―

Chapter Four

―

The last few days have been surprisingly quiet. Nothing happened. No bickering, no name calling, no attempts to kill each other... I mean absolutely zero. It feels kind of weird actually. It makes me wonder if Simon is plotting something big. Maybe he's waiting for me to let my guard down― or maybe he's planning something that takes a while to put together and execute.

"Or maybe you're just being paranoid." Cody swings his legs up onto my lap, leaning back against the opposite end of the couch. "Jesus, Kirb, you're becoming obsessed. I think it's time to move on."

I scowl at the comment. "I'm not obsessed."

"Uh, yes you are. He's all you talk about." He folds his arms across his chest as a small frown curves his face. "If I didn't know better, I'd say you have a crush on him."

"I can't believe you even said that."

"Well, it's true," he says, annoyance lacing his voice. "I wish you'd shut up about him. It's Saturday, we should be chilling."

My eyebrows draw together at the harshness of Cody's tone. He rarely gets mad, but today it sounds like he's getting there. "Calm your tits, Code. We are chilling."

"No, you're bitching about Simon. Which I might say is costing us quality gaming time. Or mall time. Or even nap time. All time is more valuable than this Simon-whine-fest time."

"Jeez, Cody... I'm sorry," I say, a bit taken aback by his anger. "I didn't realize I was talking about him that much. I'll stop."

"Thank you."

We both go quiet, the silence between us awkward for the first time in years. After what seems like an eternity, the sound of footsteps lightly padding across the hardwood floor echoes down the hallway. A few seconds later there's a tug at my shirt.

"Can you take me to my friend's house?"

I groan, glancing over to the tiny girl gripping the sleeve of my hoodie. Innocent baby blues that mirror my own stare back at me, my sister waiting patiently for a response. Damn it, she's too cute. It's so hard to say no. The five year old tilts her head to the side when I don't respond.

"What about mom or dad?" I ask.

She wrinkles her nose, letting me know that she already tried. "Daddy's sleeping and mom said to ask you because she's cooking." There's a pause. "Please?"

I sigh. Time to be a good big brother. "Cody?"

"Sure," he says, sounding his usual upbeat self. "Anything for Al."

Alexis nods her head, a wide smile gracing her face. "Thank you!"

Cody stands up as I practically roll off of the couch. Taking Alex's hand, we make our make toward the sound of pots and pans banging in the kitchen. As we step through the threshold my mother comes into sight. She's standing on her tiptoes, her back to us as she sifts through spices in the cabinet. There are already pans on the stove top, steam filling the air in the room as they simmer. "Hey, mom. Where are we taking her?"

"Across town," she says without even turning. Resting back on her heels, she spins the cap on the bottle she found. "87 Ridge Avenue is the exact address. Do you know where the bakery is?"

"I do," Cody replies in my place. He is the one driving after all. "I think I know where Ridge is too."

"Good." Still busying herself with the cooking, she takes a brief moment to offer a small smile as she moves to the stove. "Call me if you get lost."

"Okay." I look down to Alexis. "You ready to go?"

She shakes her head before running for the stairs. "I need toys!"

Fifteen minutes and a backpack of Legos later, we head out the door. I guess I should thank my sister for showing up when she did, because it eased the tension between Cody and I. The car ride is quick and fairly painless. Most of the time is filled by Alexis telling us all about her friend Benji. I remember hearing the name a few times, but I don't think I've ever met him. From the way she talks about him, I can only assume that he's her best friend.

The car barely has time to stop before Alexis leaps out and goes bounding towards the grey house. She seems to remember us when she's about half way to the door and comes to an abrupt stop. She whirls around and runs back to us, an impatient look plastered to her face. Stepping behind me, she begins to push me ahead of her. "You first. Just in case Benji's daddy opens the door."

I chuckle as I'm propelled forward. "What's wrong with Benji's daddy?"

"Nothing," she mumbles shyly. "Just ring the doorbell."

I do as I'm told, pressing the buzzer lightly. Cody comes to a stop next to me while Alexis tucks herself behind my leg. A few seconds later the door swings open. "May I help you?"

My oh my.

This man is freaking gorgeous.

The lean but muscular man looks like he's in his late thirties. Dark hair. Light brown eyes. Very nice indeed. Benji's daddy is a hottie. That's why Alexis was too shy to ring the doorbell. Cody nudges me when I don't say anything. I know I'm staring, but I can't help it. In a way, he kind of reminds me of―

"Simon!" the older man calls, giving me an odd look. "I think your friend's here to see you."

…

I hear the slap of Cody's palm hitting his forehead and I immediately begin to stumble over my words. "Uh, actually, I'm here to―"

Too late.

"Are you stalking me?" a snide voice says as the older man walks away. Simon steps into the doorway, golden eyes narrowing suspiciously. "Why are you here?"

Before I could say anything, Alexis reveals herself, throwing herself at Simon's leg. "Simon!" she squeals, hugging him. "You're home!"

Simon's expression shifts to one of surprise as he looks down at the beaming girl. "Alexis?"

Okay, back it up. What just happened?

Cody, who is much quicker to react than I, pries Alexis away from Simon. "No, nuh uh. Not happening," he says, pulling her to the side. He crouches down in front of her, a stern expression forming on his face. "Alexis, I want you to listen to me. That is a very bad man― "

"Hey!" Simon says glaring at Cody.

"A very, very bad man," Cody continues. "You should stay away from him at all times."

"But I want to marry him," the five year old whispers back.

"That is a no can do, sweetheart," Cody replies. "Do you know how your brother broke his hand? Well―"

His sentence is cut short by Simon, who covers his mouth rather quickly. "Alexis, Benji is waiting inside. Go meet him, he's in the living room."

Alexis wiggles away from Cody. With another bright smile, she skips away. "Okay! Bye Kirby! Bye Cody!" she says disappearing into the house.

Once she's gone, Simon lets his hand fall away from Cody's mouth. "What exactly are you trying to accomplish by turning a five year old against me?"

Cody sniffs, straightening up from his hunched position. "Just protecting the innocent."

"I bet." Simon folds his arms across his chest. "Now unless you two evil bastards plan on poisoning my little brother too, I suggest you leave."

My brain finally having caught up with the situation, I finally react. "We're evil? What about you? You're a violent prick. We're only dishing back what you give."

"You broke my hand!" he says in disbelief. "Over a window I might add."

"It was an accident!" I thrust my casted arm out at him. "Now this...this was no accident."

Cody sighs, grabbing my shoulder. "Dude, this is pointless. Let's just go."

"But―"

Simon smirks, leaning against the frame of the doorway. "Listen to your friend and leave, Kirby."

"But―"

"Now, Kirb!" Cody says with exasperation.

"Fine!" I relent. "Just don't do anything weird to my sister."

Simon turns around with a snort. Without anything further he shuts the door. I shoot Cody a withering look, displeased with the whole situation. "What if he does something to my sister to get back at me?"

"There goes the paranoia again," Cody mutters, dragging me back down the walkway. He let's go once we're in front of the car. "She'll be fine. His dad his home."

I get into the car reluctantly, hoping that Cody's right. Alexis already seems enamored with Simon. It wouldn't take much for him to turn her against me.

―

I wonder how much more of my life is going to be consumed by Simon. School already is. And now my family is starting to be too. As soon as my sister got home that day, I was promptly scolded for 'being mean to Simon'. Apparently he didn't hesitate to tell her what I did to him. After giving me an earful, she marched off to her room and ignored me for the rest of the night. Kids can be so scary sometimes.

But it's been two weeks, and there have been no signs of retribution. It makes me wonder if he's really given up. If that's true, Cody's right. I can't stop obsessing about it. I just feel like it isn't over yet.

"Kirby? Are you even listening to me, man?"

I snap out of my thoughts, feeling a bit guilty. I had completely tuned Cody out. I have no clue what we're even talking about. I turn my head to look at him. His eyes are focused on the road ahead of him, one hand gripping the steering wheel. He glances over to me, waiting for an answer. "Uh, sorry. What were you saying?"

"Really, dude?" he says, sounding a little pissed. "This is the third time tonight. What's with you?"

"Just thinking," I mumble, not wanting to mention Simon's name.

"Right." He turns his attention back to driving. The car falls silent for a moment and I know he knows what I was thinking about. Or rather who. He doesn't say anything about it though, instead pulling over to the curb. "We're here."

We get out of the car and start heading toward the loudest house on the block. Tonight is party night. I follow Cody as he makes his way up the steps. He opens the door and the sound of music hits us with full force. There are people everywhere. If I could guess, I'd say most of the junior and senior class is here.

I turn my head when I hear someone call my name, searching for the source of the voice. The effort is wasted. There are too many bodies packed close together. Too many voices. By the time I look back in front of me, Cody is gone. Great. I continue to move forward, squeezing past a couple propped up against the wall. As I near the kitchen, I hear my name again. An arm reaches out, a hand clasping onto mine. "Kirby!"

"Hey," I say, once the blonde finally comes into view. She almost trips over the occupied couple as she steps over a leg. I laugh as she attempts to regain her balance. "What's up, Sam?"

Sam holds up a plastic cup, the gold liquid sloshing around the sides. "Having fun. Loooots of fun," she says with a slur. "Did you just get here?"

"Yeah."

She cocks her head to the side, looking over my shoulder before sliding her gaze back to me. "Where's Cody?"

"I have no idea," I say, eyes darting around the room. "I lost him. Where's Ray?"

At this she frowns. A pensive look pinches her features, one hand moving to scratch her head. "You know, I don't know. He was here two seconds ago."

"Alright, Sam. I think you should come with me," I say, taking her hand again.

"Noooo, I think you should come with me," she replies, a wide smile spreading across her pretty face. Sam whirls around, almost falling over in the process. She heads for the kitchen with me in tow.

Ten minutes later I have a beer in my hand and a very bad feeling I'll be carrying her unconscious body out of here tonight. In the past five minutes alone, I've saved her from tripping, slamming into a wall, and two pervy guys out to get laid. This is going to be a fun night. Ray chooses to show up just as I'm attempting to coax her drink away from her. With a smile, he easily plucks the cup out of her hand. "I've got it from here, Kirb. Cody was looking for you. I think he's out back now."

"Thanks," I say, more than a little relieved that I'm off babysitting duty. "Keep a good eye on her. She's pretty wasted."

He hooks an arm around her waist as yet another guy creeps up. "Noted."

I make my exit, pushing my way through the crowd in the living room. I reach for the back door, sliding the glass open before stepping outside. Dim lanterns illuminate the patio, the red stone seeming almost brown in the night light. My eyes move over the backyard. Not a person in sight. I sigh and turn back around to go inside, only to run into another body.

"Tsk. You shouldn't be by yourself, Kirby."

I take a few steps back, the familiar voice immediately setting my nerves on edge. "Why? You going to beat me up again while no one's looking?"

A smile curves Simon's mouth as he walks out onto the patio, shutting the door behind him. "Where's your other half?"

"Huh?" I say stupidly.

"The emo kid with a thing for you," he says, moving closer. I take another step back. "The one always following you around."

"His name is Cody and he doesn't have a 'thing' for me. He's my friend."

"If you say so." Simon makes another move forward and I step back again. "Not so tough without him, are you?"

"I'm not scared, I'm just not stupid." I scowl, edging sideways. Maybe I can make a break for the front of the house. "There are no witnesses right now."

He laughs, but doesn't say anything more. Instead, he mirrors my movements, shifting in the direction I had moved. "What are you going to do now?"

Run of course. I bolt. I start running for the corner of the house, hoping against all reason that I can make it. But I know better. There's a feeling of déjà vu as Simon catches up to me, knocking me to the ground in an instant. I wince as my side connects with the ground, his weight keeping me in place as I try to squirm away. He straddles me, allowing me to roll onto my back before he pins my hands above my head. "Kirby, Kirby, Kirby... when will you learn?"

"Let me go, you prick! Is this the only thing you know how to do?"

He leans down, bringing us almost nose to nose. It's position I often find myself in when it comes to Simon. His eyelids droop, a Chesire cat smile looming on his lips. "No."

"Then get off of me," I say, giving another attempt to get away.

He holds me firmly in place, his face inching closer. I can actually feel the warmth of his breath against my skin, the air coming out in slow, even gusts. It then strikes me exactly how close we are. It also strikes me that he hasn't made a move to hit me yet. It's strange. Unsettling. "What are you doing?," I ask nervously.

Simon readjusts his hands, using one hand to hold my wrists while the other moves to my face. One finger slowly traces along my jaw. What exactly is he doing? This is beyond weird. "I've seen the way you look at me, you know."

"What?" I say, genuinely confused.

"I've also seen the way he looks at you," he continues, his voice low.

"What the fuck are you talking about?"

He brings his mouth to my ear. "We're going to play a game," he whispers, sending a hot breath of air over my neck. "We'll see who wins."

Looking down at me, smile still in place, he moves his face over mine. My heart then begins to race as his lips descend toward mine.

What the hell is going on?

―

―

―

A/N- :peeks out: Hello? I'm so sorry for not updating this story in such a long time. T_T Life got the better of me and well... you know. I'm sorry if this chapter is kind of shitty. I hope it's not. I just wanted to let you guys know that I'm alive and will be continuing this story. Please say you're still with me? Anyways, thanks for all the alerts, favs and reviews! I really appreciate them.