Title: The Guardian
Chapter 25 – Reality Bites Back

"Jamie…why?"

"They've given us so much and…"

"And you thought by us telling them all about our crappy childhood we'd would be doing them a favor?" Danny asks gently as Jamie's lips purse. "I know it feels great to be here but…"

"I want to stay!" Jamie lightly hisses as he tries to push past Danny.

"Hey hold on a sec!" Danny pulls Jamie back before he can escape into the hallway. "Let's wait for a few days and see what happens okay? They're thinking about Joe and the anniversary of his death is on Sunday and we'll just…let's wait and see okay?"

"Okay," Jamie resigns with a small huff as Danny gives him a supportive hug.

"You've never wanted to tell anyone before so maybe this is a good thing right?"

"I know we can trust them. They know we don't live with parents and we told them our mother is dead and Henry already promised not to look into our files so then if they remain locked dad's crooked cop friends in Cleveland won't be alerted."

"Sounds like an airtight case counselor," Danny lightly praises as Jamie smiles in return. "But it could force them to feel more pity for us and we don't need that. Besides…dad is a non issue right now, so maybe best to leave it that way. But…let's get some sleep and see what happens tomorrow. Oh, I picked up an extra shift tomorrow night," Danny refers to Friday night after school. "What about you?"

"I can check and see. I'm sure Mr. Rogers will let me come if I asked."

"Okay and then the dance. All of a sudden we have a busy social life," Danny smirks as he ruffles Jamie's hair and heads for the bedroom door. Jamie watches and then turns back to the jacket on the bed and looks at it with a warm smile. He picks it up once more and pulls it on, slowly picking up the other clothes and hanging them in the closet so they don't get wrinkled. Jamie looks at the few items and then frowns; wondering if he'd ever have a full closet and some actual choices. Maybe when I'm Henry's age.

Jamie takes off the jacket, carefully hangs it up with the other clothing piece, turns off the light, climbs into bed and stares at the window with a somewhat sad expression. What will they think of us? Maybe they will think less? Certainly they'll feel sorry for us…we don't want that. Maybe Danny's right…maybe telling them isn't a good idea…With that somewhat sobering thought, Jamie's eyes finally close and it's time for sleep.

But it's not long before his mind is whisked back in time where he's facing his father.

'You're not going to the school dance.'

'But father I did all my chores this week like you said and I pressed my shirt. Please?'

'No!'

'But why father? I've never been to a school dance before and all the kids are going.'

'You're not old enough to go to a school dance! And besides…you have nothing to wear.'

And in that moment, his father leaned in and ripped one of the sleeves on his small dress shirt and sent him running to his room crying. 'You'll never be anything Jamison. NEVER!'

Jamie feels his eyes well and his fists tightly curl as he rolls onto his back and looks up in misery. I'm going to the dance…if for nothing else but to prove my father wrong. With that more determined thought now fixed firmly in his mind he closes his eyes and is able to get back to sleep for a few more solid hours.

"Hey sleepyhead," Danny's voice pulls Jamie's gaze to him as he enters his bedroom and edges himself down on his bed. the next morning "You look tired."

"I think you're right about us not telling them."

"Nightmare?"

"Remember the time dad ripped my shirt before that elementary dance?"

"Oh man you saw that?" Danny asks in sorrow as Jamie looks up in misery. "All his words were lies and crap and I hope you don't ever believe them."

"I don't," Jamie shakes his head. "I still want to go to the dance. Even if I just go for an hour or whatever and hang and just…yeah just to say I did it."

"Good. But I know it hurt."

"Will we ever be able to forget him? What he did?"

"I wish I could say yes but…maybe? In time? I don't know. Some scars last forever. Sorry," Danny gently shrugs.

"Hey um…do you want to come?"

"What? To the high school dance?" Danny asks in shock.

"Right…it's stupid, forget it."

"No wait a sec. Why? Does the dance still need some adult volunteers?"

"Yes. Do you want to come?" Jamie asks eagerly; not having the same hang up as maybe others in having an older sibling around.

"I'll see what Linda thinks. Would that be okay? Then I'd have someone to hang with while you're with your friends."

"That'd be great," Jamie agrees with a nod, never feeling like having Danny around was a burden as some other boys in school did. He loved his brother and since they were forced to bond practically from birth, nothing could ever dampen their close friendship.

"Okay good. Let's get going. I have a big test today."

XXXXXXXX

"You seem quiet today, everything okay at the Reagan's?" Linda asks Danny softly as they sit outside for lunch later that day.

"Yeah it's just…their place is so nice and we're trying to fit in but um…but its feels weird you know? At least when it was our place, no matter how crummy we could just…I don't know be…it's dumb, never mind."

"Hey, it's not dumb. But it makes sense. When you've been used to something for so long to suddenly change can feel weird. I'm sure they're happy to have you there. Do you like it?"

"Yeah it's great," Danny replies in haste. "I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop though and us out on our asses again. So after this weekend I'll start trying to find us a place again and we'll be back to….normal."

"Well my advice is just to enjoy it as long as you can. You two deserve something good."

"Speaking of good things…"

"Yeah?"

"Okay I wanna go out but um…"

"Danny, you know it won't matter to me where we go," she tries to assure him as her hand reaches out and settles on his.

"Free first date," Danny huffs. "At least if it were an outdoor movie or something cool but…okay…you wanna go dancing Saturday night?"

"Where to?" Linda asks in haste.

"The um…the dance…at the high school."

"Jamie's dance?"

"Okay forget it."

"No wait…really?"

"I know it seems stupid but they need some more adult helpers and…Jamie asked?"

"I think it'll be fun."

"Really? Ah you're too easy to please," Danny gently quips as Linda nods. "You can wear that new dress."

"Not yet."

"What is it with girls and clothes?" Danny groans as he looks up to see Demarcus and Jackie approaching. "Jackie…okay help me out here. You just bought a new dress and a guy asks you out. Do you wear it right away?"

"Depends."

"Oh what?" Danny huffs as Linda grins. "You know what…never mind," he looks at her with a grin. "Whatever you wear will be great."

"Where you to going and am I invited?" Demarcus chimes in.

"On a date?"

"Just asking."

"The high school dance and why not."

"The high…what?" Demarcus asks in surprise as the four of them just sit and talk for the rest of the lunch hour.

XXXXXXXX

"You seriously can't wear a sweater vest to the dance," Jamie tells Lucas as they head for the last class of the day.

"Why not?"

"Yeah why not four eyes!"

Jamie and Lucas turn to see three grade twelve boys looking at them with sneers.

"Like anyone would want to dance with two geeks anyways!"

"Saw your names on the honor roll again. Guess that's the most action you'll ever see!" They laugh.

"What is your problem?" Jamie asks gruffly.

"Aww look poor little gutter boy speaks up for his four eyed friend. The reason you two losers are tolerated in this school is because they need to fill gaps in the yearbook."

"Let's go Lucas."

"Yeah Lucas let's go to the library and read," one of them snickers as they push Jamie from behind causing him to slightly stumble.

"Okay what is your problem?" Jamie turns on his heel and glares up at the boy bigger than him.

"Ohhh this one has some spunk."

"Watch it Carl. Here comes Mr. Jenkins."

"Later losers!"

"What was that all about?" Lucas asks as Jamie shrugs.

"I don't know. Carl's always mouthy to anyone in grade eleven and under but we never did anything to him."

"Still want to go to the dance?" Lucas groans as Jamie gently smirks.

"After dealing with Sonny, Carl Van Loone doesn't scare me," Jamie tells him confidently as they enter their class. But as he slides into his seat, Jamie glances over at Anna who offers him a friendly smile and then turns to talk to one of her friends before class starts; his attention being diverted by another classmate as well.

The day comes to a close with Jamie making plans to meet his friends at seven at the main cafeteria entrance the night of the dance and then all go in from there. He heads toward the entrance of the school yard, his mind happy to be picking up the extra shift as he knows they need the money, especially with the hospital bill nearly upon them.

"Did you pass?"

"Aced it kid," Danny exclaims as he falls into step beside him as they head toward the bowling alley. "Nearly perfect marks."

"Nearly?"

"Hey we can't all be resident geniuses," Danny playfully teases Jamie who offers a modest glance in return. "And modest too. So all set for the dance?"

"Lucas still wants to wear the sweater vest," Jamie sighs as Danny shakes his head.

"He's gonna get his ass kicked."

"Nearly did today."

"What?"

"Ah just Carl mouthing off again."

"I thought that clown had backed off?"

"He did for a bit but…I think it was that they announced the honor roll stuff. Or…oh wait…"

"What?"

"I heard from Billy that a senior liked Anna but she basically told him off and then yesterday…" his voice dies out as he looks up at Danny who smirks. "Maybe it was Carl?"

"My little brother, the heart breaker," Danny grins as he playfully wraps his arm around Jamie's neck. "He's full of piss and wind so don't play his game."

"I stood up for myself."

"Wouldn't have it any other way," Danny states proudly. "Just remember what I taught you."

"Don't start a fight you don't intend to finish and by finish I mean win," Jamie reiterates as Danny nods in confirmation. "It didn't come to that thankfully."

"Wouldn't want to ruin that sweet face," Danny snickers as they near the bus stop. "Did you tell Frank you have to work tonight?"

"I made my own Reagan texting list," Jamie proudly shows Danny his phone.

"Nerd," Danny teases as Jamie's eyes narrow. "Make one for me," he states as he shoves his phone into Jamie's grasp.

"So what about later Danny? The Reagan's live further away and a cab's expense and a bus will take longer. We might not get home until like 1am. Do you have a key?"

"No I uh…" Danny pauses as he looks at Jamie with a frown. "I'll call Frank on my break. It won't be as big a deal tonight because tomorrow's the weekend but um…during the week might be tough. This is why we need our own place, close by like we had before. We'll figure something out. Even if we stay in the shelter overnight, we'll be okay. Alright see you later."

Jamie gives Danny a wave and then enters the quiet bowling alley, seeing both Kevin and Mr. Rogers in the manager's area. They each give him a smile and wave but make no attempts to interact with him; putting his mind at ease, especially after he felt somewhat unnerved by Kevin's actions in the office with the new shirt.

As per his routine, he empties the popcorn from earlier in the day into a large bag that is then quickly stowed away in his knapsack and starts on a fresh batch; his mind not even thinking about their stay at the Reagan's and what they might think.

"Hey Jamie…it's Jamie right?"

Jamie turns to see a familiar face smiling at him and smiles back. "Officer Renzulli."

"Ah kid please, we're in public," Renzulli lightly smirks as he looks at his wife. "Tony will be fine."

"Sure thing…Tony. You here to play?"

Renzulli introduces his wife and makes small talk with Jamie before two other couples come up to them and the six of them are all checked in and ready to play. Renzulli tells Jamie to pass the message to Danny that he'd see him at the gun range on Sunday and that he was happy that all was resolved with Sonny.

Jamie watches them go to their assigned lane and smiles, his agitation starting to sink lower and lower until it was almost completely gone. So far the evening was progressing better than expected, Kevin was friendly on his way out but nothing overly alarming, the Renzulli's and their friends played a few games, engaging him when he had a small break and making him feel a part of something instead of just some teenage outsider seeking attention. It was finally good to not look up every time the front door opened and wonder if it was Sonny and he'd have to run out the back or worse, face getting stabbed again. I hope Danny's having as good a night.

XXXXXXXX

"Hey man watch that…" Jerry tells Danny as he nearly lets a box drop.

"Sorry man…," Danny huffs as he quickly regroups and gives Jerry a firm nod. "Thanks."

"You seem distracted. What's up?"

"Yeah just a bit…home and school stuff. It's okay," Danny tries to assure him as he looks up at the clock. He had sent Frank a text about them both working late and then getting off at midnight and that they'd go to the shelter and not to worry about it as he didn't want them to leave something unlocked but heard nothing back.

During his break, Danny heads for the small lunch room and slumps down into the nearest chair and reaches for his knapsack, pulling out his lunchbox and then opening the lid and staring at the contents.

'So what do you guys normally make for lunch?' Erin had asked him earlier that same day.

'Depends. Sometimes we have leftovers or we'll make sandwiches. I can…'

'I'm making lunch for myself so I don't mind making a few extras.'

'That'd be great.'

He looks at the bag of chips, container containing two homemade cookies and then a can of juice. I feel like…on Sunday I'll start to look for our own place and then buy some of our own groceries.

"Hey Danny," Jerry's voice breaks into his thoughts.

"Yeah?"

"Visitor."

"Guess you're used to hearing that," Frank lightly quips as Danny stands up and looks at him in surprise.

"Hey uh…everything okay?" Danny asks in haste as Frank offers him a small smile and Danny gently nods. "Force of habit to always expect the worst. Sorry."

"Part of me can't blame you in a way. But no nothing is wrong. I got your text and was in the area with this," he holds up a key, Danny's head slightly cocking to the right in wonder.

"A key? But…a car key? Why?"

"To use for after work. Pick up Jamie and the remote for the garage is in the car and the door inside will be unlocked."

Danny looks at the key in his open palm and then up with a strained frown. "I can't repay all this. Even thank you doesn't seem enough," Danny gently stammers.

"I'm not expecting payment of any kind Danny," Frank assures him as he closes Danny's fingers around the single key on the leather keychain. "This will ensure you both get home safe."

Get home safe…get…home…home…those words…spoken in that tone…in that instant force Danny's eyes to water and his heart to race. No one's ever worried about us getting home safe, not even our real father. But he used the word home.

"Frank," Danny starts with a small sniff as he quickly wipes his eyes and pastes on a firm smile.

"Please. It'll give us all peace of mind," Frank warmly implores.

"Wow um…thank you," Danny replies warmly as he looks up with a tender smile as Frank smiles back.

"I'll see you both in the morning."

Wanting to let Danny have some time to eat dinner, Frank gives his shoulder a friendly squeeze and then takes his leave; Danny watching him disappear from the room before he shoves the key into his pocket, Jerry appearing a few seconds later.

"Are you in trouble?"

"No."

"Are you sure?"

"Why are you whispering?" Danny asks in a quiet tone that ends loudly as he smirks. "That was…"

"I know! Chief Frank Reagan. But to get a visit from the chief of police means you musta done something wrong. Remember last time he paid us all a visit?" Jerry refers to the incident that brought Danny and Frank Reagan face to face for the first time.

"Maybe he came to tell me what a great guy I am," Danny boasts as Jerry chuckles and Danny's lips purse. "Beat it," he playfully tells his coworker who disappears back into the main warehouse area. The anxiety he had been feeling earlier slightly subsides as he starts into his lunch. But the feeling in his gut still remains as he realizes that it wouldn't be fair for them to just use the Reagan's food and their hospitality without paying for anything.

"See you guys next week!" Danny calls out as he hurries back toward the staff room, collects his jacket and knapsack and heads outside, turning to head for the bus stop but then stopping short as he remembers the special object in his pocket. He turns back to the left and stares at the burgundy sedan – waiting for him. It wasn't a fancy sports car, it wasn't a vintage classic it was just a car. But to Danny, it might as well have been a pristine luxury car as he looks at it in pride.

'Dad when I turn sixteen do you think you'll be able to help me buy a car?'

'Sixteen? You're twelve Daniel!'

'Well I can plan now right? Nothing fancy, just something to get to school and you know drive me and Jamison around to events and such?'

'Jamison's a child.'

'Well not right now but later when he's a teen. You know sports games and such. Would be kinda fun.'

'Forget it.'

'But why not? If I start saving now it won't be that much. Please father? Just a small car. Nothing fancy.'

'No! I never had anything when I was your age. When you become a legal adult and are able to get a good job on your own and pay cash down then you can have a car! And if you ask me again your allowance will be cut in half! You'll be lucky if you own a bus pass when you grow up Daniel! Now get out of my sight.'

"Damn bastard," Danny whispers as he remembers his allowance was only five dollars a month; his father not caring enough to give them anything that they would work toward or feel proud about. He quickly pushes away a few melancholy feelings, starts the car and then heads toward the bowling alley with a growing smile.

"Great night Jamie, see you next week," Kevin tells him in a friendly tone as Jamie gives him a smile back and then heads for the front door. I was worried for nothing, Jamie's mind tries to reason, not looking behind him to see the older man watching him with vested interest – a skilled predator, trying a few new tactics with his unsuspecting prey, a subtle trap slowly being set waiting to spring closed and then trap his young prey.

Jamie exits the bowling alley and stops for a second, looking around and frowning when he doesn't see Danny waiting. He checks his watch and then turns to head back inside when a set of headlights suddenly bathe him in a soft glow and he turns around and squints, his heart rate soaring.

"Need a lift?"

"Danny?" Jamie asks as he slowly heads toward the car with a wondering expression. "Y-you bought a car?" He asks as he suddenly realizes they might not have enough money to make car and apartment payments. "With what money?"

"It's Frank's car," Danny explains as they both get in. "He uh….showed up at work with the key and said to park in the garage and the door inside would be open."

"Wow. So he just showed up?"

"Jerry thought I stole something," Danny chuckles as Jamie smiles. "But yeah…he said to use it so we both get home safe."

"He said home?"

"He…did."

"What did you say?"

"Thank you. I felt like an idiot standing there saying only that but um…I was literally speechless. I don't know how we can repay them Jamie. They have given us so much and…"

"Can we make them dinner?"

"What?"

"Well it's better than just leaving a few bucks on the table or something," Jamie suggests as they slowly meander the darkened streets. "It feels kinda nice going home…I mean there…to…"

"Home," Danny whispers as he looks over at Jamie who smiles and nods. "How was work?"

"Good. Hey Officer Renzulli and his wife were there."

"Really? How's he doing?"

Jamie tells Danny all about his evening, not mentioning Kevin and any kind of creepy vibes as the interactions they had were completely harmless and not really worth mentioning. They finally reach the darkened Reagan home and exchange glances before Danny pushes the button on the remote and the garage door slowly opens and he carefully pulls inside and stops; both waiting for the door to close before they enter the quiet home.

"Shower in the morning," Danny whispers as they head for their bedrooms.

"Okay."

"Night kid," Danny pats Jamie on the back as Jamie offers a soft goodnight back and enters his bedroom. A few moments later, both doors close and House goes completely dark.

XXXXXXXX

"Good morning Jamie, how was work last night?" Frank asks as he hands Jamie a glass of orange juice early the next morning.

"It was fun actually," Jamie sheepishly pulls out the bag of day old popcorn; Frank watching intently. "I never let them throw it out."

"Popcorn doesn't go bad. Put some in a bowl and we'll have it for breakfast."

"Really?" Jamie asks as Henry enters with a warm smile.

"There's my boy," he gives Jamie a small hug before he pulls back and looks at the popcorn.

"I brought it from work."

"Perfect! Where's the beer?" Henry snickers as Danny enters and looks at them all in suspect. "What? Never too early for beer."

"Pop, Jamie can't drink yet. You'd have to share."

"Root beer?" Henry smiles as Danny takes a handful of the popcorn and starts to eat.

"What? It's never too early for beer," Danny mentions with a mouthful of food as the rest laugh. Erin soon joins them and the banter switches to what the young people all did last night; Danny and Jamie at work and Erin at her part time job at the law courts working as a general file clerk.

After lunch they all disperse to just relax before it was time to get ready for the big evening event. After some prodding both Danny and Jamie come out of their rooms and sit in the living room to do their homework; each of them still used to hiding away in their bedroom and not used to having others, especially two men in a fatherly role, want them around in a casual, natural setting. Being told most of their young lives they were a burden and to get lost; better unseen.

An hour later, Jamie sprawls on the floor, while Danny remains on the sofa, both working away on their school work; Frank in his favorite easy chair reading the paper and Henry helping Erin with something at the kitchen table. It wasn't a busy or overly exciting afternoon, it was just relaxed and normal but gave them all a chance to just bond and grow a little closer together.

"Are you sure this looks okay?" Jamie asks as he comes into Danny's room, wearing is black dress pants and dark paisley shirt, Henry's jacket on his shoulders.

"Course," Danny smiles as Jamie's frown grows. "Sorry, I wish mom was here for this," Danny tells Jamie with a small huff. "This is her thing. She should be telling you all this. I feel like you've been robbed from so much."

"I wish she was here too. I have questions but…"

"You can always ask me you know that right?"

"I know," Jamie replies with a small smile.

"But it's not the same. I know," Danny agrees as he gives Jamie a warm hug. "She'd be so proud of you tonight."

"Danny it's just a lame dance."

"No," Danny shakes his head, "you're showing him up. He said you'd never go to a dance but you are and that's what counts most. I hope you have fun tonight."

"I'm glad you're coming. I know this sounds stupid but I am."

"Trust me you'll be fine on your own for prom."

"Prom," Jamie groans as Danny playfully pulls him out of the room.

"Now let's see how you two look," Henry states as Frank and Erin come up behind them. Henry looks at his jacket worn proudly on Jamie's lithe frame and smiles warmly.

"You guys look great!" Erin exclaims as she pulls out her camera.

"Is this jacket vintage?" Jamie whispers to Erin, all of them gently laughing as she nods and grins.

"Yes, now it's picture time."

"What?"

"Really?" Danny gently groans as he slightly fidgets, wearing his only dark suit with a tan under shirt; somewhat dressy but slightly casual. Erin takes a few pictures; one with just the two boys, one with Henry, one with Frank, one with her and then one with the boys and Henry and Frank and then on auto timer with all five of them.

"Have a great time tonight," Frank tells Jamie as his hand rests on his shoulder and he gives him a warm smile.

"We will thanks."

"Drive safe," Frank tells Danny as he also gives him a pat on the back and sends them on their way. There was no comment about what time to be home…just have fun but come home safe.

"Francis?" Henry asks softly as they linger in the doorway, watching the boys pull away in the car; also hearing the casual use of the word home from his son in relation to the two young men staying with them.

"Brings back tough memories pop," Frank replies with a small huff. "I remember Joe's first high school dance."

"I know," Henry sighs as his hand rests on his son's back. "Come on…we can have that drink now while we wait."

"We?"

"You thought you'd be staying up alone."

"They're two young adults."

"You'll worry about them no matter what age they are," Henry tells Frank in truth as Frank looks at his father to protest. But he knows his father is right; emotions were now in play that with time would only get stronger.

"Come on."

Frank nods and turns to follow his father. Outwardly he'll try to put on a brave face for his family but inside his worry starts to grow…as if worried about two fleshly sons going out on their own for the first time. They've lived on their own….on the streets…since children…and I'm worried about them going to a dance? As much as he tries to shrug off his concern with a relaxed smile, he knows he won't be able to get any kind of rest until he was sure both were home safe and sound. It's happening and I can't stop it…won't stop it…on the eve of the anniversary of Joe's death…I start to care for two strangers as if they were my own.

XXXXXXXX

"Nervous?"

"A little," Jamie replies as they near Linda's place. "But excited at the same time. I remember when you asked dad about the car to give us rides. You always included me."

"Always," Danny tells him seriously. "Unless it's like…you know a real date then you're not invited," he grins as he gets out of the car and heads up to Linda's door. Jamie watches with a smile from the backseat and then looks at the car; his mind remembering the tense discussion Danny had had with their father so many years ago and how at that time he wondered if he'd ever be able to just go out one night with his brother and do something fun. But it was finally happening. Tonight was that night.

"Wow…you look great," Danny compliments Linda with a wide grin.

"You don't look too bad yourself," she retorts with a smile as he kisses her cheek. Danny offers a wave to her mother, his arm easily sliding to her back as he guides her to the waiting car.

"Thanks for coming tonight," Danny whispers as they near the car.

"It's going to be fun," she tells him in truth as they reach the car.

"Hey Linda," Jamie greets with a smile.

"Nice jacket."

"Thanks. It's vintage," he states proudly.

"Who taught him that word?" Danny groans as Jamie and Linda laugh.

"Well you look very handsome tonight."

"Handsome?" Jamie asks weakly as Danny chuckles.

"Is cute better?" Linda retorts as Jamie nods and smiles.

They near the busy high school and Jamie feels his inner excitement starting to grow. He drowns out Danny and Linda's light conversation as he watches the lights get closer and closer and starts to notice all the people slowly streaming toward the open doors and the music starting to get louder and louder.

"All set?" Danny asks as he gives Jamie a pat on the back.

"Yeah. Thanks Danny."

"Have fun kid. We'll catch up," Danny gently nudges Jamie in the direction of the open door.

"Okay."

With that Jamie turns and heads toward the area his friends were waiting; offering them friendly waves as he nears.

"Hey man wow that's a cool jacket!" Lucas grins as Jamie's face gently blushes, especially when the two girls also chime in. "Where'd you buy that?"

"I didn't, a friend gave it to me," Jamie answers in haste.

"Which friend?" Anna asks in wonder.

"Oh…just a friend."

"Come on tell us," Lucas goads. "Which friend?"

"Henry Reagan," Jamie states proudly.

"The Police Commissioner?" Lucas asks in shock.

"He just gave it to you?" Tiffany, their Hispanic friend retorts.

"Liar!"

"You stole it," Lucas snickers, not really realizing what he was saying.

"No really….he did. It's just…yeah okay so it's no big deal okay. So…are we going in or what?" Jamie counters, wanting to take the subject off himself and an impending discussion about how he really got the jacket. He quickly realizes, however, that he did it to himself. I've never had anything good to brag about before…nothing like this has happened to me before. But he also realizes that he opened himself up as a target or forced his friends to feel inner resentment or even some jealousy because of his outward happiness. Maybe I shouldn't have said anything.

The four of them head toward the gymnasium, all talking about the week that had finished and their plans for Sunday and then the large team project due at the end of next week.

Jamie enters the gym and then stops and looks at all the happy faces before him; his stomach instantly tightening. For a second he watches the crowds part and his father storm toward him with an angry scowl, yelling at him to take off the nice clothes, grab him by the scruff of his shirt, drag him to the car and to expect a beating when he got home.

"Jamie?"

"Yeah…sorry," Jamie offers Lucas a somewhat sheepish glance. "So um…what do we do now? Dance?" He asks as Lucas offers a somewhat timid shrug.

"I can't dance," Lucas admits in haste.

"None of us can dance well," Tiffany mentions with a small frown.

"How about a group thing?" Anna suggests.

"Yeah we just go onto the floor and stand in one place and bob up and down," Lucas suggests as they all laugh.

"Okay, sure I can do that," Jamie looks at Anna with a smile. "I guess we can all look silly together."

"Uh look out there. Trust me there's no Jay-Z's or Beyoncé's in this crowd."

"Actually Dennis in grade 12 is pretty good," Lucas reminds them.

"Yeah he is. You know he actually auditioned for the live play version of Shake it Up?" Jamie mentions.

"You like live theater?" Anna asks Jamie in surprise as he offers her a small smile and nod. "Cool."

The four of them take one small corner on the edge of the jumping crowd and try to mimic the actions of the others around them. They dance for about five minutes until Lucas nudges Jamie and whispers "oh no," in his ear.

Just as Danny and Linda finally enter the gymnasium, Jamie looks up to see Carl heading toward him with an angry scowl and what appears to be a pen about to damage the precious jacket in return a fist about to fly through the air.

"Jamie!"

A/N: Okay so right back in chapter 1 I had mentioned that Jamie was sometimes the target of jealous bullies and well they popped up! hope that's okay that I toss a bit of tension in for Jamie b/c who knows if we make it to Danny entering the academy (and you're still with me! There might be a few other jealous rookies). But that's wayyyyyyyyyy in the future if it happens lol okay back to reality! And hey what's high school without a few loud mouthed bullies! Lol I had planned to get them fully into the dance but I realized I didn't want to rush a few key emotional milestones and that was Frank starting to treat the boys like his own and giving them the car and using the word' home' and I hope that's okay. So this time I tried to get a bit of everyone in here including Renzulli, Jackie and Demarcus and hope you liked that. Ah you know I have to add some tension in here with the flashbacks and well yup some high school tension. Will Danny interfere? Will Jamie be forced to defend himself? Will they actually tell them about that night? and how will the day of the anniversary of Joe's death go? Don't worry the action is coming but I also want to build up the bonds and the emotions so I hope that's okay and you're all still with me! Please do review before you go and thanks so much!