Chapter Fourteen

To say the least, Tricia was fucking miserable. Her cast was so big that she found it so hard to get around the house let alone the school. It meant that Karen and Ike were constantly in and out of the house; bringing her things she liked and homework and to hang out to let her know that she was being missed. There were a few others in their class but I don't know who they are.

It had been a week, and I usually get texts if I'm around for requests for things. Though today I'd heard nothing and I was kinda worried. And then I heard it from upstairs; but she was trying her hardest to hide it. Crying. I was instantly in the fridge, pulling out a block of chocolate and a can of soda and was bounding up the stairs. I knocked before entering and she jumped and furiously tried to dry her eyes.

"I don't know if this will help but it's free food." I gestured, sitting down next to her and handing the goods over. And then we both fell silent, with her occasionally sniffling. I decided to at least try be a good big brother. "Did you need to talk to someone about it? I know I'm shit at advice, but I'll listen to you at least."

She gave a small smile beyond a trembling bottom lip. She breathed out slowly to compose herself before answering. "It's stupid, but I got a message that I didn't like. Ike was supposed to come over but he decided he was going out with Flora for the day instead. He knows it was her fault at the game!" She heaved a little bit to stop herself from crying again. "I always thought she looked like a foot but apparently I know nothing about looks either. She's a two-faced bitch because she knows I like him."

"She definitely looks like a foot." I decided to add, not wanting to try and overshadow her feelings. "Ike is dumb and I'll tell him that."

She leant her head on my shoulder. "I'm the dumb one. Like I dunno what it is about that family but they're secretly those bird things that lure people to their deaths."

"Sirens? Like male Sirens? I believe that." I wrapped an arm around her shoulders. "I don't want to give you stupid advice so I won't. But I hope talking about it made you feel a tiny bit better at least."

"It did, thankyou." She opened the packet at chocolate and broke off a line. "But this is will definitely help more. Nothing is better than chocolate."

"I mean, pizza is a very close second but I agree. Chocolate is also good both hot and cold. Least melted it can turn into a drink." She handed me a second line and we both bit off a square at the same time.

"I know you think it upsets me to hear but I wanna know how the play is turning out?" She finally said after a few minutes of silence.

"It's okay. It's chugging along but there's the whole problem of brothers playing love interests and even though they're not blood related they're still finding it weird as all hell." I scratched my nose a few times. "other than that it's really good. I was supposed to fix up the outfit but there's at least four dress sizes between you and him, because you're a fucking twig."

"Blame mom for that, not me!" She poked her tongue out at me. "Sucks you can't salvage it but shit happens I guess."

"Yeah, sadly lots of it." My phone vibrated, and I checked it before making a noise and pocketing it again. "Speaking of which, my plans are probably cancelled so what do you wanna do? I can bring the ps4 in and we can try finish a game?"

She gave a smile and nodded. "Hell yeah, you're on!"

…

Tom has been in contact with me again, and Kyle doesn't like it at all. Everytime I get a notification he creases his eyes at my phone and then at me as if daring me to open them so he can lecture me. Well he can lavish in the confirmation that I'm not that stupid. I instead push my phone to the end of the table and continue to work on our science assessment together. He keeps staring at me however because he can't help himself with these things. So instead of waiting for him to lecture me, I jump to another subject.

"What's the deal with your brother?" I ask, drumming my pencil on the library desk. That probably got his attention more than the question.

"In what sense? That's a really open ended and vague thing to ask." He kept his eyes on the pencil as he spoke, and eventually put his hand over it to stop me continuing.

"He's fucking with my sister and that's not cool." I let go of the pencil and twist my hand around so I'm now holding his because I'm that smooth. "He was supposed to see her this weekend and text her to say he was hanging out with Flora instead. She was pretty upset about it too."

Kyle looked at me with confusion. "He was at home all weekend, why would he text her that? That's really not cool at all."

"I hope for his sake that he's planning something big and nice otherwise I will kick his ass."

There was a squeeze of my hand. "I think we should probably talk to him first, it might've been a misunderstanding." He knows I'm half serious but he's very protective of his family. "Speaking of which, I thought you were going to message me when you were done with chores?"

"What are you talking about? I did." I pulled my phone back and went to our convo to show him. "Ah. Didn't send. That's probably why. Sorry."

"It's fine. I just figured something came up anyway. Kenny decided to crash for the night in the end out of the blue." He pulled his hand away and pursed his lips. "I get the feeling he's not really okay with us being together."

Uh oh. What do I say to this? "I'm sure he's just super protective because you've been friends since kindergarten. It's that closeness that makes you very critical of everyone, for better terms, new in the picture. I'm sure he means well."

"If that's what he means, then sure." He hesitated before continuing. "He came over drunk. Which is why I went quiet. Too busy looking after him. But he said some things that I don't know how to take I guess? And I didn't know if it was a sensible thing to text you about."

I held my chin and stared at him. I knew what was said, because he had already told me. But I didn't want Kyle to think I was carrying around a threat, which it wasn't. But for this guy to harden up and be stony about it then he's taken it more seriously than he's meant to.

"He went on a huge tangent about how it's weird that we're together and we just act like we always do. Then proceeded to say that it's totally fine but with you guys being the least kind to each other that he felt all his time spent trying to be nice to you wasn't working because you don't open up enough. I told him that's just not how you work and then he-" Kyle stopped, and bit his lip. "He asked me if I knew what I was getting myself into. And whether we were good with each other. Because he could do a better job of taking care of me."

I pretended like this was the first time that I had heard that he felt like he had a right to take Kyle from me if I was a dick. Well he can do it when I'm dead to be honest. "I feel like there's a bit more you don't want to tell me."

"I don't and there is, but we promised we wouldn't hide things." He moved back to grab my hand and hold it properly this time. "He said that if he felt like you weren't treating me right he would intervene and pretty much steal me from you. Like, I bet Red would appreciate hearing that."

I soon gave a smirk and shook my head. "I honestly think that we're the most boring couple in the school and nothing bad ever happens. Like we've bumped heads but who doesn't these days?" I lifted his hand and gave it a kiss on the palm, which I kind regretted because he was sweating. "I'm guessing you won't tell him we've slept together then?"

"Oh god no. He will never know about that side, ever."

"I would've thought all of them would know about it by now, considering you topped someone who's been stereotyped as the dom in all his encounters."

"Craig!" He hissed at me. "We are in a library. You can tell them if you really want to brag but I'd rather our private life be just that."

"Fine. You win. We can discuss it more later tonight." I rubbed my eye and yawned. "How would you feel about me napping for a bit?"

"Considering this is due end of the week and you've done nothing yet, I would say my feeling would be quite obvious." He then covered his own mouth to yawn. "You haven't been sleeping again have you? How far behind are you with things?"

"Not that far behind. I mean, we've been organising candidates for the student council and that's taken priority. So maybe two classes behind?" I bit my lip. "And I guess that Tom keeping me in the loop with things has me on edge. He said that Tweek had booked his ticket back in a couple of weeks time. I don't know what I should be doing with the info, but what if he shows up on my doorstep and I've ignored it?"

Kyle said nothing and closed his book. He began packing his bag, then stopped to gesture with his nose that I do the same. I was confused but decided to do it anyway. He stood up and gestured for me to follow, and we began walking out of the library and through the empty corridor.

"Are you okay? Did I say something out of line?" I was met with silence, and now it's getting concerning.

He led me to the carpark, and to his Jeep. He opened the door, and flicked his hand as a means to tell me to get in. Kyle, straight A ass kisser, was telling the Head boy to skip school with him. What have I done to him. Not that I was complaining because this was a really hot side to him that I don't think anyone had experienced before.

Once we were settled and strapped in, he reversed out of the bay and we flew out into the empty road. The beast roared as he sped up to the limit and I checked to see that no one had seen us leave at all.

"I think we just needed to leave that cloud of bullshit and go clear your head a little bit." He finally spoke, voice soft and serious. I was buying this bitch a leather jacket and aviator glasses for his birthday.

"Any special place in mind?" I turned my phone off, with the offchance the school did pick up our absence and try track our GPS signal.

"Somewhere no one can find us that's for sure." He smiled finally and merged onto the freeway. "I promise it'll be worth it."

Honestly being in the car alone with him, music low and the sounds of the heater were enough for my brain to just let go. Did I mention his car had heated seats? So I was in heaven right now, and I put my head back as I closed my eyes.

I swear it was five minutes I had closed them, but when I came to the sun was most definitely setting. The car was off and parked in some forestry, and I could hear clinking and rustling in the back. I turned my head to see Kyle in the very back, folding and moving the back seats to the side to create a bed on his car's floor. His parents fucking loved him, because my god did they get the flashiest god damn car out there. He rolled out a sleeping bag fit for three people to fit in before looking up and smiling.

"It's freezing outside so this will have to do. Come on, it's all locked up."

I unbuckled my seatbelt and crawled over the gear sticks so I was with him as he pulled a pillow from under his seat and fluffed it a little. "So is this how you and Ken camp then?"

"Usually the boot door is open and there's a fire; but we don't have the means for that now." He peeled back sleeping bag and pat it a couple of times. I complied with removing my shoes and slipping in. He followed suit and but left it open.

"I think this is exactly what I needed really." I stared at his roof and gave a smile. "Not that we needed to drive far to do that. I just need this and you and it would've worked fine."

"You just need a break away from everything. Not once in two years have you left your problems for a bit and just relax. Despite being such a laid back person, you let everything pile on top and it was starting to buckle. You are allowed to leave problems behind for a later date you know." He moved to curl up next to me, and moved my arm behind his head. "You also need to let go and let people in to help you. Sure, you've let me into one layer, but there's still many walls I need to break down."

"You have, you just haven't heard it or seen it I guess." I sighed, getting that vulnerable feeling again and starting to squint my eyes. "Trust me when I say that I've never been this open before."

He moved to steady a hand on the other side of my chest; resting on his right elbow and giving me a smile in response with heavy lidded eyes. "Are you sure about that? You hesitate when you tell me things. You go quiet at serious topics. You made sure I was sleeping before telling me you love me."

I just stared with my blank expression in response. He had heard me, and yet never brought it up or questioned it. I swallowed hard and lifted a hand to his cheek, in which he leant into. "I think before I speak. And it comes across as hesitation. Because sarcasm is just easy and doesn't require emotion behind it. And sometimes it's hard work trying to be open. It's hard to break a habit when that's all you know."

At some point I had absent mindedly began stroking his cheek. "Coming to terms with that thought is just as scary as admitting it. Only when you admit it you have the chance of it blowing up in your face. You can't do or say anything to change the course it takes once you open your mouth, and yeah, sue me that I'm scared of that feeling."

He began to chuckle, and I could feel my ears burning. Because I didn't know how to take it and it was beginning to feel awkward. He breathed a few times to compose himself, and shook his head. "It's not silly to feel that way. Fear of the unknown is scary as hell." I felt him move slightly, his leg moving over so he could lay on me, and seemingly give his arm a break. I could feel his breath on my face. "I'm glad that you trust me enough to open up like this."

"Well, I do love you. A lot." I muttered, despite what I just said. "It's the first time I've felt like this."

Another smile. "I love you too."

"What?"

"Did I stutter?" He shifted up slightly, his mouth hovering in the crevice of my neck. "I said I love you too you deaf prick."

I gave a laugh, which slid into a breathy groan as he began to kiss and nip at my neck. Instantly I gripped an ass cheek and squeezed hard.

Guess we were christening his car, finally.

…

So of course with a good thing that happens (conquering Mt. Broflovski will forever be my greatest memory), something has to rain on my parade. So why not ruin my good mood by showering me with stupid texts again. I'd do a shift at work, and there would be several sitting there. Someone was getting pissed off with my happiness clearly.

"Fuck this phone." I threw it across the living room, and flopped back in the couch with a huff. "If I didn't need it I'd be smashing it."

"SMASH IT, YOUR SEXTING WOULD SUCK ANYWAY!" The peanut gallery throwing her two cents in from upstairs.

I hear a knock on the front door, and I swing it open to see Ike standing the doorway. He was looking at bit sheepish, and he had a massive bouquet behind his back. Real subtle dude.

"Called it." I said, moving to let him in. "Go before I change my mind, and for the love of god if you guys try to fuck I'm calling your mother."

"Wow; no. Chill. I'm going." He chuckled and ran up the staircase, Tricia's door closing and then silence.

I stop and listen in. No raised voices, no negativity, and no door opening for someone to leave. So obviously it was fine.

"So are you going to close the front door or are you too busy trying to eaves drop?"

I snap back to see the love of my life in the doorway and glancing at my hand still holding the front door open. "Oh. Right, yeah. Better close it."

"I did hear you lecturing my thirteen year old brother about sex right?" Kyle gestured with his finger lazily. "You know he learnt about that the hard way and ma's already lectured us both after finding…well in our bathroom. Used."

"This is why you need a bin in your bedroom so you can hide it before you shower." We flopped down on the couch in a somewhat tangled mess. "And my sister is fifteen. A cougar. She's a lot closer to being allowed to do that and at least they're aware that I'm still at least in the house."

"That's true. Because you can't stop people from, well, being people." He pointed at my phone. "Do I even ask?"

"Apparently my stalker is coming for me. So this is it. I'll be gone and you'll have to fight my sister over my will." I leant back with a sigh and felt Kyle move up to lean in my chest.

"I think I'd win to be fair." He gave a yawn and I felt his eyelashes against my arm, indicating I might have to wake him soon.

"I wish we kinda stayed out a little longer than overnight." I stroked the small of his back and listened to his small noises of protest or content as I circled around. "It was nice to just not have to worry."

"We can do it again soon if you want." His voice was soft and moany, so I was going to lose him very soon. "Just let me know so I can plan it this time."

"No planning, just surprise us again. It worked out a lot better."

A snore in response meant that I should probably not drink for a while and not move.

….

"Stan said you guys skipped class the other day, you alright?" Wendy and I were going through the applications for the student council, trying to bring it down to a group of five. I nodded my head.

"Yeah, was just a little stressed out so he took me out somewhere to wind down." I flicked through a lengthy portfolio, but didn't really read anything on there. "I've just had trouble concentrating here and sleeping. I feel like if I don't do my best in classes then I'm gonna let people down. I'm not even going to college after this so I don't know why I'm bothering."

"Are you sure it's not because your boyfriend is a genius and before you was vomiting essays daily?" She smirked and placed a paper between us. "Maybe you just want to prove that you can take on any challenge?"

"That might actually be a possibility." I creased my brows at a paper before tossing it behind us. I'll clean it later. "Because I didn't particularly care until this year to be honest. I've never been one to be in the spotlight or a high achiever and now all of a sudden I'm right in the middle of it. I think that's what stresses me out the most. Everyone knows or wants to know what I'm up to. I'm not even a celebrity but I know for a fact if its worse than this I don't want to be."

"Kids like you will always garner attention though." She shuffled her pile and continued to read. "You try your hardest to stick your head in the sand and ignore life so you come off as mysterious and a puzzle to solve. I think its nice you've found someone who doesn't buy into that hype and treats you like the true dork you are."

"See, that's the life I want." I threw another application. "I think a lot of people need to get laid because if they find me attractive then there are serious problems."

"You're easy on the eye. You can't help that." She shrugged and neatly placed a page on her rejected pile. "Just don't let everything get you down. I know you're probably sick of hearing people say it but we're truly here if you need a leg up. There's no shame in asking for help."

"I know, and I really do appreciate the gestures." I put a paper in the center pile. "I just am used to doing it all myself that I forget help exists. I'm slowly trying to change that."

She merely smiled in response and placed another page in the pile.