Author's note:

Thank you to those who leave me encouraging reviews. They are much appreciated.

There isn't much action yet, but it will pick up as the boys get older, mostly involving their parents. For now, it's just Billy being the best big brother ever and Tim just being himself.

I don't own either Tim, Billy or Friday Night Lights, and I don't pretend to.

Kaze-Chan

Chapter 3

Billy 17, Tim 8

"Billy, can I come watch your football game tonight?" Tim pulled himself unto the bar stool, his feet hanging a foot and a half from the floor. Billy placed a bowl of cereal in front of his little brother.

"Sure thing buddy, did you asked mom or dad?" Billy knew the answer but the words just slipped out. Tim's head dropped focusing on his empty bowl. Billy let out a sigh. "Alright, here's what we're going to do." He waited till he had his brother's full attention. "I'll pick you up from school, then we'll come here to eat and then you'll come with me and sit on the team bench with us. Sounds good?" Tim nodded enthusiastically, a smile spreading across his small features. "It's a promise. Now go brush your teeth and get your school stuff ready."

Billy watched his brother skipped down the hall as he placed the dishes into the dishwasher to be cleaned later. After packing his own school bag, he made a lunch for both of them. He then made his way down the hall towards his parent's room.

The room was pitch dark and there was no sound of movement. "Mom, Timmy and I are off." His mother gave no response. "I'm taking Tim with me to the football game too, alright?" It wasn't really a question. Their mother had been spending most of her time drunk or high for the last month or so. Billy's constant fear was that he would one day wake up to find his mother had O.D. overnight. He did his best to keep Tim from knowing but he knew the kid wasn't stupid. And as for their father, he was off on another business trip, no doubt loosing what little savings they had.

Luckily today, their mother's red car started without any problems. The vehicle needed more than a few replacement parts but Billy's mechanical skills allowed them to keep the thing running on a day to day basis. The drive to school was as always, with Tim talking none stop about anything and everything. Man that kid could talk. "Remember Billy, you promised." Tim eyed him sternly as he unfastened his seatbelt. Billy nodded to his younger sibling. In a quick movement, Billy had Tim in a light head lock and was playfully ruffling his hair.

"See you later." Billy called as Tim met up with another boy, no doubt that Jason Street kid he'd heard so much about lately.

The rest of Billy's day was uneventful. He had asked the coach if his little brother could sit on the team bench again, explaining that neither parents were around to be able to take Tim and he couldn't just leave him at home. He didn't know why he bothered explaining since everyone in Dillon knew the Riggins boys were on their own and that he was solely responsible for his younger brother.

Tim was ecstatic when Billy picked him up at school, proudly displaying his A+ on a spelling test they had the day before. They quickly ate supper and made their way to the field. Though they were an hour early, the two headed to the locker room. Billy took Tim out onto the field so they could throw the ball around a little and blow off some steam.

"I'm going to play football." Tim stated with determination as the two made their way back to the locker room.

Billy couldn't help but smile. "You are?" He raised an eyebrow, taking in his brother's small frame as he held out Tim's arm, measuring the muscles. "I don't know buddy, I think you're going to get smooshed."

Tim pulled his arm free. "Not now, when I'm as big as you." He rethought his answer. "No, I'm going to be bigger than you." He held his arms out to emphasise his point. "And taller too!" Billy grinned as he pulled his brother in to hoist him over his shoulder. Tim playfully fought back but he was no match for his older brother.

Billy took Tim to all the rest of the games, including the out of town games. He was even there when the team won State. Billy was grateful to the other guys and the coaches for looking out for his little brother while he was on the field. Despite the difference in size, Billy sometimes forgot the age gap between him and his brother. He was impressed by how quick his younger sibling learned the calls and the plays just from watching.

Most boys his age would hate having their younger brother tag along every where, including the after game parties, but Billy didn't mind it. Sometimes he got annoyed but then he remembered that Tim was better off here with him than any of the alternatives. His father was always absent and their mother had become more and more detached and unpredictable. The past few weeks she had started violent outburst over stupid things, like the dishes not being done. Billy had decided for both of them to keep a distance for now.