Malik pushed open the door to the pool, and saw a group of swimmers near the deck. They turned around and looked at him, stopping their conversation. Malik wasn't sure if he should say anything.

"Ah there you are!"

Malik turned around and saw Sofia enter the pool, coffee in one hand and cell phone in the other, "I was worried you weren't going to show up! Can you imagine how that would look?" she asked, stopping near him.

"Uh, not good," he answered, and Sofia smiled.

"That's what I like to hear," she said, and looked over at the guys, "Don't just stand there get swimming!" she yelled, and the group jumped in the water, "Ugh, college boys. Think they know everything," Malik wasn't sure if he was supposed to answer, but he smiled and followed Sofia, "How's your shoulder?" she asked, placing the coffee down.

"Better," he answered, rotating it, "I've increased my physio for it and it helps a lot," Sofia smiled.

"That's good," she took off her sunglasses, "You're probably wondering why you're at this pool and not the school one. This is where the team I coach practices," Malik's eyes went wide.

"You're the Sofia Sartor?" he asked, "I've read so much about you!"

"Of course you have," she said, and looked down at the lanes, "Pick up the pace Cross! Swimming like that won't keep your scholarship!" she yelled, then turned her attention back to Malik, "Now, I am fully willing to offer you a full scholarship for my team," Malik couldn't believe his ears, "But you know, that the scholarship isn't just about swimming. I've seen your marks, and I expect the same results while on the swim team. If I suspect that they begin to drop, I will cut you and you will lose the scholarship, understood?" Malik nodded, and Sofia began rummaging through her bag, and pulled out a stack of papers, "I've done it before," she said, and handed him the stack, "I need these by the end of the month."

"Of course," Malik said, and placed them in his bag. Sofia pulled out a whistle, and placed it between her lips, the shrill sound cutting through Malik.

"Laps now!" she yelled, and looked at Malik, "You too," Malik smiled, and placed his bag down. He walked over to the edge and dove gracefully in, joining his future team in their laps.

"Alright bring it in!" Sofia yelled, and the team swam back, pulling themselves out. Malik was tired. He knew all of his muscles would hurt in a few hours, "Good work today, but I expect more tomorrow. 5am sharp. Anyone who is late will have to do five extra laps," They all groaned, "Do you want to make it ten?" They stayed silent, "Alright. See you tomorrow."

They began packing their stuff away. Malik pulled out his phone, "So you're the rookie," Malik turned around and saw a young man with blond hair and grey blue eyes.

"Uh, I guess," Malik said, forgetting about his phone. He had light skin, and it was obvious he worked out. Malik stood up, "Sofia wa..."

"At your swim meet," the young man finished his sentence, "Yeah she told us about you," Malik felt his face go red, "I'm Daniel, by the way. Daniel Cross," he held out his hand, and Malik shook it.

"Malk Al-Sayf," he said, "You're the one Sofia was yelling at," Daniel chuckled.

"She only yells at the ones who have potential," Daniel said, and the two began walking towards the door, "So what are you planning on studying?" Daniel asked.

"Well, both of my parents are paramedics, and health and biology interests me a lot, so I'm thinking I might try and get into med school," Malik answered, "What about you?"

"I'm studying kinesiology, and hoping to do physiotherapy in the future," Daniel answered, and pulled out his car keys. Malik pulled out his phone, and started dialing his mom's cell phone, "Did you need a ride?" Daniel asked, looking at him. Malik looked up.

"Uh, my m..."

"I really don't mind," Daniel said, smiling.

"Sure," Malik said, and followed Daniel to a black Volkswagen Jetta, "Nice ride," Malik remarked, and Daniel smiled again.

"I bought it with the money I had saved up for tuition, then I got offered a scholarship," Daniel said, and climbed in. Malik climbed in as well, and Daniel started up the car. He pulled out of the parking lot, "Just a heads up, all the muscles in your body will hurt by tonight, and tomorrow won't make it any better."

"How often do you guys practice?" Malik asked.

"The only day we don't practice is Sunday, but we normally get together and catch up on our readings and assignments," Daniel said, "We're all really close. It's like a second family," He placed a hand on Malik's knee, "And you'll be joining it soon," Malik looked down at the hand, and he felt nervous.

Was...Daniel hitting on him?

"Uh, yeah. It will be nice to have people to talk to when I'm away from home," Malik said. Daniel squeezed his leg.

"It's rough when you first go off, being away from your family, but once you find that group of friends, you'll be fine. Bright side for you, you'll already have your friends," Daniel said with a smile, "Us," Malik also smiled, but his focus was more on Daniel's hand.

They drove in silence for a few minutes, until Daniel pulled up to Malik's house, "Well, thanks for the ride," Malik said, and undid his seat belt, "I'll see you at fi..."

Malik was cut off by Daniel pressing his lips against his, and froze. He could feel Daniel move his hand up to his shoulder, and pull him closer.

Daniel pulled away, a smirk on his face, "See you at five am," he said, and Malik nodded. He got out of the car, and shut the door. He breathed out, shaking from what just happened. He walked up to the door and opened it. Kadar was sitting on the couch.

"Hey Kadar," he said, tossing his bag on the ground.

"Did Altaïr get a new car?" Malik froze, and turned around.

"Uh, his car is in the shop. He drove his dad's," Malik lied, and walked into the kitchen. He pulled his phone out, and saw a few text messages. He began answering them.

"Hey Malik how was practice?" he looked up, and saw his mom, her back to him. She was stirring something in a pot.

"It was good," he answered, and went to his bag. He pulled out the papers, and walked back into the kitchen, "Sofia offered me a full scholarship," he said, and his mom turned around.

"Are you serious? Malik that's amazing!" she said, smiling. His mom walked over and hugged her son, "Your father and I are so proud of you," She pulled back, "We need to celebrate! I know, we'll go out for supper this weekend, and you can invite Altaïr!" Malik forced a smile.

"Great. Sounds like fun."

Leonardo looked up from his textbook, and saw Ezio had fallen asleep. He leaned over and poked him with his pencil. Ezio jolted awake, "No whip cream for me," he said, and looked at Leonardo, "Did I fall asleep?" he asked, and Leonardo nodded.

"Are you alright? You seem...off a bit lately," Leonardo said.

"Yeah...just...tired," Ezio answered. Leonardo frowned, and looked back down at his book. He pulled out his phone, and saw a text from Malik. He frowned, and opened it.

I'm a horrible boyfriend.

Leonardo raised his eyebrows, and Ezio looked up, "What's up?" he asked, and Leonardo looked at him.

"It's...Malik. He said he's a horrible boyfriend," Ezio frowned.

"Last time I checked, he was an awesome boyfriend, speaking for Altaïr, of course," Ezio said, but his mind was on the bottle of pills in his room. He knew his mother had been in there to clean, and was hoping she didn't find them. Petruccio was watching tv in the den, which meant that he and Leonardo were in the kitchen. Leonardo answered Malik.

No you're not. What makes you say that?

Leonardo put his phone down, "I'll be right back. I left my calculator in my room," Ezio said, and went to his room. He shut the door, and went over to his dresser, pulling out the bottle. He breathed out, and opened it, pouring a few pills in his hand. He tipped them into his mouth, and swallowed, feeling much better. Ezio secured the lid, then placed it back in its hiding spot. He looked around, and grabbed his calculator. Ezio left his room, and stopped by the bathroom. He looked at himself.

He had bags under his eyes, and his skin was pale.

What are you doing to yourself Ezio?

He went downstairs, and back to the kitchen. Leonardo looked up, "What's up with Malik?" Ezio asked, sitting down. Leonardo sighed.

"One of the guys on the college swim team is hitting on him," Leonardo said, "They kissed," Ezio's eyes went wide.

"You're joking. Has he told Altaïr?" Leonardo shook his head.

"He doesn't want to tell Altaïr," Leonardo answered.

"What if Altaïr finds out? He'll be pissed," Ezio said, and he heard the front door open. It was his dad. Lately, he had been spending more time at the bank than at home. Federico was also avoiding the house. Leonardo shrugged.

"I don't know what to tell him. He can't hide it from Altaïr forever."

"Maybe it's just a one time thing," Ezio suggested, "What's the name of the guy?" Leonardo looked down at his phone.

"Uh, Daniel."

"As in, Daniel Cross?" Ezio asked, and Leonardo nodded, "That's not good."

"Why?" Leonardo asked, and Ezio sighed, running a hand through his hair.

"Cross is two years older than Federico, and from what Federico told me, he's a player. Malik needs to be careful," Leonardo nodded, and he texted Malik back.

"I hope he doesn't hurt Altaïr, or get hurt himself," Leonardo said, putting his phone down. Ezio nodded, and Federico came through the back door.

"Hey baby brother, hey Leo," he said, taking off his coat, "What you working on?" he asked, walking over to Ezio.

"Daniel Cross," Ezio said, and Federico raised his eyebrows, "Stay away from him?"

"Uh, is that even a question?" Federico asked, and walked over to the fridge, "Why? Is he bothering you?" Ezio shook his head.

"He's on the same swim team that Malik got scouted for," Ezio explained, and Federico poured himself a glass of water. He turned around, leaning against the counter.

"First all, that's awesome for Malik! Second, he needs to be careful around Cross. He likes to play with people's hearts, then break them. Why did something happen already?" Leonardo looked at Ezio.

"No. We were just wondering about him," Ezio lied, and Federico raised his eyebrows.

"Ok. Whatever you say. Anyways, night," he drank the water and headed downstairs to his room. Leonardo looked at him.

"Speaking of breaks, how are things with your dad and Federico?" Leonardo asked, and Ezio shrugged.

"I ignore most of them," he answered.

"Are you ok? Like, are you dealing with it ok?" Leonardo asked, and Ezio looked down at his textbook.

"Yeah," he muttered. Leonardo raised his eyebrows.

"In a healthy way?"

"Leo I'm dealing. Families fight, it's no big deal," Ezio lied. Yes it is, he thought. He could feel Leonardo looking at him, "I'm fine." No I'm not.

"Sure," Leonardo said, but he wasn't convinced.

PREPARE FOR TROUBLE AND MAKE IT DOUBLE!

Aka, TWO chapter uploads today! What?! Unheard of!

But I'm being serious. As soon as I finish this chapter I will be working on the next one.

Got ideas flowing!

Until next chapter!

PEACE!