The Waywards

An: I don't own Kickin' it

Twenty-One.

Rudy checked his reflection on the back of a silver napkin dispenser. He took a look at the time on his watch. It was one in the afternoon. The sun hung high in the sky and individuals roamed freely outside the window next to him. All in all, it was a wonderful day for a coffee date.

For a few seconds, his mind wandered. The brief meeting he had with Kim a day ago troubled him. The young teenager knew Seaford's secrets, but she was unable to share. With the boy's bodyguard duties increasing in number, his search for the truth continued.

He tapped his fingers against the table top of the booth. The chatter of the fellow patrons put his mind at ease. He was happy to sit in the coffee shop. The soft lighting and mellow music-comforted him. He never visited the coffee place in town. He preferred brewing an average cup of coffee from the machine back at his apartment.

"Rudy?"

He glanced at his companion. A large grin stretched across his face. He never thought she would agree to the date idea. Actually, she suggested the idea a few days after rejecting him. It was a shock to his system. Often when a woman said no to him, she meant no.

"Tiffany, you look nice."

Tiffany smiled. "Thank you. You look nice as well."

Tiffany wore a blue floral dress that stopped at the knee. Strapless sandals graced her feet. He gestured toward the empty spot across from him. She beamed, taking a seat. He gave her a gentle look before he analyzed his surroundings a second time.

"This place is great," Rudy stated.

"Yes, I rarely come here though," she stated. "Not enough time."

"It is my first time here," Rudy announced.

"Ah," she stated. "I guess you'll need a guide. The menu can get a little tricky."

A young male appeared beside their table. He handed out two thin menus. An array of drink choices lined the front and back. He smirked inwardly. There was nothing complicated about the menu. Had she been flirting possibly? The thought brought a smile to his face.

"I'll have a vanilla bean latte and an apple cinnamon muffin," she remarked, handing the server a menu.

"Black coffee."

The server eyed him strangely. Tiffany gave him a questioning look. He flushed, his fingers held the drink menu loosely. He felt embarrassed by his choice. He rarely had a problem with his simple order. The eyes upon him told him otherwise.

"Sir, we have a variety of drink choices," the boy stated, gesturing at the menu.

"Be adventurous," Tiffany chuckled.

Rudy sighed. Honestly, he found coffee shops seriously lacked in the taste department. For purely personal reasons, he picked out bland coffee and sugared it his own way. He noticed the hopeful looks pointed his way. He glanced over the menu a second time before picking out a vanilla iced coffee.

A sigh of relief left the server's lips. He gathered their menus and headed toward the counter. Rudy shook his head. The young boy seemed a lot more concerned for Rudy's drink choice than he did. He chuckled inwardly at the concern in the young male's eyes. It was just caffeine, wasn't it?

"Black coffee?" she giggled. "Really? If you don't like sweet coffee, why did you come to lunch with me?"

Rudy shrugged. "I couldn't miss out on a second chance."

Tiffany's features softened. "Rudy, oh. I'm sorry but – you are a great guy. Really you are, but this is a purely friendly outing."

Rudy frowned. "Right friends."

Rudy noticed the look of guilt on his co-worker's face. He immediately brightened his mood. He could shake it off. After all, there was nothing wrong with having friends. He let out an unexpected bark of laughter. Tiffany jumped in her spot.

"Yeah, friends," he grinned. "It is good to have friends. I mean — the boys and I are still getting used to the city. I'd like to say it has been a month or – I can't fully remember."

A large grin fell across Tiffany's face. No, there was nothing wrong with having more friends, Rudy thought.

"I just think that Margaret has it out for me," Rudy remarked. "I did absolutely nothing to her, but she always messes with me. She delivered all my paperwork late, and wouldn't help me with the computer when it was acting up."

Tiffany snickered, cup of coffee in hand. "Look, Rudy. The thing with Margaret is – if you wrong her once. You've wronged her for life."

Rudy frowned. Despite the injustice of his situation, the light gentle laugh of Tiffany chased his frown away. He rested his head upon his right palm, watching the light sparkle in her eyes.

"Rudy, you ate her food in the fridge," she shared. "Twice."

"It wasn't labeled," Rudy pointed out. "And I didn't bring a lunch those first few days."

"If it isn't labeled, it doesn't make it yours," she smirked, arms crossed.

"Alright, so how do I fix this? She makes me look bad at work."

Tiffany tapped her chin, brows furrowed. Rudy watched her eyes widen. She clapped her hands together. She leaned forward, eyes bright with her idea. Rudy glanced around, leaning forward as well. They were an odd sight, he knew.

"Apology cupcakes."

"What? Make her cupcakes?"

"No, she wouldn't trust you with baking," she grinned. "Buy something. After all, you ate her food. You should replace it. Or better yet, buy her what you ate in the beginning."

Rudy nodded his head in understanding. "Okay, sound logic."

Tiffany rolled her eyes. "That is all I get for my brilliant idea?"

Rudy shrugged his shoulders. His back rested upon the cushion of the seat. He gave her a small grin before nodding. He watched her shake her head at his behavior. Before he could continue with their conversation, the bell rang. He turned his attention to the door located a few booths down. Two teenage males sporting blue jeans, graphic tee shirts, and scuffed sneakers entered.

"What?"

"Hold on a second," Rudy commented. "I think – this looks familiar."

Lately, Rudy's visions haven't been coming in as regularly. His future seeing power was sporadic, but the pattern worried him. He visited the doctor for further explanation. Given his history, the doctor's office sent him home with an answer he wasn't pleased with. They simply said it was related to his childhood.

"Familiar?" she frowned.

"Give me a second," Rudy commented, watching the teens stop at the counter.

Rudy focused on the scene before him. He didn't like the how the odd feeling of familiarity wouldn't leave him alone. He placed all his attention on the boys and the barista at the counter. This was an important moment for some reason. He just couldn't remember the details at the moment.

"Hey, what can I get for you boys?" the barista asked, a bright smile upon his face.

"You can get me your freaking manager!" the shorter one shrieked.

"Oh, of course sir," the barista nodded, running to the back.

Rudy frowned. "Tiffany, I think we should –"

The sound of shattered glass caught Rudy's attention. He shot his eyes back to the counter where a tall middle aged man cowered. Shards of glass littered the counter where a glass cup once stood. The manager's eyes were wide and he apologized to Tiffany before rising from his seat.

"No, don't go," Tiffany begged. "You don't know what you are dealing with."

Rudy smiled. "Don't worry. I'm just going to see what is going on. No one else is getting up."

Tiffany shook her head. "They are smart. Be smart Rudy, and just sit."

Rudy brushed her aside. He walked toward the front where the boys stood. He gave the shattered glass a brief look. He looked to the two boys, one brunette and the other blonde. He gave them a wide grin.

"Hey, what seems to be the problem?"

"Doesn't concern you old man," the shorter teen growled, eyes focused on the manger.

"Look, whatever you have to say – well, I'm sure you can say it a bit more nicely. Don't you think?"

The shorter teen laughed, tears in his eyes. Rudy frowned at the sudden change. Was the boy crying? He tried to analyze the emotion, but the boy turned his face back to the manger. Rudy looked between the manager, and the boy. There was a history between. He sighed inwardly. If only he knew more about the story.

"I don't know what sick game you've got going on here but," he spat. "I want my brother out of it."

The manger rolled his eyes, lowering his arms from his previous stance of surrender. The elder male rested his palms to the counter before leaning forward. He eyed both the teens before a bright smile came to his lips.

"Your brother signed a contract," the manger grinned. "He knew what he was getting into when he signed. He needed the money."

"Roger," the taller one called out to his friend. "We should go. We can figure this out, and then come back."

"No, Steve," Roger growled. "Listen Mark. You are going to tear up my little brother's contract immediately. Or else."

"I may have been afraid in the beginning," the male smirked. "But a little short guy like you truly doesn't scare me. Break one glass, and you think I'll run? No. Now, get out of my coffee shop, or else I'm calling the police."

Roger grinned, lips curled into a twisted form. "I can do a lot more than you think, sir."

Rudy's eyes widened. He knew why this was familiar. The scene happened before only in a vision two hours ago. He remembered broken glass beneath his feet, screaming, and ambulance sirens. His eyes grew wide.

"Listen to me Roger," Rudy began. "You don't want to do this. You'd hurt a lot of innocent people."

The teen's eyes glowed red.

"Your brother wouldn't want you to do this," Rudy pressed further.

A gasp left the teen's lips. His eyes returned to normal boy looked at him, hurt in his eyes. Rudy smiled softly. Before he could reach out to the kid, the sound of a phone conversation caught his attention. His glanced at the manger.

"Are you calling the police?" Rudy questioned. "Why? Everything is okay now."

"I'm not going to let a bunch of waywards threaten me, and then get away," he growled.

Rudy's frown deepened. He could see fear settle within the teens' eyes. The boys looked at each other before bolting out the door. The sound of police sirens filled the atmosphere.

"Do you know why those boys would want a contract torn in half?"

He watched Tiffany jump from her skin. He frowned at the anxiety pouring off her. After the police questioned the patrons, they left with the teens. He frowned. The boys barely caused a scratched on the manger. There were a few shattered glasses but everyone left the coffee shop unharmed.

"Tiffany."

Tiffany smiled sadly. "I can't tell you. I want to but I can't. I'll see you back in the office."

"Can't tell me what?"

She shook her head softly, her hand upon his right shoulder. He met her moisture filled eyes. He opened his mouth to prod her for answers, but closed it at the sight of her conflicted expression. She smiled at him before thanking him for his time. He watched her walk toward her car. He crossed his arms.

His worry for the Jack, Milton, and Jerry increased. If two teen boys wanted to tear up a contract, then he knew the boys were in trouble. Tiffany wouldn't tell him and Kim surely couldn't tell him. He would dig deeper. He gave a firm nod. He didn't need anyone to tell him something was amiss. He would find out on his own. He stuffed his hands into his pocket.

The drive back to the Registration Office was silent. Rudy focused on the road and the street signs. Once he arrived onto the correct street, he felt the pressure fall back on his shoulders. The bright smiles of the Seaford citizens couldn't pull him out of his slump. He parked his car and headed toward the doors of the Registration Office. He barely acknowledged Eric's warm greeting.

He headed down the narrow hall on his right. His eyes scanned his watch. He had less than four hours. His heart clenched. The thought of work left a bad taste in his mouth. He wasn't any closer to the answers. The optimism he had at the coffee shop evaporated as soon as he left.

The sound of shuffling feet caught his attention. Briefly, he lifted his head. His eyes widened at the sight of Tiffany sitting within his chair. He opened his mouth to question her, but received a hand gesture signaling silence.

"Please close the door Rudy."

Rudy turned toward the door of his office. He noticed a fellow co-worker staring at him, but he ignored the curious gaze. Quickly, he closed the door. Before he turned back to Tiffany, he bit his lip. What could she want? Did she have a change of heart?

"I," she began, her fists clenched by her side. "I've turned a blind eye for too long. I – Honestly, I think you deserve some answers."

"Tiffany, I don't understand," he stated. "I thought you said you can't tell me anything."

"I can't," she said. "I want to, but I can't. Although, I can point you in the right direction. I can get you somewhere close to the answer."

He nodded, his attention on her. She gestured for him to step closer. He took a few careful steps forward. Once he stood before the desk, she invited him to take his seat. He watched her arise from the chair. Slowly, he sat down. His eyes analyzed her furrowed brows and how she clenched and unclenched her fists.

"If this is uncomfortable for you," he began. "I can figure it out on my own."

She shook her head. "No. You won't. Rudy, please don't be naïve about all this. You are a power working in the Registration Office. Do you really think you'll find anything?"

Rudy's eyes grew wide. "What? I mean I've –"

"Whatever you've found," she sighed, voice barely above a whisper. "It isn't a secret. Why do you think they provided you with a computer?"

The shorter male shrugged. He assumed it was standard equipment for office personnel. He had his own laptop, but he was told he didn't need it. After all, the office had all the technology he could need. She glared at him.

"Rudy, we've all worked here for quite some time," she continued. "I don't have a desktop. We all have our own personal laptops. Saves the office money. We only receive a desktop if we can no longer provide our own technology."

He analyzed her information carefully. "You are saying I'm the only one in the entire office with a desktop?"

"No, the supervisor has one."

Within seconds, the cogs within his brain churned. He lifted his fingers from the keys and backed away from his company issued desktop computer. The login screen glared back at him. A lump formed within his throat. His heart pounded in his chest.

"He is spying," he began, eyes wide. "He is spying on me, isn't he?"

There wasn't a response, but he didn't need one. Seconds later, Tiffany set her laptop on his desk. She pulled up her own screen. Rudy glanced over the tabs. He didn't have the features on his computer. It was clear to him that there was a difference between his information and hers.

"There are certain things," she said. "That you personally can't see. We can't access the information when we leave, but while we are in the office we can access a good portion of it."

Rudy bit his lip, before he spoke. "I'm the only one who can't see everything like you and the others."

She smiled sadly.

"Why give me this job then?""I don't know," she sighed "That I truly don't know. My only guess is—well, if he turned you away, then you'd ask more questions."

"And no one wants me to ask more questions."

She closed her laptop. "Correct."

It all made sense. His fellow workers gave him careful glances. He had a power, and he was working in the registration office. A good portion of Seaford's secrets rested within the very walls of the building. Hiring him was a risk for them. All the information he gathered over the few weeks was just petty cash. The real information rested within the hands of the others.

"If they caught me with your laptop –"

"It wouldn't be good," she finished. "Like I said, on your own you'll find nothing. I can't tell you, but I'll figure out how to get the information to you. I mean, everyone in the office knows I have difficulty with computers."

He chuckled. "No you don't."

"I can start," she winked. "And you could help me."

"Oh right, help."

She rolled her eyes. Before she opened the door, Rudy called out to her.

"Thanks," he stated. "This means a lot to me. I mean – the boys lives depend on it."

A tiny grin spread across her lips. "I've grown tired of watching the same thing happen. I'm ready for something new and – I think we'll see that soon."

She headed out the door. Rudy smiled. He turned to his desktop. His login screen glowed back at him. He hesitated for a few minutes. Any action on his computer was monitored by the supervisor without his permission. He wouldn't have thought about it much, but Tiffany made it clear it was something to ponder.

The warmth of the late afternoon sun spread along his back. He turned in his chair toward the window. Carefully, he pulled up the blinds, allowing more sun to shine through. He may be in the dark about Seaford's secrets, but he didn't have to be in literal darkness. He chuckled at his own thought.

The teens at the coffee shop and Tiffany reconfirmed his suspicions. The city of Seaford hid secrets. Slowly, he began to think that Seaford wasn't as accepting of people with powers as they perceived. He cracked his knuckles, and then turned his hesitant fingers back to his computer keyboard. Despite the knowledge that the supervisor was spying on him, he typed in his password.

Personally, he was shocked to know there were many deceased teens in the database. It was even more shocking to know it wasn't a huge secret to Seaford. He received a text, five minutes later, from Phil. He smiled softly. His mind wandered back to his work. If what he found wasn't a secret, then what was?

He frowned, his hand on the mouse. He grabbed a new application from the pile on his desk. It was time to add more new citizens to the database. As he worked, the pit of worry in his chest grew.

Hello wonderfuls! Long time no see. I know it has been a while since an update. I've been quite busy all of a sudden. I apologize for the wait. Hopefully, this chapter will make up for it. Wow, the feedback from the last chapter was amazing. Again, thank you all.

Special thanks to reviewers:

Maddyliza1234, thanks for the review. I'm glad you like the tension between Brody and Ty. Their scenes one of my favorite scenes to type. I'm glad you liked Brody's perspective. I try my best with the character. It is great to know you like it. Like I said, I'm glad you liked the last chapter. Here is the next chapter. Thanks for the support.

Bluepandaninja, thanks for the review. I'm glad you liked Ty's threat. Honestly, that scene was my all-time favorite between them. I like typing out intense situations between characters. This is really good story? Thanks you are too kind. I could make this a book? Oh my goodness! You are two sweet. I only do the best I can. I appreciate your kind words. I'm glad you enjoyed the last chapter. Thanks for the support.

Justlovekickinit, thanks for the review. Romantic interests? Well, of course I can't come out and tell you. You'll have to continue reading to find out. Stay tuned. Thanks for the support.

Camela1998, thanks for the review. I'm glad you liked the last chapter. You think I did an amazing job? Aw, thanks. I appreciate it. Ty and Brody are my favorite scenes from the last chapter. Every time they interact it is obvious they don't like each other. Again, I'm glad you liked the last chapter. Thanks for the support.

Alright everyone! This chapter was packed a few clues. It is obvious that Rudy's job isn't normal. Tiffany is there to help him discover the truth, but will he discover it in time?

I'm curious. What did you think of Tiffany and her decision to help Rudy? At first, I didn't know if her character would do that. I remembered that she was the first one to greet Rudy nicely, so then I thought of course she would.

The next chapter is 15% of the way done (estimated). I just have to say the next chapter is intense. Like, truly intense. A lot happens in the next chapter, so stay tuned.

Anyway, I want to say thank you , thank you, and thank you again to those reading, reviewing, following and leaving favorites. The support is phenomenal. You all are the best! Every single one of you are amazing. Thanks again.

Until next chapter

Bye