Dark and dank, they’d picked that bar because it was familiar. And because the music was tight!

The band was the focus of the video being recorded. Before them a collection of dancers on the floor. Though not the focus of the shaky video, when Court walked by with a look on his face that said he was happily in another fight, the phone’s owner quickly followed. They caught Court taking a swing at someone who was shoving Geo’s shoulder. Geo fell laughing into a booth opposite Ty, who was staring angrily at the table as though it had taken something of value from him.

Walking away from the camera was a now familiar head of curly hair. A hook came out of nowhere sending his opponent to the ground in a heavy heap. Surprised anger shot up from the prone position.

Until Sam placed a bottle on the ground between them when he knelt. At that, fear kept those eyes locked to the bottle. What was said was lost to the noise of the crowd. A fearful shake of a head indicated much.

Bouncers came in and the image shook as the crowd broke apart. Aware of the potential that video would be on him, he donned the jacket being held out to him. Long sleeves helped keep Sam’s identity hidden. Long fingers touched an ear filled with piercings as he walked past. Then the video stopped.

~~~

Having seen the video enough times, Tanner watched Sam, who also wasn’t watching. Buried emotions kept breaths shallow.

Sam tried to pull his hand away, “can you let go of my hand?”

Ty was ready with a challenge, “will you stick around to answer our questions?”

“Not interested,” the look was direct.

Crys pointed out, “in a situation like this, don’t you think questions are warranted?”

Court keenly agreed, “like what the hell is going on in this video? That was an awesome hit!”

Sam’s lip curled as he struggled with internal thoughts. A narrowed glance from the corner of his eye moved to catch Ty, “the drink was yours.”

“What did you do?” Geo had been reprimanding Ty with that question.

Jaz gave him a silent reprimand of her own that was punctuated by his brother’s punch in the shoulder.

Adding in his own notation seemed warranted, so Tanner spoke, “no one knows why it happened, and they’re quick to write you off as the problem. My only other option is to ask the bar, unless you tell us.”

“That’s why you agreed to come out,” The biting remark came from Sam.

Ty pulled the hand he held and stalled further comment. A warm hand moved to touch Sam’s neck. Held still, Sam stared back breathlessly. A focused gaze pierced while a soft tone accused, “I have seen these eyes before.”

Sam swallowed hard. He tried to look away, but his eyes kept moving back to Ty.

“What’s going on?” Todd’s high voice cut through the moment as he ran to catch up. “You guys all left…”

Ty scowled as Todd rambled. But Sam sighed as he mumbled softly, “I’m actually grateful.”

Ty’s scowl shifted to an amused grin. Holding Sam, he said, “talk to me.”

Though Sam pulled Ty’s hand off his neck, the request was enough to get the begrudging confession out, “your drink was spiked. I saw him do it.”

Though he kept his eyes on Sam, Ty was speaking to Tanner, “I’ll want to talk to that guy later.”

“I’ve got a file ready.”

“A file, really?” It wasn’t that Sam doubted the truth of this. He tried to pull Ty’s hands away. It wasn’t allowed.

“Can I see it?” Hope rang clear in Crys’ voice.

“Crys,” Ang scolded.

“What? I want to investigate!”

Tanner exchanged a look with Jaz, “from what I’ve heard, you took these guys home, Sam.”

Angrily, Sam accused, “is that why you asked me to be the artist for your show?”

“The crew chose your art blindly.”

“You took us home?” Geo moved their focus back to the issue. “How the hell did you know where we live?”

“Wallets hold all sorts of crazy things.” The sarcasm brought out grins from the others. Sam tried again to pull Ty’s hands off.

Ty brought his face closer, “you took my money.”

There wasn’t even an attempt to dodge or lie, “reparations for my time and effort. Plus, I got the bar to waive your tab. So, you’re welcome.”

Ty smiled. He liked that answer. “You were in my room.”

Even more surprising was Sam’s next answer, “I was in your bed. You’re grabby when you’re drunk.”

Ty’s raised brow was a silent question.

Likely used to being the stronger personality, Sam challenged back. It would only take a moment before Sam would sigh in defeat, “there was no use arguing with a drunken idiot. I’m sure you’ll be disappointed, but I didn’t take advantage of you.”

“I can promise,” Ty’s voice turned husky, “I won’t be such a gentleman when the situation’s reversed.”

Sam’s grin was touched with arrogance, “I’m not about to give you that chance.”

“You sure?” Ty’s gaze was devouring! “Cuz I’m sure you’ll be spending the night with me soon.”

“Uh,” Court raised his hand to cautiously interrupt, “what did you do with the rest of us?”

Sam gave a breath of a laugh, “you went straight for the kitchen. Geo stayed in the car. Since he didn’t have keys on him, I left him with the doors locked.”

“Thanks,” was Geo’s dry remark.

“Cool,” Court was good with that.

“Guess we owe you.” Ty had plans.

“I got my money,” Sam said it with an edge. Ty’s smile made him understandably wary.

“So, I want to know Ty,” Tanner looked over, “why the hell did you kiss Sam at the theatre if you didn’t know any of this?”

“I can’t argue his hotness,” was Ty’s delighted response. His look was slowly devouring Sam.

Sam rolled his eyes, “I should have let him drug you.”

“I am curious why you didn’t,” Tanner questioned as they started walking again.

Sam was trying unsuccessfully to pull his hand out of Ty’s. With an annoyed look he muttered, “can’t argue his hotness.”

It was encouragement that Ty and the girls were eating up! Sam gave up trying to remove the hold on his hand.

“So, where are we going?” Todd trailed after Court.

Responsible for him, Court was the one to answer, “we’re going to the Pavilion.”

Todd stopped walking, “isn’t that a bar?”

It got them all to turn their heads.

Court laughed, “yah, one of our favourites.”

Todd ran to catch up to them, “but I can’t go.”

“Why,” Court was baffled, “you not a drinker?”

“Todd and Crys are underage,” Jaz pointed this out.

“Hey,” Todd pointed vaguely towards Sam as a thought occurred, “aren’t you underage? You’re a first-year too.”

“Definitely not,” Sam shook his head.

“Not what?” Todd was close to demanding an explanation. “Did you get held back in high school or something? How old are you?”

Tanner took this one, “one thing we don’t do, is ask questions like that. If Sam’s of age, Sam’s of age.”

“Or the ID says I am,” Sam held an unapologetic grin that was picked up by the others. Ty put his arm around Sam’s back. Sam brushed the hold off with a stern look.

“But shouldn’t…if all of us are here…shouldn’t we do something we all can do?” Todd was pointing at the girls.

“As much fun as that would be, we got to get going,” Ang took her sister’s hand.

“I mean it,” Crys’ eyes were lit bright, “I can investigate that guy if you want me to!”

“Not everything needs to be investigated by you,” Ang told her sister.

“I’d better go too,” Jaz sighed.

“I’ll take you girls,” Geo pulled out his keys.

There was a note of worry that Jaz turned towards Ty, “promise me that you’ll watch out for him.”

With eyes on Sam, Ty let her know, “don’t worry. I’m all over him.”

Sam met that statement, “she’s talking about you, not to you. I’m not the one that needs protecting.”

Ty reached out to touch Sam’s face.

A hand brushed the touch coldly away, “I’m also not the one that will protect you…again.”

He’d lost some ground with the lagging amendment. Ty saw something in the words that he liked.

Tanner eased Jaz’s mind, “I’ll be with them this time.”

She reminded him, “don’t be late for the meeting. Your production is top on the list, don’t forget.”

“This man needs to have fun,” Geo interjected.

Todd whined, “but I really wanna go too.”

Court was laughing the plea off, “then get a fake ID or…grow older. Sounds like Sam might have a guy.”

“I don’t,” was the firm statement that was directed at Ty rather than Court. It delighted Ty, who was trying to pull Sam closer.

Jaz held Ang’s arm, “Sam’s already anticipating Ty’s thoughts!”

Sam looked pained.

“Can’t we do something that I can do too?” The pleading in Todd’s voice got mostly grimaces.

Except for Sam who snatched the opportunity, “yes, go be you somewhere else. I’ll go on alone.”

Ty pressed closer, “you’re a part of this.”

“You screwed up when you helped Ty,” Tanner laughed.

“Clearly,” was the muttered comment.

He continued on, “you’re a part of the group now.”

“But aren’t I too?” Todd’s worried words fell.

Geo chimed in, “you’re not, and be glad you’re not.”

Court was rolling his eyes, “don’t give him the speech about good life choices.”

“Well, you’re clearly not,” Geo was chiding his brother.

“Because not all good life choices are the right choice,” Court defended with a flippant and arrogant grin.

“That doesn’t even make sense,” Geo looked pained.

“Actually, it kind of does,” Jaz shared a wistful grin with Ang.

“Whose side are you on?” Geo questioned her. Jaz only laughed at the question.

“Made sense to me,” there was a shrug of Sam’s shoulders.

“Give me an example,” Geo challenged.

Ty’s enchanted smile said that he thought pursed lips looked good on Sam.

Again, Sam shrugged, “just trying to piss you all off enough that you’ll go away.”

Geo couldn’t form a response to that. His hands moved and his mouth was open, but the words were stalled.

With a smile at Sam, Ty let him know, “but now he wants to encourage me because it annoys you. So, your bluff doesn’t work. Unless you were bluffing about the bluff, in which case…”

“Someone please make him stop,” Sam begged them!

Their laughter showed that Sam wasn’t going to get the help he was pleading for.

“You good on your own, or you need lift home?” Court was talking again to Todd.

“But I…”

“Bar, kid,” Court reiterated. “And Geo’s right, the bar is no place for you. So you wanna catch a lift with Geo or not?”

When Todd’s wide eyes shot over, there was a sigh from Geo, “you need a lift, you got one.”

“Actually,” there was hesitation, “I forgot my books. I’ll go see if they’ve locked up yet.”

“You sure?” Court questioned.

“Yah, I’ll be okay,” he nodded.

“Alright,” Court gave in. “Just call if you need me. Cool?”

“I sure will,” Todd’s eager grin was back.

The girls moved off with Geo while Todd ran back towards the theatre. Hearing his phone, Tanner had picked up to find a text from one of the crew. Court slapped his arm to get him to put it away. He did so right after replying. Now ahead of them, Ty and Sam were already walking.

“I don’t like crowds, and I don’t like you,” Sam was saying.

“I believe half of that,” dark eyes glittered at Sam. “But don’t worry, I’m right beside you.”

“You’re most of the problem,” was Sam’s immediate reply.

“Most?”

Sam pushed at the large shoulder, “your muscles take up a lot of room.”

“You’re wondering what I look like naked, aren’t you?”

Ty’s arrogance was met with a pointed smirk.

“What does that mean?” Suspicion was heavy.

Sam lifted their joined hands, “let go of my hand, and I’ll tell you.”

Ty’s eyes were narrowed, “it doesn’t mean anything.”

“Okay,” the smug confidence in Sam’s voice said otherwise. “Then just keep holding my hand.”

Walking next to him, Court said, “I can’t tell if Sam wants him to keep holding his hand or not right now.”

“Maybe it’s a win-win for him?” Tanner laughed.

Hearing his phone chime again, Tanner looked to find that Emily was now texting him. He skimmed the message which concerned the production. He provided assurance within his reply. The phone went dark with a slow breath.

“They can’t even let you get to the bar,” Court needled.

“There’s a lot,” he shrugged almost helplessly.

“Are you even going to have enough time for the show and your studies? Your workload must be getting to be killer by now.” Court was sympathetic as Tanner answered yet another text from the crew.

He shrugged with a light tone, “no one cares if it is.”

“We care,” Court was offended.

But Tanner hadn’t been complaining with the statement. He was going to try to explain, but Sam spoke first, “he’s right. No one cares.”

“We care,” Ty softly emphasized.

Sam rolled his eyes then continued, “which is why you have to. Sooner or later, everyone has to deal with disappointment. Wouldn’t kill you to remember that when dealing with them.”

Slowly he nodded, “so, you’re telling me to learn to say no to people?”

There was a subtle laugh from Ty, “hypocritical if he did.”

Sam looked at him with annoyance.

“You haven’t actually said no to me,” Ty pointed out happily.

Sam challenged silently. Before Ty could say anything more, Sam turned to him, “people will always use you up. Let them if you want to.”

“Hmm,” he considered his response carefully, “it’s more that I want the resume padded before I even finish school. I know what I want and I’m going all out now. But I hear you. Thanks Sam!”

“Not saying it to be helpful. Just pointing out the obvious,” he muttered. “They’re called boundaries.”

The inference was not lost on Ty. It was just wasted on him.

“We teach people how to treat us,” Court was emphasizing it for his benefit. To Sam, he explained, “Tanner’s family realized a long time ago that he’s capable of taking care of them. So, for every little thing they run to him.”

“It’s a little more complicated than that,” he tried to argue. He picked up the call, “what’s up, mom?”

The whining that immediately accosted his ear sort of bolstered Court’s stand that his family used him. They walked for a block before Tanner could finally get in a word.

“He’s got sports and school, mom. Cut him some slack. I’ll send him the reminder. But if you’re that concerned about it, you can call…”

That wasn’t ever going to go over, and he should have known that.

The conversation around him continued as Ty told Sam, “he’s always around when we need help, but he’s never around just to hang out.”

“Seems like he’s doing that now,” Sam had his back.

Ty pointed his direction to highlight the fact that he was on the phone.

There was a hint of a grin as Sam accused, “you are needy.”

“I’m demanding,” Ty corrected with meaning.

“I’ll take care of it,” he cut his mom off. “I’ll take care of it!”

She had disconnected the call. Slowly he lowered the phone. He would try not to get annoyed. It was his fault that his family relied so much on him.

Sam had a question, “did they even ask about you? Or do they just take?”

“Well,” he gestured helplessly.

“There’s a couple of psych classes at the university that might help you figure out boundaries.”

“Snap,” Court laughed!

“Just walk,” he also laughed. Sam’s barbs were more entertaining than they were hurtful.

When they got to The Pavilion there was already a lineup forming. Primarily, it was university students looking to forget everything they had to learn and have a cheap meal. The lineup would go for blocks at the peak of the night.

With Geo back among them, it was time to go inside. Tanner picked up the rear as they walked over. At the door, the bouncers nodded at Sam. The rope was released allowing them to go in without a cover charge. There were mutters and murmurs from the envious.

“Man, I feel like a VIP,” Court preened.

“That’s because you can sue and they know it,” Sam almost didn’t sound bored. He met the questioning gaze, “the video.”

Tanner was curious, “so what’s your leverage?”

There was a pause alongside the look Sam gave, “they’re a client.”

“What work does a bar need from you?” Geo’s question could be construed as rude, but it only got an impassive shrug from Sam.

They were inside, but a glance around didn’t reveal anything more than Sam’s shrug did. They moved towards a table at the far wall. Something a little quieter and furthest from the dance floor. Tanner took the edge of the booth knowing that he was going to have to leave before the others.

“Sam?” One pink and one purple pigtail framed a cherub face. “You’re being sociable? If you’re being held against your will, greet me pleasantly.”

“Do you want the artwork for that tattoo?” Sam glowered.

Laughter came easily, “okay, okay! No more said. What am I getting you boys?”

They began making their orders when Peyton walked over. Sam sighed. Ty put an arm around him that Sam tried to shake off with a deeper glower. Ty was pleased with an edge; sort of a strange combination that had Tanner’s eye.

“Aww, I’ve never seen my friend so happy,” Peyton was laughing at Sam’s attempt to dislodge Ty’s arm from his shoulder.

“I will…”

Peyton cut Sam off, “Tanner, I sent you suggestions for the stunts.”

“Great, thanks,” he was already pulling out his phone.

Court put a hand on his arm while he glared at Peyton, “no talk about work. This guy needs to relax.”

“But stunts make me happy, and he’ll relax more knowing that one more thing is checked off the list,” there was a smugness about Peyton.

“He’s right,” Tanner continued to retrieve his cell.

“He’s transparent,” Sam muttered more to himself than to them.

“Yet you still haven’t seen through my devious plot,” Peyton smirked.

Sam volleyed back, “unless your devious plot is in line with mine.”

“Ooo,” Peyton sat down, “the plot thickens.”

“The plot is muddy,” Court voiced confusion. “What the hell?”

The girl with the pigtails offered, “these two have an unusual relationship. Good luck to you figuring it out.”

There was a darkness in Ty’s expression that took away the smile that was beginning to surface in Sam’s eyes. Questioning eyes stared back at demanding ones.

The vibration of a text message coming through drew his eyes away from the two of them. Anger assaulted him. It was coming from his brother this time, who hated being bothered by their mother. Assuming it was about the production, Court slapped his shoulder in reprimand. He put his phone down without answering.

Their server was carrying on, “we eating tonight?”

There were nods around the table. The others were familiar with the menu. He glanced at it to see if there was something slightly more healthy than greasy burgers or nachos. Sam turned his head to face her.

“Nothing with onions,” she said this at the same time that Peyton did. “I’ll have the kitchen make you the usual. Though you’d better eat it this time.”

More messages were coming through, and he glanced at them instead of at the menu.

“He’s not in his art, he’ll eat,” Peyton assured.

“It’s not my fault you guys kept shoving food at me,” Sam gave a flippant shrug.

Peyton was laughing at him, “you were working for twelve hours without a meal. You needed to eat.”

“Gone longer than that without a meal,” Sam gave a pointed look at his friend. Then that look turned to Tanner, “seen you go without meals too. You gonna order or just stare at your phone?”

“He’s right. Put the phone away and be here,” Geo scolded. Then he made a suggestion, “nachos?”

“Hell yah,” Court was in agreement.

Geo nodded, “nachos, onion rings.”

“And pepper balls,” Peyton added in.

“Aren’t you supposed to be helping set up?” Her question was sweet to tease him.

“Tanner also likes spicy,” Peyton defended. “And I can come steal some before we start tonight.”

She gave in with a laugh, “I’ll bring the drinks shortly.”

“Is Rich here?” Sam sounded angry.

She nodded with a smile, “at the bar.”

Something heavy seemed to rest upon Sam’s shoulders. With a decision quickly made, Sam looked to him, “come with me.”

Sam’s jutted chin told Peyton to move so that he could leave the booth. The others let them leave. They began walking towards the bar. Sam would have walked in silence.

Tanner had a question, “you okay, Sam?”

Sam’s head turned towards him and they made eye contact. There was suspicion heavy in that fleeting gaze.

He explained, “you seem more tense now than you were earlier.”

“I told you I don’t like crowds,” there was bitterness in Sam’s voice.

“Actually, you said you don’t like crowds and you don’t like him,” he’d been referring to Ty.

Sam stopped walking for a moment. Head turned slightly towards Tanner, he avoided eye contact though, “look, I’m playing nice for Pey. He needs this gig of yours. And I owe him. But I mean it, I’m not a part of anything.”

There had been a subtle emphasis on that final word. Sam continued towards the bar. Other patrons didn’t notice them, but the staff seemed to recognize Sam and waved friendly greetings to him. Sam would only nod minutely back without interest.

“Rich,” Sam called out with a careless, bored wave.

Rich was a bar owner. Dress shirt with rolled up sleeves, he was an owner that wasn’t averse to doing the work he paid others to do. The easy smile of his employees beside him spoke well of the man.

“Just the guy I wanted to see,” Rich came over. “Wanted to thank you myself for the artwork. The place is looking great!”

“What did Sam do?” Tanner was looking around.

“Once the blacklights go on, you’ll see,” there was confidence. “So tell me, you actually a friend of this guy?”

“No,” Sam was firm. But then amusement touched his expression, “he’s a friend of the guy you let get drugged.”

A look between Rich and Tanner was exchanged. Rich answered, “my name’s Rich; I own this place.”

“Tanner,” he offered his hand. It was taken. “We’re not interested in taking legal action. But I would like to talk to you if you have the time.”

“You got a moment now?” Rich asked him.

“You don’t need me for this,” Sam moved to leave.

Mimicking Peyton’s approach, he moved out his hand without actually touching Sam. It worked. And so he asked, “you sticking around?”

There was pause where Sam’s gaze fell to the ground. Grudgingly he nodded, “for the free food.”

There was a laugh from Rich, “it’s on the house.”

Sam walked away, hopefully to make good on his claim.

Rich asked him, “what’s going on?”

Tanner could only shrug, “I think my friend is making a good impression on Sam.”

“The friend we’re going to talk about?” Rich asked as they began walking to the back.

Tanner nodded, “yah.”

“Gotta admit, didn’t expect Sam to step in like that,” Rich walked ahead. “So, they know each other?”

He shook his head, “no, or not at the time, they didn’t.”

They moved past the bar to the back room where Rich’s office was. Overcrowded with papers, boxes, and bottles it was almost cozy here. The laptop upon the desk was closed and plugged in. Rich claimed a seat on the edge of the desk and offered Tanner the seat in front of him. But he waved off the offer.

Rich tackled the subject as he slightly adjusted his position on the desk, “there isn’t a lot I can tell you about what happened. The kid responsible is claiming that he was pissed your friend was taking the attention of his girl away. And he is just that, by the way. A kid. I can’t give you a name.”

“Underage?”

There was nod, “his brother’s ID.”

Tanner wanted to know, “do you know what the kid tried to slip Ty?”

There was some hesitation. But after a moment, he conceded, “prescription muscle relaxants. His mother’s.”

“Cops involved?”

There was a slow shake of his head, “we’re working outside the police, but he is being held responsible.”

“Good enough,” he let up.

“Really?” Rich was skeptical.

“If that’s really all it is, then that’s all it is. And I’d probably handle it the same as you in your position.” With an easy grin, he let Rich know, “my friends aren’t saints, but they’re not looking for enemies. Besides, they really like your bar. They don’t want to lose this place.”

“I asked Sam to get me in contact with your friends, but I gotta say that I wasn’t expecting this to go over so well,” Rich admitted.

“Sam didn’t mention that,” he was amused, not upset.

“Not surprising,” Rich shook his head with a laugh. “His response was that he was done being helpful.”

“How well do you know Sam?”

Rich was slowly shaking his head, “not that well. I met him through Peyton after I mentioned redesigning the bar. There’s a lot of money that goes into renovations, but customers want new and exciting all the time. Peyton recommended Sam. He put in almost thirty-six hours, charged minimal and only asked to be left alone.”

“That definitely sounds like him,” he chuckled. “How was he to work with? He’ll be doing work for us at the university.”

Rich nodded, “he’s great, once you get past the attitude. He’s focused and a damned hard worker. Would love him on staff if could, but he doesn’t socialize well. Yet, he’s surprisingly very considerate.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well,” Rich shifted positions slightly, “we tried to send Sam home with some meals after he worked all day, but he ended up giving them to one of my staff as he was leaving. Teddy was going through a hard time, his girlfriend would beat him up, but he was too ashamed to tell anyone. I don’t even know how Sam knew something was wrong. Teddy hid everything from us until that kindness broke his walls.”

There was a lot to take away with that. But Tanner was happy with this meeting.

Rich continued, “Sam’s earned a place with us. It’s nice to see him opening up.”

A thought came to mind, so he ventured to ask, “don’t feel obligated to make accommodations because this has nothing to do with what happened. I’m in charge of the production of our university’s first filmed series. I’m scouting possible locations for filming. I’m wondering if you’re able to offer the use of your bar. Outside of business hours, of course.”

“I’d have to check with the lawyer, but if there’s no concern on their end, I’m game for letting you film here. Can you send me a write-up of what it’s about? Something official from the university.”

“No problem,” his agreement came quickly.

“Well,” Rich stood up with his hand extended, “I’m really glad I got to meet you, Tanner. And I hope we get a chance to work together on your project.”

He shook the hand and reciprocated the sentiment. They walked back out. Rich headed to the bar. Tanner moved off to rejoin the others.

When he got back to the table, appetizers were already there. A plate and a cold beer were waiting for him. The table had fallen silent when he’d approached. It had nothing to do with him. Ty’s fingers manipulated the cutlery with a light touch. His eyes held soft amusement. The others were staring at him because it wasn’t typical to see Ty play with his food.

“What are you doing?” Geo asked when it became apparent that Ty was ignoring them.

He responded as though the actions weren’t obvious, “I’m taking out the onions.”

“But you love onions,” the confused statement was made.

Ty grinned. With his head he gestured towards Sam, “but I wanna hit this later and onions ain’t setting the mood.”

Sam choked on his drink. He tossed a glare Ty’s direction amid the laughter from the others.

“How’d it go?” Geo shifted their focus.

He nodded as he reached for the drink, “it’s fine. Just a kid thinking Ty was going to steal his girl.”

Ty lifted a brow in question. Sam seemed to hide his amusement behind the bottle of beer he drank from.

“It was just muscle relaxants apparently,” he tacked on to see Sam’s amusement shift to annoyance as he turned his head towards Ty.

“What?”

“I put myself into this shit over a muscle relaxer? I should have let him drug you,” Sam muttered setting down his drink so that he could cross his arms.

Tanner heard his phone chime alerting him to a text.

While he reached for his phone, Ty was sliding an arm around Sam, “but you didn’t.”

Sam attempted to pull Ty’s hand away. The other hand moved in to lock Sam in his embrace.

Ignoring them with a grin, Tanner let them all know, “Rich said that we might be able to film here.”

“You going to exploit us like that?” Ty looked over.

“Hell yes,” he laughed.

Sam also softly laughed until Ty’s pointed stare turned his way. Sam’s smile was gone, and determinedly he continued to pull at Ty’s arms which were holding him close.

Helpfully he reminded his friend, “besides, you already got your compensation for that night.”

“I am not compensation,” Sam snapped!

“You jumped to that conclusion real quick,” Ty’s predatory look was out. “How do you know he wasn’t talking about something else?”

Sam opened his mouth, but then closed it again when it seemed he couldn’t come up with an explanation. Vexed, he resorted to glaring at Ty.

The server with the pigtails was back with another round of drinks for them. Tanner’s phone chimed again. Though the server noted Ty’s proximity to Sam, she served their second round with a quiet smile. Tanner was looking at the text that came through. It was Jaz.

“Are they really not going to let you have one evening off?” Court was disgusted.

He shook his head without an explanation. Mostly because, even as he read, a phone call was coming through from someone from the drama club. Despite Geo and Court’s recommendation to ignore the call, he picked up. With patience that was already beginning to run thin, Tanner listened to the whining from the other end of the call. Problems happened in any production, but why couldn’t someone handle things without running to him?

For this person, it was a matter of not wanting to have any responsibility. He reminded himself that at least they were a hard worker. Just not built for decision making. Tanner suppressed a sigh, “don’t worry about it. It’s my name on everything, so if the school has an issue, they’ll come to me. I’ll message Jaz and we’ll bring it up at the meeting.”

He listened to the profuse gratitude for having been let off the hook of any responsibility. While that was going on, he felt Court hit his shoulder to get his attention. Court jutted his chin, so he followed the direction with his eyes. Peyton was being shoved back by an angry looking guy who was backed by his group of friends.

Sam and Ty were getting out of the booth. Sam had an annoyed look, “not my problem.”

“He’s your friend, right?” Court pointed this out with amusement.

And it had that annoyed glare coming to him, “never claimed that.”

“It’s harder for me to hold you when we’re walking,” there was laughter in Ty’s eyes.

Grudging was the expression of submission that preceded Sam giving in to Ty.

Court was prodding him so that he and Geo could join them. Tanner got up.

“Just leave it to me, I’ll take care of it,” was his assurance. Then he hung up.

“What is it with you macho types?” Irritation was thick in Sam’s tone. He’d been looking at Ty as he shook off the hold upon his arm.

“You think he’s macho?”

With his head up and to the side, away from Ty, Sam breathed softly with closed eyes. Brushing off Ty’s hold, Sam moved to stand between his friend and the guy who was clearly pissed off. The way Sam positioned himself said that he was protecting Peyton.

Because he wanted to see how this played out, Tanner put a hand upon Ty’s shoulder. Geo was doing the same with Court.

“Just apologize, you idiot,” that comment had been directed at Peyton.

“Dude,” there was a flippant lilt to Peyton’s voice, “I’m not sure I have anything to apologize for. She flirted with me.”

“You gonna call my girl a slut?” The words were spat.

The pained sigh filling Sam’s lungs was stalled when a fist hit him in the chin! His head snapped to the side, but it was his hands that had Tanner’s attention. They were at his sides, and he was making no move to bring them up in either offence or defense.

It was already too late for them to explain themselves. Ty came in like a landslide knocking the guy off his feet! That move brought his friends over, which had Geo and Court doing the same.

With a wave, Tanner called over the bouncers. While he did, Sam came to join him. The sense of surprise he’d had when Ty came in like a force had been replaced with closed anger. Sensing this was something important, Tanner gave Sam his attention. There was an edge within the soft voice, “clean up his mess all you want, but don’t ever step in on mine.”

Side Story

“You would be a grabby drunk,” Sam sighed.

He attempted to pull Ty’s hands off his pants. The drunken hands couldn’t seem to figure out how to work them. A laughing smile rose because Sam knew that he wasn’t in any danger.

“Come on,” he pulled Ty up off the bed. “Time to get you in the shower.”

“Oo, I like that,” Ty was trying to kiss him. He got Sam’s neck.

“Figures,” Sam helped Ty out of his clothes.

To appease, he let Ty take off his jacket. This allowed him to get Ty into the bathroom without much fuss. With Ty naked, they moved into the shower. Heavily, Ty sat upon the bench seat. Sam reached over to turn on the water.

A blast of cold hit Ty, sending him backwards into the wall, “what the hell!”

“You need a shower,” Sam explained without sympathy. “It’ll help sober you up.”

Sam held the water on Ty getting him thoroughly drenched.

A glare came from within the spray of cold water, “who the hell wants that?”

Sam’s fingers were running through Ty’s short hair. There was a note of worry he didn’t bother trying to hide, “you drank more of that last drink than you should have. Who takes that big of a swig? You need to sober up some before you pass out.”

“That last drink wasn’t good.” Ty’s head rolled until he was looking up at Sam, “you’re not naked.”

Ty’s hand gripped his shirt. Sam was grinning. He didn’t try to fight when Ty pushed himself up. The water turned off. Ty would have stumbled his way back into his room, but Sam was there with a towel to wrap him up in.

Heavily Ty leaned into him, and a hand gripped his chin, “you are gonna pay for that.”

“Am I?” He asked with amusement as he led Ty towards his bed.

The hand was back on his chin to pull his face, “you owe me a shower.”

Sam let out a smile, “you don’t even care that I saw you naked, do you?”

Ty flopped heavily into his bed, “it’s okay you saw. I’m hot.”

Sam ran a hand through his hair, a reluctant nod was given. “Come on, feet under the covers.”

“You under covers,” Ty had a grip on him, pulling him down to the bed.

Sam struggled to get the drunken arms to release him. But Ty had other ideas. He held Sam close and tight to a cold, naked, wet chest. Tentative hands pushed against the damp chest muscles, “Ty, let go.”

“Nope!”

“It’s no fun arguing with a grown child,” Sam stopped struggling.

“It’s no use,” Ty corrected him. A sleepy grin was on that ridiculously good-looking face, “Imma gonna keep you.”

“Great,” he sighed defeated, “I’m a stuffed animal.”

With effort he wiggled one arm free. Lightly, he began playing with the hair at Ty’s temple to coax sleep. And even though sleep came quickly for the drunken idiot, Ty’s strength didn’t give in so easily. So, Sam lay there brushing Ty’s hair and being held by him until finally the arm could be moved. Gently it was placed down on the soft bed. A heavy comforter was pulled up to keep Ty warm.

Then he picked his jacket up off the floor. Before he stood up straight, he collected Ty’s pants which had been next to the jacket. The wallet came out. With a grin, he opened it. His eyes were upon the heavily sleeping form, “you can have the cuddle at no charge, but my efforts for bringing your drunk asses home aren’t free.”

The money moved into his pocket. The wallet was then returned, allowing Sam to drop the pants. He looked down upon Ty once more. Sleepy eyes were partially open. One last time, Sam brushed the hair at Ty’s temple, “just sleep now Ty.”

“Such sexy eyes,” the eyes were closed once more.