Episode 2 ^2/4: When you’re in, you’re in.

A folder was placed upon a stack of folders at Tanner’s right. It was the last of the pile, and he stood up to tuck them into a neat pile. Picking them up, he moved to the head of the classroom.

“Already done?” The professor looked up from the paper he was grading. He looked tired and haggard, which is why Tanner had offered to help.

“You’ve got some bright students this year,” he complimented as he set the pile down.

“And some lazy ones,” was the tack-on.

It was with a laugh that he pointed out, “the same as every year.”

“Thank you very much for your help, Tanner,” the professor sat back to stretch cramping muscles.

“No problem! I’m happy to help,” he reassured.

“Before you leave,” the professor was reaching for his briefcase, “I have something for you.”

“There’s no need,” he was prepared to wave off the offer.

“There sure is. Your help is appreciated, and I don’t just mean for today. It doesn’t come without a reward.” A business card was turned over.

He almost hesitated to take it, but his thumb and bent finger took hold of it, “what’s this?”

“I know you’re busy making our university’s first mini-series. One of our former students works in the industry. Said he’d be very interested in seeing what you pull together. Reach out to him when you have a chance. Might even be able to help you if you’re facing any problems.”

“It’s art, there’s always problems,” he laughed. Holding the card close to his chest, he found himself asking, “he’s really okay with me reaching out?”

“It’ll be a lost opportunity if you don’t,” was the caution.

“Thank you,” he couldn’t express his gratitude properly.

“And thank you. I wouldn’t have trusted just anyone with marking up those papers.”

“I’m happy to help. Let’s me see some of the talent the first-year’s have that I can exploit,” he wasn’t joking but he was laughing.

“Have a good night.”

He left to head to the theatre, stopping at the storage room to grab a box of supplies. When he got to the theater, he set it down next to Sam and Ty. He glanced at Sam before walking away, “do you think you’ll have what you need with these?”

Sam was looking down at the contents, “do we have a budget to work with?”

Sadly, “not really. It’s all donations that we’ll be working with and whatever we can scrounge up.”

Sam accepted it with a nod, “then let’s say that I got what I need, and don’t ask questions when I scrounge something up.”

Several heads turned his direction in question. Ty was chuckling. It was interesting to Tanner that in the short time since Sam had finally given Ty his name, the two were rarely seen without each other. That could be because Ty was inserting himself in Sam’s life, but it was noteworthy that Sam wasn’t ordering Ty to stay away.

On the stage, Jaz sat across from Ang and Crys. They were working on a promotional banner for the show. The atmosphere was light, but something important was weighing on her mind. Her eyes upon Sam and Ty indicated that her line of thinking matched his own. A delicate finger touched her lips in thought. The paintbrush she held nearly touched her hair, “I’m going to claim him.”

“I already did,” Ty waved off her statement as though it weren’t something that mattered.

Sam looked between the two, unsure who he was wanting to snarl at first. Hearing Ty’s snicker was the deciding factor.

Jaz was dismissive of Ty’s claim, “you’ve already got Tanner. Geo and Court have each other. So, Sam is mine.”

“I’m a commodity,” Sam muttered, going back to his work on the backdrop.

“Meaning he’s one of us and I get to keep him,” Ty happily made the claim.

This was fun to watch! He’d never before seen Ty so intensely focused on something that wasn’t a fight or a match.

“Well of course,” Jaz was answering Ty’s question as though it had been obvious. “There’s something about you two.”

“Completely agree,” Ang gave her vote.

Unlike the others, Sam’s bothered almost fearful look had Tanner’s attention. Though other tasks waited, he held back to watch.

“Fine,” Ty was giving in to Jaz, “but nothing romantic.”

Sam’s mouth worked soundlessly.

“Well of course, nothing romantic,” she laughed. “I’ve already got an interest.”

A lot of gazes moved swiftly her direction, taking the attention off Sam and Ty.

She was back to her work, “should something develop, I may deem to inform you all.”

“No way Ang doesn’t know,” Ty looked speculatively at Ang.

Ang didn’t look up from her work, “Ang might, but has informant anonymity.”

“That’s not the right term. And it only works with reporters under interrogation by the law,” Crys let her know.

“And you’re that reporter if I tell you,” Ang looked at her sister.

“Ooo,” Crys’ face lit up, “I win! Sorry Ty, she has immunity.”

“You’re lucky you’re one of us,” Ty waved a finger in her direction.

Crys set her chin upon her folded hands. Her elbows rested on her knees. Delight made those eyes sparkle, “so, I can’t figure out what the benchmark is for that. What did we do to earn that?”

“I’d like to know too,” but Sam didn’t sound happy like Crys did.

Tanner felt a smile bubble up. He also wasn’t sure what he’d ever done to earn the title of family, but he hadn’t regretted a moment of it.

It was Geo that responded as he came from backstage, “you saw through Kurt’s BS and called him out on it. What the hell he sees in Sam, I’ve no idea.”

Sam seemed to find that funny.

Crys’ curiosity pulled focus away from that chuckle, “can I ask how you all became family?”

Geo nodded, “Court and Ty met through rugby. I met Tanner here at university. Jaz and Ty go way back. We all just click.”

“You’re a business major, is that right Geo?” Crys tucked her hair behind her ear as she glanced up from her work.

Geo nodded, “our father owns a successful chain of home décor stores.”

“So, you’ll be taking over for him?”

Geo scoffed lightly, “no, I’m going to succeed at the dream he failed at.”

“I’m sorry?”

“His dream was to be a famous furniture designer, but he failed. So, he settled for running a shop.”

Crys went for an unexpected angle, “do you design furniture?”

“No, but I’ll be a better businessman. I plan on going into a partnership with someone who is an amazing artist,” a hunger burned in Geo’s eyes.

“Sam’s mine,” Ty called out just in case there was any idea in Geo’s mind.

“I said amazing artist,” Geo snapped back.

Ty was about to move in challenge of Geo’s remark. Sam elbowed him, “you started it, and I don’t need accolades to know I’m awesome at what I do.”

Grudgingly, Geo’s lips pursed as he nodded approval, “okay, he’s in.”

“Aww, you got Geo’s approval too,” Jaz softly clapped her hands. “And we already know you got Court’s vote. So that’s everyone!”

“Why?” There was pain Sam was trying to massage from his temples with dirty hands. Amused, Ty pulled those hands away to wipe at the paint now staining his hairline.

“Um,” Todd’s uncertain voice pulled their attention. He had been coming towards them. The others with him continued to move on with their tasks.

“Todd, just in time,” Tanner stepped forward. There was too much work that needed to be done for him to continue standing idly around watching them.

“What do you need?” Muted hope shone in Todd’s eyes. His gaze was all over the stage. Probably looking for Court.

“The crew could use some snacks.”

“Oh,” that hope crashed.

“Come on,” Tanner jumped down off the stage. “Ty, Sam what do you want?”

“Water,” Ty called out with a nod of thanks.

“Sam?”

There was a grimace of pain on Sam’s face. A moment passed before he muttered, “water.”

Ty’s smile was adorable.

Sam hid behind a snarl, “lots of people drink water. We both workout, remember?”

Ty’s eyes moved slowly over Sam’s body.

“Say it, and I leave,” Sam bit out.

“Leave and I follow,” Ty warned with amusement.

Laughing at the two of them, Tanner urged Todd to go. Behind them, those two continued to flirt. Todd glanced behind. He had a timid look. There was something almost vulnerable about him. Maybe just lost.

Naturally, it was Tanner’s desire to offer his help, “what’s up?”

“Well,” he sounded timid, “that guy, Sam; lots of people say he’s got a bad attitude.”

A laugh came quickly, “they say that about everyone I call family, but you’ve known Court for a few years now. Do you think he’s a bad person just because some people don’t like him?”

“No, that’s not it at all,” Todd was waving his hands frantically! “It’s just…something’s off. Don’t you think?”

He slowly nodded, “Peyton’s got a goal. You get that too?”

“I…I don’t know,” he shrugged.

“From what I can tell, I don’t think Sam’s aware of it,” he chuckled. “And I don’t think it’s malicious, whatever Peyton has in mind for his friend. Sam himself isn’t malicious. He’s just hiding something.”

“That’s dangerous though,” Todd inserted quickly.

“It’s his right.” Tanner shrugged, “besides, I don’t think I’ve ever seen Ty focused on anything that makes him happy. So, I’ll keep an eye out for him, but he’s an adult. I’ll trust him, because one thing I can absolutely trust is that Ty will always keep what’s his safe.”

Someone calling Tanner’s name had them both turning to look. It was one of the crew.

“Sorry to interrupt,” he was nearly breathless as he ran to catch up.

“No worries,” he waved the apology off. “What’s wrong?”

“We have the field booked for shooting next week, but now the football team says they’re taking the timeslot because there’s rain or possibly snow in the forecast. They won’t listen to reason, saying that sports are more important than some dress-up time.”

The animation used during this rant was increasing. Tanner put up a hand, “relax. I’ll talk to them. And if we need to, we can film some in the rain.”

“But that doesn’t work with the story.”

“It will when Jaz changes it. She’ll gush over a kissing scene in the rain,” he laughed it off easily.

“Why in the rain?” Todd’s little voice questioned.

They both looked his direction and shrugged. Tanner vocalized the sentiment, “no idea. But she loves it. And if it brings us more views, I’m happy to let her write it in.”

“Tanner,” a new voice pulled their attention. A long ponytail swung as the girl moved with brisk steps, “there’s a problem with the lighting. A whole section of lights won’t come on, and one of the spotlights is burnt out.”

“I’ll take the concern to the school council. It’s on them to fix those issues,” he assured.

“But we’re starting filming next week,” she was very concerned. “What if the light is backordered like the cables last year?”

“Tanner,” a third voice interrupted. “I get that the banner is important, but without the backdrop how are we supposed to shoot our first scenes? It’s going to take months to get a proper backdrop.”

“Relax, we already have an artist working on that.”

“About that…” terse had been the tone.

He singled each person out with orders, “get me the list of repairs and I’ll bring it to the school. Get me the newest schedule and I’ll work with the sports teams. And stop worrying so much about the art. We have talented volunteers and I’m overseeing everything.”

“Tanner,” another voice.

He dropped his head back for a moment as a stressed sigh almost slipped out.

“Court is asking for you in the sound booth,” with that, this crew member ran off with a wave.

He looked at Todd, “you okay to get the drinks on your own?”

A quick nod, “sure.”

From his wallet, he pulled out cash just in case the kid needed it, “something sweet with caffeine in it. Make sure to grab Court and Peyton something too, thanks.”

He moved off to find Court. The other three were following him back to the theatre. Inside, they broke apart in various directions. His led him to the sound booth. When he walked inside, he found Court and Peyton discussing the script.

He kept his voice light, “what’s up?”

“Nothing much,” Court grinned. “Just thought you could use a break from the needy rabble.”

A smile washed over and he dropped his shoulders, “thanks.”

“They’re the same every year,” Court shook his head. “At some point, you gotta learn how to say no.”

“Should I start with you?” He taunted.

“Like I’d listen.” Court then changed the subject, “hey, you coming out after this?”

He shook his head, “Jaz and I have a student council meeting. It’ll probably run late.”

“Just try, okay,” Court urged. “You need to have fun once in a while.”

“Who says this isn’t fun?” He laughed, but his promise to Mel came to mind.

The look both Court and Peyton had said it all. Court pointed out, “I saw like five people rush out to find you right after you left.

Still with a smile, he gestured with his head towards the stage, “there’s a number of issues.”

“Yet, they’re all leaving,” Peyton was looking down at the auditorium. The numbers had significantly decreased in the last hour.

It was getting late, and most of the crew had left for either other activities or for supper. Other than a couple of stragglers, the only people working were their friends.

“I’m going to see if I can help out at all. Maybe ease as few minds,” he moved to leave the sound booth. “Then if I can, I will join you guys for a bit tonight before the meeting.”

“Deal! I’m no Sam, but I’ll help if I can,” Peyton offered.

“Me too,” Court moved with them.

“Thanks,” he said to the both of them.

They headed down to the stage, talking about the show.

Peyton lightly punched Court’s arm, “hey, think you can come out on the weekend with sound equipment while I do some stunts? I got practice lined up, so it would work out great.”

“Realism,” Court nodded as they walked up the stairs. “I like it!”

“At the least, you’ll hear the sounds for yourself if you have to recreate them.”

“You could find them online in a minute,” Sam’s suggestion wasn’t meant to be helpful.

Peyton turned around. The finger pointed at his friend spun around and was switched so that he was now giving his friend the finger, “you’re an asshole!”

Sam’s smile was something he seemed to struggle with to keep hidden. So, he turned back to his art to keep it to himself.

Court began cleaning up the stage, so Tanner and Peyton helped since the others had the art covered. Court asked the group, “anyone up for supper? I’m starving.”

Jaz looked over, “sorry, can’t. I’m having supper with my dad and then I have the council meeting. Tanner, you’re coming, right?”

He nodded.

“Good because the show is top on the list of discussions.”

“We also have a list of issues,” he noted as he opened a garbage bag.

“Lighting,” she was back to her work.

“Among others,” he gave a pained sigh.

“Your dad coming here to pick you up, Jaz? Or do you want a lift?” Geo offered.

She shook her head, “he’s running late, so if you don’t mind, I’d appreciate a lift.”

“He never minds when it’s you, Jaz,” Court mocked his brother.

Her smile lit up her face.

Peyton put some trash in the bag, “if you guys want, the band’s playing at The Pavilion again tonight. You can have supper there.”

“I love that idea,” Court was game.

“Crys and I can’t,” Ang let them know. “We have supper plans, and Crys is too young.”

“Damn,” Court didn’t hide his disappointment.

Tanner threw away a takeout container someone had left behind, “if we want to call it soon, I’ll make time for food.”

“Really?” The surprised question from Geo wasn’t unexpected.

With a smile, “I promised Mel I would get off campus. She sends her love. Oh and Jaz, she’s now dating a woman.”

“I knew it!” Jaz was proud of herself.

Tanner watched as Ty handed Sam a new paintbrush dipped in blue. The orange paintbrush went into the water. The exchange had been thoughtless without words or eye contact. Tanner wasn’t the only one that had seen it.

Peyton held a merciless grin but there was no inflection in his tone, “Sam, you gonna come to the bar?”

“After what happened the last time, it’s a resounding hell no,” the reply had also been thoughtless.

“What happened last time?” Court stopped working.

Sam also stopped working. Ty took the paintbrush out of Sam’s hand. It wasn’t a silent question, so much as a silent demand to talk. Shook, Sam stared back. Any authority he had with Peyton, it was lost with Ty.

Peyton let them all in on something, “Sam forgets everything when he’s lost in his work.”

“I will murder you in your sleep, Pey,” Sam warned behind a hand which now massaged his eyes.

“Why do you think I don’t sleep alone?” Peyton didn’t seem bothered by the threat.

Sam stared over at him, “don’t blame sleeping around on me.”

“Okay, but really, what happened?” Court was laughing at them.

“Nothing,” the word was uttered sharply. It seemed that Sam was saying this more for Ty than for anyone else. Ty stepped closer. He was focused intently on Sam’s eyes. It had everyone’s attention. Sam’s nervous hands were held between their bodies.

Because it seemed his nature, Peyton stirred the pot, “I think the video says it all for you.”

“Video?” Geo questioned tersely.

“Pey,” Sam ground out!

Ty’s head tilted as he stepped closer. They were close enough that Ty could easily kiss Sam. The way those hands tentatively touched Ty’s abdomen said Sam might just allow it. But with nervous eyes Sam firmed his resolve, “I’m not telling you anything.”

“What is this video? Where do we find it?” Court was holding his phone. “Who knows about it?”

“You said you deleted it,” Sam tersely reminded his friend.

When Ty glanced over, Tanner knew they were caught. Ty’s expression was a warning, “you know about it.”

“Jaz does too,” he didn’t take the warning too seriously.

Sam looked resigned as a sigh dropped his shoulders. From the lips that pouted he muttered, “can’t believe you haven’t seen it. I don’t even have a phone and I’ve seen it.”

“Cuz I showed it to you,” Peyton was gleeful.

“Tanner, can we talk to you?” Determined voices interrupted them.

“Just a minute,” he tried to wave them off.

But they weren’t to be dismissed, “it’s really important.”

“I doubt that,” Court was offended by the delay. He wanted answers.

So did Ty. At the look of relief Sam had, Ty let him know, “you’re still on the hook.”

Sam challenged back with a silent look. Ty stepped closer. And though Sam continued to maintain eye contact, when his chin dropped a fraction, it signaled a shift. Ty’s predatory grin came out. Sam looked away in defeat with his arms crossed.

“Can we talk over there?” It was a quiet request. Almost embarrassed, yet there was a look of determination from the crew members.

Figuring that he knew what it was about, Tanner prepared himself for an argument he’d heard before. He would play nice because the success of this big project depended upon their ability to get along. When they were far enough away that the crew felt safe in speaking, he asked, “what’s up?”

“We have a concern,” was the familiar approach.

Tanner worked to keep the inner comments from showing on his face.

They pressed on, “we all need to feel comfortable and safe as a group, right?”

He nodded, “of course.”

“Then,” the guy looked to his friends, “we all think it’s best if that guy doesn’t work on this project. His reputation could hurt the production.”

Tanner pursed his lips to bite back the comments that should come out but would also damage the working relationship he was trying to foster.

One of the others added, “I’m sure he’s a good artist, but he’s already threatened the photography club. Everyone’s afraid of him. Even his professors!”

“Look,” Tanner sighed. Then the words registered and confusion washed over him, “wait. You’re talking about Sam?”

“Well yah, who’d you think?”

“Ty,” he laughed. He’d been prepared for that argument. What did he do with this?

“Yah well, after that kiss it’s pretty much a given that their a package. And look at the way they are together. We also don’t want your friend around, but he doesn’t want his name in the credits so…”

Tanner cut them off, “neither does Sam.”

“What?”

“Sam isn’t interested in the credits. He’s only concerned with his schooling and his portfolio. Something you guys should be thinking about too. With his help, we’re going to elevate this project. You all picked his artwork out of the submissions.”

“That was before we knew who it was,” was the defense.

It didn’t hold with Tanner, “all the more reason why it matters. You made your choices based upon the skill you saw before you, not on rumors. So, I don’t want to hear a damned thing more about it. Sam is working on this project. You don’t have to like it, but it was your decision.”

Fear on their faces showed him that the situation was changing. He glanced to his left just as Sam walked up. There was an edge about him that frightened the others. But his only words were to, “just let it go.”

Sam moved on by. The three making the plea fell back fearfully. But Sam held no interest in them. On the other hand, Ty had a pointed interest. That hard glare sent chills through even Tanner! This wasn’t over for Ty, who followed Sam out. The others were only steps behind them.

At the doors, Todd stood with bags holding their drinks in hand. He held them up, his voice trailed off as he tried to let them know, “I got the drinks.”

Tanner looked at his crew, “good luck now. You have till tomorrow to find replacements, or I get them all back. And I don’t want to hear another word about it.”

“But that’s not enough time,” it was almost a whine.

“Should have thought about that before you opened your mouths. Get to work,” he called over his shoulder.

“Where are you going?” This was called out to him. With a wave over his shoulder, “lock up when you’re done.”

Side Story

“If they’re not budging, they’re not budging,” it was a simple thing for Sam to shrug off. He tried to encourage space between himself and Ty with a glare.

“But this is your passion, Sam,” Jaz defended. “And they’re just stupid sheep being swayed by the rumors.”

“I’ve got studies, and other projects to work on. I don’t need this one,” he argued back over his shoulder.

“And he’s got me. I’m a handful,” Ty chipped in.

“You are,” Jaz agreed. “But I still think this is bullshit.”

Ty looked immediately at him, “you made my Jazy swear.”

Sam stopped walking. Notably, they all did.

“Stop,” Sam lifted a finger that moved to point between the two of them, “whatever this is you’re orchestrating.”

“He’s so suspicious,” Ty moved his head towards Jaz, yet his gaze remained on Sam. Jaz held Ty’s arm gleefully.

“But does it not piss you off?” Court interrupted the banter.

“Why waste my energy?” He was relieved that the previous exchange was over.

“Because it’s not right. They can’t just kick you out because of a few stupid rumors,” Court argued.

Sam glanced meaningfully at Ty, “more than a few.”

Ty flashed a grin, “no regrets!”

“What about Sam?” Jaz surprisingly came to his defense. “It’s his grade and name on the line.”

Knowing things they did not, there was a whisper of a smile that rose to his lips, “I don’t care.”

“But,” she couldn’t understand.

“We’re not friends,” Sam curtly reminded as he turned away. “And I don’t need anyone looking out for me.”

There was a growing problem that needed to be cut down now. It didn’t matter how much Tanner’s production would build his portfolio. This had to stop. For their sake even more than his own, it was best to walk away now.

“Hmm,” her anger was tweaked.

“We still have a video to discuss,” Court interrupted them.

He cringed, which only got a laugh out of Peyton.

“There,” Peyton was on his phone, “sent you all the video.”

“Peyton,” he snarled!

“Woo, full name,” Peyton was laughing. “On that note, I’d better run.”

“You cannot run far enough,” Sam warned bitterly.

“I’ll take the girls home,” Geo offered.

Crys raised a hand in question, “but we get to watch the video first, right?”

“Of course,” Court pulled her close to him so that she could watch on his phone.

Sam’s hands curled in frustration. He would have walked off, but Ty slipped his hand into Sam’s. Surprised, Sam stared blankly. Slowly, a petulant look emerged. Allowing the hold upon his hand, he waited for the rest of them to get caught up.