Episode 1 ^2/4: A picture can cost more than you think.

A fight was in full swing, but little attention was being paid to it. At least from Ty it wasn’t. From the growing crowd, cells were poised for the video they were taking. Comments were excitedly being spoken as well as posted. And people were placing stupid bets, blowing everything out of proportion.

Mitch got in a good hit to Court’s side. Winces all around! And from Geo, an approving nod. Court was back with an elbow strike to the back. He followed that up with a right hook, sending Mitch stumbling into his friends.

“Who you texting?” Geo’s conversational tone should have been out of place but wasn’t.

Simple curiosity got a distracted response, “go to hell.”

“Aggressive,” Geo snickered.

There was no apology made. He glanced up to watch the next few hits. Critical was the observation, “he’s out of shape. I told him to keep hitting the gym with me during the off season.”

“Sure it’s not the drinking? We’ve been going out more,” Geo’s comment was amused.

Raised brow challenged, “do I look out of shape?”

Geo knew better than to pick at him right now, but it didn’t temper his grin any.

Ty gave Court a warning, “you can’t complete the tryouts, you don’t make the team.”

Court glanced over, leaving him open to the hit to the jaw that looked painful.

“Oh jeez, sorry man!” Mitch lowered his fists.

“Ah, no worries,” Court moved his jaw around experimentally. He wasn’t the least bit bothered.

“It’s still the first day,” a new voice was pointing out.

This was Tanner, their good friend that was very much an older brother to them. His golden good looks pulled the attention of the crowd around them. He came to claim a seat next to Ty.

With a laugh, Tanner noted, “already on your second fight?”

“First was off campus,” Ty waved away the critique. “And not a punch was thrown.”

Moving back into a fighter’s stance, Court pointed out, “besides, this is just Mitch. It doesn’t count as a fight.”

“Funny, I was going to say the same about you,” Mitch taunted.

“Asshole,” Court swung with a laugh.

Tanner was eyeing Ty up, “you in a mood again?”

It didn’t matter to him how Tanner approached him. His problem wasn’t with his friend. And so, he shrugged, “I dunno.”

“What’s going on?” Concern was given. But Ty was in no mood to share, so he ignored.

“He was texting,” Geo revealed. The result was a sharp glare that Geo met with a careless shrug.

“Ah,” Tanner’s one word answer was one of understanding.

“Keep it to yourselves,” Ty warned them with subdued annoyance.

It was Tanner that requested, “send them our love.”

Terse was the nod Ty gave in reply. He set down his phone while he waited for the reply to come through.

Todd was running over to them. At first, he was excited. That excitement quickly vanished when he saw that his idol was engaged in a tense-looking fight.

“What’s going on?” Todd’s worry was clear.

“Stay out of it,” Geo and Ty had said this at the same time.

“But Court…”

“None of your business kid,” Geo was annoyed. He watched as Court took another hit. There was no sympathy, “he did this to himself.”

Court stumbled into the arms of Mitch’s friends. When their hold lingered on his arms, Geo stood up straight. It was all Ty needed. His phone slid into his back pocket.

“You know one day it’s going to fall out,” Geo had been referring to his phone.

He shrugged as they made their way to the fight, “but it’s habit. I like my back pocket.”

“Said no one ever,” laughter accompanied the words. “It’s a terrible place when you’re in a fight.”

Behind them, he could hear Tanner creating a distraction for Todd by asking, “who are you?”

“Uh Todd,” nervous and timid.

Tanner snagged his opportunity, “you involved with any clubs yet, Todd?”

Ty was addressing the fighters, “you want to make this a real fight, I’m in. All you had to do was ask.”

“What do you think we’re doing?” Arrogance laced Mitch’s tone, “was starting to take it personally that you were ignoring us.”

With that arrogance in his smile, Mitch came right at Ty. The jab Mitch threw was easy to dodge. Ty had a hold of the arm. Pulling it wide gave Ty the opportunity to roll inside the arm and slam his elbow to Mitch’s jaw.

In the background, Tanner was pressing, “give me your phone. You’re a part of the drama club now, kid.”

Mitch stumbled back, and then came back in. A light touch held the injury, “man, I have work coming up.”

Tanner called out, “I’m claiming him for the drama club, so don’t ruin his pretty face.”

“Fight better then,” Ty mocked.

“Says the rugby captain who caused more injuries last season than in previous years combined,” Mitch laughed as he dodged Ty’s fist.

“I wasn’t captain last year,” Ty reminded him. “Better be prepared for worse now that I am.”

“Damn, shouldn’t have voted for you then,” Mitch didn’t sound at all serious.

“Why didn’t you toss your name in?” There was genuine surprise. “I would have voted for you if you had.”

“Nice to know, but I like being a winger. Someone’s gotta pick up this guy’s slack.”

He’d been referring to Court, who made a feint. Sounding insulted, Court questioned Mitch, “how did you go to fighting him? You were fighting me.”

“Oh Court, you’re just a secondary character,” was the taunt.

“Jerk,” Court laughed. Over his shoulder, Court asked Tanner, “what’s the project this year?”

“It’s big,” Tanner’s excitement was in his sparkling eyes. “And there’s a freaking lot to get done. So, we could really use the help.”

“You can drop dead right there,” Ty looked straight at him.

Everyone except Todd had a grin.

Tanner was entering information on Todd’s phone, “here’s the location, kid. We meet at seven tonight. Be early. I’ll have the forms for you.”

“Forms?” Todd was trying to look at his phone as Tanner continued.

“You good for seven, Mitch?” Tanner asked.

Mitch then looked to Ty, taking a swing, “when we starting practice?”

Ty dodged and returned, “we can start tryouts next Tuesday, if you guys want. I don’t see the point in waiting.”

“Course you wouldn’t. You don’t have to worry about studying or a ridiculously heavy extracurricular schedule to juggle,” Court pointed out with a touch of envy. He took a hit to the shoulder that looked more painful than intended. There was a wince on the face of Court’s opponent, but no apology this time.

“Manage your time better,” Geo gave the usual reprimand just as he struck the guy that had hit his brother. His friend caught him before he stumbled to the ground.

Tanner’s amused voice reached them, “campus security is on the way.”

“You called security?” Ty glanced over. He had Mitch’s fist in his hand to block it. Mild had been his tone.

Tanner showed his cell, shaking it to indicate the importance, “live feed on the university page. Coming from one of these phones. I didn’t have to do anything.”

They glanced about at each other, silently weighing their options. Mitch was the first to break the moment with a nod, “see you on the field later, Court?”

“Course,” Court nodded with a grin. They clasped hands and pulled each other into a half-hug.

Mitch nodded at Tanner, “Mel will be back in a month. Make some time if you can.”

There was a responsive nod from Tanner and easy compliance, “of course!”

“See you guys,” Mitch and his friends waved as they moved off.

Looking at his friend, Ty wanted to know, “you sure that’s a good idea? Seeing Mel again?”

Tanner, always an easy-going guy, softly laughed the concern off, “we broke up because our love wasn’t romantic. But we still love each other. It’s called being an adult. You should try it sometime.”

“Funny,” Ty’s remark held mock amusement.

“Weren’t,” Todd’s timid voice reached out, “weren’t you in a fight?”

Court was baffled, “with Mitch?”

They were headed to the Quad; a central open area filled with picnic tables that was used as a primary meeting spot by the students between classes.

Court was explaining to Todd, “that’s just Mitch and his friends. We used to play rugby together back at my old school, but became rivals when I transferred to yours. He’s still a little sore at me.”

“You sold him out for another team,” Ty pointed this out with half a smile.

“A better team,” Court clarified with humor.

“And that’s why you have a blackeye now,” Geo informed him.

“But you still got my back,” hands in his jacket pockets, Court had an arrogant air about him.

“That’s what being a brother means, dumbass,” Geo’s bangs fell into his eyes when his head dropped to the side to drop the look that accompanied those words.

They were claiming seats at one of the tables. The afternoon sun was at full power and there was no breeze to help cool them off. A cold drink after that encounter seemed like a good idea. He was considering making the suggestion, but something had his attention that put the idea on hold for a moment.

Tanner was back to his primary focus, “I’ll be working on the production before the others get there, so come by whenever you can, Todd. I’ve put my number in your phone.”

Todd beamed!

Geo rolled his eyes, “don’t be flattered. His bar is low.”

“I’m surprised he doesn’t hand out his number at orientation,” Court mocked.

“I heard you tried to hand out yours, but no one wanted it,” was Geo’s quick comeback.

Tanner leaned closer to Ty, “I’d take this personally, but I don’t really think this is about me.”

Ty grinned, but his eyes were elsewhere.

Todd was shaking his head earnestly, “Court talks you up all the time, Tanner. I couldn’t wait to come to this university to meet you!”

“Did my brother forget to tell you what our reputation is?” Geo glared over.

“Pfft,” Court shrugged off the statement with a laugh. “A bad rep is a badge of honor.”

Ty and Tanner laughed quietly at him. Geo pulled his brother’s head into a headlock as he scolded, “being a social outcast is a choice. Why are you pulling good kids into your mess? Let him have a normal university experience, dumbass.”

“Who wants to be normal?” Court was trying unsuccessfully to pull away, “we’ve got the cool factor.”

“Who does?” Geo pressed harder into the thick head of hair.

“I do,” Court wasn’t backing down.

With a chuckle, Tanner turned his attention to Ty. “Speaking of the ‘it’ factor. Are you sure you won’t join the Drama club? We have a perfect role for you.”

“I don’t act,” Ty gave him a dry look.

“You wouldn’t even have to with this role,” he was trying to tempt.

It was not working. Ty shook his head as he looked away.

“Fine,” Tanner gave up. “But you’re missing out.”

“Are we putting on a play?” Todd asked eagerly. “I was always helping out the drama club in high school. There’s lots I can do. Right Court?”

Tanner’s warm smile could put anyone at ease. He was flashing it now for Todd’s benefit, “we’re working with the AV club to produce our university’s first series.”

“Wow!”

“You’re making it a series?” It wasn’t surprising that Ty was surprised. “Are you an idiot?”

With a grin, Tanner nodded, “we figured a single short movie wasn’t giving the story enough credit. And I’m making a name for myself.”

Slow was Ty’s nod, “then it’s really a good thing I turned you down.”

“Oh, come on,” Tanner laughed! “You could be famous.”

“Prefer to be infamous,” he countered.

“Your reputation so important to you that you can’t help your brother out this once?”

“My rep means shit all to me, and you know that brother.”

“Are,” Todd seemed to hesitate. They looked at him as he forced the words past a tight throat, “are you really brothers? Like Geo and Court?”

“Do we look related?” Ty asked rhetorically.

Tanner had his arm around Ty’s shoulders, “not by blood.”

“By choice,” Ty affirmed with a bored look that was out on the crowd.

Todd’s smile grew a little bolder.

“Court,” Ty’s attention was elsewhere. “Your future girlfriend is about to need help.”

Crys was attempting to make her way through the crowds. She hadn’t yet seen them. Heavy textbooks were held close to her chest in tight arms. A shy smile touched her young face. She had the look of an easy target. A familiar vulture had already spotted her.

Leaning against a table, Kurt was eyeing her up. The leech clinging tightly to his arm noticed, and she was not happy that his attentions were wandering. An evil light emerged in her narrowed eyes as she spoke loud enough to be heard clearly, “you into little girls, Kurt?”

“There’s nothing wrong with inexperience,” the suggestion was heavy.

Crys was aware that she was being talked about. Her soft eyes were looking directly at Kurt. Ty felt his phone vibrate, so he pulled it out of his pocket. In his peripheral, he kept an eye on what was his. On the phone, he was already typing a response.

“I’m gonna fucking kill him,” there was no joking in Court’s tone.

Geo moved with his brother. But an outside force was closer than they were. Though walking by seemed purely coincidental, a hard look was shot Kurt’s way. Soft curls kissed by the afternoon sun didn’t soften that expression any. Strong shoulders, hugged by the fitted sleeves of a t-shirt, conveyed bored annoyance in his posture. Lost to the din and distance, they could not hear the remark that brought anger to Kurt’s face.

“What the hell?” Court had faltered, seeing someone else step in.

Ty had an arm around Court’s shoulders, “your future girlfriend just met my future boyfriend.”

“What?” Court uttered the word with blank confusion.

“When did this happen?” Geo’s hands were turned up in confusion.

Tanner was smirking, “Jaz is going to kill you if she isn’t the first to know.”

From the side, a timid voice questioned, “but aren’t you dating Jaz?”

It was enough to pull all their eyes. It was Geo that asked with a deadly edge, “what the hell gave you that impression?”

“But,” Todd stammered, taking a step back, “it’s just…everyone…says so. And they touch…”

“You’re about to be touched,” Geo told him.

“Easy,” Tanner laughed. He explained, “Ty and Jaz are family. Not lovers.”

“Like real family, or like what you guys are?”

Again, the looks given were baffled as well as annoyed. Court voiced that annoyance, “what’s the difference?”

“That’s why he’s not a part of our group,” Geo told Court. Then he moved off to intercept Crys.

Because of the distraction, Ty had missed the encounter. The guy with the curls was moving off. Crys was edging away from a furious Kurt. Whatever had happened, Kurt wasn’t going to forget it. Kurt soon realized that Ty’s eyes were on him. Shifting that hatred, Kurt now glared at him. He returned the look until Kurt stormed away.

In the safety of the family she hadn’t asked to be a part of, Crys was smiling warmly at Court and Geo, “I’m okay, really. I think he’s just mad because of what I said this morning.”

“He’s not someone to brush off,” Court was rightfully worried. “From now on, you don’t walk anywhere alone. Here, give me your phone.”

Dazed, she still followed the request. Her phone unlocked, Court began entering his info.

“Call me when you need to move between classes, or are leaving anywhere.”

“I’ll,” she hesitated as she thought something through. “I will. Thank you.”

“Come on, I’ll walk you to your next class,” he held out his arm to her.

“But you were going to walk me to my class,” Todd sounded wounded.

The grin over Court’s shoulder was unapologetic, “you’re nowhere near as hot!”

“But,” Todd’s plea fell on deaf ears as Court walked away. Worried eyes turned to the others.

“Hell no,” Ty and Geo responded in unison.

Tanner stood up, “come on, kid. We’re in the same faculty. I’ll walk with you.”

Todd glanced their direction.

Tanner had it figured out quickly, “don’t take it personally. They’re in the opposite direction.”

Tanner and Todd moved off. Ty and Geo did the same. The crowds were starting to lighten as others made their way to class. Though it was only their second year here, everything felt like routine already. The conversations around them were the same as they walked. Many of the same faces had returned. The grounds themselves hadn’t changed at all. And having Geo in the same classes meant this would remain the same this year too.

As the sun warmed their backs, Geo asked, “how are they doing?”

He knew exactly who Geo was referring to. Glancing at the phone in his hand, he answered, “their agency might be merging with an entertainment outfit.”

Geo looked confused, “security for their entertainers?”

He nodded, “I suppose so. She didn’t get into it too much.”

“I hope they do really well,” Geo’s hands moved to his pockets.

He said nothing.

Which Geo picked up on, “you’re worried about them.”

“Not so much my sister,” a partial laugh escaped on a breath.

“You know they’re older than you are,” Geo pointed out. “They’re supposed to worry about you.”

He gave a sidelong look of annoyance. It made Geo laugh, but also drop the subject. Amid the crowd around them, a camera went off. The target was a good-looking face with a hard expression. Afternoon sunlight sought out thick waves of brown hair kissing it with gold. Angry eyes danced upon a face that was meant to be carved in marble. The bag over his shoulders carried the weight of a memorable jacket, allowing the afternoon sun to warm sculpted arms clad in an old t-shirt and a single wrap covering the left wrist and hand. Next to him, another first-year in stylish, form-fitting jeans and a long-sleeved shirt. The stylish guy was busy talking to the friend that held no interest in listening.

The direction of the camera had been noticed. As he walked over, warm smiles welcomed him. The young man behind the camera lowered it to properly greet. The woman next to the photographer was casting an appreciative look. Such a good-looking guy, it was no surprise that they’d wanted his picture.

“We’re part of the social committee,” was the explanation given. “With your permission, we’ll post your picture along with other freshies. It’s to welcome you all. We’ll even have a slideshow going at the Freshie Festival on Friday.”

“I don’t see your nametag though,” the photographer’s smile was pleasant enough. “All freshies have to wear it the first week. You would have gotten one at orientation.”

“Oh boy,” the friend next to Faded Plaid slumped his shoulders in defeat. Resigned yet interested, his gaze said it all.

“Can I see?” A curious glance was turned to the camera. The soft tone caressed Ty’s ear in a familiar yet elusive way.

“Of course,” the girl lightly pushed the photographer’s shoulder.

Reluctantly, the camera was turned over to a hand sporting a fitted black wrap. Looking down at the screen there was grudging appreciation, “you have a talent.”

“Thank you! I’m part of the photography group. You interested in joining? We’re always looking for talent.”

“I don’t have any,” he muttered rather absently.

“Come on, don’t say that. Everyone has a talent,” the girl encouraged. “If you’re not a photographer, maybe you’d be interested in being a model.”

The image vanished when deleted.

“Hey!” A half-hearted attempt to retrieve the camera was made. Seeing the deadly look peeking out from the tops of those hard eyes kept the action from being completed. A hand hovered uncertainly in the air.

Once assured that there were no other photos, the camera was handed back. The action came with a warning, “next time you take my picture, I’ll break your camera.”

The camera was taken back in light fingers treasuring the item.

Stylish guy was shaking his head in amusement, “really, bro?”

Frustration rested heavy in the look cast sidelong. It was meant as a warning. Whispered comments were emerging. Hearing them, Faded Plaid had a terse reminder for his companion, “we’re not friends.”

As he stepped away, the girl slapped the photographer’s arm. With a gesture of her chin, she was indicating the actions she felt warranted.

“Hey,” the photographer grabbed an elbow. Ty’s narrowed eyes caught the subtle flinch. Tight were the fists locked at his side.

The friend made a helpless, concerned gesture meant to pacify. Concern blanketed the single word, “bro.”

An unsuccessful attempt was made to remove his arm from the grip. An attempt to calmly control the situation was made by the photographer, “the rules are simple around here. We have respect…”

Control was taken in a simple shift of posture that placed Faded Plaid into the photographer’s space, “your talent saved your camera this time, but I won’t be kind again.”

The arm was dropped. Without another look, Faded Plaid walked away from everyone.

“He doesn’t like being touched,” was the explanation given.

“What the hell was that?” Geo sounded irritated. “He could have just said no to his picture being used.”

A grin was on Ty’s face.

“Of course you’d approve,” Geo rolled his eyes.

“Don’t take people’s photos without their permission.”

A dry look was cast his way for Ty was admiring the photo he’d taken without permission.

The grin grew, “I can back up my actions. And I’m charming as hell!”

“I’d like to see this charming side you speak of,” was the taunt that moved Ty to attempt a swing at his friend. Geo dodged easily.

“Peyton?” The girl called out. When the stylish guy glanced back, she asked, “that was kind?”

His smile held laughter, “it is for him. He means it about his picture. Don’t ever take it. Me, on the other hand, I’ll be your willing model any day.”

The girl was blushing with a coy smile. For the moment, she had forgotten all about the friend with the surly attitude.

Ty stared down at his phone. When they began walking, Geo asked, “you wanna know more about him?”

Slow was the shake of his head, “not yet.”

“Good, cuz I’d actually like to attend classes this year.”

Side Story

There was a hustle about the Homeless Centre that was familiar. The clatter of food being dished out combined with the friendly chatter of volunteers offering kindness to those who needed a hand. Some gazes were embarrassed. Many were hopeless. Most would not look away from the food they desperately needed.

“Have you volunteered at homeless shelters before?”

This was a question asked of him. Cold was the look he cast, “been to a few.”

It wasn’t really an answer, yet it said a lot. The guy showing him around seemed to understand the inference. Or at least, understood enough not to press. With a nod, he changed the subject, “we appreciate any help you can offer. There’s a sign-up board here in the volunteer room. You can put your name down for any shift. I know school can be a lot, so it’s not about how often you can put your name down. Any time you can come, it’s appreciated.”

They stopped walking. He was looking at the board with consideration. There were a number of names on the list of volunteers.

“We’re good for help today, but feel free to add your name anywhere that works for you. If you have any questions, just find me or one of the other coordinators. I’m going to help out in the line now, if you’re good.”

He nodded absently.

“Alright, well,” the guy stepped away, “it’s really good to have you on the team.”

Alone, he stared at the board. His right hand picked up the marker. He saw a shift for the next weekend that might work. Nights were a dangerous time, which is why the slots were harder to fill. But he knew how to navigate this world and avoid the dangers present every day. He wrote a name he could remember. The biggest danger was always in a name.

He walked away. Behind him, on the board, he’d given his promise for one evening only so far. Staying in the same place for too long was the second biggest danger. But he’d put himself in that particular corner when he decided to go to school.

In the main hall, the line-up for food was beginning to grow. Too busy with the numbers of homeless coming for a meal, the coordinators didn’t see him leave. He left in peace. As he approached the front door, he made passing eye contact with a familiar face.

“Plaid boy,” the gravelly voice held muted pleasure.

“Montana,” he reached out a hand to the homeless man he’d given his stolen food to that morning. He hadn’t regretted the decision at the time, nor after. The handshake was warm with a desperate note. Montana didn’t have a lot of kindness in his life. He would hold tightly to the few moments that came along.

‘Plaid boy’; he laughed softly. Maybe he should have gone by that instead of his favorite artist. Letting the grin linger, he made his way to the nearby park.

*at the same moment back at the school*

The professor droned on. About what, Ty couldn’t really have said. He was on his phone staring at the image. His cheek rested against the curled fingers of his left fist. Idly, a finger touched the edges of his phone. Bored was the expression he had captured. Bored with a hint of anger. The more he looked, the more he saw the emotions. Slow was the smile brightening Ty’s countenance.

“Are you even paying any attention?” Geo bugged him. His voice was no more than a whisper.

“Intensely,” his reply was amused.

“Not to the picture,” Geo was wasting his effort with the correction. Shaking his head, “what’s your fascination?”

But he couldn’t answer because he wasn’t sure. The guy was hot! Which would be reason enough. And yet, he couldn’t shake this feeling that there was something more happening. He expanded the image till the eyes filled the screen. He stared down at them.

There was a defeated sigh that came from Geo. He nudged Ty’s arm. It was only then that Ty realized class was over. He closed the books he hadn’t been paying attention to. A blank notebook was absently captured inside the textbook. Geo had his books in his bag. Ty followed him out with his books in one hand.

“Wanna grab supper on the way home?” Geo was adjusting the strap over his shoulder.

His nod was one of consideration, “burgers?”

“Sure,” was the easy agreement. “I’ll text Court. He can invite Tanner.”

“Sounds good.”

They stepped out into the afternoon sunshine. Ahead the Quad was alive with people. Ty felt his phone vibrating. Lifting it up revealed the caller.

He didn’t hesitate to pick up, “what’s up, Don?”

Geo glanced over at the name.

Ty’s look shifted dark, “where are you?”

Geo continued to text his brother.

“Coming,” he hung up.

Before he spoke, Geo was waving him off, “don’t worry. Go help your brother.”

“Thanks man,” he nodded.

“Call us if you need us,” Geo called out. “I’ll pick up the fixings for burgers. Let us know if Don’s coming. We’ll set an extra plate.”

Keys in hand flipped about absently as he moved quickly to his car.

~Definitely not Disappointed by Selina Elliot