.

.

Look Alive, Sunshine

ten

.

.

.

.

.

The consequences of busting Matt out of Happy Volts was bound to catch up with them. Denying any knowledge while hiding Matt at Johnny's flat could only last so long, it was a flawed plan from the start but it was the only one the drunk teens had the morning after partying on the beach. Was it worth it? Hell yes but unfortunately their actions have brought their enigmatic aunt right to their doorstep. Their aunt who barely showed her face at the funeral, the aunt who disappeared back to Liberty City after the custody hearing, the very same one that decided the best treatment for their injured brother was to kept him locked away in secret. To summon her was no easy feat and they were found the very same day she arrived, and now the sibling trio were sat on the dusty plush sofa in their home with their aunt across from them.

The only one living in the mansion since the accident was Ben and he hadn't been exactly upkeeping the place. There was a maid service originally hired on by Cate however unbeknownst to her, Ben had sent them packing months ago believing them to be spies so needless to say the building was in quite a state. Another misgiving piled onto the siblings' long list of shenanigans that were only now catching up with them. Cate had a physical list in her hand that she was reading through with the teens; a list that had apparently been kept up to date by none other than their principal. Which meant that most of it was about Natasha's recent misdemeanours.

"… And dating Johnny Vincent. Who is Johnny Vincent?" Cate peered back up, glancing between Natasha then to her brothers. "I was under the impression you were still dating that quarterback."

"Wait, is that in Crabblesnitch's report?" Ben stifled back a laugh. Whether he had intended to or not, it was a blessing that he broke the tension in the room. It has been uncomfortably silent since the moment they walked in. "I'm getting kinda worried about what's written about me."

"Yes as a matter of fact. We'll get to you in due time, Benjamin," Cate shot him a terse look. A look which they were much too familiar with. Their aunt has always been rather distant towards them and their parents, even as a child Natasha had no recollection of her being friendly with her and would often get into arguments with their mother. Now that she was older though, she realised that her mother and aunt had some bad history, and that had severely affected Cate's relationship with her niece and nephews. Without a sister of her own, Natasha always wondered what could have caused such a terrible rift between sisters. "So who is this, Natasha? Some no good delinquent, no doubt?"

"I'd say that's pretty accurate," Ben grinned at his sister. "He's a bad boy, isn't he?"

"He's more like the bad boy. Johnny Vincent is like a legend," Matt chuckled. "He's a nice guy though and he treats Nat well."

"Forgive me if I don't take your word for it. Wasn't it his family's home you had Matthew hiding in?" she narrowed her gaze on the teens. Cate finally let out a heavy sigh when she realised no one was going to respond to her question. "… Matthew, are you really disliking it at the hospital?"

"It's an asylum. The fact that you can't even say the name says how much you actually care," Ben interjected. "Look, I don't care that you're now here for whatever reason but stop acting like you suddenly care. You don't get to just stroll in here and speak to us like you didn't just ignore us for a whole year after what happened to mum and dad."

Cate did not take kindly to his comment and it was written clear on her expression.

The outburst may have been unexpected but Ben had not spoken out of turn. Everything he said was right and Natasha would vouch for his words. Since the accident, Cate had made herself more of a stranger than ever before and she had left all the responsibility to lawyers and doctors whilst making the decisions herself rarely consulting them. This past year has been difficult and sometimes painful, and Natasha could confidently say that their aunt's reluctance has made it even more hellish. So yes, Ben was absolutely right to be furious and hell to Cate if she thought she could just come back to Bullworth and they'd be good little kids obeying her every word.

"… Um, I'd really like to come home," Matt spoke up hesitantly. "I know there will be caveats but I'd really appreciate if you'd let me be in my own home. Then maybe we can think about school and sports again when I'm ready for it."

"Well of course, Matthew," Cate nodded back with a dramatic sigh. "You only had to ask."

"We did," Natasha said flatly. "I called so many times. Every other day, every week for the past few months."

"Speak of which, Natasha I'd like you to move back into the house as well, please."

"But why? I've always lived in the dorms."

"Well, since I'll be moving in and I'd like everyone under the same roof so I can keep an eye on you all."

"You're doing what?" Ben did not sound happy at all. "You're moving back to Bullworth? Why on earth would you do that? You hate Bullworth."

"Matthew needs care and a guardian. I can provide both," she shrugged as she pulled out her pack of cigarettes and a silver cigarette holder from her leather handbag. "I'll be staying in Bullworth for the meantime but I'll have to travel back to Liberty City occasionally."

"And your husband?"

"Oh Keith? He's staying put in the city. Rightfully so, he wouldn't be much help anyway," she didn't even bat an eye as he continued to light the thin cigarette she had placed on the holder before bringing the nub to her lips. Cate took a heavy breath in and exhaled a cloud of smoke, looking instantly relaxed as her eyes softened and she leaned back against the sofa. At this moment, she looked a lot like their mother. The same strawberry blonde hair, bright blue eyes and beautiful face. "My things are scheduled to arrive in two days. We'll have your things moved from the dorm tomorrow, Natasha. Right in time for homecoming, as well."

"Did Doctor Crabblesnitch leave out the part where I was suspended from the dance?"

"Oh right… Well I suppose we can just catch up then. Just us girls, huh?" she scoffed at her own joke but it didn't seem to bother her all that much. "Okay well, I suppose we should set a few ground rules, okay?"

"Hey, look. We haven't agreed to this yet. You can't just barge in-."

"Tough luck, kid," Cate sighed again, her composure slipping as she rubbed her temples with the hand her cigarette was in, creating little swirls of smoke haloing the air above her head. "I know you don't like me and I've done enough to earn that scorn but it's just the way things are now. I wish it wasn't either…" there was a flash of solemness on her expression before it vanished just as quickly. "Let's just find a compromise and agree on sound rules. At least while I'm in the house. Sound fair?"

"Fine."

"One, I don't want to any trouble at school," she eyed Natasha and Ben specifically. "That means no talking back to teachers, no fighting and do your homework, got it?"

"Sure," Natasha replied before Ben could protest. "Within reason."

"Exactly, within reason," Ben nodded back. "And two?"

"No drugs and alcohol."

"Matt and Nat are already boring like that," Ben hiccupped a laugh. "And me too, course…"

"Three, no dating," Cate turned to Natasha who did not flinch. There was some tension before Cate looked away first. "… Just don't let me catch you with anyone in your bed, are we clear?"

"Crystal."

.

.

"I don't get it."

"What about?" Natasha glanced back at Johnny who was in the process of shoving poor Mr. Snuggles into a cardboard box much too small for him. Johnny had so helpfully volunteered to help her pack before Cate's minions would arrive to take her things to the house. Her aunt had taken it upon herself to hire these professional movers who were to do the packing as well as moving of Natasha's items, but she didn't feel all that comfortable letting strangers pack her things so her and Johnny were going to pack the boxes and the minions would come and load them up into the van.

"I thought she hated you guys," he grumbled as he struggled to get the flaps of cardboard down. The remnants of Mr. Snuggles fluffy coat was peeking through the edges and halting Johnny's efforts. "Sounds like she cares if she's laying down rules."

"Is this the part you tell me you never had boundaries growing up and that's how you ended up such a bad boy?" she laughed and quickly mouthed a sorry when he gave her a look. "… I mean her rules are surprisingly fair. Sounds like any family, I know. I guess we'll just see."

With that said, Johnny finally managed to take the box shut with some help from Natasha and he went to drop it off in the corridor where all the other boxes were piled up. With Mr. Snuggles packed away, there were only a last few bits and bobs from her cupboard that needed to be put away. Otherwise her side of the bedroom was pretty much bare and it was definitely strange seeing it that way. It wasn't that long ago when Mandy moved out of this room to have her own room after their 'fallout' and before that she's shared it with the girl for almost two years.

"So what's the plan? I take you to dinner after they pick up your stuff?"

"No, can't do. My aunt wants me in tonight," she sighed. "I'm not sure what Crabblesnitch wrote in that report of his but she wants to keep an eye on me… well on all of us. Also don't know what Crabblesnitch said about you but she doesn't seem to like you much already."

"Aw well, I take back everything I said earlier. She sounds like a cold bitch," despite the joking tone he said the last sentence in, he looked rather glum as pressed his lips into a fine line. "Are you sure you can't just sneak me in?"

"I don't think that's a good idea on the first night back. I don't want to give her any reason to believe her rules are needed," she shook her head apologetically. "I'm sorry, Johnny."

"It's fine, don't apologise. You're absolutely right," he perked up a bit. "Well, I'll probably have a quiet night in as well then."

"But you're nominated. Don't you want to find out if you're homecoming king material?"

"Well what's the point if you're not going to my queen?"

"So you're just going to let Ted win, are you?"

"Okay, you got me there," he chuckled. "But on the off chance he does, at least I'll be there to jump him."

"Don't get yourself suspended, Rocky."

They headed out of the room after packing the last box. Johnny went downstairs to call the movers to collect the rest of the boxes and it wasn't long after he left when Mandy came out of her bedroom on the opposite side. She glanced over the boxes then towards the stairwell where the movers began clambering around.

"So that's what all the noise was about…" she murmured, more to herself than anything. Sadly, the brunette still looked sickly thin and her movements were somewhat sluggish. Definitely a worrying sign. "You leaving then, Natasha? About time…"

"Yeah, my aunt decided to show up…" she shifted awkwardly. "Hey um, you feeling okay?"

"Peachy," she rolled her eyes. "… Not that you probably care but I broke up with Ted."

"Really? That's great to hear," Natasha could have flinched when she realised how awful that sounded. It just came out so naturally and it's been a long time since she's last considered Mandy's feelings. "I just mean that you can do so much better. What made you do it?"

"Guess I finally saw the light, that kinda bullshit," she sighed. "He's sick… and a liar."

"… Yeah."

"That's all you have to say?"

"… Yeah?"

"Argh, whatever," she turned away and headed back to her door. "Why don't you just leave already then?"

She disappeared back into her bedroom just like that and slammed her door shut behind her. Natasha stared after her even when she was long gone. Things haven't exactly been friendly or even amicable between the girls, and it'll probably take some time before they were. But perhaps this was a step in the right direction.

.

.

It was so bizarre being back home.

Her old bedroom was exactly how she remembered it albeit everything had been covered in a light layer of dust and now stacks of boxes were occupying the floorspace. She could even hear the twins' raised voices next door as they shared their excitement being back together. Natasha walked into the room, carefully avoiding the boxes as she looked through her old belongings. Tattered posters still hung off the walls and her desk was still adorned with her little wooden jewellery box and colourful stationary. Everything really was as she left it and it did feel a little like she had just woken up from a dream and had returned to her real life, except she had been living her life this past year and she had not accept that things have changed. That despite having both her brothers back now, it wasn't without effort and she had support from an unexpected group of people.

Natasha spent the whole afternoon unpacking and putting her room back together. Some music helped speed the process along but it was mostly to cover all the racket her brothers were making next door, they were prancing about as they got ready for the homecoming dance. It wasn't easy convincing Cate to let Matt go to the dance but he's proven himself just fine the past couple of days and it was a compromise when Matt acquiesced about not returning to school yet. Matt was definitely feeling better and she was sure that being out tonight without issue would serve as a good sign to their aunt, but Natasha couldn't help but still feel a slight uneasiness about the night and her thoughts briefly went to that one incident at Happy Volts.

"Hey Nat, we're off!"

"Wait, wait!" she shouted after them as she frantically searched through her boxes. "Give me a sec, don't leave yet!"

She eventually retrieved the item she had been looking for and raced after the twins who had already made it down the staircase. They probably would have made it out the door by now if their aunt wasn't stood by the front door fussing over their outfits and hair. Natasha jumped the last two steps and presented them with her little digital camera excitedly.

"Pictures before you leave!" she snapped one before giving any warning. For the next one, she gave them some time for preparation before barraging them with a couple more, blinding them each time with the flash. "Wait, one more!"

"No, no that's enough," Ben broke position and walked towards Natasha, gently nudging the camera out of the way. "Should we get a picture? Three of us?"

"Us three?" Natasha repeated.

"A little help, Cate?"

Cate took the camera from Natasha wordlessly as the siblings huddled together and posed for the photograph. The twins were stood on either side of their little sister and towered her, making her look almost like a little child in between them; especially with the way she was beaming ear to ear. The photographs were taken and the camera handed back to Natasha.

"We're off then!"

"Don't have too much fun, boys," Cate said with a light wave. "Home by midnight sharp."

"Don't listen to her, have lots of fun!" Natasha grinned as she called after them. "Bye!"

Things quieted down extensively after the twins left and Natasha found herself in an awkward situation alone with her aunt. Not only did she hold a slight grudge towards her aunt, but Natasha also hardly knew anything about the woman which made it difficult to make conversation. The only things she did know was that Cate didn't get along with her parents and moved away from Bullworth to marry a wealthy businessman in Liberty City. She never had any kids despite being married to her husband for about ten years. It was something of a scandal and often a topic of gossip within the adults of their high society but it never seemed to bother Cate, and for that Natasha had to respect.

"Natasha, is that Whoa!Mart still open down in the Vale?"

"No, there hasn't been a Whoa!Mart in the Vale for a few years now. Why do you need something?"

"Cigarettes. I've run out," Cate held up her empty box of an expensive looking foreign brand. "My luggage won't arrive until tomorrow afternoon. Where abouts is the closest store?"

"Why don't I go and get them for you? … I was actually about to head to the corner store," Natasha said. It was a pretty decent excuse to head out without recrimination. "I'm not sure if any of our shops will have your brand though…"

"That's fine, I'd be happy with anything menthol," she passed Natasha some loose bills. "And a bottle of a red."

"Uh… I'll try but again I'm not sure they'll have anything to your taste…"

"Anything with Pinot Noir in the name will do."

"Right," Natasha made a mental note. "Well, I'm off."

Natasha slipped on her sneakers and made her way down the hill. The walk wasn't long and the town was bustling with activity as students and their families were out and about, having their dinners and celebrations before heading over the bridge to school for the homecoming dance. She may have felt a little left out considering homecoming was always one of her favourite school events but she was happy enough that she got to see both her brothers go and hopefully Johnny and her new friends will have a great time as well.

She made her way past the hotel and into the mall where lots of students were still about in their fancy dress. She even ran into a couple of girls she knew from cheerleading, the only thing she could do was smile and compliment them on their dresses before they headed to the dance. The whole idea of coming out alone was to get away from the discomfort at home but being out here was actually a lot more stressful than she expected.

Natasha eventually arrived at the small corner shop where they were notoriously known for not IDing the children of the rich families in the Vale. It wasn't an honest business model but it earned the owners huge bucks and made them the go to place to shop whenever they needed party fuel. Natasha looked through the selves and spotted something with 'Pinot Noir' on the label and immediately grabbed two bottles. She then went to the till after grabbing a couple bags of crisps and asked for the menthol cigarettes. The shopkeeper picked one out for her and rung the items up. Natasha paid for her purchase and carefully put the delicate items into the shopper bag she brought with her. It took her a moment to realise that someone was standing beside her.

"Oh my gosh!" she exclaimed when she noticed that Bif was beside her. "You scared the hell out of me!"

"I didn't know you smoked. Looks like quite the party," he raised an eyebrow at her purchase. He glanced back at her before turning away, his jaw tense, as if he wanted to say something more. The cashier quickly rang up Bif's items which consisted of a litre bottle of water and an energy bar.

"I don't," she said when they were finally out of the store. "I'm running an errand."

"Oh?"

"Remember my aunt?" she asked and he gives her a look, clearly confused and she didn't blame him considering how random this might sound to him given how little he knew about her current home life. Either way, he nodded back. "Well she's staying with us for a while and she wants her cigarettes and wine so…"

"She's staying here?"

"Yep, believe it or not."

"… That's kind of unexpected."

"Yeah, tell me about it," she nodded as they stopped at a street crossing. She noticed he was carrying his sports bag. "Boxing?"

"Yeah, I've got nothing better to do."

"… Same, yeah," she sighed. "Well, maybe not quite the same. I'm supposed to go back to that big house and face my aunt. To a place that is supposed to be my home and with someone who's supposed to be family but honestly, I'd rather be anywhere else."

"You could come watch me box… or box, if you want," he offered. "We have gear."

"Me? Boxing?" she chuckled at the thought as they crossed the road. "I mean it does sound fun but… I don't know, you don't think it'll be weird? … Hanging out together?"

"Yeah, I mean it probably will be but we can try to make it not weird," he shrugged casually, but his gaze faltered ever so slightly. "But hey, I am sorry about everything. I didn't get a chance to say it before… the whole situation. There were some things going on and it was messing me up."

"Okay… yeah, that's fine," she could sense his uneasiness and at this moment she saw that vulnerable shy boy from next door again. "Hey, you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine," he looked back at her. The stark difference in their height meant that she had to crane her neck all the way back just to face him but their difference in height has never been more obvious than now when he's looking right down at her. "Anyway, offer still stands if you want a place to hide and kill some time."

"… Okay, let's do it," she eventually said as they headed to the gym. She'll spend a little bit of time at the gym with Bif and head back after it quiets down. The gym would likely be empty as well given that that they were probably the only two students not attending the homecoming dance. "Hey, so how I come I didn't see you at the beach party?"

"I've moved out of Harrington House for the time being. I just need to focus on myself for a bit, you know? A party would seem like a step back," he looked ahead. "… I've been seeing a doctor again as well."

"Oh," she was at a lost for words. She didn't expect him to tell her that so candidly but these past two days have been nothing if firsts for rekindling past troubled relationships. This one especially was one that she thought they would never salvage. Their relationship had broken down to a point where she thought it would be impossible to stand Bif Taylor again, he had been such a jackass these past couple of years. Though, there had been rumours floating around campus about Bif's mental health, she didn't actually think there was any merit to those rumours seeing as lies were spread about herself and just about everyone else at that school. But after witnessing his erratic behaviours and changes to his moods, she could believe it and frankly she felt a little happy that he would admit it to her. "Well, I'm glad you're getting help. Are you feeling better after the whole Lola mess?"

"Yeah… I saw her in town the other day and she pretended she didn't even know me, so I'd call that progress. Has she given you any trouble since?"

"No."

"And your heads all good?"

"As good as it gets."

"And Johnny Vincent?"

"Why do people insist on using his full name whenever they mention him?"

"Because his name is Johnny freaking Vincent. It's a cool name, even I have to admit that," he cracked a haughty smile. "He's not so bad."

"I know," she smiled back. "That's what I've been saying."

"Yeah… I suppose so."

They reached the clubhouse and as she expected, the lights inside were turned off and there was not a single soul inside. Bif unlocked the doors using a set of keys he had fished out of his shorts pocket. He held the door open and let her in first before following after. It was still dark inside and she's not familiar with the gym, so Natasha stayed put by the entrance as Bif walked further in and it was not long before the lights flickered on.

It turned out she had been standing by the trophy case. It was so wide that it filled up an entire side of the building. Bif had gone into the changing rooms without a word so she was left out here to her own devices.

Not knowing what to really do, she walked along and noted the photographs lined up with the trophies. There were countless photographs with Bif wearing medals and holding trophies, all of him grinning and celebrating after a win. Although not as numerous, there were also some pictures with Derby and some other preps but it was easy to tell that Bif has been the primary winner of competitions and matches. She knew Bif was good but she didn't realise he was this good. It was just so strange to think how much he has changed. She again found herself wondering how something or someone that should feel so familiar to her, was now a completely different person.

She glanced back around when she heard movement and watched Bif set up his sandbag near the ring. She made her way to him and put her bag down.

"You up for it?"

"Yeah, is it okay I'm wearing sneakers?"

"Sure," he looked through a locker and dug through all the spare gloves they had in store. He was taking quite a while and Natasha hovered behind him, trying to look past him as she wondered what the issue was. "… Uh sorry, you've got very small hands. I don't know if we have anything that'll fit you."

"Oh," she felt a little embarrassed at that, glancing down at her own hands. "… It's fine if-."

"Here try these," he said, holding out a pair of white ones to her with the holes facing her. She hesitantly slipped a hand into one. "It'll bend around the end and you'll want to curl your fingers and grab the bend."

"Yup, got it," she said as she slipped her other hand into the other glove and did the same grabbing motion. It was a little roomy but not so large that it was heavy. Bif then let go of his hold and let her have a feel of the gloves.

"How does it feel?"

"Yeah good."

"Cool. Let's do some stretches first and I'll teach you a few moves."

Bif helped her out of the gloves and set them down next to his own on the edge of the ring. He also thoughtfully picked up her bag from the floor and put it next to the gloves. She thanked him for the kind gesture with a smile. He's always been polite, she had forgotten that.

They then did some stretches. As a previous cheerleader, stretches came naturally to her and it was rather exciting learning some new ones that were better suited for boxing as opposed for doing cartwheels and flips. He was a good teacher too and rather knowledgeable, something that she didn't really expect but she put that down to years of dedication to the sport.

"I know sports isn't really a prep thing but you've really gotten so athletic. It's really become your thing hasn't it?" she said when they were finally done and Bif helped her with her gloves again.

"That's an odd thing to say to someone," he glanced at her momentarily before turning his attention back to the gloves and helping her tighten them. He pulled the strings taut and fastened the opening against her wrists. He worked in silence and while his movements were quick with precision, he was still gentle. "Those guys, they all like to box… I just happen to be the best one."

"I know, yeah… it's just well…" she trailed off, not really sure where she was trying to go with this. Bif didn't say anything as he turned around to put on his own gloves, he did glance back at her though, to let her know that he was still listening. "I guess you just didn't used to be into this kind of stuff…"

"No," he admitted when he threw his first punch into the sandbag. The sound of the contact louder than she expected and the bag swayed under the weight of his fist. "… You know how your brothers and their friends used to tease me?"

"Yes…"

"I know they weren't doing it to be nasty but that shit can really get to you, you know?" he said between punches. "Anyways, I'm not saying your brothers were wrong. I was a puny, pathetic little kid back then. So I thought to myself, I'll do better… Get bigger, stronger. So that others won't have a reason to pick on me anymore."

Natasha watched him throw his final few punches, the last one was so strong that the room echoed with the sound from the hit.

Now when that she thought back to it, it was so obvious. How could she not have realised it? The signs were all there. Her friend had been suffering and she just let it happen.

Bif turned around sharply when he heard her sniffle.

"Hey, don't get upset," he said, his voice of concern as he noticed her sullen expression. "I didn't say it to make you feel bad for me. I thought you wanted to know."

"I did and I feel bad for not seeing how badly you must have felt back then," she let out a weary sigh. "I'm so sorry, Bif."

"You don't need to apologise. I was the one that was weak-willed, I remember they picked on you too but you were strong enough to take it-."

"That's totally different though! It's one thing for them to pick on me for being the little sister and the odd girl out in the group… but for you, it must have felt worse…" she blurted out. "You're the one that's strong. You were fine the way you were but you're fine this way too."

Bif stared back at her, bewildered by her words of encouragement. It shocked him that she saw the situation so differently than how he did in the past, so differently from even how his own father did. When asked for advice, all his father could say was that he needed to become a man and less of a cry-baby. It was his father's words that cemented his conviction and belief that he was lesser than rest of the boys.

Without thinking, he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close into his chest. He lowered his head and sighed as he took in the pleasant scent of her shampoo, one of his hand was scrambling about behind her head as he wanted to hold her but the cursed gloves were in the way. It was a rather embarrassing turn of events but he really hadn't been thinking about the mood, appropriateness nor the logistics of the hug.

"… Um, Bif?" she squeaked. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, yeah," he released her. "I'm sorry. I wasn't thinking."

"It's okay…" she was feeling a little flustered after being suddenly enveloped by his huge frame and so was he if the reddened tint on his cheeks was any hint. "Um… I should be going," she began trying to untie the strings on her glove as she spoke sheepishly. "I know I didn't actually get to box or anything but it's getting late and my aunt will be wondering where I am… yeah…"

Bif pulled his own gloves off and immediately rushed to her side to give her assistance. He was completely silent as he untied the gloves and pulled her hands free. The silence was painfully awkward and Natasha didn't know what else to say.

"… Maybe it is too strange… us hanging out," he finally said as he turned away and headed back to the locker with their gloves in hand. She watched him silently. Terrified that if she didn't pick her next words carefully, then all their good progress might be undone or worst.

"… No, it's not too strange," she plucked up the courage to say. "But it might be a bit too early, we'll work on it."

He glanced back at her, green eyes narrowing before he smiled.

.

.

.

.

Okay so it's been forever since I've updated this story. I've had this chapter sitting in my drafts for almost two years. I had a sudden moment of inspiration and finished it whilst reading all the lovely comments I received. Thank you all! 3

The story is not finished yet but it's entering its final arc. I was super worried about the way I was writing Cate but I think it ended up better than I expected.

More exciting stuff to come!

.

.