AUTHOR'S NOTE: Many thanks to Braxton54, Bonnie Sveen Fan, and Guest for reviewing! Also thank you to everyone still following and reading, despite not being able to see who reads due to the stats glitch; always much appreciated.
In response to Guest, your idea is definitely being written into the spin off series so hope you can stick around for that. To anyone else reading, ideas are certainly welcomed so please don't hesitate to share.
The sun peeks through the curtains of the boy's room and the clock ticks over to seven-thirty.
Kyle blinks his eyes and glances around, giving a slight groan in the process.
He is awake earlier than normal on the Saturday morning, still feeling the effects of his painful wedgie from the night before.
He had remained asleep on his stomach for the night and so shuffled himself up into a kneeling position before moving from his bed.
Kyle gives a small wince and rubs his bottom as he slides off his bed.
He could hear Brax talking on the phone out in the hall and tries to listen in.
Kyle could hear mumbles of: 'how import?', 'what time?', 'don't let them wait for anything and give them the top of the range drinks; on the house,' and finally: 'I'll be there as soon as I'm ready'.
Kyle's heart skips; did that mean Brax was going to work today, meaning it would leave Casey and himself alone with Heath again?
Kyle hears Brax hang up the phone and exits the bedroom.
"Oh, hey: kiddo; you feeling alright?" Brax asks, as he glances up after sending a quick text to his head chef to come into work for the VIP morning tea to lunch booking.
Kyle slowly nods.
"I'm a little sore still," Kyle mumbles, "I heard you on the phone, are you going to work?"
"Yeah, I have to go in. We have an important food critic celebrity making their appearance through town. As the owner I have to meet and greet. A review from this critic and the crew could make or break the restaurant," Brax replies with a smile.
"You already have such a booming business. I mean it's the best in town. Why does a fancy critic have to mean anything?" Kyle says, wondering if he would find a way to make Brax realise he has to stay home.
Brax smiles and pats Kyle's cheek.
"That's very sweet Kyle, but I have to go in. Heath will probably be over as per usual today and I want you and Casey to make sure all your assignments and homework is done. You both have that big PDHPE assignment due next week don't you?"
Kyle nods, he'd already started as soon as he got it, but Casey like all his homework left it to the last minute and Kyle is aware Brax would not let them leave the house unless all homework is complete; that was his rule; he and his brother would be stuck.
After quickly going to the toilet, Kyle rushes back to the bedroom and gives Casey a rough shake.
"What?" Casey tiredly groans.
"Casey, get up; this is important," Kyle states.
"Nothing can be that important that you wake me up so early on a Saturday," Casey mumbles into his pillow as he is face down, lying on his stomach with his arms wrapped around his pillow.
"Casey!" Kyle says much louder and rips off Casey's covers.
Casey grumbles loudly.
"Kyle, what's the big idea?"
"The big idea is that I need your help convincing Brax not to go to work or to let us come, otherwise we will be stuck with Heath again," Kyle says with a hint of panic.
Casey's eyes fling open and his shuffles up on his elbows.
"I thought Brax was staying home today?"
"So did I but he got a call saying he had to go in for a special celebrity who had a booking."
Casey sits up.
"We can't be with Heath alone again," Casey complains.
"If we want to do something we need to do it fast because Brax is out making his breakfast now."
Casey gets up and both boys quickly get dressed and make their way into the dining room.
Brax gives them a quizzical eye as he sets his coffee down.
"What are you both up and dressed so early for? I get you, Kyle, being an early bird, but Case, eight o'clock on a Saturday?"
"Can we come to work with you? Kyle said you couldn't take the day off so can we come?" Casey blurts out.
Brax eyes both Kyle and Casey and sips his coffee.
"Why do you want to come to work with me?"
"We just want to hang with and spend the day with our most awesome big brother!" Casey blurts.
Brax raises his brow.
"Come on now boys; what's the real reason?"
"It's not far from the truth. You are awesome," Kyle adds quietly.
"Enough with the flattery, talk to me boys; honestly," Brax demands.
Kyle and Casey sigh and glance at each other.
"We don't want to be left here with Heath," Kyle mumbles.
"Not after what happened last time with him pranking us at every second and last night with Kyle's wedgie," Casey spits out quickly in defence.
Brax sighs heavily.
"I've spoken to Heath and he's not to prank you two anymore and certainly not to wedgie either of you," Brax assures.
"It's not going to make a difference, please? It's not like it's the night time like Thursday when you worked," Casey begs and rocks the chair with his hands in desperation.
"Why can't you boys go to the library and do your assignments," Brax suggests and Casey groans.
"Brax, the library, that's where all the nerds and geeks hang out!"
"Thanks a lot Casey," Kyle mumbles sarcastically.
"I didn't mean you Kyle," Casey replies and flicks his hand towards Kyle.
"We can't go anywhere. He'd come and find us and probably do something to embarrass us in public," Casey complains and Kyle nods.
"I get Heath's gotten out of hand with his payback, but the only one around here you both should be scared of is me," Brax informs.
"We know you have a big important person coming, but maybe we could help out, like set tables, wash dishes, and help serve," Kyle suggests.
Casey immediately glares. "No, we won't!" he protests.
Brax cocks his eye at the two teens. He is well aware Kyle would be willing to help out but Casey on the other hand would not and just expect food.
"That is not necessary. I cannot have you boys working around the bar with you both being underage with such an important critic; it could break my business."
Kyle stares down feeling dejected. Brax sighs as he looks at his brother's pitiful faces.
"Look: you can both come to work with me but on a few conditions: you are not to get under mine or any of my employee's feet, you both do not go anywhere near the bar or storeroom with the alcohol..."
"That's the normal rules you've always told us," Casey interrupts.
"You mean we can come? Thank you," Kyle says.
Casey nods vigorously.
"Yeah thanks Brax; you're really the best."
Brax humphs.
"Don't thank me yet, as I was saying before I was interrupted," he starts and glances in Casey's direction.
"My same rule applies for your homework. You both have to finish everything before any leisure activities like playing games or reading," Brax informs sternly.
"What if I don't have any homework?" Casey asks and Kyle raises his brow.
"Don't give me that Casey. I know Kyle has a drug and alcohol PDHPE assignment because he's been banging on about it this week, and you being in the same class would have that too and before you tell me you've done that, remember I am not to be taken as a fool and I know you have plenty of other overdue assignments and how I know that is your teachers do contact me," Brax states and stands up, placing his coffee mug and plate in the sink.
Casey groans defeated.
"You can bring your ipad and Kyle you can bring whatever you want like a book, once your work is finished and Kyle you bring your laptop and you boys can research from that, just make sure you are both ready by the time I need to go around nine-thirty and if you don't bring all your work it does not mean a free pass, so don't try it Casey," Brax informs and looks at the youngest.
"How can you say I'd do that? What about Kyle?" Casey protests, while Kyle laughs.
"Just be ready, boys."
Both teens nod and make a grab for some breakfast.
Sitting down to eat; Casey his toast and Kyle his cereal, the two smile at each other; they would have a safe cruisy day.
"Come on kiddos; hurry up!" Brax calls out.
He'd grabbed his keys and wallet and was ready to go, now only waiting for Kyle and Casey to come out of their room with their belongings.
Kyle and Casey appear carrying an armful of books and Kyle his laptop and Casey his ipad just as Heath comes bursting into the house.
"What's happening today?" he asks.
"You'll be on your own today," Brax informs.
"Why?" Heath questions with a frown.
Kyle nervously stares at the floor awkwardly, while Casey shuffles his feet, also avoiding his older brother's eye contact.
"Well, I've been called into work and Casey and Kyle are coming to work with me today," Brax explains.
Heath approaches the teens and claps each of them on the shoulder and they freeze.
"Don't you want to hang with me, my little Snoopy and Spooky? I'm hurt. I hope it's not because I've been having a bit of fun with you boys lately?" Heath snickers.
Kyle and Casey glance over at Brax for an explanation and the oldest takes the hint.
"No, I've told them they have to come with me because they have some big assignments that need doing and I need to keep an eye that they do them," Brax explains.
"I can understand with Case but Kyle here always does his homework," Heath states and ruffles Kyle's hair proudly.
"Well I'm just making sure, these assignments are a big chunk of their mark," Brax adds.
"I can watch them; make sure they do all their work properly," Heath states.
The teens stare at Brax with pleading eyes.
"I'm sure you are more than capable Heath and I appreciate the offer, but they need a firmer hand to oversee them this time."
"Very well, next time then Snoopy and Spooky," Heath says and slaps them both on the back.
"Get moving kiddos," Brax orders firmly.
Kyle and Casey quietly walk out the door.
"I'll see you tonight, mate," Brax fare-wells and heads towards his car where Kyle and Casey are waiting.
"Thanks again for this Brax," Kyle says.
Brax nods and instructs his brothers into his Ute and makes his way to work.
Brax guides Kyle and Casey into the back office and they place down their belongings on the table and take a seat on the couch.
"Remember what I told you both. I'll come and check on you two later," Brax says and gives them a smile, before exiting the back office to talk with his employees.
Kyle begins organising his books and work while Casey flops happily against the couch with his hands behind his head.
"Isn't this the best: a whole day without Heath pulling pranks on us or annoying us," Casey states.
"You can say that again," Kyle replies, "You better get started on your work though, Case; you heard Brax."
"All in given time Kyle, let me just enjoy the moment for a while," Casey smiles and playfully pats Kyle on the head.
Kyle rolls his eyes and gets started on his PDHPE assignment.
After about half an hour Casey still hasn't made any attempt to do his work.
Kyle shakes his head and just keeps focusing on completing his own.
Eventually Casey grabs his ipad and goes to lie down on his stomach on the carpeted floor.
"Casey, what are you doing?" Kyle questions.
"Relax Kyle, I'm just having a little game," Casey replies and starts up his 'Death Kingdom' game which he is obsessed with. It involves playing a detective and shooting people to build up power and empires and collecting bonuses.
The time has reached just after twelve-thirty and Kyle is completing the final touches on his assignment.
He glances over at Casey and shakes his head. Casey has not moved and is still playing his games.
"Brax is going to find out you haven't done your homework before you started playing your game and you'll be in trouble," Kyle says to his little brother, who has completely disregarded Brax's rules.
"Kyle, the only way he'll find out is if he's told. Now I'm not going to tell him; are you?" Casey asks, giving his older brother a glare.
"No. You know I wouldn't," Kyle mumbles.
"Good," Casey abruptly replies.
"I'm just saying. Besides won't he find out if you don't hand anything in?"
"Geez, Kyle. It's not like I'm not going to do it. I'll get around to it. I just want to enjoy a day free from hassles," Casey exclaims.
"You know if you weren't doing so well then Brax wouldn't be on my back as much," he adds.
Kyle sighs and rolls his eyes.
"My doing well has nothing to do with it."
Both teens startle when the office door swings open, interrupting their conversation and Brax walks in.
He sees Casey laying on the floor and Kyle sitting on the couch writing and organising some papers.
Brax cocks his brow; suspicious that Kyle who always finished everything well in advance seemed to only be finishing his one assignment now, whilst Casey who has several more had completely finished and is well emerged in his games.
"Boy, it's good to see you; I'm starved!" Casey exclaims, in an attempt to defuse the nerves.
Brax eyes his brothers.
"Well seeing as you mention that, that's the reason I came in here. However before I get to that, Casey, where is your homework? I want to see it," Brax demands.
Kyle raises his brow but keeps his head low; he knew his little brother would get caught out.
"Why are you just asking me? What about Kyle; he has homework too," Casey says; not taking his eyes off his game.
Kyle frowns.
"I can see Kyle finishing his work but what I don't see is you doing anything other than playing games."
Casey shrugs, thinking of what to say next to get Brax off his back.
"Say food; who wants food? No-one here wants food, see, so you can go back to work Brax," Casey nervously laughs.
"Don't change the subject. Casey, your homework," Brax orders sternly; eying the youngest.
"Um, my homework...You want to see my homework? You mean like now or later this weekend," Casey tries to defer again.
"Casey, you know exactly what I mean. Now stop stalling," Brax warns and places his hands on his hips.
"Homework, my homework...Are you sure you don't want to just check it later? I mean you must be so busy out there doing your important work things; you don't have time to check on some silly homework..."
"Casey! Show me all of your homework right now! And if you don't get a move on and hand it to me by the time I count to five I am going to find it myself and if I have to do that, you will be in big trouble," Brax threatens as he raises his voice loudly.
Brax begins counting and Casey scrambles to get up from the floor to grab his homework; either way he knows he is done for.
Kyle shakes his head as Casey tosses around his belongings gathering all his homework.
"Four!" Brax warns as Casey is still gathering his papers.
Casey rushes over to Brax and shoves his homework into his hands just as Brax reaches the count of five.
Casey steps back slowly in order to try to make a quick getaway and hangs his head.
Brax flips through the many empty pages of all of Casey's overdue homework for: Maths, English, and Geography and his PDHPE assignment.
Brax heaves heavily trying to control his temper and glares at Casey.
"You haven't even started any of this! Have you been playing your games the entire time since coming in this morning?"
"Sorry," Casey replies barely audible.
Brax shakes his head.
"I'm trying very hard to control my temper right now but I'm losing!" Brax says sternly and slaps the empty papers in the palm of his hand.
"You know my rules and I clearly went over it with you before you came here today; didn't I? You deliberately disobeyed me Casey and I'm not at all impressed," Brax says firmly.
"I didn't mean to," Casey mumbles.
Brax huffs and throws down the papers onto the table; the slapping noise it makes causes Kyle to startle as he continues to remain quiet and watch his brothers.
He hates when Brax got angry and made him nervous even if he wasn't the one in trouble.
Brax steps towards Casey and grips his chin and forces his gaze.
"Don't you give me that, you did mean to. What did I say would happen if you didn't start taking your schoolwork seriously and do homework before leisure activities?" Brax demands.
Casey casts his eyes towards his ipad on the floor; he didn't want his ipad taken away and especially when he was in the middle of a good game.
"No please; I won't do it again and I'll do all my homework now," Casey begs.
"Give me your ipad," Brax orders.
Casey moves away and pouts then makes a grab for his ipad quickly and ducks away and turns his back from Brax's reach, so he could finish his game.
"Give it to me! Casey: now!" Brax yells.
"Just let me finish this one thing for my game, please. I'll give it over in just..."
Brax grabs his arms around Casey and manages to snatch his ipad from his hands.
"No, please. I was going to give it to you, I swear. I just had to finish one task and collect my bonuses, otherwise I miss out; I'd really appreciate it if you let me just do that," Casey pleads.
Brax remains with a stern gaze and shuts off Casey's game, making the teen lose all his extras.
"Tough, and I'd appreciate you doing as you're told."
Casey slumps his shoulders.
"I'm sorry for being sneaky and disobeying you. When can I have it back?" Casey quietly asks.
"You get your work done and complete to a satisfactory level so I don't have your teachers telling me you don't hand in incomplete work and then I might give it back or I might just hold onto it until I feel like you can prove to me, you understand my rules."
Casey's eyes widen.
"But that could mean..."
"Days, weeks: yes? So, you better get a move on and show me you are serious and get this work finished. If you get done by the time my shift is over, I may reconsider and give you back your ipad by tonight or you can forget getting it back until I'm ready," Brax warns.
Casey immediately sits down on the couch next to Kyle and glances at his huge workload; instantly becoming frazzled.
"Now getting back to my main reason for coming in here: what would you boys like for lunch? I have my head chef here so basically anything on the menu," Brax says.
"I'm not hungry anymore. I have too much to do. You said I had a deadline," Case complains.
"Well, you still need lunch so come on. Kyle: what about you?" Kyle was too nervous from his big brother's anger and shifts anxiously on the couch.
"Kyle; it's alright kiddo, you know you are not in any trouble," Brax assures, seeing Kyle's quietness.
"Yeah, I know. Um, can I please get a vegie burger and chips," Kyle requests.
"Casey?"
Casey huffs, feeling overwhelmed by the array of work he couldn't understand or had any interest in.
"Can I have a chicken schnitzel burger and chips and some cheesy mac balls and maybe even some cheesy garlic bread," Casey blurts out.
Brax raises his brow, knowing even though his brother was a growing teenage boy he often wondered how he could stomach so much food.
"You can both have your burgers. Casey you can have your cheesy mac balls and you can both share some chips and garlic bread. Kyle, did you want anything else?"
Brax did not want Kyle going without less food. After all he was already too small and skinny for his age and that Casey would probably eat most of the chips and garlic bread.
"Maybe a Caesar salad too please?" Kyle asks, politely.
Brax nods and gives a smile.
"I'll get you both a glass of lemonade as well," Brax says then exits with Casey's ipad firmly in his hand.
"Urgh! This is so boring and hard; who cares about this stuff?" Casey moans.
"I told you he'd find out Casey and it wasn't because someone told. You bought it on yourself by always leaving your work to the last minute and then playing your games instead of doing homework," Kyle comments.
Casey rolls his eyes and scowls.
"I don't need a lecture from a smart, goodie-two shoes," Casey replies.
Kyle huffs and goes back to reading his book.
Casey goes to have a peek at Kyle's finished PDHPE assignment.
"What are you doing?" Kyle snaps, "Don't cheat off mine!"
"I wasn't. I was just looking to see what you done!" Casey argues.
"Well don't. Do your own assignment. It's not that hard to research facts. It's about time you learn your own lesson," Kyle grumbles.
Casey huffs; attempting to focus on his assignment.
After about five minutes Casey gives up again.
"Kyle, help me. I have so much," Casey whines.
Kyle ignores his brother's whine and shakes his head.
"Kyle, please. I can't do this and you're so smart and you've done everything, so you have the time," Casey begs.
Kyle rolls his eyes at Casey's persistence.
"You'll be the bestest brother in the whole wide world, Einstein. Please, please Ky. Do it because you love me," Casey begs.
Kyle groans.
"You're not going to stop, are you?" Kyle asks, being quick to realise his idea of reading in peace is long forgotten.
Casey shakes his head and grabs hold of Kyle's arm. "Please?"
"Fine; but I'm only doing this because I don't want Brax to get mad again, not because of your persistent whining. Now what do you think are some of the dangers of drugs and alcohol?" Kyle replies and sits forward on the couch.
Casey shrugs and Kyle rolls his eyes.
"Well, what can happen if someone takes alcohol and drugs?" Kyle tries a different approach.
"I don't know; addiction, money problems?" Casey suggests and Kyle nods.
Kyle continues to help Casey with his assignment.
Brax walks back in shortly after with their lunches.
"I'm glad to see you working Casey. I'm proud of you and you as well Kyle for helping him," Brax says, smiling and placing down the meals on the table.
Casey quickly grabs a piece of garlic bread and shoves it into his mouth while Kyle makes a start on his burger.
Kyle continues to help Casey finish his assignment then work on his other homework and when Brax returns at five to take them home, Casey stands up and proudly shoves his finished work into Brax's hands.
"Can I have my ipad back please?"
Brax flicks through Casey's work and gives an approval nod and hands Casey back his ipad, making the young teen happy.
"I hope you learned your lesson, Casey."
"Yep: homework first; unless you don't know or find out," Casey jokes and chuckles.
Brax raises his brow and Kyle shakes his head; unbelieving how his little brother liked to push buttons, as he gathers up his belongings.
"Don't be cheeky. Get your things," Brax softly warns.
Casey gathers his belongings, still laughing.
"How was the important celebrity?" Kyle asks.
"Yeah, all went fine, but not something I'd want to have happen here all the time. It's too taxing," Brax explains; Kyle and Casey now standing beside him ready to go.
"So, you're saying you don't like doing things, same as I don't like having to do school work; so, what consequence do you get: maybe a raise in our allowance or me not having to do school work?" Casey cheekily says.
Brax smirks and pulls Casey into his side and ruffles his hair.
"Cut out the cheeky attitude, now. Just because you are cute does not mean you get away with spouting off like that," Brax laughs and ruffles Casey's hair again, receiving a protest from the youngest.
Brax then pulls Kyle into his other side.
"Don't think I forgot about you? My genius little brother; you are just as cute," Brax smiles and rubs his hand over Kyle's head.
Both young teens lavish in the comfort of their big brother.
"Can we have a night for just us again?" Kyle asks.
"I've got some bookwork to finish first but why not? What did you have in mind?" Brax replies.
The three walk towards the Ute.
"Can we play some card games then maybe watch a movie?" Casey asks.
Brax shrugs.
"Sure. Get in," Brax instructs and hops into his Ute with his little brothers to head home.