Episode 1 ^4/4: Destiny can’t be silenced.

“It’s really late. Do you have a card or something I can give Tanner?”

The mention of his friend’s name is what had caught Ty’s ear. Seeing who stood at the doors to the theatre is what held his attention. Some unimportant, indignant club member and Faded Plaid. There was a sparkle tin Ty’s eyes as he stood back to watch.

“Do I look like I carry a card?” A glare cut through the paper being written on, “it’s my roommate’s number. I’ll give him the heads up later.”

“Rude,” a sour expression came from the drama club member as he turned to leave. The bitter remark seemed unimportant to Faded Plaid.

Fingers hidden within the jacket slid the notebook back into the bag at his hip. Attention was given to make sure the worn-out button snapped shut. He stepped forward, expending effort to raise a bored gaze slowly. There was the cutest furrow between his brows when he concentrated.

Ty’s presence was larger than the chest muscles Faded Plaid now stared at; a point of pride Ty enjoyed exploiting. A blank stare hitting his chest was interrupted by a blink before eye contact was slowly made.

They shared a similar height. The cold, menacing look given earlier to the club member would make Faded Plaid appear taller, but faced with Ty, that look had been obliterated. He enjoyed this moment.

Faded Plaid stepped back as the distance between them shrank. Nervously he swallowed, drawing Ty’s gaze to sculpted lips. Prey that couldn’t move fell victim to a warm hand claiming a stiff neck. Thumb touching a strong chin, tilted the head to his will.

“Fate keeps bringing us together. I’m giving my consent,” Ty whispered. Only a breath apart, he waited for an answer.

The pulse under his palm danced. Eyes and breath were still. A subtle nod was the consent Ty had waited for. His whispered words parted tense lips in surprise giving Ty his opening.

Their lips touched! Eyes weren’t as astonished as they should have been. It wasn’t normal to kiss a stranger like this. It wasn’t. And yet, their lips danced. Tongues teased. A sigh brushed skin.

Parting lips held a moment longer to one another. Ty’s hand left the neck to rest upon a flushed cheek. His thumb moved lightly over those soft lips. There was satisfaction within Ty’s gaze. Dazed was the one looking back at him. Pleased, Ty moved off to find his friend.

Murmurs from the auditorium reached out. Everyone was looking. The general sense was surprise accompanied by unabashed longing. An unsettled hand moved over lips as Faded Plaid hurried away.

He ignored the looks and murmurs of people that didn’t matter to him. But he acknowledged the amused look coming from someone that did matter.

With an amused shake of his head, Tanner called him out, “what the hell was that?”

“You weren’t there at the field,” was about the only explanation he would give to that question.

That answer surprised Tanner. A question washed over his expression.

So, Ty sort of gave an answer, “Jaz can fill you in. You said you needed my muscle.”

Walking together, Tanner let him know, “I’m calling what you just did there your payment.”

Nodding with a smile, “I’m okay with that.”

With amusement still in his voice, Tanner pointed them in the right direction, “last year’s props are still here. We can’t use them, so I want them put away.”

“No problem,” they moved behind the curtain and got to work.

A large palm tree was his first grab. It was heavier than he’d expect a fake tree to be. Both hands around the beast, he began tilting. Tanner grabbed the top as it came down.

“Why didn’t you put these away last year?” Ty called over.

“Because it felt like a next year-me problem at the time,” he defended with a laugh.

“Next year came quickly.”

Tanner’s phone was going off. Before Tanner asked, Ty stopped walking. Resignation washed over his brother, “yah, I know.”

The look of defeat told Ty who it was as much as the shrill voice did. He didn’t have to be told that this was Tanner’s mom.

“Mom, I got it. I’ll talk to him. Okay?”

After a few more nagging remarks, Tanner was able to hang up. He looked at Ty in apology. He shook his head, “save it. Just work at not answering her calls.”

“She’ll just keep calling if I don’t answer. This is easier,” there was a helpless shrug.

He wondered if it actually was but wouldn’t waste time arguing about it again. Tanner knew how he felt, and that Ty would always have his back no matter what he decided.

They moved the cumbersome prop to the back room. A treasure trove of discarded props and wardrobe.

“How was the game?”

“It was good. Court’s old teammates are good players. They hit hard,” he complimented them.

“Nice.” Tanner was going to say more but his phone ringing again had him distracted. Disappointment washed over him.

Walking past, Ty grabbed the phone.

“Hey!”

“It’s past midnight. She should be letting you sleep. You have class in the morning,” he reminded as he walked away.

“Who’s the older brother here?”

“Start acting like it,” Ty walked backwards giving Tanner a helpless shrug.

“What’s gotten into you?” Tanner was laughing at him.

He grinned, “still on a high from that kiss.”

“Alright, that tree was the issue. Let’s call it for tonight. I can get the crew to do the rest tomorrow,” Tanner waved them out.

“Fine by me,” he agreed. He handed back Tanner’s quiet phone, “I turned it off for you.”

“Oh my god, you are overbearing,” he was laughed at.

With the last of the crew ushered out, they walked out together.

At their cars Tanner said, “thanks for your help. I meant what I said about that kiss being your payment.”

“And I meant when I said it was worth it,” he grinned just before getting in the car.

He drove home with nothing but silence and a memory. He expected the house to be dark when he got home. Instead, the lights outside their home were illuminating Geo and Jaz. The door to the house opened allowing Court and Todd to come out. Seeing Ty’s car, Court didn’t bother locking the door. His keys went into his pocket. As Ty stepped out, he was instantly harassed.

Amusement was a gleam in Court’s eyes as he mocked, “what’s better than one bad boy? Two making out! Why can’t I be kissed like that? My knees are weak! I can die happy now! LMBLV!”

“What’s that mean?” Geo seemed almost pained to ask, but curiosity was getting the better of him.

“Living My Best Life Vicariously,” Court and Jaz answered simultaneously.

“I have questions,” Geo rubbed his temple.

“So do I,” his smile held a hint of humor. “Why are you all here?”

“We live here,” Court happily reminded him.

“And I’m not missing this moment,” Jaz was smug. Phone in hand, it was clear that she had schemes for him.

Ty’s car door shut softly. He was rather interested in what the gossip site had to say this time.

Geo came at him head-on, “you know at least one of the drama club is an admin on that damned gossip page. What did you think the outcome would be?”

“Worth it,” Ty claimed, his eyes soft with the memory.

“Like how much?” Jaz was hungry for the details.

“So worth it,” his sigh said it all. Jaz gave a muted squeal!

“So, who is he?”

“Still dunno,” he shook his head. “My lips were occupied. I didn’t ask.”

“You don’t know who you kissed?” Todd could barely breathe the words.

“That’s bold, even for you,” Court’s laugh only encouraged.

“There’s something about him,” Ty confessed more to himself.

“But doesn’t that sorta…” Todd’s voice was trailing off. He swallowed nervously faced with the collective stares. “Well, I mean…Jaz, you don’t seem upset.”

“Why would she care?” Court was confused.

“I do care,” she defended herself!

Geo accused, “because you’re as gossip hungry as that website.”

She pursed her lips at him; a polite, modified version of sticking her tongue out.

“But, I mean…this guy is bad…you don’t want someone bad…around…us,” Todd stammered, quickly amending, “or your…family.”

“I am someone bad,” Ty snarled. He began walking off towards the house.

“Sure you want to storm off?” Jaz called to him. Her tone gave him reason to pause. When he looked, she was shaking her cell phone, “I’ve got the video.”

Instantly, he was moving back towards her, “why are you only sharing now?”

“Why didn’t you tell me you were going to make a move?”

“Video,” his fingers moved with impatience. Seeing the look Jaz gave him, all he could do was shrug, “fate keeps bringing us together. So, I wanted to see.”

“So you kissed him?” Geo didn’t get it.

Jaz grabbed his collar to pull him down to her, “how was he?”

“Oh, so good,” his sigh was wistful. “And I was good. I got consent first.”

There was pain in Geo’s voice, “on paper, you two should kill each other when left alone.”

“Every account says this guy is aggressive, argumentative, threatening,” Jaz listed off.

“I think he’s attractive too,” Ty shifted his bag to the other shoulder.

“I was talking about you,” she retorted with a wry grin.

“You haven’t even shown an interest in anyone that’s asked you out. Why this one?” Geo questioned him.

Ty could only shrug, “he’s not asking.”

The look was clear, “you do hear yourself?”

Jaz made a pleased and almost envious noise, “I hear him loud and clear.”

Jaz moved to stand between him and Geo. The video was saved, making it easy to find. Not about to pass up the chance to watch, Ty had his chin on her shoulder. Geo had his arm around her lower back.

“I can’t believe you kissed him without knowing his name,” Geo shook his head.

“Yah he did,” Jaz was grinning like a fool. “I just wish the video would have gotten a good look at his face. I want to see the kiss! Were you purposely blocking the angle?”

Geo gave a ghost of a laugh, “probably. He’s gonna be pissed when he finds out this video exists.”

“You recognize him, huh?” Ty asked Geo without looking away from the video.

He nodded, “the jacket’s getting easy to place.”

Ty noted absently, “I kept his face hidden.”

“If I recognize it, you know others will too.”

Pleased, Ty paused the video, “he’s holding my jacket.”

“What?” Jaz was leaning closer to her phone. So Ty blew up the image to where a hand was gripping his jacket at the waistline. “Aww!”

“He doesn’t need the encouragement, Jaz,” annoyance had Geo shaking his head.

“True,” pleasure was thick in Ty’s tone.

Geo was beginning to grind his teeth, “it’s a dumbass idea.”

“Mmhm,” he nodded. His tone was anything but agreeable.

“Seriously a bad one,” Geo tried again.

Court made an amused observation, “sounds like you want Ty go after this guy.”

Geo’s hand made a fist, “they are going to kill each other.”

Jaz shared a look with Court, “or something.”

“I give up,” Geo shook his head in defeat. He began moving around the car, stopping long enough to critique his brother, “where’s your bag? We’re taking mom out tomorrow, you’re not planning on wearing that.”

In his signature jeans and t-shirt, Court sneered back, “I don’t know why you put so much effort in. Mom’s gonna love you no matter what you dress like.”

“We’re going to a very expensive restaurant,” Geo ran a hand through his hair. “Mom’s going to kill you.”

“She won’t,” the confidence was strong. “We’re going to mom’s for the night. Want Todd to stay with you?”

“I’m not a babysitter,” his pleased tone had vanished as he walked away.

Taking it personally, Todd looked hurt.

Court just laughed it off, “don’t worry about him. Ty takes time to warm up to people.”

“Hmm, not everyone,” Jaz was looking at her phone again.

“Send me that video, Jaz,” Ty called over his shoulder.

“We’ll give you a lift home, Jaz,” Geo ignored the hot topic at hand.

“Thank you,” she was putting her phone away, turning that gorgeous smile upon Geo.

“Court, back seat,” Geo commanded.

Court gave a questioning glare that held a hint of anger. The challenging look was returned with a pointed tilt of the head from Geo. With a resigned sigh, Court moved to the back, “come on kid.”

“Who said I was a chauffeur?” Geo demanded. He’d been about to get in the car when his head had popped back up with that comment from his brother. Jaz was stepping into the front seat.

“In that outfit, you look the part,” Court teased. “Move it, Todd.”

At Geo’s begrudging nod, Todd moved to the other side of the car.

~~~

The morning brought quiet he’d prefer to avoid. So, he’d donned his workout clothes and headed to the gym. A little, old lady at the gym wasn’t a typical sight to see, but Ty knew her well. Spotting him at the same moment, Carol waved. She was nearing eighty years old, but she moved about like a fifty-year-old. A loose, purple sweatsuit hung off frail shoulders. From experience, he knew those thin hands were remarkably strong. Her fancy handbag was out of place, but Carol was never without her sparkling handbag.

Slowly, she approached. She was making her way slowly to the car she drove every day to come here. It was the only outing her car ever had, or so she liked to joke. People coming up behind her moved around her. They were young and impatient.

And criminal. Ty saw a young male snatch the sparkling purse right off Carol’s crooked elbow. There was little that the surprised woman could do. Soft spoken, her call to the thief went unheeded. But Ty had heard, and the thief still had to make his way past him.

His arm caught the kid at the collar bone sending him crashing painfully to the floor. Shock was written all over the kid’s face. As he struggled to get up off his back, Ty had the kid’s throat to keep him pinned to the ground, “stupid move.”

“Let go! I wasn’t doing anything,” the kid pulled at Ty’s arm.

Carol was walking up to them, and said, “gemstones don’t suit you, son. I’ll have my handbag back now.”

Ty was handing it back to her with his free hand.

Her hands held his for a moment, “always such a gentleman, thank you. You remind me of my husband back when we first met. Did I ever tell you that he rescued me from a runaway horse and carriage?”

She had, many times. With a warm smile, he let her know, “it’s my favorite story of Charles.”

Security was running over to them by this time, “Miss Carol, are you alright?”

“Oh just fine, Eddie,” she waved off the concern. Her purse was back on her arm. “Ty was just having a little chat with this confused young man.”

The guard glanced to the ground.

Ty stood up, hauling the kid with him. A firm hand on the kid’s neck kept him from running off, though he was trying to.

The other guard stepped forward, “we’ll call the police.”

Carol interrupted, “Oh I don’t think that’s necessary. This young man is just confused. And I’m sure he won’t make the same mistake again. Right son?”

The kid was scared. And just that, a kid. Carol, a kind woman, wouldn’t want to cause him trouble no matter what he’d done to her. Ty was less willing to be kind, but he also didn’t want the hassle of having to wait around to be a witness. He squeezed the kid’s neck to get a response.

“I won’t! I won’t! I’m sorry!”

“There’s a good boy,” she patted his arm.

“We’ll still have a chat with you,” the guard waved at Ty to hand over custody, which he did. “And we won’t want to see you around here again. Am I clear?”

The kid nodded, and didn’t make a move to run when Ty released him.

“Miss Carol, I will walk you to your car,” the first guard offered his arm.

With a smile, she took a hold of that arm. Casting a look over her shoulder, she winked at Ty. Carol never passed up an opportunity. It was probably why he’d connected so quickly with her after first meeting her. They were the same personality just in different bodies. With a laugh, he moved to continue on his way.

The guard guiding the kid said, “we appreciate you stepping up like that.”

He waved off the needless thanks. With Carol being escorted to her car, Ty resumed his path to his earlier goal.

He emerged a little later from the locker rooms in sweats and a muscle shirt hidden under a hoodie. Cardio felt like the right tone, so he would head in that direction. Water bottle and towel in hand, he was pulling out his ear buds with the other when he paused. On a treadmill Faded Plaid was keeping a solid pace. Strong arms pumped to maintain his momentum. A sheen of sweat made those muscles glisten tantalizingly.

The earphones went back in his pocket. Though the other machines were empty, there was only one that he wanted to use in this moment. His hoodie came off. The opportunity was too good to pass up. He began punching buttons when he said, “seems like destiny really wants us to meet.”

Surprise had Faded Plaid glancing over. Irritation immediately sprung up, “destiny can shove it. Go away.”

“You don’t work out to music?” Ty ignored the comments easily. He was picking up his speed to match.

“You trying to add to the rumors?” The annoyance was clear.

“I don’t give a shit about the rumors,” Ty laughed. “Do you?”

Frustration tensed the jaw as it worked around a moment before he uttered, “I prefer to live my life quietly. Drama either follows you around or you create it.”

Ty held the gaze as they ran in sync, “you’re checking into me. I’m flattered.”

From behind clenched teeth, “I’m not interested, but thanks to you there’s a video going around now that I have to deal with.”

“I kept your face hidden,” he assured softly.

There was a sharp glance of surprise cast his way. Though silent, that look said a lot.

A pleased grin grew in strength, “saw your hand holding my jacket as we kissed.”

Faded Plaid missed a step, nearly falling off the machine. Flustered, he put effort into his workout, turning up the speed, “you kissed, I didn’t.”

Ty was amused, “you gonna give me your name yet?”

“What? Why?”

Ty shrugged, he increased the speed to once again match, “destiny keeps trying to introduce us.”

Faded Plaid shook his head.

“I think until you finally give up your name, destiny’s just going to keep forcing us to meet.”

“And what happens after?”

When Faded Plaid finally turned his head to look, Ty grinned suggestively.

He expected a blush and an embarrassed snap. He got neither, but was not disappointed when Faded Plaid pressed on flatly, “why do you even care what my name is?”

“Because calling you Faded Plaid all the time is getting annoying,” Ty admitted.

He glanced over furtively. He was attempting to disguise his curiosity within annoyance that was shielded by the heavy breathing of a tough workout, “why Faded Plaid?”

Ty shrugged, “your signature jacket.”

“Shit! Now I gotta find a new jacket. I really liked that one.”

“Why change?”

There was a hard look that pursed lips tight. He wasn’t talking. The power button was hit allowing Faded Plaid to jump off the treadmill. He moved away.

Hurriedly, Ty followed the motions. Grabbing his things, he ran after. When he caught up, he pointed out breathlessly, “don’t you know you’re supposed to do a cooldown after a run like that? You’re gonna give yourself cramps stopping like that. Or me.”

“Your dumb choice to mimic,” the dry comment was shot over.

They went into the change rooms. The showers held swimmers preparing for the pool. Faded Plaid moved past without making use.

“Not gonna shower after that workout?” Ty was curious.

“Aren’t you?” The question was an answer.

“Nah,” Ty moved in step with him. “I’ll shower when I get home.”

Quickly, he moved in front of Faded Plaid before he moved past all the lockers.

“Not going to change?”

Annoyance flattened the look, “why are you so interested?”

There was suggestion within Ty’s grin, “just hoping for a shameless glimpse.”

Surprise stalled a response. Pouncing on the moment of weakness, Ty’s body moving in had Faded Plaid moving back towards the benches next to the lockers. Ty tossed his things onto that bench. Slowly, his hands moved to his waistline where his fingers pulled at his muscle shirt. Inch by inch, the material moved up his honed body. Swallowing nervously, Faded Plaid’s eyes glanced about trying not to watch. The effort was what made Ty smile. His shirt hit the bench next to his hoodie. Ty’s eyes encouraged Faded Plaid to remove his with nothing more than a glance.

Narrowed eyes met that unspoken challenge. Faded Plaid stepped forward into Ty’s space. They were near enough to touch, but it was a game to see who would break first. Faded Plaid reached around Ty, bringing out Ty’s smile even more as he moved his head to keep their lips close. A cool gaze glittered in response to the heat coming from warm eyes. Lips moved closer to Ty’s neck. The next words came out on an edge, “I don’t see a reason to give you a chance.”

Dancing smoothly around him, Faded Plaid was leaving. Dazzled by the encounter, all he could do was watch happily. A black hoodie moved to cover a sexy body. It was that moment that Ty realized he’d been robbed of his hoodie and his water bottle. His enchanted smile grew in strength.

Shirt back on, he followed Faded Plaid to the gates barring entry and exit to the gym. A swipe of the gym card allowed Faded Plaid to leave ahead of him.

Ty moved in swiftly. And then was thwarted by the smallest of obstacles that Faded Plaid had sailed through.

The counter person had noticed him searching his person for the item in question, “Ty, where’s your card?”

“It was in…” he looked over. Faded Plaid had turned back to face him. In his right hand was Ty’s gym card. The words ‘thank you’ were mouthed over to him. “…my hoodie.”

“Well no worries, yours was about expire anyway. We can get you a new one. Just give me a moment.”

He watched as Faded Plaid left without a second look back. “Leave the old card active. Just tack on a guest pass to my account.”

“Oh, sure. Can do,” there was confusion that wouldn’t be sated for Ty had no interest in explaining.

Side Story

“What’s up Mags?” If she was calling and not texting, it was important.

“I don’t know what to do with him!” It was easy to hear the frustration she was feeling.

“Want to switch places for a while?”

There was a pause. And then, “Don will leave for a new school. You deserve a break when he does.”

He gave a bitter laugh, “I meant you can take on dad. That would be the break I need.”

“What did he do?” She could so quickly forget her own problems.

If it wasn’t for the age gap, he’d think they were twins. He smiled so that his voice would hold that lightness he didn’t feel, “he shredded Don’s acceptance letter.”

There was a pained sigh, “he’s going.”

“I know,” he wasn’t arguing.

“Don’t worry about the tuition. We got it.”

“Mags,” his tone was serious, “you two have enough on your plate.”

It was with a laugh that she dismissed the issue, “please, Christian and I are doing great. We’re looking at signing a contract with an entertainment company. I can tell you more if we finalize the deal. You’re not going to worry about Don’s tuition when you still have your own living expenses. And I swear to God if you think of dropping out…”

“I’m not dropping out,” he cut her off sharply!

“Damn rights you’re not,” she was firm.

“Mags,” he sighed her name.

Worry was a weight on her voice, “you’re taking care of yourself, right?”

“Mags,” he repeated the sigh.

Her tone was sharp, “listen, little brother. I’m trusting you to take care of Don, but that doesn’t mean that I don’t worry like hell about you. Who have you got to take care of you?”

At that his smile turned genuine, “I’ve got my family that I’ve made.”

In the background his brother’s voice could be heard giving their sister a hard time. Christian pretended to sound grumpy as he pushed her buttons. It had Ty grinning to hear it.

Mags was no longer talking to him, “look you little shit, this deal is your fault because it’s your friend. But if we want this business to succeed, we need this to happen which is the only reason I’m allowing any of it!”

“You going to talk to me or on the phone?” His brother’s voice reached him.

“Put Christian on, Mags.”

“Your brother wants to talk to you,” she was handing the phone over.

“Which one?”

“The one that can kick your ass,” he laughed.

“Fat chance you little git. You’re still my little brother,” Christian scolded.

“I outgrew you when I was in the ninth grade,” it was easy to laugh his brother’s threats away.

“I kick your ass in skill even if you kick my ass in muscle mass,” was the reminder.

Instead of continuing the banter, he let his brother know, “Don got into his school.”

It changed the tone of the call instantly, “I knew he’d do it!”

“Dad shredded his acceptance letter.”

“Bloody hell,” was the sigh. “What’s Don going to do?”

“He’s going to his school, what else?” Mags argued.

Ty agreed with her though, “I’ve convinced him to let me handle dad.”

“Shit,” Christian gave a rare swear.

“And mom is insisting I come for supper to make up for the last meal I ruined.”

“You’re going, aren’t you?” It clearly didn’t sound like a good idea to Christian.

“What else?” He shrugged. “Don’s going to his school whether dad likes it or not, and he apparently needs to hear that.”

“Arguing with that man is useless,” Christian pointed out.

“He wants us all gone, that’s what he’s going to get!” He took a breath to calm down. It wasn’t Christian that he was mad at. The fist he’d been making was released with effort. “What’s going on between you two there?”

“Changing the subject?” Christian questioned him.

“Let it go,” he advised.

“Fine,” Christian relented. “She’s freaking out because this is the entertainment industry; high profile. But like she said, these are my friends, and they’re asking for help.”

“Is it important to you?” Ty asked.

“Would I do it if it weren’t?”

“Then that’s all she needs to know.”

There was a pained sigh. Ty didn’t need to see it to know that his brother was rubbing a hand over his forehead.

“When are you going to start acting like a little brother?” The question had been muttered.

Ty laughed, “go kiss and make up.”

“Look, I gotta ask,” Christian prefaced, “how’s school? You got any love interest yet? That Kurt guy giving you any trouble this year?”

“Oh god that had to hurt you as much as it did me,” he groaned!

“Just shut up and answer,” was the directive.

“Oh, you’re breaking up. I’m going through a tunnel.”

“You’re not driving you…”

The rest of the sentence dropped off when he disconnected the call. Chuckling, he put the phone down. The textbooks before him were waiting. He sighed heavily, “school’s fine. I sure do. And it’s nothing I can’t handle.”

#DefinitelynotDisappointed #SelinaElliot