Woooah, it's been a while since I've uploaded this one, hasn't it? My deepest regrets. xD Hope you enjoy this chapter thou! Please please please review it.

The car ride back to the Kitching's house(Which Mutt would describe as a palace) went by rather..awkwardly. They were silent most of the time, depsite the occasional chatter. Once they had arrived thou, and stepped out of the car, they were back to their constant chattering. Mostly about what in the world their dads could have gotten into. Mutt wondered maybe the family was on another adventure, like the one to Akator, after much explaing to Alex. She could see the glint in his eye, that he obviously was excited about another one.

Alex waited downstairs for him to get dressed. After changing into his dry clothes, he made his way downstairs, finding her in the kitchen. Despite the house being so overwhelmingly big, and fancy-ish, he was happy to find she had junk food just as he had. She tossed him a small bag of cookies, and grabbed one for herself; then sat down next to him on the couch. "So, I still don't understand...why would those guys come so far to ask my dad, and yours, to help them?'' Alex asked, after a few bites of silence.

"Isn't it obvious?" Mutt asked, after he swallowed one. "You heard them. Your dad won an award. And my dad, well, he's been known to have done his fair share of exploring..Why wouldn't they pick them?"

"Well, I understand that part." She said, matter-of-factly. "I meant, they seemed pretty desperate. They sure want to find that pyramid, but I don't know...what could it possibly have inside, that they're willing to come here to ask for?"

"Who knows."

"They seemed kinda suspicious to me. "

"Yeah." Mutt agreed, tossing another cookie into his mouth. They were delicious!

"What he mean when he said that they would regret it? " She asked, with a serious tone. Mutt simply shrugged. They could have meant so many things. Of all the things he could think they meant, none of them were finished with happy endings. Perhaps...he shook the thought out of his head. No way were some people going to pay back his dad. Not his dad.

"Anyways, what do you want to do?" She asked him. It was obviously still on her mind, thou.

"I 'unno. " He added. " What do you wanna do?"

She said nothing. She was thinking. Mutt knew exactly what she was thinking about. The look on her face showed she wasn't getting it off her mind until she found out. She was just motivated like that. He agreed, that he was curious. Yet, at the same time, what would happen? He was on vacation.

"Let's go play ball." She finally said.

Mutt smiled to himself. She was definately unlike her sister, who he hadn't really seen for a while. He agreed, and tossing the cookie wrappers into the trash bin, they headed through the back door. Alex grabbed a medium sized ball, which was rather hard, from the ground. She wiped off the dirt on the side, and tossed it to Mutt.

He almost dropped it, her throw was very strong. He tossed it back. But, instead of her passing it back, she ran off to the side. He just watched her, until she went out of sight, returning with a baseball bat. " I lost my baseball a while ago, but we can try using this ball."

She handed him the ball again, then positioned herself for the pitch. Mutt, tossed the ball in her direction, and shhe slammed the bat into it perfectly. The ball had some distance. She snickered, giving him the bat and retrieving the ball. "Let's see you beat that mister."

He licked his lips, and swang the bat, hitting the ball. It landed just a little farther than hers had. " Ha, no problem."

The hour went by, them having small bets to see who could do what the best. She just wanted to prove a girl could beat a boy in a variety of things. Unfortunately, she had definately proved herself. They would have their occasional breaks, sitting down and eating some more cookies, having drinks, and just talking. Never did the pyramid subject come up..not once.

By the time that hour was over, they had completely stopped doing anything at all, except sitting and chatting. They had no idea how much time had flewn. Once they thought about it, they hadn't done anything exciting. They'd hardly done anything at all, except eat unhealthy snacks and tell eachother very, very stupid jokes, they've each heard before.

It was now late afternoon. Mutt thought back to his day; it wasn't bad. He had finally found that she hadn't hated him, but possibly liked him. Although they hadn't done anything interesting at home...it was so fun getting to actually know her.

The car pulled up, and out came the parents, and Sara.

It was evidant they had a good time. Indy had his famous lopsided grin plastered on his face, he had obviously been drinking a little. It was Alex and Mutt's guess that they had all had a few drinks, perhaps even Sara. Marion and Pepper waltzed inside, quickly shuffling their tired feet over to the nearest couch. That's when they continued chatting amongst themselves.

Indy and Gerald on the other hand, had found their way into the kitchen, where they were both greeted by Alex and Mutt.

"Did you enjoy the ceremony, kids?" Gerald asked, taking a relaxed seat at the table. Indy slipped into his, giving his son a smirk.

"From what I was there to see, it was cool." Mutt said, half-lying. Thou he hadn't much enjoyed the whole reception part, he had liked everything else. Of coruse, this made them all think about him falling into the fountain. Indy and Gerland didn't know the story, but they laughed anyway.

"So, what have you kids been up to?" Gerald asked in his usual, somewhat creepy voice.

"Just hangin' around." Alex said, nodding. She gave her dad a quick kiss on the cheek, and grabbed Mutt's shirt. " We're gonna go hang out back now."

Indy and Gerald nodded, as the two exited.

"They don't seem bothered by anything. " Alex stated, just moments after they got there.

Mutt didn't understand what she meant. " Huh?"

She was now bouncing the ball back to herself on the side of the wall. " Our dads. Didn't you see? They didn't seem bothered by anything."

He still didn't understand, but nodded dumbly. " Yeah, no. They didn't...But, wh-"

"I mean, they don't seem pre-occupied by what happened back at the ceremony."

"What happened back at the cer-Oh! " He finally got it, and nodded. " Yeah, you're right. They don't. "

She still felt like being nosy thou, it was beginning to show to Mutt, she never gave up on something. "If those guys were serious, and our dads, if they thought something bad was going to happened, don't you think they woulda said sumthin' by now? They'd at least talk to our moms about it, right? Just in case one of them was in danger or somethin'.."

"Well, what if they already did? We have been gone all day, remember that."

"True, so very true." She said slowly, tossing the ball back and forth. Her expression made Mutt smile. She looked like a detective, trying to solve a case. Who knew she'd want to be so involved. " I don't know what it is about those guys, but it freaks me out."

"Yeah, wel-"CRASH!! Mutt stopped talking. Alex had been so lost in thought, she had missed the wall and smashed the ball right into the window, shattering it instantly.

It was like Mutt was running on autopilot, he knew what happened, yet didn't respond. At first, he had thought something worse had happened, expecially with her worrying about their fathers. Her gasp had made his heart jump, but once he knew what had happened, he couldn't help but let out of a sigh of relief.

"Oh, no." Said Alex, almost inaudibly. Her hand was clasped up to her mouth, in shock. Mutt was a bit surprised stuff like this hadn't happened so much before. It was obvious, because her expression showed it. He thought for sure , for somebody like her, it'd be no problem. But, apparently, things like that usually didn't happen...

They could hear Pepper's calls to Alex, as Marion and Pepper, followed by the older men, made their way to the window. Alex knew she would be busted.

"My mom's gonna kill me! " She said, very softly to Mutt, before the parents had arrived.

"Well, it isn't so ba-"

"You don't understand. My mom promised me I could go to a horse competition, as long as I stayed out of trouble.." Her voice sounded devastated. " She'll never let me go now.."

He couldn't help feeling sorry for her, now. As soon as he looked at the shocked expression on Pepper's face, plus the upset face Marion was throwing him.

"What happened?!" Pepper asked, in her high voice. She examined the window then walked outside, and met up with the kids.

Alex was opening her mouth, hesitantly, but before she could speak, Mutt beat her to it.

"It was an accident..." He paused, taking in his mother's glares, " I'm sorry."

"You did this?" Indy asked, tensley.

"Uh.." Mutt didn't have a chance to think. " Yeah, It was me. I'm really, really, sorry. I didn't mean to."

"Oh, it's alright, honey." Pepper said, sighing softly. "Let me just..I'll go fetch somebody to come clean this up.."

There was glass everywhere. Marion had been throwing Mutt the same glare he'd always gotten when he got into trouble. It was very difficult to stand. Alex was there, next to him, confused.

"You're okay, though. Right?" Gerald asked, after another moment.

They both nodded together. Marion shook her head, angrily, and fled to help Pepper, and apologize.

"I'm sorry, sir.." Mutt said again, but Gerald just shook his head.

"Don't worry about it, son. Nothing terrible." He too left, to talk to somebody to find out what they could do to patch it up, at least for the night.

Indy stood there, silently, staring daggers. Mutt found it hard to keep a straight face.

"Alex, do you mind if I have a small talk with my son, for a moment?"

Alex looked at Mutt beside her, and guessing by his facial expression, she'd better leave. She started away, quietly, inside.

Mutt braced himself. He knew this could get ugly. Not that the window was such a big deal. But, he knew how much this trip meant to his dad.

"I can't believe you.." Indy finally shot, coldly.

"Let me explain..."

"No, let me explain something first." He roared.

"Hey! I said I was sorry!" Mutt shot back.

"Don't interrupt me!" Indy said, a bit roughly. " Doesn't matter if it was an accident, or no-"

"That's not fair. Accidents happen, you know that.."

"But, still. How did that happen anyway?" He motioned to the window.

"I was..bouncing the ball on the wall, and it hit the window, that's all."

"No, see here, that wasn't all the damage you've done."

"I wouldn't call it damage, but maybe, like an error..." Mutt tried to say, but was cut off by Indy once again.

"You're going to have to pay for that you know."

"I don't have money!" Mutt said, quickly.

"You're going to work for it."

"But, I'm on vacati-"

"Just because we're guests here, doesn't mean you can make everything your personal playground."

"Now, you're being dramatic." He could really be stubborn sometimes. Just like both his parents.

"Like I said, " Indy continued, ignoring his son, " We are guests. We have to respect this place. They live here. You seen how nice this place is. You can't just go hopping around, willy-nilly, tossing balls in every direction that you please.."

Mutt stifled a laugh.

"You think this is funny?" Indy asked him. Mutt quickly stopped, yet nodded. Actually, he did find it kinda funny. " I don't find it funny."

"I do." Mutt said, cautiously.

"Why?"

"Because, you're overreacting. You know how rediculous you sound right now? So, I made a little mistake..."

"You haven't been on your best behaviour since we've arrived here. Not that I can see you're any better at home. But, you have to show some respect! Your now a little kid anymore! These people let us into their home, to stay. Their doing anything to make us feel comfortable. Yet, you've gotten yourself into trouble already."

"Like, what else have I done?"

"Well, for starters. You lied to Alex, about liking horses."

"You didn't stop me.."

"I didn't think you'd take it that far!" Indy said, "You could have injured yourself, even more!"

"Okay.." Mutt said, blankly."But, she forgave me."

"You've definately embarassed your mother and me. I haven't seen this guy in forever, and I don't want him to think I've raised some arrogant little brat.."

"Woah, woah, woah, hold up just a moment." Mutt said, almost laughing. " You didn't raise me! Is that what he thinks? Is that what they all think? That you've been there all my life? That's lying, isn't it?"

"Mutt..."

"I can't believe it. You haven't told them! He doesn't even know! "

"Mutt, please..just..."

"No! This is ridiculous! You're trying to impress him. Never in the world would you win best dad."

"Not that I'm a perfect father, I know I'm not, but kid, you gotta give me some slack...I.."

"Never been a father, before. Yeah, I know. You've told me so many times. It's stupid! Well, you're never cutting me any slack!" Mutt said, annoyingly. Not that he thought his dad was purposely sucking up to his friend, but perhaps the whole thing hadn't come across. Well, he doubted it. Indy musta said something about Akator..yet, maybe he would have been embarassed, or too ashamed, to explain that he hadn't been there.

"I can't believe this." Mutt added.

"Well, what was I supposed to say? 'Oh, by the way, did I mention I was never there for my family before? I just found them recently..'."

"At least...I don't know. I don't even know why mom decided to take you back. She's been doing way better without you."

"Her, or you?"

"Both of us. All of us. What gives you the right to barge into our lifes and think you can just take everything back? My mom must have been crazy.."

"Don't talk about your mother. You got that?" Indy said, sternly.

"Don't act like you care."

" I do care! It's my job! No matter how much you hate it. "

"Before this, your job was having adventures, and crap! Why don't you just go continue them?!"

"Because I love your mother, even though she raised a no-good brat!"

"Maybe I wouldn't be a brat, if you were around!" Mutt paused, " Then again, I wouldn't want you there either."

"Kid, seriously..." Indy said, brushing his hair back in annoyance. " You're just ruining this all right now."

"I'm ruining this, for you? You have no idea how much you've ruined it for me!"

"You march inside, and go apolgo-"

"I did! You saw me! Just..ugh!"Mutt was really mad by now. "You don't deserve her!"

"Who?"

"Mom."

"I love your mother."

"You're just going to hurt her."

"I would never hurt her."

"You already did, once. Remember? Knowing you, you're just gonna leave again."

"I would never lea-"

"Oh, right. Like, I'm going to believe that, coming from the man that claims to be my father. You weren't there before, and so, now you're here, but it doesn't make a difference. It doesn't make anything better! It's all the same! I hate you either way!"

"I'm not so fond of you, half the time."

"Then maybe you should just go."

Indy didn't say anything.

"Since obvsiouly, you don't care about what anyone else thinks, except yourself. You're ruining my life. Don't know why mom picked you . She definately is out of her mind."

"I told you not to talk about your mother.."

"Well, I guess she doesn't know what she's doing anymore. Never did, either. Best mom in the world, yet, she still takes you back. It's only good for you..not for us."

"Speak for yourself,kid."

"Mom loved you, and you left! You shouldn't be here! "

"If your mother thought the same, she wouldn't have married me!"

"She was probably caught up in the moment!"

"She had you go find me. I saved your butt."

"I didn't know who you were then! If I had known you'd be like this, I wouldn't have gone. I woulda gotten Mom and Ox, myself! That way, we'd all win. And she wouldn't stop caring about the way other people felt, when she did a stupid thing like marrying you.."

"Enough!" Indy snapped, smacking Mutt on the cheek. Right after, everything stopped. The argument, their voices, it was silent. Indy was still fuming, angrily, yet he wondered what had just happened. From the confused look on Mutt's face, neither of them knew what just happened. Sure, he felt like his ol' man was ruining his life, but Mutt never thought he'd actually...hit him.

Indy didn't know what he had done. He knew it, yet didn't. He didn't like it much either. That was definately too far. He knew he was being too hard on the kid, but he was just so angry with putting up with his nonsence. Was he going to make up for something like this? No way would the kid want to, or ever, forgive him. Especially not now. If he were his son, he wouldn't have wanted to forgive him either.

"Mutt..."

Mutt didn't say anything. There was something stuck in the back of his throat. It was swelling inside of him, and he felt like he was going to burst. Maybe he was being a wimp, but he was so upset...

Mutt's cheek was a pinkish red, where Indy had smacked him, rather hard. His mouth hung open, a little, in surprise. His eyes stinging with tears, that wanted to break through. He turned around, and left, fighting the urge to hit him back. Harder this time. Yes, this was why he hated his father.

wr0/9jdf!. this chapter was...difficult. i seriously didnt know what to make them say. so, its probably not really in character, i dont know. it was a somewhat long chapter thou. so please review it and tell me how you think i did, because its killing me..really.