Episode 675: Walk Of Shame

He lightly smacked his hands against the ocean’s wavy surface. "This is supposed to be fun," he complained, wanting to take advantage during a time he actually felt nothing but good. "Could you please just enjoy this with me, Care? We’re on a date."

"Right, my reward for lying to your mother."

"It’s not like that." Jesse frowned. He didn’t want Caroline thinking he was only with her as a cover up, any more than he’d want her to be with him because she felt sorry for or protective of the sick boy. He really, really wanted her to let up on asking how he was, not only was it annoying to have to give a medical update every twelve seconds, it also made him question why she hung around him.

"This is an actual date," he insisted.

She didn’t argue. She didn’t smile either. "It’s no wonder your mom hates me and thinks I’m a tramp. I’m practically a murderer for not dragging you to a doctor."

"My mom doesn’t hate you, and you can’t be a murderer since this is my choice, and I’m not dying."

"You don’t know that you aren’t dying." Caroline closed her eyes. "I hate this."

"Do you?" Jesse leaned in and kissed Caroline.

She kissed him. She looked up at him. "I don’t hate this." She touched a finger to his lips. "You know that, that’s why you use it against me."

"I don’t use anything against you. I’m not using you. I kiss you because I like kissing you Caroline. I like you."

"You’d hate me if I squealed to your parents."

After a moment, he shook his head. "I wouldn’t be happy if you told them. But I wouldn’t hate you. I really, really like you."

Caroline sort of smiled, finally. "I really, really like you, too. I want you to be okay."

"I am okay. I’m good." He ran his hands over her shoulders.

"I hate that you’re so stubborn about this," Caroline said. Her voice cracked a little. "I hate that I’m letting you be stubborn about this. Your mom should hate me. And there’s another thing to hate, that she hates me for the wrong reason. She thinks I’m some kind of seductress. That’s totally not me."

"Better that, than she thinks I’m sick."

"Is it?" Caroline turned from him. "I can’t even stomp out of the water like I want to. I can’t just leave here when you’re sick."

"I’m fine!" It came out growlier than he’d meant it to, but Jesse hated to think of her being with him out of pity. Not that watching her go felt very good either.

Episode 676: That's What Friends Are For