A/N: Hey guys! Sorry, I haven't updated for a while. Been a bit busy making my first feature film. But here's the chapter! SarahSwift2469 helped me think of the plot for this one—she's essentially the reason I updated today. Yeah, she's been nagging me for a while… XD Here it is!

…..

"YES!"

"Aw, man…"

"I win, I totally kicked your ass just then!"

"That's crap, you must've cheated somehow… or it was luck, or, or something!"

"Gazzy, I'm blind and I still beat the crap outta you at this game I have never played before," Iggy smirked, "You suck at this, man."

"No I don't," Gazzy said, throwing his controller on the floor, "This is a stupid game anyway."

"No, it's frickin' awesome," Iggy laughed, "You just suck at it."

Gazzy grumbled some inaudible obscenities, all directed towards Iggy and his uncanny gaming skills, and took a swig of his soft drink. The door to their room swung open, revealing Nudge.

"Hey!" She squealed in greeting, before wrinkling her nose, "Oh my gawd you guys, it smells like, so bad in here."

Iggy threw his hands up, "Not my fault!"

Gazzy kicked him, giving him a sharp look. "Coulda been that year-old pizza you still haven't cleared up!"

"Coulda been the fact you're the freaking Gasman."

"Coulda been the fact you haven't cleaned in here since July!"

"Coulda been the fact you stink at this game."

"Bite me."

"Could have been because you're both boys and you smell awful," Nudge grimaced, delicately turning over a grimy sock with her snakeskin ballet flat and shuddering. "Anyway, I didn't come in here for no reason, you know."

"Maybe you just wanted to see us," Iggy said, "We are your fabulous brothers."

"Well," Gazzy said hastily, "We aren't technically your brothers. Not biologically."

"That was a big word for a little boy, Gazzy." Iggy grinned.

"Bite me," Gazzy snapped. "Anyway, so yeah. I mean, if we were brother and sister, then Max and Fang would also be brother and sister, and we all know they're all the way at Tier 15, so that would be, like, incest…"

"Whoa, Gasman, it was just a comment. Sounds like you've thought about this a lot…" Iggy smirked. Gazzy kicked him.

Nudge laughed. "Anyway, I was just wondering if you guys want to come my friend Lily's party tonight. It's gonna be so cool, and I'm gonna wear those new red shoes with that dress, you know, the one with the lace and yeah, and it's gonna be awesome and I'm bringing Leo! So, what d'ya say?"

Gazzy and Iggy looked at each other. Iggy's unseeing eyes narrowed and a sly smile came over his face. "I'm busy tonight," He said, not taking his eyes off Gazzy, "But I'm sure Gazzy would love to go."

Gazzy frowned, unsure of what Iggy was trying to do. "Um, yeah, I guess…"

"Great!" Nudge squealed, "You can come with me in Leo's car! It'll be so much fun!"

And, with that, she rushed out the door, leaving a confused Gazzy and a sniggering Iggy in her wake.

Oh man… me and her and Leo. Damn. I should've said no. I have better things to do than run around with her stupid boyfriends.

Gazzy had a sudden moment of realisation. "Wait—you—! You—you set me up!"

Iggy was rolling round on the floor in fits of laughter.

"YOU!" Gazzy began whacking him with a pillow, "Now I have to go to the party and be stupid and awkward! You—you sorry excuse for a brother!"

"I thought we weren't brothers," Iggy sniggered, getting another face full of pillow as a reward. "You said that we weren't biological brothers."

Gazzy flushed scarlet. "Yes, well, that's because Nudge was there and I'll never have a chance with her if she thinks we're brother and sister! You're not helping, Iggy!"

With that, he threw the pillow down, flopped back on his beanbag, and groaned. "Now I have to go to the dumb party and Leo will be there and I'll be stupid. Gah!"

"You really like her, man," Iggy flicked his strawberry blonde bangs out of his face. "Why don't you just tell her?"

"She thinks of me as her little brother," Gazzy sighed, retrieving the discarded pillow and burying his face in it. "No thanks to you."

"Look, why don't you just go tell her that you can't go. That something suddenly came up." Iggy yanked the pillow away from Gazzy's face. "It's not that hard."

Gazzy threw the pillow at him. "Okay, fine." He stood up and stamped off. Iggy blew him a kiss as he left, "Love you too."

Gazzy gave him the finger—a waste of energy considering the guy couldn't even see it—and shut the door. Now to find Nudge.

…

"Oh, hey Gazzy! It's so great that you can come to the party tonight." Nudge babbled upon Gazzy entering her room, "I'd be so bummed if you couldn't come. Tonight is gonna be so much fun!"

Gazzy gulped. Damn, he would feel mean if he tried to get out of it now…

"Aha, yeah, about that…" He said, trailing off as Nudge stared at him expectantly, grinning, beautiful, big brown eyes shining.

"Yeah?" She asked.

"Um…"

Gazzy couldn't say he couldn't go now. Maybe he could just go. Maybe it would be okay. Maybe, if he stayed out of her way, he would survive the night.

"Yeah… I just wanted to say… um… ask… what I should wear tonight." Gazzy stumbled over the words, hoping he had formed a coherent sentence.

"Oh, just something casual. Some jeans and a shirt or something. I dunno," Nudge shrugged and then grinned. "I'm so glad you can come. It's your first party, right? Me and Lily and Leo will make sure you have a great time—we can introduce you to some of Leo's friends, it'll be great!"

Gazzy decided not to mention that Leo's friends probably would hate having Nudge's kid brother tagging along with their group. "Uh, yeah, that'd be cool."

"Yeah," Nudge said, "Leo will be here at 8:30, so be ready by then, kay?"

"Kay," Gazzy ran a hand through his sticky-up blonde hair as he walked out of the room, "Bye."

He closed the door behind him and leaned against it, sighing heavily.

Leo. Leo, Leo, Leo. Nudge's boyfriend Leo. He hadn't even met the guy and he hated him already.

He felt another trainwreck night coming on.

…..

Knock knock. Tap tap tap tap tap. Click clack clack click click. Creak, snap. "Hey, Leo!"

It was Nudge's voice that came ringing up the stairs. Gazzy sighed, took one last look in the mirror, ran a hand through his hair to give it that tousled, slightly wild look, and made his way down.

Upon entering the room Gazzy noted Nudge standing at the door wearing a short dress and red high heels, Max leaning against the wall holding a glass of milk, and a guy standing outside the open door. He was blonde and blue-eyed and wore his small smile like a trademark. When Gazzy got closer he also noted he wasn't overly tall—about the same height as Nudge.

"Zephyr," Nudge turned to him with a big grin, "I'd like you to meet Leo. Leo, this is my younger brother, Zephyr."

"Hi," Leo held out his hand.

Gazzy took it firmly and shook it. "Hey."

Leo frowned and regarded him carefully. "Wow, are you the one who's coming with us? How old are you, like, thirteen?"

Gazzy felt his face burning up with embarrassment. His only consolation was that he knew he could beat up Leo in a heartbeat. "No, actually, fifteen. And I'm turning sixteen next month."

Leo gave out a little laugh, "Okay, you're just small for your age."

Gazzy closed his eyes and took several deep breaths. Nobody noticed his discomfort, however, because suddenly Max spoke.

"Monique, you didn't tell me Zephyr was coming…" She said, giving Gazzy a pointed look. "He's a bit young for this, isn't he?"

"I'll look after him, Max," Nudge said quickly.

"But is there alcohol at this party?" Max asked, "In case you haven't noticed, Zephyr's only fifteen."

"There might be, but we'll look after him," Leo said.

Max was silent for a moment. "Okay," She said, "But if you come home drunk, Zephyr, I swear I'm gonna knock you into next week. No, wait, make that next month. Scratch that, next century."

"I get it…" Gazzy grumbled.

"Okay, bye Max!" Nudge gabbled, making her way out the door.

Gazzy was about to follow, but Max pulled him aside.

"The only reason I'm letting you go is so that you can look out for Nudge," She hissed, "I don't trust this Leo guy. At all."

"What, is your voice back?" Gazzy asked, "Is it telling you to watch out for him?"

"No, Gazzy," Max looked at him with a hard expression, "Sometimes you don't need a voice in your head to tell someone is bad news."

And with that, she pushed him out the door.

…..

Gazzy hated the way he looked at her. The way he smiled at her with that smirky, half-grin. It made his skin crawl. He hated the way he slung his arm about her shoulder, one hand casually on the steering wheel. He hated the way he spoke to her in that low, charming voice. He hated the things he said to her, the sexual innuendos and double meanings that made him want to gag.

And equally, he hated the way she laughed at him. The way her eyes gleamed when he smiled at her. He hated the way she would lean into him when he brought her in closer, how receptive she was to him. He hated how her eyelashes fluttered when he spoke to her, the way she would imitate him when she replied. He hated how she would giggle at his sick jokes and grin, raising her eyebrows, at the more suggestive ones.

Gazzy hated this car. He hated it more than anything. His own anger and frustration and hatred were stifling him. The vehicle was choking him.

He needed to get out of there.

A slow smile spread across his face. Damn Leo and his stupid charm. Damn Nudge and her uncanny beauty. The Gasman would just do what he did best.

"Ugh, Gaz—Zephyr," Nudge wrinkled her nose and turned to Gazzy, who was sitting in the back.

"Dude, that's putrid," Leo coughed.

Gazzy tried to contain his laughter. "Sorry, did Monique not tell you about my problem? Yeah, enzyme imbalance. Sorry 'bout that."

"Uh, okay man," Leo held his nose, "Just… yeah."

Nudge scowled at Gazzy. "I'm sure you could've controlled yourself, Zephyr."

Gazzy felt a wave emotions hit him. He hated the way Nudge said his name. He hated the way she reprimanded him. He wasn't a child. She had never been particularly offended by his 'power' before. What was changing?

Was he embarrassing her in front of her little boyfriend?

"Stop the car," Gazzy said suddenly.

Leo pulled over to the side of the road and he and Nudge turned to him, confused and concerned. "What is it, Zephyr?" Nudge asked.

Gazzy got out of the car and Leo wound down the window so he could speak to them. "I… I just think I'll walk. I… I just need some fresh air."

"Oh… okay," Nudge said, still confused, "You do know where Lily lives, right?"

"Yeah," Gazzy said quickly, "See you there," He turned from the window to show this was the end of the conversation, and waited for the sound of the car pulling away before he turned back.

The night was cool and thick. Gazzy scuffed his shoe on the footpath. He could just miss the party. Fly home. But Nudge wouldn't know where he was… she'd probably go out looking for him.

Gazzy sighed. Why did life have to be so goddamn complicated? He swore it had been easier when they were on the run from erasers! At least he hadn't been in love with Nudge back then.

Gazzy sighed again. He spread his wings and took off into the ebony night sky.

…..

It felt like an eternity he had been circling above Lily's house, but Gazzy still couldn't pluck up the courage to land and go inside.

It wasn't even just the Nudge and Leo thing anymore… it was the fact Gazzy had never been to a party. He didn't know how to act at a party. It crossed his mind that maybe he should've stayed with Nudge and Leo—at least then he wouldn't have to walk in alone…

You have to go in eventually! His subconscious told him, heaving an exasperated sigh.

Gazzy knew he did. He just wanted to delay it for as long as he possibly could.

It was 9:30 before he finally landed a couple of houses down and walked into the front yard. It seemed kind of intimidating; there was a group of people sitting on the front porch with drinks, all laughing, and another group of just guys standing just inside the door of the house, smoking something that didn't smell like nicotine.

"Zephyr!"

Gazzy turned to see Nudge's friend, Lily, rushing up to him, her long brown hair pulled back in a high ponytail. "Zephyr, hi!"

"Ah, hi," Gazzy said quickly, looking over her shoulder. Nudge was nowhere to be seen. Maybe she was in the house…

"Come over and sit with us!" Lily continued, grabbing Gazzy's hand.

"The only reason I'm letting you go is so that you can look out for Nudge…"

Gazzy pulled it away again. "Uh, I'd love to. But I'm actually looking for Nudge—do you know where she is?"

"Oh, I dunno, probably in the house," Lily said vaguely. She motioned towards the smokers with a flick of her head, "But you might want to go round the back—I dunno who invited those guys,"

"Okay, thanks," Gazzy edged away from her and made his way around to the back of the house.

Upon getting to the back he saw Nudge was sitting on the deck with Leo and a couple of her other friends. She waved at Gazzy when she caught sight of him. "Hey Zephyr!"

"Hey," He said weakly, making his way towards her.

She shifted over to make room for him on her left. Leo commandeered her right, one hand on her waist and the other clutching a drink.

"Here," He said, passing Gazzy a beer. Gazzy tried not to look alarmed and took it. It was cold and wet in his shaky hands. He couldn't drink this!

"Ah, Leo, I don't think Zephyr should be drinking. He's only fifteen…" Nudge frowned.

"It'll be fine!" Leo dismissed her with a wave of his hand. The beer in his half empty bottle splashed around violently. Gazzy felt sick.

"But—"

"Come on, babe, relax!" Leo said in his best, charming voice, "It's only one drink. Let the kid have a bit of fun, will ya?"

There was the slightest slur in his words. Gazzy eyed up his bottle, wondering how many Leo had had already. He turned to the cold drink in his hands, and up at Nudge. She looked at him with concerned eyes and pursed lips. "Zephyr…"

Gazzy felt something stir inside of him. He wasn't a child. He would show Nudge he wasn't. He uncapped the bottle and took a long swig.

His mouth was on fire. His throat was burning up. Ugh, of all the foul things on this good earth, this had to be the vilest. People drank this stuff for fun? Gazzy tried his best not to gag.

Nudge was still looking at him in concern, but said nothing. Gazzy had another mouthful, just to show he was grown up enough to take it.

…..

The night wore on. Gazzy was trying his best to get through the bottle, but every mouthful was more disgusting than the last.

He was vaguely aware that both Nudge and Leo had left and he was pretty much alone, but he was a little busy trying to source the pain in his temples. The ringing in his ears. The fuzz in his head. Gazzy felt as though he was seasick.

When he put his half-empty bottle down and stood up, a wave of nausea hit him and he had to grab onto a deck chair to stop himself from falling over. And as he tried to walk into the house he felt more uncoordinated than ever.

Another wave of nausea came over him and he began to jog clumsily, dodging people who were standing around, drinking and partying. He embraced the bathroom with open arms, before emptying the contents of his stomach into the toilet.

Gazzy sat back, groaning. He throat was burning and he felt sick and hot all over. Why had he drunk it in the first place? Stupid Nudge. Stupid crush. Stupid Leo. Gazzy cursed everything that came into his mind, feeling himself fill with hatred and contempt. Tears pricked in his eyes. He just wanted to go home…

He got to his feet, shaking. He would find Nudge and tell her he was going.

Gazzy began to walk down the hall, leaning against the wall for support. Where was she? Where had she gone? He saw a flash of blonde coming from one of the rooms. Leo, maybe? He would know where Nudge was…

Upon entering the room Gazzy noted it was Leo.

But he wasn't alone.

Leo had Lily pressed against the wall, and they were kissing. Really kissing. Gazzy stepped back instinctively, before a wave of anger came over him. Leo was cheating. Cheating on Nudge! Cheating on Nudge with one of her best friends!

"Hey!" Gazzy cried, "Come on kiddies, party time's over. You've been caught."

"What?" Leo looked up from Lily, surprised, "What are you doing here, kid?"

Gazzy smiled sweetly, "What are you doing here, Leo?"

"This is none of your business," Leo snapped.

"No," Gazzy said, "But it's Monique's business. And I'm sure she would like to be informed when she has business to attend to."

At that moment, Nudge appeared at the door. "Zephyr? Zephyr, what—"

She froze when she saw Leo and Lily, still holding each other. "…what…"

"Monique!" Leo sprung away from Lily, "I can… I can explain!"

"Yeah, you can," Nudge said coldly, "But I won't be listening. Because I already have all the evidence I need."

"Monique, I'm so sorry, I—" Lily stammered, taking a step towards her.

"Come on, Zephyr, we're leaving," Nudge said, still scowling darkly at Leo. Gazzy could see tears beginning to form in her eyes. "Thanks for the party, Lily. I hope you had as great a time as I had."

"Monique—" Leo and Lily spoke simultaneously, but Nudge grabbed Gazzy by the arm and pulled him towards the front door.

Gazzy struggled in her iron grip, but her fingers were like a vice. It was only when they were out the door and halfway down the street that she let go. Gazzy stumbled and had to practically jog to catch up—Nudge was walking at such a speed it was a wonder she was still walking. He caught sight of her face. Tears were streaming down her cheeks, her mascara leaving black rivers, but her expression remained grim and resolute.

"Nudge," Gazzy said quietly.

Nudge opened her mouth to say something but all that came out was a loud sob.

Gazzy held her while she cried, standing on the sidewalk in the middle of the night. She wept and blubbered and gasped and all Gazzy could do was stand there. Be there for her.

"I knew he was a mistake," She cried, "I knew he was trouble. I knew it would never last. But I… I never thought Lily—"

She broke down and sobbed some more. Gazzy could hardly keep her upright. "Nudge… Nudge, it's gonna be okay."

Nudge didn't respond. Gazzy sighed and put his mouth close to her ear.

"Nudge… you deserve so much better than him. You deserve someone who actually cares about you. You deserve a guy who loves you and would never look at another girl while you still live. And Leo was not that guy. You deserve someone who prizes your life above theirs. You deserve someone who will love you forever."

Someone who will let you cry on their shoulder at 12am in the middle of the street.

"And that person… that person is out there somewhere." Gazzy pulled back he could look at her. "Maybe they're even closer than you think,"

Nudge wiped her eyes and managed a small, shaky smile. "Thanks Gazzy. I think…" She sniffed, "I think you're my favourite brother."

Gazzy smiled back, but the only thought that entered his mind was dripping with sarcasm.

Oh goody, I've been promoted.

…..

A/N: Hope y'all liked it! Review! :)