Disclaimer: I don't make money or any jazz off this, it's purely fan-made and for the love of all things good Bully is owned by Rockstar Games.

A/N: I know you guys want some lemons but it would be too early for them at this point. We've hardly scratched the surface of this story. Plus it's only the very beginning according to my old teenage cringe chart notes lol. However, I am looking at my old notes and I'm going to section this story out so it's finished perfectly. But there will be rewards here and there with the secret pairings and the main couple. But the personalities of these characters dictate that the romance between these individuals (Ricky and Tad) would involve a lot of psychological character development. I promise when the lemons come it'll be perfect. Here's to hoping I can finish this story in 15 - 20 chapters. If not, it'll be 30 chapters.

Chapter 8

"What's with the long face?" a sneaky and mischievous voice asked none other than Lucky De Luca.

Lucky's brown eyes remained on his plate of scrambled eggs and sausage in response to Alejandro's teasing tone. Of which Alejandro smiled and sat down next to him and prodded him, challenging him. Lucky didn't take too kindly to Alejandro's inaudible challenge and lifted his orbs into jade twinkling ones. The intensity amongst these two was astonishing and the angelic smile on Alejandro's lips was menacing yet mesmerizing. However, Lucky was one of the few who were immune to Alejandro's charm.

Both man and woman alive couldn't resist his jades and the silky voice that abounded in his vocal cords. But, Alejandro knew Lucky was one of the "lucky" ones, he thought. Knowing his joke in his head was corny.

"Not gonna give me an answer?" Alejandro teased, leaning onto his arm that was rested on the table.

"I don't have one for you." Lucky replied.

"Hmmm." Alejandro used his free hand and poked Lucky's broad nose. "I could've sworn something hot and heavy happened in that room with Medici."

"Knock it off," Lucky said, squeezing his plastic fork.

"So something did happen," Alejandro smirked and leaned closer. "Tell me. I don't judge."

"Alejandro," Lucky warned.

"That's my name," Alejandro winked. "Don't wear it out."

"I don't have the patience to deal with yo ugly mug," Lucky resigned and proceeded to eat some of the food prepared for him by Rosa.

Alejandro snorted and leaned even closer into Lucky's personal space.

"You wouldn't have to deal with me if you'd just answer my question, my dear friend," Alejandro said then lowered his voice to where only Lucky could hear him. "Unless this tale involves a steamy situation."

Lucky paused in his eating and looked directly into Alejandro's eyes. He knew that Alejandro was enjoying every minute of this. And as much as he didn't want to give him the satisfaction... he hit the nail on the head. Even though the conversation has nothing to do with steamy thoughts, but his raw imagination taunted him. Vance... one of his good ole pals wanted something more from him. He wanted... Lucky internally shook his head and tried his best to ignore Alejandro's teasing.

"What do we owe this honor?" a happy voice said.

Both Alejandro and Lucky turned their gaze to Lefty who arrived in his normal attire with his hair slicked up nicely. Lefty stretched out his hand towards Alejandro and Alejandro took it with a big huge smile. While Lucky went back to his breakfast.

"You're too much Mancini," Alejandro chuckled heartily.

"No way," Lefty said, sliding a wooden chair towards the two. "You're a legend Al. Everyone knows about you. And I gots a big question for ya."

Alejandro rested his arm on Lucky's shoulder and said, "Shoot."

"How'd you do it?" Lefty whispered.

"Gonna have to be more specific Mancini," Alejandro said smiling innocently.

"I mean," Lucky whispered and looked back and forth before continuing. "Taming Wiles."

Lucky's fork froze in place and he looked at Lefty dangerously. It was one thing for Alejandro to mention that name but one of the boys, that's wrong. Just wrong.

"Why? You wanna hit that?" Alejandro smirked and leaned closer to Lefty.

"Hey," Lucky said and both Lefty and Alejandro looked at him. "You idiots mind not breathin' on my breakfast? This food is for one person, not three."

"Just keep eatin' De Luca," Lefty brushed him off and looked back at Alejandro. "Back to what's important, Ricky never told dah boys what actually happened. And Mandy is an arrogant high-maintenance broad. Mind if you give me a few pointers?"

"Move," Lucky warned.

"And if I don't?" Lefty said, annoyed.

Lucky didn't wait one second after Lefty replied coldly and shoved Lefty off the chair. Resulting in a large thump and a grunt from the taunter himself. Alejandro's eyes widened and moved back from Lucky's breakfast plate. He could tell the look in his eyes wasn't something to mess with. As peaceful as De Luca was, his temper was a force not to be reckoned with.

"What the hell De Luca!?" Lefty groaned as he got up slowly and gripped the side of his shoulder. "What's your problem!?"

Lucky stood up and glared at the shorter-statured guy as his veins coursed in anger. He didn't have the patience. He didn't have the patience for any of this. All he wanted was to eat quietly, think about what had happened earlier with clarity, and move on. But of course, Lefty frickin' Mancini pushed buttons. He wouldn't be Lefty frickin' Mancini if he didn't.

"You breathin' on mah food!" Lucky yelled and Lefty rolled his eyes.

"You kiddin' me?" Lefty snorted and rubbed his right shoulder. "Just 'cuz I was breathin' on yah food? Listen, I ain't frickin' Vance okay? I ain't gonna breath some gay germs all ova your food aight?"

The door slammed open and the three goons themselves saw Vance standing there in the doorway to the backyard. None of them made a sound. Lucky, as annoyed and confused as he was, felt bad for Vance. Alejandro as cold and heartless as he was, felt bad for Vance.

And Lefty said, "Get ova it Medici. It's just a joke."

Lucky glared at Lefty. Was this guy serious? Just a joke?

"Just a joke?" Vance said, nodding his head with a smile. "Right. Sure."

"Don't act like some lovesick broad Medici," Lefty said and rotated his arm. "A joke's a joke."

"Yeah," Vance said, walking in and placing three thermoses on the table. "Rosa said to give this to you guys."

Lefty used his free hand and picked it up with an ignorant smile on his face. If it weren't for them being at Rosa's place, Lucky would've wiped that stupid grin off Lefty's face.

"Come on, Medici," Lefty wrapped his arm around Vance's shoulder and exited to the backyard. "I'm sure De Luca doesn't wanna catch your germs either."

The slam of the door closed urged Lucky to growl and slam his hand on the table. He couldn't believe how much of a complete wasteoid Lefty was. His "joke" wasn't necessary and the way Vance just went along with it pissed him off, royally.

"Calm down tiger," Alejandro said, patting his hand on his shoulder but Lucky swatted it away.

"Screw off," Lucky said and left the room to the basement.

A game of pool would be a good way to cool off and a little friendly competition is good for him. But if he was alone, that was fine too. The game of chance alone twas preferred but if he happened to have a friendly face appear he wouldn't be opposed to the idea.

Alejandro sighed and it echoed within the silent dining doom decorated by a clock, a loveseat, and a large window exhibiting the beautiful front yard. That went well, he thought as he picked up the fallen chair and cleaned the remains of Lucky's breakfast plate. Something he was used to by now by his overgrown and emotional friend.

"Note to self," Alejandro said to himself while picking up the plate. "Don't piss De Luca off to the point of no return."

Laughter filled Rosa's backyard as 10 o clock slowly rolled in and Tad enjoyed every minute of it. Well, except for the bugs that would try to steal his food. Nature wasn't his desire but his company was... but he'd never admit it. That would be way too embarrassing and immature. What young man in the years of his prime would be attached to such a person without learning about oneself?

He thought he was a man who was more self-sufficient but the more time he spent with this greaser the more he realized he was depending on him more and more. Both mentally and also emotionally. He was beginning to conform to the illusion of being a part of his life. Would that be okay? Would it be okay to be a part of his life?

Tad looked at the eccentric greaser with the younger kids. He looked so radiant and vibrant. So full of life. It lured him into the cave of wonders as his tired footsteps of life began to grow easier. A dangerous decision that always led to his destruction. This greaser, Ricky Pucino had a secret power. And that secret power was attentiveness.

He wished with all his heart that this greaser would be unkind to him. He wished with all his heart that this greaser would betray him. He couldn't afford to be attached to someone, knowing what he had to do.

Tad took a deep breath and tried to rid himself of those thoughts. Now wasn't the time. Today was supposed to be a good fiesta day. He wanted to enjoy his last 3 months on earth. When the time came, then he could. For now, these 90 days were a dream, and once he awakens his reality would be set.

WHACK!

Tad fell backward and gripped his forehead in pain while the traces of a soccer ball rolled a few meters away from his groaning figure. What a way to be knocked back into reality. Literally.

"Sowwy!" a young voice pleaded and touched his arm in remorse.

A young olive-skinned boy rubbed Tad's arm as a sort of apology for the ball hitting his forehead. As if that could pay for his injuries. But Tad was a reasonable man and he responded with a groan and patted the boy's head.

"It's quite alright," Tad said, looking at the small worried boy calmly. "I think it'd be best to play with the ball when other people aren't lounging around, hm?"

The young boy nodded and smiled brightly. In that moment, something warm swam in his stomach and trailed upwards onto his lips. And this something warm turned into a smile.

Tad knew not what caused his smile but he wondered if maybe this reminded him of what it was like to be alive. Pain came in many shapes in sizes. Could perhaps his pain be something happy instead? Would happy pain be better? Would it?

"Ey! Osito!" a voice called and Tad moved over to see two greasers, Vance and Lefty in tow. "Looks like you're fairly acquainted with that ball ah?"

"Ah... y-yes..." Tad replied as the young boy helped him stand up.

Lefty snorted and smirked, "Anyways, how you likin' it?"

"It's pleasant," Tad said trying his best to be cordial.

Just because Tad welcomed one of the greasers in his bubble didn't mean he welcomed all of them. Plus, Lefty "left" no pun intended a nice present for Parker and Chad when they went to the Aquaberry Outlet two weeks ago. They came running into the preps territory with eggs yoke all over their new attire. His impression of this one particular greaser didn't sit well with him. And watching how he treated one of his own, Medici, for shame.

"Whadayaa mean, "pleasant"?" Lefty practically yelled in unbelief. "It's frickin'-"

"Language," Tad said, pointing his head towards the young boy standing next to him.

Lefty looked at the little one and said, "Scram small fry. The big boys are talkin'."

"You and I are the same height," The little boy said innocently.

"Why I oughta, buzz off!" Lefty yelled and the little boy took his ball, leaving the three young boys in the middle of the backyard.

"You didn't have to talk to him like that," Tad said, very displeased with this greaser's behavior.

"He's a kid. He needs to learn respect." Lefty said, dusting off his shoulder. "These kids nowadays think it's okay to talk to us like their little friends. It ain't gonna fly 'ere."

"I think holding a conversation and explaining goes a long way," Tad said.

"I think a whack on the head goes a long way," Lefty said matter of factly. "Ain't nuthin' like pain to school a fool."

Tad felt his whole body grow cold. He never knew he could meet someone with the same mentality as his father. Pain wasn't always the answer. Pain wasn't always the answer! PAIN WASN'T ALWAYS THE ANSWER!

"Hey? You okay, Osito?" Lefty said, moving closer to Tad.

Tad felt like he couldn't breathe. Screams and whispers echo in his eardrums while sweat-soaked his forehead. Not now, he thought. He was having a panic attack.

"I'm fine," Tad breathed out heavily. "I need to... use the washroom. Where is it?"

"On your left," Vance pointed to the house. "Near the staircase."

Tad nodded and walked as fast as he could. He remembered to take deep breaths as he made his way past the balloons, Rosa, the Mario brothers, and Ricky. However, he noticed Ricky had followed and he wasn't happy about it.

"Where ya goin'?" Ricky asked and Tad pointed to the house.

"Bath...room." Tad said as normal as he could.

"Are you okay?" Ricky said.

"Hm," Tad said, passing the dining room into the hallway, almost at his destination.

"That doesn't answa my question," Ricky said, annoyed at how aloof Tad was treating him.

Ricky thought they had finally passed that barrier. Now all of a sudden they've reached square one. Things weren't adding up. Was this rich kid really that vain? Was this get-together below his social standing? Did he assume too much?

Finally, the bathroom door arrived and Tad tumbled onto the bathroom floor. This was it. Now, he can focus.

"Hey, you okay?" Ricky said, helping Tad off the floor.

"Shut... up... please..." Tad asked breathing heavily.

If this panic attack was to be over, he needed to completely focus with no distractions. That included Ricky shutting up. Tad unceremoniously sat Ricky on the toilet seat and closed the door.

Now, he looked at himself in the mirror and took deep breaths, and recited his mantra inwardly. He tried his best to not give in to the negative thoughts and focused on his breathing. He won't lie, the images of what happened a week ago still haunts him but he won't allow it to haunt him today. Not right now. Not in front of strangers at the very least.

That's it, he thought as his racing heart slowly but surely began to slow down and his breathing returning to normal. It took about ten to fifteen minutes before he dropped to the ground and Ricky dropped down to catch him. The kind greaser rubbed his free hand on top of Tad's forehead then cupped his cheek. His concerning brown eyes searched for any life into his. And he, as in Tad, returned his concern gaze with a tired smile. The relief in Ricky's whole being showed from the sigh of relief that left his stressed body.

"What happened?" Ricky asked gently, slightly rubbing Tad's cheek.

"Panic attack..." Tad said.

"What caused it?" Ricky asked again.

"I'm okay," Tad said, struggling to stand up and of course Ricky came to his aid and helped him up.

"You're real independent huh?" Ricky said, earning an annoyed groan from Tad.

Tad tried his best to stand on his own but unfortunately realized he needed Ricky's support. This one panic attack could've gotten worse but it still drained the living energy out of him. Again, he had to depend on this greaser.

Ricky on the other hand was concerned about Tad. Out of all the things he's usually prepared for, a panic attack wasn't one of them. Guess he'd had to research up on that for future reference.

"You should rest, you know," Ricky suggested.

"I'm fine," Tad said, straightening out his clothes.

"You're always saying "you're fine" or "nothing" or "don't worry about it"." Ricky spat. "You know you don't have to do everything on your own."

Tad was caught off guard. He didn't expect Ricky to be so passionate about him. Sure his hospitality was and is very good but the lengths he's gone to are quite large. But, 90 days are ticking and that's why he refused to fully conform to this perfect illusion.

"I appreciate the sentiment greaser," Tad said disconnecting his arms and body from Ricky. "But coming tomorrow, Monday morning we won't ever speak again. You'll be with your greaser compadres and I with my prep brethren. Let's not pretend there's anything beyond this point. I understand you're kind, a lot kinder than I. Of which I will repay your kindness one day. But let's understand this one thing - a greaser and a prep can never be friends."

It had to be said, he thought. The earlier this was said, the easier it would be coming Monday morning. He wanted this greaser to understand his kindness was appreciated but also to not forget they are mortal enemies and that sad truth would not change.

FLICK.

"Ow!" Tad said and grabbed his forehead. "What was that for?"

"You think I don't know that?" Ricky said with a drip of anger but also understanding. "I'm not some stupid person who thrives on that fairytale b.s. aight?"

"Okay, but why did you flick me?" Tad said, rubbing his forehead.

"That's for insulting my intelligence," Ricky said smiling his stupid greaser smile and Tad couldn't help but return his smile.

"Fair enough," Tad replied and sighed in relief.

"I get we aren't gonna be friends okay?" Ricky said, leaning against the sink. "But that doesn't mean we can't have a good time before tomorrow."

"True," Tad said.

"But..." Ricky said, stopping at that one word that drew Tad's attention.

"But?" Tad asked and Ricky smiled.

"I think you should rest," Ricky said.

"I'm fine-" Tad's words were cut off by Ricky's index finger being placed on his lips.

"No "I'm fine's"," Ricky said smiling. "You can rest in the guest room."

Tad reluctantly went along with Ricky's plan of action. He didn't have the strength to fight with this greaser today. Perhaps later he would but right now, not so much. The warm sheets and cool air condition made this perfect. He never knew poor people could afford such good things. Maybe he wasn't as cultured about such things as much as he thought he was. The smell of pine and faint vanilla filled his nostrils as he curled into a ball.

"Enjoying it huh?" Ricky said, sitting at the side of the bed.

"Hm," Tad replied, too sleepy for talking.

"Alrighty Imma let you rest," Ricky said as Tad's figure grew limp and his breaths even beautifully into the quiet yet lively morning.

Ricky watched as a strand of auburn hair moved back and forth from his breathing. Part of him wanted to move it back but also the other part of him didn't want to wake him. It took him all this time to get this trust fund fairy into bed and he wasn't about to ruin such an accomplishment.

A small gentle laugh left his nose as he watched Tad sleep. Low and behold, this preppy pouted while he slept. If only he had a polaroid camera on him. He'd take a picture as a souvenir.

"I'll be back in an hour or so," Ricky whispered.

And with that, he left the guest room, walked down the stairs, and came face to face with his sworn enemy, Alejandro. His first instinct was to hit him straight in his face but remembered he wasn't worth it. Alejandro on the other hand smiled and waved tauntingly at him.

"How's it goin'?" Alejandro asked.

Ricky ignored him and brush past him, leaving Alejandro by the staircase.

"Good to see you too," Alejandro said with a sigh. "Guess he still hasn't forgiven me."

Alejandro sighed once again and made his way up the staircase, journeying to the guest room. He hadn't been able to catch up on his beauty sleep because of a wonderful greeting he received. And a small headache has reached his temples. I think that's grounds for a nap, yes? He thought, as his hands connected to the knob of the door and he entered with a surprise. It was none other than Ricky's novio (boyfriend). Hm, he thought. Things just got a lot more interesting for him.