A/N: This chapter is long overdue and I would just like to say that the reason it took me so long to post was because of two things. First, school and work are on full-blast again and the time management is becoming a problem. Second, I wasn't sure how quickly I wanted this to go and how much I wanted to skip around so I should warn you all that after this time skips will be coming around more often and I hope this chapter helps transition you guys into that. As always, thanks for the patience.

TakersDarkLover: They are! And I hope it does too.

AnetteBP: That wasn't even sex! It was a sloppy handjob, B) but I'm glad you enjoyed it.

SamoRolly: The intimate moments will come.. just gotta wade through the angst first. :)

BigSister2: Thank you very much and yeah she's something.

Casper97: Thank you! I will. I'm not sure how long that will take but this is my favorite story so far and I plan on taking it all the way through.

TriggerWarnings: depression, self-loathing, anxiety attack, mentions of bullying

The tank was full, their car crammed with snacks as well as some packaged sandwiches and meal bars to help sate their athletic metabolisms so Nate and Randy headed over to Gould Park. Nate was quiet for the first few minutes, just singing along to the radio with his older brother as if nothing was wrong. Truthfully, he didn't want to talk about it but he'd been researching a lot about personalities and he guessed most of the things he said based off symptoms. There must have been some truth to that though because Randy had been silent; his older brother hadn't even denied that he hated himself. Nate chewed on his lower lip, fear coiling up because he wasn't prepared to deal with this. What child was?

Randy gleefully bellowed out the last line for the song they'd been singing before casting a quick glance at his little brother. The pubescent boy was singing still but this time with a faraway look on his face. The football player recognized it immediately. He had that look himself when he started seeing more than he was supposed to. The young adult swallowed and turned down the music so they could talk over it. "Where do you want to start?"

Nate looked at his lap, shoulders lifting slightly. "I dunno.."

He sighed, "Well I do. You know what mom told you was a lie, right? You have the skills and patience to become an amazing soccer player, Nate. Everything takes practice.. she just needs to.. remember that sometimes." Randy was trying extremely hard not to badmouth Elaine in front of Nate because his goal wasn't to get his little brother to hate their mom; it was to make him realize that the hurtful things that came out of her mouth weren't his problem, they were Elaine's own demons that were now eating her alive.

"We did lose it for a dumb reason.."

"Even professionals make mistakes, Nate. This isn't about you. It's about her. Her head isn't in the right place anymore so she spews her own self-doubts on everyone around her so that the façade can stay in place in the neighborhood."

"But.. you have self-doubts. If it was really about that, wouldn't you tell me the same things?"

He winced at that, "…No."

"Wh—.."

"Because, NATE! I'm not that much of a fucking asshole!"

He looked out the window, pouting a bit to himself. Deep down Nate knew it was true but it didn't make sense to him. At this age he needed everything to be black and white; needed the universe to follow the same rules and when it didn't he couldn't grasp it.

"…I'm sorry."

Silence, Nate began chewing his lip again as he picked at his fingers.

Randy sighed, grasping the wheel tighter before breathing deeply a few times and releasing the hard plastic of the wheel. "What I meant was that everyone handles things in different ways. Mom drinks and turns that anger outwards.. I.. hide in schoolwork and music and.. turn everything inwards." Hearing himself say that made Randy tear up. It didn't make sense. It never made sense why he did this but he just couldn't stop.

"H-how?"

"How what?"

Nate fidgeted, still staring out the window as he saw the suburbs turn into city land "How do you turn everything inwards?"

"I don't know. I just do. Why am I going to scream at my friends or you about how I think they're messing up if none of that is true and I really just think that about myself."

"You don't mess everything up…"

Randy ignored that, gripping the wheel again and focusing on the road again. It was starting to get blurry so he had to exert most of his cognitive resources to mapping out the road to the park.

"I messed this last game up.."

Randy exhaled, shaking his head and looking at Nate. He was pissed now. Pissed at Elaine for planting her seed of evil and self-doubt so deep inside this family that even the youngest was sure he was a failure. "You did not.. it takes a damn team to win games, Nate. Even if Pelé was on a team they would still lose if the team didn't act like one. Everyone messes up. The loss was on all of you not just you."

"Okay.."

He sighed again, "Don't just say that, Nate. You can't give up on yourself.. that's how we let this shit win.. know that you'll get out of this and at some point you'll realize mom is just screaming at nothing and at everything at the same time. But until then.. I'm here, I'll remind you."

"…and who reminds you?"

Randy felt his grip weaken on the steering wheel. It felt as if all the air had been kicked out of his lungs; heart began hammering now as his blood rushed to his head. His vision became blurred so he forced himself to pull over at the edge of a rather lonely suburb street.

"Ran-Ran?"

He inhaled sharply, fists clenching right after he put the car on park. His nails dug into his palms as he tried to get a hold of himself. He could hear Nate saying something but all he got out of it was a slight beeping. Randy rested his head on the steering wheel once he realized what was happening, ignoring the pounding in his head and the ice-cold numbness in his hands as he began breathing deeply. Minutes ticked by. He held his breath for three seconds then continued the same thing until the beeping got quieter and he could make out Nate's panicked voice. The youngest Orton had been shaking Randy's arm and Randy hadn't even noticed until now. He felt something wet and cold on his face and swiped at the chilled tears before looking up at Nate. "I'm sorry."

"What?!" Nate let himself cry then too, holding Randy tight and shaking his head as he bawled into his brother's arm. "I was so scared."

Randy sighed and petted through Nate's hair the way their father did to both of them when they were upset or when they needed comfort. "I'm sorry.." he repeated, hugging Nate tight.

"Stop… y-you need someone too, Randy. I have you.. but.. this.." he started crying again, unable to even formulate a coherent thought. Nate clung to Randy until the sobs died away. He held onto his older brother until Randy's breathing evened out enough for him to know that they were both better after that. The small boy dropped his hands and stared at his lap, "It doesn't make sense."

Randy nodded, cleaning up his face and reaching over to squeeze Nate's shoulder. "I know.."

"Why doesn't it make sense?"

"I don't know."

"Randy.."

"Yeah?"

"Nevermind.." he sighed, unwilling to admit that he just needed to hear his brother's voice as if just knowing he wasn't alone soothed him. Nate straightened up again and buckled his seatbelt before looking over at Randy, "Gould Park?"

He smiled softly. It was a small smile but it was a genuine one. Randy leaned over and kissed Nate's forehead, "Yeah.. Gould Park."

Nate smiled. He knew now that it was useless to ask his brother about his own resources for help because clearly it was off the table. That was okay for him though, they had more than enough to talk about.

The conversation about Elaine was shorter than Randy thought it would be; Nate didn't question why his older brother didn't like their mom. The one about Becky was much harder; Randy had to stop Nate every so often to fully understand what the youngest was saying. His world was changing. His little sister was crying for help too but no one was listening because she did the same thing as Elaine. Of course she did; she had to take after someone. He needed to do something about this but first he needed to nurse all of them back to health. They all needed an environment that was clean of toxins and the bile Elaine threw at them.

"Shit."

Nate stopped humming the song he'd been singing and rolled his eyes as he pointed to another parking spot, "Just take that one.."

Randy laughed, rolling his eyes at his little brother's blissful ignorance to all the shit going on in his head. He parked the car and messed up Nate's hair, "Get the stuff!"

…

Randy was more than happy to spend the entire time at the park playing around and hiking and kicking a ball around because it'd been too long since Nate and him had time to themselves. He never asked for it because the only times he was free were when Bob was out on trips. The football player laughed and jogged back to the car, looking back at Nate and screaming. "You gotta run quicker than that if ya think you're gonna practice with the high school team!"

By the time they started packing everything back into the car the sun was setting and Nate was already yawning. Randy smirked a bit as he decided to put everything away himself since he made the younger Orton unpack everything. He hummed quietly to himself as he did so, letting Nate enjoy the last few moments of fresh mountain air that he'd get for a while. When he was done he walked over to the boy and wrapped an arm around him. "Nate.."

"Mm?"

"I need to tell you something important before we head back.." he fidgeted and Nate looked at him, still happy but now a small shade of worry was clouding his gaze.

"What is it?"

Randy smiled softly and headbutted the boy gently before sighing, "—I promise this will get better. Not on its own but, we have to work for it.. I just need to know that you still believe in yourself."

Nate smiled, "I just whooped your ass with a ball.. I think I believe in myself enough."

The older Orton scoffed and punched Nate gently on the arm but accepted that cocky response as enough for right now. He smiled and watched the sunset with his brother.

"That it?"

Nate was perceptive. He knew when Randy was holding back and when the male was nervous and even right now that they were both running on sugar and junk food Nate was able to pick up on the subtle changes in Randy's posture. "No.. I need to prepare you for some change.. I'm not sure when or how but.. Dad said that .. stuff's gonna happen at the house."

Nate looked down at the ground, "Oh.." he knew what that meant. Randy wouldn't say it to him but Nate was smart beyond his years and he was well-aware that a custody battle would be in their future. The only thing he could say after that was, "—Beck.."

Randy nodded, frowning softly as he held his little brother closer. "We have to let her choose but.. I'm going to ask a few of my teachers for help, promise."

Nate looked at his older brother through wide eyes. He would never understand how Randy bared the weight of their lives alone. But he also knew better than to bring it up again so he just sighed and hugged Randy harder than he had before. "I love you."

Randy smiled and looked down at Nate, eyes swelling just a bit before he kissed the top of his brother's head. "Love you too, kid.." He felt Nate yawn against him and laughed. "Alright.. we gotta get back."

Nate grumbled but sleepily walked over to the car.

The football player glanced at his watch. They would just have enough time to make it before curfew. He smiled and picked up his phone to type out a quick text.

[ To: Old Man ] Just letting you know we are heading back.

[ To: Old Man ] Should be back before curfew. Talk soon!

He didn't wait for a response and instead started the car, needing to get them to the house as soon as possible. Randy glanced over to Nate after a few minutes on the road and smirked when he saw the boy sleeping against the window. He didn't blame him. He'd be exhausted too if he just got that much information thrown at him. Randy turned up the music, changing it to the newest Fall Out Boy CD that Seth insisted he listen to. He found himself drumming his fingers along to the beat as he drove them back to the house.

…

Randy tapped his pencil on the desk, looking out the window and frowning to himself as he thought about everything he had to do and more importantly how that would change everything.

"Señor Orton, ¿me puededecir que es tan interesanteafuera?"

Randy didn't miss a beat. He looked up at Señor Del Rio, "Nada, Señor. – ah .. tengo mucho enmíamente."

He clicked his tongue and corrected the teen, "Mimente.."

Randy nodded his head and smiled softly at the man. He had a feeling that if he wasn't already the second best in that class Del Rio would have given him hell for zoning out during lecture. Still, he was forced to pay attention now and scribble notes on his notebook until the end of class.

When the final bell rang Randy wrote down the homework assignment and put his things away. He didn't notice Mr. Del Rio walking up to him when the rest of the students filed out. Randy jumped a bit when the man's voice rang out so close to him.

"Want to tell someone what is happenin'?"

Randy smiled but shook his head, "I.. uh, no. I just have a lot of assignments coming up."

"You never let work pile up on you.." he commented. He'd known this boy for four and a half years now and not once did Randy let himself slip.

Randy fidgeted, "I have to go.."

Mr. Del Rio nodded and smiled at Randy as he moved out of his way. "It's okay to ask for help when you need it."

Randy stared at his teacher in disbelief, shaking his head a bit and trying to play it off but he knew he couldn't lie to the man that'd known him throughout high school so instead he let out a defeated: "Thanks.."

"You don't have to ask me, or anyone here.. pero if you want referrals.. los tengo."

Randy nodded again, "Gracias.." Mr. Del Rio didn't respond so Randy thanked him again and walked out of the room. He felt some relief from that brief conversation but a part of him didn't want to admit that he needed anyone's help with his emotions.

He was shaken up as he walked out to his car to leave his school stuff and pick up his practice gear. Randy pressed the alarm button on his remote once he got his things and hustled to the locker room.

Seth could see Randy was in a rush but their phone call last night hadn't been the best so he just needed to check in on the football player. He jogged over to him and nudged him softly, "Hey.. are we still on for after practice?" dumb question, he knew they were but he needed an excuse.

Randy turned and smiled softly at the two-toned male, "Hey. Y- -actually, no. Mind if we do that tomorrow instead?" He wasn't in the right mind to be giving anyone lessons no matter how well he understood the subject.

Seth frowned, making a move to grab Randy's hand like he usually did but he refrained himself when he remembered that they were in school. "Oh.. uh, that's okay.. but are you alright?" he leaned up just enough to make Randy meet his gaze.

The football player nodded slowly and took Seth's hands before realizing what he did. "Yeah. I just have too much to sort out and.." he blushed then, rubbing his thumbs over Seth's hands as if to calm himself down. Randy had to remember that Seth knew him in ways most people did not. "—I actually wanted to talk to you about some of the stuff that went on yesterday? My head isn't feelin' up to calc today." He smiled apologetically and leaned over to press their foreheads together. Randy normally wasn't one for PDA especially when it was intimate moments like these but something about Seth just made him seek out the male's touch and feed off that warmth the Iowan gave off. "I just need a break day and I'm sure you do too." He grinned at that last part, breath hitching when Seth laughed softly.

"No. That's okay. I was just making sure you were good because I know a lot happened last night." And by a lot he meant that Nate and Randy talked about family issues like Randy's self-hate and their mom's drinking and their sister's eating disorder. It was plenty to digest.

"I'm fine.." he tried, sighing a bit after that and shaking his head as he pressed a kiss to Seth's lips. It was barely a touch of skin but it filled him with heat and comfort and most of the good things Randy had not experienced in quite a while. "..I mean I will be okay. I'm hopin' practice lets me take out some of this restlessness. And.. I just need to be with you for a while. Just us."

Seth blinked back at the light press of lips, small smile on his face. He'd never get used to being able to kiss like this in school without worrying about getting gang-jumped on his way home. The Iowan could see the way Randy looked almost bashful at admitting that he just needed them to be alone and it only made him feel happier. This man was opening up to him. To the random little town boy from Iowa with the scars and the nightmares. Randy Orton was trusting Seth enough to get this close. His smile widened at that thought and he leaned the rest of the way to kiss Randy. His kiss was lingering but it was still slow, mostly showing Randy that he appreciated the honesty. "You need a break too, superstar. I'll see you after practice, okay?"

"Y-yeah. See ya, babe." Randy's cheeks warmed up when Seth gave him a look of disbelief mixed with joy at the pet name and he looked down to his shoes.

Seth chuckled and pulled his hands out of Randy's grip to wrap his arms around the man, "I'll see you." he whispered against Randy's chest before letting him go and running off to practice. The Iowan was pretty sure he'd just made both of them late to practice but it was worth it knowing that they'd just get to hang out afterwards.

Practice was uneventful after Coach Calaway made them speed up drills because nationals wouldn't be anything like what they were used to. Randy was grateful for the distraction from his thoughts and from the questions he was sure Cody and John had for him. They'd been giving him that 'I pity you but I'm trying to hide it look' all day and it was making him want to puke. Fortunately after the last set of drills and sprints he finished in second only to Cody so he was able to take a quick shower and change into a hoodie and jeans before rushing out to meet Seth.

Seth wasn't sure what he was expecting on their not official first date but he was rather sad that all he had in his locker was a loose band tee. He'd been wanting to show Randy how toned he was getting but now the only thing that was really accented was Seth's pert ass. The Iowan couldn't help but blush at the thought of Randy even noticing. He bit his lip and ducked his head as he walked towards Randy's car.

Randy could notice the blush on Seth's cheeks even though the teen was looking down and he was still a good distance away. It made him smile as he waited for Seth and slid his fingers through the belt loops on the male's jeans before pulling him close. "What's on your mind?" He wondered, leaning down to press a kiss on Seth's temple before letting the teen go because –well, both of them were still getting used to this kind of stuff.

"Uh –heh.."

He lifted a brow.

"Just.. kinda nervous about this?"

"The date?"

Seth's cheeks flushed deeply, "It is a date.."

"..don't sound so happy." He chuckled before helping Seth toss his bag in the back then opening the door for the teen.

"No! Oh my god—no! I am happy.. it is just.. I'm not really well-dressed."

Randy laughed, "Wow." He waited for Seth to sit down before leaning over the teen and grinning as he whispered, "—if it helps, I think you look sexy all the time. And right now? cute too.." he teased.

Seth was grateful that Randy didn't wait for an answer because all he could do was gape at the football player as Randy shut the door and buckled himself up. He'd barely managed to shut his mouth when Randy started the car and drove them to wherever they were going. Seth started biting his lip again before he felt Randy's hand rest on his thigh and he looked over at the teen. There was no way the swimmer would be able to stay nervous or shy after the warmth that filled him; Seth placed a hand over Randy's and watched him drive.

Randy didn't take long to get them to the ice cream shop, feeling his cheeks heat up the slightest amount when he could see Seth staring at him through his periphery. "I.. was hoping we could get ice cream or hot chocolate.. they sell that too –and pick up some fast food through the drive-thru then just.. enjoy it at the beach?"

Seth's smile only got wider the more Randy kept talking. He leaned over and hugged the teen before grinning "..and I'm the cute one." He pulled back and scanned Randy's face, just now noticing the way the football player's eyes looked tired. Randy still looked amazing. "If we can get chicken on the way over then it is perfect." He was aware that the weather was getting just a bit colder so he would probably get hot chocolate since they would be at the beach.

Randy of course agreed to that and waited for Seth to order before getting a hot chocolate as well. He paid for the drinks then they headed back out and Randy could see the slight hesitation in Seth's face. The football player frowned, "..what?"

"I.. just .. I—dunno. I'm not used to people spending money on me."

He blinked, "..and I'm not used to having anyone worth spending it on."

Seth held his cup between his hands, smiling despite the slight embarrassment in the situation. Leave it to Randy to make him feel like he was doing him a favor by spending his money.

When Seth didn't say anything Randy just nudged the male subtly, hoping to get at least a glance as they got to the car.

Seth grinned at Randy and just got comfortable as they made their way to the beach. They didn't talk much even when they stopped for chicken and fries but Seth liked the companionable silence filled only with soft rock.

Randy had sealed their bag and made sure it was as far back as it could be so they could enjoy their hot chocolate on the way to the beach. When they got to the reserved parking area Randy killed the engine and turned to face Seth. "Ready?"

Seth had a pretty decent view of the beach from where they were and though it didn't look too cold he knew better. He bit his lip and looked down at his cup "Y-yeah.."

"Why did that sound like a question?"

He laughed, "Uh because I know you're used to it but it's kinda cold out now and.. I'm dreading it."

Randy smirked and leaned over to pat the male's shoulder in a teasing manner, "You know I always come prepared." He slid out after that and opened up one of his overnight bags behind his seat before pulling out a thin, fleece blanket he'd planned on wrapping around them as well as taking out one of his hoodies for Seth. "This okay?"

Seth breathed out a sigh of relief. Instead of answering Randy he set the cup on the trunk of the car and pulled the hoodie over his head. He inhaled deeply after he did; he never noticed how unique Randy's clothes smelled. They smelled just like the football player did in the mornings. Seth could feel Randy's eyes on him so he cleared his throat and picked up the hot chocolate before taking the fast food bag out and smiling at Randy "Thank you."

Randy nodded and held the blanket in one hand and his hot chocolate in the other as they made their way over towards the far side of the beach and the alcove they met at.

Seth was quiet the first few minutes they sat on the rock, swinging his legs softly as he looked out to the rising tide. He sipped his hot chocolate and leaned close to Randy just close enough so their arms were pressed against each other. He knew Randy needed time to prepare his thoughts and that was okay for him. Seth was glad Randy even wanted to open up this soon after last night. The Iowan set his empty cup down and took Randy's hand in both of his, squeezing and relaxing his grip every so often as he looked out at the water. "I was scared last night.. when you called me?" Randy's body tensed slightly and Seth took one of his hands and began running it up Randy's covered arm. "—you sounded terrified and overwhelmed.. and I know what that can do. Then you told me your dad was in the house and I don't even know him but that made me relaxed. The way you said it –like you knew without a doubt how much love he has for you." Seth smiled and rested his head on Randy's shoulder. "..then I knew you'd be okay. I would have just gone over to your house to try and help but.. I'm not sure how that would go. Didn't want to make things worse for you."

Randy couldn't help but look over at Seth, watching the way his nose scrunched up as the worry showed through his voice. "I called you because I needed to calm down.. I remembered us saying we'd take it one day at a time and –that just calmed me down for some reason as soon as you picked up the phone."

"Good." He exhaled and huddled closer to Randy.

"The reason I was so tense wasn't even because of the conversation I had with Nate. Kid's smart and .. I shoulda never underestimated how perceptive he is." Seth's silence let Randy know it was okay to just keep rambling on to him. "—I mean the shit we talked about.. that was intense and I can't help but feel pressured to do something about it.. like it's my responsibility to take care of 'em." A pause as he moved to wrap an arm around Seth, "But before we went out.. something my dad told me just.. scares me."

When Randy was quiet for too long Seth rubbed his thigh softly, "..what did he say?"

"…that things are going to change around the house.."

"But why is that bad?"

Randy shook his head, "—he said it after he and Elaine had an argument.. She finally slipped in front of him and treated us like crap in front of Dad." He explained, biting his lip in that nervous habit he had as he began rubbing at his wrist. "The way he said it.. when he said it," he shook his head, "—it sounds like divorce is a likely possibility."

Seth must have been missing something because to him the idea of Elaine getting out of Randy's life seemed like a great first step in all their healing. Still, he didn't say anything and just squeezed Randy's thigh as he waited for the teen to continue.

"I mean I don't want her around.. she.. she hasn't been a mother in a long time." That hurt to admit. Hearing those words aloud only made Randy feel guilty as if judging his mother's parenting was something he had no right to do. The rubbing of his wrist got faster, eyes skimming over the rolling waves. "But I'm smart enough to know that chances are she'd win at least joint custody.. since dad works all the time.."

"Oh.."

He nodded, "I can't think of what she'd do to Nate or Becks if they ended up spending more time with her.." Randy stopped rubbing his wrist when he felt Seth's hand lay over his own. He smiled apologetically at the teen and instead went to rubbing Seth's side as he held him close. "I have to find a way to make sure my dad gets custody. I just.. don't have the extra time."

Seth turned slightly and kissed Randy's shoulder before whispering, "—we need to ask for help, Ran."

His gut churned then as he shook his head. "N-no.. I don't want to burden people with this, Seth.." he tried but by the look on Seth's face the Iowan wasn't having any of it. Randy dropped his gaze to his lap and nodded slowly before a long sigh left him. "No one else knows.. not everyone is as understanding and helpful as you."

The fear and dejection in Randy's voice made Seth's eyes tear up. The swimmer nodded and buried his head in Randy's neck as he tried to sort through his thoughts for anything that could be helpful.

"Sorry, baby. I know you want to help but.. I don't want to tell any of my friends about this.. John would freak and Cody would cry then look at me with pity and sadness. I ca-can't deal with that."

Seth nodded. He knew how that was. His move to Santa Barbara wasn't easy at all. His father threw a bunch of obstacles in their way but they made it out. He shuddered at the thought of having to stay with that man and in that bigoted community then he gasped as he turned to look at Randy. "I have an idea.. but.. you have to promise to hear me out. I know you want to shut down help but.. please, Randy.. I know how this is.. please."

They spent a few moments in silence and Randy thought about the worst case that Seth said then as Randy forced himself to meet Seth's gaze as he nodded slightly promising that he would at least listen.

"Just.. talk to my mom. I don't even have to be there if that makes it easier. – she's been here. She waited a bit to ask for help because of the fear but.. when she was able to get it, she made good friends and .. if anyone can walk you through it, it's her." Seth could feel Randy shying away from him so he put his hand on Randy's forearm and tugged him back. He couldn't force his boyfriend to take the advice but he knew his mom would be willing to help. Seth didn't know anyone more understanding and loving than his mother.

His mind was going a mile a minute; heart racing at the idea of sharing all this with his boyfriend's mom. What if she thought Randy was weak for crumbling under verbal abuse when her son faced the same abuse as well as physical abuse? He ducked his head, fists clenching as the familiar feeling filled him. His head was already starting to hurt but he could feel Seth's arms wrap around him as the teen tried calling to him. Randy voiced his concerns to his boyfriend and relaxed his hands when he felt Seth trying to soothe them. Seth assured him that wouldn't be the case but Randy was still hesitant. It was in his nature. The football player stopped protesting after a while and promised he would at least consider this an option.

Seth held both of Randy's hands in his own as he laid his head on the male's shoulder. He was well-aware that Randy would start intensive practice and travelling for games next week but that just made him cherish the times like this he did have with Randy all the more. The Iowan wasn't sure how much time passed before Randy made some snide comment about Seth's cold hands. He couldn't help but scoff and pull his hands back as a slight pout formed on his face. "I told you I'm not used to it." he huffed, earning a chuckle from Randy as the football player wrapped the blanket around them after moving so he was fully resting on the rock and left enough space between his legs for Seth to cuddle against. Seth flushed but assumed the position Randy silently asked him to. He told himself it was only for the warmth Randy could provide but he knew that was a lie. His cheeks heated up when the football player hugged his waist and began whispering things to express his gratitude. Seth smiled and assured Randy that there was no reason to thank him. He did this because Randy was important to him.

Randy nodded and lightly moved his hand over the male's covered stomach. He could feel every time Seth's breath hitched and that only made him smile. He'd talked to Seth about what was bothering him and now they were just sitting and talking about the excitement of the upcoming tournament. Randy teased Seth a few times since Seth complained about how swimming practice was making him get sick and the chlorine in the water was ruining his hair. The smaller teen pretended to pout but that lasted all of two seconds since Randy kissed the pouty lips back to normal.

At some point during Randy's teasing and Seth's ridiculous blushing they opened up the bag of food. Randy just picked at the fries and Seth ate most of the chicken as they talked about everything and nothing at the same time. He learned Randy had a maid/housekeeper and though he wasn't surprised it was still overwhelming to know someone that was actually that financially well-off. Seth told Randy about the few friends he'd made outside of swim team and Randy apparently used to talk to Punk but then he stopped taking art classes and .. high school came around and nothing much after that. He hummed, intrigued by the way time just did that to people and how life and interests got in the way of friendships.

By the time they collected their things Seth was yawning and Randy couldn't help but smile. He loved how the teen looked when he was tired. He tossed their trash then put his blanket back in the car before holding Seth's hand lightly as they stood next to Randy's car. "Thanks for tonight."

Seth rolled his eyes and pushed Randy against the car before pressing their lips together in a long but rather chaste kiss. "Thanks for telling me." He replied, resting their foreheads together before another yawn escaped him and Randy laughed at him for it. Seth huffed and tried to protest when Randy said he'd get him home quickly but he was too tired to pretend for long. Soon enough they were outside his house and Seth was fighting off sleep.

Randy leaned over and cupped the teen's face as he thanked him again. Seth rejected the thank you but he did steal a few kisses so Randy knew the swimmer was content with their first actual date. Randy was more than happy with it as well. He cut the engine and walked Seth to the door, smiling when they got to the little halo of light let off by the dim porchlight and he could see Seth's flushed cheeks. "I have late practice tomorrow but.. I can come over after and we can do tutoring here if you don't mind?"

"Oh.. I'll ask my aunt and mom.. but that should be okay."

Randy nodded and smiled before kissing Seth again but this time letting the kiss linger until Seth decided to deepen it. The taller teen grunted and rubbed up Seth's lean arms before breaking the kiss and smiling softly at Seth, "You need rest, remember? I'll see you tomorrow.. pick you up at the usual time?"

Seth smiled and nodded. He was slightly flustered but glad that Randy was nice enough to not comment on the clear arousal in his gaze. "Y-eah.."

He placed a kiss on Seth's cheek and thanked him again. This time, Seth accepted the gratitude and Randy gave his arm one last squeeze before leaving.

When Randy got home the living room lights were on and he frowned a bit in confusion as he unlocked the door and walked inside. He saw Bob scribbling down some information on a notepad and having a conversation over the phone in his 'business voice' so he just walked over and kissed his cheek to let him know he was home. It wasn't common for his father to be in the house for two nights in a row during the busy period of work but Randy tried not to think too much about it. He was glad that his father could be around to dispel the tension a bit. Just as he started up the stairs he heard his dad call him back and called out, "Yeah?"

"Come here, son. I need to tell you something."

He walked over, expecting to get scolded at for being home so late on a weekday and not having done his school work yet. Randy opened his mouth to apologize, "D-dad, sorry.. I just had a long day. I caught Seth up with some stuff and.. I promise I'll finish all my homework early enough."

Bob smiled and nodded, "I know you'll do your homework, Randy.. I needed to tell you something else."

Randy frowned at the sad smile and looked at his dad, waiting for the man to tell him what was going on.

"Your mother will be packing a few of her things tomorrow and.. she's going to spend some time at a hotel while we figure everything out. I'll be working out of my office so I'll be around but.. I'm going to need your help with.."

"—telling Nate?"

He nodded.

Randy looked at his hands, feeling them start to shake slightly. He knew this was coming but he didn't expect it to start going into motion so soon. Now he felt as if the earth had been pulled out from under him. The football player frowned. "Are you guys getting a divorce?"

Bob sighed, "Keith.. I don't want to talk about this until we have everything figured out. Maybe the few days will calm us both down and do all of us some good.. we don't know yet, son."

"Okay. I'll tell Nate.. what about Becks?"

"I already told her.. she seemed like she was expecting it."

Randy frowned, "So.. she won't be here tomorrow night?"

"Elaine? No.. this is my house and she tried getting me to leave but.. that wasn't going to happen." He shook his head before smiling sadly at his son. He shouldn't be pitting his son against his mother. "Sorry. And.. thank you for talking to Nate, Keith. He's lucky to have you around."

Randy looked down, smile gracing his face; he wasn't all too used to receiving compliments from a parent. He nodded before looking at Bob hopefully as he asked, "—since she won't be here tomorrow.. c-can Seth stay over? We can use the chalkboard in the second office to practice for calc."

Bob knew about Seth only because Nate mentioned breakfast with Randy's boyfriend on Saturday and he asked then found out that way. The man smiled sadly at his son only because he knew why Seth hadn't been over yet and he couldn't help but feel partially responsible for this house not feeling like a home to his children. Bob ran a hand over his face to try and get the thoughts out of his head, "Ask his parents.. if they are okay with him spending the night then it shouldn't be a problem. But you have to ask, got it?"

Randy smiled and nodded as he hugged his dad then kissed him goodnight and ran upstairs to shower before he began slaving over homework. He fell asleep that night with slightly hopeful thoughts and was glad to have a break from the constant worries. Randy was actually excited about having someone over his house for the first time since – well, ever.

A/N: Review?