As soon as Kyle reaches the bathroom he glances at the inside of his hands; they are looking red and inflamed as the grazes are etched on his palms.
Kyle rubs his hands together and winces; picking up the salty chips with his hands had not helped in any way to his already painful palms.
Kyle rinses them under warm water to get the dirt and salt off then pulls up the material of his wet pants to assess his injured knees.
Kyle winces as both his knees throb.
His right knee is just badly grazed and inflamed, whilst his left knee had a three centimetre cut from the impact of the sharp rock and was again seeping out blood.
Kyle runs his fingers along both injuries gently and places the plug in the sink before turning the taps on, so warm water could fill up in the sink.
Kyle grabs a few cotton swabs from the draw and soaks them in the warm water then gently washes over both his badly grazed knees.
Kyle winces with each touch to his knees but tries to keep still.
The cut on his left knee begins to bleed further and Kyle wipes up the blood running down his shin.
Kyle is too preoccupied with his injuries to hear Heath come down the hall.
"What's taking you so long, Bu...?"
Heath stops his sentence as soon as he spots Kyle.
Kyle jumps in fright and scrambles to turn away and pull down his pants legs in an attempt to cover his grazes, however it is too late, and Heath has already seen.
"Oi: stop it," Heath orders as Kyle nervously tries to pretend nothing is going on.
"What were you doing and what are you hiding? Show me," Heath orders.
"It's nothing; I'm fine," Kyle stutters and darts his eyes around Heath, considering a way to escape.
Heath scowls down at Kyle.
"Don't you lie to me Kyle; what's going on?" Heath asks again, more sternly.
Kyle doesn't answer but instead just glances to the side of Heath, wondering if he should make a run for it.
Heath however senses Kyle's motives and fully blocks the bathroom door, preventing any escape.
"You know I won't let you leave until I get the truth, so give me a look at what you are hiding Bubs," Heath orders.
"There's really nothing to show," Kyle mumbles.
"Kyle Braxton, now, before I make you," Heath warns with utmost authority.
Kyle hangs his head and sighs in defeat before rolling up the legs of both his pants.
"It's just a little accident that's all," Kyle mutters.
"I'll be the judge of that. Is there anything else?" Heath asks.
Kyle turns over his palms to show his older brother his grazes.
Heath grabs both of Kyle's wrists and assesses the grazes on his hands.
"How did all this happen?"
Kyle stares down and shifts slightly.
"It was just an accident," Kyle repeats.
Heath gazes at Kyle.
"Not buying it, so are you going to tell me properly or am I going to have to make you?" Heath implies.
Kyle still doesn't answer, so Heath decides he will come back to that and makes a move towards the bathroom cupboard.
"What are you doing?" Kyle inquires.
"I'm going to fix you up and put some antiseptic and bandages on your knees and clean up your hands," Heath replies frankly, as if he was stating the obvious.
"You don't have to do that; it's fine," Kyle replies and makes a move to leave.
Heath instantly places his left hand out and presses it against Kyle's chest.
"You're not going anywhere," he says, while pulling out the bandages and antiseptic to join the swabs and ointment he has already gotten out and placed on the sink.
"I already cleaned my knees and hands in warm water," Kyle informs.
Heath firmly shakes his head.
"No Kyle; what were you thinking? Just using tap water is not good and you could still get an infection as it can impair healing and cause bacteria to grow. You're a smart boy but one thing you don't know is proper first aid," Heath scolds lightly.
Heath sits down on the edge of the bathtub and slaps his thigh.
"Left leg first," he instructs.
Kyle looks at his older brother with pleading eyes.
"Heath, you don't have to...I mean I can do it. I know I didn't do it right the first time, but you got out everything I need to use, so let me..."
Heath shakes his head.
"No Bubs, this needs to be done properly so you don't end up with infections or injuries that won't heal..."
"I can make sure of that," Kyle complains quietly, as he interrupts.
"Forget it, Kylie; you're still a kid who still needs caring for, and I know things have been a bit rough between us lately and that's my fault, but I am in charge and I'm telling you: you are not doing this," Heath informs sternly.
"But I'm sixteen; I'm not a kid," Kyle mumbles.
Heath smirks and reaches up to ruffle Kyle's hair.
"Exactly my point, Squirt; you're sixteen and you may not like it, but until you're twenty, maybe even thirty, you'll still be a kid to me," Heath says, smiling.
Kyle frowns and huffs.
"I want to do this, and I will be doing it, whether you like it or not; so enough measly complaining; foot on my leg, Kyle: now," Heath says sternly and slaps his thigh again.
Having no other option but to comply, Kyle lifts his left leg up; allowing Heath to grab it and rest it on his leg, leaving Kyle to balance one-legged against the sink.
Heath reaches over to the sink and grabs the swabs and antiseptic solution, pouring out a decent amount to soak the swab.
Heath rubs over Kyle's cut and grazes gently but vigilantly.
Kyle flinches and tries to pull away, but Heath keeps a firm hold of Kyle's foot.
"Hold still, Bubs," Heath says.
"But it stings," Kyle complains as he wriggles slightly.
"I know but it's for your own good," Heath replies and reaches for the ointment and bandage.
Heath applies a liberal amount of ointment to the cut then places on a bandage.
"Done; next one," Heath orders.
Kyle pulls down his leg and changes it to the right, in which Heath repeats the process.
Half-way through the cleaning of the second knee, Kyle decides to question his brother to clear up his fear.
"Heath, can I ask you something?" Kyle whispers.
"Sure; fire away."
"Have I broken your trust?" Kyle whispers.
Heath frowns and glances up at Kyle.
"What makes you say that?"
"It's just this prank was meant for you, and I helped Casey with it even after you talked to me and apologised and here, I am just taking advantage of that and breaking your trust," Kyle mumbles.
"Firstly: get that thought out of your head and secondly: don't beat yourself up over this. You haven't broken my trust, do you understand?" Heath replies.
Kyle nods; not overly convinced.
Trying to lighten the mood, Heath smirks.
"Now had you actually totaled my Ute; it might be a different story."
Kyle's face pales.
"I'm just kidding, you have nothing to worry about little bro," Heath assures.
After both of Kyle's knees are attended to, Heath moves on to attend to Kyle's hands.
He thoroughly cleans them with the antiseptic solution, to which Kyle whines again about the sting as Heath holds his wrists tightly.
Heath squirts out a small amount of ointment and gently rubs it into Kyle's palms until it is all dissolved.
"Now: how about you tell me what really happened," Heath says softly.
"It's not that big a deal," Kyle mumbles.
"That's not how I see it: now come on: talk," Heath orders in a soft tone and gently tugs on Kyle's wrists to encourage him.
Kyle stares down and sighs; realising Heath is not going to let this go.
"It's just; Casey and I were having a disagreement. He said some things and I couldn't help but retaliate," Kyle begins; speaking softly, before quickly continuing and trying to justify his actions.
"Because I'm hurt and embarrassed too after getting yelled at and spanked out in the open in front of the neighbours!"
"It's alright, Bubs. You don't need to give me a reason, but what does this have to do with you getting hurt? Did you boys have a physical fight?" Heath asks.
Kyle shakes his head.
"No, after I retaliated, I didn't realise until after, but Casey had moved my water bucket right behind me and when I turned, that's when I tripped and fell and hit the driveway kind of hard. That's how I got the grazes and tore my pants," Kyle explains and looks down at his feet.
Heath angrily shakes his head; ready to go out and give his baby brother a stern talking to, until he senses something more was bothering Kyle.
"What else happened between you two; what did Casey say to you?"
"He said I was a backstabbing loser and questioned my loyalty as a brother and that no girl would ever go out with me because I was a wimpy bore," Kyle mumbles sadly.
Heath grabs Kyle's upper arms.
"Hey: don't you listen to him, and don't let the golden boy get to you. He's just bitter because he got caught for his stunt and got busted big time!" Heath states firmly.
Kyle shrugs.
"What's going out with girl's got to do with anything?" Heath adds in confusion.
"It doesn't matter," Kyle mumbles, feeling his cheeks redden.
"It obviously does. What else is bothering you, Bubs?"
"It's embarrassing and you'll laugh at me," Kyle whispers.
Heath lifts Kyle's head up with a slight tap of his chin.
"Don't underestimate me; what is it?" Heath says softly and pats Kyle over the head.
"Casey said that I was the one that needed to grow up because I couldn't even fit into the medium condoms like Brax bought for him. I'm just a small and Casey teased me saying Brax shouldn't have even given me those because they shouldn't even fit and would be too big. I mean is there something wrong with me?" Kyle explains and shifts awkwardly, keeping his head firmly hung down in shame.
Heath grabs Kyle's chin and forces the teen to look at him.
"Firstly: there is nothing wrong with you. You are perfect just the way you are. Everyone is different and you're still a growing teenager. I know blokes joke about sizes and I admit I've done that with my mates and have even had my own insecurities in the day about size, but it doesn't mean anything. What's important, especially for a good kid like you, is what's in here and here," Heath explains, pointing to Kyle's chest and head in turn.
"You really think so?" Kyle asks timidly.
"I know so, especially when it's you, little brother, and as for girls: if they don't want to go out with you it's going to be their loss."
Kyle smiles, "Thanks and thanks for listening and not teasing me about my size."
Heath gives a nod in response.
"As for Casey, he just likes to show off and behave like a brat and just because he may be slightly bigger in size doesn't mean he is. In fact, his immaturity about this whole thing tells me he's the one who should be worried about size and on that note: after we finish here our baby brother is going to get a good piece of my mind. This kind of personal brotherly teasing is unacceptable."
"Please don't make a big deal of this Heath," Kyle pleads.
"Casey needs to be told..."
"I just don't want to cause trouble for Casey; please Heath just leave it," Kyle begs and grabs a hold of Heath's arm.
Heath sighs, "I don't like this. You're too kind for your own good Bubs. I guess I could leave it. I mean I'm sure Brax would have something to say about it when I tell him about your injuries later."
"No! Heath, you can't tell Brax either," Kyle says in panic.
"Kyle, he'd want to know," Heath replies firmly.
Kyle stares down sadly and looks at the torn hole in his pants; just another thing for Brax to be mad and disappointed in him with.
"No, he wouldn't because he wouldn't even care," Kyle mumbles.
Heath grips Kyle's arms and gives him a small shake.
"Don't you ever say that! If the Big Fella ever got wind of what you said, he'd knock your block off little man! Brax cares more than anyone; you of all people should know that!" Heath scolds; deeply defending his big brother's values.
"I didn't mean...he's just so angry and disappointed in me and I hate that, and I don't want to make it worse by having him know about my torn pants and grazes," Kyle mutters and starts to cry lightly; quickly wiping at his tears.
"Brax is not going to be disappointed or angry at you for getting hurt or damaging your clothes in an accident," Heath assures, giving Kyle's arms a gentle squeeze.
Kyle sniffs and wipes away the rest of his tears.
"Maybe so, but please don't tell him; please Heath," Kyle pleads and gazes up at Heath.
Heath falters under Kyle's vulnerable gaze.
"Okay Bubs; I won't say anything to Casey or Brax, but I want you to promise me that if you have any problem what-so-ever with your injuries or with Casey being mean, you will tell Brax, or even me," Heath informs firmly.
Kyle nods.
"I promise. Thanks Heath."
Heath pulls Kyle in for a quick hug before gently pushing him away.
"Now we've had a talk, you better go on back outside and get finished with the cleaning up," Heath orders.
Kyle nods and then leaves the bathroom.
Kyle walks back outside and Casey looks up from slowly rubbing his arm up and down the side of the Ute while leaning his body lazily in a slump.
Having the lunch time break was leading to a huge lack of boredom for the young teen to continue cleaning.
"What took you so long? I've been out here for ages cleaning, while you slacked off inside! What gives you the right to get more of a break than me?" Casey complains; slightly exaggerating.
Kyle is about to retaliate about not slacking off with an extra break when Casey interrupts.
"Seeing as you took an extra break, now it's only fair I do; so happy cleaning bro!" Casey announces and tosses his cleaning rag at Kyle.
Kyle scowls at Casey's selfishness and willingness to push him around when Heath or Brax aren't around.
Back inside, Heath has no intention of leaving Kyle alone outside with Casey, so after putting back the medical supplies in the cupboard, Heath goes to Brax's fridge and pulls out a few beers and grabs a packet of onion ring chips from the cupboard and lastly takes a deck chair from outside and makes his way out into the front yard.
As Casey begins to walk off to have a sit down on the grass on the front lawn, Heath emerges and walks down the driveway.
Both teens stop and notice Heath carrying the deck chair and supplies and give a quizzical look.
Plopping down his deck chair, Heath glances over at Casey who is standing away from Brax's Ute.
Heath was still angry over what Casey had done to Kyle, but promising Kyle he'd keep quiet, Heath takes a different approach to tell off his youngest brother.
"Why aren't you back to being hard at work, Case? What do you think the Big Fella would say if he found you slacking off on your punishment?" Heath asks; now placing his chips and beers on the ground next to his deck chair.
Surprised by his brother's statement, for fear that he wouldn't put it past Heath to tell on him to Brax and his presence outside to begin with, Casey nervously rushes back towards the Ute and grabs his bucket of water.
"I... I wasn't slacking off, I... I was just stepping back to have a look at what I was going to work on next then I was going to refresh my water," Casey stutters.
Heath raises his brow and smirks, knowing that he'd gotten under Casey's skin.
"I suggest hurrying up about it though. Brax comes home in three hours, and I'd hate to be you if it's not done to his standards," Heath adds.
Casey quickly refreshes his water and starts working on the side of the Ute again, as his heart skips a beat in panic, at the thought of feeling another sore backside again, only this time for not having Brax's Ute up to scratch.
Heath gives Kyle a small smile as he sits down in his deck chair, placing one leg up on his knee and cracking open one of his beers and onion ring chips.
Moments pass and Casey continues to turn and look at Heath; still curious as to why his older brother is sitting outside.
Finally having enough, Casey feeds his curiosity.
"What are you doing out here anyway?" he asks.
Heath looks up from his phone.
"I'm supervising. Now quit asking questions and get back to work baby bro, before I decide to report to Brax how you've been travelling," Heath threatens.
Casey scowls but keeps from arguing and just goes back to cleaning.
Kyle glances around and smiles weakly at his older brother; thankful that Heath is looking out for him.