AUTHOR'S NOTE: Thank you Braxton54 and Bonnie Sveen Fan for reviewing and everyone else still reading!
Brax is already home after having knocked off work at 2PM. He is busy cooking a hearty meal of Beef Casserole and has just added the vegetables into the chopped-up beef and sauce when Kyle and Casey walk through the door, just at four o'clock.
Brax smiles at his younger brothers.
"How was school today, boys?" he asks.
"Boring as usual, except for the time in fifth period, History when Liam was practising shots with ping pong balls and one ended up in the teacher's coffee cup," Casey replies cheerfully; as though what had happened was his highlight of the day.
It began when the teacher, Mr. Harrison had left the classroom to converse with another faculty member and Liam took the opportunity to continue his challenge from lunch.
After two missed shots from Liam and three from Casey, Liam had taken a third shot and managed to get it into the cup, causing a splash as the ball was left floating on the top of the cup.
Needless to say when Mr. Harrison returned he was not impressed and proceeded to lecture his class on the immaturity of such a silly game.
Brax sighs; clearly unimpressed that Casey is more preoccupied with tricks than paying attention in class.
"Did you throw any of those ping pong balls?" Brax asks.
Casey instantly changes the subject.
"That smells so good Brax; what is it?" Casey asks as he takes a strong whiff.
"I'm making Beef Casserole and don't defer my question," Brax replies sternly.
"No," Casey quickly answers, in a clear lie.
He did not want a lecture about the importance of school just because he had a little fun in the classroom.
Casey races over to the stove and standing next to Brax, peers into the pot at the thick gravy-style casserole.
"Ooh, yum!" Casey praises as his eyes light up with excitement.
"Casey," Brax warns.
"What? I already said no," Casey argues, still sticking his face into the pot.
Brax wasn't going to push the matter further, especially when he glances over at Kyle and notices Kyle has not said a word since coming into the door, not even a greeting, and looks quite withdrawn.
"How about you Kyle; how was school?" Brax asks with concern.
Kyle shrugs.
"Oh, just the greatest: a real top of the list favourite. I'm just so glad you asked," Kyle grumbles sarcastically.
Brax frowns; unimpressed by Kyle's attitude.
"Oi! You watch your attitude," Brax warns and gives Kyle a stern glare.
Kyle stares down at his feet, not meaning to sound so rude and he wasn't keen on getting a scolding when he just felt like crying.
"Kyle: come here," Brax orders.
Kyle sighs and shuffles his feet towards the kitchen.
"I'm sorry," he barely whispers, not looking up.
Casey looks up from still peering in the pot at the casserole; desperate to have a taste.
Brax rests his hands comfortingly on Kyle's shoulders, sensing something is really bothering him and that he would need to have a talk with him.
"It's alright," Brax whispers.
Brax then turns towards Casey, catching the young teen sticking his finger into the sauce to have a lick.
"Hands out of the dinner, Casey: get and do your homework!" Brax orders while giving Kyle's shoulders a squeeze to comfort him.
"I don't have any," Casey replies cheekily.
"Really; so, if I open up your school bag and check your books...?"
Casey stares down sheepishly; Brax could always read him like a book.
"Get to it," Brax orders and gestures to the kitchen table with a finger point.
Casey slumps over to the table and slams his school bag down and pulls out his books.
Brax sighs and turns his attention back to Kyle.
"Kyle, look at me," Brax instructs.
Kyle manages to glance up at his big brother.
"What's going on?"
Not wanting to talk about it when it was all strewing over and over in his mind, Kyle refuses to answer.
"I told you it's not that bad Ky; I get forty max all the time in tests; stop worrying," Casey pipes up.
"I'm not you! I care about my marks!" Kyle snaps.
"Gee thanks for the insult!" Casey grumbles.
Brax furrows his brow in confusion.
"Casey, just do your work," Brax instructs.
"Why am I in trouble? I'm just saying it's not a big deal and he insults me," Casey whines.
"You are not in trouble, Casey. Kyle, let's talk outside," Brax says.
Kyle moves past Brax to head towards the back yard.
"No sampling dinner. If you are hungry eat a snack or some fruit," Brax informs Casey then walks beside Kyle until they reach outside.
Kyle flops down on one of the black Acapulco chairs and stares down at the ground.
Brax remains standing but watches Kyle's expressions closely; feeling full of concern.
"It's just you and me now Kyle, so what happened at school today, huh? And what was Casey talking about marks on tests? Talk to me, kiddo," Brax initiates softly and looks down at Kyle.
Kyle sighs heavily; knowing Brax is not going to give up.
"I got my Math test back today that I did yesterday, and I got a mark of sixty-seven," Kyle chokes out a mumble and shifts on the chair and pulls out his Math test he had crumbled in his pocket and thrusts it towards Brax.
Brax takes the test, glancing over it and frowns; not seeing the point when he still believes Kyle achieved a good mark considering his level of study, then Kyle continues.
"I came in equal fifth. I might as well have come last because it's the same! I'm such a no-good failure. I'm so, so stupid!" Kyle cries out angrily and places his hands over his face and starts to cry.
Brax immediately kneels down and rests his hands on Kyle's upper arms firmly, having placed the test in his hand on the outdoor table.
"Hey! You listen to me Kyle!" Brax says sternly and pulls Kyle's hands away from his face so he is able to grip Kyle's chin.
"I don't want to hear you say you are a failure or that you are stupid ever again; you understand me?" Brax says as he gazes into Kyle's sad eyes that are dripping out tears.
"You are one of the smartest, kind-hearted people I know and you always work so hard. I am so, so proud of you," Brax informs Kyle firmly.
Brax moves his hands to rest on Kyle's knees.
"I know you like perfection sometimes and can have a tendency to be a little too hard on yourself but it's okay to mess up and that doesn't make you any less of a person," Brax affirms.
Kyle lets out a sob.
"Come here," Brax instructs softly and pulls Kyle into a hug.
Kyle wraps his arms around his big brother and rests his head on Brax's shoulder, letting his tears fall.
Casey gets up from working on his homework and walks over to the cupboard and grabs out a muesli bar and some rice crackers.
He looks through the window and sees Brax hugging Kyle and he watches them for a minute as he chews on his muesli bar, still unable to comprehend what Kyle was getting so upset about over a mark.
Casey returns back to the table to continue his questionnaire homework for English on Stephen King's novel: The body.
He didn't quite grasp the understanding of the coming of age novel, despite having reluctantly listened to it a couple of times on audio-book.
His teacher, Mrs. Smith had said they would watch the movie adaptation, Stand By Me, once everyone had their analysis done for the book, so they could compare the similarities and differences.
Kyle continues to cry for a few more minutes while mumbling into Brax's shoulder about it not being fair he received such a poor mark and how it now tarnished his reputation and whole idea on his sense of self.
"I'm sorry I let you down," Kyle sobs.
"Hey: you haven't let me down, Trooper," Brax states firmly.
"But you wanted me to do outstanding and all I did was garbage," Kyle sobs.
"Kyle, what did I just say? I want enough of this putting yourself down business," Brax scolds lightly.
Once Kyle begins to settle down in the comfort of his big brother, Brax pulls away and runs his hand over Kyle's hair.
"I want you to always remember you are an amazing boy, okay? And you'll always be my little Whiz," Brax informs, while glancing up into Kyle's red, tear-streaked eyes.
Kyle nods and scrubs his eyes with his hand.
"Thanks," he mumbles.
Brax stands up and gives Kyle's shoulder a squeeze.
"Anytime Kyle; you know I am always here for you. Though now that we've cleared that up, I want to have a proper chat with you about it," Brax says and sits down in an adjacent Acapulco chair.
Kyle stares down at the ground and sniffles heavily while his body shakes, as he attempts to calm down.
Brax clasps his hands together before he begins his questions.
"Talk to me Kyle: what made you struggle this time with this particular test? Surely it's not the content as I see you practically studying at every moment," Brax says with slight exaggeration.
"I couldn't stop thinking about Heath's pranks and if he had more planned and I was still uncomfortable from the wedgie on Friday I was scared of another one," Kyle confesses.
Brax frowns, not pleased Heath's schemes had interfered with the boy's schooling again but instead of focusing his mind on pulling Heath up about it, Brax decides to focus on Kyle and making sure the young teen didn't place all this unnecessary weight on his shoulders.
"I don't want you worrying about Heath okay; especially when he's been that big of an idiot and I assure you Kyle, I have told him he is not to wedgie you or Casey again or he'll be answering to me," Brax states firmly.
Kyle nods but remains quiet.
"Was there something else Kyle?" Brax asks, furrowing his brow.
Kyle shrugs.
"It's just when I got my test back the kids in the class started teasing me; calling me shrimpy Braxton and taunting me for not getting a good mark, and asking if I was stupid. It just made me feel so ashamed and brainless," Kyle mumbles.
Brax sighs and runs his hands over his head.
"Kyle, these kids are not important and what they say means nothing. I know that's hard to understand as I know you're sensitive, especially after what you've dealt with, with other bullies but believe me when I tell you they probably just did it because they were jealous, kiddo. So why not just give them this win because obviously they feel it's the only way to make themself feel better for never being good enough to beat you before when you're top of your game and I'll say it again, but you are not brainless or stupid."
Kyle glances up, listening attentively and realising how right Brax was; these kids couldn't beat him unless he wasn't at his full potential.
Kyle manages a faint smile and thinks satirically how sad it was for them.
"Don't remain hung up on this Kyle, because I know you will be sure to triumph next time and cream them in any future tests for the rest of the year," Brax states proudly.
"I guess," Kyle replies.
"One more thing: if these kids continue to bully you, even if it's just about marks I want you to tell Bianca. I won't have you dealing with a repeat of your last bullying fiasco," Brax states sternly.
"These kids aren't as bad as Wesley, Grant, and Aiden," Kyle defends.
"Still, if it continues I want Bianca informed and if you won't do it, I will," Brax affirms.
"No; I'll be fine; however, I do feel kind of guilty," Kyle mumbles.
Brax furrows his brow.
"Why do you feel guilty?"
"The kids were saying some mean things about Casey again; saying he was dim-witted, a moron, and an imbecile, and I did nothing to stop it. I feel bad for not sticking up for him, like I was able to before," Kyle explains.
"That's nothing to feel guilty about, though what concerns me you said these kids had picked on Casey before? Why wasn't I told?" Brax inquires.
Kyle shrugs.
"We didn't think it was a big deal. Casey was a bit upset but they didn't continue on once I came and took him away from them."
Brax nods approvingly at Kyle's protection of the youngest.
Brax leans back in the chair.
"Maybe I should talk to Bianca about these kids if they are picking on Casey as well," Brax concludes.
"Please Brax, just leave it. I don't want extra trouble and Casey doesn't either," Kyle pleads.
Brax sighs heavily.
"Fine, but if they call you or Casey names again or attack either of you again, I want to know about it and I want Bianca informed. Is that understood?" Brax insists.
Kyle nods. "Yes Brax. I promise."
Brax smiles and gets up from his chair, giving Kyle's shoulder a slap.
"Good man," Brax praises and turns towards the back door.
"You coming inside?" Brax asks.
Kyle shakes his head.
"Nah, I might just stay out here for a little while and get some fresh air; if that's okay?"
"Sure Kyle, and come to me if you feel you need to talk, okay?" Brax replies and picks up Kyle's test from the table.
"I'll take this inside."
Kyle nods and when Brax walks back inside, he relaxes back in his chair, feeling better after his talk but still couldn't fully recover from the shock.
Casey glances up as Brax walks back inside.
"Is Kyle okay?" he asks.
"Kyle will be fine," Brax replies and places Kyle's test on the counter before walking over to check on the dinner.
"I'm glad to see dinner is in one piece," Brax jokes and Casey rolls his eyes.
"I didn't even sample it," Casey replies in a cheeky manner.
Brax smiles and gives Casey's hair a ruffle.
Casey smiles widely in return from his big brother's affection.
"How's the homework going?" Brax asks as he glances over Casey's shoulder at the teen's paper.
"I don't understand this book. It's supposed to represent four boys coming of age as that's our area of study, but all I get from it is four guys who meet up to try and find some dead guy. I don't understand this analysis stuff!" Casey says with mild frustration.
Brax rubs his hand comfortingly between Casey's shoulders.
"I don't expect perfection Casey and as I always say: just try and do your best and that's enough to make me proud."
Casey smiles up at Brax, while Kyle makes his way back inside.
"Alright now?" Brax asks.
Kyle nods.
"Did Brax tell you the same as what I said: that it doesn't matter?" Casey says proudly.
"Not quite in those words and you should know Casey things matter differently to different people. What isn't important to you might be very important to Kyle," Brax explains.
"Yeah Kyle has like, some OCD with his marks," Casey comments, not meaning to make it sound like an insult to his brother.
Kyle stares down miserably and Brax gives Casey a slight flick on his head.
"Keep your comments to yourself," Brax warns quietly as Casey scowls and focuses back on his paper.
"I might go for a shower," Kyle mumbles.
"Go ahead, kiddo," Brax replies.
"I'm sorry Ky; I didn't mean to make it sound so mean. I do really think you are super cool because you are so smart!" Casey yells out as Kyle is already down the hall.
Kyle sighs at Casey's remark, knowing the youngest had the tendency to exaggerate sometimes.
"I really didn't mean to upset him. I should go apologise," Casey says while glancing up at Brax.
Casey shifts his chair back to go speak to Kyle when Brax rests his hand on his shoulder.
"Give him some space; Kyle knows you didn't mean it."
Casey sighs and attempts to focus on his homework again.
Kyle relaxes in his warm shower then gets into his spotted navy flannelette pyjama pants and dark green hoodie and throws his penguin oodie over the top while he goes to relax on his bed.
He decides to watch some Degrassi on his laptop and is interrupted when Casey walks in.
"Brax told me I have to have a shower before dinner and he said to tell you dinner will be at six-thirty," Casey says quietly and grabs his plain red flannelette pyjama pants and his navy, yellow and red colour hoodie from the bottom of his bed.
Kyle continues to watch without responding.
"I'm sorry about before," Casey mutters.
Kyle pauses his video and looks towards Casey.
"Don't worry Case," Kyle replies.
Casey looks down and shuffles his way over to Kyle's bed and squashes himself next to Kyle; his pyjamas still held in his hand.
"Hey: what are you watching?" Kyle shifts a little to make some room for Casey.
"Degrassi season ten. I'm watching the final two episodes where Eli starts to get erratic with his feelings and in the end, crashes his car," Kyle replies and presses play.
Casey wasn't as interested in Degrassi as Kyle was, as Casey believed it involved too many real life problems. Casey however watches ten minutes with Kyle.
"That guy is so weird, who shoots his dead girlfriend's picture?" Casey comments.
Kyle rolls his eyes; Casey just did not understand.
Eli was one of Kyle's favourite characters as he was sympathetic towards the dark, troubled characteristics of Eli and loved seeing his development through the current and following seasons with his mental health.
Casey grumbles and comments further, leading Kyle to pause his show once more.
"What are you doing?" Casey asks.
"Shouldn't you be going for your shower; it's five-forty-five already," Kyle comments; half wanting Casey to leave him alone to watch in peace and half trying to look out for his little brother in not wanting him to get in trouble for not having his shower before dinner.
"Yeah, you're right; don't want Brax to get mad," Casey replies and gets off Kyle's bed.
Once Casey goes to the bathroom Kyle recommences his watching.
As soon as Casey is finished and dressed in his pyjamas, Brax quickly freshens himself up in the bathroom and opens the door to the boy's bedroom.
"Time for dinner, boys," Brax informs.
Kyle nods and closes up his laptop and makes his way out into the dining room.
Casey picks up his dirty clothes and towel and rushes out to toss them into the laundry basket.
Brax frowns as Casey runs back around the corner from the laundry.
"Casey, I've told you before don't run in the house when you are just wearing socks: you could slip and hurt yourself," Brax scolds.
Casey shrugs and slips himself into a chair at the table next to Kyle who is already sitting down politely waiting.
"I didn't want to be late for dinner; I'm starving, and this smells so good!" Casey replies.
"Not the point," Brax grumbles and pours the casserole onto two plates; placing them onto the table, one in front of each of his brothers then pours a plate for himself.
Casey instantly starts scoffing his casserole down, while Kyle takes his time with his; not feeling overly hungry after his upsetting day.
"Is the dinner alright Kyle?" Brax asks.
"Yeah, it's really good. I love it, but I'm just not super hungry," Kyle mumbles.
"Well okay, but eat as much as you can. I don't want you not eating just because you've had a rough day," Brax replies firmly.
Kyle nods and slowly shoves some food into his mouth.
"This is great! May I have some more?" Casey asks.
Brax glances at the youngest with wide eyes, wondering where Casey put his food sometimes.
"Go ahead Casey and next time: don't forget your manners."
Casey gets up from the table with his plate and heads towards the stove.
"Sorry Brax; please," he adds.
Just as the three brothers are almost finished with their dinner, Heath walks into Brax's house.
"What, no invite?" Heath jokes as he smells the strong meaty aroma of Brax's beef casserole on the stove.
"Look at you two in your jarmies already; don't you both look cute?" Heath snickers and runs his hand over both Casey and Kyle's hair.
Casey rolls his eyes, annoyed at Heath constantly still sponging their food and now coming over to annoy them.
"There is plenty there, mate; knock yourself out, just make sure you clean up after yourself," Brax replies.
Heath snickers and grabs himself a bowl, filling it up with the casserole.
"Can I go watch some TV Brax?" Casey asks; still wanting to be away from Heath for a change.
Brax nods and gestures an 'okay' and Casey is quick to leave the table and flop onto the couch; flicking on the TV and perusing the channels until he stops on the comedy channel and sees the IT crowd. He had seen this episode before, and it is one of his favourites.
Heath takes Casey's spot at the table and gives Kyle a poke on his arm as he was quietly playing with his fork, still feeling a little hung up over his results, despite his talk with Brax.
"Hey Bubs; what's up with you?"
"I just had a bad day with a test is all," Kyle mumbles, trying to hide his annoyance that if Heath hadn't scared him, or annoyed him with his stupid pranks he would have aced his test like every other time.
"My spooky little Bubs having trouble on a test, that's a first," Heath comments.
"I feel bad enough about it as is, I don't need you teasing me for it," Kyle grumbles and drops down his fork.
"Heath that's enough; Kyle's feeling upset by it all," Brax says.
They are interrupted when Casey yells from the couch: "Ky! Come and watch with me!"
"Go on, Kyle, go relax and take your mind off; don't worry," Brax says, smiling at Kyle.
Kyle nods and puts his plate in the sink and joins Casey on the couch.
Casey swings his arm around Kyle and laughs.
"Cheer up Ky; come on watch with me. This is where Roy pretends someone stole his wheelchair, when he uses the disabled toilets, and they go on the work outing to the willies musical," Casey says with a laugh.
Kyle smiles, he enjoyed watching the IT crowd too and thought it was quite funny.
"So, what brings you over here this time in the evening?" Brax asks Heath, as he makes his way over to the sink to wash up.
"Couldn't resist your good food," Heath jokes.
"Nah, I just got off the phone to Bianca and she finally has some free time to go on our dinner date we've been planning for a while now, so if the offer still sits can we make a reservation for the restaurant next Friday night?" Heath asks.
Brax stops washing up to face his brother.
"Mate, I'd really like to, but I can't, the restaurant is already fully booked for a wedding reception," Brax answers.
"This was Bianca's first real free night in ages. I can't just have her spend a mediocre night at my place," Heath complains.
"I wish I could help you, but I can't. Look, why don't you and Bianca have a romantic dinner here on that Friday night and I can bring some food home from the restaurant, and you have to admit I have a much larger dining area than you have in your flat," Brax offers.
"I guess it would really help me out and I wouldn't have to cancel," Heath replies.
Casey's ears perk up; this would be a great opportunity to finally get Heath back.
"You mean you and Bianca will be having a date here?" Casey asks.
"Don't you go getting any ideas, baby bro!" Heath warns.
"Maybe this isn't such a good idea, with them lurking in the background," Heath comments.
"I will make sure that they behave themselves," Brax assures.
Heath who has now completely finished his bowl of casserole stands up and approaches his little brothers and stands in front of the TV.
"Heath, move; we're watching! Brax, make him move!" Casey whines as he tries to see around his big brother.
Heath glares at Kyle and Casey and points his finger at them, authoritatively.
"You two had better not make any of those ridiculous kissing gestures or teasing gestures if I have my date night here; you got me? Otherwise..." Heath pulls his hands up in a gesture indicative of a wedgie and punches his fist into his palm.
Brax scowls.
"Heath that is enough; there is no need to threaten to be so rough with them," Brax scolds.
"I'm just making sure they know," Heath protests.
"Well, they don't need to know, because I will be here," Brax says.
Casey has his arms folded with a scowl on his face, while Kyle is staring down, avoiding his big brother's gaze.
"The boys will be in their room, and I will be in mine and if they make a sound to come out and annoy you, I will know," Brax assures.
"Fine: it better be," Heath replies and ruffles both his little brother's hair.
Kyle just allows the hair ruffle, while Casey scowls, just wanting to get back to watching his show before it finished.
Heath moves away back towards Brax who is still in the kitchen.
"Finally," Casey grumbles.
Kyle shifts sadly on the couch, not wanting his brother to threaten him when he already feels miserable.
"You need to relax mate; I'm sure it will all be okay," Brax assures and slaps Heath on the shoulder.
"You staying to watch some TV?" Brax adds.
"Nah, I got to go and review the plan for the gym tomorrow. Only came around for some grub and to ask about helping out for the date."
"Alright well goodnight and goodbye then," Brax says.
Heath nods and walks behind the couch.
"Goodnight my little sweet brothers," Heath says and rubs both teens on the head again.
"Goodnight," Kyle mumbles.
"Yeah night," Casey replies with a hint of frustration.
Brax approaches his brothers.
"Where are we up to?" he asks and gestures to sit in between them.
Kyle and Casey move aside to allow Brax to sit down in the middle.
"It's almost finished," Casey grumbles.
"They've just been caught, and Roy is being taken back on the disability tour bus," Kyle responds.
"Guess I have to catch the next one then," Brax replies and places an arm around both his brothers and pulls them into him, with his hands cupping around their heads.
Kyle and Casey both rest against their big brother and the three relax on the couch for another hour watching further episodes of the IT crowd, before Kyle and Casey get organised for bed and brush their teeth.
Kyle takes off his oodie before hopping into bed and Casey climbs into his own bed and snuggles down and the two retire off to sleep in another half hour.