Lean On Me (Bradley)

[Jackson Poe]

2nd October 2009 || Recording Studio

Jackson, and the rest of C-PAX had been busy all week recording songs that mayb end up being on their very first cd for the group. All the songs sounded good, and they had just finished settling on the songs that they felt they would want to release. Other songs would be either added to singles as extra tracks, or unfortunately just sit on the shelf. Jackson was rather impressed with the track listings, with most of his choices listed on there.

He got on well with all the guys in the band, but he was beginning to get on rather well with Bradley. There was a little bit of an age difference, but he was feeling that he could tell him anything now. Bradley had been the first that he had told about the baby, as the guys were out back, when Emma had announced that piece of information to the entire crowd at her twenty-first birthday celebrations. Jackson had grown up so much, since the last time he found out that his last girlfriend was pregnant, as he felt that he wasn't ready. But now he felt more than ready, what with a baby on the way, and a wedding to plan.

Jackson had also met Bradley's daughter, who was so cute. So now he was loving the idea of having a son or daughter to interact with. Just the prospect of sharing his love that he already had with Emma, with another was just an amazing feeling, that sometimes he just wanted to shout, or sing it, to the world.

So now it was getting onto 8:30pm, and he knew that he would have to head off home soon, maybe around ten o'clock. They had ordered pizza to munch on during the last part of the decision making, and now there were a couple of slices left, and only two C-PAX members left: Jackson and Bradley. Jackson was mentally tired, but liked that it was just him and Bradley to sit and chat for a while at least.

"So, Brad. How do you think the album sounds? I think it sounds fantastic, but the songs that I like were put on there, so not biased much." Jackson laughed, and reached for his bottle of water, taking a mouthful. "You sounded fantastic on that last track. Seems you have been practicing a bit with some of those notes?" Jackson gave him a smirk, raising his eyebrows.

[bradley]

The band Bradley had become a part of was well and truly founded now, and they all seemed to get on very well, but Bradley seemed to have formed a very close friendship with Jackson, or at least, it was heading that way at any rate. Jackson had met his daughter Kimberly and Jackson had told him about Emma's pregnancy before he had told the other guys. Bradley told him if he needed any advice, he'd do his best to help him, although as much as he thought he was a good father, he couldn't deny that his mom was a godsend and did most of the things for Kimberly while he was busy with the band.

However, Bradley suffered from a minor heart defect, which could make him very tired, and so he had to be careful not to overdo things, and make sure he rested up well before doing anything, in particular a live show. Which was why he really counted on Jackson's support and friendship, especially with him not really having anybody special in his life as yet. He couldn't deny that it would be nice, but with the band, and success and probably touring soon, he might not have much time for a love life, although Jackson seemed to have done well enough for himself.

Now that they were happy with the tracks they were putting onto their album, the other two boys had left, and it was just himself and Jackson left, with two pieces of pizza left, one each basically. Jackson then asked him how he thought the album sounded, adding that he thought it sounded fantastic. He was just about to answer when Jackson then asked if he had been practicing, because he sounded fantastic on the last track. He knew Jackson was teasing but still, he chuckled and playfully nudged him.

"Yeah man, I'm happy with the album and the sound and song choices, but yeah, you didn't mess around with that you wanted on there." Bradley chuckled again, but he couldn't deny the album sounded damn good. Bradley took a drink himself when he saw Jackson reach for some water, and then stifling a yawn, because the day had tired him out, he smiled, before answering. "Thanks man, always good to get compliments, no matter how they're said." He raised his eyebrows then, and nudged Jackson once more as he laughed.

Bradley decided to make some small talk with Jackson, so that it wouldn't just be about the album, seeing as that's all they had spoken about the whole time they had been in the recording studio. Leaning back in the chair, and putting his feet up onto one of the nearby stools, he stifled another yawn. He never apologised, because the other guys knew of his condition and they were used to him feeling this way, in fact, Jackson was usually quite concerned and protective over him with it. "So, how's Emma keeping?" He asked with a smile. He was quite happy that his little Kimberly would have a play mate in a few months, even if she would be a bit older than Jackson's kid.

[Jackson Poe]

Jackson nodded, with a smile on his face, when Bradley commented about the sound of the album. When he mentioned about Jackson not messing around with what he wanted on the album, he shook his head. "Had to put my two cents in, and got out a dollar!" He laughed then. It was kind of cool that the tracks he had liked had ended up on the cd, but really, some of the songs either one or all of them liked as well. So he didn't feel so bad about it all.

Jackson saw Bradley yawn a little, and thought that maybe he should just get on home. He knew Bradley had a heart defect, and knew that he did get tired. But before he could say anything about it, Bradley thanked Jackson for what he said about how Brad had sounded on the last track. Jackson gave him a smile, and a nudge back. "Well, I just hope that the fans, and others, feel that we have a strong album to release." Jackson didn't know how he would feel if they thought it sounded good, but then got bad reviews for it, and harsh comments from the public.

Jackson took another mouthful of his water, and lent into the chair. He watched Brad yawn again, trying to hold it back once more. "Hey, B. If you want to go, it's okay with me. I am sure I can find something to do." That thought then went to Emma, knowing full well what he could get up to. That thought made him grin slightly. After Brad replied, he asked how Emma was going. Jackson looked at his water bottle, and smiled, as he began to pick at the label. "She's going good. Pregnancy seems to be going well. Finally asked her to move in with me, as it just seemed like the thing to do. We still have to set a date for the wedding, hoping to do that in the next couple of days. She knows that this album has been important to me. So now that it is all over, we can have that talk."

He really wondered how it would all go. Emma would be in fact showing by the time they actually planned the wedding date. But really, it didn't matter to Jackson. She would be beautiful however she looked. He looked at Bradley, eyes shining. "I can't wait to marry her. It is like my life is complete with her in it. If I lost her, I don't know how I would go on." But as soon as he said that, he knew he should have kept that to himself. Jackson felt bad about Brad's wife, who Brad lost when she was giving birth to Kimberly. He looked downcast then.

[bradley]

Bradley couldn't help but laugh along with Jackson when he spoke about putting his two cents in and getting out a dollar. Well, really it hadn't bothered Bradley at all, they had good tracks on the album, not one of them had disagreed about the quality of the songs on the album. Bradley could only hope it would be well received by the public and their fans, which had been slowly building up over the past few weeks. That showcase talent they went to in California a while back really gave their career in music a high lift.

Just as Bradley had been thinking about the fans loving what they put together on the album, Jackson said the words. Bradley smiled, "Yeah man, I'm sure they'll love it. We did put the best of the best on there." Bradley honestly couldn't see a problem with the album, but they were still very new yet, and a first album for any artist was a big thing. They needed it to be a hit to continue to have success, but really, they were all fantastic singers, so Bradley couldn't see them having much of a problem.

After Bradley had stifled a second yawn, as if on cue Jackson spoke up saying if he wanted to go home it was fine with him. However, Bradley loved his conversations with Jackson and knew that Kimberly was safe with his mom. He could spare a few moments yet he felt. "Nah, it's alright man. I probably can't stay too much longer, but I love our conversations." He smiled at him then, and reached over for some water and took a long drink, hoping that it might make him feel a little better.

Bradley had then asked how Emma was keeping, he took some more water, and smiled at Jackson while he answered his question. "I'm glad she's doing well." Then Jackson said he'd asked Emma to move in with him. He smiled more brightly then, with his eyes almost popping out of his head. "Really? That's great man, but yeah, I can understand, she's having your baby, might as well get all cosy huh?" Bradley winked at him then, teasing him slightly, Jackson would know fine well what Bradley was hinting at, he was a guy, and they were all the same.

Jackson then continued to say that he couldn't wait to marry Emma and he didn't know what he would do if he ever lost he, and how he wouldn't be able to go on. Bradley saw that look on Jackson's face and could tell he had regretted saying what he said, because Bradley had lost his wife when she gave birth to their daughter Kimberly. "Hey Jackson man, it's alright, don't feel bad about saying that. You've got someone precious in your life, course you don't want to lose her. I had to get over Natasha's death quickly, had a daughter to look after. Really, I wouldn't wish losing your partner on anybody." Bradley reached across and put his arm sloppily over Jackson's shoulder and hugged him slightly.

[Jackson Poe]

Jackson nodded, when Brad commented that they had put on the best of the best. It had sounded good, and he also hoped that the album would be well received. Jackson had been loving singing solo, trying to get his name and music out there. But it didn't beat being in a group with three other guys that you got along with so well as well. Jackson had no idea about others there were out there, breaking into the business, until he met those three, and just hoped that other aspiring artists took the challenge to put themselves out there and get noticed.

"Okay. But you let me know when you are ready to go. Don't want you all tired for the weekend as it will be like go go go for all four of us." Just thinking about what they had to do over the next two days: photoshoots mainly for the album, and preparing for the interviews for the following week. But then Jackson had to also think of his big day with Emma on the Monday, when they would see their baby for the first time. He just hoped that he wouldn't fall asleep for that visit. Jackson did like their conversations, but he also knew Bradley needed his sleep as well. He had a daughter to look after, as well as look after himself.

After Jackson told Brad how Emma was doing, he smiled back at him. Then he had gone on to say that he had asked her to move in with him. Jackson couldn't help but continue to smile, as it felt good for her to be with him, even if he was busy with the album. "I know Brad. I just want to make sure that she is okay every second of the day, what with the baby now and all. But she is a strong woman, and she does enough for both of us sometimes. But I know that she understand about my career, and I don't want her to feel that I am neglecting her or anything." Jackson let out a bit of a laugh. "Might just have to show her some of the Jackson charm when I get home." He then reached for his water, and practically skulled the rest of the water. Just thinking about taking Emma into the bedroom when he got home was getting him a bit hot then. The water kind of did the trick.

After Jackson had gone on a bit of a tangent about Emma, and not being able to wait to marry her, and also never wanting to lose her, he had looked at Brad sympathetically, not sure what to say. Brad then told him not to feel bad. But Jackson did, and then listened to what Brad had to say. Jackson had no idea how Bradley did it. Just having that partner just leave you in this world on your own, and have to quickly take care of a baby on your own. Jackson wasn't selfish, but he secretly wished that nothing ever happened to Emma during the labour, or the pregnancy for that matter. He hoped that they had lots of kids, but if it was too much for her, then one or two would be enough for him.

He felt Brad's arm flop over his shoulder, hugging him slightly. Jackson looked at Brad. "I know, and I still don't know how you did all that. But I know that your mum is a great woman, and has done a lot to get you through it all. I don't know if I would cope as well as you have." Jackson knew that for a fact, after he almost lost Emma when she had that accident back in April. "I thought I was going to lose her back in April when she got hit by that car. That was the most scariest moment of my life I think so far."

[bradley]

Bradley knew Jackson would be on his case about not tiring himself out, in a friendly way naturally. Although he did have a fair point, they were going to be very busy at the weekend. He would have to reserve some of his energy, especially when he loved spending time with his daughter Kimberly at every chance he got. He gave Jackson a reassuring smile. “Don’t worry man; I’ll let you know when I feel I have to go. I know we have that busy weekend coming up.” Bradley took some more of his water and began to wonder just how much longer he should stay for. He hated to cut conversations short with Jackson, but Brad had to think of his health first and foremost, especially when he had Kimberly to think about as well.

As Jackson spoke more about Emma, and not wanting her to think he was neglecting her due to his busy schedule with the band, Bradley could understand. In many ways he was glad he had met and married Natasha and had their baby girl before he got caught up with the band. He wouldn’t have missed his time with Natasha and Kimberly as a tiny baby for anything. The joyous moment of Kimberly’s birth was marred with the death of Natasha of course. He often wished Natasha could see their daughter now, she was gorgeous and such a bubble of fun, pretty much like Natasha used to be in many ways. “I think I know how you feel about the whole neglecting thing Jackson. I know I’m glad I was able to enjoy my time with Natasha through the pregnancy before I got involved with the band now. You’re lucky you have someone who understands though. You have someone to go home to all the time, that’s magical.”

Jackson then joked about showing Emma some of the Jackson charm when he got home, Brad winked at him, and grinned. “Yeah, you do that man, I’m sure she’ll appreciate it.” Not long after that, Jackson spoke about how he couldn’t wait to marry Emma, and how he wouldn’t be able to cope if he ever lost her. Bradley saw that look then from Jackson, knowing he felt bad for saying what he had. Brad being Brad said it was alright and he wasn’t to feel bad about what he had said. Brad gave Jackson a weak smile when he said he didn’t know how he had been able to do it all. “Yeah, mom was great, but it wasn’t that easy for me all the time, as you can imagine. However, when you have a young child depending on you, you have to get on with it.” Jackson then said he thought he was going to lose Emma back in April when she was hit with the car.

Bradley still had his arm around Jackson’s shoulder, so he gently hugged at him again. “Yeah, but she was a fighter, and came through it. You’re lucky Jackson, man. I could see how much she loves you at her twenty-first party.” Kimberly was now two, almost three, so it had been quite some time since he had lost Natasha. In all that time he hadn’t given romance a second thought, but seeing Declan, Dwaine and Jackson happy with women in their life, he was getting to the point where he wished he had someone special in his life as well now.

[Jackson Poe]

"Okay," Jackson said, when Brad said that he would let Jackson know when he felt he had to go. Busy was an understatement. Just knowing what time he had to get up, then be ready for the photoshoots. It just make him feel exhausted himself, and he was just thinking about it all. But he knew that once it was all finished, then the main product was finished with, it just came down to them promoting it.

Jackson gave Brad a weak smile. He knew how much he had loved Natasha, well he had heard about it from Brad himself. Brad told him about how he was glad that he was able to enjoy the time he had with her through the pregnancy. Then he mentioned about Jackson being lucky to have someone to understands, and to go home to all the time. "Well, I hope I get to be with Emma for the appointments, and for the little milestones, like the baby kicking and all that. We have that appointment on Monday, just hoping that I don't run late for it, what with the interviews and so forth." Jackson knew deep down that he would hate for Emma to go and see their baby for the first time without him. "We get to see the baby on the screen for the first time at the appointment. Don't really want to miss it at all." Jackson played with his bottle of water, knowing that he would feel that he had let Emma down if that did happen.

Jackson soon remembered about how Brad had said about Jackson having someone to go home to. "Well, you never know. The girl of your dreams might just be out there somewhere. You might have met her, or maybe you haven't yet. She could be right in front of you, and you don't know it." With Emma, he happened to be just in the right place at the right time. If he hadn't have gone to the skating rink, expecting to see guys play hockey, then he would never have run into her, and he never would be where he is today without her by his side.

After Brad commented about Jackson showing his charm to Emma, he had to laugh. "Will just have to restrain myself, as she is carrying Baby Poe now." He smiled at Brad. "I have no idea why I am calling it that, but we don't know the sex, and I don't know if I want to know, till it is born. I just don't care what it is, as long as it is healthy." It was still a few months till their baby was to be born, but it was still nice to know what you want from it.

Jackson listened to Brad, as he said about how is mum was great, but it wasn't easy for him all the time. He gave Brad a warm smile. "But look at you know. Even with the help from your mum, you have been able to raise a beautiful daughter. Hey, maybe whatever we have can play with Kimberly. They might be, what, a couple of years apart, but they could be friends." Jackson was getting all excited at that point, soon realising that their baby woud have a playmate in the end. But really, Jackson knew that he would love more kids, after this one was born. But it wasn't just up to him. "Might even have to persuade Emma into having more after this one is born." Jackson smiled, then looked down at his hands. He let out a small sigh, just thinking about having a houseful of kids running around. Though he hoped that they would take after Emma more, as he was a bit of a ratbag when he was growing up. "I don't care how many we end up having, as long as they take after Emma. Not sure if I want any of them to turn out like me. You have no idea what I was like when I was younger."

Jackson felt Brad give him a gentle hug again, after he commented about how he thought he was going to lose Emma back when she was involved in that accident. "Yes, she is a fighter. Noticed that when she stuck up to her coach after she won her medel, then whe she pulled through the operations. It is a miracle in itself. Or maybe Emma is my miracle, who knows." Just thinking about how Brad noticed how much she loved him, made him smile. Jackson loved her so much as well, sometimes wanting to write a song about each time he thought about her.

Jackson then moved slightly to move out of Brad's embrace, and laid his head back on the lounge. "You know, I sometimes wonder how I got here, and just managed to pull through these little obstacles. Maybe I was never fully involved or hurt. Maybe emotionally, and mentally." He turned to look at Brad. "Do you ever wonder what your true purpose is?" Jackson had no idea where all this was coming from, but he had the urge to ask Brad. Maybe he was tired, and needed to leave. Or maybe he just had this burning desire to have a deep and meaningful conversation with his best friend.

[bradley]

{ooc - sorry it took so long - and damn over 1100 words lol}

When Jackson said he hoped he would be there for Emma for the appointments and all the little milestones, like the baby’s first kick, Brad thought back to when Natasha was pregnant and couldn’t help but give Jackson a warm smile. He remembered feeling Natasha’s stomach the first time the baby kicked, it was amazing, and he was glad he didn’t get to miss out on it, so he could understand exactly what Jackson was saying. “Yeah man, it’s a fantastic feeling, the baby kicking, and getting to see them for the first time. You’re going to love it all, and I’m sure you will be there for enough of it, besides if Emma wasn’t ready to cope with your kind of lifestyle, she would never have stayed, don’t you think?” Brad was sure he had already said this to Jackson before, and hated to think he may have been repeating himself, but really Jackson worrying like he was, it needed to be said.

After Brad commented about Jackson having someone to go home to he couldn’t help but chuckle at Jackson’s next words. Who would want him anyway, a single father with a crazy lifestyle? At least Emma knew what she was getting in for; having a boyfriend who was always chasing off here there and everywhere wasn’t everybody’s cup of tea, so to speak. “Maybe man, but I don’t know, this lifestyle and I’ve already got a two year old kid, whose going to take that on board?” Brad couldn’t deny it would be nice to have someone in his life, but he really wasn’t expecting it to happen. Whoever it was going to be, if he indeed got someone, would have to be very much like Emma, and have a heart of gold and a lot of patience. Although Jackson’s words of them being right in front of him and not knowing it kept going through his head.

Brad chuckled when Jackson said he would have to retain himself as Emma was carrying a Baby Poe now, and then commented on what he was calling the baby. Brad didn’t see what was wrong with it really. “Firstly, I’m sure Emma would let you know if you were hurting her or the baby and secondly, it’s not a bad name for the baby man. I mean, it’s a baby, it’s a Poe, and it’s a hell of a lot better than Baby Woods Poe.” Brad only said that because with both names it was a bit of a mouthful. Just because Emma and Jackson weren’t married yet, didn’t mean the baby wasn’t a Poe, they would be married soon enough and the baby did have Poe blood in it. Brad then just kept smiling at Jackson, the way he spoke about Emma, it was so plain to see how much in love with her he was, and it was nice. Bradley couldn’t be happier for the both of them. Jackson then went on to say he didn’t care what the baby was so long as they were healthy. “Yeah man, healthy baby is all that matters.” Although Brad was pleased he had a little girl, he always saw himself as a daughter’s father than a son’s father.

Bradley smiled at Jackson as he spoke some more about how well he had coped, and maybe whatever he and Emma had could be friends with Kimberly. He nodded his head; he thought it was a good idea. Kimberly was two just now, so by the time Baby Poe was born there would only be less than three years between them, so when Kimberly was say six, Baby Poe would be almost three, yeah they probably could be friends. “Yeah Jackson man, I reckon Kimberly would love that, she has a blast at the day care center when mom is too busy to look after her.” Jackson then went on to say about persuading Emma to have more, and not caring how many they had. Bradley chuckled again. He would love to have had more, but now he wasn’t sure how that would go, what with Natasha no longer being in his life, and not entirely sure someone would want a single dad anyway. He’d sure as hell have fun playing the uncle to Jackson’s kids that was for sure. “I think all kids can be a handful at some point in their lives. I’ve been warned that Kimberly is just reaching the terrible stage, but so far she’s been fine, but I’m sure she’ll have her moments. And don’t you think you should ask Emma if she’d want more?” He winked at Jackson and then playfully nudged him. He could just imagine the scene now, Jackson going home, ‘oh yeah, was talking to Bradley about us having lots more kids’ and Emma slapping him one for his efforts. Actually, Emma probably wouldn’t do that, she was too nice.

Brad gave Jackson another warm smile when he spoke some more about Emma, and how she was indeed a fighter, speaking up to her coach and pulling through the operations, which were a miracle, or maybe Emma was his miracle. “What’s that then about a medal? The coach not happy with the medal she got or something? But you know I bet Emma would love to hear you say that she is maybe your miracle, because that’s sure a sweet thing to say, man.” Bradley used to think that about his Natasha, but a miracle didn’t save her the day she gave birth to their gorgeous daughter Kimberly.

When Jackson broke away from the slight embrace Brad had been giving him, he leaned back and started to speak again, getting somewhat a little deep with Brad. He leaned back himself then and sighed gently at what Jackson was saying. “Whoa, gone a bit deep there Jackson, have you never stopped to think you might just be as tough as Emma and don’t realise it? As for my true purpose, I sure as hell don’t know, I was a husband, now I’m a dad and a singer, not sure which out of those was ever meant to be my true purpose. Do any of us ever find out what our true purpose in life is?” Brad couldn’t help but wonder what brought this out of Jackson, they had many a conversation sure, but this was the deepest he had ever remembered any of their conversations to be yet.

[Jackson Poe]

Jackson nodded at what Bradley had to say about everything that Jackson had to say. He did hope that he didn't miss any of it, but he knew that Emma would in fact understand. "I guess she might have. But Emma is one tough young woman, and I can't really image her bolting any time soon. She was around me as I was just starting out as a solo performer, and I was almost always performing. So it will be kind of the same, just three times that." Jackson kind of smiled, but knew that was going to be the case for the next couple of weeks, unless they started to travel, and that might just kill him if he had to leave her behind.

Just hearing Brad talking about him and his life, and who would take that on board, made Jackson shake his head. "I still think that there is some girl out there for you who would love you, and your daughter. Who wouldn't love her, Brad? She is a great kid, even at that age. But I am sure that you know her more than we do, and have seen every inch of her growing personality." Then Jackson's thoughts when the to the daughter that him and his previous girlfriend, Kristy, had. She would be two years old, and wondered if he might see if he could spend some time with her so that he could get an idea of what it is like to be with a kid, before Emma and him had their first one. But maybe not, not when he had a good thing going on with Emma right now.

Jackson knew that Brad had a point about Emma telling him if he was hurting her if he decided to get intimate with her. He had been doing things that might lead to them having sex, but just restrained himself from actually starting having sex with her. He had been so worried, but knew he needed to talk to her about it, or maybe ask the doctor at their next appointment. "I think I might ask the doctor about the whole sex thing. Knowing me it is all just common sense and I will feel like a complete fool when they tell me what I probably already knew. And thanks about the baby's name that I came up with."

Jackson had to laugh when Brad mentioned that he had been warned about Kimberly heading to that terrible stage, and nodded when he added that she will have her moments. Jackson had come across a few kids, and they just seemed to be little shits. But when he met his own daughter with Kristy, she was so sweet, so who knew. Then Brad had mentioned the fact that maybe he should ask Emma if she wants more. He caught that wink, and then he nudged him. "Yeah, I am sure that discussion will go down well right now, what with us having our first kid. I can just hear her telling me off about it. Or maybe not." Jackson thought maybe that discussion might just have to be done either very late in the pregnancy, or after it all happened and they got practice at the job of being parents for the first time.

Jackson thought that he had mentioned the whole situation with the coach, but that was way before they had become friends. "Oh no. He was happy, but she just didn't want to do the skating thing for a while, because of us being together. She just wanted a break from it. But the coach didn't want a bar of it. He was physically grabbing her, like he was trying to knock some sense into her." Jackson knew what he said would sound nice to Emma's ears, and he made a mental note to maybe say it when the time was right, or if she got into a mood over something. Definately something to save for later. "I will. Don't you worry about that. You know me. Mr. Suave." Jackson laughed at that line.

Jackson had no idea why he had asked Brad that question, but it just kind of rolled out of him. He kind of shrugged, resting more in the chair, as he listened to Brad's reply. Maybe Jackson was just as tough as she was, but he hadn't been the one who had been hit by a car, and had gone through all those operations to get where she was now. Jackson hadn't done all the worrying though, as Marcus had been there as well to worry alongside him. When Brad asked the question, Jackson again looked at him, and slightly shrugged. "I guess not." Jackson rubbed at his eyes. "Maybe I am just tired, and my brain thought it would have a deep and meaningful with my best bud." Jackson wondered if he should just call it a night and just head hope to spend some time with Emma, since the next couple of days were going to be full on for the band.

[bradley]

{ooc - sorry again - maybe I should just stop saying sorry lol}

As Jackson spoke about Emma more and how she was around him when he was just starting his solo performances and that he couldn’t imagine her bolting, Bradley gave him a bright smile, “Well, see, there’s your answer man. She knew what she was getting herself into from the moment she met you. Take a chill pill.” Bradley laughed out loud then, it was easy for him to say that, tell Jackson to take a chill pill, but Bradley knew what this life was like, he was living it as well and he didn’t have a woman he would have to leave behind when they went touring.

Now it was Jackson’s turn to stop Brad with his thoughts, by telling him he thinks there’s still a girl out there for him somewhere. He also went on to say who wouldn’t love his daughter and how she was a great kid, but Brad would know more than anybody else. Brad gave Jackson a warm smile, and he sighed gently, he loved thinking of his daughter. “Yeah man, she’s a little beauty right enough. I guess you might be right, I mean, I find it difficult to tell her off for anything you know?” Women had never featured much in Bradley’s thoughts, because it had taken him months to get over Natasha’s death, and then he had Kimberly to think about. Now she was well on her way to being three years old, he figured it would be nice to have someone in his life now.

Jackson then spoke about intimacy with Emma and not wanting to hurt her during pregnancy, saying he would ask the doctor about it. Bradley then shook his head, what was he thinking, he could answer that question. He began to chuckle a little, “Sorry man, just thinking, I can answer that for you. Natasha and I were told it was fine, and that it can in fact cause the female to have more pleasure and a heightened libido. I can assure it was definitely true.” Bradley then laughed, and continued, “Although they advised us to come and see them if Natasha suffered continued cramps afterward or if she began spotting; but we were fine, but you could still ask if you wanted to.”

Brad had been teasing Jackson when he said don’t you think you should be asking Emma about more kids, he just assumed Jackson knew that. So when Jackson replied saying he was sure it would go down well, Bradley went into an uproar of laughter. “Jackson man, I was being sarcastic, like you were busy talking about not caring how many kids you have and I’m like don’t you think you should ask Emma about that, meaning, wouldn’t she want a say in it, not for you to actually ask her if she wanted more the soon as you got home.” Bradley continued to laugh out loud; he really couldn’t believe Jackson had taken what he said the wrong way. When he managed to stop long enough to catch his breath, he immediately yawned right after. That was too much for him; he sat forward with his head in his hands and slowly calmed himself down as he took in deep breaths.

“Sorry about that man, think the night’s becoming too long for me now.” Although he didn’t want to leave, he was enjoying his conversation with Jackson, he always did, but they’d had a busy day and they were going to have lots of them, if Brad wanted to enjoy his time in the band, he had to take things easy. So, he might only be able to stay for another half hour or so and then mention about heading home even if he really wanted to stay longer.

Jackson had then spoken about Emma and some medal and how she was faced up to her coach; of course Brad then asked if the coach hadn’t been happy at her win or something. Then Jackson explained what he was referring to. “Jeez that’s bad man, hope she told him where to go? Hope you told him where to go?” If anybody had treated his Natasha like that they wouldn’t have been standing on their feet for very long, that’s for sure. When Jackson said that Emma was maybe his miracle, Bradley said he should tell her, so when Jackson replied, Brad nodded his head, “Yeah I do know you man, and yeah that is definitely the right name for you.” He chuckled a little after saying that.

When the conversation turned deep in Brad’s opinion when Jackson had asked that question about purpose in life, he replied as honestly as he could. He had no idea what his purpose in life was; maybe you just learned as you went along and seen what each new day brought you? “Yeah man, I think I’m going to have to leave soon, beginning to feel physically and mentally exhausted, and that’s not good for me with my condition.” Brad loved his time with Jackson, but he had told him he would say when he was tired and felt like he had to leave, well it seemed to Brad now, that time had come. He had already stifled a few yawns since they began talking, but now it was evident he could no longer hold them back, as he let out a massive one. “Yeah, I really think I should get back Jackson. I’ve already missed Kimberly’s bed time.” Brad knew this would happen often and he was so grateful to his mom for her help, but he liked to spend as much time as he could with Kym.

{ooc - information re sex during pregnancy gained here iVillage }

[Jackson Poe]

Jackson shook his head, smiling down at the ground. He loved it when Brad told him to take a chill pill. But that was Jackson. He could just be totally serious with whatever was happening in his life. At that point in time it was Emma and the band, so Jackson just had to learn to lighten up sometimes.

Jackson smiled, as Brad spoke about his daughter. He could tell that he loved her very much. "I can just imagine her drawing on the walls, or in a book, and you go to get mad at her, and then you smile, instead of getting angry at her, admiring her artistic talent or something. But me, I want to be the firm but fair dad." Jackson smirked then, wondering if he would be like that with his kids. Or at least this child which was now part of their life, and it hadn't been born yet.

As Brad answered his question about being intimate with Emma, Jackson raised his eyebrows. It seemed that Brad was a wealth of information. "Maybe you should be our doctor, Brad. No, thanks for that information, it helped with what I was thinking. But yeah, I guess I could still ask. Though might just get hit with the medical jargon." Jackson then had a thought. "Might wait till Monday to do anything like that with Emma, but might think about some foreplay stuff. Just to keep the love alive, you know?" Jackson didn't feel the least bit awkward talking to Brad about it, seeing as he had been through it himself.

Jackson laughed, as Brad laughed. "I know, Brad, I know. But, I am sure that it will come out in conversation soon or later. Knowing me, it will just come out one day out of the blue, and Emma will be like 'what are you talking about?', and I will be like 'well it is a fair question?'. Maybe it is better to wait." Jackson smiled at Brad, and then downed the rest of his water.

Jackson caught that yawn that Brad did, and then watched as Brad sat forward. "Don't worry about it. I think that we are just both over tired from everything. I know I am." Jackson stretched, then lounged back into his chair. Now that he thought about it, he was starting to get a bit heavy eyed, which led to Jackson rub at his right eye a little.

Jackson nodded, when Brad spoke about how Emma's coach had reacted. "We both did, and I didn't like how he was rough handling her at all. I am glad that she got away from him. But unfortunately that was the day of her accident as well. Not sure how that coach reacted when he knew she had just had an argument with him, then was hit by a car. I know that I would feel like shit."

Jackson knew that it was probably time to hit the road and get back to Emma. He looked at Brad sympathetically, when he mentioned that he he should leave as well, and that he had already missed Kimberly's bedtime. "Okay, Brad. Well maybe we should go now. Don't want us falling asleep at the photoshoot tomorrow. The bags under our eyes won't look too appealing in the photos." Jackson gave him a smile, and then stood up, throwing his empty water bottle into the bin. "Okay, let's go." Jackson grabbed his bag, fumbling for his keys to his car on the way out.