What Dreams Forget

Tori Lynn was warm. Almost uncomfortably so. Did Richie turn on the heat? Did she fall asleep in Neal's hoodie again? Tori Lynn snuggled back into the bed. She had been out late and she didn't want to wake up yet. Why did her pillow feel like a furnace? Tori Lynn was drifting back to sleep but then she felt it. Why was her pillow moving? Tori Lynn attempted to move. But she couldn't she was trapped. Tori Lynn opened her eyes and found that she was cuddled up to a half naked James Neal. Holy hell thought Tori Lynn. She was thinking. Her head was snuggled into his chest. He had arm thrown around her body. His long legs were tangled with hers. She struggled but couldn't free herself. She wiggled around but that only seemed to cause Neal to clamp down on her.

"Neal" she whispered "Let me up." James didn't budge.

"James" she said a little louder nudging his shoulder "I need to get out of here." He still didn't wake up but did turn so that he was facing her. Tori Lynn watched him sleep. His hair was in a state of bedhead disarray. His face was covered in stubble. She looked down at his exposed chest and shoulders. He really was gorgeous. Not that she would admit that to anyone. He looked peaceful. Not pissed about being in Nashville, not on edge because his boys were there, and not struggling with the weight of the Predator fan base. He looked younger. Tori Lynn pushed the hair off his forehead and leaned down "James let go of me I need to go back to Richie's." He stirred but didn't let go.

James heard someone talking but he was too tired to move. He felt someone move against his body. Oh hell. He cracked one eye open and saw Tori Lynn looking at him. It was still dark in his room so that meant it was too early for anyone to be awake. She was talking to him but he wasn't processing the words.

"No" he growled "Go back to sleep Tori Lynn. No one will be up for hours."

"I shouldn't be in your bed" she replied "Richie is gonna pitch a fit."

"Richie shouldn't have sexiled you." he said " You fell asleep during second intermission. I covered you up and then I fell asleep. No harm Tori Lynn. Let's just sleep." James rolled onto his side and pulled her flush against his body. Now she was spooning with James Neal. She opened her mouth to protest. He cut her off "If you open your mouth to argue I will shut you up and you might not like it. Go back to sleep."

Tori Lynn considered her options. She looked at the clock and it read 5 am. She guessed sleeping a little longer wouldn't matter. For all she knew Richie and the porn moaner were still going at it. She wiggled around until she got comfy. She threw the comforter up over her and James. She knew she should get up but she was tired and comfortable. Tori Lynn told herself she was just going to sleep a for a little while then she would leave.

Unlike the first time she woke up Tori Lynn was cold. The room was washed in bright light. She sat up and flung the gray duvet off her body. She looked at the opposite side of the bed. She knew that Neal should have been beside her. She ran her hand over the sheets. They were cool to the touch. She noticed his glasses were missing from the bedside table. Tori Lynn wanted to know why he left without saying anything. She looked at the clock on her phone. It was 9:45 am. She never slept this late. Her feet hit the hardwood and she ventured out into the living room.

"It's alive" said Pete from his perch on the couch. She nodded at Pete. Tori Lynn looked over and saw James asleep in his recliner. "You all should have woke me up. I could have crashed in Jamie's room with him. You could have slept on the couch and he wouldn't be twisted up in that recliner."

"What time did you wake up?" she asked.

"Around 7:30" Pete replied "He was passed out in the chair. I told him he needed to get furniture for the guest room."

"You hungry" she asked. Pete nodded. She raided the pantry and fridge and found the ingredients for pancakes. Tori Lynn mixed the batter and warmed up a skillet. "Go get Richie and help him get rid of porn voice. I will finish up breakfast."

"Porn voice Eh?" asked Pete

"I was totally sexiled Pete" she laughed "I watched part of a hockey game with Neal and fell asleep here. He should have woke me up and sent me home. Instead he played human pretzel in the chair."

"Jamie is a decent guy. He would have insisted you take the bed even if I had been passed out on the couch. No worries. I'll go rescue Richie."

"Thanks Pete" replied Tori Lynn. Tori Lynn continued making pancakes. She was singing to herself. She didn't notice James was awake in the chair. She was dancing around as she sang and made pancakes. James watched her from his chair. She was singing All About That Bass.

"So you sing things other than country music" said James climbing out of the recliner.
Tori Lynn nearly dropped the spatula. "Damn Neal you scared me. I thought you were asleep."

"Nope, hot girl in the kitchen singing and make breakfast requires me to be awake." he replied. He came into the kitchen and looked at Keurig coffee maker. "Any chance you know how to work this thing mom bought" he said gesturing at the Keurig. Tori Lynn laughed and finished flipping the last few pancakes while instructing him on how to use the Keurig. James smiled at her as the coffee dripped into the mug. Tori Lynn found herself staring at him. Sleepy disheveled James might be her favorite. James started a second cup of coffee. She turned back to the pancakes.

James crossed the kitchen with the second cup of coffee. Tori Lynn could feel him behind her. His tattooed arm came in front of her body. She took the coffee from James. She sat it on the counter and cranked the range off. James was still close behind her. She turned around and faced him.

"Thanks for moving to the recliner." said Tori Lynn looking up at James "You didn't have too. You could have woke me."

"Nah, you are cute when you are sleeping and quiet" smirked Neal "You talk in your sleep by the way."

"I do not" yelled Tori Lynn. James wrapped his arms around her small frame and pulled her against him. "Yes you do" he said into her ear. Tori Lynn looked up at him she was trying to tell if he was lying. Standing in the circle of James arms remarkably felt very normal. "What did I say?" she asked. He laughed. "Just my name a few times."

"I was probably having a nightmare." she sassed "or that was when I was trying to get 200lbs of hockey player off me."

"What did I tell you about arguing with me this morning?" he said pulling her closer.

"You said stop arguin' or you would shut me up. However, you James Neal are not in charge."

"My house my rules" he said

"Bullshit...." Her response was cut off. James grabbed her face and pressed his lips to hers. He felt her relax into his kiss. She started to protest. He took advantage of this and swept his tongue against hers. Her tongue glided and stroked against his. James was leaning over to kiss her due to their height difference. His hands left her faces but his mouth was still fused to hers. He picked her up and sat her on the counter. He was still kissing her when her ass hit the cold counter top. She made a small sound and he deepened the kiss again. His brain ceased functioning the moment his mouth latched on to hers. The second she kissed him back. The second she didn't smack him and push him away. She had her hands in his messy hair. Neither of them heard the door click open.

Pete walked into Jamie's apartment to find Tori Lynn on the counter top with her and Jamie locked in a kiss. Peter cleared his throat. James jumped away from Tori Lynn.

"Richie is putting the girl in cab. He will be here in a few minutes." declared Pete "If you were gonna do that Jamie why in the fuck did you go to the trouble of trying to convince me you slept in the recliner." They both looked at Pete. "What" he said "That damn couch is made for looking at not sleeping. I hate modern furniture. I got up to go to the bathroom. I decided to crash with you." They both kept staring at Pete. "The bed was little crowded" he said sarcastically.

James lost it laughing. Tori Lynn buried her head in the crook of his neck. James pulled her off the counter and sat her on her feet. The minute her feet hit the floor she took off and went the bathroom in the spare room. James was stupidly smiling as he watched her go.

"She just locked herself in the bathroom. And you are standing there smirking like an idiot." said Pete.

"She kissed me back this time" replied James he grabbed 4 plates and the syrup and sat them on the counter. "Pancakes?"

Pete crossed the room and grabbed a plate. He might as well enjoy pancakes while Richie kills Jamie. Pete was drowning his pancakes in syrup when Richie came into the apartment. James was digging in the fridge for orange juice and drinks.

"Where is Tori Lynn" asked Richie looking around the kitchen.

"Bathroom" said James handing Richie a plate. "She made pancakes and taught me to work the coffee pot."

"A fucking monkey can work a Keurig" laughed Richie.

"Asshole. Well if we can teach Olli we can say even a caveman could do it" replied Neal
Pete started laughing. Both of the guys looked at Pete. Richie was eyeballing him suspiciously. "What?" asked Pete.

"Where did Tori Lynn sleep last night Baby Neal?" asked Richie "She didn't sleep in her bed."

"You doing bed checks Cluner?" snapped Pete.

"Damn straight" replied Richie "Maybe I was in the wrong apartment?"

"Well after you and "porn moan" went at it. Tori Lynn came over her because she was sexiled."

"Porn moan" asked Clune.

"Tori Lynn's nickname for your friend. I was passed out on the couch. When I woke up Jamie was asleep in the chair and Tori Lynn was asleep in Jamie's room." explained Pete "I didn't lay a single finger on Tori Lynn. The only one getting it in last night was you."

James was ignoring the conversation that was occurring around him. He should probably tell Cluner to back off his little brother. He also should probably tell Cluner that sexiling Tori Lynn was a total douche move. But he thought better of it and flopped down a bar stool to eat his pancakes. He listened to Richie and Pete discuss the team being kicked out of Nashville for two weeks due to the CMA's. Tori Lynn walked back into the kitchen. She picked up his hoodie from the barstool next to James. She held it up as if to ask if it was okay for her to wear it. James nodded at Tori Lynn. She pulled it on over her pjs. James realized he would never wear that again without picturing her in it.

"Pete when do you have to be back in Knoxville" asked Tori Lynn.

"In about 6 hours" he replied "We have to check in with the trainers tonight before tomorrow's game. We have team dinner and then morning skate." replied Pete.

"Damn" said Tori Lynn " I was going to kidnap you for a road trip."

"If I didn't have a game tomorrow I would blow it off"

"No you wouldn't Pete. You want to be drafted. No blowing shit off." said Richie "Trust me you don't want a bad reputation. It's hell fixing it."

"You know what I mean I would go with her if I could."

"What road trip?" asked James "You planning on running off?"

"I need to drive home and get some more clothes and stuff. I only packed for a week. Since this is day three in your hoodie I might want some fall and winter stuff. Hodgenville is only 2 hrs away so it's not a major drive to make by myself."

"Richie can go with you right?" asked James looking at Richie who was devouring a huge stack of pancakes.

"When you planning on heading up" he asked with a full mouth.

Tori Lynn shoved a napkin at Richie. "You are a pig." she admonished "Soon. I have band practice all week. I need my banjo and mandolin."

"Ah so this is a mission for more strings eh Boo." said Richie "I have a date tonight. Can we be back by 8."

"I guess" she replied "But it will be a manic trip and if anything happens on 65 I make no promises."

Richie didn't look enthused to head up to Kentucky. Tori Lynn didn't want to bother him. "Don't worry I will drive up and stay the night."

"Then you will miss your first band practice" said Pete "Make Jamie go. He will end up sitting around playing Call of Duty with kids in China while Richie is whoring around."

"Nealer and the land of Lincoln" laughed Richie "Take pictures of Nealer in Lincoln's lap."

"I'll be fine by myself guys. I drove down alone." she reminded.

"I don't have to be back until 11:00 on Monday." stated James "That gives us 24 hours to collect whatever you need."

"Really Neal you don't have to go." she replied.

James just smirked at her "Consider it pay back for hurting my feels. G thinks we need to get to know each other. Road trip sounds like a plan."

"I'm really starting to dislike that Russian. I'm not taking you with me so you can torture me for 2hrs."

"I'm going." said Neal "This will be fun."

"No" said Tori Lynn

"My house my rules" he replied looking directly at her. She blushed a furious red.

"Richie Pete" said Tori Lynn " Say your good byes to Neal I'm gonna bury him behind the barn at the farm. You be ready to leave in 15 minutes."

Both Richie and Pete laughed. Tori Lynn gave Pete a hug and wished him luck at his game. She promised to come up to a game in Knoxville and wear his jersey. James wanted to growl at Pete when he made her promise to wear the Knoxville jersey but he couldn't. She leaned over and kissed Richie's cheek. She left the apartment to get ready.

True to her word she arrived in 15 minutes. James was sitting on the couch in his ball shorts watching Sports Center with Richie. Pete was busy packing his bag. He tossed the Whalers jersey at Tori Lynn. "Just in case you go to any games until Clune gets you a Gnash one."

"Thanks Pete." she replied giving him another hug. She wheeled around and looked at Neal

"Are you planning on meeting my Daddy and Momma in ball shorts?"

"Didn't realize it was a meet the parents kind of thing" said James "Didn't know you liked me that much."

"I'm leaving in 5 minutes, Neal. Ass in seat in 5 or I am going without you."

"Ass in seat" he smirked "No way are we driving that heap of junk to another state."

"Don't talk about my truck Neal. That Ferrari is an attention magnet. Plus we can fit anything in it."

"We will take my SUV" he said "Give me 5 minutes."

Richie and Pete were watching the exchange like a tennis match. Neither said a word. Tori Lynn flopped down on the couch. Richie couldn't believe she had conceded that Neal could drive.

"Have fun Tori Lynn" said Pete "I'm heading home. If you kill him I will totally be mom's favorite."

"Not even Pete." laughed James "Becca is her favorite. Then me because I am the oldest. The other 3 of you are toss ups."

"No way man. I am totally next in line to be favorite son." scoffed Pete "She doesn't even like you that much. But knows you would cry if she didn't make you think she likes you best. She tells me all the time I'm her favorite."

"She tells all of us that dipshit." said James "Did you think you were special?"

"He is my favorite Neal brother" intoned Tori Lynn standing up and hugging Pete. She kissed him on the cheek "Pete I will be down to watch you play soon. I'll walk you out I need to give you your shirt."

James glared at the pair. Richie had given up all pretenses of not watching the telenovella that was developing in front of him. Richie started cracking up laughing.

"What the fuck Clune?" asked Neal.

Tori Lynn kissed Richie and headed for the door with Pete in tow. "Move your ass Neal." she called over her shoulder. James stared after her as she left with his baby brother. He made a growling sound and Clune laughed harder.

"You are beyond fucked. You actually just growled at your brother. Your blood kin." smirked Richie "I've already told you that she pays no attention to Pete. He is a pet. She likes him as a friend. And by the way she ended up with Martin, Neal, Geno numbers, and Letang has hers but she blew him off all night. So your boys are making moves on her."

"What happened to don't fucking touch her she is my baby sister" spat Neal

"The devil you know dude?" crowed Richie "Plus you haven't managed to keep your hands off her anyway."

"The fuck?" replied Neal "Nothing happened. She just slept in the bed with me. And I may have kissed her but......" James looked at Richie who looked like he might actually die laughing. Richie wasn't able to breathe for laughing. "Clune?"

"So fucked" Richie stood up smacked the back of Neal's head "I was talking about you holding hands like middle schoolers at the bar." Richie clasp his hands in a prayer position
"Want to confess any other sins to Father Cluner? By the way Pete handed her the keys to your Ferrari. She told she was leaving in 5 minutes about 4 minutes ago. I would hurry if I was you. She will be gone and take your keys with her so you can't follow. I've watched her give Bodie the slip."

"I fucking hate you" said Neal pulling on his Pirates hat.

"No you don't I just absolved you from your sins." laughed Richie "Plus I am giving you my blessing to see if you can make a go with Tori Lynn. She will fight you tooth and nail. But I gotta say you are better than Tanger or Geno."

"G is a good guy." said Neal.

"So I should call him and give him the go ahead to call Tori Lynn." replied Richie "Because I can she seemed very fond of your Russian. Maybe all three of you can live happily ever after."

"I mean I really fucking hate you." with that being said Neal slammed the door to his own apartment with Richie still inside "Lock up fucker" he yelled as he opened the stair well door.

Notes