I was woken up this morning rather gently, with the feel of a hand circling the small of my back and a low, quiet voice saying my name.
I grumbled slightly in annoyance because I still felt tired, then lazily opened one eye.
Oh hello...chest. Oops this isn't a pillow.
"Sorry..." I mumbled, assuming that's why he woke me up. He frowned when I lifted my head.
"For what?"
"...Huh...what do you want?" I questioned tiredly and he smiled at me.
"You have an eye appointment."
"Ugh...at 11... I'm sure it's not even near 11 yet." I complained, immediately lying back down on him.
"No, but it's better to get up early so you're not rushing your morning."
"Nope."
"Riley..."
"Nooo." I grumbled, wrapping an arm around his waist when he tried to get up.
I felt him chuckle lightly before he began brushing his fingers through my hair "...Fine."
---
"Sunshine, get up." Aaron's voice woke me up again and I frowned without opening my eyes.
"Nooppeee."
"It's 10 you're going to be late." I heard him shuffling around the room, possibly getting changed.
"Ughhh." I complained but still didn't get up.
"Riley I will have to resort to different methods."
"Nooo leave me alone."
I opened one eye when I heard him walk towards me then tensed up when he got on the bed and leaned over me.
"Okay okay I'm awake!" I squeeked, jumping when drips from his wet hair hit my skin. "Get off that's cold!" I complained and he chuckled at me.
He leaned down and kissed me on the cheek and I flinched from his cold wet hair all over me. "Aaron!" I immediately tried to push him away while he laughed at me.
"You need to get up."
"I'm already up! You're a bully!"
"If you stay on the bed you'll go back to sleep." He stated and I made a face.
"I only do that sometimes...and now I'm all wet so I don't want to!"
"Well then my methods were effective." He chuckled. "Come on you need to shower and get ready." I sat up as he stood and wondered over to the cupboards again.
I tried to wipe the drops of water off of me while grumbling to myself, then looked at Aaron as he dried his hair. Still hasn't put a top on...
I'm staring...
Why am I staring.
Look at those fucking muscles though... Am I jealous? Don't think so. Just extremely attracted.
If I don't get up he'll turn around...
He already has and he's giving me a look.
Should probably stop staring now...
"Riley!"
"Yes!" I jumped slightly, immediately standing up. "I'm awake."
That was weird.
What am I doing...
Towel! Shower, real life. Got it.
I quickly grabbed a clean towel and clothes and headed into the bathroom.
Yeesh.
---
I tried to be as quick as possible, within reason. My reason. Which is longer than average...
I try okay. But quick showers suck so no thanks.
I ran into Hunter after I left Aaron's room, and he gave me a strange look.
"What?"
"Why were y'all laughing so much last night?? Kept me awake."
Ooops.
"Oh shoot, sorry. Didn't know you could hear that easily."
"Well, not really, only when it's silent."
Ummm.
"So you were studying?"
"No, just reading before bed."
"So you weren't trying to sleep."
"...Eventually I was."
"Alright, usually you'd stay up later than us so it's not something I'd be conscious of. I'll be quieter, sorry." I smiled at him, a little confused.
He just nodded, looking like he wanted to say more.
Getting the feeling that's not what his actual problem is.
"Uh, I'm running late sorry!" I remembered what I was supposed to be doing and made my way down the stairs.
Aaron, Luca, Caleb and Chester were all in the kitchen when I walked in. Chester and Caleb were having a conversation, while Luca just sat there looking grumpy. And Aaron was pacing anxiously.
"Are you okay?" I wondered from behind him and he jumped, making me smirk in amusement.
"Finally! Do you ever rush?"
"Sorry, got distracted."
He just handed me an energy bar before collecting the keys. "Let's go."
Ha, he knows me so well.
"Don't even think about running off without me." Luca interjected and Aaron made an irritated face before turning towards him with a blank expression
That's hilarious.
"You're coming?" He questioned while Luca stood up and walked over to me.
"Yes, I feel like having someone who actually understands what's being said will be more productive." He snapped. Wow okay I know that's just designed to be a jab at Aaron but he just called me stupid too.
I mean...he ain't lying. But still.
There were a few moments where Aaron just stared at him, looking seriously pissed. He looked at me, then back to Luca, and closed his eyes, taking in a big breath.
"Okay great let's go." He smiled before walking out the door and I shook my head with a slight chuckle.
Luca looked down at me for a moment, before just walking after him.
Hm...does he want to talk or something?
"You're sitting in the back." Aaron stated, motioning to Luca, and they just stared at eachother stubbornly.
Oh lord help me.
"Why would I sit in the back? Seeing as I'm the one who actually has any use in this scenario."
"Because he likes me more." Aaron teased, I think, and I chuckled.
Luca looked seriously done with life.
Honestly I would offer to go in the back to diffuse the situation, but I didn't want them sitting next to eachother.
Come now children, behave.
"We're going to be late. Can you sit in the back please?" I asked Luca politely and he sighed before getting into the car.
Aaron had this look on his face, and I knew he was seconds away from making a remark. I looked at him flatly, and he sighed, deciding against it and getting into the car.
Awesome. Maybe I am good with children after all.
-
Strangely enough the car ride was fine. There were a few moments where a fight could have started from Luca's side, but Aaron was being particularly passive.
He'd just look at me every time Luca would snap at him, and then say nothing. Was he wanting me to give permission or something? Or maybe wondering if I was getting angry too.
Luca seemed unusually irritable, I knew we had to talk at some point. I couldn't just leave him with all the negative emotions he was having.
Of course some of the emotions can't be helped..but maybe there are some things I could say that would make him feel better about the whole thing.
You can clearly tell he was uncomfortable with Aaron's relationship with me. Not like he knew exactly what kind of relationship it was, but obviously he knew it was better than mine and his.
In fact... judging by our last few conversations... surely he at least suspects that we have a close relationship...
Is he pushing Aaron's buttons because he's testing him? Or something else. Maybe testing isn't the right word... I hope he's not trying to make Aaron snap.
No, he's not like that.
So the former?
Ugh, I'm overthinking this.
I'm probably just trying to come up with a scenario in my head where I'm not the sole cause of his misery...
"You alright Sunshine?" Aaron's voice brought me out of deep thought as we sat in the waiting room.
"What? I'm fine..." I smiled half-heartedly and he frowned. He looked like he wanted to say something, but then glanced at Luca next to me, and sighed before sitting back in the chair.
Considering how much these two clash, the atmosphere is bizarrely calm. I guess it's because they're good at avoiding interaction. That and Aaron seems to be replying in his head rather than out loud. I appreciate that, but I hope he's not getting too stressed.
He certainly looks it...
"Um, question, are you two both coming with me?" I suddenly wondered.
"I'm going with you, more is unnecessary." Luca commented.
Aaron just sighed. "Fine. Tell me what they say. Because I know Riley won't."
"What? What do you mean??" I frowned.
"I mean about the bills."
Ugh.
"Right..."
"Not like you could help with them anyway." Luca jabbed and Aaron glared at him.
"Stop being a child."
Oops he went there.
Luca blinked at him, and I was expecting him to throw some insult back. But he just frowned and looked away.
Why are they acting like this.
I just want to know!!
Ugh.
Maybe it's him and Aaron that need the talk??
How about we all just go to therapy.
God knows, we need it!
I stood up and started pacing after the silent tension became too much.
"You made him anxious." Luca commented and I snorted.
"Excuse me, you were the one making jabs at me." Aaron complained.
"Aaron." I huffed and he frowned at me. Seeming a little anguished.
Yeah that was bad to only comment on what he said.
Ahh I'm sorry, he looks so put off.
Ah fuck. Now I'm feeling anxious.
"I think I'm going to go get some coffee. I'll be here when you two get back alright?" Aaron smiled at me before walking off and I almost died inside.
Ugh.
I sat back down with a sigh.
"I'm sorry." Luca apologised and I glared at him for a moment before composing myself.
"For which part? Because you're being an asshole."
"I was just trying to get answers, seeing as you don't give them willingly I was using other means."
"Wow, seriously, you could try just talking?"
"I think that might have been why Aaron left us alone."
"What?"
"So we can talk."
"I think it's you two that need to talk, why can't you leave him alone?" I snapped and he smiled, although it wasn't a happy smile.
"You like him don't you?"
"Why are you changing the subject?"
"I think that question is heavily related to the subject actually."
Not more of this.
"What do you want from me?" I huffed. "I thought you were never going to talk to me again or some bullshit?"
"Is that really what you got from our last conversation?"
"I don't know what I got from it. You're all over the place. I don't understand what our relationship is." I complained and he sighed, staring at the floor.
A few people kept glancing over to us, and it made me even more anxious.
"Luca..." I sighed heavily. "I don't want a bad relationship with you. You're a good person, and I like you."
"Is there a but?"
"Well you're being impossible at the moment. I'm going to be honest with you, because I value our relationship. So just ask me what you want to know, so we're not left with this ridiculous tension." I said calmly and quietly in order to not attract attention.
Not the best place for this type of conversation but I'll take it.
"Do you love Aaron?"
"Why are you hyper fixating on that?? There are so many other things you could have asked just then!" I pinched the bridge of my nose in irritation.
"Because obviously, I'm jealous of that. And I want to know who you are with, and if they're good enough for you."
"I will not let you harass him in order to test that theory like some kind of game!"
"So you are with him?"
UGH.
"You don't need to answer that, you just did anyway." He frowned. "I understand."
"What?"
"He's better than me, he did better than me."
"Luca, I'm going to need you to stop focusing on yourself and whether you're good enough. That wasn't the issue with this relationship."
When will my appointment be called I'm dying here.
"What was the issue?"
"I can't just answer that in one sentence. There were so many things. Some things were just luck, just circumstance. Just fate."
"Was there a point that it would have worked?" He wondered quietly.
"Yes. There was. But it didn't happen that way."
"It was before the trial wasn't it." He sighed. "I knew you could never forgive me for that."
"There many things that happened after that "
"What?"
"We're just not compatible Luca. You're too controlling, and I hate being controlled. That by itself is probably enough. You're a worrier and I get easily influenced by others emotions. You're stressy and I'm more passive. You judge me and I'm too sensitive to that kind of thing."
"I sound awful."
"You're not! You're kind, and you're caring, and sweet. You're a good person with high morals and you love your family and look after them. It's not you in the end, I did love you. And I still like you. But just not as much as..." I trailed off.
Um, do I have to say more...
"Fine. I understand. I mean you have your issues too." He commented and I gave him a look, until I noticed he was smiling slightly.
Is he teasing me? Right now?
Woww.
Well at least that means he's not angry right?
"I know. The good news is you don't have to deal with my dramatic ass anymore."
"Well, dealing with your ass certainly wasn't a bad part of it." He smirked and I made a face.
"Wow. From you? Seriously? Thought you were better than that." I commented while shaking my head, and he smiled at me.
"I can't resist, your reactions are too cute."
"You can't call me cute anymore! Not allowed." I said jokingly, but secretly hoping he took it seriously.
Can't deal with any of that.
"I understand. I won't. But I can't promise with the not harassing Aaron part."
"Luca."
"It's my job as his brother, nothing to do with you."
"Wow."
-
The appointment was running late, so we ended up waiting for a bit longer in slight awkwardness. I just asked him about how everyone was doing, eventually resorting to talking about his medical studies even though it sounded like he was speaking Latin to me.
Really started wondering where Aaron was the whole time.
I eventually decided to sit one seat apart from Luca, I just felt it would send a subtle message. And miraculously Aaron appeared again, asking why we were still there.
He would hate how adorable I find him.
Luca was still stubborn about coming along with me when I was eventually called in. I could tell Aaron was frustrated, but he didn't say anything.
It was the same woman again, and she seemed to recognise me. She tilted her head at Luca though, seeming confused.
"How's it going?" She asked me as I sat down at her desk and I smiled.
"Better."
"Who's this?" She wasted no time in questioning Luca.
He didn't say anything though, just stared at a journal on the coffee table.
"That's Luca. Uh... he's usually more talkative." I smirked and he looked up.
"What? Sorry?" He blinked and I chuckled. "I'm sorry, this article caught my eye."
"Hah, no pun intended." She chuckled and I resisted the urge to roll my eyes.
Wow. Medical people.
"Where's your...the one that was here last time?"
"He's around, we didn't want to overcrowd."
"Oh cool, cool..."
M'kay.
"Oh! Are you two related then?"
"No."
"Ahh..."
Why is she so interested if I'm related to these people. She asked Aaron that too?
Okay wait I get it. Two different unrelated men just being here with no explanation. Probably confusing. We could just be friends though. Just saying.
"So about my eyes?" I questioned when she looked like she was about to ask Luca something.
"Right! Yes. I can see there are a few issues here." She turned serious, fiddling with the machine.
Ugh, this thing...
"I'm wanting to take a few pictures to get a closer look, and then we'll do a sight test."
"He has mydriasis too that should probably be looked at as well as the cataract." Luca commented flatly and she paused.
"Oh. I see. Well then." She blinked. "Are you a doctor?"
"No." He commented, not saying more than that, and I frowned.
I mean if I was him I'd at least mention that I was a medical student but okay.
Not like he's spending 8 years of his life doing that or anything.
She looked at me, probably for more information, but I just shrugged.
"Okay, let's have a look." She brushed it off, and got a light out of the draw. "Can you rest your chin on here?" She smiled and I hesitantly complied.
Just makes me think of pain this thing.
I cringed when she shone the light in my eyes, going back and forth. She frowned, turning a light on the machine on and off.
"You're right, there is some mydriasis. Alright I'm going to do a ocular motility test and visual acuity test before taking a few pictures."
Yeah okay... Totally know what you're talking about.
"Alright, can you keep your head still, and look in the shape of a H, do you understand?"
"Yeah, I'll try."
Ow that kind of hurts actually. Reallly uncomfortable with her staring so closely like that.
I blinked and shook my head when I was done, feeling slightly dizzy.
"Alright, can you look at the board at the end of the room?"
Not this again.
"Yup..."
She covered one eye. "What's the lowest line you can read?"
"Uh...fourth one? L X G H J."
"Okay, good. And with the other eye?"
"Uhhh." I grit my teeth, then chuckled. "I think that's an A at the top?"
"Okay." She sighed, never a good sign, before fiddling with the machine and turning off the lights. "I'm going to take a few pictures to get a closer look if that's alright?"
I nodded, a little anxious because the light hurt a lot against the dark.
She didn't say anything for a few minutes, just taking them and mumbling to herself.
I glanced over at Luca as she stared at the screen. He was just looking at the screen too, seeming a little ominous just sitting in the dark with a serious expression.
"Alright. Well we have some scar tissue and clouding in the left eye. The mydriasis, dilated pupil,.." she looked at me.
Yeah I got that thanks.
"...is probably caused by trauma, although I'll have a look at Medical records and perhaps run a blood test to rule out any other causes."
"That's a waste of time." Luca stated, and she looked at him.
"Excuse me?"
"It's obviously traumatic mydriasis. I know he hasn't been taking anything that causes dialation recently. Other treatments other than surgical will not be effective. And seeing as that is expensive I'd rather not be charged for useless pharmaceutical treatments and tests."
Yikkessss.
"Unfortunately your own studies won't be enough to officially write other causes off..."
"An acting educational license is enough to validate my observations."
"I...do you have that??"
"Yes."
"Okay...well, okay." She blinked at him, taken aback. "So, the cataract is not as severe, but it is good to deal with it early...-"
"I would request having that dealt with in the same surgery."
"Well there are potentially other treatments..-"
"Debatabley ineffective in this scenario. Judging by the amount of scar tissue your photographs have shown just now."
Wow I can tell Luca is going to be infuriating colleague when he's a doctor.
Hang on a second.
"Uh-"
"Well if that's the route the patient requests then I have no complaints with scheduling a surgery."
"Wait a second-"
"Yes he wants that, schedule it."
"Luca, I dont-"
"-we'll talk about this later Riley, for now you're having it scheduled."
EXCUSE ME.
"As the patient is no longer a minor I'm going to need his consent?" The woman seemed a little unsure and I huffed.
"I'm not giving-"
"-You're consenting for now and we'll discuss this afterwards."
What!
"Luca you can't just-"
"-Its final. Unless you want to borrow money from someone else?"
What? Borrow? I'm so confused.
"That's settled, contact me with further information. Have a nice day." He stood up and I scoffed.
BASTARD!
"Wait a secon-" I yelped when he grabbed my arm and dragged me out of the room.
"Luca you can't just walk out!"
"Yes I can, she'll sort it out through the reception and email me as I'm still your contact."
"What??"
Aaron stood up as soon as we came into view, frowning at Luca's tight grip on my arm.
"What happened? What are you doing?" He looked almost offended at Luca's hand and he released me.
I rubbed my arm, feeling a little speechless.
"Nothing, we'll talk about it later." He brushed him off.
"Asshole! You can't just DO THAT."
"Riley, be quiet you're in a hospital."
Are you fucking kidding me.
"What did you do??" Aaron frowned at him.
"I scheduled a surgery for both of his eyes and there's nothing you or anyone else can do about it. I'm paying for it myself and that's final.. whether you waste my money or not it up to you and whether you want to be rude or not, let's go home." He walked off and I glared at him.
So that was his fucking plan all along.
Asshole!
"This is why we're not compatible!" I shouted after him and he waved a hand at me without turning round.
I turned back to Aaron with a sour face and he just blinked at me.
"You need surgery? Is it the same issue from before?" He frowned, and I sighed.
"More issues. Of course it's more issues." I sighed again. "...Let's just go."
What the hell am I supposed to say.
What does one do when someone forces a favour on you? Especially one as big as this? Do I just be grateful even though it's not what I wanted??
But he said it after I rejected him...I feel awful. But I guess he's trying to do it as a platonic gesture rather than a gift to guilt me into something.
He's a good person, I shouldn't over analyse and be skeptical of his intentions.
Still an asshole thing to just launch onto someone though.
It would be hypocritical of me to be angry at him for it... seeing as I got money for Erin without letting him have a say in it.
Basically the same situation.
"Would you go if he really did pay for it?" Aaron questioned as he followed me out to the car.
"Yes. I'm not that much of a brat."
He smiled at me and I gave him a look.
"What."
"Nothing."
He got into the car and I sighed, noticing Luca already in the back.
Fine, I'll leave it for now.
-
The car ride home was bliss. Luca was either in a much better mood, or he really was just testing Aaron on the way there, because he was actually decent on the way back.
Aaron was still stressed though, I could tell just by looking at him... Seeing how tense his shoulders were, the crease in his brow. Maybe that's what he means when he says I'm easy to read. Sometimes you can just...see it.
He didn't say anything to Luca about the hospital, but I could tell he wanted to.
When we got home Alex, Hunter and Nate were immediately just, there. I couldn't talk to Luca or Aaron because I was dragged off.
They wanted to continue watching films, and I seriously wasn't in a conflict wanting mood so I just went with it.
I don't like filmmsss. I'm bored.
Nate sat next to me at one point and I felt a little awkward. I could tell he kept looking at me.
Don't know what he wants but I have my suspicions.
Just don't look. Don't turn your head. Don't give any attention.
Yep that will solve everything.
Eventually Alex randomly jumped in the middle of us, very painfully elbowing me in the crotch. I decided that it was time to escape after that.
Why do they all have so much energy. I just want to sit by myself for a while.
I went into the kitchen to snack on something, and noticed Aaron helping Caleb with his homework.
I immediately tried to turn around before I disturbed them but I was too late.
"Hey Sunshine, what's wrong?"
Oops.
"Hey, sorry, just... taking a break." I turned back around and smiled.
"From what?" He frowned and Caleb chuckled.
"I think he means from our brothers."
"Oh, gotcha" He started chuckling and I smiled. I love his laugh way too much.
"Have you seen Luca?" I asked, feeling bad about bringing him up so soon.
"He went to campus, he'll be back later tonight if you want to talk." He smiled, thankfully not taking it the wrong way.
"Okay...bye." I turned back around and started walking out.
"Where are you going?"
"Um, somewhere? I don't want to disturb you."
"You're not, what do you mean?"
"I need to do this assignment Aaron." Caleb stated and I smirked.
"We were doing it fine!"
"Really? What was the question we were on?" He gave him a look and he frowned.
"Something about mitosis."
"AARON."
"I'm still helping! Just read me it again."
Ugh... school.
I walked out while they were distracted, deciding to go into Angel's room and clean her out.
Instead I found Chester playing with her. Very confusing.
"What are you doing?" I chuckled, making him jump.
"Heyy gorgeous... Just some animal therapy." He smiled, placing her back in her recently cleaned pen and petting her on the head.
"Did you just clean her out??'
"Yeah, it's calming."
"You're one of those stress cleaners huh."
I sat down on the sofa, tensing when he joined me a second later.
Okay, don't overthink.
"I'm assuming you're not. You're more of those sit silently and suffer types." He teased and I gave him a look.
"You're right, I am." I stated and he snorted.
"...How did your appointment go?" He asked quietly, in a way where I could just tell he knew something.
"Why?"
"Uh, I want to know how you're doing I guess?"
"Nothing special."
"Oh really..."
"Yup."
"No... further appointments then?"
"What did you do, Chess?"
"Nothing!"
"Did you put Luca up to it?"
"No, we don't talk about that kind of thing."
"I haven't even told you what he did!"
"Uh, well, I mean we don't talk. At all. So I just kinda, guessed that statement was relevent."
"You talk all the time."
"Do we?"
"I literally see you talking."
"I don't know what you're talking about. You might want to get your eyes tested."
"..."
"Too soon?"
"You're an idiot." I chuckled at him, and he smiled, staring at me in a way that made me shiver.
He's being true to his word in the actual actions department, but I would love it if he didn't look at me like that.
Wow. Can't believe my thoughts are like this so often now. Past me would be disappointed.
He suddenly stood up and knelt down by Angel again. "Sorry. I'm probably making you uncomfortable." He sighed, holding his hand out for her to sniff.
"What do you mean?"
"The practically eye raping you thing? Yeah that." He stated and I nearly choked.
"Wow, didn't have to put it that way!"
"Oh, sorry, that word..."
"That's not even what I meant but yeah that too."
"There's probably a better term for it..." He frowned, genuinely thinking about it.
"Chester, I don't think it matters to be honest. I didn't even notice anyway."
"Yes you did, I noticed you notice. You got all weird and looked away from me. Pretty clear fuck off signals if I've ever seen them."
"Have you?"
"What?"
"Seen them?"
"On TV, yeah. Not in real life, of course."
"Of course." I smiled at him and he shook his head.
"Look man, I'm doing my part. But you've got to stop being so attractive."
"What am I even doing??"
"That!"
"What??"
He motioned up and down. "That!"
"That's just me!"
"Exactly! Stop being gorgeous."
"I'll leave how about that?" I suggested as I stood up.
"It makes me sad but it's for the best you're right."
I rolled my eyes at him and he chuckled as I shut the door behind me.
Great...
I wondered back into the kitchen quietly, remaining undetected as they were deep in a discussion.
I smiled at both of them, silently sitting on a bar stool.
I totally would have loved to have an older sibling. They just seem so nice.
Or maybe it's just Aaron that's nice? Can't tell.
I browsed on my phone for several minutes, eventually looking up when Chance walked into the room.
"Hey, how'd the appointment go?" He asked and I sighed.
"Not you too." I complained.
"When did you get here??" Aaron questioned and I chuckled.
"Did I ever leave? You'll never know."
"I'm guessing something did happen?" Chance asked again with a frown.
"I've just got a few more issues..."
"Oh..."
"Oh well." I smiled and he sighed.
"I think I'm done." Caleb suddenly said and flattened onto the table surface.
"There are still more questions..."
"I'm doneeee."
"Okay, if you say so." Aaron chuckled, standing up straight and walking over to me.
He looked at Chance unsurely, who was still standing in front of me, and then smiled at me. "How about we go on a walk?"
What. Why would he ask that.
I'm going out on a limb here and assuming there's a reason for that.
"Yeah, sure."
If this is actually just a walk for no reason I'm going to murder him in the woods.
I stood up, noticing Chance giving him a look, before following him out into the hallway.
"You'll need your trainers." He stated and I grit my teeth.
"Okayyy." I grumbled, going to put them on.
He stood waiting for me, not getting the lead or calling the dog.
Okay so this is an unusual walk?
"Um, why are we going somewhere?" I questioned as I walked out of the front door.
"It's quieter." He said simply and I frowned.
"Sure."
He's acting peculiarrrr.
I kept on walking for a while. But eventually I got too curious.
"Where are we going?"
"I want to show you something."
"It's not the cliff again is it? Regret not pushing me off the last time?" I commented he chuckled.
"A little further out."
"Your treehouse?"
"Yes."
Interesting...
I think this might have something to do with how stressed he looks...
After a while, I settled next to him, walking in silence.
Eventually a strange path appeared, overgrown but obviously once used.
"I gave up making a path here, a bit pointless." He smirked.
"You were making a path for your secret house? Logical."
"Who's going to find it out here? I was dedicated okay."
"How far away is it?"
"Not too far."
"In your terms that means pretty far. You spent several days just hacking at the local flora? Not very environmentally conscious of you."
"Hey, I don't claim the actions of young me. They're an idiot."
"Woww. Convenient."
"Keep on walking."
"Wow what is this a kidnapping??" I continued to tease instead of walk and he rolled his eyes at me.
He grabbed my hand and tugged me along.
Ahhhhhh.
Oh god.
Don't overreact.
In fact anything other than no reaction is an overreaction.
I'm not reacting at all.
Everything is normal.
What is wrong with me lately.
Eventually we reached the infamous tree house. It was much higher and better built than I was imagining.
"You built that?? That's like, 8 metres up! How did you not die??"
"I ask myself that every time I see it." He chuckled, walking up to the makeshift ladder.
"If I climb that I'll die."
"It's a good sturdy build, trust me."
"I do trust you, but apparently young you was an idiot, so."
"You climb first, and I'll catch you."
"What are you superman? I'd just take you down with me." I smirked.
"You haven't done much climbing in your life have you? You get extra snarky when you're nervous."
"None at all."
"Right..." he bit his lip. "We don't have to go up there." He said, looking disappointed and I sighed.
I stepped forward and immediately starting climbing the precariously placed ladder pieces. "If I die I'm haunting you!"
Shit, this is terrifying.
Why am I doing this.
With my luck, I go out of my way to avoid situations like this. Because I just know I'll die!
Huh, I made it...
"This is adorable..." I commented to myself, looking at the lock mechanism for the trap door. It was a rabbit that you had to slide into a tree burrow.
"Can you do it?" I heard his voice from below me and made a face.
Bitch a preschooler could do it.
I unlatched the door and climbed inside. Jesus Christ.
"How did you build this?" I wondered as I stood up straight. It was small, but still had enough room for a few bean bags in the corner, a table with a few pictures, and a lot of paint cans against the wall.
"Do you want a detailed explanation or was that rhetorical?" He chuckled as he closed the latch again.
"You never finished it." I pointed out, noticing only a few paint marks on the bare wooden walls.
"Didn't want to."
I curiously unlocked a door on the other side, and it opened to just a sheer drop.
"Whyyy do you have this??"
"It was going to be a balcony, couldn't be bothered to add safety bars."
"Okay." I stepped away from it cautiously. "Are you sure this can take the weight of two people?"
"It should."
"You don't know???"
"Never had someone else up here."
"Aaron!!" I worried and he started laughing at me. "Don't laugh I'm serious!"
"Don't worry, it could hold an elephant."
"I'm skeptical."
"It will hold us just fine. It's survived plenty of storms too." He reassured and I sighed.
"Fine.." I relaxed a little, then glanced around the room, walking up to the table with pictures on it.
Oh. My. God.
My jaw dropped as I stared at a picture of young Aaron and an older woman, I'm assuming his mother. I've seen many old pictures of the brothers, but none of Aaron. Guessing he was camera shy.
"You were adorable with short hair!!"
"Stop, don't look at that." He flattened the frame with red cheeks.
A babbbyyyy. So precious!
"Stop making that face." He complained and I chuckled.
"You were so cute! Oh I'm sorry, forbidden word." I teased.
He just shook his head at me before walking closer and wrapping his arms around my waist.
Oh okay sudden but I'll go with it.
He buried his head against my neck and sighed as I hugged him back, staying like that for several moments.
"Are you alright?" I eventually asked, a little worried.
"I'm sorry, rough day." He sighed again, moving slightly and resting his forehead against mine.
I smiled at him before moving and gently grabbing his hair band, taking it out. He raised a brow as I ruffled his hair and then brushed it behind his ears.
"You and my hair huh." He joked and I chuckled before kissing his temple. He moved forward slightly, pushing me a little, and I immediately tensed up and grabbed onto his arm to steady myself. "Ow?"
I looked behind me, overly conscious of the open door.
"You're not going to fall out of it, it's literally three feet away." He smirked in amusement.
"Uh huh..." I said nervously, then moved to the other side and sat down on the floor. "Now I definitely won't."
"I didn't know you were scared of heights." He commented as he sat down next to me, staring out of the door.
"Not really..." I followed his gaze, watching the tree tops and birds.
"You're being paranoid."
"I'm being a human with a sensible fear of death." I stated while raising my brows and he snickered.
"You're so dramatic."
"That's part of my charm." I winked and he smiled.
I watched his expression as he looked away, and there was a subtle down turn to his brows and mouth. He's upset about something...
Maybe the hospital?
"Did you talk to Luca?" I wondered, and he immediately sighed. Bingo.
"Yes, he said some...strange things."
"Uh, what do you mean?"
"... Nothing important. Well, apart from the money part." He sighed again, looking conflicted. "I'm sorry I didn't have the money myself."
"Aaron, love, I swear to god. You better not actually think that."
"What?"
"It wasn't someone's responsibility to pay that money. It was my business, that I'm already dragging you into too much already. I didn't want him to force me into doing the surgery. That's not a healthy way to do things. What you've done for me is amazing, and better. I'm sorry it's taking up so much of your time..."
"But if Luca didn't do that, and it was just me in this situation, you would still need the treatment, and you would end up not getting it. I shouldn't fail you like that and let you suffer."
"You're talking to the person that doesn't want it either way so my reply is going to be a bit biased isn't it. What's important to me is that someone treats me with respect, and respects my wishes. That's definitely not what Luca is doing."
"But you need the surgery Riley." He frowned at me.
"Technically, I don't. It's not life threatening. I'd get it once I had the money, by myself. I'm not someone's responsibility, or pet."
He sighed at me. "You're a proud one aren't you." He mumbled and I rolled my eyes.
Ow.
"But you are going to go to the surgery, right?" He asked, staring at me sternly.
"Yes, I'm not that much of an asshole, like I said earlier."
"You're not an asshole." He chuckled.
"I can be, so can you." I teased and he gave me a look.
"You're right. You can be." He smirked and I elbowed him.
"Does it really bother you, that you don't have the money?" I wondered, and he looked away from me.
"Of course it does. I want to solve all your problems, not be helpless and watch you suffer."
"But even if you did have the money I wouldn't let you help. And you wouldn't have forced it because you're not a control freak."
"Maybe I should have though. For your own good."
"Ruddee. Well good thing you're a poor ass bitch like me." I chuckled, then frowned. "Hang on a second, why are you a poor ass bitch like me? You have the same father as your brothers."
"I'm a 'poor ass bitch'..." He imitated my accent and I gave him a look. "... Because I'm not choosing an academic career path."
"What?? As in he gives you less money??"
"Yes."
"WHAT."
"I guess that was his way of convincing us all to get fancy jobs."
"So Alex doesn't get any money either?"
"He won't, after he chooses his college major."
"Wow, that's so cruel."
"Says the person who doesn't get any money at all from their parents?"
"Well, at least they're treating me equally together with my non existent siblings." I shrugged and he shook his head at me.
"Why aren't you angry?" He sighed. "Why do you just let people treat you that way."
"It's not like I can do anything about it? I can't demand they give me money can I."
"Not just your parents, everyone. Why haven't you told the police about what Zac did? Or Chance? You forgive too easily, you're too patient."
"Too patient?? I didn't know there was such a thing. Besides, I'm not. Surely you haven't forgotten when I fell out with Alex."
"Sure, that one time. You seem pretty fine about it now."
"Do I have reason to feel otherwise? I can't hold a grudge forever."
"No, you can't even hold a grudge for a few days."
"Hey, when it's about your problems, neither can you! You let your bothers walk all over you when it comes to verbal abuse."
"They're just angry little shits what can I say." He stated and I snorted.
"Let's just both acknowledge that we both have issues in that department?"
"Fine."
"Good, great talk." I commented and he chuckled.
"What am I going to do with you..."
"I don't know. If I were you I'd push me out that door and bury me in the woods so you don't have to deal with me."
"What is your fixation with that door!"
"It's bizarre, like Alice in Wonderland kind of shit."
"Alright, I'll put a bar on it." He started to get up but I immediately stopped him by wrapping my arms around him from behind.
"Nope! Don't go near it!"
"Riley!" He complained when I just continued pulling him backwards.
"What don't you want a hug?" I teased while he made a face.
"This position hurts my back!" He complained as he awkwardly strained to stay off of my lap.
"That's because you won't relax!" I chuckled.
"Riley!" He complained when I began planting kisses along the side of his face.
"Relaxxxx." I chimed and he eventually gave up, lying half in my lap with an unimpressed expression. I leaned over and kissed his temple and he made a noise of complaint, making me giggle.
"Ow, that was right in my ear." He chuckled and I put my hand over my mouth to stop myself.
I hate it when I do that!
I released my grip on him slightly but he didn't get up.
"Have you thought about school yet?" He randomly asked, and I sighed before absentmindedly running my fingers through his hair.
"Not really."
"You need to finish. You'll suffer if you don't."
"Okay. But I'm staying out of public school. Online suits me better."
"Okay? Just like that?" He raised a brow.
"If I don't I'll need help supporting myself. And that defeats the point." I reasoned and he sighed.
"Fair enough."
I smiled down at him as he stared out of the door, now completely relaxed in my lap.
We sat in silence for a while, listening to the forest. I could tell he was much less tense, and the crease in his brow was gone.
I'm honoured he can be so relaxed around me to be honest. He doesn't even seem to be like that with his brothers.
"Don't you have studying to do?" I eventually broke the silence and he made an irritated grumble, closing his eyes with a sigh.
I'll take that as a probably.
"Aaron." I pushed, and he frowned without opening his eyes.
"No." He said bluntly. "...Not tonight...."
Hmm.
I hope whatever it is isn't due soon.
I didn't say anything else, just kept stroking his hair while staring out of the door.
I need to have a look at my old online school again. Hopefully I can still attend.
And maybe if I do attend online school in the isolation of my room, I'll be more likely to get things done.
It would be nice to not be such a disappointment. To myself, and well, others.
"Aaron.." I said quietly when I noticed he hadn't moved in a bit.
No reaction. I stopped moving my hand and bit my lip with a smile.
Oh..my ..god.
He fell asleep.
What a sweetheart.
Good to know I'm not the only one who falls prey to the hair stroking.
I smiled down at him, gently brushing my hand on his cheek.
I felt a surge of anxiety and bit my lip.
My attachment to this man scares me. The feelings I have when I'm with him...The way I trust him so blindly...
It's not wise. I used to know better.
Right now, I rely and lean on him so heavily...if he let me fall I'd surely die.
---
Idk guys, I have my suspicions that Riley likes him? Just for a few chapters, I've just had this feeling...that he's a little attached.