Author's Note: Boy this chapter lol. I wrote this chapter…. then scraped it because I didn't like it, so I wrote it again in a different way. I think I'm happy with this one. Hopefully you are too. Happy reading. Dark rolling sea.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

The ride to school was done in silence. Ty was fidgeting in the backseat, while Tom was leaned against the passenger window with his eyes closed and his arms folded across his chest. When Mike pulled in and parked the truck, he looked over, but Tom didn't move. Ty was getting out of the truck and Mike shoved Tom against the door. His eyes popped open, and his hands sprung forward and gripped the dash.

"I'm awake," Tom mumbled. Mike laughed and Tom's head slowly turned to glare at him.

"Funny," Tom retorted, and Mike gave him a blazing smile.

"Time for school," Mike said sweetly. "Next time I'll start yelling Vampire," Mike said with a wink. Tom shook his head and got out of the truck while Mike did the same. The two caught up with Ty.

"There's my teacher," Ty said pointing to a younger woman. "We need to check in with her."

"Okay, lead the way," Mike replied, placing a hand on Ty's shoulder. Ty walked across the classroom and stopped in front of the woman. Mike stood behind Ty with both hands on the boy's shoulders. Tom was hanging out by the door, looking at the bulletin board display. The teacher was staring at Mike a little wide eyed.

"Ms. Tanner? This is who I was talking about that could talk about the Navy," Ty said. Mike could hear the nervousness in Ty's voice.

"You're Admiral Slattery," Ms. Tanner said slowly as her eyes glanced at the pictures on the bulletin board. Her eyes went a little wider when they fell on Tom who was reading about himself on the board, a lopsided grin on his face as he shook his head.

"Get a load of this, Mike," Tom huffed as he looked over his shoulder. Mike gave him a relax look, and Tom smiled and turned back to the board, standing at ease.

"Yes. I'm Michael Slattery. Ty here said you needed someone to talk about opportunities in the United States Navy."

"Um, yes," she said, her attention still on Tom. "Is that Admiral Chandler?" Tom looked over at her and crinkled his hand in a little wave.

"Quite the bulletin board, you have here," Tom said with a smirk. Mike sighed.

"You'll have to excuse him, he's a little full of himself. But I'd be happy to talk to the class about different opportunities and avenues that they can take in the Navy."

"We're honored to have you both," Ms. Tanner stammered.

"I think you should let us go at the end, though," Mike replied.

"Okay," she replied.

"Mike, come read this about you," Tom said with a chuckle. Mike gave him another glance.

"Can you knock it off?" Mike said shaking his head.

"Is something wrong with the information on the board?" Ms. Tanner asked a little timid. Tom glanced at her, and Mike was afraid he was going to say something embarrassing, but he just tampered his smile a little and shook his head.

"Not at all," Tom said. Mike could see he was suppressing a laugh. Mike rolled his eyes at him and walked back over to Tom. Ty came with him.

"Geez, can you chill a little bit?" Mike whispered and Tom chuckled.

"Read the folk lore," Tom said and winked at Ty.

"No different than your Greek song," Mike shot back, and Tom laughed.

Mike had to admit it was good to see his old friend coming out in the moment. He was worried how this talk would affect Tom. Mike knew that there was no way to keep the talk strictly about opportunities in the Navy and there was going to be questions about what happened and what they did. Mike glanced at the bulletin board and did have to chuckle a little at what was posted. He glanced at Ty.

"Now I see why what I told you didn't go over so well in your report," Mike whispered. Ty nodded and shrugged. Mike glanced over and saw the teacher avert her eyes quickly. Mike sighed. More kids were filing into the room and taking their seats. A few were casting curious glances at Mike and Tom. Ty sighed.

"I'm gunna go sit down. Um, I'm not sure what you're supposed to do until it's time," Ty replied. Mike saw a worried look on Ty's face.

"Hey, you, okay?" Mike asked. Ty glanced back at him and forced a small smile.

"Yeah," Ty mumbled as he glanced at a few boys sitting close by huddled together whispering. Then he shrugged his backpack into a more comfortable position and then went to his seat and settled in. Mike looked back at Tom who shrugged at him. Ms. Tanner was approaching them.

"I'll ask you to join the other parents in the hall until it's time for you to speak," she said. Mike and Tom both nodded and stepped out of the classroom. They stood down the hall a little way, leaving a gap between them and the other parents. A few glances were stolen in their directions. Mike turned to look at Tom who was grinning back at him.

"I think people are recognizing us," Tom whispered.

"Seems that way. What did you expect?" Mike asked.

"Honestly? No idea."

"You going to be okay with this?" Mike asked. They were leaning with their backs against the wall, arms across their chests, ankles overlapping. Tom's head turned slowly and took in Mike's concerned gaze.

"I'll deal," Tom mumbled then looked back at the opposite wall. Mike nodded slowly and leaned his head back against the wall. Other parents started to go into the classroom one at a time, spend about ten minutes, then come back out. Mike glanced over at Tom after a while and noticed he had his eyes closed again. His even breathing suggested he had dozed off. Mike shook his head and chuckled.

Eventually the hallway started to empty. There were two more ahead of Mike and Tom. Mike nudged Tom and his eyes slowly came open. Tom glanced over at him with his eyes hooded.

"About time for us," Mike said. Tom nodded and pushed himself into a standing position stretching. They walked down the hall to be closer to the door as the last of the people in front of them went into the classroom. Mike was a little nervous but knew once he started talking it would just flow.

"Ready for this?" Tom asked. Mike glanced at him, and chuckled.

"Seventh graders can be brutal. Be ready for backup," Mike said with a laugh. Tom smiled. "I'll talk about opportunities. Know what you want to talk about?"

"What I want to talk about and what they want to talk about is completely different. So, I guess after you talk about opportunities, I'll field the what happened out there questions."

"You up for that?" Mike asked quietly, glancing at his friend. Tom hesitated a moment as he seemed to mull Mike's words over in his mind.

"I guess we'll find out," Tom sighed out. Mike glanced at him as the last parent came out of the room. The dad smiled at them and then walked down the hallway. Ms. Tanner popped her head out and motioned that they come in. Mike took a deep breath.

"Here we go," he mumbled then he and Tom walked into the classroom. It was dead quiet in the room. All eyes were staring at them, and Mike felt the nervousness pang him briefly before he slipped into command mode.

"Class, we have a special treat today on career day. Ty Higbee was able to get two Admirals from the United States Navy to come in and talk to you today about the opportunities that are available to you when you reach the age of eighteen. Today we have Admiral Michael Slattery and Admiral Thomas Chandler."

Mike glanced over the seventh-grade faces, all wide eyed and slack jawed except Ty who was staring down at this desk. Mike took a second to watch over him and realized he was drawing. Tom hung back a little as Mike took a spot in front of the class.

"Good morning," Mike began.

"Good morning," the class echoed back, and Mike chuckled.

"I came today to talk to you about what the Navy can do for you," Mike began. The more he talked the easier it came out. He explained the many ways to join the Navy, the differences between enlisting or going through the academy to become an officer. The path of active navy and reserve navy. His ten minutes went fast, and the teacher then encouraged him to continue. Another ten minutes passed, and Mike stopped.

"Do you have any questions?" Mike asked. Tom finally moved up and stood next to Mike. The kids threw out some procedural questions that Mike and Tom took turns answering and clarifying. Then a question came that threw Mike off for a second.

"So, is it true you're Ty's dad?" a boy in the back asked looking at Mike. His surprise escaped for a second before he locked his facial features stoic. He felt Tom's fingers gently grip his bicep and squeeze. Mike's gaze darted to Ty who looked mortified and wide eyed in his seat. Mike locked eyes with him and Ty gave him a pleading look. Mike glanced back at the boy who had asked the question and recognized him as the bully from the day Mike rescued Ty.

"Yes," Mike answered confidently. "Any other questions?" Mike stated immediately after. He felt Tom squeeze one more time then his hand dropped from Mike's arm.

"What was it like when you were making the cure on your ship?" A girl asked quietly. Mike looked at her then glanced at Tom. Tom straightened a little.

"It was a very trying time," Tom boomed out. Mike sunk back a little letting the shock of the previous question roll through him. He glanced at Ty, who had his head down, furiously scratching away at the paper on his desk. Tom continued to talk as Mike thought about the question and wondered what Ty had told them about him. Tom was fielding another question about the Nathan James and the crew.

After a few more questions Mike glanced at the clock and knew they needed to get going soon so they could meet Ginny on time. He glanced at the teacher who seemed to read his dilemma. She stepped forward.

"All right class, that's enough for today. Maybe they can come back on another day and talk about things then," Ms. Tanner said with a smile. The kids all groaned, except Ty. He just glanced up, made quick eye contact with Mike and then dropped his eyes again.

"Maybe another time," Mike said with a smile. He glanced at the teacher. "May I have a moment with Ty in the hallway?"

"Certainly," Ms. Tanner said with a smile then looked at Ty. "Go ahead, Ty."

Tom walked out first followed by Mike. Ty came out slowly, avoiding eye contact. Tom looked between the two of them then looked down at his feet. He then reached out his hand.

"Give me the keys. I'll meet you at the truck," he said quietly. Mike nodded as he fished the keys from his pocket and tossed them into Tom's waiting hand. Tom turned and walked off after that. Mike stood quietly trying to figure out exactly what he wanted to say to Ty.

"I'm sorry," Ty whispered, and he sounded close to tears. Mike brought his eyes to Ty and felt his heart sink for the boy.

"Don't be sorry," Mike sighed. Ty looked up and Mike saw he was holding back tears. "Next time give me a little warning."

"Thanks for saying yes." Ty said as the first tear slipped down his cheek and he hurriedly wiped it away. Mike immediately reached out and pulled Ty against his chest, squeezing his arms tightly around the boy. Ty wrapped his arms around Mike.

"You really want me to be your dad?" Mike whispered as he held the boy tightly. He felt Ty nod his head against his chest and then Mike was fighting to keep his tears at bay. Mike finally loosened his grip and pulled Ty back, his hands still on the boy's shoulders. "We'll talk about this later."

"Okay," Ty said as he wiped at his face and took a deep breath.

"Go back to class. I'll see you when you get home," Mike said. Ty nodded, paused, then rushed in and squeezed Mike in another hug. Mike returned it and rubbed his hand on Ty's back. Ty abruptly pulled away and walked back into the classroom. Mike turned and headed towards his truck. Tom was sitting in the passenger seat with it running when Mike climbed in.

"You, okay?" Tom asked quietly. Mike snorted.

"I was going to ask you the same question," Mike replied glancing over at Tom. He saw the haunted look in his friend's eyes. Tom looked away.

"I'll be fine. What about you?"

"I wasn't expecting that," Mike sighed as he put the truck in gear, and they left the school.

He headed towards the diner to meet Ginny and get Wyatt. They were quiet on the drive as both men drifted into their own thoughts. When they got there, they both agreed to eat lunch before taking Wyatt home. Mike walked in with Tom behind him. They were seated and a waitress came to take their order.

"Hey, is Ginny here yet?" Mike asked, after they had both ordered coffees. The waitress seemed to look him over and hesitate a moment. "I'm picking her boy Wyatt up, I'm Mike." Her eyes brightened and she nodded.

"Oh, yeah, she's in the back with him. I'll let her know you're here."

"Thanks, appreciate it."

Tom sat back in the booth and leaned his head against the top of it. Mike was still al little distracted from the school visit. Both men vaguely registered someone coming in the diner but neither one paid major attention to him. Tom brought his head up to say something to Mike but something else caught his attention.

"We may have an issue brewing," Tom said softly as his eyes squinted. Mike gave him a curious look.

"What?" he asked. Tom continued to watch something at the front of the diner. Mike turned to look over his shoulder and his eyes went wide.

"Shit," he mumbled as he saw Jeremy standing in front of Ginny. She had a look of fear on her face as she shoved Wyatt behind her.

"Problem?" Tom asked. Mike quickly got to his feet, spinning around.

"Yep," Mike tossed out as he made his way to the front of the diner. Tom got up from the booth and followed him. Ginny and Jeremy were arguing now, and Mike quickened his pace. The moment Jeremy reached back and hit Ginny sent a spark through Mike's system. He saw red and moved faster. He squared his shoulder up and ran through Jeremy, his shoulder landing hard between Jeremy's shoulder blades. Both men tumbled to the ground and Mike swung a fist into the side of Jeremy's head.

Mike flipped the other man over and straddled over his hips, pinning him to the ground. Mike took another swing and hit him just under his eye. Mike was pulling back to swing again when he felt his arm hit resistance.

"Mike!" Tom barked in his command voice. "Enough!" Mike felt himself relax. Tom released his arm. Mike pushed to his feet and hauled Jeremy up with him. He leaned in close to the other man's ear.

"You have no business with her. She's mine now. Those boys? Mine now. Stay away. I'm willing to go to prison to protect her. Are you willing to die to get her?" Mike said. He felt Jeremy stiffen in his grasp. Mike pulled back and looked the other man in the eye. He saw fear. Mission accomplished. Mike turned and tossed Jeremy into Tom, who caught him and gave Mike a glare. "Take care of him."

Mike then hurried behind the counter as Ginny stepped forward colliding with him. He wrapped his arms around her, and she buried herself in his chest. He rubbed her back as he laid his head on top of hers. He leaned wrapping her in his whole body.

"Shh, it's okay now," Mike whispered. She squeezed tighter and he could feel her tears against his shirt. He looked around. "Where's Wyatt?"

"I've got him," the other waitress said quickly as she was squatting down behind the counter with Wyatt in front of her. Wyatt struggled against her grip trying to get to Mike. "Let him go," he said gently, and Wyatt ran to Mike holding his arms up.

Mike let go of Ginny long enough to scoop Wyatt onto his hip then wrapped Ginny back up. She seemed to be calming down. Mike looked over to Tom who had Jeremy sitting in a booth. Two cop cars pulled up outside. The cook came out of the kitchen.

"I called the cops when he first came in," the man said. Mike nodded at him.

"Thanks," Mike breathed out. He then raised his hand and lifted Ginny's face by the chin forcing her to look at him. He saw her lip swelling and a small cut on it. He looked back at the cook. "Can you get her some ice?"

"Oh yeah, for sure," the young man said and scampered back into the kitchen. He came back with a damp cloth filled with ice cubes. He handed it over and Ginny took it with a forced smile.

"Thanks," Mike said. "Come on, let's go sit down over there," Mike continued, pointing to a table away from Jeremy. As they were headed that way the cops came in front outside. Tom stepped up, introduced himself, and started to tell them what had happened. Mike sat down at the table with Wyatt in his lap and Ginny next to him. He wrapped his hand around hers and leaned in close. "It's going to be okay now. Just tell them what happened."

Mike watched as one cop talked to Tom and another cop tended to Jeremy while talking to him. The cop talking to Tom kept glancing at Mike and Ginny.

"I'm glad you were here," Ginny said as she twisted her fingers with his. Wyatt was clinging to Mike's neck and Mike leaned his cheek against the top of the boy's head. He nodded slightly to Ginny.

"Me too," Mike whispered to her. He put a little pressure into his lean and wrapped his arm a little tighter around Wyatt. Finally, the cop and Tom walked over to them. Tom slipped into the booth bench opposite them as the cop stood. It took almost an hour but when it was all over, the cops took Jeremy away for assault. Shortly after the cops left with him, the cook came out with cheeseburgers and fries for Tom and Mike.

"Thanks," Tom said as Mike just nodded. Mike looked over at Ginny and squeezed her hand. She looked at him and smiled. Mike nodded shifting Wyatt so he could eat his burger. Wyatt grabbed a fry and ate it.

"Hungry, Little Dude?" Mike asked quietly then ruffled the boy's hair. Wyatt grabbed three more fries and stuffed them in his mouth. Mike chuckled. He looked at Tom who was eating his burger as well, looking lost in thought. "You, good?"

"Hmm?" Tom asked as he brought his eyes up to meet Mike's.

"I asked if you were good. You seem…off."

"Yeah. I'm…good," Tom said with a sigh. Mike nodded. He knew not to push Tom when he was like this. He'd wait until it was just the two of them. He looked over at Ginny.

"What about you?" he asked quietly. Ginny looked up and Mike saw the fear still in her eyes. He gave her a smile.

"I'm okay," she whispered. Mike leaned over and pulled her into his body. He kissed her temple. Tom and Mike finished eating and Mike gathered Wyatt and all his stuff. Tom walked out to the truck while Mike stood at the door to the diner waiting on Ginny. Wyatt squirmed on his hip, and Mike adjusted his grip on the boy.

"Just a minute, Wy," Mike whispered. The boy stilled. Ginny walked up to him and leaned in for a kiss.

"I'll be late tonight," Ginny said softly as her hand rested on his chest. Mike nodded slowly.

"Okay," Mike replied. Ginny leaned in and he kissed her again before he sighed.

"You, okay?" Ginny asked. Mike forced a smile and hugged Wyatt closer.

"Yeah…it's nothing," Mike mumbled. "I'll see you tonight."

"Okay," Ginny said with a frown. Mike smiled again and then headed out the door to his truck.

To Be Continued…