I feel like I'm repeating myself, but I am so grateful for all the support and reviews. I can't reply to guest reviews, but know you're very much appreciated too. Yes, I do wish I could write all day and post a new chapter every day. Although, in all fairness, one needs to take the time to let a chapter settle and then reread it before sharing.

Oh and I guess I never made Adam's age clear. All the others were literally mentioned at some point or another, but Adam's wasn't. I was convinced that at some point in the story I had made it clear that Brian and Adam were very close in age, about a year, but it may have been too implicit. So for the record: Adam is 23, Brian 22, Crane 18, Daniel 14, Evan 13, Ford 12, Guthrie 8. Hmmm I should start thinking about birthdays. With this many brothers there's bound to be a birthday soon, right?

And I promise I'll get to the fun part with the next day soon…next chapter!

Chapter 24

For a second Crane felt sheer panic. He hated disappointing his younger brothers. And he knew they'd be crushed. But he could tell Adam and Brian were waiting for him to tell them and he knew it was the first step in showing them he was taking responsibility for his actions. "Eh guys…I'm really sorry, but I can't."

Immediately Ford's eyes filled with tears. Daniel was upset too, but hid it better. "How come, Crane?" Guthrie looked up at Crane with his big innocent eyes. "Do you have to go back?"

"No, I'm here for the entire Christmas break, but…" Crane took a deep breath, holding on to Guthrie as if he was his support, "I'm kinda grounded." Boy, that was harder to say than he thought it would be.

"Nothing kinda about it."

Brian's dry remark caused Crane to blush and look down for a moment. Clearly, he had some fences to mend there still. "Sorry, I mean grounded." He didn't look up to see Brian's nod. The man hadn't meant to sound so gruff, but hadn't wanted to allow Crane to downplay his punishment either.

"Grounded?" Evan repeated. For some reason he had trouble believing that.

"Yes, grounded. I'm sorry, Ford. Guys, I really am. Very much so too." He was still trying to digest the idea that he would be home every weekend from now on. Or at least, until Adam and Brian trusted him again. From the sound of it, that could take forever with Brian.

Ford had gone back to his chair again and tried hard not to let the tears spill, "It's okay…you weren't gonna be there anyway." The 12-year-old was the picture of misery.

"Yes, Crane is grounded," Adam finally spoke up. He exchanged a glance with Brian who gave him an almost imperceptible nod. Adam hoped he read his brother right, "Problem is, we'll all be gone, which means you'd be home alone. That's hardly the purpose of grounding. I certainly don't want to think about all the trouble you could get yourself into without proper supervision. So I guess the best thing is to take you with us, so either Brian or I can keep an eye on you."

While the youngest three broke out in cheers, Daniel bristled at those words. Not that he wasn't happy Crane would be in town to watch the show, but he felt Adam was wrong to treat his hero this way. He was embarrassed for Crane. Crane himself, on the other hand, recognized Adam's decision for what it was. Out of kindness to his brothers the man had found an 'out' out of the situation. Crane was certain that if there hadn't been younger brothers involved, he'd have been stuck in his room all day tomorrow. But Adam wouldn't do that to the younger boys. And as an older brother himself, albeit one who was in disgrace at the moment, Crane could only be grateful. "Thanks," his voice was soft in the loud kitchen. Adam just smiled in return.

"Well, while we're all standing here yakking, dinner's getting cold," Brian pointed at the table, "I didn't slave in here to let it go to waste."

"You make it sound like you were in here for hours," Adam laughed, "Took you all of 15 minutes to get it into the oven."

"Yeah well…who do you think went to the grocery story? Or do you think it magically appears on your plate?" Brian pulled out his chair and sat down, "No come back? Oh come on….make me work for it, buddy."

Adam just laughed, "Oh no, no come back whatsoever, you're right. You're the all mighty kitchen princess of the McFaddens."

That caused the younger boys to giggle while Brian threw a bread role in Adam's direction, which the man plucked from the air and bit into

"Thanks, I was just going to ask you to pass them," Adam sat down too and the others followed his example.

Daniel, however, was watching his brothers in growing anger and frustration. He couldn't understand why Crane would sit there so subdued. If it were him at 18, he was certain he'd kick up a fuss. Grounded! Crane shouldn't be grounded anymore. He was 18. At 18 you were above all that childish stuff. You should be. Right? And Adam making it sound like his brother couldn't be trusted to stay home alone after everything Crane had done for this family, was insulting. Daniel felt insulted. He'd accepted the situation at Thanksgiving, because he knew Crane had wanted it resolved and if he was honest, because he knew drugs were really bad and the consequences for using them had been clear all along. That, he could live with, even if it had taken him a while to stop being upset and angry over it. But he knew Crane wouldn't do that again. So there was nothing that could justify Crane being grounded. And he just knew that Crane had had another licking. Maybe the others had missed the wince as Crane sat down, but Daniel hadn't. Nor had he failed to notice the residual redness and puffiness in Crane's eyes. The more Daniel thought about it, the more he fumed. And watching Crane calmly loading up his plate only seemed to infuriate him more.

Of course, Crane wasn't really that calm. The young man was still quite emotional, not to mention sore. And also a little hesitant around Brian. He wasn't sure where he stood with that older brother yet. Brian had been awfully upset with him. Well, so had Adam, but they had settled that upstairs. But despite the emotional turmoil, his stomach was telling him to eat and as soon as he'd had the first bite he really dug in. "You have no idea how much a person can miss a home cooked meal."

"Glad to see you enjoy it," Brian couldn't resist a little teasing, "Maybe having to be here every weekend isn't the punishment we thought it would be. Maybe I should think about putting you on bread and water."

Crane's face got slightly warmer, but he'd take teasing over that disappointment cloud that had hung over them before, "Maybe you should. It'd fit the crime, of course."

"That it would," Brian nodded.

"You guys are crazy!" Daniel suddenly exploded. The pot had reached boiling temperatures and was quickly overflowing, "I can't believe how you're sitting there joking about all this!"

"Not without trouble, little brother," Crane remarked simply, "But would you like me to sit here crying?"

"NO!" The dark haired teen yelled. "I want you to yell. To say it's unfair that you're 'allowed'," He said the word as if it were a curse, "to come to our Christmas things at school. What could be so bad that you're grounded? You're an adult for Pete's sake. So stand up for yourself!"

"Daniel," Adam's warning tone was unmistakable. "Leave your brother alone."

"It's okay, Adam," Crane's immediate response was, before Daniel could say anything. He was so used to being a buffer between the two that he didn't even think twice about shielding his younger brother, even from that boy's own anger.

"No, it's not, Crane," Adam insisted.

"He just doesn't understand, Adam," Crane tried again, but Adam held up his hand.

"He has no business attacking you like this. You're just as entitled to some form of privacy as he is. I'm not saying you can't tell him or one of your other brothers what happened, but it has to be because you want others to know, not because you're being bullied into sharing."

Crane's eyes had grown big during Adam's words. Adam sounded so gentle, yet fiercely protective. Crane knew that if Daniel knew what he'd done, the boy would understand, but to have Adam stand up for him like this, was shocking. He couldn't wrap his mind around it. He simply lowered his head to hide his confusion while Adam addressed Daniel.

"What happened is none of your business. If Crane wants to tell you, that's his choice, but you'll not yell at him like that. Now you apologize to Crane and you apologize to Brian and me."

For a full minute there was an uncomfortable and tense silence. The younger boys were clearly intimidated by the yelling and Adam's edict to Daniel. Crane's mind was working overtime in trying to make sense of what had just happened and trying to will his younger brother to not push Adam on this and to just swallow his pride and anger. And Daniel was trying to decide if he could actually do that. He didn't think it was right. Adam was wrong in this. He had to be. As to Crane, well, he was still mad at Crane for being so compliant. But he loved his brother too much to want to hurt him. Had he hurt Crane? He knew he had. And that was the deciding factor. Finally, he looked at his brother and mumbled, "I'm sorry. I don't get it and I'm still mad, but you don't owe me an explanation."

"Accepted, buddy," Crane was quick to accept.

The other apology was more difficult, but Daniel swallowed his pride. He knew he had to. Adam was clearly not in any mood to let things go with a warning. "I'm sorry," He mumbled and then repeated a little more clearly, "I'm sorry. I shouldn't've yelled."

"Apology accepted," Adam picked up his fork and started to eat.

One look at his younger brothers told Crane that he had to tell them. At least the basics of it. They'd find out soon enough what his grounding entailed and it's was the worst any of them would be able to remember. There was no way they weren't curious. And worried. "Adam?" Adam looked up at the tentative tone. "I would really like to tell them."

"Would? Or feel you have to?" Adam wasn't sure of Crane's reasoning. The boy had always sacrificed himself for the others if necessary. It had to stop.

"You said it was okay if I wanted to. I do, Adam. It's not because I feel I have to. But…" he hesitated, realizing that wasn't completely truthful, "I mean, I do feel I have to, but not because I feel bullied to. I promise."

"I never meant for you to feel you had to keep it a secret either, kiddo," Adam reached out and patted Crane's arm, "I just didn't like it that you were yelled at."

A weak smile was Crane's reaction, "Thanks. I'm not used to…well…" He cleared his throat, "It's going to be clear that what I've done was serious since it's not just this break that I'm grounded. I'm gonna be home every weekend until you say so."

"Every weekend?" Guthrie had trouble not to cheer. His excitement was palpable though.

"Yeah every weekend, Guth," Crane almost smiled. Then he looked at Daniel, "I thought you'd be the one cheering. You'll get to see a lot more of me."

Daniel blinked, "I…" his thoughts were all over the place. He couldn't decide how he felt about it. Mostly, he was suddenly very worried. And scared. Crane must have done something very bad. "what….no, I'm sorry, you don't have to tell us. I just can't imagine…"

"Neither could I, but when you steal and hurt people, not to mention lying and breaking promises…you have to pay the price. I really messed up, Daniel. The dean could have easily gone to the police or kicked me out of school. I can only be grateful he trusted Adam to…well, handle it."

"Golly," Ford's jaw had dropped. "You stole something?"

"Well, technically I guess…" catching Adam's raised eyebrow, he amended, "Yes, I did. I thought I was doing something good, but as it turned out, I did something really stupid. And it was just wrong. It could have cost me a lot more than giving up my free weekends."

"I'm sorry you're in trouble, Crane," Guthrie didn't look too sorry, though, "but I'm really glad you're gonna be home more. I miss you."

"I miss you too, buddy," Crane smiled at Guthrie and then looked at the rest, "all of you. Just wish I was home more often because I suddenly had loads of money. Not because I'm in trouble. Now come on, don't let dinner get cold. I can honestly tell you you'll appreciate it more when you don't eat like this every night."

The rest of dinner was an amiable affair. They didn't get quite as loud and boisterous as they could normally get, but Adam started asking questions about the regional exhibition and Evan talked about the now finished set he'd built, and before they knew it, the subject of Crane's trouble was pushed to the background, allowing the young man to step out of the spotlight for a while and try to process everything that had happened. Not that dinner was enough time for that, but it was a start.

After dinner Crane helped Ford doing the dishes, enjoying the chance to catch up on the process of the little greenhouse project, and then glanced at the yard. He'd noticed Brian going into the barn and with all his other brothers inside, it felt like a good moment to talk to the man. He definitely didn't want witnesses to this. "Can you finish up putting the last bits away, Ford?"

"Sure!" Ford was always willing to help just about everyone. "You gotta do something else?"

"Yeah…" Crane sighed, "Eat crow."

"Huh?"

Ford's confused face made Crane laugh, but it was a bitter laugh at best, "I have apologized to Adam and we're okay, but I still have to apologize to Brian."

"Oh Brian'll forgive you," Ford's trust in his older brothers knew no bounds. "Brian never stays mad long."

"I hope you're right, bud," Crane wasn't so sure, "He was pretty mad earlier. And very hurt. I broke a promise to him."

Ford gave him a sad look, "That's bad, Crane, your word's your bond."

Crane almost rolled his eyes, "You sound just like him now. And that disappointment you feel now….Brian's is tenfold."

Ford shook his head as he dropped the towel on the countertop before wrapping his arms around Crane's waist. "I know he'll forgive you. We're brothers, even more, because Brian's like..like…well, like mom and dad. Just like Adam. There's nothing they won't forgive."

"I'm beginning to see that, Ford," And Crane really did. To hear those words out of Ford's mouth had a powerful effect on the 18-year-old. It was the same thing Adam had told him. "I'd better bite the bullet and go talk to him." Before Ford released him Crane gave him a warm squeeze which was willingly returned.

"I still love you, Crane," The boy whispered, "No matter what you've done."

"Thanks, bud, that means a lot." With those words echoing in his head Crane put on his coat and made his way over to the barn. As always the door was open and Crane didn't walk all the way up to Brian. Instead he leaned against one of the stalls, looking at Brian's back as the man was checking on Ace's leg. "What's wrong with him?"

"Nothing anymore, but I just like to check," Brian didn't look up. "He hurt himself and the cut got infected."

"Antibiotics?"

"Yeah, and we had to change the dressings twice a day, but he got the all clear this morning from the vet."

"Good."

"Yeah."

An awkward silence fell. Brian wasn't going to make an apology easy, that was clear and Crane had no idea where or how to start. He took a deep breath, "Bri…Brian, can we talk?"

"I thought we were."

But the man still didn't get up or turn around and it was killing Crane. He could feel the tears threatening again and tried to will them away. What was it with crying today? He couldn't seem to stop! "I…I am just so sorry I hurt you and I know you don't want any empty promises and I know I've always said that sorry is empty, actions speak louder than words, but I don't even know what to say except sorry. I.…won't you even look at me anymore?"

Brian released the horse's leg and looked down on his hands for a second. He could hear the hitch in Crane's breathing and knew how emotional the boy still was. It broke his heart. But the broken promises, the lie, those broke his heart too. For once he found it hard to get past that hurt.

Crane could feel his heart shatter in pieces when Brian still didn't turn, "Please?" the word sounded more like a sob and finally Brian got to his feet.

"I will still look at you," he found his own voice a little husky.

"But will you ever forgive me?"

Crane was already almost as tall as Brian was, but right now he looked so young and fragile that Brian could only see the 12-year-old boy Crane had been when their world had come crashing down on them and suddenly he found it hard to hold on to his own hurt. "Oh kid," he sighed, "Of course I will. I already have." Crane felt so relieved his knees almost gave out. He held onto the stall to keep himself upright while listening to Brian. "I am just hurt. I'm not the inherently distrusting one like Adam," of course, they both knew that was an exaggeration, "I trust you boys implicitly and unquestionably. When you boys tell me you're going to be somewhere, I don't check up on you until you force me to. Few of you do. And with you it never even occurred to me that I couldn't trust you on your word." He took a few steps so he was in front of Crane who was studying the floor, and cupped his chin, "That's what hurts the most. That I can't trust you right now. I know it'll return. But it will take me time."

"I know," Crane swallowed hard, "I won't make promises, but I know I'll do everything I can to make it up to you, to earn back that trust. So that I can make a promise again with you knowing I'll keep it. Because it means the world to me."

"And I have faith in that, I have always had faith in you, kid," He released Crane's chin, "Oh come here…" And with that he pulled the boy in his arms, hugging him tightly. "You really need to stop thinking we won't forgive you. That's not how this thing works and it's high time you learn."

Brian wasn't surprised at the strength with which Crane returned the hug. Brian held on for as long Crane needed to. The man knew better than Adam the power of a good hug. "I love you, kid. So much. I know we don't say it enough, but that doesn't mean we don't. Okay?" He felt Crane's nod against his shoulder. "And nothing can change it either. Nothing." Another nod and the arms around him tightened.

They stood like that for quite a while, but finally Crane released his hold and stood back a little, "Thanks…"

"You're welcome, kiddo."

"I…I'd better…go back inside. Unless you need help in here?"

Brian ruefully shook his head, "Even if I did, kid, this is the one time one of you boys is actually grounded from work on the ranch."

Crane pulled a face, "That's going to be the hardest of it all."

"And therefore the most valuable."

"I know…I know…"

Brian laughed, "You'll survive. Just think of all the studying you'll get done."

"I'll be so ahead I won't know what to do with my time when I'm not in class."

"Oh if you need more work, I'm sure we can talk to your professors…"

"nooooo, no need, I'll think of something." Crane took a few steps back and walked to the door. Then he turned around once more, "Thanks, Brian."

"You go on…don't get Adam on your case. I hope he knew you're outside." That caused Crane to pale again and Brian laughed, "Don't worry: house and yard, that's it. Even prisoners get to go outside every now and then."

"Yeah…but only for an hour."

"Well, it's winter. Without being allowed to work, I'm sure you'll want to be inside anyway."

"You have a point."

Brian watched Crane leave the barn and stood there for a few long moments before he went back to work.

The evening was a short one. The kids all had a long day ahead of them with the concert at the high school and so were send to bed earlier than usual, much to their dismay. Even Crane was sent to bed, along with Daniel. Not so much as punishment, but because Adam knew their college student (and thank God he still was) had had a very long and emotional day. The man felt he could use the rest. Crane hadn't protested. Truth be told, he was exhausted. However, he couldn't go to sleep just yet. He still had to do something.

"Crane…" Daniel whispered in the dark of the room.

"Yes, Daniel?" He whispered back.

"Did you really steal something?"

Crane rolled to his side and rested on his elbow, "I did. Didn't look at it like that at the time, but I did."

"How did you look at it?"

"I saw it as collecting evidence. An investigation. I thought the university was making a huge mistake and I had to right a wrong. I thought that would be worth any trouble I'd get in. Worth disobeying Adam, breaking promises. But I ended up being very lucky no one was hurt because of what I did. I could have ruined someone's life and career."

"Gosh…" Daniel was quiet for a moment, thinking it all through, "And if you'd got expelled or gone to jail, you would have been ruined."

"You got that right. I thought that was worth it."

"Must have been a big wrong then if you thought it was worth it."

"It was. But the university had handled it the right way. I was the one who didn't. I didn't get my facts straight. I was so convinced I was right that I shut everyone who gave me advice out. That was really stupid."

"So you don't still think it's worth it?"

"Worth it? Not on your life, buddy, seeing my teacher's scared face at what could have happened convinced me and then Adam and Brian did the rest. It was not worth it at all."

"Adam gave you a licking, didn't he? I mean…you don't have to tell me, but…well…it was kinda clear…"

"I lied, bud, I made him a promise I had no intention of keeping. And I disobeyed him. Broke a promise to Brian. So yeah, I eh…got a licking." He would never in a million years tell Daniel how exactly that licking had played out. That was between Adam and himself. Well, Adam, Brian and himself. "And deserved it too."

"I was really mad at that. And the grounding."

Crane chuckled softly, "You made that clear. Not very smart at the dinner table when Adam's already angry. You could have ended up in bed without supper."

"You would have brought me up some…."

"Maybe, but you're forgetting I'm in the dog house right now. Can't really risk it."

"Oh yeah…."

"But you're not mad anymore?"

"It's weird. I was really upset at Thanksgiving. Stayed mad for days. But I guess I'm not mad at Adam now."

"But still mad?" Crane was nothing if not a good listener.

"Maybe a bit at you."

"For not telling Adam I'm too old for that?" He pretty much had, but he wouldn't tell Daniel that.

"A little, but mostly cause you coulda gone to jail. It's bad enough not having you home except for the holidays, it'd be a hundred times worse if we had to visit you in jail on Christmas."

Crane swallowed hard, "Yeah that would have been bad." Daniel was right. Much as he'd thought it had been just his own future and life, his life affected his brothers too. He was a part of this family and as such he had an obligation to them. To be there. To think of them as well when he made decisions. He really hadn't done that. "I'm sorry, Danny, I really am. I never meant for anyone to get hurt."

"Except you maybe."

"Except me."

"But when you get hurt, I get hurt. And Adam would get hurt. And Brian, Evan, Ford, Guthrie…we all would get hurt."

Crane had to blink against the tears for the umpteenth time that day. "I know now, Danny."

"Don't forget again, okay?"

"I won't, buddy, I promise." He hoped this brother would still believe his promises.

"Okay."

"Thanks…for believing me."

"I always believe you."

The trust filled Crane with gratitude and guilt. Because Adam and Brian had felt the same, and he'd betrayed that trust. No more. Never. He would be a man of his word again. And he knew now that he wasn't made of the right stuff to be a criminal. Thank goodness.

"Night, Crane."

"Night, Danny."

"Night, John-Boy," Daniel giggled.

"Night, Mary-Ellen," Crane chuckled, but then got quiet. "we really should get to sleep.."

"yeah…" Daniel pulled the blanket up to his chin and turned over while Crane stared up at the ceiling.

It took a while, but then Daniel's breathing slowed down to a peaceful sleep. Still, the young man continued to look at the ceiling. Then he heard footsteps going up the stairs and the bathroom door open and close before another door opened and closed. Adam had gone to bed. More footsteps and the bathroom door again. Brian's footstep was unmistakable, but even if it wasn't, the fact that the footsteps went back downstairs after coming out of the bathroom made it clear which brother it was. Brian had changed and brushed his teeth, so was turning in as well. And still Crane waited. He waited until he'd heard the clock downstairs chime midnight and then still waited a few more minutes, just to be sure, before he quietly slipped out of bed and out of the room. Even though it had never been necessary for him to watch for the creaky steps, he was well familiar with the stairs and the steps that would betray him, so he knew which ones to skip with his long legs. He tiptoed past the pull-out sofa where Brian was vast asleep with an arm over Guthrie and in the kitchen he took the phone and his coat and slipped out through the door, unto the porch. Unfortunately, the kitchen opened up to the living room and so he had to go outside to talk freely. He couldn't completely close the kitchen door because of the cord, but it would have to do. He typed in the number praying she was still awake.

"Crane?"

"Yeah it's me. Thank God you're awake." It was so good to hear June's voice. Despite everything, he could feel his heart beat a little faster.

"After the way you disappeared today? Of course I am. You said you'd call after midnight, but I didn't want neighbors waking up because of a ringing phone…"

"I'm sorry." He felt like a broken record. He really was saying that a lot today. Or rather: the past 24 hours, because, technically (there was that word again) it was the next day.

"Crane, what the hell happened?"

"You didn't talk to anyone about it, did you?"

"No I didn't. I didn't even go to the party so I could avoid questions." That hadn't been the only reason. Mostly, she hadn't gone because she didn't want to go without Crane.

"Good."

"Crane….did you go to the dean alone?"

"No, I didn't. I promise. I was called in, remember?"

"I know."

"When I got there, Adam was there. And John. They'd found my wallet."

"So it was there after all," she said with a groan.

"Yes, it was," He matched her groan, "I can't believe how careless I was."

"You're just not cut out to be a thief."

Crane couldn't help the soft chuckle, "No kidding. I think I'll pass up that career choice."

"Good…I kinda like having you with me…"

"Well…" Crane took a deep breath, "I'm afraid you'll see less of me for a while. I'm eh…"

"They expelled you?"

"Well, they could have called the police."

"True…but expelling you? I mean, they were wrong! I'd have thought they wouldn't want the publicity."

"It wasn't like that, June."

"What do you mean? We saw the black mail letter. We know he was fired…"

"Remember what I said when I saw his file? That it was weird, but that he wasn't fired?"

"But we said that was probably to protect him in future jobs."

"Exactly. June, when the dean received that letter, he talked to John. John preferred resigning over fighting."

"Oh…."

"Yeah, I know. I was floored. A little mad too. I mean, I can't imagine not being able to be who I am, having to live a lie, but he hadn't even told his parents. Publicity would have outed him. It would have caused a rift with his parents. It would have ruined his career. He didn't want to lose that, so he didn't want to fight. And we nearly ruined that for him. We could have ruined his life and his career. I couldn't live with myself."

"God…." June had been pacing around the phone when Crane had called, but now sank to the floor with her back to the wall. "He really wasn't fired?"

"He really wasn't fired."

"And they found your wallet."

"They found my wallet."

"And didn't call the police because John couldn't afford the publicity, not because the school couldn't."

"You're even faster than I am in figuring that out."

"So that's also why they didn't expel you. That would have led to publicity too, considering the reason."

"Exactly."

"But if you're not expelled or in jail, what did you mean when you said I'd see less of you for a while?"

"Because they called Adam."

"They called your older brother." She didn't completely get it.

"They called my older brother, who is also my legal guardian."

"But you're 18, you're not a minor anymore."

"Good luck telling Adam that. The dean and he came to an agreement. They let Adam…handle it."

"He's the yeller, right? Brian's the one who guilt trips."

Crane sighed, "Yeah, he's the yeller, but he didn't speak to me all the way home. Can you imagine that entire drive in silence?"

She pulled a face even though he couldn't see that, "That bad huh?"

"I'm grounded," He definitely wasn't going to admit anything else, that was a bit too private. Not to mention embarrassing. Admitting he was grounded was bad enough, but he had to tell her that. "And then some. I mean…not just this Christmas break, but they want me home every weekend. Indefinitely."

"Oh…." Realizing her 'oh's' were starting to sound a little dumb, she continued, "Do you think they'll relent soon?"

Crane laughed a mirthless laugh, "I sincerely doubt it. There's this big cloud hanging over us called "disappointment". I'm on lockdown. In fact, I shouldn't be up right now. I shouldn't be on the phone. But I had to call you. I promised and I knew you'd be worried. But also, I had to make sure you didn't do anything with the information we had."

"I wouldn't. Not when you'd asked me not to," the trust in her voice was similar to Daniel's and just as hard to hear, "But I should go to the dean as well. It's not fair that you're in this on your own."

"But don't you see? I'm not in anything except at home. You don't have to turn yourself in. That would be the worst thing you could do. Why should your parents be called in too? I know what you told me about your dad…." He let that hang in the air.

"He'd kill me." Well, not literally, but still.

"So you don't have to."

"I know, but…Crane, it's not fair."

"It's my choice, okay. Nothing I said gave away that there was someone else involved. So let's keep it that way. And you can make it up to me by…eh…" he blushed as he spoke, "Well, by being extra nice to me during the week."

She giggled softly, "I think I can manage that." Then she became serious again, "So you're really…I mean…we never got the chance to talk about last night….I worried that maybe you thought it was a mistake…."

"A mistake? Baby, last night was the best night of my life. I hated having to leave and I hated even more when I couldn't kiss you with Adam there. But Adam would have asked questions about you and I'm not sure if I could have kept you out of it then. I can't tell a bold faced lie to him. I just can't. And certainly not now."

"Why especially now?"

"I broke a few promises I'd made them. So trust is a bit of an issue now. They're both so hurt and disappointed. It's going to take me a long time to earn their trust back. It may sound weird, because they're my brothers, but they're also…the closest thing I've got to parents and their opinion of me matters a lot."

"That doesn't sound weird. In fact, I love that about you."

"I love everything about you, so I win"

She laughed, "Well, I love you more."

"I love you ad infinitum."

"I'll let you win on that one, but I'll come up with something." She sighed, "Guess we won't get to talk again until after the break."

"Afraid not."

"I guess I'll go home then and suffer Christmas with my parents."

"At the mansion."

She snorted, "Yeah…with all their important friends. I'd rather be with you."

"Me too, baby, me too…I gotta go. Love you."

"Love you too…"

He ended the call and buried his face in his head for a moment.

"Well, if that is how you're going to earn back our trust, you might want to rethink your plan."

Crane's head shot up in sheer panic, "Brian…I didn't know you were there…"

"That was clear."

"I mean…how long…how much…"

"You mean, how much did I hear?"

"Yeah…"

"Long enough, kiddo, long enough to know you are well aware you shouldn't be here right now. Long enough to know you're aware that being grounded means no phone calls. Long enough to know you had a partner in this entire escapade. A partner you managed to keep out of this because you love her. Long enough to know my little brother is not so innocent anymore when it comes to girls. And long enough to know that you do think some promises are worth keeping after all."