A.N: Thank you so much for the review. I think that Colt might sort out by the end or maybe he'll be more open to it but I can tell you this there is going to be a fight, I only hope I can do it well and explain it so that its not complicated when ninjas battle it can get ugly.

.............

Colt took a deep breath before going into Dr. Maxim's office that Saturday morning. He decided to go after his class was over that morning and whether he made an apointment or not the psychiotrist is going to see him. He's been observing his brother for exactly one week since the blond got back from his little trip with Robbie and he's been keeping note of anything about Rocky that comes off as peculiar.

A woman exits the office in tears clutching her purse. The ninja cocks his head as he watches her departure, wondering if leaving in tears meant anything. Standing he walks into the man's office his secretary calling after him as the door closes. The doctor looks over at him from his filing cabinet in wonder of what the middle Douglas child could possibly want. A session perhaps? No that seemed unlikely, so then what?

"I need to talk to you-..."

"Doctor I tried to stop him;" Interrupts the secretary. "Young man, you need an appointment; it isn't fair to just barge in on the doctor without schedul-..." She sees Maxim's hand go up.

"Its fine, I'll speak with him."

The woman cast a glare at Colt but did as the man said and let him be leaving the room.

The ninja waited her out speaking only after hearing foot steps proceed away from the door. Taking a seat on the couch he suddenly stands back up; he has to have authority or he'll never get answers to his questions he'll just be viewed as a child and that's the last thing he wants. Pacing over to the man's desk, which he is now seated, Colt drops his fist to the desk a little harder than necessary.

"You look serious, what's this about?"

"I need to ask you something and I want an answer to it, straight up, no mumbo jumbo talk just an honest clean answer."

"Alright, what's your question?"

Colt tried to steady his voice, he doesn't like that this is causing him to shake with rage or sadness or otherwise. He needs it to be over. No one in school has mentioned it yet but who's to say Darrin and his goons aren't just waiting with it. The right place, right time.

Taking a breath he exhales slowly then speaks. "Its my brother, Rocky, I-... I wanna know something about him that he might have told you in confidence.. I need to know. Please tell me."

"Our discussions are confidential unless its a family session where everyone can discuss the topic freely. Would you like to schedule an appointment?"

"No! I just want you to answer this simple question so that I can stop freaking out!" He snaps not meaning to.

"Alright, what is it?"

"My brother, Rocky, I need to know.. if he mentioned anything to you about being..." You could hear his swallow it was so hard. "I need to know if he told you whether or not he's gay?"

Cocking a brow the man can't help but recall his conversation with the blond about the very subject of the question.

"Its got something to do with happiness, my happiness." He emphasized. Lowering his gaze to his lap, he then looks the man square in the eyes and says. "I'm falling for someone and as a parent I wanted to know how you'd react to it."

"That's fine, but first you have to tell me what it is." His interest is spilling over now.

"What if... what if I told you that I'm falling for my male roommate?" He phrases it.

Dr. Maxim smiled at first then he processed the sentence turning his smile into a thin line on his face before pursing his lips as he watched Rocky slowly nod when he'd realized that he understood what he said. "When did this happen? How long has it been going on?"

"..." Thinking it over, he replies speeding through it. "Recently- I mean, the attraction was off and on for me but for him I think he said it was right around the time I went missing that he felt it the strongest, but he kissed me one time before I was taken and during that time I thought about him and I-..."

Waving a hand, he says quickly. "Slow down, I'm in no rush." He chuckles. "Explain it all to me at your speed."

Letting out a sigh, he says more calmly. "Robbie first became my roommate sometime first semester last year, we were friends right away because he was an honestly good guy, I thought. Time went by and at some point he ended up calming me down when I freaked out about missing time for the first time when Sin was trying to take over my subconscious. But I never noticed him until he gave me a massage to ease my headache... he kissed me. Not on the lips on the neck and jaw." He blushed a bit saying something like that to someone. "Robbie told me that I kissed him in return but I don't remember doing that which means Sin must have done it. Anyway, when I was taken I kept thinking about all the things and people I would never get to see again and he continued to pop up in my mind, even Maria noticed my thinking about him... it was part of the reason she had raped me with a sex toy just to make me afraid of it. I think she succeeded in doing the opposite."

"Do you think that maybe what happened to you is the reason you've decided to be a homosexual?" Asks Dr. Maxim as he took in the boys words.

Shaking his head, Rocky defends quickly. "I'm not gay Dr. Maxim, I just... have feelings for Robbie."

"Mm." He intoned. "Emotional? Physical? Mental?"

Rocky knew the answer to that easily. "Its all of them. I can honestly say that." He begins to figit in his seat; fingers pinching at the fabric of the couch. "It started out mental, even when I pushed him away I kind of kept thinking about him, then it became physical, now its emotional."

That caught the mans attention right away. "You've been intimate?"

The blush said it all. Rocky looked completely uncomfortable as he spoke. "One time" He clears his throat quickly. "with inner connection and twice without. It was just a release once bare and the other over the clothes."

Now it was the doctors turn to be embarrassed. He didn't need such graphic detail but it was intersting to know. "Most young men in college like to experement with same gender sex, women too."

"Yeah but Dr. Maxim I'm not experimenting. I'm not bisexual, and I'm not gay, I like women but... I like Robbie too." He defends. "And that's my problem... what if I wanna say fuck it to everyone and be with him as long as he wants to be with me. What if I don't care that people call me gay even though I'm not. How do I deal with that? How can I be part of that without hurting him from harrassment or my family from the humiliation that their son is seeing a man."

"That is a problem." Says Maxim calmly. "Do you plan on telling them?"

Blinking he looks at the Douglas male before him now full of question and concern over his brother for something that Rocky isn't even sure of himself. What should he tell him? He isn't even sure if he can tell him anything since he doesn't know anything.

"I think that you should talk to your brother about this; Rocky hasn't told me anything out of our usual session discussions so I can't help you. I'm sorry."

"And you're being honest?"

The man nods.

"Shit." Shoulders sagged he turns away to leave.

"Hold on," The doctor calls out. "I wanna know what you plan to do if the answer were, yes, that your brother is a homosexual? Will you hate him because you don't understand? Or will you give him the benefit of being happy no matter who he chooses to be with?"

Colt shakes his head then walks out. He knows exactly what he'll do, he only hopes he doesn't have to.

.............

Rocky turns the page in his science book taking notes after doing a little reading; his class has a very big lab coming up and he wants to make sure to get top credits for it, though, he's hoping for the best in the P.I. business he can't just assume that his wishes in life will turn out and its good to have something else to fall back on for just incase.

"Rockyyyyy?" Calls a voice that he's somewhat familiar with.

Feeling a hand on his shoulder he turns his head seeing Ellis beside him. Smiling he pulls out a chair for her. "Hi."

"Hi!" Leaning over she plants a kiss on his cheek. "I haven't seen you since you got back from your trip with your friend. How are you? What have you been up to? Don't tell me its been studying the entire time because that's just not healthy."

"Sort of." He replies then says. "And you've seen me in class."

"No, I mean emotionally. Rocky, you're my boyfriend and you said that we'd date once you got back and well unless I'm seeing, hearing, and feeling" She chose then to squeeze his thigh. "things you're my boyfriend and you're ignoring me."

"I'm sorry, we've got this lab coming up and I wanna do well in it. Can I take you out tonight?"

"That's more like it." Grinning Ellis leans over kissing Rocky on the lips.

Mouth clamped Rocky hoped the girl didn't realize the kiss was one-sided or she'd be really offended. He had to wonder why girls thought it was okay to just swipe kisses from him when, as she said, they haven't even officially dated yet.

The girl looks about the mess across the table then picks up a book. "Maybe I can help you; what spot are you at?"

"Umm, I'm kind of a work alone kind of person." Rocky tries explaining gently.

"Alone? Who does that anymore- well, except for eggheads."

Giving her a curt frown Rocky says in a bland tone. "I'm one of those eggheads, Ellis."

Blushing from embarrassment the girl lowers the book to the table. "Sorry."

"Its fine- I'm used to it anyway."

The vibrant girl giggled. "You shouldn't be used to people calling you names."

"But its true, I shouldn't have to defend myself against it."

Ellis' eyes slit thoughtfully. "You're really cute today." Brushing his arm with her hand the girl then stands. "I'll leave you alone if that's what you want." Bending down she kisses him on the cheek. "See you around, maybe you can come to my room for dinner and I'll cook for you."

"Maybe."

Curious about Rocky's aloof, yet, responsive behavior she shrugs it off walking away.

'I'm sorry Elle, but its just too soon for me right now to be falling for someone when I'm still interested in someone else.' Rocky cast his dual gaze at that very person.

Robbie is studying as well across the library, head down the entire time, Rocky wasn't even sure the male knew that he had come in, if he had he was sure that Robbie would come over and talk to him. Its been a week since their time as a couple and the conversion back to just friends. Robbie seems to be taking it well but Rocky feels like a wreck some of the time, mostly on nights when the psychotic woman would find her way into his dreams. Just the other night he dreamt that she was at his bedside gripping him with her inflamed hand leaving a burn mark in his skin but when Rocky threw himself awake he saw that there was no mark and, of course, no Maria but his body still buzzed with fear. Rocky reached into his nightshirt pulling out the anchor giving it a squeeze in his palm, closing his eyes again he quickly fell asleep. Other days were better, though, he and Robbie would joke and carry on and nothing would feel weird or forced it was just what it was.

'Why do I still get an itch for him? I must be worse off than I thought I'd be.' He continues to think. 'Hn. I'm clearly not gonna get much studying done staring at the back of Robbie's head; better pack it up.'

Gathering his books and pens the Douglas male exits the library heading for his dorm to drop off his things before going to the courtyard to read for enjoyment, on his way across the building his spots Colt coming in his direction. Cocking his head the blond wonders what has his brother so pissy but decides not to ask and continues on his way to the statue where there are three benches placed to sit around it. Setting his things down beside him he pulls out his book of the week opening it to the page he left a paper clip as a bookmark.

The ninja reads from his book for a good ten minutes before marking the new chapter, closing it, he pulls out his electronic notebook from its shurikan decorated carryall; opening the documents once turning on the screen he clicks on the saved progress of his fictional story then begins typing.

..................

"Ramen?" Colt says after being handed a steaming bowl of prok flavored noodles with some added broccoli- his brother's personal touch to keep him healthy.

"Well, I'm kind of low on funds so its either Ramen or Hot Pockets and personally I can't stomach another one."

Scrunching his face he sighs while digging in.

Watching his brother a second Rocky then eats as well. "....Colt?"

"Mm?" He intones around a swallow.

"Where were you coming in from earlier?"

"Nowhere, I just went to see someone."

"Paula?"

Taken aback the male asks. "What would make you ask that?"

Rocky shakes his head. "Nothing particular, just wondering."

"No. I haven't seen her since the first time she... she checked in to the institute I was seeing someone else."

"Ok."

They eat in verbel silence watching the small television. Rocky has to wonder what Robbie is doing since the mini television is his but he so nicely left it behind. They made a deal back when they first met that if Rocky provided the mini-fridge then Robbie would provide the mini-tv.

Deciding to break the ongoing silence Rocky says. "I'm dating someone, her name is Ellis. She's nice."

"Really?!" Colt practically cheered and he could have slapped himself for it.

"Yeah, she asked me out before I left to see Arc I'm thinking about taking her to the winter carnival this year."

"That's a great idea! Maybe we can double, cause you know, I'm seeing someone too."

"Olivia? Right?"

"No, I broke up with her and right after that I met someone else." He boasted without even trying. "Her name is Maggie and she's a college student, I think in your year."

"Nice."

"You know it. She's tall and really great, like hang out and not give a damn if you fart or something."

Rocky made a face, though, he laughed. "Sounds like a real winner."

Sitting aside a piece of vegetable Colt takes another slurp of noodle.

"....I'm going home tomorrow so I can be filmed doing some nunchuck work, its for the dvd I'm making for Arc."

"I can't imagine what it must feel like- having a kid, I remember my pregnancy scare with..." He chose not to say her name again. "It was terrifying."

"Yeah, the getting there must be scary- especially when you don't know what to do but, its not so scary for me; Arc has his aunt and uncle and sister taking care of him... hn. I kind of feel temperary."

"Are you kidding? You said it yourself the kid likes you and, minus his choice in nicknames, you love him back. I actually can't wait to meet him, it'll be pretty sweet to be an uncle."

"Ahahaha, I can already see the dangers behind that."

"Better my bad influence than Tum fattening him up." He teased.

Rocky laughed nodding his head.

Its nice to be around Colt when he's acting like himself. Whatever is bugging him, Rocky could only hope it went away. But the only chance of that happening is if he talks about it.

"Colt, come on, where were you?"

After a very gruff sigh his brother responds in a tight manner. "I went to see your therapist, okay?"

"....Why?"

".....I wanted to ask him about you, I wanted to know if you'd said anything to him about being gay."

"Whaaat?" He couldn't believe his ears, was Colt really that obsessed with the subject? "And what did he say?" Rocky asks knowing the answer.

"Said he didn't know, which makes me all the more curious."

"You're out of your mind." He stands when hearing a knocking at the door. "I wish you'd stop being so gung-ho to peg me as something I'm not." Pulling open the door he calms his tone before saying. "Hello?"

Grinning his holds up an envelope. "Got the pictures from the trip, want yours? Corin made copies."

"Sure, thanks."

"No problem. ...Is uh, He in there?" Robbie asks since he can't see beyond into the room.

"Yes I am in here, but you shouldn't be so get lost." Colt chides smuggly.

"You know, that personality of yours isn't very cute Colt, you might wanna work on your people skills." Robbie snickers while handing the pictures over to his friend.

Rocky couldn't help but smile; he knows the one thing that gets to his brother faster than anything is someone sassing him right to his face. Luckily, though, Colt only left it at flipping the male off- not that Robbie had seen, though.

"See you around."

"Yeah, and thanks again."

Robbie nods before heading down the hall.

Closing the door Rocky opens the envelope. Flipping through the photos his hand shakes coming across two of them: One of him and Robbie dancing and another with them kissing. Paling, Rocky removes all but the two photos from the packet then hands them to his brother.

"Take a look." He says sitting down beside the male.

"I love pictures," Colt says taking them from his brother ready to scrutinize them.

Pointing he names the people in the photo- at least, anyone he recognized. "That's his mom and dad, Edith and Iggy."

"Iggy?"

"I know, weird right, but they're both really cool." When Colt flipped another picture he says. "That's Corin, creepy on the outside but really nice on the inside."

"Its just freaky, she looks exactly like what I remember Maria looking like." Scoffing he flips pictures muttering. "Maybe you should burn it."

Shaking his head Rocky replies softly. "You shouldn't say things like that, its just not right."

Ignoring it Colt asks. "Is this Arc?"

Smiling Rocky looks at the picture that was supposed to be of him and his son but Robbie managed to sneak his way into it- not that he minded. "Yeah. Cute isn't he?"

"Yeah he is, he looks a lot like you."

"I only see it in the nose and maybe the jaw but personality wise he's a little like me and a lot like Sin."

"Speaking of which," He says while still looking at the four year old. "I wanted to show you something."

"What?" Scooting aside a bit he raises his shirt.

Rocky raises a brow then says. "And you thought I was gay, you're practically incest, what are you doing?"

"Funny. I wanted to ask you about my tattoo. I need to know if it says what I want it to say."

"Which is?" Rocky looks it over.

"Uh-uh, no chance I'm gonna let you lie to me by saying its what I say when it really reads dumbass or something. What does it say?"

"You're so immature. It says freedom."

"Thank you. That's exactly what its supposed to say."

"When did you get that?"

"Right after I was done with school."

"Mm. And here I was gonna get one removed."

"You have a tattoo?! No way."

"No lie, Sin got it during one of his outtings." He instantly wished he hadn't chose that particular word.

"Outting? Is that a confession?"

Rolling his eyes Rocky grabs his brother's pillow from the top of the bed smashing the male in the face with it.