A/N: Thanks to fanfar3 for the review and everyone who is reading!

"A fair request should be followed by the deed in silence." – Dante Alighieri

Early the following morning Winston knocked quietly and slightly impatiently on Tish's door and waited for a response. He was eager to spend more time with her and hoped Priestly would stay out of his way. Getting impatient and hoping for a peek at her amazing body he silently pushed open her door and looked inside. The room was dark and it took a minute for his eyes to adjust but when they did he felt his blood boil. Clothes were strewn around the room and Tish was naked lying face down half on top of Priestly who had his arm wrapped around her waist. The blankets had been pushed down and were just below their waists. He glared at the tan and well muscled man before looking at Tish where he could see the curve of her ass under the blanket and the side of her breast. Suddenly getting an evil thought he quietly closed the door and walked to the kitchen.

"Morning everybody."

Susan, Brian, Sherry, and Bob looked up and smiled in greeting. Winston feigned confusion and looked at Brian, "Where's Tish this morning?"

Brian frowned slightly, "Must still be sleeping. I'll go wake her up."

Winston hid his smug smile when Brian walked by.

Brian walked down the hallway towards Tish's door slowly, taking his time and enjoying the calm morning. When he passed Priestly's door he wondered if the young man ever came back last night and where he even went. He frowned when his mind thought about things he could have done last night, hopefully he wasn't out doing ecstasy. Brian had forbidden it in the house but he knew for a fact Priestly left on occasion and returned just to stay in his room for hours on end. He wasn't stupid. He debated checking on him since he was usually up first but decided not to, maybe he was just needed the rest.

Arriving at his daughter's door he knocked once and pushed it open. The sight he was met with was not one he wanted to see. He knew they slept together against his wishes all the time but this was infuriating. Priestly was over 18, legally an adult and here he was lying in bed with his naked 16 year old daughter. He glared at the tattooed and pierced man cringing at his out of place magenta hair and the clothes on the floor. He ground his teeth together and backed out of the room, closing the door loud enough to wake them up.

Priestly yawned and stretched in the bed and smiled down at Tish. "Wake up beautiful." He watched his girlfriend blink awake and snuggle closer to him.

He gently rubbed her back and thought back to last night. It had been great, better than great it had felt unbelievably good. As a matter of fact he didn't think he had ever had such amazing sex before. His heart started to pound and his eyes widened as he realized why. "Tish."

She had heard his heart speed up and looked at him with a frown. "What's wrong?"

He swallowed thickly, "Last night we didn't… I didn't…" He couldn't believe it, he had forgotten to wear a condom last night. He was so blitzed that he had spaced it out and apparently so had Tish. He was approaching panic mode quickly. He wasn't ready for a kid, to be a dad. Fuck, fuck, fuck.

To his surprise she smiled at him instead of heading into blind panic, "I know. While you were 'high as a kite' I was clear headed. I'm on the pill now, you don't have to wear a condom anymore."

His eyebrows rose, "Seriously? Awesome."

She laughed softly, "We slept in pretty late, we should probably get going."

"Probably." He threw off the covers and grabbed his clothes which reeked of pot and slipped them on, ignoring his already out of place hair. He shook his head at the smell, he was getting a contact high just wearing them. Tish dressed in clean clothes and brushed her hair before putting it in a messy bun, "Ok, let's go."

The pair opened her door and walked into the hallway pausing when they say Brian standing there with a hard expression.

"Everything ok daddy?"

Brian looked at his daughter and forced a smile, "Why don't you get some breakfast, I need a quick word with Priestly."

She looked confused but agreed and walked down the hallway. Brian turned to Priestly, "Back in her room, we need to talk."

He frowned and walked back to Tish's room and stood there waiting to hear what Brian was going to say.

Brian tried to speak calmly but the image of his baby girl in bed with the man in front of his was making him irate. "I don't appreciate you defiling my daughter."

Priestly's eyebrows shot up in surprise as he crossed his arms defensively, "Defiling your daughter? It's none of your business what Tish and I do behind closed doors. Where's this even coming from, you know we're together."

Brian felt his anger rising, "It's my business when it's my daughter in my house. I don't like coming into my daughters room to see her naked with you."

Priestly's eyes narrowed at his tone. "With me? What I'm not good enough now? So sorry I'm not like fucking Winston. And if I want to do something with Tish I'm going to, she's mine Brian." Tempers were flaring and their voices were growing in volume.

Priestly's clothes from yesterday were stretched and rumpled and when he moved slightly the collar slipped showing off an impressive hickey. Seeing a purple bruise on Priestly's collarbone and him smelling like pot and sex was making him beyond furious."She's not yours Priestly, she's not a thing you can just claim. And to be honest no, you're not good enough for Tish. You reek of pot right now." Brian was approaching dangerous territory and was too upset to notice.

"If I say she's mine, she's mine. And you know what? I don't give a fuck if you think I'm good enough because Tish thinks I am and that's all that matters. People have looked down on me my whole life and it's never mattered but you know the sad part? I thought you were different Brian. Guess we both disappointed the other."

Brian heard the words but they didn't register, "Disappointed? Disappointed is what I'm going to be when my daughter turns up pregnant because you can't keep it in your pants you little punk. Then what? You'll move on and I'm left to pick up the mess you made."

Priestly was livid, "You really think that? That'd I leave Tish if she was having my kid?"

Brian threw his hands up in the air and shouted, "Yes, because you have no responsibility! You don't do anything! All you do is screw my daughter and get high!"

"Fuck you Brian! Fuck you! You don't know what the fuck you're talking about so shut the fuck up. If you don't want me here say it to my fucking face," Priestly screamed as he pointed an angry finger at Brian.

Brian clenched his hands, "Maybe I don't, maybe I don't want to clean up your family's mess. Maybe I don't want you mooching off me. My life was easy before you came into the picture."

"Fine! Thanks for nothing Brian. Thanks for fucking up my life worse than it already is, for treating me like a fucking stray dog. For future reference you can't just decide to help people then decide they're not worth it!"

The dog reference instantly cleared Brian's rage filled mind. Priestly had unknowingly repeated his wife's words from when he had decided to take in Priestly, when he had been lying broken and battered in a hospital bed because his father beat him. He suddenly paled and felt sick to his stomach, he had wanted to bitch about Priestly sleeping in Tish's room but now he was kicking out the kid who he almost considered his own.

"Priestly wait. I didn't mean that."

Priestly was practically vibrating with fury as he continued screaming. "Yes you did! You fucking said it so you fucking meant it!" He couldn't stand this any longer; he was barely hanging onto his sliver of self control. He headed for the door to get away from the man he wanted to pulverize but paused when Brian held out a hand and almost touched him.

Priestly eyed the hand before staring at Brian, "Don't you dare touch me, I will break your fucking hand."

Brian instantly jerked his hand back to his side, "I'm sorry, please don't do anything rash. Let's just cool down."

Priestly took a deep breath trying to push away enough anger to even talk. "You're lucky you've been good to me Brian, this conversation could be going very differently right now. I've put people in the hospital for a lot less."

Brian paled as fear creeped in at Priestly's warning and he watched as the enraged boy walked past him and slammed Tish's door. He stood still in the room and groaned loudly, that was so not what he wanted to say. He was lucky Priestly didn't pound him into the floor. His feet were moving before he even realized it and he found himself knocking on Priestly's door. "Priestly, please let me in. I'm sorry, I was so wrong. Talk to me please."

There was silence on the other side of the door and Brian slumped. He decided against returning to the kitchen and walked to his room to think about things and wait for Priestly to calm down.

He looked at his watch and saw that two hours had passed and decided to try to speak to Priestly again. After walking to the younger man's door he knocked and waited for a response. A few minutes later he heard movement and the door lock click. He pushed open the door and walked inside Priestly's room. He couldn't help but look around; he hadn't been in here for a while. The younger man had obviously made himself at home because the room was a disaster with clothes and belongs strewn everywhere. After taking in the room he turned his attention to Priestly who was sitting on his bed glaring at him with unfocused eyes with a blue fuzzy blanket wrapped around his head like Mother Teresa. Upon closer inspection Brian noticed he looked flushed and his pupils were fully dilated.

"You ok?"

Priestly continued glaring and lifted his hands and began rubbing the blanket between his fingers, "I'm fine. Why are you here?"

Brian looked to the heavens for help. "You're high aren't you?" he sighed.

Priestly didn't answer, just sat there with a disgruntled expression.

Brian sighed again, when did life get so complicated? "I came in here to apologize for what I was saying earlier but we'll talk about it later. I'll check on you in a few hours."

Priestly watched him leave before putting in his headphones and lying on the bed.

Brian walked to the living room shaking his head and looked for Tish. He found her talking to Winston and felt almost relieved that Priestly was in his room enjoying one on one time with a fuzzy blanket. "Baby girl?"

"Yeah dad?" Everyone in the living room looked at him and he suddenly felt like if he pulled Tish away everyone would know something was up with Priestly. He mentally tried to come up with a way to tell her without informing their guests about Priestly but couldn't think of anything. He smiled, "Never mind."

Many, many hours later Tish walked into the kitchen and couldn't help but laugh at the sight on the patio. Priestly was passed out half on a chair and half on the table. She slid open the patio door and walked outside to wake him up.

"Priestly? What are you doing out here?" He groaned and tried to sit up but laid back down when dizziness hit him full force.

"Fuuuck," he groaned. Tish helped him into a half sitting half laying position on the chair. She took in his appearance and sighed, "What did you do?"

"I got into a bad argument with your dad and took a couple tabs of E. My jaw fucking hurts and I feel like shit. I got it from a new guy and it must be cut with something bad because I am fucked up."

She climbed on his lap and gently massaged the sides of his jaw, "I wish you wouldn't do all this stuff."

He placed a hand on her thigh and slipped another one up the back of her shirt, rubbing in slow circles. "I'm sorry. It just feels so good. Usually. This must have been a fucked up batch because this sucks."

The pair sat silently, enjoying the silence of the outdoors. Tish looked at her boyfriend who seemed to be slipping in and out of conciseness. "Come on, let's go lie down for a bit." Priestly pried open his eyes and with her help stood and followed her inside. The only bad thing was they had to walk through the living room to get to the hallway and the living room was currently occupied by everyone. Tish looked at Priestly who looked terrible. He looked pale, his eyes were half closed and he was swaying out of exhaustion and dizziness. She took a deep breath grabbed his hand and headed for the hallway hoping no one would notice them.

"Where are you two going?" asked Winston, effectively grabbing everyone's attention. Tish withheld a groan and stopped walking leaving an unprepared Priestly to bump into her almost knocking them both down.

"Is he ok?" asked Bob. Brian took in the young man's appearance and realized he must be coming down from his earlier high. He wanted to speak up and save Tish and Priestly but had no idea what to say.

Tish offered a small smile, "He's just tired, we're going to hang out in my room for a while." She didn't wait to answer any more questions just pulled a stumbling Priestly down the hallway and to her bed. She laid him down on top of the covers, slipped off his shoes and clicked off the light before climbing onto the bed next to him.

She heard a soft knock on her door and waited for it to open. Her dad walked in a few seconds later and walked over to the bed sitting on the edge of it. Priestly was clutching Tish like a teddy bear, his face buried in the back of her shirt while he released small whimpers in his restless sleep.

"How's he doing?" he whispered.

"Not great but ok, this is a lot worse than the last time he was coming down."

Brian nodded, "I feel like it's my fault. We got into an argument."

Tish shook her head, "It's not your fault, he does ecstasy a few times a month. What were you arguing about?"

Brian shook his head, "It's not important, I was wrong and I need to apologize to him." Priestly let out a loud whine. "You sure he's ok?"

She rubbed his arm that was clenched around her mid section. "He's fine, I wish he wouldn't do this though. Sometimes I feel like the only way of life he knows is self destruction."

"Have you talked to him about any of it?" Brian asked.

She nodded. "He says he needs cigarettes to relax. And he always says he's sorry for the pot and ecstasy but he never says he'll stop using it. I wish I would have met him sooner, maybe he wouldn't be like this."

"Like what?"

"I don't know, angry, self-destructive. Maybe he wouldn't have had to suffer for so long."

Brian could only nod in the dark room, "You want a light on or anything?"

His daughter shook her head, "He gets terrible headaches when he's coming down sometimes, it helps to keep anything stimulating to a minimum."

When Priestly finally woke he was alone in Tish's room. He looked around for what might have woken him but he didn't see anything. A knock sounded on the door and he realized that was what had woken him. A moment later Brian poked his head inside the door, "Hey." He entered and walked over to the bed handing Priestly a large glass of water. "Feeling ok?"

Priestly inhaled the water and glared at Brian, wondering what he was going to say to him. He couldn't help but still be bitter, "Why the fuck do you care? I'm just here to use Tish until I knock her up and mooch off you."

Brian dropped his eyes and sighed, "I want to apologize for yesterday. I said some things I'm not proud of and I have no excuse for my behavior. I hope you can forgive me."

Priestly's eyebrows rose, "I wasn't expecting an apology. More like another ass chewing for defiling your daughter and being a drugged out loser."

Brian shook his head, "I'm not here to start another argument, there's a few things I want to talk about but I'm going to be a lot more mature about it. I don't feel completely comfortable with you and Tish sleeping together but I know you two are in a relationship so that's my problem that I need to deal with. Another thing is I'm glad you're with Tish. You might not be who I pictured her with but after getting to know you I've realized how good of a person you are. I feel lucky that Tish found you, you are good enough for my baby girl and I know that if anything came up you wouldn't leave her. The last thing is that I wish you wouldn't get high. I know I can't stop you but I hope you know how much its hurting you physically and emotionally. It was hard to see you last night like that."

Priestly looked down at the comforter, "Thanks for all that but I don't want to talk about the drugs. I'll quit when I'm ready to."

Brian nodded, "Alright, I just ask that you please keep it out of the house."

"I do." The pair lapsed into an uncomfortable silence until Priestly spoke again. "Hey um, do you think I could invite somebody over today? I really don't feel like hanging out with Winston today."

Brian let out a small laugh, "That'd be fine, and I can't say I blame you. I honestly don't like the kid either. You never answered me before, you feeling ok?"

Priestly nodded, "Still a little dizzy but not bad. Bad cut, it's not usually this rough."

Brian nodded, "Well I'm going to have breakfast, you can join us if you want or just call your friend." He walked to the door and slipped out.

Priestly laid on the bed in the dark room for a while after Brian left, thinking about what Brian had said. He appreciated Brian's apology and his words. As much as he hated to admit it, it mattered what Brian thought of his relationship with Tish. He craved Brian's approval and blessing to be with Tish. His mind went to the drugs too, he knew everyone wanted him to stop. He knew his way of life was essentially destroying him but he wasn't ready to give it up yet, maybe sometime in the future but not now. A groan escaped him when he rose from the bed, his head pounding at the movement. Figuring everyone was still in the kitchen he walked down the hallway to his room and grabbed his phone. After a few rings a groggy voice answered.

"What the fuck? Don't you ever sleep?"

"Yeah at night, not during the day like you. Dude I bought some shit yesterday and it fucked me up bad, I slept all night in a fit."

"Why didn't you get it from me stupid? It was probably shit."

"It was definitely shit. I had a bad day and didn't want to wait for you. Anyway, any plans for today?"

"Seriously? You want to hang out? That's fucking awesome, I'll come pick you up in like an hour."

"I moved. I'm in the Autumn Glen subdivision now."

"How they fuck did you end up there?"

"Long story, I'll tell you when you get here. Number 119, and bring your suit there's a pool."

"Awesome. I'll see you soon."

"Wait. Make sure you're clean before you come over. I'm talking everything dude, the people I'm with are beyond straight. They're the vanilla of vanilla families."

"Copy that, see you soon fucker."

Priestly waited on the front steps for his friend and smiled when he saw him drive up in a beautiful black muscle car. He stood when his friend got closer.

"How the fuck did you end up in a place like this? Who the hell are you living with?"

Priestly hugged the man when he got closer, "Let's go to my room, I'll tell you everything."

After they were in his room Priestly informed his friend of everything that had happened, from the attempted rape all the way to his finally beginning to talk to people but still not liking being touched.

"God dude, why didn't you tell me this shit sooner?"

Priestly sighed and shrugged his shoulders, "Because it's taken me this long to even start to get over it."

His friend grabbed him into a tight hug, "I'm so sorry. I just can't even believe this shit."

Priestly let out a small humorless laugh, "Yeah me neither."

"I should have been there, or done something. I should have fucking taken you in when I bought my house."

Priestly shook his head, "You know you couldn't support me and it's taken care of now. It's over dude and I'm done talking about this shit, let's go swimming."

A few hours later Tish, her family, and the house guests went to the kitchen for lunch and sat down at the table. Winston looked outside and pointed, "Who's that?"

Everyone in the kitchen turned to look outside where they saw Priestly and someone else sitting on the edge of the pool talking and smoking. Priestly was wearing red swim trunks and nothing else with his tanned, toned, and tattooed body on full display. He didn't have on any rings or bracelets and his hair wasn't done. His aviators were over his eyes and he was laughing at something the other man was saying.

The other man had on a lime green swimsuit, black Oakley glasses and his short hair looked like leopard spots, he was just as toned but his skin was milky white. His entire torso, arms, and legs were completely covered in tattoos. Only small patches of pale skin peeked through the colorful art.

Tish looked questioningly at her dad who answered the silent question, "He asked if he could have somebody over today and I said yes. Figured he could use the company."

She nodded, "I'm going to go say hi."

"Me too," said Winston as he jumped up from his chair and followed her out the doors. Tish wanted to tell him to just stay in the kitchen but didn't know how to without being rude, the last thing she wanted was a confrontation between Priestly and him. With an internal sigh she led the way into the yard to officially meet the boy that she knew was extremely important to Priestly. In his words he was like a brother. Nervousness creeped in as they neared her boyfriend and his friend, hopefully he would like her and vice versa.

Priestly sucked in another breath off his cigarette and laughed at what his friend was saying. "I needed this, I feel like we haven't hung out in forever."

"We haven't fucker, between your asshole dad and now your move and girlfriend you're always busy."

Priestly sighed, "I know but everything's leveling out now. Things are starting to go well."

His friend nodded and sucked on his cigarette, "Yeah, living in a mansion with your hotter than fuck girlfriend. I think life's going more than well."

He laughed, "Shut up." They watched through the patio window as people shuffled into the kitchen. "Her family has company over and their kid wants Tish."

"And he's still alive? You're slipping fucker."

Priestly chuckled, "I was a hair away man, Brian stopped me at the last second. Look at him in there with Tish, God I want to fuck him up."

His friend watched as Tish and the boy came out onto the patio and began heading for them. "Here they come now. I'll teach the little bitch a lesson if you want, what's his name?"

"Winston."

The boy burst into laughter, "You're fucking shitting me. Oh God that's priceless."

Priestly grinned, "Tell me about it. Don't do anything to him though, just let it go. I'm pretty sure assault against a minor is frowned upon."

He rolled his eyes, "Fine."

Tish and Winston walked up to the pair, "Hi, I'm Tish. We didn't really get a chance to meet the other night."

The boy stood, Priestly standing too and held out a hand, "Pleasure, you're more beautiful than I remember."

Tish's eyes flickered uncertainly to Priestly as the boy gently shook her hand but he looked relaxed and not at all concerned with his friend's flirting. Winston lifted his chin and stuck out his hand, "I'm Winston."

Priestly's friend eyed the hand but didn't grab it, "Good for you."

Winston glared, offended that he was being ignored. "And what's your name?"

Priestly's gaze slid to his friend. Only Priestly knew his real name, everyone else only knew him by whatever name he gave them. Being a dealer he tried to keep his personal life separate and safe, people not knowing his real name was the easiest way. "You can call me Lax."

Winston released a laugh, "Nice name. Nice hair too."

Tish glared at his rudeness but Lax just smiled, "That's what your mom said last night."

Winston instantly stopped laughing, "Don't talk about my mom. I can tell I'm not wanted here I'm going back inside, come on Tish." The boy started walking towards the house not waiting to see if Tish was following him.

Priestly looked at his girlfriend, "I don't know how you hang out with him."

She shrugged, "He's not that bad when it's just us. Is it ok if I go inside or do you want me with you today?"

Priestly shook his head, "You're fine, I'm hanging out with Lax today."

She kissed him, "Ok I love you" and walked towards the house.

Lax turned to look at him and grinned. "I love you," he said in a high pitched voice. Priestly smiled at him and suddenly shoved him into the pool before turning and back flipping into the cool water.

Everyone in the kitchen watched them, especially Brian and Susan. This was the first time they had ever seen Priestly interact with someone his age except for Tish. He was acting like a normal teenage boy and it filled them with happiness that his innocence wasn't completely lost. He could still relax and have fun, joke and laugh. They chose to stay in the kitchen when everyone was done eating and watch the boys outside, everyone else disappearing into the house.

Lax swam to the edge of the pool and lifted himself onto the edge. "You getting hungry fucker 'cause I sure as fuck am."

Priestly nodded from the water, "I'm pretty hungry, come on."

As they both walked towards the house Lax turned to Priestly, "So what are Tish's parents like?"

He shrugged, "Susan's pretty laid back, just goes with the flow but Brian..." He paused and tried to find a way to explain Brian. "You know Johnny Test?"

A small smile appeared on Lax's face. "Got a head of fiery hair and a turbo charged backpack?"

"You complete me," laughed Priestly. "Seriously though he's like Johnny's dad. Kind of neurotic but a good guy. Sometimes feels like he's the only one who knows what the hell's going on."

Lax nodded, "You like him or not?"

Priestly instantly nodded. "We argue quite a bit but like I said he's a good guy. Can't be all bad after taking me in right?"

"God no, the man should get a medal," Lax joked as he lightly shoved his younger friend.

Priestly burned him a look before cracking a smile and shoving him back.

Brian and Susan watched from inside as the two boys walked across the lawn to come inside. The leopard haired one pushed Priestly lightly and the move was reciprocated a moment later. The two kept pushing and shoving until Priestly turned and tackled the other boy. Tish's parents watched horrified as the two rolled in the grass throwing punches and kicks and wrestling for dominance. Brian jumped up to run outside but stopped when Priestly stood up and dusted himself off and held out a hand to help his friend up. They were laughing and walked inside as if the knock down drag out never happened. Brian could only watch stunned at the fact that Priestly seemed completely comfortable letting this boy touch him. No one ever touched Priestly except for Tish.

Brian walked forward and held out a hand, "Brian, nice to meet you."

The tall boy stuck out a tattooed hand, "Lax. So you got anything for lunch because I'm starving?"

Susan jumped up, "Hi, I'm Susan and I'll make you boys some sandwiches."

Lax smiled, "Pleasure to meet you. I see where Tish gets her good looks."

Priestly rolled his eyes and elbowed his friend who elbowed him back and within seconds the two were at it again. "Not in the kitchen you two." They both stopped and looked at Brian with innocent looks before sitting down at the island. Brian walked over to the opposite side of the counter and eyed Lax. "Where are you from Lax?" There was a definite hint of an accent but it wasn't a definite dialect.

Lax grinned, his ice blue eyes twinkling. "Philly but if you're talking about the accent my parents are from Boston. Kinda got mixed as I grew up. It used to be a lot worse than it is now."

Priestly shook his head, "Unless you're pissed then I can barely understand you."

Susan set down a few sandwiches on the counter, "It's uncanny how similar you two look. And you two aren't related?"

Priestly shook his head, "Nope."

Susan looked at them and shook her head at the close resemblance. "I swear if it wasn't for the eyes and skin tone you two could be twins. So how long have you two known each other?"

Lax spoke up, "Since middle school, he's always been the Robin to my Batman, only not in a gay way. Ok maybe a little gay."

Priestly glared at him so Lax tried again, "Bad example, we're more like Beavis and Butt-head. Him being Butt-head of course." He felt a pain on his temple and stared in shock at his friend, "Did you just flick me?"

Priestly just ignored him and started on his second sandwich. Susan and Brian watched the pair in amusement, it was nice to see and talk to someone who actually knew Priestly. They both found it extremely amusing that even though they were in their late teens and covered in tattoos and piercings they looked like little boys in their swimsuits eating lunch at the counter. "So do you go to school with Tish and Priestly?"

Lax shook his head, "I'm 21 and I dropped out years ago. My boy here is the brain, not me."

They were interrupted when Winston walked into the kitchen. Everyone grew quiet, especially Priestly who glared at the counter top, refusing to look at the kid who he wanted to beat up. He knew if he looked or spoke to him he couldn't be held accountable for his actions. When Tish was there he controlled himself but with her not in the room there wasn't a lot stopping him. Winston walked over behind Priestly, "Priestly."

Priestly ignored him, knowing if he spoke to him he would attack him.

Lax watched the boy carefully and when he saw him lift a hand to poke Priestly he shot out an arm and grabbed the kids hand in a crushing grip. "You touch him I'll break your fucking fingers and shove 'em down your fucking throat."

Winston paled and scurried from the kitchen while Susan and Brian stared in shock. Lax's entire demeanor had changed in an instant from goofy kid to deathly serious in a second. They could see how protective he was over Priestly who had obviously told him everything, it was terrifying and comforting at the same time.

Then like nothing happened he smiled brightly, "Thank you for lunch Susan, it was delicious."

Priestly suddenly felt in his pockets, "I must have dropped my lighter. I'll be back in a sec." The trio watched him exit the kitchen and as soon as he did Lax turned to them, his expression serious.

"Listen close, we don't have a lot of time. I appreciate what you're doing for him. He deserves to have somebody take care of him for once. Do you know he's schizophrenic?" Brian nodded. "I'm assuming you got him meds then, good. Just so you guys know he likes you, so don't ever screw him over. He doesn't trust a lot of people and you two are almost there, be patient. Do you have a paper and pen?"

Brian nodded and slid the objects to him. He hastily scribbled a number down with no name. "You ever need anything you call me. Keep him in school, he needs to graduate. Kids like an Einstein but he acts like its no big deal. As for Tish, you should be happy she's with him he'll never hurt her. He's as good and loyal as they come. You'll never have to worry about her if he's there. He's not perfect but he is in everyway that counts." Brain and Susan both got the feeling that Lax was more than just a friend to Priestly, he obviously viewed himself as a father figure or older brother to the younger man.

He quieted and smiled brightly, seriousness gone and a second later Priestly entered the kitchen. "You find it?"

"Yeah, fell out on the lawn when I beat you."

Lax scoffed, "Beat me? Please little boy I beat your ass."

Priestly flicked the back of his head, "Don't lie, it's a bad habit."

Lax flinched at the flick, "You're a bad habit."

Priestly flicked him again, "Good comeback, did you use both your brain cells for that or just the one?"

Lax jumped up from his seat, "That's it you little shit."

Brian and Susan watched with smiles on their faces as Priestly ran out of the kitchen, Lax a few steps behind him. Tish, Winston, Sherry, and Bob looked up when the two ran by laughing and Tish laughed. She was thrilled to see Priestly happy and having fun, being outgoing and talkative. She missed the old him and was thankful that he had someone other than her that he could just be himself with.

"They're so childish, I'm glad our Winston isn't like that." Sherry whispered to her husband.

Tish withheld her eye roll and looked back to the tv. She wanted to hang out with Priestly and Lax but knew Priestly needed one on one time with his friend so she forced a smile and laughed at whatever Winston was talking about now.