, do what I say. Now.

Lois takes Chloe's hand.

Lois: Let's go, Chloe.

Chloe: No. I'm not leaving Jared alone. There's something serious going on here.

Lois: You don't have to worry about him. Sebastian's here, and he knows what to do.

Lois looks at Sebastian and he assures her with his eyes. Then she pushes Chloe out of the room. When the two men are left alone, Sebastian attacks.

Sebastian: What the fuck are you doing? Have you completely lost your mind?

Jared: Sebby, please!

Sebastian: I don't like this at all. If you keep this up, you're going to ruin everything. Who knows what Chloe is thinking right now?

Jared: That's why I'm telling you. Let me talk to her.

Sebastian: No! Not until we are sure.

Sebastian pulls his phone out of his back pocket and opens his email.

Sebastian: Here we are.

Jared: Is this what we've been waiting for?

Sebastian: Yes.

Jared: Go ahead then. Open it. Open it and finish me off.

Sebastian rolls his eyes and Jared slumps in the chair.

Sebastian: I will, but if everything is okay, which I'm sure it is, then I'm going to castrate you with the fish knife.

Jared: Okay.

Sebastian opens the attached document and reads it.

Jared: Well?

Sebastian: Give me a minute. I'm not Superman when it comes to reading fast. Jeez!

A few seconds later, Sebastian is sitting across from Jared with a look of exasperation on his face.

Jared: What? I was right, wasn't I? I'm sterile.

Sebastian: I'm sorry, buddy, but ...

Jared: See what I told you? I'm useless. I'm half a man. I'm nothing. I don't deserve anything.

Jared props his head in his hands, and Sebastian stands up and walks towards him. He puts his hand on his shoulder and holds the phone right in front of Jared's eyes.

Sebastian: If you'd let me finish and not start the lament of Iphigenia, I'd tell you I'm sorry, buddy, but I'm going to have to castrate you.

Jared: Excuse me?

Sebastian: Open your fucking eyes, asshole, and read. Read how stupid you are!

Jared grabs the cell phone and reads with bated breath. After some medical gibberish, there's a handwritten note from the doctor at the bottom of the document...

"Seeing these results really makes me wonder why you took this test. Your sperm are healthy, very active and quite capable of producing children. Keep trying and soon your dream will come true. "

Jared turns his head and looks at Sebastian, who is looking at him with his arms crossed on his chest.

Jared: It says here that ...

Sebastian: That you are an asshole? Oh, yeah. That's exactly what it says.

Jared: And why you ...?

Sebastian: Why I seemed devastated? To scare you a little bit.

Jared: How could you? How could you play with something like that?

Sebastian: I had to. For you. To talk some sense into you.

Jared: Really, huh?

Sebastian: Yeah. Really.

Jared stands up and walks towards Sebastian, kind of menacingly.

Sebastian: What? What are you doing, Jay?

Jared: You better start running now, Sebby.

Sebastian: And why would I do that?

Jared: Because when I get my hands on you, I'm going to fucking kill you.

Sebastian: Oh, shit!

But before we see how this confrontation plays out, let's go to the backyard, where the others are trying to calm Chloe down, who's pretty upset about Jared's weird behavior.

Mary: Don't be like that, Chloe. I'm sure it's nothing serious.

Isabella: I agree with Mary. If it was something bad, he would tell us. He wouldn't keep it a secret.

Lois: Besides, Sebastian knows. I'm not worried at all.

Matt: I don't understand. Out of the blue he started acting weird?

Chloe: It's not out of the blue. He's been acting weird since we found out about Lois' pregnancy, and the situation got worse when Mary started showing symptoms.

Matt: Wait a minute. Are you trying to have a baby?

Chloe: We haven't talked about it openly yet. He asked me once if I wanted to have kids, and I told him I would like to, but without a timetable. You know, I want it now or in a few years.

Matt: Are you taking precautions?

Chloe: No. We never did.

Jace: What are you thinking about, Sweetheart?

Matt: About the obvious, Perverted.

Simon: And what would that be?

Matt: That our dear Jared is worried about his ability to have children. That's why he acts the way he does.

Alexander: How did you even come up with that?

Matt: It doesn't take a genius, baby. Wolf got his kitten pregnant in the first month without even trying, and this pervert over here did the same thing in even less time.

Chloe: Oh, God! If that's the case, why hasn't he spoken to me?

Matt: Obviously he's ashamed, Carrot. That makes sense.

Lois: And even more logical is that he only talked to Sebastian, who apparently ordered him not to talk to anyone else.

Chloe: That's why when I asked him, he said he couldn't tell me. That's it. I'm going to kill Wolf. Why did he do that?

Lois: I'm sure he had his reasons. Sebastian never does anything without a reason. Especially when it comes to Jay-Jay. He would never do anything to hurt him. The best thing we can do is wait.

Mary: I agree. Don't say anything to Jared. You'll put him in a very difficult position. Let him talk to you when he's ready.

Chloe: But I can't let him suffer.

Lois: He has a backup. Sebastian will never let anything bad happen to him.

Matt: As far as that goes, Watermelon's right. As opposed to now, not so much.

Lois: What's that supposed to mean?

Matt: Look over there and you'll understand.

Matt points to the kitchen door, and as everyone turns their heads in that direction, they see Sebastian busting his ass, and behind him, Jared chasing after him with not-so-peaceful intentions. Lois and Chloe roll their eyes and Simon starts laughing.

Lois: Here we go again.

Chloe: They never grow up.

Simon: Damn it! I haven't seen that in many years.

Isabella: Have you seen that before?

Simon: Several times. It's really fucking funny. Ask Negro to tell you stories.

Alexander: Why do they do that?

Simon: They help each other get off the ground. If one of them has a problem, they fight, and then it's like nothing happens. Don't ask me for details, because I don't know. I am a dragon. I have no idea how a wolf's mind works.

Jace: So, we don't have to intervene or anything?

Lois: No. Don't bother. Just enjoy the show.

Mary: The show?

Chloe: Two wolves fighting. It's pretty brutal, but it's also pretty sexy. Just look.

They look at the two men running around, and they immediately get in the mood of the game.

Jace: Is Jared going to catch Sebastian?

Chloe: No. Unfortunately, Sebastian is a little faster.

Matt: And then what's going to happen?

Lois: Sebastian will get tired of running and he'll stop to face Jared.

Mary: And what will Jared do?

Chloe: He'll attack.

Like Lois and Chloe said, Sebastian stops and turns around, but Jared doesn't say anything. He just attacks and punches Sebastian right in the face.

Sebastian stumbles backwards and growls as Jace and Matt gasp in sympathetic pain.

Jace: Ouch!

Matt: Ugh! That's gotta hurt.

Simon: Yeah. Beta has always had a damn good right hook.

Chloe: Yeah. Yes. He has.

Mary: So, what now?

Lois: Now the Alpha is going to teach his Beta a lesson in discipline. Watch and admire.

Lois puts her hands over her mouth and screams.

Lois: Get him, Wolf. Show him who the real leader is!

Isabella: For God's sake, Lois. Are you encouraging them?

Lois: I'm a fan. I can't help it.

Meanwhile, Sebastian, with his hand on his sore jaw, stares snarling at Jared, who is fuming.

Sebastian: How dare you?

Jared: How dare YOU play with me?

Sebastian: I wanted to teach you a lesson, but it seems you need more.

Jared: Oh, really? Then give me your best shot.

Sebastian: With pleasure.

The blow that lands in his face knocks Jared to the ground, but he immediately gets back up. Sebastian trips him up with a nifty kick, though, and drops him back to the ground.

Sebastian: Was that enough for you or do you want more?

Jared: Definitely more. It didn't even hurt me. You hit like a fucking girl.

Sebastian: You piece of shit!

Jared jumps up and Sebastian charges again, but Jared dodges and grabs back. He grabs him by the waist and shoves him hard and throws him to the ground, falling with him. The blow is violent for both of them. They separate from each other, gasping in pain and lying in the grass, laughing right after.

Sebastian: Shit! I am too old for this.

Jared: Yeah. Tell me about it. My whole body hurts.

Sebastian: And why is that? I hit like a fucking girl.

Jared: Oh, come on. You know that's not true.

Sebastian: Did you at least blow off some steam?

Jared: Yeah. I'm fine.

Sebastian: And calm, right?

Jared: You don't say! Do you realize that, Sebby? I am perfectly capable. I can have a baby. I can make Chloe happy.

Sebastian: I never doubted that.

Jared: I know, and I thank you. If it wasn't for you...

Sebastian : Come on, stop talking shit and get up. We need to put some ice on... all over, actually.

They try to get up, but the spirit is willing enough, but the flesh is weak. They fall back and laugh some more.

Jared: Easier said than done, right?

Sebastian: Yeah.

Jared: I think it's time we called for reinforcements.

Sebastian props himself up on his elbows and yells.

Sebastian: Women, bring us some ice.

As they watch Chloe and Lois get closer, Jared asks one last thing.

Jared: Can I talk to Chloe now?

Sebastian: Yes, beta. You can. Your order is off.

* ~ *

~ MUCH LATER ~ JARED & CHLOE's BEDROOM ~

Jared has already been bathed and is now sitting on the edge of the bed, holding an ice pack on his cheekbone, where there is a rather large bruise. Chloe, who was in the bathroom cleaning it up, comes out and stands in front of him with no good intentions.

Chloe: And now, Beast, just you and me.

Jared grimaces at the pain in his side from the fall.

Jared: Please, Beauty. Be gentle with me, because I have been through enough.

Chloe: It will depend.

Jared: On what?

Chloe: On whether or not you open your mouth.

Jared: I get it. What do you want to know?

Chloe: Everything, and most importantly, why you have been acting the way you have the past few days.

Jared gets up and puts the ice pack on the nightstand. He approaches her and hugs her waist. She strokes her fingers over the bruise under his eye.

Jared: I was scared.

Chloe: Of what?

Jared: That I wouldn't be enough for you. That I wouldn't be able to... That I wouldn't...

Chloe, seeing how hard the words are for him, realizes that the others were right about the reason for his strange behavior and decides not to let him suffer any further. She doesn't like seeing him like this. He doesn't deserve this. So, she puts her fingers to his lips and stops him.

Chloe: Shh! Don't say any more. You don't have to tell me. I just want to know if everything's okay now.

Jared: Yeah, baby. Everything's perfect now.

Chloe: Then, it's over. We will forget about it and move on.

Jared: Thank you.

Chloe: I just want you to promise me that the next time you have a problem, you'll come to me and not Sebastian.

Jared: I ...

Chloe: I know what he means to you, and I completely respect that. I love him, too. I'm not asking you to cut him out of your life. I'm just asking you to accept me into your life. That's all I'm asking. Will you do that for me?

Jared: You are already in my life, baby. In fact, you are my life.

Chloe: Then, that's enough for me.

Jared: Can I kiss you now?

Chloe: You are not in pain?

Jared: There's no pain that could keep me away from you.

Chloe: Hmmm ... What's on your mind, filthy Beast?

Jared: I made a promise to Sebby and I need to make good on that promise.

Chloe: What did you promise him?

Jared: That he would have a daughter for his son.

Chloe: What exactly?

Jared: I'll explain that to you later.

Laughing, Jared pushes Chloe into bed, already getting rid of their clothes. She helps him with the clothes and sighs as he starts kissing her neck.

Jared: I love you, Chloe. I want to give you everything your soul craves. I want to make you happy. I want to...

Chloe: I am happy, Jared. I have everything I want. You are the only one my soul longs for. When I have you, I have everything.

Jared: Don't lie to me. You want something else. Something I now know I can give you.

Chloe: Jared...

Jared: Shh! It's all right. It's all right now.

Chloe: I love you, Jared.

* ~ *

~ AT THE SAME TIME ~ SEBASTIAN & LOIS' BEDROOM ~

Lois is already in bed when Sebastian comes out of the bathroom. He has a busted up lower lip and a bruise on his back, high on his shoulder blade.

Sebastian: Are you in bed already?

Lois: Yeah. But why?

Sebastian: Because you still have to work. Come on, get up.

Lois: What are you talking about? What do I have to do?

Sebastian: Lick my wounds.

Lois: Huh?

Sebastian: Are you my she-wolf or not?

Lois: Yes, I am, but what does that have to do with anything?

Sebastian: That's one of your jobs. When the wolf is hurt, the she-wolf licks his wounds to help him heal faster and ease his pain.

Lois: Seriously?

Sebastian lifts the sheet, gets under it, and sneaks into her arms.

Sebastian: Yeah, seriously. Come on, start licking. And don't worry about the bruise on my back. Concentrate on my mouth.

She bursts out laughing.

Lois: You are crazy.

Sebastian: Are you really just realizing this now? Better late than never, Kitten.

She frames his face and presses her mouth to his, touching her tongue to the gash on his lower lip.

Lois: Better now?

Sebastian: Much better.

Lois: You know, if you wanted a kiss, you could just order it for me, the way I like it.

Sebastian sighs.

Sebastian: Ah, Kitten. Don't scratch the wound.

Lois: You miss it too, huh?

He strokes her belly.

Sebastian: Although the reward for waiting is the most wonderful thing in the world, you can't imagine how much I've missed our games.

Lois: Mmm... Now that you mention it. We will have to go home at some point to get our supplies here.

Sebastian: Yeah, I know, but we'd better wait until our house is ready and bring them straight there.

Lois: Why?

Sebastian: Because, my innocent Kitten, if your brother sees all this, he's going to murder me and bury my body in the backyard.

Lois: Yes. Hmm... I forgot about him.

Sebastian: Did you see?

Lois: Whatever. Now tell me about Jay-Jay.

Sebastian: What do you want me to tell you?

Lois: Why were you fighting?

Sebastian: We had to. He needed it. He was under a lot of pressure the last few days, and somehow, he had to lash out.

Lois: He was afraid for his fertility, wasn't he?

Sebastian: So, you picked up on that, huh?

Lois: Matt did. We didn't. My poor Jay-Jay. That would have been one hell of a pain in the ass for him.

Sebastian: Yeah, it was, but it's over now. Like I have been telling him all along, he's perfectly capable.

Lois: Thank God. That would be terrible. Not just for him, but for Chloe. She wants a child with him so badly.

Sebastian: Do you think she'd leave him if he did have a problem?

Lois: Of course not. Chloe loves him. She would never leave him.

Sebastian: You know, he asked me if I would help him if he couldn't procreate.

Lois: How? If he asked you to screw Chloe, I hope you said no. I wouldn't like that at all.

Sebastian laughs and gives Lois a greasy kiss.

Sebastian: Damn it! It drives me crazy when you feel the same way I do.

Lois laughs too.

Sebastian: No. He asked me for some healthy sperm. You know, for IVF.

Lois: You would do it, wouldn't you?

Sebastian: Yes, of course. Without even thinking about it. He's my brother, Kitten. I'd do anything for him.

Lois: That's why I love you, Wolf. For that beautiful soul you have inside of you. I'm so proud of you.

Sebastian: Would you take it?

Lois: Do you really have to ask me that?

Sebastian: You're right. I'm sorry.

Lois: Although, in that case, we would have a problem.

Sebastian: What kind of problem?

Lois: Our children would be related by blood and therefore our son couldn't fuck their daughter. That would be incest.

Sebastian's eyes gape and his mouth opens in the perfect shape of an O.

Lois: What?

Sebastian: You bugged me, didn't you? That's the only explanation.

Lois: The only explanation for what? I don't quite understand.

Sebastian: I'll explain it to you later.

He throws the sheet away and walks towards her. She opens her legs and crosses them behind his back. She moans as he enters her and wraps her arms around his neck to pull him even closer.