Author's note: From here till the end, you are in my imaginary world. I have no idea what will happen in Season 4 and beyond, but this is what my creative imagination accept as reality for the time being.
Have I mentioned how much I love you all for reading, commenting, favourites, and alerts?
Kaze-chan
Chapter 12
Billy 29, Tim 20
Tim shoved his note book into his school bag, indifferent if the pages creased or not. Just the fact that he had a note book with actual school notes in it was an improvement in itself for Tim Riggins. He had just finished his last class of the day, applied mathematics for trades. It was his least favourite class but he worked hard to get passing grades; not for himself but mostly for his older brother. Whenever he thought of just packing up and leaving, he thought of how much Billy would be disappointed in him. So far, his first year wasn't all that bad; the first month had nearly flown by.
The parking lot was quickly emptying as students eagerly left the campus. Tim had been invited to a party that night, but declined saying he had other plans. He drove to the outskirts of town till a neon sign marked his destination. After parking his truck next to an old beat up car, he quickly grabbed his school bag and text books. Shuffling in, the bartender hardly looked up at him as he crossed the sleazy bar towards his regular table.
"How ya doin' Tim." The older aged waitress smiled as she placed a pitcher of beer and a glass on the table. "Can I get you anything else dear?" At first glance she looked young, but her smile quickly showed her true age. Tim could only assume those tired eyes had seen it's fair share of disappointment, most of it probably right here.
Tim emptied his school bag, strewing its contents across the table before returning her smile. "I'm good for now Marguerite. Thanks." Tim knew her husband, old man Russel, was staring at him from behind the bar; he always did. He nodded politely, the old man's face remaining expressionless as he returned the gesture.
"Alright, let me know if ya change your mind, sugar." He nodded his thanks as she walked away. Tim leaned back in his chair, taking a long sip of his beer letting his gaze travel the room. Most faces he recognised as regulars, with only a few exceptions. By now, the old drunken patrons didn't stare at him when he joined their remote group on Wednesdays, he was an practically an honorary member. The Black Horse was not a popular tavern among the young crowd, its reputation questionable at best. If you stepped foot in here, you were looking for trouble. But Tim had been to worst bars in his life, most making the Black Horse look like a family place.
The first time he had come here, the owner had eyed him sceptically but not once asking for ID or for him to leave. In places like this, no one asked questions so long as you didn't cause trouble. Tim had the impression that had he come with friends, he may not have been as well received. After a few weeks, he was no longer the outsider; to them, he was just another damaged soul looking to drown his problems away. But Tim really just enjoyed the gloomy atmosphere, something that was familiar to him in contrast to the loud dance music and lights.
He had just finished his math assignment when his cell phone rang, causing all eyes to turn towards him. He had previously come to the conclusion that most people here were stuck in a rut in some past decade, unable to adapt to today's world and unable to let go of their old ways. He quickly dug through his pockets hoping to find it in time. He momentarily froze when he saw the caller ID.
Tim quickly snapped it open, already crossing the bar towards the door, his keys in hand. "Hey Billy, what's up?" He tried to keep his voice calm, his older brother never called unless something was wrong.
"Nothing much." There was a slight pause. "Hey where are you right now?" His brother's tone didn't seem urgent which had Tim wondering why he was calling.
He was now outside, leaning against his truck, no longer in a hurry but momentarily confused. "Umm, at a bar just outside of town. Why?" The night air had cooled considerably, a welcomed change from the blistering sun.
"Well, I was just in town, and you know," Tim didn't fail to notice how agitated his brother sounded. He was having a hard time getting the words out. "Stopped by your place and you weren't there. But hey if you've got some party or something to get to…" Tim smiled quickly putting two and two together. He knew his brother well enough to guess what the problem might be. The last time he had seen his brother this agitated was while Mindy was giving birth to their first born. Billy had nearly chewed his fingers off in the waiting room.
"Nah, I'm just having a few beers. Come join me." Billy agreed without hesitating, as Tim guesses he would, and quickly took down the directions. After closing his phone Tim let out a small laugh before heading back inside.
Within 15 minutes, Billy had managed to find the bar. In truth, Billy had sat for 5 minutes in his own truck in the parking lot, once looking over the directions again and then just working up the courage to go in. Once inside, it wasn't hard to spot Tim, seeing as he was one of the few patrons who didn't look like he was permanently moulded to his seat. After introducing him to Marguerite and a nod to Russel, Tim and Billy sat with a new full pitcher of beer.
"Alright Billy, let's hear it." Tim did his best to keep his voice even. He knew his brother had something on his mind and the fact that he had driven all the way to San Antonio told him it was important enough. Billy looked edgy and anxious about something.
He took another drink from his beer before answering. "Don't get me wrong," he started already flustered. "I love Mindy but, living with women? It's like trying to run a freaking marathon with a lion on your back." Billy gestured wildly with his arm. "I don't know if I can handle that!" His tone had steadily increased with his outburst, causing those who weren't completely drunk to glance over. After a few deep breaths, he finished his beer and refilled his glass.
Tim chuckled at his brother's helplessness; he really did seem out of his element. "That's it? Come on Billy, it can't be that bad." His older brother looked up, his eyes wide.
"It is bad! They're like from a whole different planet!" Tim suppressed a laugh, not wanting to interrupt his brother ranting. "I can handle Mindy, but when Angela's there, I don't know… I'm outnumbered And when Tyra's there? It's three to one!" A grin spread across Tim's features, as a thought came to mind. He leaned back in his chair, the easy grin lighting up his entire face making him look younger. "What?" It was Billy's turn to be confused. "What are you grinnin' at?"
The two stared at each a moment before Tim spoke. "…You miss me." His voice laughing as he continued to grin. Billy was shocked by the simple statement.
"No….I…" He stammered unable to come up with anything, his mouth simply opening and closing, much like a goldfish.
"Admit it." Tim continued confidently. "It's always been me and you. And now you're in a house full of women and no one to back you up." He laughed at his brother's predicament. Billy couldn't help but laugh as well; suddenly his troubles seemed so pointless and childish. But his brother was right, not that Billy would say so. He really did miss spending time with Tim. That part was true. Over the years, Billy and Tim had become best friends instead of only brothers. The change was so progressive that neither one had noticed until Tim went to San Antonio State.
Billy's smile widened. It felt good to be sitting here drinking a beer with his brother; even in a dirty bar like this one. It felt normal. His gaze fell on the pile of papers and books beside his brother. "What's all this? Tim Riggins doing his own homework, could it be?" He arched an eyebrow reaching over to grab the first text book. "Applied mathematics…umph. Pretty smart little brother."
Tim playfully grabbed the book and replaced it on the pile. "Shut up."
They spent the rest of the evening drinking beer and laughing. When Tim told him that he was at the Black Horse every Wednesday, Billy knew it was an unspoken invitation; one that he was sure to take up next week. Mindy spent lost of time with her girl friends, Wednesday's he would spent time with his friend.
