A/N; it seems like these first few will indeed be connected oneshots. As said, sorted by age.

Age 4

Tyler couldn't believe that he was now a professional football player. Not for kicks, or just practice.

But for real.

He had a contract. Not for the bench, but for real.

He was elated.

The manager said that he would have given the contract to Tyler years ago if it weren't' for his age. While it wasn't a law-made rule, he knew exactly what kind of heap he could get into by having a teenager, pre-drinking age boy on the team. The media backlash alone would be a disaster.

Hence, the best birthday present ever.

He had not hung out with the star players much. They did not give much attention to the kids; most of the didn't stick around for long. After his injury, they didn't think Tyler would stick around for long.

Of course, being a hybrid, nothing short of death could stop Tyler.

Now they gave him attention. He was one of the guys again. Sure, he was the star quarterback of NYU, but it wasn't quite the same thing. He had a feeling some of the guys would always view him as a kid, until he truly got the chance to prove himself.

He wasn't the biggest guy. Sure, he'd grown to be taller than Damon, but nowhere near as monolithic as some of the guys. That was all right though. He was still stronger and faster than them.

But something rested heavy on his soul. Even though all of his team mates knew Damon, knew they lived together, it seemed they were slow on the uptake on what was actually going on. You'd think after three years they'd catch on, but no.

Five years and still going strong.

And after that debacle in State Finals you'd think it wouldn't be a secret. Implied secret. Don't ask don't tell. The manager has said he couldn't give a rats ass who he fucked, married or bred with as long as he played like a god. The coach didn't agree.

It didn't sit right with him.

Even after five years together, the way Damon effected him, was frightening sometimes. It surprised him sometimes just how much he loved him.

"Yeah, you go Lockwood!" he heard someone yell over the music.

He'd done this before; dance, flirt, but on a show.

Which was why he had no idea why he was doing this; why he was letting his hands wander under her skirt, easily hoist her up- she was so much lighter than Damon- and slammed the door behind him.

It was like he was a passenger in his own body.

~*~