Episode 1 ^3/4: Family is family. I know how to keep mine safe.

Don was sitting alone on a park bench. Hunched forward with his elbows on his thighs and his hands between his knees. His kid brother looked as stressed as he’d sounded on the phone.

“What’s up?” Ty sat down next to his little brother. His elbows came to rest on the back of the bench.

The world in the park was a break from city life. Perhaps that was why so many people came here. It was why Don was here. He liked crowds whenever he could be lost in them without having to be a part of them. By nature, Don was a people watcher. The complete opposite of his older brother in every way.

Dark hair and dark eyes. That was where their similarities ended for the most part. Don was a skinny teenager with little promise of being more than that when he reached adulthood. Delicate features were more like their mother’s. But then, Ty was the odd one in the family. Other than him, all their siblings took after their mother in appearance.

Don looked up. A heavy burden was weighing down those slender shoulders. From his lap, Don turned over a crumpled letter. Taking it, Ty’s eyes didn’t leave his brother.

“Just read it,” it had been a request rather than an order.

With an amused grin, he caved. After the first few lines, he stopped. “I knew you’d get in.”

His brother nodded, but his head was dropping. Sort of the opposite of what he should look like.

Ty held up the letter, “it’s shredded. Dad saw it.”

Again, Don nodded. “Thank you for making me apply. At least now I know I could have…”

“You’re going,” his tone was firm.

Don turned worried eyes up to him, “Ty I can’t! Someone has to take over for dad.”

“That someone doesn’t have to be you.”

“If I don’t…You didn’t see him. He was furious!” Desperation poured from those sad eyes. But was he pleading for Ty to save him or to forgive him?

He held the back of his brother’s neck, encouraging him to keep looking at him, “listen to me. You are going to the school you want because this is your life. It’s not dad’s.”

“But it’s the family business,” Don argued. “Grandpa started it, and dad took over.”

Ty cut him off, “and it was dad’s choice to follow in his father’s footsteps.”

“Do you really think grandpa gave him a choice?” Don was being the family diplomat once again.

Hands on either side of his neck stopped Don from continuing. Ty pressed, “his life, his choice. And now this is your life. So, what are you going to choose? I recommend being a disappointment like the rest of us. Living your life as you want.”

“In a constant battle with dad,” Don pointed out.

Ty continued, “or do you want to be his dutiful clone, living to make him feel better about the shit decisions he made at your age and was too stubborn to ever correct?”

“That was a mouthful,” Don poked fun.

“You put the letter back together after he destroyed it. It matters to you, right?”

Don nodded sadly.

“Learn from the mistakes that he made. Decide for yourself what you want your life to look like. And break the cycle.”

“How do you do it?” Don was lost and feeling fragile.

“This is your first time even thinking of standing up to him, isn’t it?”

Don looked broken because of it.

Ty had an arm over his brother’s shoulders, “business is business. Family is family. Dad’s problem is that he always confuses the two. But you’re my family, always and forever little bro. I’ll take care of dad.”

“You’re going to fight with him,” Don saw the truth.

Ty laughed, “what’s new then?”

“Ty, I don’t want to be the cause of another family fight. Please!”

Their personalities were as different as their appearance. Don was a peacemaker. A kind soul who wanted to see those around him happy. And he would do what he needed to in order to make that happen. Even if it meant sacrificing his own happiness.

“Don’t worry about it,” he ruffled Don’s messy hair. “Family is family. I know how to keep mine safe.”

There was worry, but one thing Don had was absolute trust in his brother. He took back the acceptance letter.

“Go out with your friends tonight. Let loose and have some fun. Celebrate your win,” Ty encouraged.

“We’re gamers,” Don laughed. He stood up. “Thanks Ty.”

He nodded, his way of sending his brother off. He watched, but his mind was already moving off somewhere else. Somewhere that felt far in the past. He leaned back. His light fist was the resting point for his temple. He followed his brother’s example and began to watch the people about. Almost immediately he had a focus for his attentions.

A sketchbook rested on a folded knee; the reason for him being in the park. At his back, the trunk of a large tree. The lack of the jacket was notable because it gave sight to great arms. Hands tightening into fists threatened to break the pencil. An unwavering hard look was filled with darkness and a hint of vulnerability. Ty wanted in on those thoughts.

He drank in the moment. Ty’s smile spread slowly. It rattled his prey. He could see it within those eyes that couldn’t look away and within the lips that parted as though preparing for a kiss. He was spellbound, just like Ty was. But the spell broke the moment a group of people moved past. When they were gone, so was his eye-candy. It was only a moment before Ty saw him again. Walking away, a shoulder rolled to adjust the bag over it. Ty’s smile and his interest grew.

He got up to head back home where his family were waiting for him. Geo’s texts had come through that Tanner and Jaz would be joining them. He replied quickly to let them know that Don wouldn’t be joining them this time. Looking up one last time, he watched as his interest disappeared deeper into the park.

When he got back home, the backyard table was being filled with condiments, chips, and plates. Court’s tagalong was there too, helping. From the kitchen inside, Geo asked Ty if he’d check the burgers. Todd was talking Court’s ear off about their first day asking a dozen questions that Court answered with good humor. Ty moved the last burger off the BBQ onto a plate when Geo came out with beer. He opened three and set them on the table. The kid already had a glass of water.

“How’s your brother?” Geo made room for the burgers.

As he claimed a seat, “he got into his school.”

“Sweet!”

“And dad shredded his acceptance letter.”

“Crappy,” Court grimaced. “What are you gonna do?”

Ty reached for a bun, “he’s going to get out of that house and go to that school. He’s too damned talented to waste it where he is.”

“What about tuition?” Geo passed him the relish without being asked. “Your dad clearly isn’t going to pay for it. And your family is far too rich for him to qualify for a student loan.”

“We have a year to figure it out,” Ty shrugged.

“Mom can help,” Court made the offer. And then received two pointed glares.

Ty reminded him, “your mom’s health comes first. Besides, we’re already in agreement.”

“Your brother and sister, you mean?” Court grabbed the ketchup Geo was handing over. Ty nodded.

“How many siblings do you have?” Todd asked. Then he looked at Court, “can you pass me the mustard?”

“Way to kill the flow, dude,” there was a disappointed frown upon Court’s face. But he handed over the mustard.

The subject was changed, “when is Tanner coming?”

“After some auditions,” Court had answered. Then he looked at Todd, “aren’t you supposed to be there helping?”

Eager was the bright reply, “I’ll be in charge of snacks and refreshments for the cast and crew once filming is up and running. Tanner says the PA is the most important role…”

Geo interrupted as though Todd weren’t even speaking, “that gossip site has a pole going to make sure you don’t get the lead role.”

Court’s laughter was at Ty’s expense, “Tanner’s been pushing for you.”

“Tanner’s an idiot,” Ty responded. Curious, he pulled out his cell.

“Tanner’s really cool,” Todd spoke up almost in defense.

The patio door opened allowing Jaz to join them. It saved Todd from a reply. Geo was out of his seat to greet Jaz. Court nodded his greeting. And Todd gave a muted wave. After kissing Geo’s cheek, Jaz claimed her seat between Ty and Geo.

“What are the current stats?” Court’s amusement shone in his expression.

“You’re actually reading this drivel?” The phone was taken out of Ty’s hand.

“You read it all the time,” he pointed out mildly.

“Yes, to keep an eye on my boys and manage the gossip the best I can.”

Muted frustration was in Ty’s gaze, “Jaz.”

She kept the phone out of Ty’s reach as she began to read, “seriously, what are you thinking? Hey, this one isn’t about you?”

“What?” Court asked around a mouthful of burger.

“Someone’s been de-throned,” Geo was mocking.

“Who’s it about?” Todd set his burger down.

Ty began pulling a plate together for Jaz.

“Oo, the girls in my class are talking about this guy,” Jaz was avidly reading. “I haven’t seen this piece of trash article yet.”

“Who is it?” Geo set salad upon Jaz’s plate that Ty was holding.

“No one knows but he’s been seen in a plaid jacket with a wrap around one hand. He snarls at everyone. Has no friends. And apparently is a really good artist. You only get a glimpse of it in this photo, but he’s a real hottie!”

“What?” Geo snarled with disgust. Ty was looking at her in mute question.

“Getting a decent photo of him is next to impossible,” Jaz passed Court the phone. Her plate was set before her. “Thank you, my boys!”

“Dangerous too, from what I hear,” Court added in lightly as he looked at the lowered phone to see who the article was about.

Geo’s voice was laced with irritation, “that incident was exaggerated. You’re welcome, Jaz.”

When Geo took the phone, Ty questioned, “seriously?”

There was a smirk that emerged, “she should see what you’ve been up to.”

“Holding back on me, Ty?” She cast him a quick reprimand. Then her eager fingers were pulling Geo’s hand closer so she could see the image he had pulled up. “Oh my gawd he is hot! Why does he look familiar?”

“I’d love to know that too,” Ty muttered without further explanation.

“So, what’s the interest?” Jaz asked Ty. She was stealing a chip off Geo’s plate. He moved it closer to her so that she could. “Jealous or something?”

He reached across to reclaim his phone.

As he did, Court was explaining, “Ty’s called dibs on him.”

“What?” Jaz slapped her hands to the table as she looked at him.

The others laughed. He only shook his head, stifling his amusement. The phone was put away.

“We were having a scuffle with Mitch and his friends,” Court spoke around the chips he was eating, “when Kurt approached Crys.”

Worry stole Jaz’s smile. Ty rubbed her shoulder.

Court continued, “Ty’s guy stepped in before we could. So, Crys got away while he had Kurt’s attention.”

Seeing the worry that wouldn’t go away easily, Ty reassured, “she’s family now. Don’t worry. We’ll look out for her.”

“What about your guy then?” Jaz looked his way.

He answered with an approving smile, “he’s got Kurt’s attention now, and mine.”

She nodded, needing to trust that they would handle this.

Ty helped distract, “you remember the guy on the street you thought was hot. After our first run in with Kurt this year.”

Her brow furrowed until the memory surfaced, “oh yah, smoking body, intense gaze! That’s him?”

“I don’t like him,” Geo stated flatly getting amused grins from the rest of them.

Court felt differently, “anyone that makes Kurt that mad has my vote. Just wish I knew what he said to piss him off so much.”

“That doesn’t sound like a very good person,” Todd’s soft comment interfered with the mood.

Ty glared.

Perhaps intentionally, Jaz lent the kid a helping hand by distracting Ty, “I’ll ask Crys to get the real story. She’ll love the challenge. And it’ll keep her close to you guys so you can protect her from Kurt. Mm also, she’ll need to write articles for her class. If you’re okay with it, I want to suggest you guys.”

“What kind of articles?” Geo took more food from the plate he now shared with Jaz.

She was subtly shaking her head, “no idea, but I want her to do what her mom would do, normalize you guys.”

“I’m pretty sure there’s nothing normal about us,” Court argued with a light tone. “But I’ll spend time with Crys!”

“Your rep could be in danger,” Geo taunted.

Confident was the grin behind a full mouth.

“It’s fine by me,” Ty’s attention moved back to his food.

“Same here,” Geo affirmed.

“But what’s the point of that?” Todd interjected.

Baffled looks hit him silently.

“If…it doesn’t matter what others think…of you…”

“Oh hey,” Court was changing the subject, “my old team wants to get together this weekend for a game. You guys in?”

There were some nods.

“May we come too?”

“Hot ladies are always welcome,” Court’s pleased smile emerged.

“You just want to brag that your friends are hot,” Geo accused.

“It’s okay if I come too, right?” Todd turned imploring eyes upon Court.

“Oh sure,” Court gave a distracted nod.

“He’s not playing,” Ty and Geo said this at the same time.

“Course not, we’d snap him in two,” Court said it as though it were obvious. “But we’ll need someone to run towels and drinks.”

“What?” Todd was lost.

“Don’t worry,” Court waved off the concern. His attention was back upon his food, “just think of it as training for being Tanner’s PA on set.”

“Oh, okay,” he nodded hesitantly.

“Should we just hit the field at the uni?”

Ty nodded, “might as well, if it works for your friends.”

“I’ll find out.”

The meal and the conversation carried on. This was family to Ty! Good food, great company, laughter. He looked over at Jaz stealing another chip from Geo’s plate. Court passed Jaz her salad dressing and passed Ty a napkin. Jaz hid a musical laugh behind a hand at something Geo had said. This was family.

~~~

Friday came quickly, marking the end of their first week back at university. Just listening to all the crap Jaz and Tanner had to do this week had made him exhausted. It’s what made them happy though, so he approved for both of them. Tonight, Jaz had their first Student Council meeting.

“You don’t need to walk me,” Jaz was being polite.

He only looked at her as he moved to the front of the car to meet her. Then his arm went around her shoulders.

“But I am grateful,” she laughed softly.

The campus looked different at night. But it was a familiar different. Last year, most of their games were late at night. And practice always ran late.

Ahead, the warm lights of a building beckoned them. People were moving about, going inside. The Student Council was a large group, which is why he’d leave her here with confidence, “call me or Geo when you’re done.”

“Are you guys meeting Court’s friends tonight?”

He nodded as they stepped down into the street.

“Then I’ll see if Ang wants to pick me up here. We’ll come watch you guys play,” she already had her phone out and was texting.

“I don’t like you walking around here alone at night,” he reminded her, sounding like the older brother he viewed himself as.

She nudged him with her shoulder, “it’ll be Ang, Crys, and I. And maybe we can even convince Tanner to join us after. He shouldn’t have to go the theatre after.”

He’s be fine with that but none of them knew how to fight.

“Jazmin,” a female voice called out, interrupting him before he could say this.

With a warm smile, Jaz looked over, “Tish.”

The smile faded quickly when Jaz saw Kurt.

“You remembered,” Tish seemed pleased. Though the blushing smile that she held could be partly because Ty had more than just caught her eye. And the eyes of her friends. Having Jaz was like having the best wingman in the world. Girls seemed to trust girls. Too bad he wasn’t into what was looking his way.

Tish and her friends moved quickly their way. Forgotten and left behind, Kurt sported a dark look which promised violence. Ty held his gaze in warning.

Though aware of the silent exchange, Jaz carried the conversation forward, “of course I remember. You were in the group I showed around at orientation.”

“That’s right,” she seemed pleased! To her friends, “this is that lady I was talking to you about.”

“Lady?” Kurt ventured an opinion that wasn’t well received by Ty.

He stood next to Jaz, muscles tense and jaw locked.

“Don’t take the bait,” Jaz whispered. “You girls are out awfully late. It’s already dark, and dangerous people lurk about. Shouldn’t you be headed back to your dorms?”

“You’re going to infer that I’m dangerous?” Kurt did take the bait.

The smile that emerged mocked, “I was outright calling Ty dangerous. I hadn’t noticed you.”

“Wait,” the girls were whispering among themselves, “that’s the guy the uni page talks about!”

“OMG!”

“Girls,” Jaz laughed their comments off. “Not everything you read is accurate. Come on, we’ll give you a lift to the dorms.”

“But…”

Warm and reassuring was the smile, “I told you at orientation; I’m here to help you find your way through the first year. Let’s get you safely back to your rooms.”

They glanced at Ty in silent question. He stared at his enemy, “looks like you won’t be scoring yet again.”

A puff of cynical air emerged from Kurt, “I’ve never heard of you scoring at all. Must be gay or something.”

In a surprising turn, it was Tish that responded, “how anyone identifies isn’t any of your concern, unless you’re romantically interested. Would you be?”

“Fuck no!”

Jaz didn’t hide her laughter, “come on ladies.”

Ty unlocked the car doors. The three girls claimed the back seat. Ty was the last. He always made sure Jaz was safe. And he’d take no chances with Kurt.

As they drove away, Tish spoke from the backseat, “thank you both very much. It was getting a little uncomfortable.”

“Totally uncomfortable,” one of the friends remarked with emphasis.

“Our pleasure.” Jaz turned around to face them, “I won’t spread rumors.”

Ty muttered, though he was fine with being heard, “it wouldn’t be a rumor.”

She cast him a warning look. Then she continued, “be careful around campus. Especially at night. There are predators. So stay in large groups, and keep each other safe. Okay?”

Ty looked at her. Though she refused to make eye contact, she saw that look. He received a light slap on his arm in response.

“Okay,” was the response from all three. Ty wasn’t sure it was enough of a warning, but his only priority was to keep Jaz safe.

When they got to the dorms, he and Jaz walked the three inside. Jaz was continuing to chat, “did you guys know these were co-ed dorms when you applied?”

Tish was nodding, “they’re the cheapest because the building is old. Finances; sort of a deciding factor.”

Her friend added, “but being co-ed only sweetens the deal!”

The third added, “we came from an all-girls school. Girls can be bitches!”

Laughter, and even Ty grinned, though his attention was wandering.

Jaz told them, “I’ll walk you three up. I’ll be right back, Ty.”

Glancing her way, he nodded agreement. She would try again to impress upon them the importance of staying in groups and away from Kurt. They went up the stairs. No elevator in this old building. And yet, there was a lobby of sorts. Ty stood in it now. Ahead, within his gaze, was a fireplace and some old couches. A meeting place for people. Once upon a time, this might have been an expensive place. Time and neglect were taking a toll.

Ty moved over towards the couches and chairs. Familiar curls were peeking out from the side of the large armchair. He moved through the opening between the chair and couch. Legs were tucked up and his head lay within the folds of his arms, curling him into a tight ball. The familiar plaid jacket covered artistic hands that were smudged with charcoal. The sketchbook rested upon torn and faded jeans. Upon the page were the beginnings of a bare chest, a sculpted shoulder, and a sixpack. The broken end of a stick of charcoal had come to land on his knee.

With a pleased smile, Ty had his cell out to capture this image. Happy with his prize, the phone was put away. Arms upon his bent knees, he leaned closer, “okay fate, I get it.”

Carefully he took the charcoal and the sketchbook. He flipped the page to a blank one to leave an important message: if you want to know what picture I took, come to the football field Sat at 7. P.S. my abs look hot in your drawing! He replaced the book and the charcoal to their previous locations. His finger ran lightly over the soft curls kissing that forehead.

A memory fought to surface. His fingers held the curls, toying with them. A furrow appeared between his eyes. Soft were the words that rang familiar, “I’m gonna keep you.”

~~~

The football game was in the final stretch. Court’s old teammates were powerful! Just the type of challenge Ty enjoyed. He wiped the sweat off his forehead. Fatigue was catching up, but he wasn’t about to stop this close to the end. Neither were the others. A breeze helped cool him off. He caught the pass, and seeing his opposition, he made a pass to the faster runner. Geo caught it. Ty ran in his shadow.

The hit he took was enough to leave a bruise. But his job was to protect his teammates. His opponent went down hard. When it was sure that Geo had it covered, Ty fell back. Hand out, he offered help to the guy on the ground.

“That was a hell of a hit you returned,” Jan took his hand.

“That was a hell of a hit you gave,” Ty complimented. “How’s the shoulder?”

“It’ll be fine,” the concern was waived off. “Won’t stop me in the game next week. And you helped me look good in front of the ladies.”

Ty smiled at this. A little flirting never hurt, and it would be good for the girls’ ego.

e He They moved to rejoin the others. It was the end of the game. Ty took this moment to catch his breath. His hand ran back through his hair and glanced at his watch. It was almost midnight! On the edge of the field Todd and the girls were cheering them on. He glanced their direction, ready to tell them the game would wrap up. But Jaz’s thumb had his gaze following its path.

Back propped against the wall and feet resting on the ledge, a lone figure claimed the empty stands. In his hands was a sketchbook. The pencil in his light grip danced upon the page. Excitement gave him a predatory focus.

Ty walked up and heard Todd talking excitedly with the girls, “but Court plays rugby. He’s really good at it!”

“The boys like all kinds of sports,” Jaz was patient in her explanation.

A dark gaze flittered to the players on the field. Perhaps not seeing what he expected, there was a subtle look cast about. The moment Ty had those eyes on him, he smiled. The eyes were back to the page as though he hadn’t noticed. The action did nothing to deter Ty. He moved past Jaz with a touch on her shoulder. Then he hopped the ledge to the bleachers. Sneakers kept Ty’s steps silent as he approached. Tired legs claimed a seat.

Distrusting eyes looked up furtively.

It would be impossible not to react to that look. He was only surprised by the intensity with which his emotions hit. He smiled lightly despite them, “if you’re gonna use us as models, isn’t it only fair to show us the finished product?”

There was consideration. It seemed that he didn’t consider trying to lie when he finally replied, “it’s not finished yet.”

He liked the honesty in that! He felt his grin grow wider, bringing a sparkle to his gaze, “can I see anyway?”

Again, the silent gaze considered him, “depends. You gonna show me the picture you took?”

The look was direct, but the fingers behind the sketchbook twisted nervously.

Pleased, he pursed his lips in denial of the request, “it’s payment for drawing me without my permission. Consent matters, you know.”

“I didn’t consent to extortion to get me out here,” was the quick reply meant to hide a note of fear.

“So, it is me you were drawing,” he gleefully pointed out.

There was a moment of panic flashing into those eyes. He wouldn’t look Ty in the eyes, “never said that. The picture could be…anyone. It’s just for class anyway.”

He was enchanting when he was being cagy.

Ty leaned closer, “show me yours and I’ll show you mine.”

“What do you need a picture of me for?” Hard were the bite to the words.

“What do you need one for?” He looked from the tops of his eyes as his head tilted down.

Eyes danced as he pulled up an excuse, “I’m an art student.”

“You don’t look like the other artists I know,” Ty was sizing him up. His tone had shifted back to playful.

“Imagine how devastated I must feel to hear that,” the remark was dry.

It amused Ty! He turned over his unlocked cell. Surprise had the hand hesitating.

Ty explained, “you just gave me something of you. So, do whatever you want with the image.”

A moment stretched out.

If trust was hard, Ty would earn it. He nodded with soft, playful eyes, “I’m giving consent.”

Narrowed eyes held him as the phone was taken. In exchange the sketchbook was turned over. The image Ty saw had his interest. The image on his phone was being deleted. A scroll through ensured that there weren’t multiple photos. He soon discovered the truth.

“When..?”

“You’re good,” Ty interrupted with an appreciative smile flashing the artist’s way. “But tell me why my abs are so detailed in your drawing when you haven’t seen me without a shirt?”

The smile he got in return was as unexpected as it was intriguing. No answer was provided. The other picture he’d taken was deleted.

Pleased with the response, he moved on, “so, do we get paid for being your models?”

A lifted gaze was the only response.

A playful brow was his. The silent battle was conceded when the artist sat back. Ty took his phone which was being returned with a careless handoff.

Though his hand continued to be held out to request the sketchbook back, Ty wasn’t done just yet. He flipped the page back to look at other work.

“Hey,” he sat up, making a swipe for the book.

Ty moved it out of reach, “I feel this is your fault for handing over the book.”

Stunned silence was the response. There was a ghost of a smile nearly surfacing beneath a façade of annoyance.

“You can have this back if I get something in payment first,” Ty taunted.

“What?” There was a fearless tilt to the chin.

“A kiss would work. Your name would be nice. Or one of your pictures; drawn or taken,” the offers were made.

There was silent consideration.

“Omg, you’re considering the kiss,” Ty was alight with excitement his voice only hinted at!

The smile that couldn’t be held back brought a sparkle to his eyes. With a shake of his head, the choice was made, “you can have one of my drawings.”

“Ouch,” Ty laughed. His hand moved to tear today’s drawing out of the book.

“It’s not done yet.”

“I like it just as it is,” the page came out with a careful tear.

As soon as the book was handed back, the artist stood to leave.

He was moving down the bleachers when Ty called out, “Faded Plaid.”

It was enough to make the artist turn in question.

There was a shrug, “you haven’t given me your name. But I’ll still give you mine, it’s Ty.”

“I don’t care,” the look tossed over the shoulder as he turned to leave was unintentionally seductive.

From the field the others called out to him. Still, he watched as Faded Plaid disappeared around the corner of the stands. Only then did he get up to rejoin the others. Jackets and bags were being collected. Ty took his from Court with a nod of thanks.

“Who the hell was that?” Court nodded to where they’d been sitting on the bleachers. Silent was the weighted look coming from Geo.

“My artist,” his smile was cryptic.

“Maybe I’m jaded by Jade, but I’d expect more flare in artist’s clothing. He doesn’t look much like an artist,” one of the guys voiced, which got laughs from those who knew Jade.

“I said the same,” Ty noted with a nod.

“What did he say?” Curiosity had the better of Jaz.

“That he wasn’t going to lose any sleep over what I thought.”

“I like him,” Jaz approved!

He held up the artwork he procured.

“Wow,” Jaz had taken the page. She was sharing it with the others.

“That’s really good,” this came from one of Court’s old teammates. “You don’t know who he is though?”

“Not yet,” he took back the picture.

“If you make friends with him, let me know if he does commission.”

“When,” Court laughed. “Ty’s got the look that it’s already been decided.”

“Poor guy has no idea,” Jaz laughed.

There was a heavily annoyed sigh from Geo, “I’m going to have to deal with this, aren’t I?”

“Suffering makes us grow,” Court laughed at his brother. Then shifted the focus, “come on, let’s get something to eat. I’m starving. We can razz this guy more once we’re eating.”

“You wanna pick a fight you’re gonna lose?” Ty challenged with a grin. His phone ringing distracted them. Tanner’s name was on the display when he pulled it from his bag, “what’s up?”

“You done the game? I could use a hand.”

“Want anyone else?”

“That’s okay. I just need some actual muscle to move some of the heavy props around,” Tanner spoke with emphasis indicating that he was chiding some of the Drama Club members.

Ty hung up and looked to the others, “Tanner needs a hand.”

“Should I come?” Todd made the eager offer.

“No,” he didn’t hold an interest in that. “I’ll see you guys at home later.”

Court was consoling Todd as the group began to walk away from him.

“Later,” simultaneous waves were given.

He looked specifically at Geo, “watch over Jaz.”

“Like I need to be told that,” was the bitter remark.

“Why don’t you ever tell me that?” Court stopped walking.

It was his brother that answered, “because it’s you I’m protecting her from.”

The banter would escalate at that. With a grin, Ty left them.

Side Story

“I want to know who the hell he is,” Kurt slammed the side of his fist into the wall he was leaning against.

His two friends were with him. He’d always treated them more like lackies because that’s how they acted. It was his power and his money that they stuck around for. But they made good lackies that didn’t hesitate to get their hands dirty, and who were more than happy to pick at the crumbs he was leaving behind.

Aaron spoke up, “we’re not in his faculty. Doesn’t look like he has any friends, and he avoids everyone.”

“If I wanted useless information, I’d read those stupid articles. Find out who he is. He’s on my list this year.”

Aaron stupidly muttered, “you haven’t finished your list from last year. Jaz…”

Kurt had a hold of Aaron’s throat. Tense fingers cut off air as he slammed the body into the wall he’d been leaning against. Fear lit Aaron’s eyes as he struggled futilely to pull Kurt’s hand away.

Leaning in, Kurt cautioned him, “I’ll deal with Jaz and Ty. But I have plenty of room for others to be on my list. Do you get it?”

Aaron nodded, a gurgle was the best he could voice. Accepting this as compliance, Kurt released him with a shove.

“Find out who this artist is. And find out what his weaknesses are.”

With that order driving them, his two lackies moved off.

~Definitely not Disappointed by Selina Elliot