"Chris, get a move on. You have to get ready for school". It was the last week before summer Vacation and Michael wanted to make it to school on time. It was one thing he could control today. He had to give up baseball his only outlet . The social worker was on his case, again. Nick and Gabriel both got into a fight last week and he had to be the adult in the parent teacher conference. Plus, Chris was having screaming nightmares every night that kept everyone awake. No, cross that, Michael needed to make it to school on time to have some semblance of control over his life.The little boy stirred but didn't answer. "I mean it, get up" Michael warned as he went to check on Nick who was always the last one up and the last one out. When he saw that Nick was at the sink brushing his teeth, Michael let out a sight of relief. They would make it. He didn't even bother checking on Gabriel, because that particular brother didn't seem to need much sleep and was always awake. Usually that worried Michael as that meant that when he was sleeping, Gabriel was often wreaking havoc. But today, he would take his wins wherever they came from. Because as much trouble as Gabriel caused, at least he was always the first ready to go and today he was thankful for that.Michael went back for Chris who was still deep under the blankets. Michael yanked the blanket from his little brother and when the kid didn't react, Michael carefully put a hand on the child's face. "Kid you're burning up" he said as Chris turned his head and vomited right on Michaels shoe. It took a long moment for it to fully register but when it did Michael balled up his fists and gritted his teeth. Chris on the other hand started crying softly. Michael sighed, "it's OK buddy" he said he said as he slipped the shoes off. "I'll be right back" he promised then left the room.Michael walked into the bathroom and stared into the mirror. He stood for what seemed like an eternity and watched himself breathe. He wanted to cry. He wanted to scream. He honestly wanted to run away and never return. He didn't though, he was the only adult these kids had left and he was going to get them through this day. Instead, Michael retrieved a thermometer and glass of water.Michael walked back to his little brother and sat placing the thermometer into Chris's mouth. I'll clean up later he thought as he waited for apparatus to beep. When the digital numbers landed on 102.8 Michael ran his hand through his hair, "that's high right," he asked himself a loud. He stood there frozen trying to think of what his mom would have done. Michael went back to the bathroom and grabbed a set of wet washcloths and cleaned up the boys face. He then tried handing Chris water."Drink" this he said.Chris shook his head ever so slightly and let out a meek "no"."Chris you need to drink something. You are baking and are probably dehydrated".Chris turned over and curled up refusing to drink. Michael sat him up like a rag doll"Take a sip" he ordered a little more sternly. The child melted in his arms as his face contorted tears running down his face. Initially Michael panicked. It was the first time he's cared for a sick kid and he was worried he'd hurt him somehow. Then he realized Chris just felt like crap and wanted to sleep."I'll let you lay down once you take a few sips" Michael said softly"No. Please don't make me. it hurts" he sobbed in a muffled voice bringing his hand to his throat."Alright. Alright. Don't cry. Ok. I'm going to have to take you to the doctor then". Chris nodded and sniffled a few times then laid down curling up and not bothering to grab his blanket. Michael decided to leave the clean washcloth on his brothers forehead, knowing water always made Chris feel better.Michael Grabbed a change of clothes for his little brother and placed it on the bed. "Here Chris get dressed" he said. Chris didn't react. "Come on, baby, you need to get dressed to go to the doctor". He tried. He'd never had to dress his brothers before, didn't think he'd ever have to but Chris wasn't budging. Michael let out a breath and unbuttoned the boys pajamas shirt then slipped on a T-shirt. He then pulled off his pajamas pants half expecting the kid to throw a punch since he had recently discovered modesty, but Chris didn't move. He slipped him into some gray sweatpants. He then put on his socks and shoes. Michael gently laid his baby brother back down and placed the sheet over him."Alright guys let's go" Michael said rushing the twins down the stairs. "You have exactly two minutes to eat something"."Where's Chris" Nick asked when they got to the kitchen."He's not feeling well" Michael answered.The Merrick boys seldom got sick, because of their elemental abilities. They had almost inhuman immune systems and healing abilities."He's sick?" Gabriel asked. The twins looked at each other and Michael could see the worry beginning to creep in their faces. He couldn't let them worry. He couldn't let them know he didn't know what the hell he was doing and was scared shitless right now."He's fine" Michael said, "I've got it covered. I'm taking him to doctor Roland after I drop you two off at school". He saw the boys visibly relax, that must have been the right answer he thought. "Alright you two get in the car, I'm going to grab Chris". Michael went into the little boys room and picked up the tiny body. Michael couldn't help comparing him to the weight of the landscape bags he lugged daily. "You're a lightweight" he said gently at Chris who stirred for a second and put his head on his brothers shoulder. "Like what sixty pounds?" he said to the little boy who was probably trying to sleep. Chris suddenly whined "It's alright big guy" Michael said. "I've got you".* * * * * * * * * * * * *"You guys get straight home after school if I'm not here to get you" he said to the 12 year olds as they approached the school."We know, we get it" Gabriel said, annoyance all over his face."You've only said it three times already" added Nick.Michael took a deep breath and looked in the mirror at the back seat between both boys"Guys I really need you to do this for me straight home. I need to focus on Chris right now.""It's only three miles. We'll be fine" Nick saidMichael got out at the entrance to let them out of the back seat. Last week Gabriel dared Nick to control the current on the highway so that he could see if he could get the door open. Michaels heart had almost stopped as he pulled the car to the side of the road. He had threatened to kick their asses if they pulled some shit like that again. However, Michael didn't think that was enough of a deterrent for the troublesome twosome so he replaced the child locks. It wasn't necessarily Nick he was worried about, it was Gabriel the ring leader. "Stay out of trouble. I don't want your teachers calling me today". Michael said getting back into the car. Gabriel gave Michael the finger from behind but the older boy caught it. "Watch it" he warned. "Whatever" Gabriel said walking away.Michael was barely out of the parking lot when Gabriel flashed a dazzling smile at Nick. It was a smile, that having his own Nick recognized as trouble. "What?" he asked wary. In the last few weeks Gabriel had talked him into more shenanigans than usual. Without boundaries Nick felt afraid, exposed, like he was spiraling so he hung onto the strongest person he knew, his twin brother. Being immature didn't help Nick realize that Gabriel was equally afraid and spinning too although he expressed it differently. Gabriel seemed to be testing their brother. He was spinning wildly seeking limits and Nick was unsure what would happen if he didn't find them fast. At first, it was generally good natured stuff and since Michael had not really followed through with any of his threats Gabriel became more daring. His stunts became more dangerous, many with long term effects. Consequences that Gabriel did not seem to spend a second dwelling on. Half the stuff they were doing Gabriel wouldn't have even considered when his parents were alive and now it had turned into second nature."Hey Nicky, lets go to the mall" said Gabriel putting an arm around his twins shoulder."After school?" Nick asked a bit confused clearly remembering the instructions to go straight home at the end of the day they had just received five minutes ago."No, instead of school" Gabriel clarified.Nick stopped walking so he could look at Gabriel when he spoke, "Michael would kill us if we ditched for a whole day" Nick said shaking his head vehemently. Nick knew Gabriel was struggling with school. Since their parents death, Gabriels inability to focus had grown. He was getting tossed of class more often. He was getting in fights almost daily, some which Nick took the fall for so that Gabriel wouldn't be suspended and Michael would get off his case. Nick had also overheard Michael talking to the guidance counselor about Gabriel failing classes."Oh come on Nick, it'll be fun" Gabriel almost begged. "We can even blow some stuff up if we find an empty parking lot" he added for good measure."I'm out Gabriel, besides, Mike doesn't look like he's in a good mood. I wouldn't test him today" starting to walk towards the doors."He's never in a good mood" Gabriel said not moving.Nick turned around "He'd flip if he even knew we were talking about this. He'd go fucking ballistic" he said eyes widening for effect. But Gabriel didn't move his feet firmly planted on the ground and that's when Nick knew his twin was heading out either way."We'll be back long before schools out, he'll never know". Gabriel gave his brother a pleading look."If I say yes, how would we even get there. It's not like we have a car". Nick said pointing out an obvious obstacle as a deterrent.Gabriel hadn't thought of that and shrugged. As Nick began to turn around "We can take the bus" Gabriel then offered stopping the other boy from walking away.Nick froze. Neither boy had ever been on a city bus. Nick wasn't even sure if there was a rule about them being on one. "The bus?" Nick asked, nonplussed. "How hard could it be to figure out" Gabriel shrugged.Nick thought about it. If he didn't go, it was obvious Gabriel would still go and get in even more trouble. If Nick went he could at least mitigate the damage."Ok, fine I'll go but we're back by last bell" Nick said turning to reluctantly walk with Gabriel. "Sure thing" Gabriel said with a wide grin. Nick had never skipped class much less a day "and, If we get in trouble I'm going to so kick your ass" he warned with no real bite. "If we get caught I'll say it was completely your idea" Gabriel smiled. "Come on let's go" Nick said "before I change my mind". "I'll be good I promise" Gabriel said walking off campus with his brother at his side.The two boys walked to the nearest bus stop which was down the road from the school. "You sure you want to do this?" Nick asked as they studied a map that sat in a plexiglass box on a pole. "It's not too late to turn back" he added as Gabriel dug some change out of his backpack and handed him some coins. Nick was concerned that someone would stop them and ask why they weren't at school. That meant they would call the school and he'd have to face the principal. Which also meant they'd call his brother and he'd have to face Michael. So Nick sat nervously.Although some adults glanced at them, some even stared, no one did question them. "Stop looking so guilty" Gabriel whispered at his brother. "People are looking at us" Nick countered in a hushed whisper. "Because we're identical. People stare at us all the time" he said boarding the bus with Nick trailing behind him.After eight stops they got near enough to downtown that they felt confident they could find their way. Both boys had been on this side of town enough to recognize the streets. Theirs parents would bring them out here not only for shopping but for swim lessons when they were younger and other sports teams. Library.Hours rolled quickly and Nick hated to admit it that it was fun. The boys both needed this, it was the first time they got to relax in a while. It was the most fun they'd had since... and he couldn't finish that thought without a pang of pain hitting him in the gut. The first thing they had done was walk into the sporting goods store where Gabriel ogled every piece of equipment. Both boys threw the basketballs towards the hoop and Gabriel made every shot "you should try out" Nick said "when we get to high school". "Eh, who knows said Gabriel".They then played at the golf section and were easily bored. Since the place was empty they decided to goof off playing hockey in the aisle with a dodge ball. For the most part, the employees didn't acknowledge them until Gabriel turned on the treadmill which sat up on a display and began to run full speed. That is when they were politely asked to leave.Once they left, the boys sat on the massage chairs. "I've got two dollars" Gabriel said pulling it out of his backpack and handing one to Nick. They say on the chairs for the five minutes it took for them to turn off. As they walked, the operator for the merry go round an older grandmother looking woman stopped them. "You two are absolutely adorable" she said. "Thank you ma'am" Nick answered and Gabriel smiled. She pulled out her phone and showed them a picture, "I have a set of 54-year old twins myself. They are inseparable". S. She then let the ride the teacups and the boys spun wildly. Looked at the toy store and flew a drone.At Nick's request and Gabriels protest, they walked into the bookstore. Nick found a copy of Harry Potter and sat with his back to a shelf skimming through the pages, "alright Dumbledork we're not at school so wrap it up" Gabriel teased but he sat there patiently next to his brother looking through a book of his own. Nick suddenly began rifling through his backpack."What are you looking for?" Gabriel asked."Remember, on Saturday Michael gave me 20 dollars for helping. It's in here somewhere"."You're going to buy the book" Gabriel asked."No, I thought we could go down to the food court". Nick said. "It's almost noon so everything should be open".They walked to the food court and ordered sweet and sour chicken. Like everything else, they shared. Ribbing laughing.The twins weren't looking for trouble. Shit. "It's Seth and Tyler" Gabriel mumbled under his breath. He turned his body so that hopefully Seth and Tyler couldn't see them. Seth and Tyler were older and bigger. So they didn't want to fight. They came over to the table."Oh look it's the Merrick sisters"."What do you want" Gabriel scowledTyler flipped their tray. Thankfully most of the food was gone. The rest landed on the floor.The twins popped up."Leave us alone" Nick said holding his ground."Or what, you're going to tell your mommy" Tyler said then added a cruel oh that's right at the precise moment that Seth shoved Nick.Gabriel exploded and so did the lights overhead. He punched Tyler in the face repeatedly.Nick, although not a fighter like Gabriel hit punched and kicked as the room got colder. As a particular painful punch to the ribs from Seth knocked the air out of him, wind blew doors open and the lights began to flicker. When he instinctively looked over to ensure his brother was safe, he realized Gabriel would not stop pummeling the Seth. It was epic.Next thing the boys knew, many sets of hands were breaking them apart. Security arrived and was breaking up the melee I want to go with my brother Nick said as he was being dragged apart from Gabriel who was still hurling insults at the older boys. Seth and Tyler were dragged in a different direction.* * * * * * * * * * * * *The security guard with a tag that read Gary walked away letting the twins sit in the office alone. "You alright?" Gabriel asked when he finally spoke."Yeah. Why" Nick asked.Gabriel looked into his brothers eyes "Because Nicky it's fucking freezing in here". He shivered. "I can't feel my fingers" he added for dramatic effect."Sorry, I can't help it" Nick said. Immediately trying to warm up the room."Just relax" Gabriel said. "We're not in jail"."This is worse. We're so dead" Nick said in a loud whisper."We're going to be fine" Gabriel said trying to convince him."Michael's going to be mad" Nick said pressing his fingers into his eyes to stop the tears."I told you, he's always mad". Gabriel said brushing his brother off.Nick said nothing."But for God's sake, can you please calm down I really am freezing my balls off" Gabriel begged."I'll try" Nick said voice breaking. Nick did not have any real control of his power yet so he tried taking deep breaths to see if it would work."You're going to be sporting a hell of a black eye, it's an improvement Nicky". Gabriel said trying to take focus off the situation."You do know we're identical right?" Nick countered wiping the stray tear on his cheek. Gabriel smiled. And Nick couldn't help it, he smiled too.That was enough to break the tension.Gary came in, this time placing a clipboard on the table next to Nick since he was closest to the door."Alright, names and phone numbers fellas". He said.Nick looked up "We can just leave if you like" Nick tried. "We won't cause anymore trouble" he added voice shaking a bit."Out of my hands kid, names and phone numbers or I'll have to call the cops".Nick's eyes filled with tears but he picked up the clipboard hands shaking more than his voice had.Nick wasn't a trouble maker and this was all Gabriels fault. Gabriel knew that. Feeling guilty, he grabbed the clipboard from Nick and wrote his name and the house number. "It was my fault" he said, "Nick had nothing to do with it". Gary looked at both boys, he could believe the surly one was the instigator but said "either way, you're both here and an adult has to come get you".He used the corded phone in the room to call. Nick was hoping and wishing no one would answer, but of course Michael did. "I've got a set of the doublemint twins that need to be picked up from the mall for fighting. One says his name is Gabriel Merrick. I'm sure you can figure out his doppelgangers name". Nick tried to make sense of tinny voice on the other side of the line for any indication of what was to come but couldn't pick up anything. "Yes the mall, both are here and waiting for a parent". Michael was talking again and Gary was nodding. "They're both ok a bit banged up maybe. I will keep them here with me. Ok see you soon." When Gary got off the phone he said "someone will be here for you in ten minutes". Gabriel scowled "lucky us" he said. Gary put a gentle hand on Nick's shoulder before leaving them alone again. The twins looked at each other and sat a bit closer to one another neither saying another word.Michael was irate after that phone call. He was going to kill those two when he got his hands on them. He couldn't believe they pulled this crap while Chris was sick. All he needed was for them to do what he said once. Just once.Michael padded up the stairs and checked on the youngest boy who was fast asleep. It had taken more than thirty minutes to get Chris to swallow his antibiotics. The little boy had begged and cried so much he had made himself sick. Michael however didn't budge. "Open your mouth right now" Michael commanded his tone full of authority. He remembered the look Chris had given when he insisted the boy swallow the bubblegum flavored syrup. It was a look Michael hadn't seen before. A look that let Michael know how traitorous Chris thought he was. But it worked.From the doorway, Michael watched Chris chest rise and fall rhythmically and he couldn't bring himself to wake him. Michael decided to leave him while he picked up the twins. The mall was only a few minutes away so he would be back before Chris even noticed.As Michael grabbed the keys the phone rang again. He swore under his breath but he answered it anyways just in case it was news about the twins. When Michael realized it was the social worker Ms. Carrigan he sighed loudly."I heard that the boys got in trouble again" she said."How the hell did you find out am I under surveillance or something" Michael asked agitated.Michael. A concerned neighbor called that your brothers are running wild.They're not running wild.She also said That your parents would have never allowed it. They wouldn't have Michael thought. Their father would have put a stop to their bullshit a long time ago.They just got into some trouble at the mall. I am on my way to get them now.They are acting out that's why they keep getting into trouble Michael.You think I can't tell. I'm the one taking care of them every day.What you are doing is commendable. You are just not ready for this.The twins are just being stupid kids.The twins need boundaries they need rules. what are you going to do about it.Well what do you want me to do he yelledHer voice was quiet. They're behaving like juvenile delinquents.Michael became very defensive of his brothers and forgot the self pity. They're not delinquent they're not bad kids.I know she said softly but the twins need a sense of normalcy. They need to know who is in charge. It's okay it's a hard job. There's nothing wrong if you can't do it. But they need a parent.Alright. Alright. I get it.Her voice was firm now. Michael what you need to understand is that although you may be their brother you are no longer their friend. It's unfortunate really but if you want to take care of them and give them what they need, that can no longer be your role.Ok,Don't forget to Take your court order with you or they may not release the boys to you. Let me know if you need me.Michael hung up. He'd never need her.*Michael was not too pleased when he walked in, and it showed. He glared at both boys then his expression softened when he saw Nick sitting curled up hugging his knees and trying not to cry. "Are you boys alright he asked. "Yeah. I'm sorry Michael" Nick said voice breaking as he hid his face from view. Michael could tell the tears had started and Nick didn't want anyone to see him. After wiping at his eyes a few times Nick took a deep breath and righted himself. Michael knew that Nick was sensitive and hated disappointing anyone or getting into any trouble.Gabriel on the other hand was sulking with arms crossed at his chest. He angrily glared at the wall like a feral cat waiting to attack. "What about you" Michael asked the other twin. Gabriel did not bother to answer or even look at Michael. "You were supposed to stay out of trouble" Michael said authority creeping into his voice. "You said you didn't want our teachers to call. Gary isn't a teacher", Gabriel scowled. "That's enough smart ass" Michael warned giving Gabriel a look that matched his own. Gabriels foot started to tap nervously.Michael turned his attention to the security guard who was watching their family drama unfold. "I'm sorry for these two" Michael said pulling out his wallet then adding, "I can pay for any damage they've caused".Gary shook his balding head. "It was a scuffle" he said "the dynamic duo here didn't break anything. But the mall rule is that either the parents or police have to pick up minors after an altercation to ensure they understand that children are not allowed without proper supervision. Where are your parents".Michael gave him a sombering look "They died" he almost whispered. He hated saying it aloud. Gary offered apologies instantly but Michael didn't respond. He instead bussied himself by pulling out a stack of papers he had folded in his back pocket. "I am their guardian. Here's the court order" he said handing it to the man who did not even look at it before handing it back."Go on with your brother" Gary said and both boys stood happy to be released. Michael grabbed one boy in each hand. "You two stay out of trouble" Gary said as the boys walked out. That will never happen Michael thought as he marched them to their truck.Both boys, who normally bicker about riding shotgun sat in the back, but not before Michael slapped each one the back of the head. They both pouted and rubbed the back of their heads simultaneously. If Michael wasn't so stressed out, he may have smiled at seeing double. He went around and sat in the drivers seat "What the hell is wrong with you two. You know I had to leave Chris who is sick to deal with you two fools" he said after turning over the ignition."Then you should probably hurry" Gabriel said sarcastically.Michael turned around and gave him a hard look. don't get smart with me Gabriel. You should have been in school".For a while no one said anything.Finally Gabriel broke the silent tension. "We didn't start it, it was Seth and Tyler". This was all Tyler and Seth's fault, Gabriel thought. Why couldn't they just leave them alone. It had been a perfect day and then they ruined it. They ruined everything. Gabriel wanted to scream. Seth and Tyler took everything from him. His freedom to use his ability. His peace. His joy. Even his parents. For the first time in a while, he wanted to cry. He felt the tears coming and angrily stared out the window."Don't give me that shit. You wouldn't have bumped into them had you been at school where I left you. Why do you have to make everything so difficult" Michael said frustrated at the entire situation."What did you want us to do, let them beat us up""No, I wanted you to do what I told you to do. Stay in school then walk home".Gabriel scoffed and folded his arms. That wall was up again."Stop it with the attitude"."Or what" Gabriel growledMichael was angry but didn't say anything else until they got home."Both of you, straight up to your room" Michael said and then he let them out of the car. Nick obediently darted through the front door but as usual, Gabriel had other ideas. Michael saw Gabriels eyes scan and the split second decision where he would run for the tree line. As Gabriel turned, Michael grabbed him by the wrist and yanked him back towards the house. "Oh no you don't" he said holding on to the kids wrist. Gabriel unsuccessfully tried to pull away but Michael had him in a death grip. "Get in the house" Michael ordered and when the boy didn't comply he resorted to dragging Gabriel inside literally kicking and screaming.Michael brought Gabriel into the foyer and stood with his back blocking the doorway but a hand still holding onto a wrist. Gabriel turned and used his fist to hit Michael on the chest again and again so the older Merrick grabbed the boys hands securely holding them both above his head to keep Gabriel from getting enough momentum to hit. Between the fighting and restraint Michael wasn't quite sure how they'd ended up in the living room. But there they were fighting and Michael didn't quite know why."What the hell is wrong with you" he asked Gabriel who was trying to fight with all his might attempting to get away and also attack. The boys feet stomped in the ground and he looked all of two years old again."Let me go" he screamed contorting his body making it difficult for Michael to keep holding him."I'm not letting you go because you're having a serious tantrum and I'm afraid of what you'll do" Still keeping a firm grip on him."Leave me alone" the little boy demanded."Then Stop acting like you're two years old" Michael growled, losing patience."You're not dad" the boy spat angrily and to Michaels surprise, Gabriel was crying.Michael felt like he had been slapped because Gabriel never cries. Those tears morphed Michaels frustration to anger, but not at Gabriel. Michael was angry at his parents for not being here to help this little boy who was clearly falling apart."Stop trying to run Gabriel Michael said quietly."I'm not afraid of you" the kid yelled."Stop fighting, I'm not going to hurt you" Mike whispered bringing the boy closer and holding him in a bear hug but the boy with tears streaking down his face wouldn't stop flailing. His t-shirt almost slipped off in an instance where he had wriggled and tried dropping his body onto the floor. The boy was bucking his body with strength that rivaled a ticked off bronco."Get your hands off me" he said successfully pulling an arm free and almost elbowing Michael in the face in the process.Michael remembered his father having to do this many times. Gabriel had always been hot tempered and as a toddler would hysterically scream until like a fire, the anger had been extinguished. It didn't get much better as a child and to Michael, Gabriels meltdowns always felt like a bomb detonating. The whole house could literally feel his explosion. His father would hold Gabriel tightly until the boy had settled. Then and only then would Gabriel relax enough to be reasoned with.Michaels father had been thankful that Gabriel had outgrown most of these fits by third grade but with everyone regressing in the house. Nick resorting to sleeping on Gabriels bed . Chris waking up every night screaming. It made sense that Gabriel was also displaying his own setbacks.Michael took a deep breath and repositioned himself holding on to Gabriel and dropped himself on the couch bringing a screaming Gabriel down with him. Michael took his leg and pinned the younger boys and cradled him while the little boy yelled and attempted to flail.Michael didn't think it would happen but eventually the screaming turned to body racking sobs."Let me go cried" Gabriel into Michael's shirt."It's alright" Michael said quietly not yet releasing the grip on his little brother."I'm just-- " Gabriel started but couldn't finish because more sobbing racked his body."It's ok" Michael shushed. "I'm sorry for--""I know" Michael whispered. And this continued for the better part of an hour. When Gabriel was finally calm, he'd even closed his eyes and to Michaels relief drifted to sleep.* * * * * * * * * * * * *Gabriel didn't know how long he'd been out. Or even remembered exactly what happened. He woke up to Michael rubbing his hair gently and it all felt surreal. He wasn't even sure if he had dreamt the trip to the mall. He wiped his eyes."You know I'm not leaving you" Michael said matter of factly."What?" Realizing for the first time that his brother was holding him like a baby. He sat up and scooted over to sit next to him in the couch. He was embarrassed that Michael had seen him that way and by the scene he'd caused."No matter what you do, I'm going to be right here being a pain in your ass" Michael said turning to look at him.Gabriel needed to hear that. He nodded. "Thanks". Michael smiled at him but then his facial expression took on an adult look that Gabriel did not yet recognize and he couldn't help the pout."You also know you can't run off and you have to tell me where you are going"."I know" Gabriel said the tightness in his throat growing."Always". Michael reiterated his voice full of authority."I will". Gabriel promised wiping at his eyes. God he couldn't believe he was going to start crying again."And when I send you to school, I expect you to be there"."Ok. I'm sorry". He said voice breaking."I know" Michael said putting a gentle arm around him."Are you ok" Michael asked."Yeah" Gabriel said quietly, he didn't feel out of control anymore just that knot in his throat was growing again."We'll talk about this later when both of our heads are cooler" Michael said.Gabriel nodded. And got up to get a drink.*I'm going to go talk to Nick, so give us a minute alright.Gabriel stood in front of Michael eyes pleading "Nick didn't do it. I made him"."How'd you do that?" Michael asked deadpan his aching body slowly lifting from the couch."It was my idea I dragged him with me. He didn't even want to go"."Nick can make his own decisions". Michael said"Please don't be mad at him, he really wouldn't have done it if I didn't make him"."I'll keep that in mind" Michael said gently pushing past Gabriel.Michael trudged up the stairs. His body was exhausted from containing all of Gabriels anger.When Michael got into the room, Nick sat quietly and it was obvious he'd been crying the entire time. His brothers were so different. Gabriel explodes but Nick implodes."Buddy, we're all going to get frostbite if you keep it up" he said."I'm sorry" Nick hiccuped between tears."What happened today. This is not like you at all" Michael asked"I know We shouldn't have skipped class to go to the mall but we really didn't start the fight"."I know" Michael said sitting on Gabriels bed which was unmade."I'm so sorry" he said falling apart."Come here" Michael said moving over to Nick's bed and putting an arm around the boy as he timidly sobbed into his arms. "I'm going to tell you the same thing I just told Gabriel. No matter what I'm here. You're not going to scare me away"."I'm really sorry Mike""I know you are and you don't have to apologize anymore. It's done".The boy fell into uncontrollable sobs.Michael went on. "I also know why you went along with Gabriel. However the facts are that you don't go anywhere without telling me first and you stay in school when I take you there. And if your fool brother has any more foolish ideas you come to me so I can pummel his ass back to the straight and narrow".Michael then shot Nick a steely look and his voice deepend when he said "this bullshit ends now". That intensified Nick's sobs but he nodded."Are you mad" Nick asked between cries"At you and Gabriel, no. I'm not mad at you guys" his voice softening."You're both grounded although Gabriel doesn't know. I'm not ready for DEFCOM 1 just yet" Michael smiled."You know Gabriels going to freak". Nick said wiping at his nose with his sleeve."I know" Michael said. "But he will be ok"."I'm really sorry" Nick said one more time.I know Michael said. "don't do it again" he warned."I promise I won't" Nick said.They sat there together quietly.Michael smiled. Are me and you good he asked.Yeah Nick said.He rubbed the boys hair before he left.Michael went back downstairs and tapped Gabriel on the shoulder go on up to your room, your brother needs you.TerrifyingGabriel walked up to the room he shared with his brother. "Hey Nicky" he said quietly but Nick who laid on his back staring blankly at the ceiling didn't answer. Gabriel sat crosslegged on his bed with his back to the wall "I'm sorry I got us in trouble" he said. Nick sighed, "it's not your fault. It was a stupid idea and I shouldn't have gone along with it". Gabriels voice was quiet "I'm still sorry I got you in trouble". Nick turned his head and threw him a smile. Gabriel smiled back, "don't you owe me an ass kicking or something" he asked. Nick threw his pillow at him, missing the bed completely."Mike said we're grounded" Nick said sitting up and matching his brothers position."What? He can't ground us" Gabriel said getting mad"Well, he said we were" Nick said"Michael" Gabriel yelled charging to the door"Not now" Nick hissed at Gabriel but Michael had already appeared at the door"What. What is it he asked standing in the doorway" looking at an obviously distraught Gabriel. I guess it's later, Michael thought waiting for an explosion."Look, we said we were wrong and that we wouldn't do it again" Gabriel said impatiently."I'm glad to hear that. Go sit down" Mike commanded.Gabriel continued to stand with his fists at his side."You can't ground us" he said flatly."Go Sit, or you'll make it worse on yourself" Michael warned, his voice was fierce and it made Gabriel heed the threat.Gabriel stepped back and sat at his desk chair, defiant as ever."How long are we grounded for" Nick asked already conceding."I don't know what do you think is fair" Michael asked.Gabriel scoffed."A week" Nick tried"I was thinking more like four" Michael said."A whole month. Michael we're going to spend half the summer stuck at home" Gabriel yelled."Cool it!" he barked. "And no you're not, you're spending half the summer working jobs"."That's worse" Gabriel whined sounding petulant."Yes it is" Michael said."Talk about child labor" Nick groused under his breath."You're being all sorts of unfair" Gabriel added"You two skipped class, ended up at the mall in a fight. A month sounds good to me". Michael countered."A month is too long" Gabriel argued a whine filling his voice.School, work, and then your room.What are we even supposed to do in here. We don't even have a TV.Your homework. Reading a book might be nice. Michael asked and thought he'd catch fire with the look Gabriel shot him.I can't believe you're doing this. Gabriel throwing himself face down on his bed.Well, get used to it cause I'm in charge.* * * * * * * * * * * * *.