Chapter Eighty Five

...

"Dad?"

Steve looked at up Will, seeing the questioning expression on his face. He shifted on his chair uncomfortably in response and wondering if he should pre-empt Will's question and refer him on to his mother instead. Unfortunately, Josie was at the office doing important end of financial year things and as Steve only ever seemed to get in the way of those things, he was stuck at home and forced to answer whatever question Will would ask. "Yes, Will?"

Will felt his resolve wavering. He'd spent hours tossing and turning last night, which he hadn't done since his powers kicked in. Will knew he didn't have the guts to ask his mother, but his father wasn't as intimidating, so he just needed to ask. He took a deep breath and said in a rush, "Have you ever been, like, attracted to a, uh, guy?"

Steve's expression turned cold instantly, and Will stepped back instinctively, his heart pounding. He'd never seen his father look so angry before.

"What? Of course not! I'm not a homo! It's that, that teacher, isn't it, at the school? He's the one putting ideas in your head like that! Super Jesus, I knew Jonathan was camp, and my father said not to take him on as a sidekick, but to say things like that is... it's disgusting and wrong! I'll call the school and get him fired, and - "

"Dad! Dad, it wasn't that! Mr. Boy's never said anything. I just... I was curious, that's all," Will said quickly. "It was Lustful's book, she said something about liking girls and guys, so I was just curious."

Will was thankful school was out for summer, but he didn't want his father to leave a message anyway. If anyone accidentally heard whatever message his father would leave, they'd jump to conclusions or make judgements about his father, or worse, himself. Will swallowed hard at the thought. If this was his own father's response, what would his friends and peers think?

"Oh. Good. That's good then. You weren't asking because you were attracted to someone, were you?" Steve asked, his eyes narrowing.

Will thought of the graceful boy who'd fought the thugs in Westville and shook his head. He was obviously just impressed by his fighting style, that's all. It had nothing to do with his hair or face or body.

"No, Dad. I'm not gay."

"Super Jesus, that's a relief. Can you imagine what your grandfather would've said? Or your mother's response?" he asked, chuckling and running a hand through his hair. "Oh, and Will?"

"Yeah, Dad?" Will asked, hoping his voice didn't catch on the lump in his throat.

"Don't mention Lustful again. Your mother hates her, and she's... well, you know what your mother's like," Steve said.

Will nodded. "All right. I'm... gonna go patrol Westville."

"That's my boy. Those villains won't defeat themselves," Steve said firmly.

Will flew out of the house without another word and promised himself to never bring that up again.

...

"Have fun?" Honey asked Ry with a grin.

"Heaps. That training arena is amazing," Ry said, grinning broadly. "I hear you've got several front companies where twelve million dollars is coming through?"

Honey laughed. "A girl's gotta have hobbies. C'mon, I'll drive you home. We'll stop by the Princess Pancake Palace for breakfast."

"Aw, yes, pancakes! Hurry up, you two!" Craig called over his shoulder to Layla and Warren.

"We're right behind you, Craig," Layla said.

"That's, like, five metres. That's an extra five metres away from pancakes."

"I'll cuddle you in the car to make up for it," Warren promised.

"Awesome!"

"There's really a place called Princess Pancake Palace?" Ry asked, grinning.

"Yes, but thankfully, it's no longer hot pink. They've gone with pastel colours, which is more pleasing to the eye at ridiculous o'clock in the morning," Honey said with a laugh.

"If you tell them it's your birthday, you get a tiara and a wand that has a pancake on the end," Craig said.

"They'll only believe two of you, not all of you," Honey said.

"Want to rock for it?" Craig asked, holding out his fist.

"No, dude, you can have one," Warren said, getting into the car.

Craig slid onto the seat beside him, curling his arms around Warren's torso. "You're so warm, like a s'more."

Layla laughed and got in on the other side of Craig, hugging him as well. "A s'more isn't quite how I'd describe Warren."

"You mean 'hot, warm, and gooey' doesn't work?"

"Hmm. Okay, that works," Layla said, laughing against Craig's shoulder.

"I hate both of you," Warren said, reaching around Layla to close the minivan door.

"Nah, you love us. Hey, Ry, you want the other wand and tiara?" Craig asked.

Ry shook his head. "Nah, I'm good. Layla can have it."

"Aw, thank you, Ry," Layla said, smiling. "I think I'd look good in a crown."

"Daisies or thorns?" Craig asked with a snicker.

Layla laughed and a daisy grew in her hands. "Let's see, shall we?"

...

Connor heard a car pull into the driveway and looked out the window to see Honey's minivan. Heading downstairs, Connor opened the front door, a smile twitching on his lips when he saw Warren wearing a tiara, Layla wearing a daisy crown, while Craig was wearing a tiara and sword fighting with Ry, both of them armed with wands.

"We brought pancakes. Mum should be here with the twins soon, but Victor will probably sleep late," Honey said.

"Thanks, Honey," Connor said.

Ry and Craig stopped fighting, though Connor couldn't see if either of them had 'won'. Ry grinned at Connor and hugged him firmly in lieu of a greeting.

"Hey, son. Enjoy your night?" Connor asked, hugging him back.

"Yeah, Papa, I did. The Hive's awesome."

Connor couldn't really see why - the house wasn't that impressive for the most part - but he was glad that Ry had enjoyed himself. "What did you have for dinner last night? I completely forgot to get you guys food."

"Layla made fruit, and Warren baked the best sweet potato chips and honeyed carrots ever," Craig said, grinning.

"It was nothing special," Warren said, shrugging.

"Wait 'til you try his pizza," Honey said with a grin. "Now, everyone get inside. The pancakes are getting cold. No, Craig; you're not having more. You've eaten six already."

"Aw, but I'm hungry. I'm a growing teen, Honey, I need sustenance," Craig said as they headed inside to the kitchen.

"How about some fruit?" Layla offered.

"What've you got?" Craig asked, grinning.

Layla laughed. "Whatever you want."

Warren draped over Craig's shoulders, his tiara askew. "Could I have an apple, hippie?"

"Of course," she said, kissing him over Craig's shoulder. "Is an apple okay for you too, Craig?"

Craig nodded, and in a matter of seconds, he and Warren both had two apples in their hands.

"Ry, would you like anything?"

"Nah, the pancakes were filling. Thanks though, Layla."

"They smell good. Thanks, Honey," Connor said as she took out a container with his stack of pancakes.

"No problem. I'll put Victor's in the fridge for later, okay, Craig?" Honey said, waiting until he nodded with a full mouth before she put the pancakes away. "Edith and Mum should be here shortly. Warren, could you keep the containers warm?"

"Sure," Warren said, taking a large bite of his apple and putting his hand on top of the stack of containers.

"What's your power?" Connor asked curiously, cutting up his pancakes.

Warren's mouth was full, so he set down his half-eaten apple and lit his hand on fire.

Connor's eyes widened and Ry grinned at his father's response. He'd seen all of their powers last night in the training arena. Ry had seen Layla grow a full and dense forest in seconds; had seen Warren weave flames between the trunks without harming a leaf or trunk; had seen the millions of forms that Craig could take. Even then, they still hadn't asked or pressured Ry into telling or demonstrating his power. Craig, Layla, and Warren had fallen asleep in the early hours of the morning, but Ry had been too excited to sleep and went to the training arena to practice with his powers openly and without worry for the first time in a long time.

"Papa? Can we show them today?" Ry asked.

Connor swallowed his mouthful. "Of course, Ryuu. You're comfortable showing your power?"

Ry nodded. "Yeah, Papa, I am. Are you?"

"Yes. I trust you," Connor said, nodding firmly.

"You're gonna show us your power?" Craig asked excitedly, spraying apple and wincing as he wiped off Warren's face.

"We'll get everyone here. Can it be after lunch? Ethan, Zach, and Heidi are at church with Anita and Richard," Layla added.

"Good with me," Connor said, Ry nodding beside him.

For some reason, Honey started laughing behind her hand, her eyes bright. "Oh, never mind me, just... it's going to be amazing," she said with another laugh, then stood and headed to the front door just as the doorbell rang.

"I didn't realise Edith was right behind me or else I would've waited. Hello, dear," Frieda said, rising on her toes to kiss Honey's cheek. "They were angels all night, hardly a peep from them," she added, stroking Elijah's hair and kissing the top of Elliot's head.

"Is Victor all right?" Edith asked, gathering Elijah up in her arms to carry him inside.

Elijah laughed and squirmed, Honey steadying him before picking up their overnight bag so her mother could carry Elliot.

"He's tired but fine. Connor looked after him and Victor's sleeping now. He'll be up around lunch time," Honey promised. "You didn't drive all night to get here, did you?"

"Only half of it. I couldn't sleep anyway," Edith said dismissively. "I am starving though; is there anything to eat?"

"Pancakes and strawberries," Honey said, following the two women to the kitchen.

"Ah, hello, dear. Good morning, cutie," Frieda said, smiling at Layla and Warren.

Warren shook his head and took another large bite of his apple.

"They'll be here around 1pm," Layla said, looking at her phone, then smiled over at Frieda. "Good morning, Frieda. Did you have a good night?"

"Oh, yes. I knitted several booties for these little angels, and started on some hats that I think will suit them."

"Who's coming here, dear?" Edith asked with a slight frown, setting Elijah in his bouncer.

"Um, everyone? Sorry, Edith, we should have checked with you first."

"It's not a problem, dear. I might just need to pop to the shops," she said, looking to the pantry with a frown.

"I'll make whatever you need," Layla said.

"I'll come with you to give you the list of things. Edith, you should rest after you've eaten. You've been driving for too long. We'll get everything ready and get you up in time for lunch, okay?" Honey said, hugging her briefly.

Edith couldn't hold back her yawn and nodded. "All right. Don't let me sleep too long, dear."

"Promise."

Warren and Layla headed out to the backyard hand in hand, Honey following them and leaving Craig to disperse the containers of pancakes.

"What do you think Ry's power will be?" Layla asked curiously.

"You'll find out later. Just relax now, okay?" Honey said, hugging her. "You both ready for the list?"

Layla nodded, Warren glancing to the kitchen window before nodding as well. Honey grinned and started listing out numerous fruits and vegetables for them to grow.

...

Donny frowned as he and Wendy approached Edith's house. "I can hear their excitement from here. No idea why, there's too many thoughts."

Wendy stopped. "Concentrate on... Jewel," she said.

"You know her thoughts turn dirty in a five million foot radius of Grant or Craig, and they're both in there."

Wendy crossed her arms over her chest and waited impatiently.

Donny sighed, ran a hand through his short hair, and concentrated. "She's excited because Craig's excited. Ry's going to show us his power."

"See, that wasn't so difficult, was it?" Wendy asked, kissing him lightly.

A peal of laughter came from behind them and they turned to see Heidi coming up the driveway with Zach, Ethan, Anita, and Richard. She signed to Wendy and Donny, laughing again.

Gross.

"Gross, huh? Just wait 'til you get a boyfriend. Or girlfriend," Anita added. "Unless, of course, you're not interested in sex or kissing, and then you can say it's gross all you like."

"It's totally gross, Heids. Don't listen to 'em," Adam said, signing to her and making Heidi laugh again. "We heading in?" he asked, looking at the group.

"Yeah," Donny said, going to the front door just as Honey opened it. "Hi, Honey."

"Hi, everyone. Come on in. Food's set up in the backyard," she said with a smile.

"Is there cake?" Zach asked, grinning.

"Of course. But leave it 'til after the show, okay?"

"What 'show' is this exactly? We haven't been provided much information," Anita said, frowning after her sons as they headed through the house with Heidi, Adam, Wendy, and Donny.

"Power demonstration, and then possibly a bit of showing off, it's still hard to tell at this stage," Honey said. "No one will get hurt, I promise."

"That's both a relief and a worry, Honey. If you have to promise it, that means something will happen that might end up with someone getting hurt," Anita pointed out.

Richard put an arm around his wife's waist. "She's promised that no one will get hurt, Annie. If Honey's wrong, then we'll deal with her, okay?"

Anita didn't look entirely appeased at that, but she nodded and let Richard lead her inside. Honey tried not to shudder as she saw the thread of what would happen to her if any of the kids did get hurt.

"Hi, Honey! Are you all right?" Robin asked, their eyes widening at the pallor of Honey's face.

Honey forced herself to smile and nod. "Just cold inside and hot outside. I'll be fine," she said.

"You sure?" Terry asked, frowning.

"Positive. Everyone's in the backyard," she said, ushering them both inside and waving to Robin's parents as they drove off. Honey shut the door and followed after them, focusing on a brighter future instead.

"Is that everyone?" Layla asked, looking around the yard where everyone was sitting in the shade, chairs and bean bags set up in a circle around the lawn where Connor and Ry were talking to each other quietly.

"Victor will be down in a moment, but go ahead and start," Honey said with a nod.

"You're sure Victor's all right, dear?" Edith asked, Connor waiting for the answer as well.

"He's fine, I promise. He's been well looked after and his body just needs the extra sleep to recover," Honey said, looking from Edith straight to Connor.

Nodding, Connor looked to his son and grinned. "Ready?"

"Yeah. You want to explain first?" Ry asked.

"All right. Stretch while I talk, good?"

"Good," he replied with a nod.

Connor looked to the gathered crowd, wondering how to start explaining this. His gaze landed on Babs and he smiled, knowing exactly what to say. "Hey, everyone. Okay, so you're all here for a demonstration of Ry's powers, but he's not the only one with powers. It's my power too," Connor said, a few people looking interested at the admission. "My family's power has gone back generations, long before we came to America, and even before history was written rather than passed down orally."

Zach took Ethan's hand in his own, knowing that Ethan was already bursting to ask questions - how many generations did they go back? Why were the Strongholds so celebrated

three generations if Connor's family had had their powers for that long?

"My family's power isn't something we've openly shared, so please keep it between the twenty-five of you," he said with a quick grin. "Everyone knows Babs' power is the instant recognition, knowledge, and ability to speak and read any language once she's seen or heard it. Ry's and my power is similar, but it's the recognition, knowledge, and ability to do any form of fighting technique as soon as we see or read about it. We can mimic hand-to-hand combat, sword fighting, and even use modern-day weapons.

"At the age of eight, Ry read the instruction manual for a GSG-5 semi-automatic rifle and then assembled it blindfolded in under twenty seconds."

"Holy shit."

Connor looked to Ry. "Stretched?"

"Yeah, good."

"We'll demonstrate now. Stay seated and we won't accidentally kick you," Connor said with a quick grin, then turned to face his son, bowing low.

Ry bowed in return, straightened up, and then kicked high. Connor blocked the attack with his forearm and punched out with his free fist, Ry almost knocked off his feet. He gathered his bearings and kicked in quick succession, pushing Connor back a few steps and putting him back on the defensive. Connor ducked under Ry's next high kick, sweeping his foot out and knocking Ry down to the ground.

"Good?" he asked, holding a hand out.

Ry nodded. "Good," he said, taking Connor's offered hand and standing again.

He barely let Connor get into a starting position before Ry tackled him around the waist, getting him down on the grass. Connor let out an oof, grappling to get Ry off him and to get the upper hand again. Ry twisted, but managed to keep Connor down, twisting one arm behind his back and pinning his legs with his own weight. Connor stopped struggling, his body becoming a dead weight beneath Ry. In the split second before Ry tightened his grip, Connor slipped out from under his legs, turning around so that his arm was free and standing all in one fluid motion. He brought Ry up to his feet, one of his larger hands locked around Ry's wrists. Holding Ry up off the ground so it made it harder for him to kick out, Connor winced when Ry caught him in the ribs, the pain sharp but ignored for the moment.

He'd forgotten that Ry was working on his core strength with extra yoga and pilates.

Ry tensed his body, kicking out at either side of Connor until he was dropped, Ry crouching low before flipping backwards out of Connor's reach. Connor rolled his shoulders, jumping lightly on his toes and breathing as he tried to determine if his ribs were okay, keeping a careful eye on his son.

"Good, Papa?" Ry asked, obviously concerned about his attack as well.

His ribs were possibly bruised, but it was nothing that he hadn't dealt with before.

"Good," Connor promised with a smile and nod for Ry to come at him again.

...

Victor stretched and yawned as he got out of bed, rubbing his eyes to clear the sleep from them. Tugging the bathrobe off his body, Victor changed into a pair of loose shorts and a short-sleeved shirt. Following the noise downstairs, Victor wondered why everyone was there.

His mother hadn't planned another party and forgotten to tell him, had she?

Stepping out into the bright daylight outside, Victor's eyes took a moment to adjust. When they finally did, he blinked rapidly, his jaw hanging open.

Obviously, he was still dreaming.

Everyone was seated in a circle around Connor and Ry who were fighting for some reason, but Victor only realised this as a dim thought. All of his attention was focused on Connor, who was wearing a singlet and shorts, barefoot on the grass, and covered in a sheen of sweat that made his body shine. Victor felt his mouth water at the sight, wondering if Connor would look like this when they were sweaty from sex.

God, he'd look amazing, his body bare and sweaty, and by the looks of his clinging shirt, his muscles tense and numerous.

"Victor? You should probably sit down. I saved you a seat," Honey said with what was definitely a wink.

Victor would've been embarrassed if he could bring himself to look away from Connor. He was suddenly glad for his decision to wear loose shorts, rather than a tighter pair.

Maybe he could get away with watching Connor's display of grace and physique without anyone noticing his raging hard on.

Honey led him to a chair, Victor's knees going weak when Connor kicked up high, his thigh muscles tense and straining. Victor couldn't tear his eyes away from Connor's form, the determination on his face, seeing the decisions he made in each change and split second as he kicked, punched, grappled, and twisted out of Ry's reach.

Minutes or hours could have passed, and just when Victor thought he was safe, Connor and Ry stepped back from one another, and Connor looked directly at Victor. His gaze was intense and somehow Victor felt like he and Connor were the only two people in the world at that moment. The spell was broken by Connor somersaulting backwards to avoid Ry's unexpected attack.

"Hey, Ry! Use these," Craig called, grinning as he threw the two wands to him.

Ry laughed and gave a brief nod, handing one of the wands to his father.

"Not my usual style, but let's see what we can do here," Connor said, grinning.

Victor couldn't help but let his gaze fall to Connor's chest, his singlet still clinging to his body and making every breath and muscle obvious. Since he couldn't seem to remember how to breathe himself, Victor breathed in time with the rise and fall of Connor's chest, hardly aware of the continuing fight between father and son.

He blinked when the crowd applauded loudly and Honey broke up the fight, telling the gathered group to go relax and cool off in the pool. Victor looked over to Connor, who had removed his sweaty shirt to wipe at the sweat on his face and body, his tattoos stark against his skin, and Victor couldn't move or tear his gaze away. The Commander and Jetstream could've landed in the backyard and Victor wouldn't have noticed a damn thing.

Fucking hell, the loose shorts weren't loose enough.

"All right, darling?" Connor asked when he and Victor were the only two in the backyard, Honey leaving them alone with a knowing smirk.

Victor opened and closed his mouth a few times, his arms crossed over his lap in a way that might've been casual if not for the blush on his cheeks. "You're a fighter?"

"I consider myself to be a lover first," Connor replied, grinning warm and broad when Victor's blush increased. "But yes, my power is fighting. Ry's too," he added, a little more seriously. "Are you feeling better after your sleep?"

Victor nodded, grateful for the change in topic. "Much better. Thank you for... well, everything."

"Any time, darling," Connor said. "Come with me?"

"What?"

"I'm thirsty and you still look weak in the knees," Connor said, looking Victor over, his gaze lingering on his crotch for a moment.

"I'll... uh, be right in."

"I won't judge you for a thing, darling," he promised, holding a hand out.

Victor tried to think of something other than Connor's broad palm, the callouses on his fingers, the sweat still lingering on his body. It was hard when those things were right there, but Victor managed to get himself under control enough to take Connor's hand and let him lift him to a standing position. Connor lifted him with ease, as though Victor weighed nothing, and Victor wondered what it would be like to be held and manhandled by him. A small shiver went through his body at the thought, goosebumps on his arms as Connor guided him inside with a hand on the small of Victor's back.

The cool air inside washed over Victor and he relaxed an iota now that he wasn't outside in the heat. Beside him, Connor was affected in a different way, the sweat on his body rapidly cooling and making his nipples hard. Victor licked his lips at the sight.

Connor forced himself to step away from Victor so he could get a drink. He really was thirsty and if he kept looking at the beautiful man's blush and lust-dark eyes, Connor wasn't sure he'd be able to wait as long as he'd promised. He finished his third glass of water when he heard Victor crossing the kitchen. Connor could feel the warmth of Victor's hand, though Victor didn't actually touch him.

"Do they hurt?" Victor asked.

Connor winced. He'd forgotten about the scars on his back. He didn't usually take his shirt off in front of a crowd, but he hadn't even thought about it five minutes ago. His singlet was still a sweat-soaked mess and Connor didn't have a spare shirt to wear. "Sometimes, yes," he murmured.

"Do they hurt now?"

Connor shook his head and turned around, somewhat startled at how close Victor was. "I'll be fine, darling."

Victor smiled at the endearment and rubbed his arms, as though he was cold.

"Do you have a spare shirt? I'd prefer not to walk around half-naked with so many children present."

Victor doubted anyone would care if Connor walked around shirtless, but he nodded. "I've got one in my room. I'll go get it," he said, lingering for a second longer as though he wanted Connor to go with him.

Connor forced himself to stay where he was. Being in Victor's room again, with Victor blushing and alert and willing, Connor knew he would have a difficult time resisting the urge to press Victor onto the bed and kiss him until he was a begging mess.

Literally, as well as figuratively, Connor thought, biting his lip as he watched Victor leave, trying not to stare at the man's ass. For longer than five seconds, at least.

He had another glass of water, rolling his shoulders and feeling his ribs gingerly.

Ry was getting stronger, Connor thought with a smile.

"Papa, what are you doing?" Ry asked from the kitchen doorway.

"Recovering from our fight," he replied, smiling. "What's wrong?" Connor said when he saw Ry's annoyed expression.

"Honey made me get out the pool to tell you you're being an idiot. Go after him," Ry said with a roll of his eyes, gently pushing Connor towards the kitchen's exit.

Connor was upstairs in a matter of seconds, startling Victor who was standing at his dresser, obviously trying to find a shirt that would fit Connor's larger frame.

Unsure what to do now - he wasn't one for taking without permission, and Connor wasn't sure he could find his voice just then - Connor looked at Victor, trying to get his intentions through to the other man silently.

"Connor? Are you okay?" Victor asked, stepping forward with a shirt in his hand.

Nodding, Connor moved across the room in four long strides, stopping shy of Victor's body and feeling satisfaction when he saw the brief look of disappointment on Victor's face. "Can I kiss you, darling?" he asked breathlessly.

"Fuck, yes. Please," Victor breathed.

They both closed the last distance between their bodies, their mouths meeting and Victor melting against Connor's chest.

All Victor could think was 'finally'.

...

Warren relaxed in the pool, watching as Layla raced Babs down the length of the pool, the older woman only a hand's length in front of his girlfriend. Honey sat on the edge of the pool, her legs dangling in the cool water.

"Hey, Honey. How are you?" Warren asked.

She shrugged. "Menstruating, so I could be better. You?"

"Not menstruating, so fine," he said with a slight grin. "D'you need anything?"

"Wouldn't say no to a bit of heat, if you don't mind?" Honey asked. "Cramps are a bitch."

Warren could only nod, not knowing what they felt like himself, and pulled himself out of the water to sit beside her. "Here okay?" he asked, putting his hand flat against her stomach.

"Tiny bit lower, ooh yeah, there. Ugh, thanks. Now, if only someone could bring me chocolate, I'd be in heaven," Honey said, grinning.

"That's easily arranged. Zach," Warren called. "Any leftover chocolate?"

Zach nodded. "Yeah, I think so."

"Can you bring some for Honey?"

"Sure," Zach said, leaving with Ethan.

"They won't be back for a while," Honey said with a laugh, then winced and focused on her breathing as her back twinged with another cramp.

"Don't worry, I've got that covered too," Warren said, increasing the heat on his hand gently before waving Heidi over with his free hand. "Get Zach and Ethan for me, please?" he asked.

Heidi grinned, nodded, and left after her brothers.

"Thank you, Warren. Race is ending," Honey said, nodding back to the pool.

Warren looked, just in time to see Babs win by a finger length, Layla hitting the wall less than a second after her.

"That was so close! I didn't think you'd be good at swimming honestly, Lay," Craig admitted.

"Why not?" Layla asked as she climbed out of the pool, ringing out her braid and wrapping her towel around her body.

"Plants and water, just... doesn't seem right, y'know?"

She laughed. "Tell that to grape ivy, rice, lilies, and seaweed."

"Oh. Right. Still, they don't swim."

"You're being a dork, dude. Sit down," Adam said, rolling his eyes.

Craig poked his tongue out at Adam, but let himself be tugged over to the jacuzzi by Grant and Jewel without protest.

"Anyone else want to race?" Babs asked with a smile, looking at the group.

Richard shook his head from where he and Anita were bobbing the twins in the shallow end of the pool. Elijah and Elliot were both smiling and kicking at the water with their feet, waving their arms in the large inflatable floaties.

"Can I?" Ry asked shyly.

"Of course, dear. In you get," Babs said, nodding to the lane beside her.

Layla sat on the other side of Honey. "You okay, Honey?"

"Cramps," she replied.

"Do you need something for your back?" Layla asked, her voice soft.

"Yes, please. Not too hot," Honey added.

Layla nodded, concentrating on keeping her temperature to a reasonable level. Her body was cool from the water, so she didn't want to overheat as a result and hurt Honey. Placing her hand on Honey's back, Layla looked to her friend. "Okay?"

"Perfect. Thank you," Honey said, tension slowly leaking from her shoulders and her body relaxing.

"We brought the chocolate," Ethan said, adjusting his glasses.

"That was cruel, sending Heids down for us," Zach muttered, handing the block of chocolate to Honey.

"It's no less than you deserved," Warren said with a grin. "Besides, you're an hour early."

"We re-worked the schedule. Now I have to wait until 9:35pm tonight," Zach said with a pout.

"Give us the new schedule and we'll stop interrupting you," Layla said. "Unless it's urgent," she added.

Ethan unlocked his phone and sent the schedule to their group chat within a minute, looking as annoyed as Layla or Warren had ever seen him before. "That's three times we've been interrupted. I have half a mind to swap the study session to make up for this."

Zach sighed and shook his head. "It's not worth it, Eth. It'll put the rest of the week out of whack, and that will annoy you more than this. Let's just... I dunno, watch a movie? We can cuddle, yeah?" he asked hopefully.

Ethan nodded, fixing his glasses. "Yes, we can cuddle," he said, smiling when Zach literally lit up.

"Awesome! Love you, Eth," Zach said, kissing him briefly.

"Love you, too."

...

End of the eighty-fifth chapter.

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