Archive of Our Own

Ryland was hiding something.

Courtland wasn't an idiot. He may work nearly 60 hours a week, but he knew his little brothers better than anyone else.

He'd come home and see Ryland at the kitchen table taking a break from his homework. Colt chose to do his work in the living room, using the TV as background noise. Courtland was putting away groceries when he saw Ryland smiling softly at his phone, typing something. Courtland frowned but didn't bring it up. If Ryland wanted to talk to him, he'd come to him when he was ready.

Except Court's suspicion grew when he had to walk behind his brother and Ryland quickly turned the device off before Court could see what he was doing. Red flag number one.

He'd ruffled Ryland's hair and told him to keep up the good work to hide the suspicion in his eyes. Ryland's smile had been worth it, though, and for a moment, Court let the suspicion go in favor of preparing dinner.

And when the sun set and the twins headed off to bed, Court walked around the house to make sure every door and window was locked. It was routine, a deep fear Courtland couldn't shake. If he didn't do his rounds, he'd lie in bed, his brain on overdrive with scenarios of people breaking in and hurting his brothers. Not that they lived in a dangerous area or whatever. Court just worried too much.

One of the living room windows was unlocked. Court locked it. He checked the rest of the house before sighing, shoulders slumping. He was ready to fall asleep and die for a few hours. He'd have to wake up and do the same thing all over again the next day. Except he had a wonderful, lovely three day weekend to look forward to. He'd planned on taking the twins somewhere for a day trip. Maybe the mall. Colt had been saving up some money to splurge, so why not?

Courtland stopped in front of the twins' bedroom door. They never complained about having to share a room, though Court could tell they were itching for their own individual spaces. Well, maybe Colt, since Ryland's book stash was starting to fall onto his side of the room. But deep down, he knew the twins liked sharing a room. They didn't like spending too long apart. Especially after their horrid upbringing.

Courtland cracked the door open, finding Colt snoring on his bed with his limbs sprawled like a starfish. Ryland was sitting hunched at his desk, the lamp pushed in a way where the light didn't affect Colt as much. Court could hear a pencil scribbling on paper. Ryland's backpack was open by his feet, a few sheets of paper covering his desk. Though, as he studied his brother, he saw Ry's other hand tapping something. He craned his neck to see it was his phone.

Sure, he could've been using the calculator app, but Ryland had a physical calculator. And by the way he was tapping the screen, it looked like he was texting.

Court looked back at Colt. He had kicked his blanket off already. Even in sleep, Colt was a loud presence. Court stepped further into the room, grabbing the blanket Colt kicked and bringing it back over the teen's shoulders. Colt sighed and huffed. Court smiled, making sure the blanket was tucked and wouldn't go anywhere before turning to Ry. He tried looking over Ry's shoulder to see his phone screen, but the lamp light was obscuring the image.

He stepped closer. Ryland was finishing up his English homework, it looked like. He peered over Ryland's shoulder. Now that he was closer, he could see the messenger app open.

Call Courtland nosy, but he knew his little brother. Ryland wasn't like Colt. He struggled to make friends. He had a good case of social anxiety. He was lucky that Colt's little friend group liked him and included him (dare he say even protected him from the horrors of high school social life), but Ryland didn't have many friends that weren't mutuals with Colt's group. He had maybe two, at most. Maybe three. He worried for Ryland because he knew how important a social life was for a teen, but Ryland seemed content with the way things were.

Court just wanted to know if he'd made a new friend.

Or someone more than a friend.

What? Where did that thought come from?

He shook the thoughts away, gently placing his hand on Ryland's shoulder. He chuckled when Ry jumped, his finger quickly powering his phone off as he whirled around to face Court.

"Jesus, Court," Ryland muttered with a deep breath.

"What're you doing up so late? Go to bed."

"It's only nine."

Courtland reached over Ryland's head and checked their bedroom window. Locked. "And your brother's already dead to the world. Which, you should be, too. You're still growing. You need sleep."

Ryland rolled his eyes. "I'm almost done, here. I'll go to bed after."

"Promise?"

"Promise."

Courtland nodded and crossed his arms. He couldn't hold back a small smirk as he nodded at Ryland's phone. "Were you texting someone?"

Instantly, Ryland's eyes widened a fraction and his cheeks dusted pink. Suddenly, his homework was more interesting to look at. Teasing the twins had been one of Court's favorite pastimes. Mostly because they both got this look on their faces like they were caught with their hands in the cookie jar. Colt was a bit more defensive, more verbal, while Ryland became flustered and shy.

"No," Ryland said. He eyed Courtland warily. "Just… seeing what time it is."

"Right… time…"

"Yeah…"

"Did you make a new friend?"

"No. Yes—I mean—" Ryland shook his head, keeping his eyes firmly on his homework. "There's a project in history. Have a partner."

"Oh." Courtland's sharp eyes assessed his brother. Ryland's empty hand had started scrubbing the back of his head. He only did that if he was really nervous about something. What was so nerve wracking about doing a group project? Maybe it was his social anxiety. But he'd gotten the phone number of his partner for the assignment. "That's… I hated group projects. No one did their shit."

"Yeah." Ryland managed to look Court in the eye. Sheepish. "He uh, he's actually doing his part. Surprisingly."

"Good."

A silence passed between them. Courtland nodded, suddenly awkward at being disproven in his theory. At least Ryland could make a potential friend out of this project partner. He should feel proud of his little brother, not wary. He'd been working on his hovering and, as Colt said, his "mother-henning." He couldn't help it, though. With how they grew up, Court had this fear of the twins being in danger again. Of them making relationships that would potentially hurt them in the future.

A future that wasn't set in stone. How could Court protect them from the unknown?

He couldn't. A tough reality to face.

Looking at Ryland, he saw the awkwardness. The shyness. Something so Ryland that it almost physically hurt Court to look at. When did his little brother grow up so fast to where he was branching out on his own?

Courtland relented with a small smile, bringing his arm around Ryland's shoulder to give a side-hug. "'M proud of you two. Every day."

He saw Ryland's smile in the window's reflection as he leaned into the embrace.

"I know," his little brother said. "Proud of you, too, you know."

"Alright. Finish it up and go to bed. You know how you get in the mornings."

Ryland rolled his eyes again. "Fine."

"Attitude. Love you."

"Love you, too."

Courtland ruffled his hair one more time before leaving, slowly closing the door behind him. He stood there for a minute, heart suddenly heavy in his chest. He missed the days he could hold the twins with one arm and how they'd giggle and hang off his forearm. He missed the days he'd tuck the twins into bed and they'd look at him with bright eyes and ask for a story. He'd end up falling asleep with them. The little buggers knew what they were doing.

Suddenly, they were their own people with their own lives. It was hard to accept when he remembered their toothy smiles so vividly.

Court shook his head. No crying. The past was the past. He had pictures to remember those days by.

Court went to bed, worries eased for now. Though, he knew they'd only grow as the twins started living their own lives.

Over the course of the next few days, Courtland's suspicions grew with Ryland's odd behavior.

It only got worse.

Courtland watched over the days how Ryland was practically glued to his phone. He couldn't be seen without it. Not that he was looking at the screen 24/7, but his anxiety seemed to skyrocket if he couldn't be near the device. He was always subconsciously looking for it. That, and the most worrying part to Courtland; Ryland was smiling at his phone. Genuinely smiling. Since Colt spent a bit more time with Ryland every day, even he grew suspicious of his brother's behavior.

"Are you seeing this shit?" Colt asked Court. Ryland was sitting on the couch. They could see him from the kitchen, where Court had asked Colt to help him cut garlic for dinner. Colt continued to cut absentmindedly while his gaze stayed on his twin, shaking his head. "What's he doing?"

"I dunno."

Colt's eyes snapped to him. "Why are you not concerned? Why do you sound so calm about this?"

"Because if Ry wants to talk, he'll talk. We don't have to pry."

"Woah, woah woah. Dude. You, helicopter parent central, telling me that you're not going to pry. Woooowww."

Court gave him a look. "I'm just… trying to be better about that. If he wants to talk, he'll talk. So what?"

"You totally tried looking through his phone, huh."

The silence was enough for Colt to chuckle. Court elbowed him.

"Colt—"

"I know, I know. Just trying to protect him." Colt carefully used the knife to push the cut up garlic into a little glass bowl. "He won't even tell me and I've been like you. Pestering."

He wasn't even telling Colt?

Okay, yeah, everything Court told himself the other night flew out the window. This wasn't the behavior of a kid who had a history project due at the end of next week. This was the behavior of a kid who met someone. Someone possibly more than a friend. Not that it was a bad thing. Courtland wanted his brothers to be happy over anything.

But the thought of them dating brought in a whole lot of fears. It was a huge step into the unknown. You would go out with people you barely know to get to know them, and people are crazy. In Courtland's opinion. He didn't trust people easily when it came to his family.

Except Jody. Colt's praise didn't do her justice in real life. She was a lovely woman.

But the thought of the youngest, of his little brother, dating someone that Court had no knowledge about…

What if this person was crazy? What if they tried to get into Ryland's head, make him feel horrible about himself? Court had heard horror stories at work from a few ladies with ex husbands who did the same thing. What if they hurt Ry?

The knife hit the cutting board a little harder than he intended.

"You know something," Colt said pointedly.

Deep breaths, Court. It's fine. Ry's got a new friend. It's what you wanted, isn't it?

"Come on, what is it?"

Courtland took the used cutting boards and knives to the sink. He saw Ryland snicker at his screen and tap his thumbs. Typing.

You can't protect him forever.

"Court."

"Nothing. Ry said he has a new friend, that's all." Court rinsed the remnants of garlic from the utensils. "Nothing wrong with that."

Colt's eyes sparkled. Mischievous. He chuckled uncontrollably, ignoring Court's pointed glare.

"Colt, stop it."

"What? I'm happy for him. Really! I know how hard it is for him to branch out," Colt said earnestly. "But Court, he's… giggling at his phone. Who the hell giggles at their phone when they get a text from a friend?"

The way Colt said the word friend, like it was something funny. An inside joke because they both knew for a fact that Ryland probably made a new friend that's more than that platonic title. Courtland sighed.

"I dunno, man," he said. "I want him to be happy, but… this is… it's too fast, right? He's moving quick."

"Baby's first love," Colt said with a huff. "I remember how I was when I met Jody. You probably remember, too."

It wasn't too long ago, probably a few weeks, but Colt had been lovestruck. He'd talk all about her and how wonderful she is. Court probably knew too much about her through Colt. Not like he had a choice in indirectly getting to know her, as Colt literally wouldn't shut up about her. But once he met her, he approved of her instantly. She and Colt weren't dating as they were still in a talking stage, but Court liked her spirit.

Looking at Ryland, Courtland's chest tightened again. Ryland sure looked happy. But then again, who knew who the hell he was talking to?

Courtland had some investigating to do.

"Uh oh," Colt said.

"What?" Court asked as he turned back to the hot pot on the stove.

"You've got that look." Colt came up on his side with a smirk, crossing his arms and leaning against the counter.

"What look? I don't look."

"The one that tells me you have a plan."

"I'm not—"

"I want in."

Court looked up from the pot he stirred. He frowned, confused, as Colt's grin broadened. "Want in on what?"

"Whatever you're planning."

A long-suffering sigh escaped the eldest. He turned the burner down a little as the water started to boil over.

"I'm not—" he tried.

"Bullshit. I'll stalk him after school tomorrow and let you know where he ends up. Said he was going to his history partner's house."

Colt used air quotes for "history partner."

The statement caught up to Court.

He was going to a stranger's house?

Court's eyebrow twitched. He took a deep breath, trying to let go of the rising frustration that threatened to burst. Or was it fear? Protectiveness? He couldn't tell anymore. It was an amalgamation of something that sat on the tip of his tongue and nearly slid off in his next words.

"Don't stalk your brother," Court said with an eyeroll, trying to pretend Colt's statement didn't affect him much.

"Bro, you literally work for the CIA. I know you keep tabs on us. You were gonna do it regardless if I volunteered or not."

Court sighed again. "True, but this is, like… a sensitive area for Ry. I don't want him to feel…"

"What? Overwhelmed? Angry at us for trying to keep him safe?" Colt argued lightly. "Court, I don't know jack shit about his supposed history partner. I'm dying to know just like you. I wasn't asking for permission when I said that. I'm going to follow him tomorrow."

Court glowered at his brother, who stared right back. Unashamed. Because he knows Court will let him go.

"Fine. Don't get caught. I want a full report."

"Meaning?" Colt prodded.

"Height, weight, hair and eye color, age—"

"You want me to get all of that without getting close? I'm not Bond, dude, I don't have any gadgets. Is a name good enough? Or a picture?"

Oh. Maybe Courtland was being a bit extreme because yes, a name would get him all of the information he needed to know.

"Yeah. Get a name and I'll take care of the rest," Court said as he focused back on their dinner.

Colt pumped his fist in the air before quickly retracting it, his eyes looking back at Ryland only to see their brother hadn't looked up once from his phone. "I'll get that name if it's the last thing I do."

"This isn't a suicide mission."

"Yeah, it's my first CIA recruited mission. And I'm gonna be great."

"Of course you are," Court said with another eyeroll. "Get the bowls out."

"Yes, sir!"

Colt had always taken a bit of fascination with Courtland's job for the CIA. He was a field agent, sure, and it often kept him away from home for a week or two at a time, but it was great money for their household. And Fitz was always generous with his bonuses, claiming he did good work. It was kind of like the James Bond type of story Colt thought working for the CIA was like. In reality, it was kind of like an office job with a bit of legwork. There weren't big, scary military men holding meetings every five minutes to discuss terrorists. It wasn't what Court expected, either, but he upheld the code of not talking about his job at home. Which left Colt to use his imagination to fill in the pieces.

Though, there were a lot of military personnel coming and going in his job. Their sturdiness rubbed off on Court a bit. There was one time he went and got a beer after work and was mistaken for the Marines by an older guy. He was a veteran and told Court he carried himself with the posture of a man who's seen combat. It was a bit awkward telling him, no, he wasn't in any war and was actually CIA.

Though, his skills at his desk would come into good use once Colt got the information. He'd just have to wait until tomorrow night to finally ease his worries for good.

Or make them worse and threaten a teenager.

Colt had barely been able to go to sleep, he was so excited. Finally, Courtland was trusting him to gather intel. It almost felt like he was four years old again playing pirates in the backyard, following Court's command to raise the anchor.

He'd woken up, like usual, except he had a smile on his face that Ryland was immediately suspicious of. As they left the house to walk to school, Ryland finally piped up.

"What's got you so happy this early?" he asked, barely suppressing a yawn.

The air was chilly on the autumn morning. It was mid-November, nearing Thanksgiving break for the twins, which meant all of their teachers decided to assign eight million projects at once. Colt dreaded the educational part of the day. He wanted to get to the fun part and stalk his brother.

He couldn't tell Ryland that, though. Obviously. Colt was an honorary CIA agent as of last night, which meant he couldn't talk about his job.

"I'm excited to see Jody," he replied, amplifying the dreaminess in his voice. It wasn't entirely a lie. He was excited to see her. She was great.

Ryland seemed to believe it. He snickered. "Go ahead and by a ring, why don't you."

"What?"

"You talk about her like she's the sun."

"She is the sun, Ry. You'll understand when you fall in love," Colt said, managing to hide a grin last second.

As expected, the statement worked. Ryland's cheeks flushed and he adverted his gaze. It only made the feeling in Colt's gut solidify.

This was no academic partner. This was a partner partner.

And Colt needed to know who it was.

School went by agonizingly slow for him. He had to sit through his first class blinking every other second, nearly falling asleep out of boredom. It was, ironically, history, and their teacher had assigned them groups to make a slideshow or something creative about a certain era they covered throughout the semester. Colt just found history boring overall, but the bland slideshows of the first two groups was enough to nearly put him to sleep.

As he walked through the halls between classes, he kept an eye out for his brother. Who knew, maybe he could be walking with this mystery partner and he wouldn't even know it. But alas, no dice.

He and Jody actually had the last class of the day together. Sculpture. Colt didn't expect to find himself enjoying a class like sculpture, since he was more inclined to math of all things, but he enjoyed crafting and the arts like your average Joe. That, and Jody was in the class. She would create beautiful vases and artistic items right beside him, talking to him about anything and everything that he'd store away for later. She liked daisies. She liked watching that British baking show. Her favorite food was a good smoked barbeque rib.

Just his type.

Not only was he looking forward to the mission, but also his hour and a half he'd get to spend with Jody before rushing off to find his brother. He hurried into the classroom and sat down beside her. Not only was Jody smart, beautiful, talented, and amazing, but she was a problem-solver. That, and she was decently popular. Maybe with her looking around for Ryland's mystery partner, he could get more information that may not be available in the CIA's database.

She sent him a small smile as the bell rang and the teacher explained what he expected them to do that day. Something about maintaining form. Whatever. Colt loved the class and the act of creating sculpture, but at the same time, he was itching to talk to her.

Once the teacher finally released them to work, Colt immediately turned to her.

"I need your help," he said.

Jody sent an amused look as she pulled out her most recent sculpture from a padded cardboard box. It was a figure of what looked to be a cowboy. "I'm not making the wiring for your structure again. You're gonna have to learn how to do it yourself."

"Not that. It's something else."

"Like?"

"Something important."

"Is it important to me?"

"If you like my brother, then yes."

Jody's gaze went from amused to slightly concerned. "Which one? Is everything alright?"

The teacher passed by, giving them both a look that said please get to work. Colt obliged, hurrying across the room where he kept his weird, amalgamated figure that was supposed to represent his brothers, and returned to Jody in record speeds. He set his sculpture down and "got to work" while talking.

"It's not life or death. Not literally. Well, that's a lie. It might be for someone once Court finds out who it is—"

"Colt," Jody said sternly. "What's going on with your brother? Brothers?"

She was fiddling with clay as he poked his thumb into his sculpture, creating replicas of his fingerprint.

"It's Ryland. He's got a secret lover," he whispered to her.

Jody's jaw dropped, her eyes widening comedically. She gawked at him before shaking her head and maintaining composure as the teacher did another walk around.

"Secret lover?" she muttered back in utter disbelief. She glanced around, making sure no one paid them any mind. "Your brother, the shy but cocky one, has a lover? Socially awkward Ryland?"

"Yeah."

"Wow. Well, I mean, someone was bound to ask him out at some point."

"Huh?"

Jody sent him a look, smiling. "You really don't think your brother is the apple of someone's eye? He's a cutie."

"He shares my face. Of course he's gonna get attention," Colt countered. He fiddled with his sculpture, not really understanding what it needed. It was missing something. "He just… hasn't talked to us about it. Which is surprising, because I thought we'd be the first to know if he got a girlfriend, but…"

"He hasn't talked to you about it," she repeated with a frown. Jody focused on her sculpture for a moment, making small tweaks here and there. "Maybe he knows how you two will react. You're a bit overprotective. Maybe he just wants to take it slow before you two go crazy on his partner."

"Yeah, but we're his brothers. He hasn't come to us for any advice or anything. That's, like, a staple in brotherhood, you know? So why didn't he?"

"Because he knows you two are hopeless with romance."

"Hey." Colt gently knocked his knee into hers, drawing a chuckle from Jody.

"Am I wrong? Courtland doesn't date and you're… not that bad, but you could be better."

"Hey—"

"So where does that leave Ryland to turn to?"

Colt sighed, the playful banter falling to a charged silence. She was right. Colt was overprotective because he didn't want an instance like their father's rage happening again. He didn't want to come home to a crime scene, or get a panicked call from Ryland from some stranger's house. He wanted to make sure his brother was safe. Was that so wrong?

He and Courtland may be extreme in their measures, but at the end of the day, they loved Ryland too much to not look into his potential romantic partner. It was just something family did for one another, right?

But he understood what she was saying. If Ryland did have a partner, he didn't tell Colt and Court for a reason. Maybe Jody was right in that Ryland just wanted some calm before the older brothers started threatening. Or maybe (the small part of Colt's brain told him) Ryland was afraid to tell them. Ashamed, even. Colt couldn't fathom a reason why Ryland would be ashamed to tell them he had a lover. It was natural.

"Hey," Jody said softly, knocking his knee again. "I'm sure it'll be alright. Ryland's not one to make bad decisions all the time. Whoever he chose, I bet they're great."

"I'll be the judge of that," Colt said.

"And you wonder why Ryland didn't tell you."

"Oh, well, I suppose you'd get the truth out of him if you asked?"

"Of course not. He doesn't trust me like that yet. Look, would it make you feel better if I kept an eye and ear out? I've got contacts all over."

"For drugs or…?"

Jody rolled her eyes. "I'll keep an eye out. I've only met Ryland a few times, but he's a sweetheart with a bit of a temper. But a sweetheart at best. I'm interested, now, too. Who managed to woo Ryland Gentry?"

"Maybe you'll get to see if you hang out with me after school," Colt muttered, wiggling his eyebrows.

"Oh God, what're you planning?"

"Actually, it'd probably be better if you tagged along. You know people and things I don't. I'd just be getting a picture. You know names and rumors."

"Colt," Jody said pointedly.

"What?"

"Don't tell me you're thinking of following your brother."

"Oh no, of course not. I'm not thinking of following him, I am following him."

"Oh my God," Jody sighed, shaking her head.

"What?" he asked exasperatedly.

"You and your older brother are some of the biggest drama queens I've ever seen."

Colt gaped at her, finding her statement half funny. He shouldn't feel offended, but what can he say, he was a drama queen. "Oh, well, I suppose your dad's approved of me?"

"Hell no. He thinks you're an overconfident bastard."

"Damn. At least he's honest."

"Colt," Jody started seriously, abandoning her sculpture to look him in the eye, "I know it's probably hard for you and Courtland to do, but you have to let go. You guys can't keep Ryland hidden from the world forever. He's exploring the world and the people in it, much like you and I. Doing this is only going to put a rift between you three and I don't want to see that happen."

She brought up a good point. They couldn't keep Ryland from exploring the world he was born into. But Colt shared the same mentality as Court. People were fucking crazy. Example A: their father, who nearly drowned Ryland when he and Colt were eight years old. Example B (potentially): Ryland's "history partner."

"And look, I get it. You just want what's best for him and you're doing it in your own way, but this is just… dumb. Just ask him. You know, actually communicate instead of going behind your brother's back. It'll save you some trouble."

"Yeah, but Court already asked and Ryland lied."

"So you stalk him? That's the answer?"

"Usually, no. But this is important, Jo. My brother's first girlfriend and he doesn't let me know right away? I need to know."

Jody sighed deeply. Her gaze was sharp. Disapproving. "Fine. I won't stop you. Just know that when Ryland yells at you, I told you so."

"I won't hear it because I won't get caught. Neither will you," he jabbed. He smirked to himself, pretending to hone his focus in on the sculpture. He could feel Jody's gaze burning the side of his skull.

"Absolutely not."

"I need your brain, love."

"Don't call me that," she admonished with a slight twinge of pink to her cheeks. "I'm not helping you betray your brother's trust."

"You just said you were curious as to who it is!" he hissed, ignoring the look their teacher sent as he walked around. "Come on, Jo. You don't have to do anything but watch. Me and Court will do the hard part at home. I just need you there in case you know something. Yeah?"

Jody glowered at him. Though, he could see her bite the inside of her cheek like she usually did whenever she was thinking. Considering. He brought out the big eyes—the ones he knew she loved to see. She would compare him to a puppy dog. Even though she didn't look at him, he could tell she was feeling the intensity behind his staring.

"Ugh, goddammit. Damn you, Colt, for making me curious," she admonished with a huff.

Colt smiled and squeezed her hand that wasn't covered in clay. "Thank you! Thank you thank you—"

"Don't thank me. This is horrible."

"It's research."

"It's an invasion of privacy. Ryland's done nothing to warrant this."

"He's been giggling at his phone for days, Jo."

She rolled her eyes. "Whatever. I'll go with you. If I know the person, I'll give you all I know; but if I don't, then I'm leaving."

"That's all I ask," Colt said with a soft smile.

She kept muttering to herself throughout the rest of class. Something between this is so bad and I wonder who it is. Colt kept his petty comments to himself because he was still trying to get Jody to go on a date with him. That, and it wasn't healthy (in his opinion) to do the childish "ha ha, na na na na boo boo, I told you" routine when he was nearly eighteen years old.

Thankfully, time seemed to zoom by once Jody was in the picture. Before Colt knew it, he and Jody were rushing through the crowded halls trying to find Ryland. Colt knew he was somewhere near the English hall at the end of the day, so they started over there. Over the sea of blondes and brunettes, Colt couldn't see his twin.

"Do you see him?" he asked.

"No," Jody replied. She pushed on his arm to get onto her tip toes. "Can't see—wait! Over there, by the carpool lane!"

Their school had a roundabout for a carpool lane, which wasn't bad in terms of efficiency, but if a kid didn't see their parent then it kind of held up the line. Colt scanned the crowd, eventually finding a lone wolf headed towards the road. Colt frowned, seeing Ryland tighten his backpack straps.

"Okay, let's go," he said.

"Wait. We should wait until he's far enough away. We can't risk him spotting us," Jody said.

Colt huffed but agreed. They stayed by the carpool lane, watching Ryland's form grow further away. In the meantime, Colt scanned the kids around him, wondering who was going to follow.

In a way, he did feel bad for doing this, but this mystery person was slithering into Ryland's life and nobody did that undetected.

After the childhood they had… was it so bad that all Colt and Court wanted to do was make sure their brother was safe?

They waited until Ryland was out of sight before moving. They followed his trail as accurately as possible. It took all of the self restraint Colt could muster to not break into a run. His heart leapt to his throat without his brother in sight, thinking they'd lost his trail. As they approached the sidewalk, Colt spotted him again. He was walking into town. Interesting. Ryland didn't look over his shoulder once. Yup, that's another thing they needed to talk about. Situational awareness.

"I'm guessing he usually doesn't go this way," Jody said, her eyes following Ryland's movements.

"Not at all. Home is the complete opposite direction."

"Come on, let's keep up."

They slowly trailed behind Ryland. It was easier to blend in with the somewhat busy sidewalks obscuring their identities, so they both decided to follow a little closer. Ryland crossed the street and onto the left side of the road. Colt and Jody followed. They stopped when Ryland pushed open a glass door.

The local coffee shop. Not a stranger's house. Interesting. He was about to go in when Jody caught his arm and shook her head. She dragged him across the street to a bench that conveniently sat to where they could see inside the glass wall of the coffee shop. Colt may or may not have raided Courtland's room that morning for gadgets he could use. He found a tiny pair of binoculars that he dug out of his backpack.

"Oh my God, Colt—"

"What?"

"Can you be any more obvious?"

Colt hurriedly took off the lens covers and raised them to his eyes, ignoring Jody's embarrassed apologies to people passing by. Colt didn't give a single fuck what people around them thought. He zeroed in on his brother walking tentatively further into the coffee shop. They'd been there a couple of times after school since it was so close by because Court didn't want them walking in the cold winter months all the way home. It was a nice place. Cozy lighting, mismatched seats and rugs. Art being sold on the walls. Dare Colt say it was a nice date spot. He'd even planned on taking Jody there at some point.

"What do you see?" Jody whispered close to his ear, eager, as if she were trying to tilt her head at an angle to observe through the binoculars, too. "Anything?"

"Hang on a sec."

Colt zoomed in. Ryland's shoulders perked up and he started walking with purpose.

"Oh shit oh shit—" Colt muttered.

"What? What?"

"He's locked onto a target."

He kept watching as Ryland stopped before a little round table near the center of the shop, shrugging his backpack off as he sat down. Colt spotted a giant, bright smile on his face as he started digging through his backpack. Colt tilted the binoculars to the side and—

"Oh."

Jody shook him aggressively. "What? Come on, you can't leave me hanging on by a thread like this!"

"It's um… hm…"

At his demeanor, Jody stopped shaking him.

"Colt?" she said tentatively. "What is it?"

Colt didn't know why he felt a sudden guilt pass through him, like a freight train slamming against his chest. Maybe it was due to the fact that yes, Jody was right in that Colt would tease Ryland about his lover. But that's just what brothers do! He legally has to tease Ryland. The longer he stared, the more he realized the reason behind the guilt.

He'd been assuming the entire time Ryland had been assigned to work with a nice girl and he was just nervous about being around her. He was like that. But he thought Ryland was kicking and giggling at his phone because he and the girl found something in common and were maybe talking about it, and from there, getting to know everything about each other.

The problem was that Colt didn't consider the idea of gender. Because sitting across from his brother was a boy who smiled back. Softly. The same way Colt looked at Jody.

The boy had to be the same age as them. Clear, tan skin with a strong jaw and nose. His hair was short and black, eyes almost the same shade. He looked… well, like a football player. He was built. Dozens of questions immediately flooded Colt's mind, but one thing stood out, especially with his and Jody's conversation in class earlier.

"Colt couldn't fathom a reason why Ryland would be ashamed to tell them he had a lover. It was natural."

Maybe he was scared to talk to Colt and Court because his partner didn't fit the expected image of society. Maybe… well, he certainly didn't tell anyone he was gay. Colt would've known first, for sure. But Colt immediately understood why Ryland had been so secretive, and that made him feel tremendously guilty for going behind his back and stalking him.

Colt wordlessly handed over the binoculars to Jody, wallowing in his thoughts. All he could wonder was why. Why didn't Ryland feel comfortable talking to them about this? Was it too early for him to muster the courage to come out, or was this some sort of… explorative operation? Maybe Ryland was just testing the waters of dating in general, of someone who vocalized an interest in him. Colt pulled out his phone and opened his camera app, zooming in to take a picture of them. He looked at it.

Ryland was… happy. Smiling wide, caught amidst a fit of laughter. The boy was smiling, too, respectful in his distance but his eyes conveyed a great adoration.

When did this happen? How did it happen? Colt had never seen the guy before. Maybe he was in one of Ryland's classes?

Jody gasped beside him, knocking him out of his stupor.

"What?" he asked hurriedly.

"Oh my God, it's the Butcher," she gaped.

Colt froze, heart leaping to his throat. "The what?"

Jody patted his arm, knowing he was about two seconds from storming into the coffee shop. "It's a misnomer, darling, he hasn't actually killed anything. He's called the Butcher because he's very precise in his work in the school's garden, like a butcher."

"Christ, why give him such a misleading name?" Colt sighed. He opened his notes app. "What's his real name?"

"Simon F… aw, damn, what was it? Fish? Flinch? Flint? Oh, no, it was Simon Fisher," she said. She lowered the binoculars as he wrote the name down. "He's in our grade, just transferred this last August. Some of my friends go to him for help in physics."

"What is he, some kind of prodigy?"

"I dunno. I think someone said he was planning on being an engineer. Makes sense. He's smart enough for it."

Colt took the binoculars back to watch. The two were talking as they scribbled pens to paper. Sometimes, Ryland would point at something, and Simon would say something, and they'd both nod and keep writing. Working on a project. Like Ryland promised. Colt's jaw grew tense as he bit down on his lower lip.

Ryland was happy. The other guy—Simon—didn't… he wasn't this big threat Colt and Court immediately assumed he'd be. He may look like a guy ready to join the Marines, but he looked soft, personality wise. He seemed attentive. Observant. Colt couldn't deny that the sight before him was a major relief, but one other thing bothered him.

Simon was a man. Not that Ryland couldn't date a dude, but Colt knew men. Hell, both twins knew how men could be. A background check was very much needed. That, and Colt needed to find some sort of excuse to meet the guy. One on one. Just for a talk.

"Colt," Jody chided softly, taking the binoculars from him. "From the looks of it, they're just working on their project. I think you and Courtland were just being paranoid."

"No, look! Look at the way he's looking at Ry. Look." He pulled up the picture and showed her. "That's not platonic, babe. That's…"

"Is that so bad?"

"I don't know the guy!"

"Colt, I've met him before. Simon's harmless, I promise. He's a big softie with a giant brain. It's no wonder he and Ryland are getting along so well."

Colt huffed, gesturing to the coffee shop. "But—"

"Remember what I told you?"

Colt blinked.

"I'm sure it'll be alright. Ryland's not one to make bad decisions all the time. Whoever he chose, I bet they're great."

Yeah, well, Colt knew nothing about Simon. But… she, again, was right. Ryland is reasonable. He's resourceful. He would be able to pick up on things that he'd consider red flags. And if not, Colt could spot them for him. Looking at them from afar, Colt found nothing that raised those flags and it pissed him off. Why did it piss him off?

"You're looking for a problem when there isn't one. I know it's not easy because of… how you grew up, and all that happened, but look at him, Colt. If he and Simon are actually dating, they're a cute couple. And, with their brains combined, they'd probably have the highest IQ in our school." Jody held his arm, a comforting weight. "I know it's hard, but you have to let him go. Let him branch out, let his heart be broken or loved. That's the only way we learn to navigate life."

Colt took a deep breath, looking down at the picture before meeting Jody's eye. "Since when did you become so wise?"

"Since I started dealing with you and your brother's overprotectiveness."

"For good reason. You introduced that guy as the Butcher."

"Whatever." Jody rested her head on his shoulder. "Just promise me something."

"Of course," Colt said as he wrapped his arm around her.

"Let Ryland come to you. Don't force the information out of him. Run your background checks and stalk him, but don't go to him. Let him gather the courage to tell you. He's the one in control here since it's his life."

"I promise. I'll let him come to me."

"Good. Now let's get out of here before he spots us."

"Think he's too busy making googly eyes to do that."

Colt laughed when Jody elbowed him, though he could see the amusement in her eyes.

"I'll walk you home," he said.

"It won't gain you my dad's favor," she warned.

"Don't care. It's the gentlemanly thing to do."

"Oh, well, thank you, my knight in shining denim."

Colt scoffed, fixing the collar of his jean jacket. "You're just upset you don't have good taste in wardrobe, as you Brits call it."

Jody groaned and walked ahead of him. Colt laughed and wrapped his arms around her, loving her shrieking laughter. Maybe he should listen to Jody for once and let his brother be.

He'll decide after the background check.

Court eagerly awaited Colt to get home. He calculated the time it would take for Colt to follow Ryland and come back, estimating two hours total.

He did not come home in the two hour time frame.

It sent waves of anxiety through Courtland, all sorts of different scenarios running through his head varying from a kidnapping to an altercation with Ryland's secret friend. He couldn't stop thinking about it. He probably put a hole in the carpet with how much he paced.

When Colt finally came home, it was three hours after school got out. And he was alone. No Ryland. He was momentarily distracted from the youngest's absence by Colt's grin.

"I have it," he said, flashing his phone.

Courtland immediately headed towards his bedroom, Colt on his tail. He sat at his desk, tapping the mouse pad to wake his computer up. He put his hand out and Colt put his phone in it, the screen showing him a picture. Ryland was sitting across from a—

Court paused.

A boy. Teen. Couldn't be older than the twins. Court studied the picture. There was no trace of maliciousness in the teen's eyes. He looked… happy. So did Ryland. His smile was blinding.

"His name's Simon Fisher," Colt supplied, knocking Courtland from his stupor.

Courtland opened the database he had access to and typed in the name.

"Couldn't get much else. He never stood up or anything. Not like I could hear him, either. We were too far away."

Court slowly turned to face Colt as the database brought up a file. He glowered at his brother.

"What?" the younger man said.

"We. Who else did you bring?" Court asked sternly.

Colt sheepishly rubbed the back of his neck. "Um… I may or may not have recruited Jody, but—" he stammered as Courtland's brows lowered dangerously "—I never would've gotten his name if she never tagged along."

As if that solved anything.

"I could've gotten a name from the picture alone," Court said with a sigh, turning back to the file.

"Whatever, just open it! I'm curious."

Courtland kept his mouth shut and opened the file. He felt Colt's hands on the back of his chair, his brother leaning forward expectantly.

There was a picture of Simon, probably for a passport or driver's license, on the left. On the right was a detailed report on him.

"Male, five foot ten, black hair and brown eyes. Recently came to America with his mother…" Courtland read fast. He skimmed the wall of text before him. "No criminal record. No mention of anything bad. No siblings, but distant family that lives nowhere near here. He's—"

"Clean," Colt finished for him. The way he said it made it seem like an uncertain thing. Courtland agreed.

It was good that he wasn't a juvenile criminal or anything like that. He could see why Ryland liked him. Straight-A student, high GPA, seems to have a good social circle and social life. What made Courtland so suspicious was the fact that Simon, a well-respected and somewhat popular kid, had taken an interest in Ryland.

Or maybe he was just being paranoid. Helicopter parenting. They had a history project they needed to work on together; it's what they were doing in the photograph Colt snagged. But the texting…

Colt sagged. "Man. I kinda wanted a fight."

Courtland sat up straight and dug deeper. Perks of being with the CIA, he got full access to Simon's mobile records. Which were actually active as they spoke. Courtland clicked on it and a messenger screenshot showed up. The contact? Ryland. Not "history partner" or "Ryland Gentry." Ryland.

First name basis on contacts. They were familiar with each other.

"What the fuck is this? You can see this?" Colt asked.

"Of course I can."

"Holy shit. Look."

Simon had sent a message a few minutes ago.

Simon: hey, thanks for going with me. got a lot of work done i wouldn't have gotten done otherwise lol

Ryland: no problem :P had a lot of fun, and I think our project's gonna be the best

"Oh my god he's using emoticons instead of emojis. Yeah, he's cooked."

Courtland whirled to face Colt. "What the fuck was even that. What do you mean?"

Colt rolled his eyes dramatically and pointed at the screen. "Look, see that? The little smiley face with the tongue sticking out? He's putting more effort into talking to him. He's… he must like Simon a lot. Ryland only uses emojis but this is different."

Courtland refreshed the page, seeing another screenshot pop up.

Ryland: make it home okay ?

Simon: yeah, you?

Ryland: walking to the door :)

Simon: good, see ya tomorrow :)

Ryland: yeah, see ya :]

Courtland stared at the messages, his chest suddenly tight at the evidence before him. It was true, then. Ryland had branched out. He'd taken one of the first steps outside of the nest Courtland had built for them.

What did you think, that they'd stay here forever? Never get partners?

"Court?" Colt prodded, his hand finding the eldest shoulder.

They heard the front door open and close, the lock sliding into place.

Courtland exhaled and made sure his tabs were minimized. He'd read more about Simon later. Right now, he had two hungry teens to worry about.

"We'll talk about it later," Court said quietly as he got up.

Colt wordlessly followed him into the kitchen, where Ryland was looking in the fridge. Courtland put his shoulders back and put up a soft smile.

"Hey, Ry," Courtland said. "How'd your studying go?"

"Good," Ryland said. Though, he didn't sound entirely present. And the look in his eyes… Colt was right. He had a crush. "Got a lot of work done, so… yeah. The presentation is gonna be great."

"Sweet. What'cha want for dinner?"

Colt sent him a look over Ryland’s shoulder that Courtland ignored.

"I dunno. Whatever you feel like."

"Mac and cheese it is, then."

Ryland smiled and closed the fridge, grabbing a pot to start filling with water. Courtland sent Colt a look. No talking about it. Colt's gaze sobered and he nodded, moving to grab the mac and cheese boxes from the pantry.

As they worked on dinner, though, Courtland noticed Ryland's shoulders remained tense. He always had terrible posture, equivalent to a shrimp, but he slowly curled into himself more. Like he was scared. Sure, the air was tense and knowing, but Ryland had no reason to be scared. They were family. Courtland didn't fight so hard to keep them together just to chastise him—or even disown him—over who he likes.

Court didn't care what gender the person was as long as Ryland was happy. But the youngest seemed to sense there was something amiss as he kept glancing at the two older brothers with mild concern.

"So, um, how was your day at work, Court?" Ryland said meekly as he put the pot on the burner.

Colt jolted at the sudden noise and Court sent him another glare.

"Oh, you know. CIA stuff," he said with a shrug. "Nothing special."

"You say that as if you don't help catch criminals."

"Eh."

That got a small smile out of Ryland. Courtland desperately tried to surpress a laugh as the youngest turned to Colt.

"What about you? I know you and Jody have last block together."

Colt managed a smile, though the trained eye could see how he was trying to hold his composure. "Good, good. She has a uh… good sculpture…"

Ryland raised a brow. "Huh?"

"She's making this really cool sculpture in our sculpture class."

Courtland shook his head. Nice save, Colt.

Ryland glanced between the two of them again. "Okay…"

Silence overtook the house as they worked. Ryland watched the water, Colt prepped the table and got cups out, and Court did the dishes he left in the sink that morning. It was killing Courtland. He scrubbed a little too hard at the utensils to try and ease his mind off the elephant in the room.

Eventually, after listening to nothing but the water boiling, Colt exploded.

"Ugh, someone put some music on, dammit! What is this? Prison?"

Colt reached for the portable speaker they kept in the kitchen and turned it on. He connected his phone and gave it to his twin.

"Pick something," he demanded, "but none of that staring at my bedroom ceiling shit."

Ryland huffed. "I thought you liked that music?"

"I do, but I'm not staring at the ceiling, am I?"

"Might as well be with how you're walking."

Courtland snickered. Colt wasn't the most graceful person on Earth. He sometimes walked like a newborn deer on its legs for the first time, especially if he was exhausted. He proved Ryland's point when he bumped his hip into the corner of the counter, eliciting a laugh from Ryland.

A pop song came on the speaker, one Court was unfamiliar with but one that had the twins swaying a bit. He shrugged and went along with it.

Luckily, Colt knew just how to make a tense situation seem brighter. From there, it was smooth sailing with light banter and half-hearted insults thrown at one another. Ryland let Colt stir the noodles because it was his favorite part. Courtland watched the twins argue over who would pour the cheese packet in.

The sight warmed his heart and broke it at the same time, because he knew he only had a few more years of this before the twins were going their separate ways. Stepping into adult shoes, into their adult lives. Maybe he could keep them after graduation for a few months, but after that…

What was he gonna do?

And because Court's brain loved him so much, he couldn't help but think about the fact that he was watching them grow up. Slipping through his fingers every single day slowly but surely.

On the one hand, he was immensely proud of the men they were turning out to be even if Ryland's temper still needed a check. He was proud of them for getting good grades, for building their lives, and… of course, trusting another person enough to date them. Sounds weird, but Court was proud.

With Colt and Jody it was like "eh, congrats." Because Court knew he was going to have a partner sooner than Ryland. But Ryland's crush just… It was a wake up call for Courtland. They weren't kids anymore. They were teens, nearly adults, making their own decisions for their lives.

It was tough for him to accept, especially watching the twins nudge each other to try and stir the pot. They didn't need him anymore. Not like they did when they were eight years old and cowering from a monster's fist.

Court cursed Simon Fisher. Even if his file was squeaky clean, he made Courtland realize that he wouldn't be able to have this forever. Just him and the twins. He had his time and it's nearly ran out.

He sighed as the twins bickering grew louder. Particularly Ryland's voice.

"Guys," he said, and the twins huffed. Courtland rolled his eyes. Still worked every time.

Even with a mediocre dinner, the vibes were good. Better than when Ryland walked through the door. They ate in a calm silence, exhaustion taking hold of them after their respective long days.

But of course, where there was calm, a storm followed right after.

Colt finished dinner first, claiming to shower first before his twin and running off. Courtland shook his head and took Colt's dish to the sink. Ryland trailed behind him with his own. As Courtland started rinsing the dishes, Ryland stood there, shifting his weight from foot to foot.

Courtland started loading the dishwasher when he heard the water run through the pipes. He couldn't take the silence anymore.

"You alright, Ry? You're a bit tense."

Ryland huffed. "You know, you're an asshole."

Courtland stopped, feeling like he'd run first into a brick wall. He slowly stood tall and faced his brother. Ryland's gaze was sharp all of a sudden. Cold and knowing.

"I'm an asshole," Courtland repeated dumbly.

"Yeah. You think you're being slick but I know you and you forget that." Ryland's eyes were alight with anger. "You seriously sent Colt to follow me after school today?"

Courtland raised a hand to try and calm his brother, who was breathing heavily. "Ry—"

"What the fuck is wrong with you?"

"Language."

Ryland fumed at that, his flush covering the tips of his ears as he scowled. "You don't think I pay attention to what's going on around me? As if I haven't had to listen to footsteps every single day for years to see if it was you or dad coming down the hall? You think you can get away with stalking me?"

"No, no. Ry, I didn't send him. He did that himself. He was worried, like me," Courtland tried to reason.

"If you were worried then why didn't you just—" Ryland tossed his arms about wildly "—talk to me?"

"I did, and you didn't give me an honest answer."

"So you stalk me?"

Courtland exhaled. "I'm trying to make sure you're safe—"

"Oh my God, don't pull that card, Court. How is stalking me keeping me safe? How is taking pictures of me and…"

Courtland watched Ryland's eyes flood with furious tears; and his heart shattered into a million pieces once his brain caught up to him to say that he was the reason they fell from Ryland's eyes. Whatever words Ryland threw at him, he deserved them. He did, because he knew that letting Colt follow the youngest was wrong. He knew it.

But he was just trying to keep his family safe. Was that so evil?

"What are you so worried about?" Ryland asked, his voice pleading as he sniffled. "What's got you so worried? Hmm? The fact that I made a new friend? You didn't do background checks on Colt's friends, so why me?"

"I did do checks on them," Courtland countered. "I'm worried because of you giggling and kicking your feet and staying glued to your phone every day. I'm worried because you're my brother and I care about you."

"I know! But you didn't even let me…"

Courtland's hand reached out instinctually to try and comfort Ryland as he sagged further into himself. The sight tore Courtland's insides to pieces. It was too reminiscent of when he'd come home from school to see Colt or Ry sporting a new bruise, trying to smile at him through the pain.

He couldn't speak. He was trapped in his fifteen year old body, trying to shield his brothers from a monster.

Ryland's eyes finally met his again. Broken. Angry. "The one thing that I… I was going to tell you about it. I was going to tell you about Simon but you didn't—" he cut himself off with a hiccup "—let me say it on my own terms. You know and I don't know how you feel about it—"

"Feel about what? About you and Simon…" Courtland started, gesturing absentmindedly to stop the instinctual need to reach out and comfort. "Going out?"

"He's a guy, Court."

"So?"

Ryland stopped, his shoulders slowly pushing back to their rightful spot. Courtland took the opportunity it gave for him to speak.

"Ry, I'm… really sorry. I am. I didn't mean to hurt you at all, or make you mad. You have to understand that from my view, your recent behavior was so… weird. I didn't know what to do. Didn't know what was wrong, if anything was happening. I didn't want to cause you any more distress than you already might've been feeling.

"So I did what I do best and figure shit out from the shadows. I couldn't… I wouldn't be able to live with myself if something happened to you or Colt. You know? I just thought… I was scared that…"

God, why was it so hard to tell him that he was scared?

Courtland pushed his shoulders back. "I was scared of you growing up. Not… needing me anymore."

Ryland's frustrated expression fell into something sober and understanding.

"Trust me when I say I didn't want to invade your privacy, but after growing up the way we did, I couldn't help but cling to you two because you're all I have. But I keep forgetting you're not seven years old anymore. You're young adults growing into new lives and I don't know how to handle it. Especially concerning boys."

Ryland managed a snicker, which never failed to warm Court's heart.

"Ry, I don't care that Simon's a boy. I'm just sorry that I didn't give you the right to tell me how you wanted to; that I was nosy and dove into your business when I had no right to. I'm really sorry, Ryland."

Ryland wiped the wet streaks from his flushed face, eyes darting everywhere before landing on Courtland again. "You… you don't care that Simon's…"

"No." Courtland stepped forward to put his hands on his brother's shoulders. "Ryland, all I've ever wanted was for you and Colt to be happy. It's what I tell myself every day and it's what gets me out of bed in the morning. So I don't care if you're in love with a lizard or a boy, whatever. As long as you're happy, that's all that matters to me."

Ryland's eyes grew misty again. "I don't even know what I am."

"Not everything needs a label."

Courtland's back cracked in at least three different places under the sheer force in which Ryland hugged him. Huh. Not only was Ryland mentally maturing, but he grew muscles somehow. Which he was putting to use to squeeze the air out of Courtland's lungs. But he didn't care. He hugged his brother back just as tight.

"I'm sorry," he said again. He kept running his hand over Ryland's hair. He always loved it when Court would brush his hair with his fingers. "Can we start over?"

"I'd like that," Ryland muttered into his shoulder. "I'm sorry, too."

"For what?"

"Not considering your thoughts."

Courtland chuckled, squeezing his brother. "Ry, you're a lot of things but you're not a mind reader. Don't apologize for that."

"Yeah, but I should've known how you felt. Especially with what happened with Dad, and I get why you're so worried all the time. But you have to trust me to make decisions for myself. Good or bad, and let me deal with the consequences."

"Hey, since when did you wise up?"

Ryland laughed and pulled away. "I'm sorry, too."

"It's alright."

"Just promise me you won't send Colt after me again. He's not a very good spy."

"I told you, that was all his idea." Courtland ruffled the youngest's hair, smiling as he smacked Courtland's arm away. "But okay, I promise."

"Thank you." Ryland wiped at his eyes and steered himself. He slapped on a smile. "So, Court, I have something that I need to talk to you about."

Courtland frowned, scanning his brother before it hit him. This was his second chance. He nodded and gestured towards the dinner table.

"Alright, let's sit down, yeah? Then we can talk," he said. He pulled the wooden chair back, watching his brother mirror his actions. Court leaned back casually in the chair. "What's going on, Ry? Is everything okay?"

Ryland swallowed and cleared his throat with a cough. "I haven't been honest with you lately and I know I've been acting weird. So um… I have something I need to say."

"Okay."

"A few weeks ago, a new student had been transferred into my history class. Apparently, the counselors put him in the wrong one so they just shoved him into the class with the lowest amount of kids. His name's Simon. He sits next to me in class."

Courtland couldn't hold back a soft smile seeing his brother look so happy. His eyes were sparkling, though he still looked nervous, and he tried to fight a smile and failed. Ryland met his eye again, his tense shoulders deflating slightly.

"I made a new friend," he said.

"That's amazing," Court replied with a nod. "Good job, Ry. Is that all you had to say?"

"No. No, um… me and Simon got assigned as partners for the project for the class."

"Okay."

"We exchanged numbers and talk a lot… outside of the project. Court, I didn't go to his house yesterday to work. We went to a coffee shop to, yeah, do our project, but… it was a date."

Courtland ignored the part of him that wanted to march over to Simon Fisher's house and interrogate him because Ryland was staring at him hesitantly now. Even if he already knew and didn't care, this was his chance to really reassure his brother and make sure he knows that just because he likes Simon doesn't mean there's a rift between them.

"A date? So you like Simon more than a friend?" he asked gently.

"Y-Yeah. I wanted to tell you but also not because I didn't know how you'd react. I knew how Colt would react so I didn't tell him. But is it… is it okay? If me and him…?"

Court reached across the table to take his brother's hand and squeeze. "You're nearly eighteen, Ry. You can make your own decisions. And you don't need to ask for permission to date someone. That's part of the package of adulthood."

Ryland's eyes glistened again. "You're okay with me being—"

"Yes. Of course. Who you like doesn't matter to me unless they're, like, a mass murderer or something." Court snickered when Ryland laughed. He squeezed his hand again. "I love you, Ry. Nothing's going to change that. Nothing, you hear me?"

"Yeah, I hear you." Ryland wiped his eyes and managed a wobbly smile. "Thank you."

"No thanking me. Get over here."

He practically dragged Ryland out of his seat and into another hug. He decided to be selfish for this one time and hug his brother tight, running his fingers through the dirty blonde locks. He hugged Ryland tight because not only was this a big step for Ry, it was a huge step for Court in accepting the twins were growing up. They may not need him as much anymore, but he would always be there when they did. He wished… maybe just this once, that they could stay young forever and play pranks and throw potato chips at each other.

Courtland sighed deeply, feeling Ryland hug him back. He was going to miss this. The fact that he could walk five steps and peek into the twins' room to make sure they were sleeping. Alive. When they eventually moved away, it was going to be a rough time for Courtland Gentry, who basically devoted his life to making sure his brothers had the lives they deserved.

Ryland pulled away with a sniffle, smiling at the eldest. "Promise me one thing?"

"Yeah, of course."

"Don't do the shovel talk."

"Aw, what? Noooooo, that's the fun part!"

"Court, please. I really like him and I don't want him to be scared of you guys."

Court exaggerated a huff and ruffled Ryland's hair. "Fine."

"Say it."

"I…" Courtland said slowly, the words struggling to spew from his mouth. "Promise."

"Was it really that hard?"

"Yeah."

Ryland snickered. "Thank you."

Courtland brought him into another side-hug. If Ryland really liked Simon like he claimed, then maybe he could retire the CIA agent persona for a bit.

Though, as Court walked down the hall to his bedroom, hearing the twins arguing in their room about towels or some shit, he found a loophole. Ryland made him promise not to do the shovel talk. Him, Courtland.

He never said anything about Colt.

Today was the day. Courtland and Colt were meeting Simon for the first time, and boy was Colt ready.

Courtland had pulled him aside before they left to meet the lovebirds at their local cafe. He explained the plan. He'd give Ryland their order and tell him to go to the counter, where Colt and Court would tag-team the unsuspecting teen. Colt already had a whole speech ready. He wondered if Ryland told Simon about them and their helicopter tendencies.

They entered the cafe. It was midday on a weekend day, and unsurprisingly, it was busy. Colt scanned the room, finding his brother waving from a table near the back. Colt started walking with Court trailing behind him.

Simon was a little taller than Colt thought up close. Though, as the older brothers approached, he could see unease in Simon's eyes. Nervousness. Fair enough. Colt was the same way when he met Jody's dad for the first time. He was respectful and all of that, but the man didn't budge in his opinion of him. He thought Colt was a bad influence on his daughter. If only he knew how the roles were reversed.

Courtland stepped in front of Colt to reach the table first.

Ryland stood up, sending them a warning glare before turning to Simon. "These are my brothers. That's Colt and that's Courtland. Guys, this is Simon."

Simon extended his hand while offering a small smile. "Nice to meet you guys. Ryland's told me a lot about you."

His voice was deeper than Ryland's by a little bit. He sounded like he could be the narrator to a nature documentary. Colt watched Courtland shake his hand. Looked like a firm grip. Colt nodded at him as they shook hands.

"Nice to meet you, too, man. Ry's said a lot about you, too," Colt smirked, earning him a kick under the table from his twin. He didn't care about his stinging leg because Simon only looked more nervous as the brothers sat down.

"You guys order anything yet?" Court asked.

"No, we were waiting for you," Ryland said.

"Here, go ahead and get us all something. I want a peanut butter protein shake, though." Courtland handed Ryland a fifty dollar bill.

"Oh, I want a latte," Colt said as Ryland tentatively got up again.

"Okay. Simon?"

"I'm okay, I don't need anything."

"Nah, come on. Make that two peanut butter shakes," Courtland said, reaching over to pat Simon's shoulder a little too hard. "Wait, you don't have any nut allergies, do you?"

Simon shook his head comedically fast.

Ryland's eyes went between his brothers, once again warning them not to act up, before heading to the front counter to order. The brothers held his gaze with innocent smiles until Ryland turned his back. They turned on Simon like sharks. And the poor teen just stared at them like judgment day had finally come.

"So, Simon, how long have you been seeing Ry?" Courtland asked as he crossed his legs and clasped his hands together.

"Uh, w-we had our first date a few days ago, so…" Simon said slowly. "But we've been talking for about a week or two now."

"You move kind of fast. He's only known you for about a month." Colt absentmindedly picked dirt from under his nails. "You like him."

"Yeah."

"How much?"

Simon's eyes were shaky as they went from brother to brother. Nervous. "A-A lot. Never met anyone like him."

"What are your intentions with our brother, Simon?" Courtland asked bluntly.

"W-Well, I was hoping for… another date…"

"And after that?"

"Maybe a few more."

"You don't plan to string him along, do you? Do you like watching people suffer?" Colt asked.

Simon raised his hands. "What? N-No, not at all," he said in disbelief.

"What about after those dates? Hm?" Courtland questioned with sharp brows lowered into points.

"Oh my God, he told me you two were overprotective but he didn't say it was this bad."

"Did he tell you why we're like this?"

At that, Simon's posture deflated, his eyes once again going between them with curiosity. He shook his head. Colt nudged Courtland's foot to take over the conversation. Let him know a tiny bit but let Ryland open up about the rest.

"We didn't have the best childhood growing up. It was us against our dad," Colt said. "For the longest time, it's just been us. We're not used to other people showing up in our lives unexpectedly."

Simon nodded slowly. "I understand. I'm not, like, upset you're interrogating me or anything. I know it comes from a good place. And I'd never try and get in between you and Ryland. I know my place here."

"Good. Makes my job a lot easier 'cause you know where I'm going with this, then," Courtland said as he leaned forward to let his elbows rest on the table. "Working for the CIA is fun sometimes, you know? I get access to a bunch of databases and cameras and phones."

Simon swallowed, the calm evaporating from his face and quickly being replaced by fear. Colt had to hold back a snicker.

"Just know that if we hear something about you, specifically how you're treating our brother, just know that you'll regret it over anything else you've regretted in life so far," Colt said, offering a cheery smile. "He really likes you, Simon. Told us himself. You fuck this up, we fuck you up. Deal?"

"Y-Yeah, yeah. Deal," Simon said quickly. He relaxed again when the brothers leaned back in their chairs. He cleared his throat with a cough. "I already said it, but I like him a lot, too. I'm surprised he's—was—single."

Colt paused, glancing at Courtland. "Shit, now that I think about it, it might be because of us."

"Yeah… oh well. Can't change the past." Courtland sat up again. "Oh, one more thing, Simon. I don't mind you coming to our house to study or work on your project. Depending on how your… relationship… with Ryland goes, maybe I'll even consider letting you over for non-academic reasons."

"But if we catch you kissin' or smoochin', or even sitting a little too close to Ry, you're dead meat," Colt said. Court had mentioned how he promised Ryland he wouldn't do the shovel talk. He might've indirectly (or directly, based on how you look at it) broken the promise. But Ryland never made Colt promise. He could outwardly threaten Simon with a smile and Ryland couldn't yell at him for it.

"Got it," Simon said. Colt didn't like how the fear wasn't as prominent in Simon's eyes anymore. He was supposed to be scared. That was the goal. Did Colt fail the shovel talk?

"Okay, I've got your protein shakes."

Colt sent Simon a wink and a smirk before Ryland placed his latte in front of him. Ryland sat down in his chair, sipping on what Colt presumed was black coffee with sugar. Absolutely abysmal, in his opinion. The table was quiet with Ryland's return, with the three men sipping on their drinks as Ryland looked around with a knowing glint in his eye.

"Court, seriously—"

"I didn't say anything!" Court said.

"You didn't have to! I told you to keep it civil—"

"Hey, they didn't do anything," Simon cut in gently, much to Colt's surprise. He watched Simon's very soft smile form just for Ryland. "We were just talking about the new Spider-Man game that came out."

Ryland didn't seem too convinced. "Really?"

"Yeah, Simon was telling us how he's already beat the main story," Colt said. He sent an approving nod to the black-haired teen.

"It was pretty fun. The mechanics are what got me because you can actually move around like a spider—" Simon started.

As Simon talked, having saved the day, Colt watched his twin. He had that look in his eye, like he was looking at his phone screen again. Except the googly eyes were turned up to the maximum level in person. Something in Colt's chest twisted—not painful but not comforting, either—at the thought of his brother finding someone he liked. He was immensely proud of Ryland for going outside of his comfort zone.

He was also insanely happy he had a new reason to tease and rage-bait his brother. He was already coming up with new half-hearted insults and phrases to throw at Ryland when their next argument inevitably came about.

Sneaking a glance at Court, he could see the same emotions below his smile. Though, beneath it all, he could see the apprehensive approval in the eldest's eyes as Simon handed Ryland a napkin.

And hey, Simon and Colt already had something in common. Video games. It was a good start, and had a bunch of questions on his tongue from "what's your favorite game" to "did you play the Miles Morales game?"

It might've been an awkward and rough first meeting, but Colt's gut was hardly wrong, and it told him that he and Simon were going to get along just fine.