AUTHOR'S NOTE: Thanks to Braxton54 and Bonnie Sveen Fan for your reviews and to all others following/favouriting and reading.
This is a bit of a long chapter and has a tiny bit of swearing.
It is finally the day of the big soccer game and for once in his life Casey wakes early and jumps out of bed, eager for his long-awaited soccer game.
Kyle looks over at Casey getting himself dressed into his soccer uniform as he pulls himself out of his own bed on the Saturday morning.
"You must be excited for today if you are getting ready so early," Kyle comments.
"You bet. I can't wait for this; I'm so excited!" Casey exclaims and while Kyle finishes making his bed, Casey rushes out into the dining room to find Brax beginning to gather ingredients to make breakfast.
Brax hears the patter of rushing feet behind him and despite Kyle not being one to rush and be noisy, Brax still expects to see Kyle, but instead is surprised to see Casey standing there.
"Good morning, Case. I must admit I didn't think you would be one to get up and about earlier than Kyle," Brax chuckles.
"Why is everyone so surprised at me being up already?" Casey moans.
"Because it's a rarity," Brax laughs.
Casey rolls his eyes unimpressed, while Kyle walks into the dining room.
"Morning," he greets.
"Good morning, Ky," Brax responds.
Kyle is just about to grab a bowl from the cupboard for some cereal when Brax interrupts.
"I'm just about to cook up a big breakfast, so no cereal this morning Ky. I'm making the works because you, Casey, definitely need a good meal to start you off to sustain your energy for your game," Brax says, smiling over at Casey.
Casey instantly forgets Brax's earlier comment and focuses on the thought of a mouth-watering breakfast as he starts to smell the aroma of the sausages in the frypan.
"Is breakfast almost ready yet? I'm really hungry and the smell is driving me mad," Casey moans.
"Just about, only have the eggs left to finish up," Brax replies.
Moments later Brax dishes out two sausages, some scrambled eggs, two hash browns, a strip of bacon and a slice of toast to Casey and himself and one sausage, one hash brown and some eggs to Kyle.
"Thanks," Kyle praises.
Brax then pours a glass of juice for both the boys and a cup of coffee for himself and the three begin to eat their breakfast meal.
After breakfast, Kyle helps Brax clean up the dishes as Casey takes the opportunity to practice a few kicks and warm ups with his soccer ball outside.
"Casey, come back inside now, it's almost time to go," Brax calls.
Casey puts his soccer ball away and runs inside.
"Yes; finally!" he shouts.
"Have you got everything?" Brax asks.
"Yep: my mouthguard, my shin guards, my water bottle…" Casey rattles off his list.
"Alright then, Ky are you ready?"
Kyle nods in response and Brax orders the boys out to the Ute.
Casey rushes out as if it were going to make the game come quicker and jumps into the passenger seat of the Ute.
"Did Heath say he was going to come?" Kyle asks.
"Unfortunately, he can't get away from work, he texted this morning after having to pop in for an early session to cover for one of his workers and then still being short staffed for the day he has to cover for the rest of the sessions. He did say to wish you good luck, Case," Brax says.
Casey rolls his eyes, not believing for a second that Heath had his best interests at heart in wishing him luck.
"Well, I'm kind of glad he's not going to be there. He'd probably ruin my day by being a jerk; like probably embarrass me on the field by carrying me around in a wedgie or something," Casey grumbles.
"Casey: don't say a thing like that; it's not nice," Brax scolds.
"Well, he has been. I bet he didn't even wish me luck, you just said he did."
"No, that is not true, and I want you to stop being so negative about Heath, he is your older brother and despite his recent mishaps he still means well," Brax states authoritatively, quickly shutting down Casey's remarks.
Casey folds his arms in a sulk and looks out the window as they continue to drive towards their destination of Reefton Lakes Oval.
Wanting to ease the tension, Kyle speaks up and talks about Casey's game again, despite not liking sports himself, he enjoyed watching Casey play because it was what Casey loved to do.
"I'm really looking forward to watching you play today, Case. You're going to be awesome, and I bet you'll score a goal," Kyle says, praising his younger brother.
Casey turns around in his seat to look at Kyle behind him.
"One goal? I'm not just going to score one goal; I'm going to score heaps!" Casey says proudly.
Brax and Kyle smirk and Brax rolls his eyes over Casey's confidence.
"I know you are a very good player Casey, but I just don't want you to get your hopes up if you don't win today's game," Brax says.
"What do you mean? We have the best team, well except for one loser; we're bound to win!" Casey boasts proudly.
Kyle knew Casey was referring to Wesley.
They arrive at the oval and Brax drives around trying to find a parking space.
Once the boys get out, Brax instructs Kyle to go and find a seat while he helps Casey get settled in with his team for the game.
Kyle finds a suitable seat where they'd be able to get a good view of the game. Out of the corner of his eye he spots Aiden and Grant already sitting on the other side, a bit further back from him and moments later he sees Haley and Damien walking in to find their seats on the other side.
Kyle begins to get anxious having both sets of bullies practically sitting beside him, and he frantically darts his eyes around for any sight of Brax, hoping that he would front up soon and be there to protect him against any taunts.
The last thing he needs is any more bullying, especially on a weekend when he was away from school and out enjoying his little brother's big day.
Kyle continues to watch both sets of bullies from his peripheral vision, trying not to draw any attention to himself by directly looking towards them when he suddenly feels a large hand clamp on his shoulder.
Getting a huge fright, he jumps for what felt like a mile high in his seat.
Was it the year twelve student, Clark again? Despite saying he was done with him, Kyle panics, thinking he may have changed his mind.
Seconds later the person of the large hands sits down next to Kyle. Kyle sighs with relief that it is only Brax.
"Didn't mean to scare you," Brax chuckles, "You nabbed us a good spot here; you can see everything."
"Yeah," Kyle whispers, slowly composing himself.
They watch as the two teams run out onto the field.
"Oh hey: there's Casey!" Brax announces and points as Casey runs onto the field followed by Ryder and Liam.
"Now we have Summer Bay Sea Birds over here and Mangrove River Manta Rays on this side," the referee announces, pointing to each team.
Cheers from the crowd erupt upon the announcement of each team.
"Players, are you ready?" the referee shouts and seconds later he blows his whistle.
Ryder dribbles the ball past a member on the other team and manages to pass it to Casey who runs with the ball before passing it to another player on the team who passes on to Liam who shoots a goal.
The team cheers and they start again. This time Casey tries for a goal but narrowly misses when the opposing team blocks the ball.
"Oh: come on!" Gavin yells annoyed at the narrowly missed goal.
The third and fourth time the opposing team scores one goal and one miss and on the fifth and sixth time Wesley makes a shot but ends up missing the goal both times.
"How could you miss that shot James?" Gavin yells out, to which Wesley gives a harsh stare.
After some time of each team scoring goals and playing, Casey shoots and manages two goals in a row, making Wesley jealous because he had missed on his couple of shots.
Mr. McKay is yelling at his team from the sidelines, encouraging their game play while after Casey scores his consecutive goals Brax shouts out an encouraging cheer.
"Go Casey!"
As much as Kyle wants to support Casey, he doesn't want more attention drawn to him with Brax's shouting, so he slumps in his chair.
Wesley hears Casey's name being shouted from the seats and he takes a quick look over and spots Kyle sitting next to a much stocker, larger man.
Wesley scoffs, knowing he was here to support his brother, Wesley knew the perfect way in which to bother Kyle and to get back at Casey hogging the goal shots.
Casey is running with the ball towards the goal and Wesley runs by, giving Casey a shove and steals the ball from him, only to again miss the goal, giving the opposing team the chance to take the ball and score a goal.
Casey scowls, feeling angry, he runs up to Wesley and shoves him back roughly.
"If you hadn't of shoved me, I would have won that!" Casey shouts.
"Oh, like you haven't won enough already, Mr. There's only I in this team!" Wesley shouts back and shoves Casey.
"You, arsehole!" Casey yells and shoves Wesley back.
By now Ryder and Liam were looking at Casey and Wesley having a dispute.
The Referee blows his whistle and he and Mr. McKay run onto the field towards the boys and Mr. McKay gets in between them.
Brax stands up seeing the commotion and sighs hearing the shouting coming from his baby brother.
Kyle looks on as well, knowing Wesley was probably only having a go at Casey because he knew it hurt him seeing Casey targeted.
"Both of you get off the field. You are both on the substitute bench until you can play respectfully," the referee states.
"Boys get going and don't let me catch you scuffling while you are out of the game calming down," Mr. McKay states firmly and walks towards the benches behind Casey and Wesley who wander off with a sulk, glaring at each other.
"Kennedy and Grimes: you're in!" Mr. McKay calls and the two substitute players run onto the field to play.
A short while later the referee calls half time, and the teams rush off the field to grab their drinks and orange slices as well as have a rest and do some stretches.
"Hey, it's half time. I'm going to go get us some snacks; be right back, Kiddo," Brax says and stands up.
Kyle's heart skips a beat, having Brax leave left him open to his bullies.
"Hurry back, I'm getting kind of hungry, and you don't want to miss the game," Kyle quickly says.
Brax smiles and ruffles Kyle's hair.
"That's unlike you, feeling hungry," Brax laughs and walks away, leaving Kyle vulnerable.
It only takes Brax less than ten minutes to grab some snacks and return.
"Here Kiddo, I brought you an orange," he says with a grin and passes the orange to Kyle.
Casey had convinced him to get some oranges at half time because they always offered the best, so Brax made sure there was one for Kyle.
"Thanks Brax," Kyle says as he smiles at his brother.
Not only was he happy that he'd gotten one of these famous tasting oranges, or that he loved oranges, but his brother was still there to protect him; nothing could go wrong.
The two eat their snacks and Brax realises he'd forgotten his sunglasses in the Ute and the early afternoon sun was beginning to get in his eyes.
"I'll just be gone for another quick moment," he says and goes to get up when Kyle stops him.
"Where are you going?"
"Just going to the Ute to grab my sunglasses so I shouldn't miss too much of Casey's game if I go now," Brax replies.
Kyle knew it would take longer for Brax to go to his Ute and come back than it was to get some snacks and he wasn't ready to be on his own for that long with his bullies so close by.
"Wait: I can get them for you so you don't miss any of the game, after all Casey would prefer you being here," Kyle offers, hoping that if he goes, he would be safer than staying on his own.
"Well, I guess. Here's my keys. Thanks, Little man," Brax says and hands over his Ute keys.
Wesley, still feeling angry that he was booted out of the first half of the big game, looks around as the teams start making their way onto the field for the second half and glancing over at the seat sees Kyle walking away.
Blaming Casey for his time out, Wesley has the urge to take it out on someone and what better person than Casey's brother.
Wesley asks Mr. McKay to be excused to use the bathroom and rushes out to follow Kyle into the carpark.
Kyle is on his way back from Brax's Ute when he runs into Wesley.
"What do we have here?" Wesley snickers.
"Why aren't you at the game?" Kyle asks.
"Oh, the game that your boasting brother got me sent out from in the first half?" Wesley snickers.
"It wasn't Casey's fault," Kyle defends quietly and goes to make a move away but is blocked by Wesley.
"Like you know anything about sports," Wesley scoffs and sees the sunglasses in Kyle's hand, instantly snatching them from him.
"What's this?" Wesley teases.
"Wesley, please don't," Kyle begs as his heart sinks.
"Or what, dork?" Wesley teases, looking at the sunglasses.
"Not a bad pair of sunnies. It would be a shame if anything happened to them," Wesley taunts.
Kyle watches as Wesley chucks the sunglasses on the ground and stomps on them heavily with his spiked soccer shoe.
Wesley laughs as he moves and now sees the shattered broken sunglasses on the ground.
"Looks like you're going to have to squint through the sun," he laughs.
Wesley hears the referee's whistle and, not wanting to be away from his game for too long, runs back into the oval.
Kyle bends down to collect the broken pieces of Brax's sunglasses, panic rising over what he was going to explain to his big brother.
He is thankful that he's at least put Brax's keys into his back pocket, otherwise who knows what damage Wesley may have done with them and there would be no way of explaining that to Brax if his Ute keys got lost or damaged.
Kyle makes his way back to the seats with his head down and the broken sunglasses in his hand. Brax smiles upon seeing his brother but his smile fades when he sees Kyle's saddened look.
"Ky, what's up?" Brax asks, while Kyle takes his seat.
"Brax, I'm really sorry," Kyle apologises, causing Brax to frown, confused.
Kyle opens his hands, producing the broken sunglasses.
"Kyle, what happened? These are my top quality pair of sunglasses," Brax exclaims, observing the broken pieces.
"It was an accident. When I was coming back, I tripped, dropping them and when I got up, I accidently stepped on them," Kyle lies, staring down.
"You can take my allowance until you can pay for a new pair," he offers.
Brax sighs and wraps his arm comfortingly around Kyle's shoulder.
"Nonsense, there will be no need for that. I understand accidents happen, though I wonder: maybe we should get you glasses if you keep tripping up on things," Brax jokes.
Kyle's eyes go wide, and he looks up at Brax, knowing he'd only get bullied worse if he had glasses. Brax notices Kyle's worried look.
"I'm only joking, Ky," Brax laughs and ruffles Kyle's hair while pulling him into a side hug.
Aiden and Grant catch sight of Kyle being hugged and snicker.
Brax and Kyle focus their attention back on the game and after about fifteen minutes into the second half, Mr. McKay calls Dean Kennedy off the field.
"Braxton, get back out there and don't cause a fuss again!"
Casey runs back out onto the field and quickly high fives Ryder and Liam.
"So, we are down a few goals, let's make this count," Casey says.
"Case is back in the game, that's good," Kyle says and Brax nods.
"Atta boy, Case!" Brax cheers.
Casey looks over and spots his brothers and smiles.
Meanwhile, Wesley watches angrily, waiting for his turn back in the game.
"Mr. Big Shot," he scoffs as he sees Casey scoring a goal again as soon as he is back on the field.
He glances back over towards the seats and snickers as he takes sight of Kyle.
"James, you're back in; swap with Grimes!" Mr. McKay yells towards Wesley.
Wesley doesn't hesitate and runs back onto the field; now it was payback time, and it was his time to shine.
Ryder runs with the ball towards the goal and is ready to kick it towards Liam when the opposing team kick it back and are almost in reach of their own goal when Ryder shouts out to Casey to take the ball.
Casey makes a fast dash towards the ball and Wesley on the other side of the field sprints towards Casey, he was not going to let Casey take this goal this time; it was his turn for glory.
Casey is moments away from stealing the ball back when he suddenly finds himself landing face first onto the ground, grazing his knees and badly twisting his foot.
"Ow!" Casey screams, rolling around and grabbing at his left ankle.
The referee whistles to halt the game and Liam and Ryder, along with Mr. McKay run over towards Casey.
Brax immediately stands up, curious that his brother was injured from his fall and Kyle also watches intensely, but quickly glances over at Haley and Damien as he hears them laughing over Casey's fall.
"The imbecile tripped and fell flat on his stupid face," Haley laughs.
Back on the field, Casey is surrounded with onlookers and people wanting to give their concern.
"Are you alright?" Ryder asks.
"Yeah, you fell pretty badly," Liam comments.
"Give him a bit of space," Mr. McKay instructs, bending down to Casey's level.
"Is it your ankle, son?"
"It hurts!" Casey screams and fidgets.
Wesley smirks watching Casey rolling around on the ground in pain.
Casey briefly glares over at Wesley.
"He tripped me!" he shouts with a point.
The referee shrugs.
"I did not see anything in foul play; it appeared to be a mere accident."
"Let's get you checked by the medic. Can you put any weight on it?" Mr. McKay asks, beginning to pull Casey up to stand.
"No! It's agony!" Casey shouts, hopping as Mr. McKay supports Casey.
Ryder quickly comes over to help support Casey as the two take Casey towards the bench.
The medic has a feel of Casey's ankle, to which Casey shouts in pain dramatically with every touch.
"It looks like you have sprained your ankle so I'm afraid you are going to be out for the rest of the game," the medic explains.
"What? No: I can't! Can't you just fix it or something!" Casey yells.
Mr. McKay rests his hand on Casey's shoulder.
"Sorry, Casey, but you will not be playing for the remainder of the game; doctor's orders," Mr. McKay informs.
"This is so not fair!" Casey shouts.
"There will be other games, son; accidents like this happen," Mr. McKay comforts.
"It wasn't an accident, he did it on purpose!" Casey accuses.
Mr. McKay squeezes Casey's shoulder.
"Making accusations doesn't help the team," Mr. McKay says gently.
"Let's get that foot up and iced, and clean those wounds up," the medic interrupts and as he takes Casey's ankle again to apply ice and prop it up under a soft stool, Casey whines and complains the entire time with 'ow's', and 'it's cold'.
Mr. McKay sends Joshua Grimes back in to play and the referee whistles to start the game again while Casey is left sulking and watching from the sidelines.
After several back and forth tries from both teams, Wesley finally manages to score a goal, causing Casey to huff and shift on the bench, letting out an 'ow' when his ankle moved.
It isn't until another thirty-five minutes when the referee announces the game is coming to an end and the game is tied six-all and whichever team could score the next goal would win the game.
Both teams worked their hardest to get the ball but as soon as Wesley makes a kick for it and dribbles down the field he takes a try for the goal, hoping to be the champion winner of the game but misses.
Liam catches the ball and dribbles it closer to the goal and takes his kick and aims directly for the goal he shoots and scores just as the referee sounds his whistle to end the game.
Ryder runs up to his friend and cheerfully pats him on the back, while the rest of the team gather around and cheer, for they have won the game.
The teams begin walking off the field and Mr. McKay praises his team players.
Liam and Ryder are ushered away with their team so could not go and see how Casey was doing. Wesley on the other hand smirks over at Casey and approaches.
"How'd you like sitting out for the rest of the game like an unwanted loser? Now you and your brother have something in common," Wesley laughs.
Casey scowls and wanted nothing more than to tackle Wesley to the ground and smash him but as soon as Casey put his foot down to make a move, he yelps in pain, alerting Mr. McKay who approaches Casey.
"Are you okay, son? You are not ready to be walking on that ankle yet. Have you got someone to help take you home?" Mr. McKay asks.
Casey nods, "Yeah my brother is here."
Mr. McKay looks around and happens to see Kyle coming down behind another man that Mr. McKay assumed was Casey's older brother who was to be taking him home.
"Casey!" Brax yells and approaches the bench where Casey is sitting.
Kyle remains close behind, not wanting to be left alone when Brax suggested he stay in the seating area until he could get Casey.
Mr. McKay greets both boys. Brax reciprocates the greeting and nods, not taking his eyes off Casey, noticing the teen covered in dirt and his knees all grazed.
"Hi Mr. McKay," Kyle says softly, also looking at Casey and feeling guilty that Wesley attacked Casey just to bother him.
Brax bends down and wraps his arm around Casey's waist.
"Put all your weight on me, Case," Brax instructs.
After Casey puts his arm around Brax's neck, Brax hoists Casey up onto his feet.
Casey moans at the movement causing him pain.
"You make sure you rest up; I want you back in the team ready to practice for the next game next term at the end of the year," Mr. McKay says.
Casey groans and grips onto Brax's neck tighter.
"Don't worry, I'll make sure of it. Thanks for looking after him."
"Oh, by the way, here is Casey's belongings," Mr. McKay says, handing over Casey's bag which contained his water bottle, mouthguard and deodorant.
"Thanks; Kyle, would you mind?" Brax says.
Kyle takes the bag from the teacher and follows Brax as he starts to walk towards the exit.
With the height difference, Casey barely had to walk with Brax practically lifting him along.
At the Ute, Brax stops to pull out his keys from his pocket.
"Kyle, can you please open the door?" Brax requests, waving his keys in the air for Kyle to take.
Kyle takes the keys and unclicks the Ute, opening the passenger door for his brothers.
Brax semi lifts Casey into the Ute and shuts the door once Casey is comfortable.
Kyle hops in the back seat and Brax gets into the driver seat and begins the drive home.
Casey fidgets in his seat.
"I can't believe that dumb shit, Wesley. This is all his fault. I'm going to get him for this," Casey grumbles.
"I beg your pardon? And no, you won't, if you feel this kid is targeting you, you are to speak to your coach or Bianca," Brax says sternly, taking a quick glance at Casey.
"But he made me miss most of the game, he is such a shit head!" Casey complains, his voice cracking slightly as he begins to get upset from the pain and disappointment of missing his game.
"Casey, don't make me warn you about swearing again," Brax warns.
"Heath says shit all the time and sometimes calls us shits. Why can't I say it when I'm talking about one," Casey defends, miserably.
Brax rolls his eyes, deciding to let Casey's swearing slide just this once.
"Heath is an adult and what he says is not my concern, where-as you are a kid and are my concern," Brax states.
"Wesley really is a jerk, Brax," Kyle pipes up from the back.
"See: Kyle agrees with me! I'm going to make him miss the game next time, see how it makes him feel, not that he's good enough to compare to me anyway," Casey grumbles.
Brax sighs, "Casey, give it a rest now; working yourself up isn't going to help any. I know it mustn't have been pleasant having to miss part of the game, but I'm so proud of how you did today," Brax says calmly, ending in high praise.
Casey quietens and slumps in his seat.
"It's just not fair," he mumbles and blinks his wet eyes.
"I know, Kiddo," Brax replies and reaches over to gently pat Casey's thigh, comforting the upset teen.
As they continue to drive along, the afternoon sun begins to gleam. Casey pulls down the sun visor and Brax does the same, beginning to squint a little from the glare caused by the cars around him.
"Why aren't you wearing your sunglasses?" Casey asks, glancing over at his big brother.
"There was a bit of an accident," Brax replies.
Kyle awkwardly shifts in the back seat and hangs his head.
"What happened?" Casey urges.
"I broke them when I was coming back to the oval," Kyle comments in a quiet tone.
Casey spins around to look at Kyle and chuckles.
"How? Did you get mad; they were your real expensive fancy pair?" Casey then turns to ask Brax with wide eyes.
"No, Kyle explained it was an accident and despite not being impressed at losing them, I did not get mad," Brax replies and glances at Kyle's sad face in the rear-view mirror, knowing full well how the teen had already blamed himself and felt guilty.
They enter Summer Bay and Casey begins to get hungry.
"Brax, can we get a milkshake seeing as I'm injured?" Casey pleads.
Brax sighs, "Very well, we can swing by the diner."
Kyle and Casey remain in the Ute as Brax heads into the diner. Kyle watches as Brax goes out of sight.
Casey turns back to his brother.
"You really need glasses man. I've seen toddlers more coordinated than you," Casey chuckles, not meaning to insult his brother but pointing out a fact, as he turns to face the front.
"That's what Brax said, but I don't need glasses; I see fine!" Kyle protests in reply.
This causes Casey to roll his eyes.
"Yeah, right man. It's completely normal to break a pair of sunglasses while walking. I'm surprised Brax didn't yell at you in front of everyone as they were really expensive. I bet he would have done it if it was me. I'm sure an eye test wouldn't hurt."
"I don't need an eye test, maybe you need one then too?" Kyle argues back, getting more frustrated.
Casey spins around to glare at Kyle and Kyle instantly sighs.
"Sorry. It's just, can you imagine what my life would be like if I was to start wearing glasses? Aiden, Wesley and Grant would have a field day and Zeke, Haley and Damien would probably be no better, and Heath; I'll be spending every second of every day being more tormented. I can only imagine all the new nicknames I would get," Kyle grumbles.
Casey nods as he sees his brother's point and spins around to face him.
"Okay what happened then, how'd you break them?"
Kyle sighs and sits forward towards Casey.
"Can you keep a secret?" he whispers.
"Yeah; what?"
"It was Wesley who broke them thinking they were mine. He came out at the time he was on the bench and cornered me in the carpark and snatched them off me and smashed them. I told Brax I tripped and broke them. I don't want him to find out I lied," Kyle explains.
Casey chuckles, "You told a lie."
"Casey please don't say anything," Kyle pleads.
"Relax, I won't. I just find it funny that you told a lie, but why cover for that ars…"
"Casey, don't swear, despite him being that," Kyle cuts Casey off.
"I wasn't going to. I was going to say he's an arse. Why didn't you say anything to Brax?" Casey asks.
"Because I didn't want him knowing about Wesley hassling me or making things worse for you in the game," Kyle explains.
"Worse how? He already screwed me over," Casey spits.
"Promise you won't say anything," Kyle says.
Casey's agreed answer gets cut off when they are interrupted by the driver door opening.
"Here you go: one milkshake and one pulled pork roll for you Case and one milkshake and chicken and salad roll for you," Brax announces, handing Casey his things first then reaching over the back to hand Kyle his, despite the older teen not feeling very hungry.
"Thanks Brax," Casey beams and starts to get stuck into his roll.
"Thanks," Kyle adds quietly.
Brax smiles at Kyle, reassuring him it was all okay, then gets back into the driver seat and drives back home.
By the time they got back, both boys had finished their rolls and milkshakes.
Brax quickly gets out of the Ute and after collecting the rubbish and disposing of it he makes his way over to the passenger side and helps Casey out.
Kyle follows his brothers inside and places down Casey's belongings in the lounge room.
"You had better go have a shower and get yourself cleaned up then you can rest for the remainder of the night with your foot up," Brax instructs.
Casey nods and Brax helps Casey down towards the bathroom.
"Just wait here and I'll grab you your clothes," he informs.
Casey leans up against the bathroom wall waiting and Brax returns minutes later with the teen's pyjamas.
"Are you going to be alright?" Brax asks, concerned.
"I'll be okay," Casey replies and begins to hobble further into the bathroom.
"Make sure you hold onto the vanity and wall for support and give me a shout if you need help. I don't want you thinking you are capable and hurting yourself," Brax says.
Casey nods and Brax closes the bathroom door as he walks away.
Casey finishes in the shower and begins to hobble down the hall. Kyle, who is sitting on the couch hears his brother struggling to shuffle down the hall and instantly gets up to help.
Kyle's sudden movement alerts Brax as the oldest walks back inside from sorting out the laundry.
Brax rushes to Casey's side and supports him all the way to the couch.
"Just take it easy. What did I tell you?" Brax says as he helps Casey sit down on the couch, before taking his injured foot and propping it up on the coffee table with a pillow underneath.
Casey winces as Brax moves his foot.
"It hurting you a bit, Champ?"
Casey nods vigorously and shifts a little to get comfortable.
"I'll get you some ice and some pain meds," Brax comforts and heads into the kitchen.
Kyle looks over at Casey, noticing how he seemed uncomfortable and gives him a weak smile.
"How is your ankle?" Kyle asks.
"Sore and uncomfortable; it really sucks," Casey grumbles and falls back further against the couch.
"If I can help you in any way let me know because I still feel kind of responsible," Kyle whispers.
"It's not your fault Wesley has problems being a massive jerk," Casey replies.
Brax returns and hands Casey a glass of water and some pain tablets then places the ice pack gently onto his ankle.
"I'm going to grab a shower; you boys alright?"
"Yeah, we'll just watch some TV," Casey replies and flicks the TV on.
After surfing through Netflix, he finally settles on Stranger Things.
"Does this sound okay to you?" Casey asks.
Kyle shrugs, not being a particular fan of the show, but also not wanting to make a fuss as he felt he owed it to Casey so agrees but only watches bits and pieces while remaining on the couch to keep Casey company and to make sure he was okay.
A short while later, Heath walks through the door.
"Hey, my two little bros. How was the big game, Snoopy? Sorry I missed it," Heath says and quickly ruffles both of his brother's hair.
"What did you do to your foot, baby bro?"
"I was tripped in the game and injured my ankle," Casey answers in a glum tone.
"Sucks to be you then," Heath replies.
"Go ahead and laugh, now that I'm cripple and an easier target for you to harass," Casey grumbles, not wanting Heath to be there when he felt miserable already.
"I resent that. An injury like this is no laughing matter, but if you insist on being an easy target once you are better that can be arranged," Heath chuckles and gives Casey a wet willy into his left ear.
"Yuck! You're so disgusting!" Casey exclaims with annoyance.
Kyle looks over, thinking how it wasn't fair that Heath was pestering Casey when he could clearly see he was trying to rest. Heath sees Kyle's worried and concerned look and laughs.
"Don't worry little Spooky, I won't forget you." Heath immediately gives Kyle a wet willy in his right ear.
Kyle scowls and moves away, his hand immediately going to his ear to scrub away the discomfort.
Heath leans over the couch and grabs the remote that was in between Kyle and Casey and sits down on the armchair nearby, making a quick attempt to change the TV into his account.
"Hey: we were watching that!" Casey shouts.
"Well, I'm here now and I don't want to watch one of your weird teenage angsty shows. Besides I think it was more you watching than a 'we'. This show isn't up Kyle's alley; is it Bubs?" Heath states.
"Not really," Kyle responds.
"See?" Heath points out and finally flicks to a show called: Unsolved Mysteries.
"You said it was okay if we watched it?" Casey asks Kyle.
"I only agreed because you wanted to watch it and you are the one who is injured so I thought it was only fair," Kyle replied.
"You didn't have to do that, Ky," Casey says, then immediately turns to scowl at Heath when the older one chuckles.
"Aren't you too adorable, being so mushy with each other?"
"Shut up! At least Kyle lets me watch what I want, even if he doesn't really like it!" Casey grumbles and folds his arms over his chest.
Why did Heath have to come over and ruin everything by being annoying?
Kyle takes a glance at the TV and sees the preview of the context of the episode.
"How is this any better? It's full of true crime and murder. If anything, it's more gruesome than what Casey wanted to watch," Kyle points out, deciding to withhold the additional comment about Heath not choosing something for his liking any more than Casey had; wanting to keep his underwear intact for he knew what to expect if he disrespected Heath right now.
Heath doesn't get a chance to bite back when Brax makes his way out of the bathroom back into the lounge room and spots Heath sitting in the armchair.
"Hey, mate; how was work?" he asks.
"The usual: training sessions, one-on-ones and some bookwork," Heath replies.
"Pfft, Heath and bookwork," Casey grumbles, receiving a look from Heath.
Brax glances over at the TV and sees it was now on a completely different program to what Casey and Kyle usually watched and sees the remote near Heath's hand.
"Really Heath?" Brax states, gesturing towards the remote and TV.
"What? I didn't want to miss this episode and seeing as I decided to spend the night hanging with you, how else am I to watch it?"
Brax shakes his head at Heath's reply and runs his hand over Kyle and Casey's hair. Casey cranes his head back to look towards Brax standing behind the couch.
"Brax, what's for dinner?" he asks, feeling his stomach becoming empty again.
"I was thinking we could get pizza tonight; what do you boys think?" Brax replies.
"Count me in!" Heath announces quickly.
"Sounds good" Kyle adds.
"Ah, do I even have to say: yeah?" Casey answers then adds, "Can we please get some cheesy garlic bread and chicken tenders, and can I get a pepperoni pizza and a cheese pizza this time?"
Brax widens his eyes and Heath chuckles.
"No Casey, if I am to get extras there will be only one pizza each, though maybe I can get a cheese for all of us to share," Brax suggests, causing Casey to nod in agreement.
"Well then can we get some of those cinnamon stick things for dessert?" Casey asks, smiling up cheekily at his brother.
Brax sighs. "Honestly Casey, sometimes I don't know where you put all this food. I think you have holes in your legs or something," Brax jokes.
"Well, my leg is kind of broken," Casey exaggerates.
Brax rolls his eyes.
"It's sprained Casey, and it's your ankle not your leg," Brax chuckles and runs his hand through Casey's hair again.
"You exaggerate too much, baby bro. I'll grab a barbecue meat-lovers, thanks big fella," Heath says with a request.
"And Kyle, do you want your usual Hawaiian?" Brax asks.
"Yes please," Kyle answers.
"You should try something different for a change, Kylie," Heath comments.
"He doesn't have to try anything different if he doesn't want to," Brax informs then grabs his phone.
"I'll call up for our order."
Brax gets off the phone and grabs his keys.
"It's not going to be long so I'm going to head out now; be back soon," Brax says.
Once Brax leaves, Casey shifts slightly on the couch.
"Are you okay?" Kyle asks.
"Yeah, I'm just getting a bit thirsty," Casey replies.
"I'll get you a drink; what do you want?" Kyle offers.
"Some lemonade would be awesome," Casey replies.
Kyle gets up to head towards the kitchen when Heath yells out.
"Get me a drink too while you're at it, little Spooky," Heath orders.
Casey turns to Heath and scowls.
"Why can't you get up off your lazy butt and get your own? Kyle is only helping me because of my ankle; what's your excuse? Kyle isn't your slave!" Casey protests.
Kyle sighs, wondering why Casey had to always egg on their older brother.
"I'll get up and teach you a lesson about respect if you speak to me like that again. Anyway, there is no need to be jealous, because you can easily have the honour of being my slave once you are better," Heath teases and gives Casey a smirk.
"I'll get you your drink too Heath, just leave Casey be, please. What do you want?" Kyle says quickly, trying to diffuse the tension between Heath and Casey.
"That's a good boy. Get me a coke," Heath requests and Kyle exits into the kitchen.
Casey huffs and folds his arms back over his chest.
Kyle returns with the drinks.
"Thanks, Ky, but you shouldn't have had to do Heath's dirty work," Casey comments.
Kyle shrugs.
"Gives me a chance to go and get my laptop. I figure we can maybe watch something together," Kyle replies and quickly heads to the bedroom to grab his laptop.
Once Kyle sits back down on the couch next to Casey, Kyle opens his laptop and searches for a compilation of unusual and funny animals and the two teens watch together while Heath continues to watch TV.
Fifteen minutes later Brax returns and places the boxes of pizza down on the table. Kyle puts his laptop to the side. Heath instantly searches for his and grabs it from the pile.
Brax then hands Kyle and Casey theirs and takes his ham and cheese one and snatching the TV remote from Heath goes and sits down on the other armchair and switches to his Netflix account and selects the movie Rat Race to watch.
The four boys enjoy their pizzas, garlic bread and extras while watching the movie and after a few more hours, Heath returns to his flat and Brax helps Casey to bed with Kyle following behind.
The following day, Brax again helps Casey move around, and after some lunch, situates the youngest on the couch to rest for the remainder of his Sunday.
"Brax, can I have Monday off school, or maybe even the whole week; seeing as I can't walk?" Casey asks hopefully.
"If you can still not genuinely walk or are in pain then yes you can have time off school, but you can forget about having an entire week off, because a sprained ankle does not necessarily take that long to heal," Brax chuckles, causing Casey to scowl.
"Look, we'll see how you are in the morning before I decide," Brax replies, "Now, is there anything I can get for you before I get started on the bookwork for the restaurant?"
"Um, maybe the remote?" Casey asks cheekily.
Brax leans over and hands Casey the remote.
Casey smiles and immediately flicks on the TV to his account and starts to watch cartoons.
Brax goes back to the dining table and begins to sort through his paperwork.
About forty minutes later when the cartoons finish, Casey turns towards Brax, who has his head down focusing on his work.
"Brax?" Casey calls to get his brother's attention.
"What's up, Casey?" Brax replies glancing up.
"Do you know what would make this moment even better?"
"No, what?" Brax inquires.
"If I could have some of your freshly made popcorn and a milkshake?" Casey asks with a wide cheeky smirk on his face.
"What about the lunch you just had a short while ago?"
"But that was hours ago, Brax, please, and I'm not well," Casey begs, slightly exaggerating.
Brax sighs.
"Fine but let me just finish this little bit I'm working on then I'll make them for you," Brax replies.
"Thanks, you're the greatest, but just don't take too long," Casey says.
Ten minutes later Brax stops his work and gets up to grab the blender and pot.
Before he puts the corn into the pot with the butter and salt he pops outside to where Kyle is relaxing and reading his book.
"I'm just about to make some fresh popcorn and a milkshake for Casey, would you like some?"
Kyle looks up and smiles.
"Yeah, that would be nice. How is Casey going?" Brax rolls his eyes and chuckles.
"He's really milking it given his ankle sprain."
Kyle smiles, "I'll just finish this chapter then I'll come in for some popcorn and milkshake."
Brax nods then returns inside where he begins to make the fresh popcorn first. During the process of finishing off the first milkshake Kyle walks into the house.
Casey, who is flicking through the programs, sees Kyle in the kitchen. Suddenly Casey stops and lets out a cheer.
"Oh cool; it's Back to the Future and it looks like the trilogy is on! Kyle come and watch!"
"You can continue reading outside if you want," Brax whispers and hands Kyle his milkshake.
"Thanks, but I think I might watch it too."
Brax smiles and puts the popcorn in a large bowl and takes it, and Casey's milkshake towards the couch, handing them to the youngest.
"Yum!" Casey exclaims and instantly takes a huge sip of his milkshake as Kyle takes a seat on the couch.
Brax clears his throat, waiting for a response from Casey.
"Oh, thanks Brax," Casey finally says with his mouth full of popcorn.
"Where were you all morning?" Casey asks Kyle, finally finishing his mouthful of food.
"I was outside reading," Kyle replies and takes a sip of his own milkshake.
"Boring; you should have been in here watching TV. At least this is only the start of the first movie," Casey says.
"Well, if you boys are right, I'll get back to my bookwork," Brax informs.
"Okay," Casey replies, not taking his eyes off the TV.
"Thanks again for the milkshake and popcorn," Kyle says, causing Brax to smile.
Brax then walks back to the table, focusing back on his finances for the restaurant, leaving Kyle and Casey to watch their movie marathon.