Phoenix (6:10:51 PM): He was almost seventeen. He'd had three girlfriends and the one he had right now was probably the least likely to make him want to puke. Her name was Jasmine and she was decent. He just didn't know if she'd fit in with his crowd, which was why he'd taken her to their hangout to meet them.
Caiden (6:11:43 PM): Swinging his legs back and forth like a four year old, Caiden waited outside of the restaraunt they always ate at. Cheap. Fast. Typical.
Phoenix (6:21:39 PM): Phoenix pulled up in his Jag, getting out and going to the passenger side, letting Jasmine out. She was all legs, tall and curvy, with model looks and an easy grin.
Caiden (6:25:34 PM): Caiden had gotten bored and was now staring up at the sky as Reese messed with one of his friends down the sidewalk.
Phoenix (6:29:05 PM): Slipping an arm around her waist, he pulled her over to where Caiden and the others were. "Hey, Cai!"
Caiden (6:29:31 PM): Roxie greeted him first, Chuck late as always, and Caiden slowly brought his eyes away from the clouds.
Phoenix (6:33:29 PM): Phoenix introduced Jasmine to Roxie and caught Reese in a headlock, ruffling up his hair.
Caiden (6:38:11 PM): He hovered there a moment, lightly giving the new girl a smile, when finally Chuck strolled up to the group.
Phoenix (6:38:56 PM): "Hey fucker,"Phoenix chuckled. "I got that cd for you." He tossed a package Chuck's way and still managed to hold onto Reese.
Caiden (6:40:12 PM): Caiden smiled a little and still didn't say a word.
Phoenix (6:45:46 PM): "C'mon, let's go in, I'm starved."He let go of Reese with a playful shove and led Jasmine inside.
Caiden (6:46:37 PM): Lead inside by Chuck, he flopped into the corner of a booth facing Phoenix.
Phoenix (6:53:54 PM): Jasmine chatted with Roxie and Phoenix scanned the menu, fiddling with his lipring as Jasmine played with his fingers.
Caiden (6:57:19 PM): He looked around the restaraunt, his heart not really in it tonight.
Phoenix (7:06:53 PM): "I think I'll just take the whole left side of the menu,"Phoenix joked.
Caiden (7:07:27 PM): Caiden looked at him. "Just get what you always do."
Phoenix (7:09:54 PM): Jasmine looked up, glancing at Phoenix. "What do you usually get?" Phoenix chuckled. "A hamburger with the works, except for onions. I don't like raw onions.
Caiden (7:10:34 PM): Smirking a bit, he bit back a snort of a laugh. "That and they give you bad breath."
Phoenix (7:22:56 PM): Phoenix grinned. "That only happened once. And I got gum, thank you."
Caiden (7:23:27 PM): "Yeah, but you like them..." grinning a little.
Phoenix (7:28:45 PM): Phoenix stuck out his tongue. "Cooked. There's a difference."
Caiden (7:30:56 PM): "Yeah yeah..." Caiden rolled his eyes playfully.
Phoenix (7:32:45 PM): Phoenix flicked an icecube at him just as a waitress came over to take their orders.
Caiden (7:35:19 PM): Smirking a little, he looking at the windows again... and shook his head when the waitress asked what he wanted.
Phoenix (7:36:27 PM): Phoenix leaned over when Reese tugged on his arm and whispered in his ear. He nodded and Reese grinned as Phoenix ordered not only his burger but a thing of potato skins and extra sour cream.
Caiden (7:37:16 PM): Everyone else ordered and he drank his water.
Phoenix (7:39:01 PM): Phoenix leaned back in his seat, pulling one leg in front of him and listening as Jasmine talked to him about a skating competition she had.
Caiden (7:41:51 PM): Chuck talked to him and he tilted his head to look at him, grinning a little.
Phoenix (7:45:40 PM): Biting his lip when she asked if he'd be there, he told her he had a gig and she frowned. "I told you about this a month ago, Phoenix."
Caiden (7:52:06 PM): He listened between the two conversations.
Phoenix (7:54:50 PM): "And I also told you when I have gigs, I have gigs. I can't let my band mates down. They rely on that money." Jasmine's frown deepened. "So you can let me down when I specifically told you I wanted you there?" Phoenix shook his head a bit. "You just don't get it, love."
Caiden (7:56:07 PM): "It's our job," Caiden piped up.
Phoenix (8:00:22 PM): Phoenix looked at Caiden a bit and shook his head. Jasmine glanced at him and gave him a look, then returned her gaze to Phoenix. "We can talk later, when people won't butt in."
Caiden (8:01:27 PM): "I said a job. Do you have a job?" He hated girls like this. Would Phoenix ever find one that just... understood?
Phoenix (8:04:06 PM): Jasmine glared at him. "Yes, actually I do.” She rolled her eyes and Phoenix let out a sigh, turning away as Reese asked him a question about school.
Caiden (8:04:55 PM): "Alright... then you should understand. Only in this job, if he doesn't show up... we can't pay our bills."
Phoenix (8:07:24 PM): "Oh right, because you pay so many bills. You're still in secondary." Phoenix tensed up and he held up a finger to Reese, turning back to Jasmine. "Knock it off, Jas."
Caiden (8:08:38 PM): "Just because you don't know what having bills means, doesn't mean the rest of us have that luxury."
Phoenix (8:15:06 PM): Jasmine went to reply and Phoenix gripped her hand. "Stop..."
Caiden (8:21:58 PM): Caiden glowered for a moment before Chuck pulled him back into conversation.
Phoenix (8:26:50 PM): When the food came, Phoenix pushed the potato skins in front of Reese who grinned happily, digging into them as Phoenix cut his burger in half.
Caiden (8:28:31 PM): He caught t his out of the corner of his eye and smiled a little.
Phoenix (8:30:31 PM): "I can't eat all this," Phoenix lied, pushing a plate of half the burger and fries to Caiden. "Here Hoover, help me out."
Caiden (8:31:34 PM): "I liked Kirby better," and, of course, blowjob was the thing that came into his head.
Phoenix (8:40:42 PM): Phoenix smirked. "You would." He popped a fry into his mouth.
Caiden (8:41:41 PM): Caiden didn't touch the food really, plucking a fry up here and there.
Phoenix (8:42:20 PM): Phoenix pouted at him so only he noticed. "Please eat?" He mouthed.
Caiden (8:44:57 PM): "I am." Mouthing right back.
Phoenix (8:49:26 PM): Nodding a bit, not pushing it, he chuckled when Reese snatched a pickle.
Caiden (8:51:39 PM): He finally picked the burger up and ate it quietly.
Phoenix (8:53:02 PM): When Jasmine's phone rang, she slipped out of the seat and sauntered off and Phoenix acted as if he didn't even notice.
Caiden (8:58:19 PM): Caiden, however, watched her go.
Phoenix (9:01:19 PM): She talked in a hushed whisper, every so often looking around to see if Phoenix was watching.
Caiden (9:03:16 PM): "Your new bird's impressive."
Phoenix (9:11:13 PM): Phoenix glanced up and made a face. "Don't start, Cai."
Caiden (9:13:10 PM): "I'm not starting."
Phoenix (9:14:48 PM): "Good." Phoenix finished off his pop and pushed the glass aside.
Caiden (9:16:19 PM): Sighing a little, he sipped his water and set down the last 1/4 of the burger.
Phoenix (9:18:38 PM): When the bill came, Phoenix perused it, getting out money and finally noticing Jasmine was MIA.
Caiden (9:22:29 PM): Caiden patted himself and found his cigarettes, slipping out of the booth.
Phoenix (12:23:18 AM): He shrugged and set down his portion of the bill.
Caiden (12:25:37 AM): Sighing a little, he put the rest of the pack into his pocket, lighting it and stepping outside.
Phoenix (12:26:57 AM): "I know what I told you. And I'll be there as soon as Phoenix drops me off back at home. I promise.” Jasmine practically purred into her phone, leaning against the building, her back to Caiden.
Caiden (12:30:19 AM): He rolled his eyes a little and listened for a moment.
Phoenix (12:34:25 AM): "Like he cares, Jason. I mean, honestly. He fawns over his little faggy friend more than me. It's sick. And even if he did know it wouldn't really be a loss."
Caiden (12:34:56 AM): He was standing right behind her, blowing smoke over her shoulder.
Phoenix (12:39:24 AM): "An hour. Yeah. Bye." Jasmine clicked her phone shut and waved a hand in her face.
Caiden (12:40:55 AM): "If it doesn't matter, love, I'd run along now."
Phoenix (12:44:20 AM): She turned and looked at him. "What, are you listening in on me now too?"
Caiden (12:45:42 AM): "No, actually," holding his cigarette up as an answer.
Phoenix (12:46:24 AM): "Oh right. So why do I care what you have to say?"
Caiden (12:48:37 AM): "You don't have to," he pointed to where Phoenix was paying the bill. "He might."
Phoenix (12:50:37 AM): She rolled her eyes. "And what exactly are you going to tell him, huh? That you heard me talking on the phone with a person you don't know? Oh wow, big shock there."
Caiden (12:52:28 AM): "A guy named Jason... saying he wouldn't be a very big loss..." Caiden pretended to think.
Phoenix (12:53:55 AM): "Oh honestly, give it a break."
Caiden (1:01:23 AM): A shrug. "Whatever you want." putting his cigarette out, he went inside.
Phoenix (1:02:25 AM): Jasmine waited outside, arms crossed over her chest. Everyone had chipped in their money and were getting out of the booth, Phoenix last.
Caiden (1:04:44 AM): Caiden stepped in next to Chuck with an annoyed look on his face.
Phoenix (1:05:13 AM): Phoenix came over and smiled a bit. "Well I gotta go. I'll see you guys later."
Caiden (1:07:28 AM): He looked at Phoenix and their eyes caught a moment, him shaking his head as though he was ashamed.
Phoenix (1:08:28 AM): Phoenix quirked up a brow, glancing at Caiden questioningly.
Caiden (1:10:07 AM): "I think you got a bad bird," voice quiet but serious.
Phoenix (1:15:01 AM): Phoenix's brows furrowed now. "How so?"
Caiden (1:15:44 AM): "Well, lets just say you don't talk to your brother on the telly like that."
Phoenix (1:22:14 AM): Phoenix glanced outside and then back at Caiden. "Right..."
Caiden (1:23:59 AM): Caiden didn't expect Phoenix to believe him... partly why he wasn't going to say anything... but he had, now, and he followed Chuck and Reese out.
Phoenix (1:28:00 AM): Phoenix left the restaurant, going over to Jasmine and whispering something to her. She looked at him incredulously, and before he knew it, they were in a shouting match.
Caiden (1:28:43 AM): Chuck put his arm around him but he was listening to them yell.
Phoenix (1:34:04 AM): "Oh shut it. Like I'd believe you over him?! Just go to your little fuck toy and leave me be."
Caiden (1:34:25 AM): He cringed just a little bit and sat back on his brick wall like earlier.
Phoenix (1:36:46 AM): Phoenix watched her stalk off and shook his head. "Goodman."
Caiden (1:44:32 AM): He tried not to smile... she had been kind of a bitch.
Phoenix (1:44:55 AM): Sighing, he slipped his keys out of his pocket and made his way to his car.
Caiden (1:46:56 AM): "You can stay with us, you know!" he called after him.
Phoenix (1:49:09 AM): Phoenix paused a moment, then looked over his shoulder and sighed, nodding a little and coming back over.
Caiden (1:57:51 AM): "We don't know what we're doing... but I don't want you going home and pouting to your mum about it..."
Phoenix (2:00:07 AM): "I'm not going to pout to my mum about it, Caiden." He snapped.
Caiden (2:01:01 AM): He hadn't meant it like that at all. "Oh, you know what I meant."
Phoenix (2:04:18 AM): "Yeah, yeah. Well either way, I don't even give a bloody fuck about it anymore."
Caiden (2:04:49 AM): "Then stop being an arse."
Phoenix (2:11:52 AM): "Hey, bite me."
Caiden (2:12:42 AM): Caiden rolled his eyes at how childish that was and slid off the brick wall. "Go home, then."

Phoenix: "Thank you, Caiden, for giving me permission." Phoenix palmed his keys again and made his way to his car.
Caiden He didn't feel so much like staying out anymore, either, and took Reese along with him to walk back towards their apartment complex.
Phoenix: Phoenix got into his car, noticing Jasmine's coat and purse and with a scowl, he tossed them both out the window before doing a u-turn and speeding off.
Caiden Reese asked him about Phoenix but he didn't say anything in return.
Phoenix: Once he was home, Phoenix was grateful to see that his parents weren't around and he made his way up to his room.
Caiden Reese tried to follow him into their room, but he shut the door.
Phoenix: Laying down against his pillows, he brought out his guitar and starting fiddling with it. Another girl that was lost. He should've known.
Caiden He bitched at him through the door for a minute before disappearing into the living room and flopping in front of the TV. Caiden sat down on his bed and tugged a notebook out.
Phoenix: Why did he have such shite luck with girls? It shouldn't be that hard to keep them. Maybe it was because he didn't really want to. Maybe he was finding the shitty ones because he never wanted it to last.
Caiden Laying on his stomach, he glanced at his window and sighed before scribbling things down.
Phoenix: But he shook those thoughts away. That wasn't it. He'd find a girl eventually that made him want the relationship. Tossing his guitar aside, he bounded downstairs and got a water out of the fridge before making his way out to his studio that his parents had built for him at the back of the house.
Caiden Eventually he fell asleep, face flat against the page.
Phoenix: He stayed there for a good four hours, until he heard his mum call for him and he got up, going to have dinner with them.
Caiden His mom came home and Reese scampered into the room the minute he heard the key in the front door.
Phoenix: The conversation was all normal and fine till it got around to Jasmine and then Phoenix casually said that they were no longer together. His mum tried to ask more but his dad simply patted her hand and told her to leave it be.
Phoenix: Reese got annoyed... and bored. Poking Caiden in the head a few times, annoyingly, he finally woke up and slapped Reese in the head.
Caiden Phoenix ventured back out to his studio to finish a painting and turned on some music.
Phoenix: He told him to go outside. "They're home." and Caiden's mood went even more sour.
Caiden It always brought some sense of peace to him, and he painted with fervor.
Phoenix: Yawning a little, he sat up on his b ed and closed his notebook, putting it away. R uffling his hair, Caiden pushed the window open.
Caiden He stopped after a moment and gazed at his painting, then went back at it, adding more colors.
Caiden He didn't say anything to Reese, disappearing down the fireescape.
Phoenix: Leaning back again, he perused it with a little face.
Caiden It wasn't a long walk and he went into the backyard, knocking on t he studio door.
Phoenix: Phoenix barely looked up. "Come in." He thought it must be his mum or dad.
Caiden He stepped in and shut the door, standing there in his worn bandshirt and jeans.
Phoenix: Looking over his shoulder, Phoenix rose a brow. "You're not my mum,"he chuckled.
Caiden "Not exactly."
Phoenix: "What can I do for you?" Phoenix wiped off his hands and turned to face him.
Caiden "Nothing..." he shrugged and sat down.
Phoenix: "All right." Phoenix tossed aside the towel and brought up his legs. "Sooo...?"
Caiden Caiden rested his head against his hand. "I just wanted to get out of the flat."
Phoenix: "I see. Well, not much is going on here." He shrugged. "Except that I need a shower."
Caiden "For what?"
Phoenix: "I'm covered in paint." He pointed to himself.
Caiden "Usually that just means you need to change your clothes and use a sink."
Phoenix: Phoenix looked at him a bit. "Why does it matter to you if I take a shower or not?"
Caiden "It doesn't..." Caiden looked at him.
Phoenix: "All right then. Make yourself at home and I'll be out in five."
Caiden He sighed a little and folded his legs together inf ront of him.
Phoenix: Phoenix went off into the small bathroom there, tugging off his clothes and making a face as he turned onthe water, stepping under and scrubbing paint from his hair.
Caiden Slouching back a little, Caiden swung his legs alittle.
Phoenix: When he was squeaky clean, he stepped out, toweling off and wrapping the towel around his waist, messing with his hair as he walked back in.
Caiden Caiden sat there looking out the small window.
Phoenix: "So what would you like to do, my little mate?"
Caiden "Well... after you get dressed..." having a duel meaning "I don't know."
Phoenix: "Leaving the thinking up to me, huh?" He smirked and went over to a little closet there and whipped it open, tugging out some clothes.
Caiden "I just didn't want to be home..." repeats.
Phoenix: "I understand, Cai." He tugged on a shirt and then let his towel fall, grabbing some boxers to yank on .
Caiden Caiden quietly looked away again, pushing the heel of his palm into his cheek.
Phoenix: Slipping on pants now, he ruffled his messy hair and looked to Caiden.
Caiden He tapped his fingers on his cheek, his other arm tight around his middle.
Phoenix: "So how's a film sound? I think there's some good ones at the theatre.
Caiden Tilting his head in Phoenix's direction, cheek parallel with the floor, now. "Sure. We sneaking in?"
Phoenix: "Sneaking in? Why would we?"Phoenix laughed, grabbing a hoodie and his wallet.
Caiden "I don't have money, and you're not paying for me."
Phoenix: Phoenix rolled his eyes. "Fine. Sneaking in it is."
Caiden He got up from his spot, pink belt worn in his belt loops. "What movie?"
Phoenix: Phoenix shrugged. "We'll figure it out when we get there." He tugged Caiden by a beltloop, calling out to his mum that he was going out before making his way to his car.
Caiden Phoenix grabbed him and he swore he blushed, his cheeks were probably red.
Phoenix: Winking at Caiden, Phoenix slid into the driver's seat and started the car, once Caiden was inside, he sped off to the local theatre.
Caiden He tapped his fingers on the console and looked at him. "Still mad at me?"
Phoenix: "Mad at you? Eh. No, I wasn't mad at you, I was mad at me. I just took it out on you."
Caiden "Okay..." nodding a little.
Phoenix: Phoenix sighed slightly. "I'm sorry, all right?"
Caiden "I'm sorry, too."
Phoenix: "You shouldn't be. You didn't do anything."
Caiden "I did do something. I was an asshole when I knew you'd be snappy with me."
Phoenix: Phoenix shrugged a bit, pulling down onto a main street. "Fine. We're both sorry. End of story."
Caiden "Okay." Caiden agreed softly.
Phoenix: Pulling up shortly at the theatre, Phoenix parked around back and got out.
Caiden He got out and went to the backdoor.
Phoenix (1:55:33 AM): Looking around, Phoenix casually pushed the door open and sauntered inside.
Caiden (1:59:40 AM): Caiden walked beside him quietly and they went to a hallway of theatres. As usual, no one was taking tickets there.
Phoenix (2:03:18 AM): "Hmm...let's see. Sappy romance. Scary movie. Comedy. Another scary movie."
Caiden (2:04:23 AM): He pulled him by the arm into a sappy romance."
Phoenix (2:06:04 AM): "Oh good lord." Phoenix sighed and let Caiden tug him along.
Caiden (2:08:33 AM): "It looked good..." and brought him up the flight of stairs to the top.
Phoenix (2:11:03 AM): Phoenix slunk down into a seat and propped his feet up on the back of the chair in front of him.
Caiden (2:11:52 AM): "Oh, come on," nudging him a little.
Phoenix (2:15:43 AM): "What? I'm just getting comfortable in case I fall asleep."
Caiden (2:17:02 AM): Caiden clicked his tounge and rolled his eyes.
Phoenix (2:23:00 AM): Phoenix smirked a bit. "Not all of us can be as sappy as you."
Caiden (2:24:15 AM): "It's supposed to be good sappy, though."
Phoenix (2:25:59 AM): "Uh huh. We'll see." He laughed as previews started.
Phoenix (2:26:17 AM): (LMFAO! Titanic. *snort*)
Caiden (2:31:03 AM): [thats like exactly the same year, too lmao but god thats a long movie and i dont wanna hear quips about "never let go jack!" lmao]
Caiden (2:31:34 AM): Caiden put his feet on the chair and wiggled them left and right.
Phoenix (2:32:50 AM): (HAHAH It's all I could think of) Phoenix tapped on his knees, looking around a bit in the semi-darkness.
Caiden (2:34:16 AM): [we'll just say sappy romance? lol] Sinking down in his seat, he sighed.
Phoenix (2:38:47 AM): When the lights went out completely, Phoenix turned back to the screen and watched.
Caiden (2:42:14 AM): He didn't really care about the movie, really, just that he wasn't home.
Phoenix (2:44:13 AM): Phoenix cocked his head when a girl started crying and grimaced.
Caiden (2:46:00 AM): Wrapping his arms around himself a little, he watched.
Phoenix (2:46:52 AM): "Well at least she's a good crier."
Caiden (2:47:40 AM): "Most girls are... unless it's a cheap horror movie."
Phoenix (2:49:27 AM): Phoenix snorted and then bit his lip to keep from laughing at the girl and guy on-screen. "Oh god, who talks like that?
Caiden (2:50:51 AM): "Americans." smirking.
Phoenix (2:54:42 AM): "Apparently." Phoenix grimaced again and slumped down more in his seat.
Caiden (2:55:40 AM): "we could always get out and go into the movie next door."
Phoenix (2:57:36 AM): "You're the one that dragged me in..."Phoenix trailed off as he leaned forward suddenly, squinting into the darkness off to the left. "Is that girl giving the bloke a blowjob?"
Caiden (2:58:08 AM): "Where!?" looking around.
Phoenix (3:00:40 AM): Phoenix pointed over to where a guy was laying back in his seat and you could distinctly see a girl bending over his lap.
Caiden (3:02:45 AM): "Oh that's fucking gross," he mumbled, "Get a room!"
Phoenix (3:03:55 AM): Phoenix clamped a hand over Caiden's mouth, pushing him back in his seat and when the guy turned and looked around, Phoenix adjusted in his seat, pressing his lips to Caiden's for a moment.
Caiden (3:06:18 AM): Caiden wiggled away and huffed, "Oh come on."
Phoenix (3:07:12 AM): "I don't feel like getting in a fight with some bloke cuz you can't keep your mouth shut." Phoenix wiped his lips and turned around in his seat again.
Caiden (3:08:21 AM): "Yeah, well," slipping out of his seat, Caiden started away down the stairs.
Phoenix (3:11:25 AM): Phoenix let out a grumble of obscenities under his breath and bounded down the stairs after him. "What's your deal?"
Caiden (3:12:52 AM): "Nothing," opening the door and going out into the hall. His cheeks were flushed.
Phoenix (3:13:59 AM): Phoenix frowned. "Don't say nothing when you got up and walked out on me." He grabbed Caiden by the elbow to stop him.
Caiden (3:14:56 AM): He whimpered a little and pulled his arm away. "Just don't kiss me next time you decide you don't want to let a guy kick my arse."
Phoenix (3:16:08 AM): Phoenix shrugged. "It wasn't even a kiss. Jesus. I only did it to keep his attention off us. Why's it even matter?"
Caiden (3:16:36 AM): "Because you never shut me up."
Caiden (3:16:57 AM): [whimper=bruised arm? lol i didnt even think about it when i wrote that]
Phoenix (3:17:36 AM): (:( Aww) "Well I did this time, all right? I don't get into dumb fights, and you know it."
Caiden (3:18:32 AM): "He was the one getting sucked off right in the middle row. There were little kids two rows up," with a huff.
Phoenix (3:19:14 AM): Phoenix stared up at the ceiling. "Why's that matter to you if he was getting a blowjob? I mean, no one saw him but me and you."
Caiden (3:20:07 AM): "They could of." That, of course, wasn't what really bothered Caiden.
Phoenix (3:20:34 AM): "Right. Whatever. I'm not gonna argue about this. Come on before we get caught."
Caiden (3:21:16 AM): "Get caught what? There's a load of people walking this hall to take a piss.
Phoenix (3:21:57 AM): "Do you have to fucking argue with everything I say?!"
Caiden (4:39:12 PM): "No. I just don't want to leave," heading towards the theatre next door.
Phoenix (4:51:34 PM): Phoenix looked around, then followed Caiden over to the door.
Caiden (4:55:59 PM): This time it was the horror film and it was about 10 minutes into it.
Phoenix (4:57:29 PM): "Ah now this I can handle."Phoenix chuckled and made his way up into a seat.
Caiden (4:57:50 PM): He flopped into a seat with a sigh.
Phoenix (5:00:11 PM): Pulling up his legs again, he rested his feet on the back of the seat in front of him, putting his arms behind his head.
Caiden (5:01:38 PM): He'd wanted to see the end of that movie, too.
Phoenix (5:03:29 PM): Phoenix glanced over at Caiden and rose a brow, then looked back at the screen.
Caiden (5:05:56 PM): Pretty sure he had a pissed off look on his face, Caiden just looked ahead at the screen. "It would help if I'd seen the first one of this..." pointing to Neve Campbell on the screen.
Phoenix (5:07:46 PM): Phoenix rolled his eyes. "If you want to watch your sappy romance, go ahead. I don't mind it. I don't feel like you being pissy because of this."
Caiden (5:13:26 PM): "It wasn't sappy."
Phoenix (5:14:08 PM): "Whatever, Caid. Come on, it's a movie. If you wanna see it, use your mouth and tell me."
Caiden (5:22:40 PM): "Forget it..." and he leaned back in his chair, putting his feet up.
Phoenix (5:25:01 PM): Phoenix sighed. This was steadily turning into a really shitty afternoon.
Caiden (5:30:36 PM): Tilting his head, he watched her friend, Randy. He was cute... kind of.
Phoenix (5:33:22 PM): Phoenix watched the movie with his head against his hand.
Caiden (5:44:34 PM): Leaning his head against the seat, Caiden closed his eyes.
Phoenix (5:52:36 PM): Glancing back over, he rolled his eyes. Why had he even bothered?
Caiden (5:55:55 PM): Sighing, he placed his hand on his arm and hugged himself, pulling his legs up like alittle kid.
Phoenix (5:56:50 PM): "If you don't wanna be here, we can go,"Phoenix said quietly.
Caiden (6:06:11 PM): "hm?" he looked over, eyes sleepy.
Phoenix (6:11:00 PM): "C'mon, let's go, Cai."
Caiden (6:16:05 PM): He'd just gotten comfortable too. Sighing, he sat up and put his feet on the ground.
Phoenix (6:17:08 PM): Phoenix got out of his seat, waiting for Caiden before slipping back out of the theatre.
Caiden (6:17:38 PM): He followed him, quietly.
Phoenix (6:22:43 PM): "Since the movie was a bust...anything else we can do without arguing?"
Caiden (6:25:43 PM): He glared at him a little bit, "I wouldn't be arguing with you if you would stop picking at me."
Phoenix (6:28:05 PM): "How in the hell am I picking at you? You're the one that's had an attitude practically this whole time!"
Caiden (6:28:36 PM): "I was having fun earlier until you butted in."
Phoenix (6:32:51 PM): "Right. So it's my fault yet again. I'm so sorry."
Caiden (6:34:22 PM): "You know, you just started it up all over again. I was fine."
Phoenix (6:36:25 PM): "You were falling asleep so I said we should go. You dont wanna see what I want to. I don't want to see what you want to. And that's that. I'lll see you later."
Caiden (6:37:49 PM): "I was watching it. I just got tired."
Phoenix (6:40:37 PM): "Then maybe you should go home and sleep."
Caiden (6:41:17 PM): "Why would I want to go home and anything?"
Phoenix (6:46:04 PM): "I don't know." Phoenix shrugged. "You're tired. Where else ye gonna sleep?"
Caiden (6:48:29 PM): "I was sleeping up there." quietly.
Phoenix (6:58:08 PM): "I noticed that. But that's not where a person goes to sleep, Cai."
Caiden (6:59:01 PM): "Whats it matter? You were watching the movie."
Phoenix (7:00:46 PM): Phoenix let out a frustrated groan. "Fine, you go sleep up there and I'll go home."
Caiden (7:01:26 PM): "So they can wake me up when they start cleaning?"
Phoenix (7:07:08 PM): "I don't care at the moment, Cai. You're getting on my damn nerves acting like a two year old."
Caiden (7:08:22 PM): "Jesus christ. Why is it such a big deal? I probably would of fallen asleep in whatever movie. Drop it."
Phoenix (7:12:46 PM): "FINE!" Phoenix growled, beyond frustrated. Sometimes Caiden could be such a brat. He stalked off down the hall to the back door.
Caiden (7:16:45 PM): He followed him. "What? You want me to just sit there and do what you want? Why is it such a big deal?"
Phoenix (7:17:53 PM): "I didn't ask you to do that you little prat! I don't go to movies to argue about which one to see or for the person I'm with to fall asleep. Why bother? Sleep for all I care. I've got better things to do."
Caiden (7:18:43 PM): I'm sorry I fell asleep, alright? I didn't think I was t hat tired."
Phoenix (7:19:20 PM): "That's why I said to come on and go and you could go sleep, Cai."
Caiden (7:19:47 PM): "I don't want to go home..." he repeated it again, in case Phoenix didn't g et the point.
Phoenix (7:21:01 PM): "Then don't go home, Cai. I got that, in case you thought I was deaf last time."
Caiden (7:21:28 PM): "Then stop telling me to go sleep somewhere."
Phoenix (7:22:16 PM): Phoenix looked at him and threw up his hands. "Fine. You want a place to sleep I'll give you one." He tugged Caiden's hand and led him back to his car.
Caiden (7:22:50 PM): He si ghed a little, grateful that after all of that Phoenix finall y understood.
Phoenix (7:23:39 PM): Getting in the car, Phoenix drove off back to his house. "You're still a brat." He smirked.
Caiden (7:24:01 PM): "Yeah, well... you're still bad at taking hints."
Phoenix (7:25:34 PM): Phoenix shook his head a bit. "You don't have to hint with me, Caiden. You should know that."
Caiden (7:26:03 PM): "Yeah, well... I guess I don't learn."
Phoenix (7:26:41 PM): "And neither do I. So we're even." Phoenix turned down his street and pulled up into his driveway.
Caiden (7:29:54 PM): Caiden unbuckled and got out.
Phoenix (7:30:13 PM): Getting out and locking the car, he went in through the backdoor up to his room.
Caiden (7:33:59 PM): Following him, quietly, he waited for Phoenix's mum to pop out at them.
Phoenix (7:35:06 PM): He was just to his door when he heard his mum call out from her study.
Caiden (7:35:52 PM): He tried not to laugh, grinning a little.
Phoenix (7:37:26 PM): Backtracking, he stepped over to the study. "Yes, mum?" "Is Caiden staying the night?"

"Yes, mum."

"Is he hungry, because I can make him something."

"I don't know, mum, why don't you ask him."

"Caiden, sweetheart, are you hungry?"
Caiden (7:38:53 PM): He grinned a little and poked his head in. "I'm alright, mum..." grinning a little. It felt better to call her mum than his own. "I'll make Nix make something for me.." joking softly.
Phoenix (7:39:31 PM): She smiled, winking at him. "I taught you well."
Caiden (7:41:56 PM): Caiden laughed a little. "You did." and he lightly tugged Nix. "Come on... make me a grilled cheese."
Phoenix (7:42:59 PM): Phoenix smirked and shook his head as he let Caiden tug him a long.
Caiden (7:44:02 PM): They went to the kitchen and, as always, Caiden got things out.
Phoenix (7:44:30 PM): Phoenix leaned against the counter. "I think you know where shite is more than I do."
Caiden (7:45:15 PM): "Do not." and he grinned. "Make with the sandwhich."
Phoenix (7:45:48 PM): Phoenix stuck out his tongue and turned on the stove, buttering the bread and dropping it in the frying pan, cutting slices off cheese from a block.
Caiden (7:46:56 PM): "But you cook better."
Phoenix (7:47:33 PM): "Yeah, yeah." Phoenix stood back as he waited for it to brown.
Caiden (7:48:43 PM): Caiden smiled a little and handed him a drink.
Phoenix (7:51:08 PM): "Why thank you, Cai." He sipped at it and flipped the sandwich.
Caiden (7:54:28 PM): He got his own and sighed a little, loo king around./
Phoenix (7:58:50 PM): When it was done, he flipped it onto a plate and slid it across the counter to Caiden.
Caiden (7:59:54 PM): Grinning a little, he sat at the island and bit into it.
Phoenix (8:07:16 PM): "How's that?" Phoenix smirked, sitting on the counter.
Caiden (8:07:47 PM): "Good," muffled a little.
Phoenix (8:15:24 PM): Phoenix nodded and chuckled a bit, winking at him as he drank his soda.
Caiden (8:15:46 PM): "Want a piece? h
Caiden (8:15:52 PM): " holding up some.
Phoenix (8:21:18 PM): Leaning over, he bit it out of Caiden's hand, grinning.
Caiden (8:22:01 PM): He got up and tossed the plate.
Phoenix (8:22:37 PM): Chewing up the piece, he swallowed and wiped his mouth.
Caiden (8:23:21 PM): "Can we go to your room?'
Phoenix (8:27:04 PM): "Sure." Phoenix hopped off the counter and led Caiden up the stairs to his room.
Caiden (8:29:40 PM): He followed him, coke in hand.
Phoenix (8:33:13 PM): Once in his room, Phoenix turned on music and sat down on the end of his bed.
Caiden (8:33:41 PM): He flopped down next to him and yawned a little.
Phoenix (8:37:26 PM): "All right, now you can sleep."
Caiden (8:37:57 PM): Grinning a little, he got out of his clothes and folded them, setting them on the desk and flopping back on the bed in boxer's.
Phoenix (8:40:33 PM): Phoenix leaned against the headboard with a book, flipping through it to the page he'd stopped on.
Caiden (8:44:31 PM): Settling there, he curled up and closed his eyes.
Phoenix (8:47:35 PM): Phoenix pulled his knees up to his chest and read quietly.
Caiden (8:50:23 PM): "Night." quietly.
Phoenix (8:51:17 PM): "Night, Twink." Phoenix said with a smile.
Caiden (8:51:42 PM): He mumbled something as he fell asleep, knocked out cold.
Phoenix (8:57:02 PM): Phoenix looked over at him once before slipping on his reading glasses and getting into the story.
Caiden (8:58:48 PM): Sleep?
Phoenix (9:00:31 PM): After a while, Phoenix set aside his book and clicked off the light, slipping out of his clothes and wiggling down under the covers.
Caiden (9:01:14 PM): Caiden kept to his side despite everything floating around in his subconcious.
Phoenix (9:04:23 PM): Phoenix curled up, blankets tangled around him and fell into a deep sleep.
Caiden (9:08:40 PM): He curled up a little closer, back to his chest, and morning soon came.

_________________________________________________________________
Phoenix (12:08:30 AM): "Nah, I'm easy."
Caiden (12:08:44 AM): "I had no idea!" gasping a little.
Phoenix (12:14:12 AM): Phoenix smirked and picked up a pillow, bopping Caiden upside the head gently.
Caiden (12:14:50 AM): "You said it, not me," tipping over onto his side.
Phoenix (12:16:58 AM): "Yeah yeah, you know what I meant!"
Caiden (12:17:32 AM): "Easy is as easy does..." another giggle fit.
Phoenix (12:18:56 AM): "Okay, Forrest." Phoenix rolled his eyes.
Caiden (12:20:05 AM): "And you can be Jenny!"
Phoenix (12:20:40 AM): "Can't be. We don't have sex or have a kid or anything."
Caiden (12:21:17 AM): "Yet!" laughing again.
Phoenix (12:22:53 AM): Phoenix shook his head with a small laugh. "You're such a prat."
Caiden (12:23:17 AM): "Well, Forrest was a virgin for most his life. Gonna make me wait THAT long?" joking.
Phoenix (12:24:34 AM): Phoenix snickered. "Yep, I think so."
Caiden (12:25:33 AM): "I'm fucked. Or not fucked. I hate you."
Phoenix (12:27:21 AM): Phoenix's mouth fell open. "You can't hate me. You love me too much."
Caiden (12:28:12 AM): "Can too."
Phoenix (12:28:53 AM): He stuck his lower lip out into a pout. "You're so meannn to me."
Caiden (12:29:55 AM): "You’re the one making me wait." laughing.
Phoenix (12:32:06 AM): "Go have sex with Bubba!"
Caiden (12:32:22 AM): "What the fuck? No." giggling.
Phoenix (12:33:30 AM): "Well then I'm off limits...hey, wait a minute. I'm not the girl, you're so the girl."
Caiden (12:36:23 AM): "You already said I'm Forrest."
Phoenix (12:39:16 AM): "No way. I'll be the retard, you be the girl."
Caiden (12:39:32 AM): He snorted. "I got you to be the retard."
Phoenix (12:41:38 AM): Phoenix paused for a moment. "Yeah yeah, shuddup."
Caiden (12:47:48 AM): Caiden grinned, bunched up and laid back into the corner.
Phoenix (12:50:06 AM): "What are you now, a little happy ball-o-Caiden?"
Caiden (12:54:12 AM): "Maybe I should try that naked guitar playing trick."
Phoenix (12:56:32 AM): Phoenix looked at him as if he were insane. "You've lost it."
Caiden (1:09:53 AM): "What? She does it!"
Phoenix (1:10:17 AM): "Yeah well maybe her, but not you."
Caiden (1:10:29 AM): "Why not?"
Phoenix (1:13:14 AM): "Because I'd get distracted if you did it." He chuckled.
Caiden (1:14:33 AM): "you and everyone else. That's the point!"
Phoenix (1:15:57 AM): "Right, of course, I should've known."
Caiden (1:16:24 AM): "I don't want to be Jenny anymore."
Phoenix (1:18:32 AM): Phoenix laughed. "All right, fine."
Caiden (1:24:01 AM): Sitting up again, Caiden looked around.
Phoenix (1:29:09 AM): Phoenix went quiet, but he looked at Caiden mischievously.
Caiden (1:29:40 AM): "I should get home..." almost sadly.
Phoenix (1:31:09 AM): "All right. Want a ride?"
Caiden (1:31:47 AM): A faint shrug. "IF you want..." smiling a little
Phoenix (1:33:26 AM): Nodding, Phoenix got to his feet, snatching up his keys. "C'mon, let's go."
Caiden (1:37:28 AM): "Clothes are in your room..." gesturing to his shirtless self.
Phoenix (1:39:26 AM): Phoenix laughed. "Right, right. Go get em. I'll be at the door."
Caiden (1:42:01 AM): "Okay..." Caiden scampered up the stairs... upon stepping into the room, he made the decision to slip on Phoenix's shirt from the day before beneath his.
Phoenix (1:50:15 AM): Standing at the door waiting, Phoenix fiddled with his keys
Caiden (1:50:28 AM): Fiddling, he finally came back down and to the door
Phoenix (1:58:59 AM): Phoenix rose a brow and noticed the shirt peeking out from beneath Caiden's.
Caiden (1:59:49 AM): Toeing shoes on, he opened the door.
Phoenix (2:05:23 AM): Phoenix said nothing, but followed Caiden out to the car and got into the driver's seat, pulling out of the driveway and heading to Caiden's flat.
Caiden (2:05:45 AM): "I probably shouldn't of left Reese alone..." guiltily.
Phoenix (2:14:23 AM): Phoenix glanced at him. "You could've brought him with you, ye know?"
Caiden (2:15:02 AM): "I was annoyed with him... I wanted to get away from him, too..." quietly.
Phoenix (2:18:44 AM): "Oh...right.” Phoenix nodded and came up on Caiden's street.
Caiden (2:19:26 AM): "You're right, though." The car slowed and he opened his door.
Phoenix (2:20:06 AM): "About what?"
Caiden (2:20:19 AM): "That I should of brought him with me." Getting out.
Phoenix (2:35:59 AM): "Ah, okay." Phoenix smiled a bit at him. "See you later, mate."
Caiden (2:36:28 AM): Caiden smiled a little at him. "Don't leave me here alone too long."
Phoenix (2:40:49 AM): "Definitely not. I'll be around later. Promise."
Caiden (2:41:30 AM): "Alright... later, Nix.." smiling, he turned off and walked to the doors.
Phoenix (2:43:09 AM): Phoenix watched him for a moment, then drove off, heading to a restaurant to get something quick.
Caiden (2:44:02 AM): They weren't home and Reese was munching on leftover pizza.
Phoenix (2:46:28 AM): Getting a bag of Mexican food, Phoenix made his way back to his house and out to his studio.
Caiden (2:47:28 AM): Going to his room, he stripped to boxers and Phoenix's shirt. When the smell had worn off, he would give it back.
Phoenix (2:50:50 AM): Eating carefully, he went back to painting, music on low in the background.
Caiden (2:51:23 AM): He played with his guitar for a long time, strumming this and that... not playing anything.
Phoenix (2:52:53 AM): When the food was gone and he was no longer inspired, he went to lay down for a nap.
Caiden (2:53:46 AM): When he got bored, he sat on the window ledge and laid his head against the ledge. Wondering faintly what made that smell so intoxicating, he sighed.
Phoenix (2:55:05 AM): The hours dwindled by as he laid curled up in his bed, blankets up over his head.
Caiden (2:55:45 AM): Falling asleep there, head against the frame, Caiden stayed there until nightfall.
Phoenix (2:56:50 AM): There was a knock at his door and it was his mom, saying dinner was ready.
Caiden (2:57:23 AM): Reese poked him a few times to remind him he had work. Sighing, he lazily went to gather his uniform.

Caiden (5:24:57 PM):
Phoenix (4:29:25 PM): Slipping out of bed, still tired, he slouched down at the dinner table
Caiden (4:33:52 PM): Huffing, Caiden walked the short distance to a McDonalds [whoo!].
Phoenix (4:40:55 PM): He ate quietly, answering questions when his parents asked him and listening to them mostly talking about their jobs.
Caiden (4:43:20 PM): He took orders from the drive thru but his thoughts were not on his job, as always.
Phoenix (4:45:51 PM): They asked him about the music lessons he was giving and he talked about that for a bit.
Caiden (4:46:56 PM): It slowed down and he was bored, leaning against the wall and doing nothing.
Phoenix (4:49:02 PM): Excusing himself after he was done, he made his way out of the house and to Caiden's work.
Caiden (4:52:32 PM): Tapping a pen on his lip, he looked around.
Phoenix (4:53:31 PM): Phoenix sauntered in through the side door, noticing a group of teenies giggling when they saw him. He snuck up to the counter when Caiden wasn't looking. "Can I have a number eleven and a side of hot ass, please?"
Caiden (4:54:14 PM): Caiden rolled his eyes. "We don't serve hot ass... but if you want to look in the back..." pointing to the group.
Phoenix (4:57:24 PM): Phoenix chuckled, leaning against the counter and glancing over his shoulder at the girls, giving them a brilliant smile. "Not my type."
Caiden (5:00:33 PM): "Whatever you say, sir." smirking. "Do you really want something to eat? I know your mum probably already fed you."
Phoenix (5:04:22 PM): Phoenix shrugged. "Give me an apple pie." He snickered.
Caiden (5:05:21 PM): Caiden thought a moment and made a face at him. "Mature." and typed it in.
Phoenix (5:06:04 PM): "We've been over this before. I'm not mature."
Caiden (5:07:51 PM): Grinning a little, he shook his head and collected the pie.
Phoenix (5:08:54 PM): "Why thank you, oh so wonderful attendant." Phoenix smirked.
Caiden (5:09:08 PM): "I'm not an attendant.
Phoenix (5:10:58 PM): "Whatever." Phoenix stuck out his tongue and heard some of the girls giggling again.
Caiden (5:15:56 PM): Caiden leaned against the wall where the counter ended and went out to the front.
Phoenix (5:18:08 PM): Opening the pie container, Phoenix took a bite while looking at the girls. "Mm yummy."
Caiden (5:20:59 PM): "Don't tease them."

_________________________________________________________________

Caiden (7:55:42 PM): "I wasn't... you were running off on me!" smirking.
Phoenix (8:03:23 PM): "Was not!" Phoenix c aught up to him, tackling him gently down onto the sand.
Caiden (8:06:21 PM): Caiden squeaked a little, laying on his back.
Phoenix (8:11:04 PM): Phoenix hovered over him, laughing, hair in his face.
Caiden (8:13:00 PM): "You're making me sink"
Phoenix (8:17:54 PM): Phoenix snorted, ruffling Caiden's hair and jumping to his feet.
Caiden (8:21:35 PM): He didn't move, though.
Phoenix (8:28:19 PM): Phoenix looked d own at him, hands on his hips.
Caiden (8:28:40 PM): "I'm comfy now."
Phoenix (8:32:06 PM): Laughing, Phoenix flopped down beside him.
Caiden (8:32:44 PM): Caiden felt the air shift as Phoenix sat down, looking up at the stars as he laid there in black pants and white wifebeater
Phoenix (8:37:04 PM): Phoenix put his arms behind his head, the sand still warm beneath him.
Caiden (8:38:42 PM): Smiling a little, he watched the stars and played with the sand between him and Phoenix.
Phoenix (8:41:14 PM): The sand was still warm beneath him and he found himself closing his eyes.
Caiden (8:53:32 PM): He accidentally brushed Phoenix's hand and pulled it back towards him.
Phoenix (8:55:34 PM): Phoenix felt a little ripple through him but paid no attention to it, playing with his lipring.
Caiden (9:00:30 PM): Resting his hands on his stomach, he dug his feet into the sand.
Phoenix (9:00:56 PM): "I could fall asleep out here,"he murmured.
Caiden (9:02:51 PM): "Yeah.." lightly.
Phoenix (9:45:46 PM): Opening his eyes a bit, the light from the stars was reflected in the amber pools.
Caiden (9:46:35 PM): "Who COULDN'T fall asleep in sand?"
Phoenix (10:01:51 PM): "A person that doesn't like it?"
Caiden (10:03:01 PM): A pish sound.
Phoenix (10:32:12 PM): "Well I know that's hard to fathom there, Cai, but there are people like that."
Caiden (10:33:11 PM): "Oh, I know. But I don't know why..." smirking a little.
Phoenix (10:35:32 PM): "Because some people are idiots."
Caiden (10:37:05 PM): Dancing his feet a little, he sighed and tilted his head.
Phoenix (10:46:15 PM): Phoenix picked up a handful of sand and let it sift through his fingers.
Caiden (10:47:38 PM): "I'm sorry I'm being an asshole."
Phoenix (11:00:06 PM): "I'm sorry that you think you can't talk to me about it."
Caiden (11:01:17 PM): Caiden looked at him for the first time in 10 minutes. "Just my family."
Phoenix (11:04:03 PM): "That doesn't say a lot, Cai."
Caiden (11:06:09 PM): He looked at him. "How doesn't it?"
Phoenix (11:09:45 PM): "Because they could've done loads of shit I don't know about."
Caiden (11:11:48 PM): "I guess..." looking back up.
Phoenix (11:13:37 PM): Phoenix sighed again and glanced off to the side.
Caiden (11:14:24 PM): "They're just ass'oles..."
Phoenix (11:22:50 PM): "Yeah, I got that much."
Caiden (11:25:46 PM): "There's nothing else to get... whining about shyt doesn't fix it."
Phoenix (11:30:49 PM): "All right. The moment's over, Caiden. I don't care."
Caiden (11:32:08 PM): "Obviously..." quietly.
Phoenix (11:33:59 PM): Phoenix looked to him with lips pursed. "What's that supposed to mean?"
Caiden (11:45:24 PM): "The moment's over, Phoenix."
Phoenix (11:48:11 PM): He nodded a bit and stared back at the sky. Never before had he felt so...lost when around Caiden.
Caiden (11:49:45 PM): His brain was like a ticking time bomb more than ever... and he was bitter as he laid there.
Phoenix (11:50:54 PM): Phoenix got up without a word and headed to the cave.
Caiden (11:51:14 PM): He looked over and watched Phoenix walk off.
Phoenix (11:53:23 PM): Slipping inside, he started to climb up the rocks to the top of the waterfall.
Caiden (11:54:33 PM): Sitting up, Caiden pulled himself into a tight ball.
Phoenix (11:58:45 PM): Phoenix stood at the edge of the waterfall, looking down into the dark waters and letting out a sigh.
Caiden (12:00:05 AM): He wanted to talk... but he could only try a roundabout way... trying to get it out... but he only came off as annoying.
Phoenix (12:04:12 AM): Then taking a running leap, he jumped off the edge.
Caiden (12:15:16 AM): The ocean looked black and he sighed, rubbing his forehead.
Phoenix (12:17:15 AM): When he hit the water, it send a cold chill through his body.
Caiden (12:18:08 AM): He moved his hands down to his eyes and soon his palms were wet. He felt stupid.. and hopeless.
Phoenix (12:23:10 AM): Phoenix kicked up to the surface and wiped over his face.
Caiden (12:26:42 AM): Truly not wanting to return to the flat... Caiden stood up and walked towards the cave.
Phoenix (12:30:57 AM): He treaded water there, clothes stuck to him.
Caiden (12:31:46 AM): Coming to the edge of it, he sat down.
Phoenix (12:32:52 AM): Phoenix looked over, catching Caiden's eyes for a moment.
Caiden (12:33:38 AM): "The water's freezing..." quietly.
Phoenix (12:37:41 AM): "Yeah, I know."Phoenix was visibly shivering.
Caiden (12:38:59 AM): Caiden slipped into the water, though, and swam over.
Phoenix (12:44:55 AM): Phoenix rubbed his arms, looking at Caiden curiously.
Caiden (12:45:51 AM): "Could we go get Reese?"
Phoenix (12:52:20 AM): Shaking water out of his face, he nodded. "Sure."
Caiden (12:58:01 AM): Caiden came over and hugged him a moment before swimming back.
Phoenix (12:59:07 AM): Phoenix paused for a moment before swimming to the edge again and getting out.
Caiden (5:05:45 PM): He got out, shivering a bit at the breeze, and wrapped arms around himself.
Phoenix (5:11:55 PM): "I should've rethought jumping in like that." Phoenix chuckled.
Caiden (5:12:39 PM): "Maybe..." a shrug.
Phoenix (5:17:44 PM): He shook himself off a bit and then ran his hands through his hair. "Good thing I have dry clothes in the car."
Caiden (5:21:10 PM): "Lucky lucky you..." as they walked, he peeled over his clingy wifebeater, planning on putting the dry work shirt over.
Phoenix (5:34:27 PM): "Well you don't have to be a smartarse. I was going to share."
Caiden (5:37:30 PM): Caiden whipped him with the wet shirt.
Phoenix (5:50:07 PM): "Ouch! Dammit, that's gonna leave a welt you little prat." Phoenix dove at him, grabbing him around the waist and throwing him over his shoulder.
Caiden (5:54:41 PM): "NO FAIR!" but he didn't wiggle.
Phoenix (5:59:18 PM): Phoenix grinned. "Like I'm ever fair." He started walking back towards where his car was parked.
Caiden (6:04:54 PM): A little huff and he laid there, waiting.
Phoenix (6:09:07 PM): Phoenix got to the back of his car and looked over his shoulder at Caiden. "You gonna be nice?"
Caiden (6:09:30 PM): "You asked for it." smirking.
Phoenix (6:13:47 PM): "I did not ask for it. I'm not gonna let you down till you promise."
Caiden (6:15:53 PM): "I can't promise to stop torturing you. It's fun."
Phoenix (6:17:49 PM): "Oh well then, I'm just going to keep you up there."
Caiden (6:18:36 PM): "Fine with meee."
Phoenix (6:29:29 PM): "Okay. Fine." Phoenix sat up on the trunk and held Caiden there.
Caiden (6:31:49 PM): "I'm going to fall asleep like this."
Phoenix (6:33:13 PM): "That's fine, you're easier to handle when you're quiet."Phoenix joked.
Caiden (6:54:48 PM): "Mmph." Though the blood WAS rushing to his head.
Phoenix (6:55:22 PM): "You ready to be put down yet."
Caiden (6:56:02 PM): "I'm comfortable..." and adjusted his bottom half a little.
Phoenix (7:01:45 PM): Phoenix smacked his ass lightly, a smirk on his face.
Caiden (7:02:03 PM): "Oh, the punishment..." over exaggeration.
Phoenix (7:02:22 PM): Phoenix grinned. "I could hit it harder."
Caiden (7:03:46 PM): "Yes, because that would be hot."
Phoenix (7:05:30 PM): Phoenix laughed and shook his head. "Oh yeah, right."
Caiden (7:06:16 PM): Caiden decided to move himself, sliding himself back and down Phoenix's lap.
Phoenix (7:08:50 PM): "Why ello there.” Phoenix chuckled.
Caiden (7:09:34 PM): He stuck his tongue out and made a noise at him, getting off him and onto the ground.
Phoenix (7:12:48 PM): "Aww, why you leaving?” Phoenix leaned back against the car.
Caiden (7:13:49 PM): "I'm not. I was getting off your lap."
Phoenix (7:16:19 PM): "That's what I meant, loser." Phoenix smirked.
Caiden (7:26:03 PM): Caiden rolled his eyes a little. It wasn't really funny, exactly.
Phoenix (7:39:37 PM): Phoenix gazed at him a bit. "What'd I say wrong now?"
Caiden (7:45:23 PM): "Nothing. I'm just not sitting on your lap."
Phoenix (7:47:28 PM): "Right. I see that."
Caiden (7:47:56 PM): He leaned against the front end of the car, facing away.
Phoenix (7:51:03 PM): Phoenix sighed and slid off the back of the car, unlocking the trunk and stripping off his wet clothes.
Caiden (7:54:49 PM): Pulling himself up, he laid back.
Phoenix (7:57:54 PM): Tugging on his boxers, he just put a shirt on, leaving pants off and made his way to the front of the car with a hoodie and shorts. "Here are some dry clothes."
Caiden (8:03:45 PM): Smiling a little, he slid off the hood and tugged the shirt over his bare skin, messing with the clingy watered down pants.
Phoenix (8:04:44 PM): Phoenix took the wet clothes once Caiden had gotten them off and threw them in his trunk.
Caiden (8:05:43 PM): His cigarettes were in there, but they were probably watered down now. Sitting back on the hood, he warmed up a little.
Phoenix (8:07:32 PM): Phoenix rubbed his arms a little. "So you wanna go get Reesie then?"
Caiden (8:15:00 PM): "In a minute..."
Phoenix (8:21:32 PM): "All right." Phoenix gazed at him a moment and smiled lightly.
Caiden (8:23:23 PM): "You made me get my cigarettes wet."
Phoenix (8:26:27 PM): "I didn't make you. You jumped in all by yourself."
Caiden (8:27:33 PM): "You looked cold." smirking.
Phoenix (8:33:33 PM): "Oh right. You didn't keep me warm!" He winked.
Caiden (8:51:27 PM): "I would of if you asked."
Phoenix (8:53:55 PM): "Well when you're hurrying to get away any other time, I didn't think you would."

Caiden (9:01:11 PM): Caiden shrugged alittle and looked up at the stars. "No moon."
Phoenix (9:02:11 PM): Phoenix felt another brush off and just sighed, getting into the car and turning it on.
Caiden (9:02:43 PM): The car purred beneath him, still laying in the hood, and he looked upside down through the windshield.
Phoenix (9:03:17 PM): Phoenix didn't look at him, letting the car warm up as he leaned back in his seat.
Caiden (9:04:02 PM): He hadn't been brushing him off, but he knew that's how Phoenix took every shrug.
Phoenix (9:06:00 PM): "Come on, already." Phoenix called out.
Caiden (9:06:43 PM): Sighing a little, he got off the hood and came into the car. He'd been enjoying it.
Phoenix (9:07:33 PM): Phoenix peeled out of the parking lot, the music on soft and drove in the direction of Caiden's flat.
Caiden (9:08:20 PM): "why do you keep getting so pissed off?"
Phoenix (9:10:10 PM): "Because you keep finding ways to block me out and I'm so fucking tired of it, Cai. We weren't like this before and all of a sudden we are."
Caiden (9:11:20 PM): "I wasn't blocking you out. I said I'd keep you warm and you said you didn't think I would. I wasn't going to argue it."
Phoenix (9:13:05 PM): "That's not the point I was trying to make, but whatever. I'm sick of going back and forth." He turned a corner sharply, heading down Caiden's street.
Caiden (9:15:37 PM): "I know... the point you were trying to make," holding onto the door a little. "But we weren't even talking about tha' and you had to bring it up."
Phoenix (9:18:44 PM): "Yeah, because you always have to push it away. We're best friends, damnit, and I'm tired of you always finding a reason to keep me in the dark. But if that's what you want, fine." Phoenix slammed into park in front of Caiden's flat.
Caiden (9:19:19 PM): Caiden touched his palms to the dashboard for the second time tonight. "We talked about it. I said they were assholes. Nothing you didn't know."
Phoenix (9:22:32 PM): "That wasn't talking about anything. That was an easy answer. Whatever, Caiden. I'm done talking right now."
Caiden (9:24:43 PM): "You want me to tell you everything they do? It's not different than the last time or the time before that. I just got sick of saying 'Oh, mum stuck one of her needles in my arm today' or 'Dad threw Reese into the bathtub & hit his head on the wall'. What do you want me to say to you?"
Phoenix (9:27:20 PM): Phoenix shook his head. "If that's why you act so distant from me then you should be able to tell me! So I don't feel like I've become some leper! I do remember a certain kid who had no problem coming to my house in the middle of a rainstorm with Reese under his arm because he knew I'd be there for him!"
Caiden (9:28:33 PM): "What makes you think I wouldn't come to you, now?"
Phoenix (9:30:51 PM): "The way you've been acting being a good indicator."
Caiden (9:33:55 PM): "You just assume that, don't you? Like me being an asshole and not keeping you warm. I've had a bad few weeks, alright? It doesn't have anything to do with you."
Phoenix (9:35:04 PM): "Then stop taking it out on me!" Phoenix unlocked the doors.
Caiden (9:35:30 PM): "I'M NOT!" he cried out. "I just don't want to talk about it!"
Phoenix (9:35:53 PM): "Yes, you are, dammit! Whether you think so or not. So just go. Go be miserable."
Caiden (9:37:31 PM): "How am I hurting you?!"
Phoenix (9:38:58 PM): "I said nothing about hurting me. I'm just fed up with you. That's it. Fed up, Caiden because you act like you're two and I've broken your army guy or something."
Caiden (9:40:20 PM): "Well maybe if you'd stop asking so many questions we wouldn't be bitching all the time."
Phoenix (9:42:29 PM): "I'm your goddamned friend! I should be able to ask questions and not be worried about you snatching shite from my house along the way."
Caiden (9:43:33 PM): "Why do you ask if you already know what’s wrong?" a pause. "What are you talking about, snatching shite?"
Phoenix (9:46:30 PM): Phoenix glared at him. "Like the shirt you took of mine."
Caiden (9:47:24 PM): "Oh... I didn't mean to take that. I thought it was mine." he lied.
Phoenix (9:48:30 PM): "So when you figured out it wasn't?"
Caiden (9:48:58 PM): "that was this morning, Nix. I haven't seen you."
Phoenix (9:57:39 PM): "Right.” He waved it off."
Caiden (9:58:56 PM): "What does that have to do with anything, anyways?"
Phoenix (10:00:26 PM): "It means I can't trust you! That's what it's got to do with things. You've started to turn into someone else."
Caiden (10:01:23 PM): "I didn't steal your fuckin' shirt. I told you that."
Phoenix (10:02:32 PM): "Uh huh." Phoenix stared straight ahead.
Caiden (10:03:32 PM): "This... this is bullshit. At least I know why I act the way I do. But you have no reason to accuse me of things."
Phoenix (10:05:31 PM): "No? I don't huh? All right, Caiden, play the victim. I'm big bad Phoenix having it in for everyone."
Caiden (10:07:37 PM): "Why, exactly, would I want to steal a Rancid shirt of yours that I already own?"
Phoenix (10:08:13 PM): "Hell if I know. I have no idea who you are anymore anyway."
Caiden (10:08:54 PM): "Bullshit."
Phoenix (10:09:41 PM): "It might be to you, but it's not to me. So just go, will you?"
Caiden (10:11:36 PM): "You're being overdramatic."
Phoenix (10:11:59 PM): "Oh sod off, Caiden."
Caiden (10:12:47 PM): "You are! Just because I'm depressed 80% percent of the time doesn't mean I'm not me."
Phoenix (10:14:09 PM): "You want to be depressed then stay away from me. I like my life. Sorry that yours is fucked, but you don't HAVE to be miserable, Caiden, you let them do that to you."
Caiden (10:15:19 PM): "I'm 15. I don't have anywhere to go," he got out of the car and slammed the door as hard as he could. He didn't even care. Phoenix had parent's who would probably do anything to keep him from getting hurt... and Caiden didn't.
Phoenix (10:16:11 PM): Phoenix cringed, then felt tears burn behind his eyes as he rolled down the window. "You did have a place. You had a place with me." His voice choked and he pushed the gear back into drive, speeding off down the street, tires squealing.
Caiden (10:17:21 PM): Right. A place with him. He'd planned on going there tonight. But he couldn't live there... it didn't work that way. Unlocking the front door, he felt tears burn his eyes.
Phoenix (10:18:28 PM): Getting to his house, Phoenix ignored both his parents and went straight to his room, laying face down on his bed and closing his eyes.
Caiden (10:18:57 PM): He kicked at the heavy metal door into the complex, cursing and yelling at it when the key wouldn't work for him.
Phoenix (10:19:58 PM): The tears dribbled down his cheeks and he cursed into the pillow, then tugged it over his head, clenching his eyes shut tightly.
Caiden (10:21:13 PM): Caiden didn't even make it into his complex, covering his face and sitting down on the floor.
Phoenix (10:22:42 PM): He wouldn't cry over this. He was seventeen years old. If Caiden and him fell apart as friends then so be it. And yet he couldn't even think that without his heart aching.
Caiden (10:32:17 PM): He'd tried to explain things... but their minds just didn't work the same. On top of it all, the worst feeling was loving someone and knowing they just weren't going to return it.
Phoenix (10:33:53 PM): He felt the pillow being pulled off of his head and his mum was hovering there. He let her hug him. "Oh Nixie, sweetheart...shh." He cried onto her shoulder. Cried like he hadn't done since he was little.
Caiden (10:34:47 PM): If he could tell him, he might understand... he might not be so hard on him... but if he told him, Caiden wouldn't even be able to hope.
Phoenix’s Mom (10:35:58 PM): "What is it, love? Why are you so upset?"
Phoenix (10:33:53 PM): "I've lost...my...my best...friend," he sputtered, feeling his heart clench.
Phoenix’s Mom (10:35:58 PM): "Oh Nix, babydoll." His mother stroked his hair and he felt slightly comforted.
Caiden (10:37:03 PM): Holding his keys in his palm, he heard someone open the outer door and started to get up, wiping at his cheeks.
Phoenix (10:38:27 PM): He cried until there was nothing left, then flopped back on the bed, curling up and his mum pulled the blanket up around him.
Caiden (10:39:25 PM): The man opened the door and Caiden followed, quietly making his way up to the flat. As he got inside, he ignored his mum's looks as he stepped by to his bedroom.
Phoenix (10:40:11 PM): Laying there, Phoenix stared across the way at the pictures on his nightstand as his mum left the room. The pictures of Caiden and himself and Reese and the others.

_________________________________________________________________

Phoenix (11:44:30 PM): Phoenix stepped behind his closet door and tugged on clothes, then stepped back out.
Caiden (11:48:56 PM): Pulling his l egs under him, he still looked outside. He felt much lighter now than last night.
Phoenix (11:50:29 PM): Phoenix gazed at him for a long moment. "So...want breakfast?"
Caiden (11:52:12 PM): Glancing back at him. "Sure."
Phoenix (11:53:44 PM): A nod and Phoenix left the room, heading down to the kitchen.
Caiden (11:55:08 PM): Sliding off the bed, he left his jeans there on the floor and followed in his boxers.
Phoenix (11:56:13 PM): Phoenix grabbed stuff to make pancakes and starte mixing it.
Caiden (11:57:04 PM): Sitting down on one of the stools at the other side of the room, Caiden twirled around. "Want to come with me to Chuck's later?"
Phoenix (11:59:07 PM): "Sure." Phoenix started dabbing pancake mix into a skillet and letting them brown.
Caiden (12:00:19 AM): "Good," smiling a little, he planted his toes on the wall and started to spin.
Phoenix (12:01:48 AM): Phoenix quirked a brow at him and chuckled a little, flipping the pancakes onto a plate.
Caiden (12:02:47 AM): Stopping himself, he went the other direction.
Phoenix (12:05:24 AM): Phoenix laughed and slid a plate across the counter to Caiden.
Caiden (12:07:30 AM): Stopping it against his hand, he sat still a moment to collect himself, rubbing hisneck, he could feel the bruises.
Phoenix (12:09:00 AM): Phoenix got his own and then paused. "Bacon or no bacon?"
Caiden (12:09:50 AM): "bacon!"
Phoenix (12:13:11 AM): Laughing, Phoenix started frying some up.
Caiden (12:15:36 AM): Poking his pancakes, he bit a piece.
Phoenix (12:16:27 AM): After a few minutes, the bacon was done and Phoenix dumped it onto a plate which he set in between them.
Caiden (12:19:19 AM): Reaching for a piece, cCaiden bit it.
Phoenix (12:21:25 AM): Phoenix doused his pancakes in syrup and dug in.
Caiden (12:21:56 AM): Dipping his bacon into the syrup, he leaned back.
Phoenix (12:25:00 AM): Phoenix took a sip of milk that he'd gotten and brought a leg up on the stool.
Caiden (12:26:10 AM): "Good pancakes."
Phoenix (12:29:59 AM): "Thanks. Mum's recipe. Cinnamon and some other stuff."
Caiden (12:31:33 AM): "Some other stuff." smirking.
Phoenix (12:35:55 AM): Phoenix shrugged. "I don't know, I just added."
Caiden (12:36:31 AM): "I 'ope no one's hiding crack in the sugarbowl," joking.
Phoenix (12:40:33 AM): Chuckling, Phoenix shookd his head. "Nah, that's in the cookie jar."
Caiden (12:42:22 AM): "I don't know... did you get anything from the cookie jar?
Phoenix (12:47:22 AM): "Nope. I've kept my cravings to a minimum."
Caiden (12:48:04 AM): A laugh. "Ah, right. Because you're famous for being a crack addict."
Phoenix (12:49:26 AM): Phoenix nodded. "Yes, but you didn't know that."
Caiden (12:51:00 AM): "i know everything."
Phoenix (12:55:07 AM): "Right, I forgot, you're psychic."
Caiden (12:55:31 AM): "Nope, I just know everything about you."
Phoenix (12:57:28 AM): "Ah you do, huh?" Phoenix smirked.
Caiden (12:59:09 AM): "I do."
Phoenix (12:59:58 AM): "Well then, I can't argue."
Caiden (1:01:04 AM): "Good boy," finishing what he could, a little more than half the plate, he sat back.
Phoenix (1:08:05 AM): "Good boy? Am I a dog now?"
Caiden (1:09:35 AM): "Mmph..."
Phoenix (1:11:40 AM): "Oh, and what's that mean?"
Caiden (1:13:32 AM): A shrug, picking his plate up to put it into the sink.
Phoenix (1:20:49 AM): "Hmm, I see." Phoenix smirked, getting up and nudging Caiden's hip.
Caiden (1:22:18 AM): Nudging back, he washed his plate.
Phoenix (1:23:24 AM): Phoenix hovered over his shoulder. "You know, that is what we have a dishwasher for."
Caiden (1:23:58 AM): "I'm only kind of washing it."
Phoenix (1:24:48 AM): "Oh, I see." Phoenix chuckled and ruffled his hair before making his way out of the kitchen.
Caiden (1:25:20 AM): Sticking them into the dishwasher, he dried his hands.
Phoenix (1:25:56 AM): Phoenix went into the livingroom, flopping down on the couch.
Caiden (1:26:47 AM): Yawning and stretching, he followed.
Phoenix (1:34:52 AM): He didn't bother with the tv, flicking on the radio and turning to a cd he liked.
Caiden (1:36:38 AM): "You planning on entertaining me..?" sitting with his back to the armrest.
Phoenix (1:40:39 AM): Phoenix looked up at him. "So I have to entertain you now?"
Caiden (1:41:28 AM): "Always."
Phoenix (1:45:31 AM): "Jeez. You're demanding. "Phoenix smirked.
Caiden (1:46:34 AM): "You're usually pretty good at it."
Phoenix (1:50:46 AM): "Well I don't know what to do right now. I'm feeling blah."
Caiden (1:53:01 AM): "Alright. Then don't do anything..." caiden just looked at him.
Phoenix (1:59:01 AM): "Okay..."Phoenix arched a brow.
Caiden (2:00:52 AM): A small laugh and he pulled his legs up, burying his face against his knees.
Phoenix (2:06:15 AM): "What is up with you, spaz?"
Caiden (2:08:29 AM): "Nothing." shaking his head.
Phoenix (2:14:17 AM): "All right, then." Phoenix flipped through songs before stopping on one.
Caiden (2:17:38 AM): Tilting his head, he just listened.
Phoenix (2:26:17 AM): Phoenix closed his eyes, tapping his chest and smiled to himself.
Caiden (2:27:51 AM): "Do you think I should ask Chuck out?"
Phoenix (2:28:48 AM): "If you wanna." Phoenix fiddled with his lipring.
Caiden (2:29:37 AM): "That wasn't really the answer I was looking for."
Phoenix (2:35:39 AM): "Well what am I supposed to say?"Phoenix opened his eyes and looked at him. "If you like him enough to want to date him, then go for it."
Caiden (2:36:46 AM): "I was just asking if you thought that was a good idea..."
Phoenix (2:47:12 AM): "I don't think it's a bad idea." He shrugged.
Caiden (2:47:44 AM): "Okay..." a small smile.
Phoenix (2:53:52 AM): Winking at him, Phoenix closed his eyes again and drummed on his stomach.
Caiden (2:55:08 AM): Chuck was alright... good to look at... Caiden had a hundred and one fantasies about him... but he had a hundred and two about his best friend.
Phoenix (2:59:34 AM): Phoenix arched off the couch for a moment, then suddenly pounced at Caiden hovering over him. "Let's get outta here."
Caiden (3:00:54 AM): He blinked a little. "And go where?"
Phoenix (3:02:33 AM): Phoenix shrugged. "Hell if I know. Anywhere."
Caiden (3:03:32 AM): "Well... I 'ave no idea..." shifting a little under him.
Phoenix (3:11:34 AM): "Hmm..."Phoenix tilted his head in thought and pursed his lips.
Caiden (3:12:01 AM): "you're the genius."
Phoenix (12:18:53 PM): "I am not a genius." He braced himself over Caiden and tried to think
Caiden (12:28:19 PM): "Mastermind?"
Phoenix (12:30:24 PM): "Oh shut it,"Phoenix chuckled, sitting back finally.
Caiden (12:34:10 PM): Caiden sighed a little bit, allowing himself to breath now that he wasn't on top of him.,
Phoenix (12:34:28 PM): "We should go surfing."
Caiden (12:38:45 PM): "We should!" excited.
Phoenix (12:43:18 PM): "We can even invite your prospective boyfriend." Phoenix smirked.
Caiden (12:47:25 PM): "We could... and then I could steal his board."
Phoenix (12:49:18 PM): Phoenix chuckled. "That just might work."
Caiden (12:50:08 PM): "Want me to call him?"
Phoenix (12:50:25 PM): "Go ahead. I'll go get on my board shorts."
Caiden (12:54:06 PM): Seeking out the phone, Caiden plucked it up and dialed the familiar number
Phoenix (1:04:38 PM): Phoenix went and changed, coming back down in the board shorts that clung on his slender hips.
Caiden (1:09:59 PM): He hadn't even of gotten around to asking him about boarding until Phoenix came back... asking him to bring both his boards and to meet them at the beach.
Phoenix (1:10:51 PM): Phoenix grabbed his beach bag and headed outside to get his board from the garage.
Caiden (1:11:25 PM): Hanging t he phone up, Caiden went to grab his jeans from upstairs.
Phoenix (1:14:28 PM): He attached the board to the top of his dad's car and got in, waiting for Caiden
Caiden (1:15:00 PM): Locking the front door and shutting it, he came out to the car and got in. "'ave to go get my shorts..."
Phoenix (1:18:37 PM): "All right, to your flat then." Phoenix pulled out of the lot and made his way to Caiden's flat.
Caiden (1:23:18 PM): When they got there, Caiden went in alone to find Reese curled up in his bed, a bruise under his right eye.
Phoenix (1:24:49 PM): Phoenix sat in the car, music on.
Caiden (1:27:59 PM): He noticed him right away and sat down on the edge of the bed. he didn't have to ask, because Reese would just tell him that he knew anyways. "Do you want to come surfing?" softly.
Phoenix (1:28:45 PM): Tapping on the door, Phoenix closed his eyes, listening to Led Zepplin
Caiden (1:29:51 PM): Reese didn't answer him but wrapped his arms around Caiden and nodded after a long moment.
Phoenix (1:36:02 PM): He heard cars pass by and then glanced at his watch. Did it actually take that long to g et shorts?
Caiden (1:38:47 PM): "Alright... come on..." softly, digging for his own board shorts and handing Reese his.
Phoenix (1:39:55 PM): Phoenix had a sneaking suspicion what was holding him up and he tried not to be angry about it.
Caiden (1:41:32 PM): They both came back out in tank tops and their board shirts, dragging along two towels.
Phoenix (1:42:48 PM): Phoenix smirked a bit, then tried to keep the hard look out of his eyes when he saw the bruise on Reese's face.
Caiden (1:43:16 PM): Reese took the towels and went into the backseat. "'ey Nix."
Phoenix (1:46:25 PM): "Hey, Reesie." Phoenix smiled at him.
Caiden (1:47:02 PM): Caiden got in and shut the door, a sour look on his face as he looked outside.
Phoenix (1:48:16 PM): Phoenix lightly touched his arm before starting to drive towards the beach.
Caiden (1:53:22 PM): Flattening his blonde hair on his head, Caiden stared outside.
Phoenix (1:54:44 PM): When they got there, Phoenix saw Chuck's car and parked beside it, getting out.
Caiden (1:58:36 PM): Getting out, Caiden went over to him and helped him unstrap the boards.
Caiden (1:58:52 PM): Reese didn't know how to surf all that good, so he promised him turns.
Phoenix (2:01:01 PM): Phoenix came over to Reese, slinging an arm around his shoulder. "C'mon, Reesie. I'll show ya something." He led him down the beach.
Caiden (2:03:23 PM): And there it was... he was left alone with Chuck. Caiden decided against saying something right out... he didn't want to embarass himself with words. They went out into the water a few few feet away from Nix and Reese... and sat on there boards, floating there.
Phoenix (2:06:39 PM): Phoenix kept Reese a bit of a distance away and showed him a couple easy moves and how to balance.
Caiden (2:08:41 PM): He didn't even remember how it happened... After they got into the water, he'd pressed himself against him and ventured a kiss.
Phoenix (2:11:12 PM): Phoenix laughed as Reese fell over and just told him to try again.
Caiden (2:12:51 PM): It wasn't how he imagined at all... and he pulled back a little. He almost wanted to spit... wash his mouth out.
Phoenix (2:15:52 PM): Phoenix moved a way a bit as Reese tried on his own and when he stayed up, Phoenix let out a triumphant holler. "HELL YES, you did it, Reesie!"
Caiden (2:17:02 PM): Blinking a little, Caiden looked back at them and then at Chuck, who was staring at him.
Phoenix (2:18:29 PM): Phoenix gave Reese a bit of a hug when he got back, ruffling his hair. "See? Told you that you could d o it."
Caiden (2:19:23 PM): "Sorry..." He'd have to rethink this. Swimming towards Phoenix and Reese, Caiden felt stupid.
Phoenix (2:23:25 PM): Phoenix grinned at Caiden. "Did you see? He did it."
Caiden (2:24:12 PM): "I saw..." a small smile.
Phoenix (2:25:08 PM): "Told him he could do it."
Caiden (2:25:50 PM): Holding onto the board, Caiden floated there a little as Chuck finally came over.
Phoenix (2:29:17 PM): Phoenix made a silly face at Chuck, laughing.
Caiden (2:29:57 PM): Chuck only smiled a little and Caiden took the board, swimming out with it.
Phoenix (2:33:42 PM): Phoenix watched him go and then shrugged a bit, laying on his board and just floating.
Caiden (2:34:24 PM): He balanced himself and got up on the board, riding a wave almost expertly.
Phoenix (2:36:58 PM): Phoenix watched him upside down, a grin on his face.
Caiden (2:37:34 PM): Swerving himself, he tumbled into the water.
Phoenix (2:42:19 PM): Phoenix cringed a little and watched to make sure he was okay.
Caiden (2:46:06 PM): He took a breath before going under and came up shaking the water from his hair.
Phoenix (2:46:49 PM): Phoenix smiled once he noticed that Caiden was fine.
Caiden (2:47:33 PM): Caiden didn't come back over, though, balancing himself again.
Phoenix (2:50:07 PM): Phoenix furrowed his brows, watching again, wondering what had happened, if anything with Chuck.
Caiden (2:51:23 PM): Coming back in, Chuck was on his way. They talked for a moment... and Chuck asked about the kiss. Before he knew it, he was captured in another unsatisfying kiss
Phoenix (2:55:27 PM): This time Phoenix saw and he rose a brow, smirking to himself.
Caiden (2:57:54 PM): Chuck swam off to take a wave and Caiden, this time, spit.
Phoenix (2:59:20 PM): At that, both Phoenix's brows rose.
Caiden (3:00:41 PM): Caiden sighed and decided his fantasies went from 101 to zero in the matter of two kisses. Finally coming back to Phoenix and Reese, he pretended nothing was wrong.
Phoenix (3:02:23 PM): Phoenix gazed at him a moment knowingly but said nothing.
Caiden (3:03:08 PM): "We should go get lunch after this."
Phoenix (3:05:37 PM): "Lunch sounds good."
Caiden (3:06:32 PM): Caiden nodded a little and pulled himself up on his board.
Phoenix (3:09:39 PM): "Where you wanna go, Reesie? Anywhere you'd like." Phoenix winked a t him.
Caiden (3:20:12 PM): Reese thought for a moment. "Michael's." Caiden smirked at that, knowing he would answer with that.
Phoenix (3:21:25 PM): "Michael's it is."
Caiden (3:25:18 PM): "You should get a few in, Nix..." noticing he hadn't.
Phoenix (3:27:10 PM): "Oh yeah, I will." He nodded, smiling.
Caiden (3:27:45 PM): "Go then.." shooing him.
Phoenix (3:28:27 PM): Phoenix stuck out his tongue and then paddled out, going to catch a wave and riding it out.
Caiden (3:41:50 PM): Sitting there on his board, Caiden thought. He could go back to Chuck's house after all this and lose his virginity like he was dying to do... or he could wait... and find something that made a spark go off.
Phoenix (3:43:20 PM): Phoenix came back after a couple times, his shorts falling more down his sides and whipped hair out of his face. "Okay, I'm starved."
Caiden (3:45:45 PM): Chuck came in behind him and Caiden tried not to talk with him or walk beside him. "I think we're just going to 'ead home..." lying.
Phoenix (3:46:53 PM): "Oh, okay." Phoenix gathered up his board to put on top of the car, getting a towel out of his bag.
Caiden (3:53:47 PM): Chuck said he had some things to do, anyways, and got into his car.
Phoenix (3:54:36 PM): Setting the towel on the seat, he slipped in and started the car.
Caiden (3:56:50 PM): Reese got in and so did Caiden.
Phoenix (3:58:39 PM): Phoenix pulled out of the lot and headed back in the direction of Caiden's flat.
Caiden (3:59:25 PM): "I lied."
Phoenix (4:00:01 PM): Phoenix looked over at him. "I know."
Caiden (4:01:40 PM): A small nod, looking out the window.
Phoenix (4:05:09 PM): Turning down a side street, he backtracked to Michael's.
Caiden (4:05:29 PM): "Well, tha' was a disappointment."
Phoenix (4:11:46 PM): Phoenix gave him a little smile. "Sorry bout that, mate."
Caiden (4:13:42 PM): "Me too..." a sigh.
Phoenix (4:16:58 PM): He got to the restaurant and pulled up, turning off the car and getting out, going to the back to tug on a shirt.
Caiden (4:18:37 PM): Reese handed forward a shirt he'd grabbed and he tugged it on, toeing in his sandals.
Phoenix (4:19:45 PM): Messing with his hair, get headed into the restaurant.
Caiden (4:23:28 PM): Caiden's hair was a flat blonde mess and Reese was red from the sun as they stepped inside behind him.
Phoenix (5:30:10 PM): "So where should we sit? In back, up front?"
Caiden (5:31:33 PM): But Reese was already taking off towards the back, and Caiden smirked.
Phoenix (5:35:06 PM): Laughing, Phoenix followed Reese towards the back.
Caiden (5:47:39 PM): Caiden was... depressed. Well, more than his normal.
Phoenix (5:58:38 PM): As Phoenix slid into the booth, he noticed Reese sprawl out so no one could sit on either side of him.
Caiden (5:59:33 PM): Flopping down next to Phoenix, Caiden looked around.
Phoenix (6:16:25 PM): "So, bench hogger, what're you gonna have?"
Caiden (6:18:12 PM): "Cheeseburger..." happily, while Caiden flipped through the menu.
Phoenix (6:22:52 PM): "A cheeseburger. Good choice." Phoenix flipped through his and perused it, lips pursed.
Caiden (6:23:56 PM): Caiden decided on cheese sticks and shut his menu.
Phoenix (6:27:50 PM): "I think I'll have the cheeseburger too. It looks good."
Caiden (6:28:58 PM): Setting the menu back behind the napkin holder, he reached over Phoenix a little.
Phoenix (6:33:26 PM): Reese let out a giggle and Phoenix arched a brow a bit.
Caiden (6:35:01 PM): Caiden sighed a little bit and looked at Reese like he was insane. "And what are you laughing at?"
Phoenix (6:37:12 PM): Reese shook his head and Phoenix grabbed a water, flicking some at him before taking a sip.
Caiden (6:38:21 PM): "Nex' time it'll be the whole glass..." joking.
Phoenix (6:40:15 PM): As Reese stuck out his tongue, Phoenix sucked on an icecube.
Caiden (6:41:37 PM): Caiden made a face at him.
Phoenix (6:45:39 PM): "You two are so amusing."
Caiden (6:46:38 PM): "You act like this with your mum!"
Phoenix (6:48:48 PM): Phoenix grinned. "Yeah?"
Caiden (6:54:56 PM): "So go be amused when it's funny," making a face at Phoenix too.
Phoenix (6:57:26 PM): "Hey, don't be a prat now, Caiden."
Caiden (6:58:44 PM): He made a "pfttt" noise with his tongue and smirked.
Phoenix (7:00:37 PM): "Oh watch it, I'll throw water at you too." he joked.
Caiden (7:04:30 PM): "I'm already wet."
Phoenix (7:06:11 PM): At that Reese let out a loud giggle and fell over onto his side of the booth, disappearing.
Caiden (7:08:01 PM): Caiden kicked him under the table. "You're barely eleven. Keep your dirty thoughts to yourself."
Phoenix (7:14:05 PM): Phoenix laughed. "Oh c'mon, I was thinking the same thing. Let him alone.
Caiden (7:14:45 PM): "He's twelve." clenching his jaw a little.
Phoenix (7:19:11 PM): "Jesus, Caiden. Stop being a dick."
Caiden (7:20:13 PM): "When you 'ave a little brother, then you can tell me all about what's appropriate for them to know."
Phoenix (7:30:40 PM): Phoenix rolled his eyes. "All r ight, you know what, be a prick for no fucking reason. God, he's been through more shit than most people twice his age." Phoenix grabbed money from his wallet, throwing it down on the table. "It seems like you're the one that needs to grow the fuck up, Caiden, not him," he hissed.
Caiden (7:31:31 PM): Caiden didn't move from his seat... so Phoenix couldn't get out. "I know what he's been through. Do you?" He looked at him. "Just because my parent's treat him like an adult and say all sorts of things in front of him doesn't mean I want him acting like he's an adult. He's not."
Phoenix (7:34:24 PM): "Yeah, and neither are you." Phoenix growled. "So stop acting like your shite doesn't stink. God, I'm so tired of you. You are such a fucking brat. The only people that are nice to you, you find every way possible for them to wish they'd never met you."
Caiden (7:39:13 PM): "Look. He's my brother. I'm the only real family he has. He's eleven. I don't want to hear that coming out of his mouth, alright?"
Phoenix (7:41:49 PM): "Fine. Whatever." Phoenix put the money in the bill and tossed tip on the table. "Let's go."
Caiden (7:45:59 PM): "No. Let's not go. Because you're pissed at me now." Caiden knew there was something higher to him being an asshole... something far in the future. He didn't want Reese to turn out wrong... because he knew it would be his fault.
Phoenix (7:48:09 PM): "I can go if I want. You wanna walk home, then by all means. I don't care, Caiden. You're right, I'm wrong. I'm sorry for fucking butting in. Not my place. He's not my brother. I don't give a shit about him. It's over with."
Caiden (7:48:57 PM): "I didn't say you didn't give a shit about him."
Phoenix (7:50:14 PM): "Well that's pretty much what I get out of you acting like I want him to turn into whatever passes off as your parents. WHATEVER, Cai. I'm done arguing over every little thing I say with you. If I can't talk normally around you anymore then dammit leave me the fuck alone."
Caiden (7:51:33 PM): "If you cared half as much as I did, you would of understood where I was coming from."
Phoenix (7:56:15 PM): Phoenix glared at him. "Right. Maybe I don't then. I'm just here for convenience." Phoenix shook his head, looking at Reese. "I'm sorry, Reesie. I didn't mean to be an arse. It wasn't funny. Be good to your brother. No one else is." He crawled up over Caiden, stalking across the restaurant without looking back.
Caiden (7:57:48 PM): Reese just looked at him and he put his head in his hands. He knew Phoenix cared. That was all he'd meant... to show him his point... Of course they had to argue... the day wouldn't be complete.
Phoenix (7:58:58 PM): Phoenix went out to the car and got in, starting it up. He was just better off not talking because everything got misconstrued.
Caiden (7:59:51 PM): "Go outside and get the stuff out of his car," quietly. He gave Reese some of the money, too, and left only enough to cover Phoenix's cheeseburger. Reese got up without a word and sighed, stepping out of the restaurant and over to the car.
Phoenix (8:04:16 PM): Phoenix looked up when Reese approached, already having gotten their things together and hanging them to him without a word.
Reese (8:05:49 PM): He didn't take them, yet, and just stood there looking at him. "I'm sorry."
Phoenix (8:07:08 PM): Phoenix shook his head. "You've got nothing to be sorry about. He was right. I don't know what it's like to have a little brother so I should've shut my mouth.'
Reese (8:08:16 PM): Reese looked at him still. "He likes you... you know."
Reese (8:09:17 PM): "A lot more than his other friends..."
Phoenix (8:16:02 PM): Phoenix gazed at him and rose a brow. "I don't know what you mean, Reese, but just, don't, okay? Go back to him before you get in more trouble."
Reese (8:16:34 PM): "You know what I mean."
Phoenix (8:24:14 PM): Phoenix pressed his lips together. "No, I don't. Go, Reese."
Reese (8:27:07 PM): Reese took the stuff but handed the Rancid shirt back. "It doesn't smell like you anymore. He doesn't want it.
Phoenix (8:32:07 PM): At that, Phoenix blinked. "W-What?"
Reese (8:33:46 PM): "I might be twelve but I know what's going on," his voice was quiet. "He's been wearing it every night for three nights now, including last night. Why else do you think he'd do that?"
Phoenix (8:43:20 PM): Phoenix shook his head a bit. "Please, Reese..."
Reese (8:52:06 PM): "Don't leave... please..."
Phoenix (8:56:48 PM): He stared out the windshield. "What am I supposed to stay for? So he can jump down my throat again?"
Reese (8:58:25 PM): "He was just trying to be... parenty... He does it a lot more than you'd think..." Reese set the shirt inside and let it fall into Phoenix's lap. "Does he tell you what goes on?"
Phoenix (8:59:55 PM): "Like he'd tell me anything anymore. I'm apparently not his best friend like I used to be."
Reese (9:01:06 PM): "Did you ever think he doesn't want to admit he needs help?"
Phoenix (9:03:33 PM): "Yeah, well it's not like I could do anything anyway. I just want him to talk to me. But a friendship shouldn't be a fight. So I've decided to stop it."
Caiden (9:03:58 PM): "Since when isn't a friendship a fight?"
Phoenix (9:05:52 PM): "It shouldn't have to be."
Caiden (9:06:36 PM): Reese just looked at him. "Its supposed to be."
Phoenix (9:08:39 PM): Phoenix looked at him, making a face. "No, it is not. A friendship isn't a fight, or a competition. If you care about someone it should come naturally, not be a bickering match every damn day."
Caiden (9:15:33 PM): He furrowed up his eyebrows. "You can't give up on him because you'll be giving up on me."
Phoenix (9:16:45 PM): "That's not my fault, Reese. If your brother cared about me so damn much, like you keep alluding to, he wouldn't find a way to push me out or fight with me all the time."
Caiden (9:17:41 PM): "He hasn't been finding a way to push you out..." at least... he didn't think so. "If you don't help him he's only going to get worse."
Phoenix (9:18:26 PM): Phoenix hit the steeringwheel. "DAmmit, Reese! I can't DO anything!"
Caiden (9:19:10 PM): "WHY NOT!?" frustrated.
Phoenix (9:20:22 PM): "BECAUSE I CAN'T FIX WHAT'S BROKEN IN HIM!" Phoenix clamped his lips together. Admitting that, that one thing that hurt him the most.
Caiden (9:24:32 PM): Reese closed his mouth and just looked at Phoenix.
Phoenix (9:25:27 PM): "I'm not strong enough, Reese. I'm just...not."
Caiden (9:27:15 PM): "Thats not an e-excuse..."
Phoenix (9:28:00 PM): "What do you want from me? I'm not fucking God, Reese. I can't make all the problems go away."
Caiden (9:29:13 PM): "But if you stay they won't get worse."
Phoenix (9:31:48 PM): He pursed his lips together, staring out into nothingness. "I can only be pushed so far, Reese." But he was giving in. He couldn't imagine a life without the two of them in it.
Caiden (9:33:14 PM): "He can only push you so far."
Phoenix (9:37:38 PM): A nod, and Phoenix just sat there. He didn't pull out of the lot and drive away.
Caiden (9:38:33 PM): "You should watch him sometime... see how lonely he really is without you."
Phoenix (9:39:22 PM): Phoenix glanced up at Reese. "Spy on him you mean?"
Caiden (9:40:49 PM): Reese nodded a little, holding the wet towels to himself and remembering the money scrunched up in his palm.
Phoenix (9:42:09 PM): "Fine. Let's see if you're right or not."
Caiden (9:43:08 PM): "I know I am," holding out his hand, he dropped the crumpled bills. "These are yours," and began to walk away.
Caiden (9:43:37 PM): [you can choose the place and i'll make something up. like the fireescape or whatevers]
Phoenix (9:44:59 PM): (K ;)) Phoenix looked down at the money and frowned, then made his way out of the lot and towards his house.
Caiden (9:50:01 PM): Going back in, the two brothers didn't talk. Going home, they were both quietly relie ved that neither parent was there.
Phoenix (9:51:26 PM): Phoenix got home and stayed in his room, cooped up with the music on full blast.
Caiden (9:52:16 PM): Nearing almost midnight, the two were still alone.
Phoenix (9:52:48 PM): He fell asleep amidst Manson playing and the last thing he thought of was what Reese had told him he should do.
Caiden (9:54:24 PM): Reese sat in the front room and Caiden in their bedroom, only a lamp on beside him.
Phoenix (12:17:16 AM): The next day started off like normal and he went through breakfast, lunch, without calling Caiden's or going over there.
Caiden (12:18:35 AM): It was summertime and Caiden didn't know what to do aside from go to work and come home.
Phoenix (12:23:05 AM): He waited a couple days. It was harder than he thought.
Caiden (12:24:00 AM): Finally, he flopped into bed one night, exhausted, and too out of it to change out of his work clothes.
Phoenix (12:33:11 AM): Phoenix had darted questions from his mom about Caiden and finally, he made his way over there just to see, crawling up the fire escape.
Caiden (12:34:55 AM): Reese had gotten himself invited to a sleepover type thing... and he sat there with his dim lamp again, laid out on the mattress in his uniform.
Phoenix (12:40:27 AM): Peeking up over the edge, he could see into Caiden's room and even though he felt like an idiot, he sat there and watched.
Caiden (12:42:11 AM): He didn't even get up, tugging his shirt over his head and tossing it to the wall.
Phoenix (12:46:23 AM): "Why am I doing this?"he muttered, sitting back on his heels.
Caiden (12:53:56 AM): Putting both hands at his temples, Caiden closed his eyes and tried not to cry again.
Phoenix (12:55:44 AM): Phoenix tilted his head as he watched him, frowning.
Caiden (12:57:59 AM): Finally pulling himself up, he sniffed and dragged his guitar out from under the bed. Clicking the case open, he brought it up to him and put the strap around himself.
Phoenix (1:01:27 AM): Phoenix smiled at that, wishing he could hear.
Caiden (1:02:15 AM): He messed around with it at first before starting to play something. Half-way into one of the bands songs, he had tears on his cheeks.
Phoenix (1:03:46 AM): Phoenix blinked when he saw the tears, biting at his lip and feeling horrible.
Caiden (1:04:11 AM): Flattening his palm on the strings, he pressed his chin near the curve of the guitar
Phoenix (1:08:54 AM): Phoenix turned away from the mirror now, sinking down against the wall.
Phoenix (1:09:00 AM): *WINDOW*
Caiden (1:12:01 AM): Setting back into the case, he slammed it shut hard.
Phoenix (1:13:36 AM): Phoenix heard that one and jumped a bit, hitting his head and biting back a cry of pain.
Caiden (1:20:37 AM): A little cry left his lips and Caiden was beyond grateful that neither parent was home.
Phoenix (1:21:31 AM): He closed his eyes tightly and bit his lip, feeling awful. He had to leave.
Caiden (1:29:08 AM): Shoving the guitar case, Caiden sank to the floor and just buried his head between his knee.
Caiden (1:29:09 AM): s
Phoenix (1:30:01 AM): He slid back down the fire escape and headed towards home, running and reaching the place breathless.

Caiden (1:43:35 AM): He soon turned the lights out and lock ed his door.
Phoenix (1:44:13 AM): Collapsing in his room, he dissolved into tears.
Caiden (1:53:28 AM): Caiden slept horribly that night.
Phoenix (1:54:33 AM): (Awww *sniff*) Phoenix didn't sleep at all, tossing and turning and actually yelling at his mum when she came to his door.
Caiden (1:55:10 AM): Slipping into his uniform at 6am, he slinked out of the door.
Phoenix (1:56:50 AM): Early in the morning, she came in with breakfast for him, leaving it on his nightstand then left for work.
Caiden (1:58:53 AM): He felt sick as he walked there, his stomach churning.
Phoenix (1:59:56 AM): Phoenix's mum pulled out of the driveway, driving past Caiden's route as she went to work.
Caiden (2:02:25 AM): Digging his hands into his pockets, he tried not to toss his breakfast of poptarts.
Phoenix (2:04:05 AM): She saw Caiden walking and a little worried frown lit her face, pulling over, she rolled down the window. "Cai, love..."
Caiden (2:07:34 AM): Caiden stopped at the sound of her voice and looke dup.
Phoenix (2:09:50 AM): "Hey sweetheart. You want a ride the rest of the way?" She smiled warmly at him.
Caiden (2:10:35 AM): He had a feeling it was a ploy but... "I'd love one..." softly, going to get in.
Phoenix (2:11:09 AM): She pulled away from the curb once he was in and drove quietly down the street towards his work.
Caiden (2:11:32 AM): Looking out the window, he swallowed hard.
Phoenix (2:12:37 AM): "Are you all right, love?"
Caiden (2:13:21 AM): He nodded lightly. "I'm alright."
Phoenix (2:16:58 AM): She gazed at him a moment then stopped at a red light.
Caiden (2:17:41 AM): He was about to toss his cookies...
Phoenix (2:19:05 AM): "Caiden..."She pulled over to the side of the road, leaning across him to unlock his door. "Go ahead, sweetie."She rubbed his back lightly.
Caiden (2:19:36 AM): Feeling completly wretched, he did.
Phoenix (2:21:43 AM): She grabbed napkins out of the console and handed them to him, rubbing his back and whispering soothingly.
Caiden (2:22:55 AM): Wiping at his mouth, Caiden closed his eyes.
Phoenix (2:24:06 AM): She opened a bottle of water and handed it to him. "Here, drink some."
Caiden (2:24:49 AM): Opening his eyes again, he quietly took it and sipped.
Phoenix (2:25:05 AM): She brushed hair out of his face, giving him a little soft smile.
Caiden (2:25:24 AM): "Thanks..." softly.
Phoenix (2:25:41 AM): "You're welcome, darling."
Caiden (2:26:05 AM): He smiled just faintly, looking at his hands.
Phoenix (2:27:01 AM): Leaning over, she brushed a kiss to his forehead. "I know you and Nixie are fighting, but you still have a place there with us, whenever you need it."
Caiden (2:27:53 AM): Caiden felt a tingle at the back of his head and pursed his lips to stop any noise leaving his lips.
Phoenix (2:28:43 AM): Sitting back, she started driving again, pulling up at the fast food place. "I'll see you later, love."
Caiden (2:29:30 AM): It felt like any parent taking their own kid to work... or to school. "Thanks, mum..."
Phoenix (2:31:30 AM): She grinned, winking at him. "Anytime, darling. If you need a ride back you just call Avery, all right?'
Caiden (2:31:55 AM): He smiled just a little bit and nodded.
Phoenix (2:32:17 AM): She watched him get out, making sure he reallywas okay before driving off.
Caiden (2:32:52 AM): Feeling slightly more depressed, he trotted into work.
Phoenix (2:33:34 AM): Back at home, Phoenix was wandering around the house, feeling low and like an asshole.
Caiden (2:33:58 AM): Caiden spent the shift trying not to throw up next to the deep fryer.
Phoenix (2:34:29 AM): (Omg what's wrong with him? :() He lounged around, not eating.
Caiden (2:38:06 AM): [he's sick... dont you have when you get sick in the summertime?] Finally getting out of there, he'd thought about calling Phoenix's dad... but he couldn't stand the food smell anymore.
Phoenix (2:39:08 AM): (Ermmm...nope, not really. I get sick more in the winter. Lol) Phoenix made himself go out to his studio and paint even though he wasn't the least bit inspired.
Caiden (2:42:05 AM): [me to, but ive gotten sick in the summer and its like "Ugh, wtf?!" like after a cold night by the lake or something] Reese was home when he got there, but he didn't say anyhting to him
Phoenix (2:42:40 AM): (Ahah. Yeah, okay that I get) He spent hours in there till his mum got home and told him to come to dinner.
Caiden (2:43:20 AM): Flopping into bed, the heat was overwhelming.
Phoenix (2:44:18 AM): He ate in silence, once more listening rather than talking. Then he excused himself and went up to bed.
Caiden (2:45:10 AM): Reese quietly brought him a cold washcloth and he sighed, thanking him.
Phoenix (2:46:09 AM): Laying there, he mulled over Reese and Caiden and how, empty he felt.
Caiden (2:52:48 AM): He tried to talk about Phoenix with him... but Caiden didn't want to.
Phoenix (2:55:51 AM): But he didn't know what to do. Nothing was going to change. Things weren't going to get better. Then the phone rang downstairs and suddenly his mum was at his door. "It's Gwenyth." She said excitedly. Phoenix's heart leapt into his throat. Gwen, his ex sorta. His best friend since they were babies. That had moved to Sydney a while back.He snatched the phone from her and waved his mum off.
Caiden (2:56:36 AM): Flattening the cloth out on his skin, he sighed.
Phoenix (2:57:14 AM): Her voice, it made the bad shite just go away as he sat on his bed and listened to her go on about coming back to Brisbane to stay with her grandmother.
Caiden (3:00:55 AM): He could hear their mums voice and then she was at the door, coming nto the room.
Phoenix (3:06:06 AM): He told her he'd meet her at the train station and when he hung up, he was slightly happy. He wanted to call Caiden and tell him, then remembered they were talking.
Caiden (3:07:06 AM): She kept screaming about something and all Caiden wanted to do was start crying. He didn't have any sort of strength to yell back.
Phoenix (3:07:46 AM): Chewing at his lip, he debated just going right over there. Trying to mend it somehow.
Caiden (3:11:19 AM): When she finally left, his cheeks were burning and bright red.
Phoenix (3:11:48 AM): But he was too much of a chickenshit, and he just waited till it was time to go pick up Gwen.
Caiden (3:13:26 AM): Reese asked him if he was okay... he didnt answer.
Phoenix (3:14:34 AM): When he got there, he paced a bit. Then he saw her. Slight and slender as always, with shining blonde hair and huge blue eyes, she ran at him and jumped at him, giving him a huge hug.
Caiden (3:16:04 AM): He fell asleep when it hit 2pm./
Phoenix (3:17:31 AM): She talked about a mile a minute. Asking about Caiden and Reese and Chuck and everyone. He told her as much as he could, then faltered about Caiden. "You two have a falling out?"
"You could call it that."
She paused. "And so?"
"So what. I'm leaving him alone."
"Pussy." She snatched his keys, getting into the car and without his say so, drove to Caiden's and got out, leaving him there as she climbed the fireescape.
Caiden (3:18:53 AM): Reese had gone off with friends, Caiden still asleep.
Phoenix (3:19:39 AM): She got up to the window, jimmying it open like she used to and crawling in, slipping over to Caiden's bed and curling up next to him. "Cai-Sier. Wake up, cutie."
Caiden (3:20:09 AM): He heard a familiar voice but grumbled.
Phoenix (3:21:23 AM): She nudged her cheek against his. "Starlight, starbright, first star I see tonight. Wish I may, wish I might, have my Cai-boo to be my life." She whispered, remembering when she'd made it up at age nine.
Caiden (3:22:06 AM): Opening his eyes, he squinted a little. His cheeks were still flushed. "What're you doing here?"
Phoenix (3:22:55 AM): She smiled at him. "Thanks, Cai. That made me feel loved. I'm living with Grandmum for a while. Parents are divorcing." she shrugged.
Caiden (3:23:57 AM): "I'm sorry..." quietly, sitting up just a little.
Phoenix (3:24:26 AM): "Don't be. I'm not. It was a long time coming." She gave him a gentle hug. "Sick, huh? I remember you getting colds alot."
Caiden (3:24:54 AM): "Feels more like the apocolypse..." sighing a little.
Phoenix (3:25:33 AM): She frowned and kissed the side of his head. "Well Gwen is here to make it better." She winked.
Caiden (3:26:24 AM): "Do I still look sexy?" joking softly.
Phoenix (3:26:46 AM): She giggled. "Oh I'd shag you in a heartbeat."
Caiden (3:27:06 AM): "Nice try." setting the washcloth aside.
Phoenix (3:28:07 AM): "What, I was being serious! Sheesh. Let a girl dream."
Caiden (3:28:45 AM): "I feel like death... can't look too good."
Phoenix (3:29:04 AM): "Ah, I've always went for the pale, deathly look."she joked, ruffling his hair.
Caiden (3:29:59 AM): A small smile. "So why are you here... other than the obvious."
Phoenix (3:30:18 AM): "Duh. Because I wanted to see you, weirdo. Why else would I be here?"
Caiden (3:30:38 AM): "Because Phoenix hates me?"
Phoenix (3:31:05 AM): Her smile slipped. "That pussy doesn't hate you. He's just stupid."
Caiden (3:31:42 AM): Making a face. "Don't use that word."
Phoenix (3:33:06 AM): "What? He is! You know it and I know it. He's a pansyarse when it comes to confrontation sometimes. Talks a big game."
Caiden (3:34:02 AM): "Yeah... well... apparently, so am I."
Phoenix (3:34:17 AM): She shrugged. "Fine, you both are."
Caiden (3:35:34 AM): "But he's the one that thinks I should be 'appy... and I should tell him everything..."
Phoenix (3:36:09 AM): "Hey, no one can be happy all the time. He knows that. But you and him used to be so close, what happened?"
Caiden (3:37:54 AM): "I turned into a little bitch all the time."
Phoenix (3:39:10 AM): She frowned deepere. "Tell me what's going on, Cai. He looked like someone had broken his favorite toy when I asked about you."
Caiden (3:41:21 AM): "Maybe someone did."
Phoenix (3:42:07 AM): "Caiden. Dammit, stop being evasive. Talk to me."
Caiden (3:45:43 AM): "I've got a lot of problems here... and I snapped at him too much... I didn't mean to."
Phoenix (3:46:09 AM): She sighed. "He said...Reese told him s omething...about you..."
Caiden (3:47:17 AM): A sigh. "And that would be?"
Phoenix (3:47:55 AM): "He said Reese told him you liked him as more than a friend basically. That you kept his shirt because it smelled like him and slept with it till it didn't anymore."
Caiden (3:48:20 AM): Sitting back against the wall. "Yeah.
Phoenix (3:48:49 AM): "So you do...? You like him like that??
Caiden (3:49:40 AM): "How could I not?"
Phoenix (3:50:03 AM): Gwen's expression softened. "Oh Cai, why didn't you just tell him?"
Caiden (3:51:23 AM): "Because thats not the problem."
Phoenix (3:52:10 AM): "Then what is?"
Caiden (3:53:08 AM): "I told you."
Phoenix (3:54:11 AM): "Caiden..."She bit her lip and touched his hand. "If you care bout him like this, you should tell him."
Caiden (3:54:49 AM): "Why, exactly?"
Phoenix (3:55:09 AM): "Because you never know, he might be feeling the same thing and not even know it."
Caiden (3:55:48 AM): "I've got enough to deal with without worrying about... about him... and me... and whatever else... "
Phoenix (3:56:12 AM): She nodded a bit. "Fine.Okay."
Caiden (3:56:50 AM): "We're already getting on each others nerves... I don't want that to get worse."
Phoenix (3:57:30 AM): "I know. I understand, Cai." She took his hands. "But if things get better. If you fix things, will you please try and talk to him?""
Caiden (3:57:58 AM): "Okay..." quietly.
Phoenix (3:58:31 AM): She smiled lightly and enveloped him in a hug again. "And I've got your back 110%. He fucks with you and his arse is getting kicked.
Caiden (3:58:53 AM): A faint laugh. "What if it's not what I think it is?"
Phoenix (3:59:28 AM): "Then you'll know." She nodded, pulling back a bit. "But you'll only find out for sure if you guys can get past this shit."
Caiden (4:08:35 AM): "Don't know... I apparently am a dick in everything I do."
Phoenix (4:09:13 AM): "I don't think you're a dick...that much. No more than most blokes, Nix included. C'mon, Cai...don't you want to find out for sure?"
Caiden (4:09:36 AM): "I don't know..." honestly.
Phoenix (4:10:22 AM): She sighed a little and looked at her hands. "So you're just letting this be it? That's it. Your friendship you've had with him for over ten years is just gone?"
Caiden (4:11:27 AM): "That wasnt what I meant."
Phoenix (4:12:09 AM): "Well if neither of you can even talk to each other about anything, let alone something that big, then how do you expect to keep the friendship?"
Caiden (4:12:43 AM): "Look... alright... I want to fix it... but right now... if he brings it up... what Reese said... I'll answer him."
Phoenix (4:13:26 AM): She gazed up. "You would...?Really?"
Caiden (4:14:09 AM): "Yes. Alright? I care more about having him back than having him... well... having him."
Phoenix (4:14:44 AM): "Good. Cuz he's sorta downstairs in his car, pissed at me."
Caiden (4:15:52 AM): "I figured as much..." a small huff.
Phoenix (4:16:20 AM): She bit her lip. "Sorry, he was my ride, but after he talked to me I wanted to make a detour."
Caiden (4:16:48 AM): "Can you go get him?" quietly.
Phoenix (4:18:07 AM): "Sure." She pecked the top of his head. "Be right back." She scampered over to the window, climbing back down and without a word, tugged Nix out of the car and shoved him to the fire escape, making him go up it and waiting there.
Caiden (4:19:42 AM): Caiden sat there in his shorts under a sheets, toying with it.
Phoenix (4:20:08 AM): Nix grumbled as he climbed in through the window, standing there quietly.
Caiden (4:21:40 AM): He looked up at him a little. "Hey."
Phoenix (4:23:18 AM): "Hi...you know, she's really stubborn. I forgot that."

Phoenix (12:34:33 AM): Snickering, Phoenix looked over at Caiden as he licked his lip. "Why not, it's fun?
Caiden (12:37:37 AM): "Alright.. .do whatever... I have to get back..." pointing to the drivethru.
Phoenix (12:46:01 AM): "Aye aye, captain." Phoenix chuckled and made his way over to a booth across from the girls' table.
Caiden (12:47:19 AM): Clicking away and talking to the person in the drivethru, he put orders into bags and handed them over.
Phoenix (12:51:15 AM): One of the girls came over to him, sliding into the seat across from him and he eyed her a bit, a smirk on his face.
Caiden (12:52:01 AM): [Gag. lmao.] His shift was over in ten minutes and he waited for it to go by.
Phoenix (12:55:37 AM): She chatted with him as he ate his pie and he pretended to be interested.
Caiden (1:00:15 AM): Finally, he tugged his shirt off and hat, wearing his work pants and undershirt into the lobby.
Phoenix (1:01:27 AM): When she reached over and wrote her number on his hand, all he could do was raise a brow.
Caiden (1:02:43 AM): Caiden came over and let her finish, him tugging him by his sleeve.
Phoenix (1:12:04 AM): "Sorry, love. I must go." He winked at her and got up.
Caiden (1:12:48 AM): "You can give me a ride home," dragging him to the door.
Phoenix (1:22:02 AM): "Aww, thanks for nominating me." Phoenix laughed.
Caiden (1:22:54 AM): He let go of him when t hey got outside, finally digging out his cigarettes and lighting one.
Phoenix (1:24:45 AM): Shaking his head, Phoenix went over to his car, unlocking it and getting in.
Caiden (1:26:44 AM): He stood outside of it a minute before getting in, rolling the window down.
Phoenix (1:34:04 AM): Phoenix started the car and sped out of the lot towards Cai's flat.
Caiden (1:35:37 AM): He took a long, hard, drag and flicked the ashes out of the window. "So any reason you came to see me?"
Phoenix (1:40:31 AM): "Besides the fact that I normally do and I was bored and wanted a treat?"
Caiden (1:40:59 AM): A shrug, slouched down in the seat with one leg propped up.
Phoenix (1:52:03 AM): "All right then. And the award for freeze-outs goes to Caiden Stofliars." Phoenix rolled his eyes and turned down Caiden's street.
Caiden (1:52:32 AM): "Freezeouts, eh?" glancing at him. "We should go somewhere."
Phoenix (1:57:56 AM): Phoenix glanced over at him. "Yes that's what I said, Frosty. And where exactly?"
Caiden (1:58:34 AM): "Why am I frosty?" he looked at him. "Cave, maybe."
Phoenix (2:04:34 AM): "You seemed to be shrugging me off before so I decided I'd give you a new nickname. Cave it is." He pulled a u-turn and sped off in the opposite direction.
Caiden (2:05:04 AM): "I was shrugging you off... because it wasn't a big deal..." looking out the window.
Phoenix (2:06:11 AM): "Ah, all right. Then not Frosty. You're a bundle of warmth and love."
Caiden (2:07:36 AM): "I am."
Phoenix (2:15:44 AM): "Oh of course." Phoenix smirked and made his way towards the beach.
Caiden (2:16:59 AM): "I am!" indignantly.
Phoenix (2:21:28 AM): "Jesus Christ, Caiden, I know!" Phoenix frowned. "It's called a joke. You think you know what those are still?"
Caiden (2:22:14 AM): He made a face at him.
Phoenix (2:25:17 AM): "Yeah, well it might be a dumb question but you're acting like a prat."
Caiden (2:26:13 AM): Another face.
Phoenix (2:27:57 AM): Phoenix slammed on his brakes a nd shoved the car into park. "What's your deal, hmm? Just tell me so we can argue about it and be done with it."
Caiden (2:29:32 AM): His palm touched the dashboard and he looked at him, "Nothing."
Phoenix (2:32:01 AM): "Nothing, my arse. You've been like this for days....hell, WEEKS really, if I think about it."
Caiden (2:33:29 AM): "I'm fine..." He'd been looking at him hoping he would get off the subject.
Phoenix (2:34:15 AM): Phoenix glared at him, locking the doors. "You aren't getting out of this car until you come up with a better answer than that."
Caiden (2:37:33 AM): "I smell like a french fry, Nix. I don't feel like having some long conversation about a problem I don't 'ave."
Phoenix (2:50:41 AM): "Fine." Phoenix flipped the locks. "Go then."
Caiden (2:51:11 AM): "Go where?" looking out the window
Phoenix (2:52:07 AM): "Out of my car. Away f rom me."
Caiden (2:54:50 AM): "Why? I thought we were going..." he didn't have a problem with Nix... but maybe he was frustrated sometimes. He'd tried to brush it off, but Phoenix had taken it as more sarcasm.
Phoenix (2:59:26 AM): "We were until you decided to get your knickers in a twist again and be a dick to me."
Caiden (3:00:53 AM): "My knickers aren't in a twist. I wasn't e ven that pissy with you. I'm just not frosty AND I was making faces at you so we're stop fighting. Took that wrong."
Phoenix (3:04:36 AM): Phoenix huffed and looked out through the windshield. "You're still hiding something from me and I don't like it."
Caiden (3:05:48 AM): "Like what?" looking at him.
Phoenix (3:12:02 AM): "Hell if I know!" Phoenix gripped the steering wheel tightly.
Caiden (3:12:39 AM): "No, seriously... what do you think is wrong with me?"
Phoenix (3:16:38 AM): "I DON'T KNOW, Caiden! That's why I asked!"
Caiden (3:18:42 AM): "Okay..." quietly,
Phoenix (3:20:32 AM): Phoenix let out a sigh. "You want to brush me off, fine. I dont care."
Caiden (3:21:13 AM): "I'm not brushing you off... there's nothing wrong... can we go?"
Phoenix (3:23:15 AM): Phoenix nodded a bit, pushing the car into gear and starting to drive again, this time in silence.
Caiden (3:25:18 AM): "I'm sorry."
Phoenix (3:26:18 AM): "Forget it." Phoenix stared straight ahead, driving towards the familiar beach.
Caiden (3:26:47 AM): "Okay..." softly.
Phoenix (3:29:15 AM): He got there and parked, getting out and heading down the beach.
Caiden (3:30:09 AM): He took his shoes and socks off, following him with bare feet.
Phoenix (3:30:57 AM): He saw the cave in the distance and headed towards it, smiling now.
Caiden (3:31:35 AM): Catching up with him, he brushed past him.
Phoenix (3:39:30 AM): "Hey! No running off,"Phoenix joked.

Caiden (1:37:59 AM): He tugged Phoenix's clothes he'd given him off and looked in his laundry pile, pulling out the red and black Rancid shirt.
Phoenix (1:39:56 AM): He didn't really know if he'd lost Caiden, but it sure as fuck felt like it. It was almost like breaking up, except with all the girls he'd dated it'd never hurt like this.
Caiden (1:41:34 AM): Reese looked at him like he was nuts as he tugged the shirt on almost frantically and changed into boxers.
Phoenix (1:45:43 AM): He couldn't cry anymore, but his throat was ragged and his heart ached as he rolled over onto his back.
Caiden (1:49:33 AM): Reese just stared at him and was afraid to talk... when their mum came into the room, Caiden started screaming at her. He didn't get very far with proving her wrong before his dad came in and grabbed him around the neck, shoving him against the wall and screaming about respect. "YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT RESPECT IS!" Tears in his eyes, he screamed as loud as he could, voice ragged, with his nose practically up against his father's.
Phoenix (1:51:16 AM): (Awwwwww all I wanna do is snuggle him) Phoenix made himself get out of bed only to grab his cd player and tug his headphones over his ears, letting NIN scream in his ears.
Caiden (1:53:52 AM): His little brother didn't say anything, trying not to get pulled into it. His head ached when he was set back down. From his neck to his ears, he was bright pink and his cheeks were red. The minute they left, he pulled on pants and shoved the window open.
Phoenix (1:54:36 AM): The music drowned out his thoughts for the time being as he closed his eyes again, attempting to fall asleep.
Caiden (1:55:56 AM): He didn't take Reese with him this time. They weren't angry with him. Tugging on a hoodie with safety pins in the sleeves, Caiden made his way down and onto the street.
Phoenix (1:56:54 AM): Sleep came, slightly. He was still half-awake as his eyelids fluttered and he clutched the stuffed bird that Caiden had won for him at a carnival when he was ten and Caiden was seven.
Caiden (1:58:13 AM): It didn't take him long to get there... they used to walk from one place to the other in no time. The TV was on in front and he knew she was awake. Knocking on the door, loud enough for her and not enough for him to hear, he waited for the door to open.
Phoenix (2:01:54 AM): "Caiden, sweetie..."Mrs. James looked down at him with a sad little smile, stepping out of the way to let him in.
Caiden (2:03:56 AM): "Hi, mum..." it felt good to say that... when it wasn't to the one that'd just been screaming at him. Stepping in, he took his shoes off as always.
Phoenix (2:05:53 AM): Her smile became a bit more genuine as she tousled his hair lovingly. "I t hink Phoenix is napping, but you can go on up, unless you're hungry first. I've got something in the kitchen if you'd like.:
Caiden (2:07:27 AM): He smiled faintly at that. "I should talk to him first..." quietly, "Thank you." Caiden went quietly up the stairs, passing a clock that said it was almost one in the morning.
Phoenix (2:08:06 AM): Phoenix had turned over on his side and the headphones had slipped slightly off his ears, his body curved around the stuffed animal.
Caiden (2:09:04 AM): The room was dark and he went in quietly, leaving his hoodie on the desk chair before sitting on the edge of his bed.
Phoenix (2:10:56 AM): Phoenix let out a little mumble when he felt some kind of movement far off out of his dreams and he pulled the covers up over his arm.
Caiden (2:12:50 AM): He didn't want to wake him up. Laying down behind him, Caiden felt himself shaking a little.
Phoenix (2:13:48 AM): Another sleepy noise and Phoenix's face twisted into a look of pure loss. "Don't go..."
Caiden (2:14:50 AM): Bringing himself under the covers, Caiden wrapped his arms shakily around him.
Phoenix (2:16:13 AM): The look on his face drained away and his body responded by moving back more against the warmth of Caiden's own body.
Caiden (2:18:09 AM): There was no other itme in his life he felt so safe than in this house... next to him.
Phoenix (2:19:26 AM): Phoenix's brows furrowed when his mind seemed to realize that he wasn't alone anymore and his eyes fluttered a few times before opening.
Caiden (2:20:28 AM): Caiden tried not to wrap around him... legs between legs... as he laid there.
Phoenix (2:21:35 AM): Phoenix blinked a few times before looking around a bit and then noticing Caiden. "W-What are you...what are you doing here?"
Caiden (2:22:05 AM): "Apologizing..." quietly, bringing arms back to himself.
Phoenix (2:22:40 AM): Phoenix frowned and shook his head a bit. "I don't want your apologies."
Caiden (2:23:58 AM): Caiden looked at him, sighing. "Then what do you want?"
Phoenix (2:25:03 AM): "I don't want anything. Not anymore. I just want to go to bed and sleep for a few days straight."
Caiden (2:25:21 AM): "Okay..." quietly.
Phoenix (2:26:20 AM): "So you can go..."Phoenix tugged the headphones completely off. "You didn't need to come to apologize."
Caiden (2:27:11 AM): "I'm already here..."
Caiden (2:27:18 AM): [..still wearing your shirt...]
Phoenix (2:28:07 AM): (HAHAH :-P) "I noticed that. So that's why I said you can go now."
Caiden (2:28:56 AM): "I don't want to go..."
Phoenix (2:29:56 AM): Phoenix pressed his lips together. "I think you should."
Caiden (2:30:44 AM): "I don't want to..." his voice full of tears now.
Phoenix (2:32:28 AM): Phoenix stared at him, determined to stay cold, calm and collected. "Please just go, Caiden."
Caiden (2:33:34 AM): "Please don't...."
Phoenix (2:36:28 AM): Phoenix looked away from him, tears burning painfully behind his eyes.
Caiden (2:37:32 AM): Caiden didn't move.
Phoenix (2:38:05 AM): And they slipped down his cheeks before he could stop them, hands in his lap.
Caiden (2:40:27 AM): "My dad tried to choke me to death..." quietly.
Phoenix (2:41:44 AM): Phoenix's head twisted arond again and he looked at Caiden incredulously. "He..."Trailing off, his eyes were sad.
Caiden (2:43:17 AM): "Same shit... same excuse."
Phoenix (2:43:40 AM): Shaking his head a bit, Phoenix's heart felt heavy. "He's such a bastard."
Caiden (2:44:07 AM): "She started it." a small shrug.
Phoenix (2:44:55 AM): "It doesn't matter who started it, dammit. He tried to finish it."

Caiden (1:55:46 PM): "But he didn't..." quietly.
Phoenix (1:59:05 PM): "I know that...you're still here, aren't you?"
Caiden (2:02:59 PM): "Yeah... I am..." looking at him.
Phoenix (2:06:33 PM): Phoenix attempted a small smile and reached out, gently touching Caiden's hand.
Caiden (2:14:29 PM): He didn't move his hand... but he wanted to.
Phoenix (2:18:07 PM): "I'm sorry too, Cai...for running away from you."
Caiden (2:29:05 PM): "You didn't. I could of stayed in the car."
Phoenix (2:32:18 PM): "Yeah....true." Phoenix offered a small smile.
Caiden (2:59:20 PM): Lightly pulling his arm away, he hugged it to himself.
Phoenix (3:04:08 PM): Phoenix's smile faded and he stared down at his lap.
Caiden (3:06:43 PM): "Can we go back to sleep?" softly.
Phoenix (3:10:48 PM): Nodding a bit, Phoenix slid down in the bed. "Yeah...I think so."
Caiden (3:16:21 PM): "Okay..." quietly, Caiden turned over to get more comfortable.
Phoenix (3:18:15 PM): Phoenix laid there for a long moment, eyes closed.
Caiden (3:38:48 PM): Closing his eyes again, he quietly inhaled the small of the pillow.
Phoenix (3:42:23 PM): "Night, Cai,"Phoenix whispered sleepily.
Caiden (3:43:48 PM): "Gnight..." the smell tortured him.. and he felt tears in his eyes.
Phoenix (3:47:18 PM): Phoenix fell back into sleep easily.
Caiden (4:11:07 PM): He laid there for awhile, looking at the desk across the way.
Phoenix (4:16:54 PM): **blahsleepblah**
Caiden (4:17:26 PM): After a long time, he turned around and held onto Phoenix again.
Phoenix (4:20:26 PM): Phoenix made a noise in his sleep, arm going around Caiden's side.
Caiden (4:21:13 PM): He fell asleep faster this way, tears dried on his cheeks.
Phoenix (4:27:21 PM): When morning came and Phoenix awakened, he looked down at Caiden with the lightest smile on his face.
Caiden (4:30:17 PM): He'd tucked himself around him as best as he could in his sleep.
Phoenix (4:32:30 PM): Phoenix looked at the both of them, so closely intertwined and while he felt comforted, he also felt a little weird.
Caiden (4:33:18 PM): Making a little noise, Caiden faintly moved against him.
Phoenix (4:40:28 PM): Phoenix slowly let him go, swallowing a bit when he saw that for some crazy reason, he had a hardon.
Caiden (4:45:16 PM): Curling back into himself, Caiden continued to sleep.
Phoenix (4:49:58 PM): Grimacing, Phoenix slipped out of bed and went into the bathroom.
Caiden (4:50:32 PM): A little breeze came through the small window and he smiled in his sleep, feeling it.
Phoenix (4:54:20 PM): Cringing, he stood against the wall, tentatively slipping his hand down in his boxers to relieve himself.
Caiden (4:58:55 PM): Birds chirped and he smiled once again, sitting up.
Phoenix (4:59:12 PM): After a quick shower, he got out and returned to the room in a towel
Caiden (4:59:41 PM): Caiden was just sitting there on his bed, lookingoutside.
Phoenix (5:04:07 PM): Not looking at him, Phoenix rifled through his clothes to get something to wear
Caiden (5:06:20 PM): "I brought your shirt back."
Phoenix (5:12:38 PM): Phoenix glanced over at him. "Oh...okay.'
Caiden (5:13:12 PM): "I don't have anything to wear home though... do you still have my uniform?" quietly.
Phoenix (5:25:01 PM): "Oh yeah, Mum washed it."
Caiden (5:26:03 PM): A small smile touched his lips, nodding a little and looking outside.

Phoenix (1:04:10 AM): Phoenix found himself throwing his arm over the warm body beside him, head ducked under a pillow.
Caiden (1:09:43 AM): He huffed just a little at the feeling and turned around.
Phoenix (1:11:18 AM): Phoenix made a noise in his sleep, lips slightly parted.
Caiden (1:11:52 AM): This time he curled up to him but front to front.
Phoenix (1:12:34 AM): Another noise and Phoenix's arm lightly went around Caiden's waist.
Caiden (1:14:14 AM): Sighing, he fell back into complete sleep again.
Phoenix (1:17:12 AM): There came a knock at the door sometime later and Phoenix let out a grunt.
Caiden (1:18:19 AM): He only curled more into him, trying to muffle out the noise.
Phoenix (1:19:02 AM): Phoenix's brows furrowed and he pulled a pillow down over his head.
Caiden (1:22:34 AM): The knock came again but he still ignored it.
Phoenix (1:25:46 AM): "What?" Phoenix called out groggily.
"Are you getting up some time today, Phoenix?"
"Yeah. Sometime.
"Fine. There's lunch in the fridge. Your dad and I are off to the country club."
Caiden (1:26:14 AM): Caiden mumbled something and turned over again onto his back.
Phoenix (1:26:55 AM): Once he heard she was gone, he turned onto his stomach.
Caiden (1:27:26 AM): Pulling the blankets around him, he cacooned.
Phoenix (1:29:22 AM): He put the pillow back on top of his head and closed his eyes again, drifting once more.
Caiden (1:30:16 AM): He didn't curl up to Phoenix again and eventually woke up, trodding down the hall to the bathroom.
Phoenix (1:32:10 AM): Phoenix was lazy by nature unless he had something serious to do, and therefore he cherished sleep.
Caiden (1:33:41 AM): When he came back, hands smelling like vanilla from soap, he sat down on the edge of the bed. They didn't have soap that smelled this good at his flat.
Phoenix (1:34:26 AM): Phoenix smelled the strong scent of vanilla and peeked his head out from under the pillow.
Caiden (1:36:25 AM): Scratching the back of his head a little, he sighed and looked out the door to down the hallway.
Phoenix (1:36:49 AM): "So...sleep well?" Phoenix yawned.
Caiden (1:37:29 AM): He glanced back at him, hand at his neck. "Yup."
Phoenix (1:39:54 AM): "Good." Phoenix ruffled his hair and sat up a bit.
Caiden (1:49:14 AM): "You?" clasping his hans together in his lap.
Phoenix (1:53:00 AM): "Actually, yeah. Pretty comfy."
Caiden (1:59:16 AM): He smiled a little bit and flopped back onto his back.
Phoenix (2:00:02 AM): "You want lunch? I think I heard my mum say something about that?"
Caiden (2:02:40 AM): "I heard something like that, too."
Phoenix (2:04:00 AM): Nodding, Phoenix slipped out of bed. "Let's go see what she made for us."
Caiden (2:05:05 AM): Caiden looked at him from his spot, "Okay," and reached his hands out for him to help him up.
Phoenix (2:05:55 AM): Phoenix took Caiden's hands, helping hoist him up and led him out of the room.
Caiden (2:07:14 AM): He lingered his hands there a moment before following him and letting hands fall.
Phoenix (2:08:59 AM): Phoenix rummaged in the fridge once he got there. "Mmm, lasagna. God, I love her.
Caiden (2:11:16 AM): "Me too." and happily sat down.
Phoenix (2:12:18 AM): Phoenix cut some pieces out and heated them up in the microwave.
Caiden (2:14:46 AM): "I should just live with you." smirking a little.
Phoenix (2:16:32 AM): "I think my mum would die of happiness."
Caiden (2:17:52 AM): He giggled a little. "Until she realized I'd eat a lot more."
Phoenix (2:18:55 AM): Phoenix snorted. "It'd just give her more of an excuse to cook."
Caiden (2:22:01 AM): Grinning softly, Caiden sipped a drink.
Phoenix (2:24:04 AM): Once the lasagna was done cooking, Phoenix put the pieces on separate plates and handed one to Caiden.
Caiden (2:24:38 AM): Swinging his legs a little from his seat, he poked it and smiled happily.
Phoenix (2:25:10 AM): Phoenix sat down at another stool at the island and dug in.
Caiden (2:25:54 AM): "Maybe she'll let me have your bed, too." joking.
Phoenix (2:26:23 AM): "Oh knowing her she probably would."
Caiden (2:28:32 AM): "It's comfy..." he pretended to think, "I'll 'ave to think about it."
Phoenix (2:28:57 AM): Phoenix smirked and poked another piece of lasagna. "Oh right, of course."
Caiden (2:32:06 AM): "'ave to share with Reese, though."
Phoenix (2:33:17 AM): "Ah yes, Reese too." Phoenix laughed.
Caiden (2:35:52 AM): "You can have the floor."
Phoenix (2:37:11 AM): "Oh thanks so much. The carpet's pretty comfy."
Caiden (2:38:39 AM): "I'll share if you get cold."
Phoenix (2:40:15 AM): "You're so kind."Phoenix laughed, tossing a piece of cheese at him.
Caiden (2:42:47 AM): He giggled and took another bite.
Phoenix (2:43:24 AM): Eating the rest of his piece, Phoenix swigged down a glass of icewater.
Caiden (2:44:27 AM): "So what are you doing with me after we finish eating?"
Phoenix (2:45:37 AM): "I don't know. If you ever want to leave you can. If not, then you better pick something that will keep you entertained."
Caiden (2:47:32 AM): "a lot of things keep me entertained."
Phoenix (2:48:00 AM): "Yes, I know that. So you have plenty to choose from." Phoenix put his empty plate and glass into the dishwasher.
Caiden (2:49:30 AM): "Games... movie... gay porn?"
Phoenix (2:50:07 AM): Phoenix snorted, glancing over his shoulder at Caiden. "The last time I let you rent gay porn it was some shitty thing with subtitles."
Caiden (2:50:27 AM): "You weren't watching it anyways."
Phoenix (2:50:56 AM): "Yeah, I know. But still. It was ridiculous."
Caiden (2:51:12 AM): "It wasn't bad when you looked past the subtitles."
Phoenix (2:51:42 AM): Shrugging, Phoenix laughed again. "You pick one and it had better be decent."
Caiden (2:52:42 AM): "i prefer live. So we can stick to games."
Phoenix (2:53:17 AM): At that, Phoenix felt a tingle in his stomach but he shook it out of his thoughts and nodded. "Games it is."
Caiden (2:53:56 AM): "Resident evil," grinning, he slid off his stool and put the plate in the sink.
Phoenix (2:55:35 AM): "All right." Phoenix sauntered out of the kitchen and into the den where the game system was set up.
Caiden (2:56:08 AM): Following him, Caiden flopped onto the sofa.
Phoenix (2:57:00 AM): Phoenix popped the game in and sat back, handing a controller to Caiden.
Caiden (2:58:17 AM): Pulling his legs up next to him, he chose the girl to play.
Phoenix (2:59:47 AM): Phoenix had to smirk at that as he picked his guy and started the game.
Caiden (3:01:48 AM): He took his gaming very seriously, peeking around corners and all that.
Phoenix (3:04:24 AM): Phoenix chuckled, making his guy check all the dark rooms.
Caiden (3:05:08 AM): Grinning a little, he started shooting.
Phoenix (3:05:42 AM): "Shite, Cai. Watch it, that wasn't even a zombie, you nutter."
Caiden (3:06:36 AM): "Zombie bird."
Phoenix (3:07:12 AM): "Yeah, and that other thing was a civilian."
Caiden (3:07:59 AM): "i didn't shoot him... see? He's running off."
Phoenix (3:09:00 AM): Phoenix laughed. "Yeah cuz you scared him,"he joked.
Caiden (3:09:59 AM): "Good. He should be scared. The cities overrun with zombies."
Phoenix (6:07:49 PM): Phoenix snorted into his hand and shot at some zombies lurching his way.
Caiden (6:12:19 PM): Sitting back into the couch, he pulled his legs up and rested his arms on his knees, controller in hand.
Phoenix (6:14:10 PM): "Shite! That bugger came out of nowhere!"
Caiden (6:14:29 PM): He giggled a little. "I saw him."
Phoenix (6:15:32 PM): "You're supposed to tell me these things! Or do you want me to get eaten?!"
Caiden (6:15:43 PM): Another giggle.
Phoenix (6:17:50 PM): "That's not fair. You're the girl, you distract em with your tits. I get a gun that keeps going out and FUCK! It bit me!"
Caiden (6:18:14 PM): "This game doesn't work that way. I don't think they're looking to get laid."
Phoenix (6:20:55 PM): "Yeah yeah, well I'm about to die. See that? Dead. Deader than dead."
Caiden (6:22:18 PM): "You still have half a life left. Stop whining."
Phoenix (6:23:46 PM): Phoenix stuck out his tongue. "I was playing around. I leave the whining to you."
Caiden (6:24:19 PM): "Knew you'd say that." and he shot a zombie next to Phoenix's head.
Phoenix (6:25:15 PM): "Hey!"Phoenix nudged him and laughed, looking around for health.
Caiden (6:28:01 PM): "I saved you."
Phoenix (6:30:02 PM): "I give you my undying allegiance then." He smirked.
Caiden (6:31:30 PM): "I expect nothing less."
Phoenix (6:32:48 PM): Phoenix made a mock-bow and grinned.
Caiden (6:46:34 PM): The level finally ended.
Phoenix (7:19:33 PM): "Ahah. Thank god." Phoenix leaned back up against the couch.'
Caiden (7:39:28 PM): "Yeah. You almost died and everything."
Phoenix (7:40:59 PM): Phoenix once more stuck out his tongue, a small metal stud shining there and made a face.
Caiden (7:41:17 PM): "Oh, real matureee."
Phoenix (7:43:00 PM): "Whoever said I was mature?"
Caiden (7:48:58 PM): "Not me."
Phoenix (7:54:03 PM): "Exactly." Phoenix smirked and stretched.
Caiden (7:58:27 PM): Caiden set the controller down and took a sip of his drink.
Phoenix (8:00:22 PM): He scratched at his stomach and let out a little yawn.
Caiden (8:00:47 PM): "Alright... I'm bored."
Phoenix (8:01:17 PM): "Yeah, so am I."
Caiden (8:03:41 PM): "Alright. Let's do something else."
Phoenix (8:05:45 PM): "I don't know what. I'm boring." Phoenix laughed.
Caiden (8:06:05 PM): "Okay. We sit here then." he picked a remote up.
Phoenix (8:09:28 PM): Phoenix looked up at him and shrugged. He didnt mind being home.
Caiden (8:10:10 PM): Sinking back down into the cushions, he smiled and flipped the channels.
Phoenix (8:14:47 PM): Phoenix pulled his legs up in front of him and rested his chin on his knees.
Caiden (8:18:28 PM): "Anything particular you want to watch?"

Phoenix (12:16:45 AM): "Because at the moment I don't."
Caiden (12:19:43 AM): Caiden put his hands in his lap, clasping them together warmly. "Liar."
Phoenix (12:25:23 AM): Phoenix snorted. "Do you think my life revolves around you?"
Caiden (12:26:20 AM): "No..." quietly. "I like to think you don't give up that easy, though."
Phoenix (12:34:39 AM): "I usually don't. But when people keep testing me and pushing me, I tend to say fuck it."
Caiden (12:35:00 AM): "You say it like I do everything on purpose."
Phoenix (12:44:38 AM): "How the hell would I know if you did or not?
Caiden (12:46:23 AM): "Why would I?!"
Phoenix (12:53:41 AM): "Because you're not you sometimes."
Caiden (12:54:36 AM): "What does that mean? I feel like me. How can I not be me?"
Phoenix (12:55:27 AM): "I. DONT. KNOW! Dammit..."Phoenix grumbled.
Caiden (12:56:34 AM): "Well don't say I am if you can't tell me why!"
Phoenix (12:57:22 AM): Phoenix gripped the windowsill and clenched his jaw.
Caiden (1:06:16 AM): "Then what problem do you have with me? And don't say it's because I'm not myself, because I am."
Phoenix (1:16:03 AM): Phoenix looked at him, eyes narrowed a little. "Why did your little brother, the one you're trying to protect, have to be the one to tell me you liked me?"
Caiden (1:17:34 AM): He knew what he meant. "Wasn't his place to say anything in the first place," Caiden liked to think he'd never of acted on it without soem indication from Phoenix.
Phoenix (1:21:26 AM): "Yeah, well that didn't really stop him."
Caiden (1:22:15 AM): "I didn't tell him anything, if thats what you're thinking. He's just more perceptive."
Phoenix (1:24:26 AM): "I'm not thinking anything other than the fact that I know the real reason you did steal my shirt for."
Caiden (1:25:09 AM): A small nod. "What's it matter, anyways? I wasn't going to say anything."
Phoenix (1:34:45 AM): "Because you felt this way and you didn't even have the courage to tell me!"
Caiden (1:35:58 AM): "It's not about courage. I didn't know if I even wanted to let anyone know but me. I don't expect you to understand how I think."
Phoenix (1:43:30 AM): "That's good because I don't.
Caiden (1:44:44 AM): "I didn't think so..." he kept toying with his hands. "Like a stupid fantasy you 'ave that you don't care to tell people because it's just fucking stupid."
Phoenix (1:45:09 AM): Phoenix rose a brow. "Who said it was stupid?"
Caiden (1:46:20 AM): "I did."
Phoenix (1:49:45 AM): "Right, well you say it so it must be true."
Caiden (1:50:47 AM): "I'm the one with the stupid hormones and wants. Don't tell me I can't think what I want to about my own thoughts, now."
Phoenix (1:57:30 AM): "I didn't say that, dammit."
Caiden (2:04:26 AM): "I know you didn't... but it feels like it when you tell me I should have to tell you everything."
Phoenix (2:05:28 AM): "No, I don't want to know everything. I don't want to know anything."
Caiden (2:07:35 AM): Caiden touched a pillow and brought it into his lap, sighing. "Alright, so you know now. Not much I can do about that."
Phoenix (2:12:58 AM): "No, not really..." But it wasn't as if Phoenix minded or was mad about it.
Caiden (2:22:26 AM): "Any other things you wa nt to point out that I can't do anything about?" quietly.
Phoenix (2:27:36 AM): "No, I'm going to keep quiet."
Caiden (2:28:14 AM): "because you don't have anything for me or because you don't want to talk?"
Phoenix (2:34:08 AM): Phoenix quirked a brow. "I don't know about the first one, and what exactly am I supposed to say."
Caiden (2:41:00 AM): Caiden reached over to fiddle with his cigarette pack, sighing a bit.
Phoenix (2:43:26 AM): "Maybe I should just go."
Caiden (2:45:18 AM): "Yeah... if you want to... But I want to know where we are before you do."
Phoenix (2:48:59 AM): Phoenix looked to him and stared at him a moment before coming over and leaning down, pecking his forehead. "I'll let you know when I know." He went back over to the window to climb out.
Caiden (2:49:42 AM): "I know where I want to stand with you, and its not waiting for y ou to decide if you want to deal with someone lik eme."
Phoenix (2:51:26 AM): Phoenix paused and glanced at him. "It's not to do with dealing with someone like you, Caiden. It's how it'd all change."
Caiden (2:53:23 AM): "Why should it change?"
Phoenix (2:54:41 AM): "I didn't say it should, but there's a chance t hat things would just be...well, different."
Caiden (2:55:27 AM): "So you never wondered before what I thought about you? I haven't exactly gone gay in one night."
Phoenix (2:59:01 AM): "No, I guess I didn't. I never looked at you and thought, oh god he's gay and he's seen me naked."
Caiden (3:01:08 AM): "Don't have to worry about it now, then... I mean you're my best friend. I'm supposed to have a stupid crush on you, if it's possible."
Phoenix (3:05:35 AM): Phoenix smiled a bit. "But why me? I mean...you were the one that wanted to date Chuck, weren't you?"
Caiden (3:06:07 AM): "No spark," quietly. "Or else things might be different, I guess."
Phoenix (3:07:51 AM): "So there's...a spark with me?"
Caiden (3:11:11 AM): "I don't know," he'd only realized that when he'd kissed Chuck. He knew he wouldn't feel what he wanted to... not after something that felt so impersonal/
Caiden (3:11:16 AM): "Not yet, anyway."
Phoenix (3:13:15 AM): Phoenix nodded a bit, a flush coming to his cheeks, "And how exactly are you planning on finding out?"
Caiden (3:14:44 AM): "I'm not..." at least, not yet he hadn't been.
Phoenix (3:15:22 AM): "Right..."Another nod and he pushed up the window more. "Bye, Cai."
Caiden (3:16:55 AM): "Not yet, anyways..." almost mumbled.
Phoenix (3:18:57 AM): Phoenix slipped out of the window. "Mum'll be wanting you over...to celebrate Gwen being home."
Caiden (3:27:29 AM): "alright..." softly.
Phoenix (3:28:35 AM): "So erm...I'll call you. You should bring Reese too."
Caiden (3:30:14 AM): "I will..." nodding a little as he toys with a lighter.

Phoenix (4:51:51 PM): "Okay." Phoenix flashed a tiny smile and headed out, making his way over to the ladder and down it.
Caiden (4:52:30 PM): Caiden sighed a little and let himself relax.
Phoenix (4:55:49 PM): Heading down back to his car, Phoenix ignored Gwen's questions and got in, starting the car to head over to his place.
Caiden (4:56:45 PM): Laying back down again, he looked at the ceiling and felt.. .blank.
Phoenix (4:59:03 PM): On the drive, he was silent and Gwen finally stopped trying. They got to the house and got out, going in and Gwen was instantly bombarded by Phoenix's mum and he escaped to his room.
Caiden (4:59:42 PM): Falling back asleep more easily than the night before, Caiden curled up.
Phoenix (5:01:22 PM): He heard them laughing and joking downstairs and all he could think of was Caiden.
Caiden (5:02:55 PM): Reese came back home from his friends and woke him up, going to the kitchen to make them something to eat.
Phoenix (5:05:30 PM): Phoenix lounged around his room till Gwen came up finally and plopped down on his bed, telling him they were going out for dinner instead because his mum was ravished and that she was gonna call Caiden to have him and Reese ready.
Caiden (5:07:24 PM): Seperating the noodles between them, they sat down in the living room. [and they don't have a phone]
Phoenix (5:08:42 PM): (Oh yeah) Phoenix mumbled something about them not having a phone and Gwen sighed, saying she'd be back shortly, snatched his keys and went down to his car, driving it over to the flat and going up to the front door, knocking and bouncing on the balls of her feet.
Caiden (5:09:31 PM): He wondered for a moment who it could be... none of his friends used the front door. Putting his bowl down, empty, into the sink, he went and opened it. "Hey..." softly.
Phoenix (5:11:49 PM): She grinned at him. "C'mon, pretty boy. Get Reese's Pieces , you're both coming with me."
Caiden (5:14:40 PM): "Right now?" he hadn't of showered... and he looked completly ragged.
Phoenix (5:20:14 PM): "Well I'll give you a bit to wash up, but yeah."
Caiden (5:20:49 PM): He nodded a little, "Alright," and gestured her inside.
Phoenix (5:21:23 PM): She skipped in, going over to Reese and pecking the top of his head. "Hey kidd-o
Caiden (5:23:14 PM): Reese blinked a bit and then grinned. Caiden hadn't said a thing about her. He disappeared and went to the bathroom, shutting the door and turning the shower on.
Phoenix (5:24:13 PM): She plopped down beside him, ruffling his hair and pulling him over for a hug. "What's been up, little boy blue?"

Caiden (1:16:39 AM): "I didn't..." softly.
Phoenix (1:21:12 AM): "Yeah...well..."Phoenix scratched his hair, biting at his lip.
Caiden (1:24:22 AM): "Almost gave me a heart attack, waking me up like that..." lightly, sitting up and attemting to not look sick.
Phoenix (1:26:19 AM): "She always liked to do that. Came to my house once at 2 in the morning."
Caiden (1:27:45 AM): "I know..." softly.
Phoenix (1:29:02 AM): "Right...of course you do..."He sighed a little, scratching the back of his neck.
Caiden (1:30:07 AM): "Did you get your shirt back?"
Phoenix (1:31:32 AM): "Yeah...I put it in the wash."
Caiden (1:44:54 AM): A small nod, slowly getting up from his spot
Phoenix (1:46:18 AM): Phoenix stayed by the window, feeling more awkward at every passing moment.
Caiden (1:49:48 AM): "so... she got you up here..." toying with a pair of shorts to put on.
Phoenix (1:50:14 AM): "Because she can't take no for an answer."
Caiden (1:54:45 AM): "Best thing about her."
Phoenix (1:57:46 AM): "To you, maybe." He made a face, looking out the window.
Caiden (2:02:46 AM): "You're here, aren't you?" turning around, Caiden fiddled with his pants.. black and blue marks up his back. [maybe beat up pretty bad=sick]
Phoenix (2:07:07 AM): Phoenix looked up and cringed a bit, but he kept his mouth shut.
Caiden (2:10:37 AM): Tugging on a loose red and black button down shirt, he left it open.
Phoenix (2:12:26 AM): "Maybe I should go. I need to get her home."
Caiden (2:13:02 AM): "I don't think she's going to let you leave until we talk..." flopping back on the bed.
Phoenix (2:16:10 AM): "Well she really doesn't own me."
Caiden (2:22:01 AM): "I know..."
Phoenix (2:23:05 AM): "So I don't feel like talking and I'm not going to anymore. She can deal with it."
Caiden (2:25:04 AM): "We should talk, though..."
Phoenix (2:28:32 AM): "Yeah, well maybe I'm tired of trying, Cai."
Caiden (2:28:56 AM): "Shitty way to drop your best friend. Tired of trying..."
Phoenix (2:37:29 AM): "Well you didn't fight too hard either, so don't place it all on me."
Caiden (2:40:38 AM): "You started it with me... I was fine..." getting out a cigarette, he lit it and dragged on it before pressing his palm at his temple and looking at him. "I know I've been a pain in the arse... but I wasn't exactly trying the other day."
Phoenix (2:45:30 AM): "The thing is, you don't have to try anymore, it just comes naturally."
Caiden (2:46:45 AM): "It comes naturally when all I was trying to do was be a big brother. That's all I was doing."
Caiden (2:47:38 AM): Caiden scratched the back of his neck a little. "I'm sorry. I mean.... That was all I was doing... and it exploded."
Caiden (2:57:42 AM): [pooks. hes saynig this all quietly and calmly too]
Phoenix (2:58:26 AM): Phoenix nodded a bit and stared out the window. "Right..."
Caiden (2:59:21 AM): "I'd ra ther talk it out than 'ave you leave..."
Phoenix (3:00:24 AM): "So go ahead and talk then."
Caiden (3:01:29 AM): "You're the one pissed off at me..." Caiden looked at him. "Why don't you tell me what you're thinking and maybe we can go from there?"
Phoenix (3:03:10 AM): Phoenix looked at him. "I'm not thinking anything. I don't know who you are anymore. I don't like what you've turned into. You've barely talked to me like you used to the past couple months, and I don't know why."
Caiden (3:05:27 AM): "What don't I talk about?"
Phoenix (3:09:35 AM): "Anything, Cai. It's like there's a wall up between us that I never knew was there."
Caiden (3:10:22 AM): "The only thing we don't talk about is my parents... and you know why."
Phoenix (3:14:22 AM): "Of course..."He pressed his lips together in a thin line
Caiden (3:15:07 AM): "Don't do that..." quietly.
Phoenix (3:19:39 AM): "Don't do what?"
Caiden (3:20:53 AM): "Purse your lips and act like you don't care."

Caiden (9:50:47 PM): Reese smiled a little at her, the bruise under his eye not completly faded, and told her he was fine.
Phoenix (9:53:33 PM): She noticed the bruise, said nothing as usual, but kissed her fingers, pressed them lightly to the spot, like she'd always done when they were younger.
Caiden (9:56:17 PM): Despite the soft touch, Reese winced just a little and looked at her. "Are you staying?"

Phoenix (9:57:58 PM): She grinned. "Yep, Reese's Pieces, you're stuck with me I'm afraid."
Caiden (9:58:50 PM): "Really?"
Phoenix (10:02:29 PM): She winked at him, pulling a leg up in front of her. "Oh yes. I'll be bugging you all the time now."
Caiden (10:05:19 PM): Reese laughed a little, putting his bowl into the sink. "So we're going out?"
Phoenix (10:05:44 PM): "Yep. Homecoming dinner for me. I'm so lucky." She chuckled.
Caiden (10:06:13 PM): "yeah, who actually wants to come back here."
Phoenix (10:14:56 PM): She glanced at him. "I did..."
Caiden (10:15:20 PM): "What for?" sitting back down again.
Phoenix (10:16:47 PM): "Because my parents are getting divorced and my mom doesn't want me around while it happens."
Caiden (10:17:10 PM): Reese observed her a moment. "I wish mine would."
Phoenix (10:21:18 PM): She smiled sadly. "C'mere, Reesie. I want a better hug."\
Caiden (10:22:04 PM): Getting up, he came over and hugged her. Despite being 12, he still blushed up to the tips of his ears.
Caiden (10:24:11 PM): [meaning even though he's a kid, he's like whoa embarassed ?]
Phoenix (10:25:26 PM): (Hahah. Yes yes. Lmao. I'm imagining a whole new AU with them. *slaps head* Oh I'm so bad) She pecked the side of his head. "I missed ya, kidd-o."
Caiden (10:28:53 PM): "Missed you too..." a small smile.
Phoenix (10:33:46 PM): Ruffling his hair,she nudged him with a little grin.
Caiden (10:36:15 PM): Caiden finally was done, coming into the living room with wet hair, a pair of shirts, and just your average tshirt.
Phoenix (10:37:47 PM): Gwen whistled, then giggled. "Oooo. Hot stuff, watch out."
Caiden (10:38:09 PM): He rolled his eyes just a bit and sniffed, "Let's go, then."
Phoenix (10:41:22 PM): She got up from the couch, blowing hair out of her face and headed to the door.
Caiden (10:46:27 PM): Reese opened it for her and Caiden put his shoes on, smirking at that.
Phoenix (10:47:12 PM): "Thanks, Reesie." She grinned and bounded down the steps, heading over to Nix's car and unlocking it before sliding in.
Caiden (10:47:29 PM): "So you stole the car, yeah?" getting in.
Phoenix (10:49:07 PM): "Well duh. I dont have mine here" She made a little face. "I miss it like crazy." Pulling away from the curb, she headed towards Nix's
Caiden (11:00:26 PM): He let Reese sit in the front, quietly looking out the window.
Phoenix (11:49:03 PM): "Hey Reesie, check in Nixie's glovebox and see if he has any good cd's."
Caiden (11:49:47 PM): Reese happily scrounged through some CDs, finding Green Day and putting it in.
Phoenix (11:57:22 PM): "Yes, this is why I love ya, kid." She laughed, speeding around a corner.
Caiden (12:02:53 AM): A small smile and caiden smirked at the redness of his cheeks.
Phoenix (12:03:43 AM): She noticed but thought nothing of it as she pulled up outside of Nix's. "And here we are!"
Caiden (12:04:40 AM): They both got out, Caiden the last to go up to the front doo.
Caiden (12:04:41 AM): r
Phoenix (12:08:21 AM): Not knocking, Gwen went right in, tossing the keys on the side table.
Caiden (12:08:51 AM): Reese followed her as he always had and Caiden stayed behind them.
Phoenix (12:15:32 AM): She bounded up the stairs to Nix's room only to find he was asleep.
Caiden (12:24:20 AM): They both filled in behind her. "Who wants to wake him up?"
Phoenix (12:28:33 AM): She looked at the two of them and then smirked. "Have at it, Reesie. Pounce on him."
Caiden (12:35:27 AM): "I think that should be Cai's job."
Phoenix (12:38:07 AM): Gwen pressed her lips together and said nothing to that, trying not to laugh
Caiden (12:39:41 AM): Caiden rolled his eyes and instead threw a pillow at Phoenix.
Phoenix (12:41:32 AM): Phoenix grumbled, muttering "sonovabitch" before snuggling under the covers.
Caiden (12:42:12 AM): "Get up, Nix."
Phoenix (12:46:28 AM): Something mumbled and Gwen rose a b row.
Caiden (12:46:35 AM): "Oh, come on."
Phoenix (12:49:30 AM): She shrugged and headed out of the room. "more food for us."
Caiden (12:51:41 AM): Caiden didn't follow right off, coming over. "You gonna get up?
Phoenix (12:52:11 AM): Phoenix looked up blearily from under the blankets. "Fine fine."
Caiden (12:52:43 AM): He wondered what Phoenix had been mumbling before.
Phoenix (12:57:18 AM): Ruffling his hair, he sat up, frowning.
Caiden (12:58:11 AM): [haha] Caiden looked at him a little curiously. "They're going to leave without us."
Phoenix (1:01:18 AM): "They are not. Mum wouldn't do that." He slid out of bed, smoothing out his clothes.
Caiden (1:05:02 AM): He was more aware of Phoenix's... well, anywhere below his waist... and forced himself not to look now that Phoenix knew.
Phoenix (1:07:08 AM): He slipped on his shoes, grumbling as he left the room.
Caiden (1:07:36 AM): Caiden didn't like how he acted almost like he wasn't there and followed along.
Phoenix (1:10:21 AM): Sliding down the banister, he landed behind Gwen and threw his arms around her neck.
Caiden (1:23:55 AM): Following, he sighed. Well, at least he was happy with other people. Seeing Nix'x mum, Caiden worried what she'd say about Reese's bruise.. if anything.
Phoenix (1:27:40 AM): She had noticed, of course, and the moment her eyes landed on Caiden she nodded at him, then to the closed kitchen door.
Caiden (1:37:58 AM): He really wasn't in the mood for this... but went to the kitchen.
Phoenix (1:41:13 AM): She didn't say anything at first as she simply pulled him into a hug. "I loved her like a sister once upon a time...and he wasn't so bad either. But if it happens again, please dont' sit there. It's what I'm here for."
Caiden (1:43:27 AM): Caiden bit his lip and looked at the floor when she let go. "He didn't tell me if they did it or not. I just know they did... and I wasn't home."
Phoenix (1:44:43 AM): She frowned and then lifted his chin. "I wished every day since you were little that you and him were mine instead."
Caiden (1:47:52 AM): He only nodded a little, trying not to break down because he was very close to it. "Yeah, me too."
Phoenix (1:51:29 AM): She cupped his cheek. "Don't ever think you aren't loved, Caiden. Because you and Reese have a big part of Avery's and my heart."
Caiden (1:53:11 AM): "I know..." quietly, looking at her.
Phoenix (1:58:50 AM): She pecked his forehead. "Now let's go stuff our faces, all right?"
Caiden (1:59:18 AM): A small laugh and a nod, "Alright, mum..." softly.
Phoenix (2:03:11 AM): Winking at him, she held him around the shoulders, leading him out into the main room again.
Caiden (2:04:13 AM): They came out and Caiden tried not to look at Phoenix.
Phoenix (2:06:39 AM): Phoenix now had Gwen on his back as he followed his dad and Gwen's grandmother and brothers out the door.
Caiden (2:11:40 AM): He felt almost jealous at this, sighing a little and bringing up the rear with Caiden.
Caiden (2:11:44 AM): reese-
Phoenix (2:15:40 AM): Carrying her to the car, he watched as she tugged on Reese to sit next to her so he had to sit by Caiden.
Caiden (2:17:58 AM): Cai got in and looked out the window.
Phoenix (2:21:49 AM): Phoenix leaned over, lips close to his ear. "I'm sorry, for being moody."
Caiden (2:23:22 AM): He tried not to shiver a bit, forcing a smile instead of some stupid look of pleasure, and nodded.
Caiden (2:23:25 AM): "It's alright."
Phoenix (2:25:14 AM): Phoenix paused for a moment, taking in the scent that was distinctly Caiden. "you smell good.."His breath came out warm against Caidens neck.
Caiden (2:26:25 AM): An instant blush covered his cheeks and he continued to look out the window.
Phoenix (2:33:47 AM): He took a chance and lightly brushed his lips against the faint pulsing vein he could see in Caiden's neck.
Caiden (2:35:49 AM): He bit his lip now and sighed.
Phoenix (2:42:07 AM): "Taste good too...who'd have thought,"Phoenix whispered.
Caiden (2:42:53 AM): Caiden turned his head, finally, and glanced at everyone else in the van before looking at Phoenix.
Phoenix (2:43:55 AM): Their eyes met briefly and in the blink of an eye, Phoenix captured Caiden's lips with his own.
Caiden (2:45:34 AM): He almost made a noise but held it back when he remembered who exactly was driving the van.
Caiden (2:46:39 AM): [cuz im gonna guess theyre all going to dinner in the same car and maybe nix's moms van or suv or something with two backseats]
Phoenix (2:47:41 AM): (Hehehe yeppers) The kiss was sweet, hot, breathtaking and everything else all in one.
Caiden (2:48:23 AM): He chanced to pull him closer instead of the awkward angle he was leaning at and only parted his lips a little.
Phoenix (2:51:38 AM): His eyes slipped shut as he kissed him back, soft yet passionate.
Caiden (2:52:48 AM): He sank a bit in the seat, craning his neck as they kissed.
Phoenix (2:53:55 AM): And as soon as it had started, it was over. He pulled back, breathless and hazy.
Caiden (2:54:33 AM): His cheeks were a dark pink, for the first time in two days forgetting the dull ache of bruises on his back.
Phoenix (2:56:22 AM): Licking over his lips, he smiled a little. "So did I disappoint?"
Caiden (2:57:09 AM): He returned his hands to his lap and looked ahead. "No..." quietly.
Phoenix (2:57:41 AM): "Good..."He couldn't help the grin that lit his face as he touched Caiden's hands a little.
Caiden (2:58:22 AM): Caiden didn't want to jump into anythng... he wanted to talk... Curling his hand a bit into itself, he glanced at him.

Phoenix (12:34:06 AM): "I promise this won't change us...whatever this ends up being...but..."He glanced up to the front. "We'll talk later, okay?
Caiden (12:34:33 AM): "Okay..." softly, nodding just a bit.
Phoenix (12:51:44 AM): A soft smile and Phoenix sat back in his seat.
Caiden (12:54:50 AM): Toying with his hands in his lap, Caiden looked out the window and then faintly at Phoenix.
Phoenix (12:57:53 AM): He listened to them all talk, a faint grin on his face.
Caiden (1:01:19 AM): Finally, the va n stopped. When they got inside, everyone filled into a seat at the tables, Caiden in the corner of the round table.
Phoenix (1:04:23 AM): Phoenix plopped down betweenCaiden and Gwen, smirking at Reese who looked indecisive then sat next to her.
Caiden (1:06:38 AM): Caiden was too preoccupied to notice.
Phoenix (1:07:33 AM): Drink orders came around, then appetizers and Phoenix fiddled with his napkin.
Caiden (1:09:01 AM): Pulling a leg up onto the chair, he smiled a bit.
Phoenix (1:13:43 AM): They were all laughing and joking, talking of normal things and Phoenix felt content as he sipped his tea.
Caiden (1:14:46 AM): Reese slipped easily into joking with Gwen and Caiden had to smile at that.
Phoenix (1:16:28 AM): Then Gwen snickered and rose her hands in the air. "Oh! Oh! I've got a joke! So there's this koala bear and a prostitute..."
Caiden (1:17:41 AM): Caiden had stopped listening too closely, glancing at Nix more freqently.
Phoenix (1:19:30 AM): Phoenix caught his eye for a moment,w inking at him.
Caiden (1:19:59 AM): His cheeks went a little red and he ate his food.
Phoenix (1:22:16 AM): Phoenix popped a piece of bread in his mouth, touching his hand to Caiden's beneath the table.
Caiden (1:22:39 AM): He could feel his heart quicken a bit and sighed.
Phoenix (1:25:19 AM): He played with his fingers and smiled t o himself.
Caiden (1:25:53 AM): If he blushed any deeper the whole table would notice... so he looked down a little and at the door.
Phoenix (1:30:41 AM): "Sorry..."Phoenix whispered, noticing Caiden's flushed cheeks.
Caiden (1:31:14 AM): Caiden just held his hand a little tighter, not responding verbally.
Phoenix (1:35:58 AM): Nodding a bit, Phoenix intertwined their fingers.
Caiden (1:36:43 AM): It came time for a dessert and everyone ordered one, even him.
Phoenix (1:40:25 AM): "Okay, so someone's sharing with me,"Gwen piped up. "Because I just saw how big mine was gonna be."
Caiden (1:41:28 AM): Reese automatically volunteered and Caiden let his hand stay loosely in Phoenix's.
Phoenix (1:49:58 AM): "Do you think she notices that your brother would jump if she just said how high?"Phoenix chuckled quietly.
Caiden (1:50:44 AM): "Don't know. You should ask her later."

Phoenix (3:25:14 PM): Phoenix smirked. "Yeah, sure, I'll bring that up and then get him embarrassed when she says something about it to him, because you know she would."
Caiden (3:30:12 PM): "Yeah? Someone needs to say something to him."
Phoenix (3:31:42 PM): "And do what? Make him recede into a shell?"
Caiden (3:32:10 PM): A shrug. "She wouldn't exactly make fun of him."
Phoenix (3:41:30 PM): "I know that...but maybe he doesn't want her to know..."Phoenix glanced over. "Not that he's all that subtle."
Caiden (3:43:15 PM): "He doesn't get it from me." smirking.
Phoenix (3:47:12 PM): At that, Phoenix snorted. "You're his brother. I nominate you to talk to her."
Caiden (3:48:35 PM): "You brought it up."
Phoenix (3:50:49 PM): "Yes...I know that...but he's your blood." Phoenix smirked.
Caiden (3:52:56 PM): "He'll be less pissed if it's you."
Phoenix (3:54:07 PM): "Less pissed? Yeah, right. So he can kick me in the shin?"
Caiden (3:55:44 PM): "He only di dthat once."
Phoenix (3:58:12 PM): "Yeah and it hurt like a bitch. I had a bruise for a week."
Caiden (3:59:31 PM): "Bruises usually last that long
Phoenix (4:00:44 PM): "Oh my god, I am not talking to him about it. you're his brother."
Caiden (4:04:50 PM): "Alright. Then you talk to her."
Phoenix (4:05:43 PM): Phoenix rolled his eyes. "What's it gonna matter anyway? Not like he's gonna suddenly ask her out. He's twelve."
Caiden (4:06:39 PM): "You brought it up," shrugging.
Phoenix (4:08:10 PM): "God, I know. I was just playing around anyhow."
Caiden (4:09:00 PM): "Okay..." poking a strawberry.
Phoenix (4:12:04 PM): Phoenix was jostled when Gwen knocked into him and looked over as her and Reese battled for a piece of chocolate on the dessert she'd ordered. "Or maybe I should talk to him..."
Caiden (4:12:54 PM): A smirk. "Maybe."
Phoenix (4:14:35 PM): Phoenix glanced over. "After dinner...
Caiden (4:15:08 PM): "Okay..." nodding a little.
Phoenix (4:18:51 PM): And as dinner finished up and the adults went about spliting the bill, Phoenix sat back in his seat and stretched.
Caiden (4:21:26 PM): Caiden got up for the bathroom and disappeared.
Phoenix (4:24:12 PM): Sighing, Phoenix tugged Reese aside. "Mind if I talk to you a minute, Reesie?"
Caiden (4:25:39 PM): "Wha'?" looking at him oddly.
Phoenix (4:32:55 PM): "Just c'mere.
Phoenix (4:33:07 PM): He pulled him over to the side out of earshot from everone else
Caiden (4:35:03 PM): He followed him almost reluctantly and then looked at him.
Phoenix (4:44:45 PM)
Caiden (3:52:56 PM): "He'll be less pissed if it's you."
Phoenix (3:54:07 PM): "Less pissed? Yeah, right. So he can kick me in the shin?"
Caiden (3:55:44 PM): "He only di dthat once."
Phoenix (3:58:12 PM): "Yeah and it hurt like a bitch. I had a bruise for a week."
Caiden (3:59:31 PM): "Bruises usually last that long
Phoenix (4:00:44 PM): "Oh my god, I am not talking to him about it. you're his brother."
Caiden (4:04:50 PM): "Alright. Then you talk to her."
Phoenix (4:05:43 PM): Phoenix rolled his eyes. "What's it gonna matter anyway? Not like he's gonna suddenly ask her out. He's twelve."
Caiden (4:06:39 PM): "You brought it up," shrugging.
Phoenix (4:08:10 PM): "God, I know. I was just playing around anyhow."
Caiden (4:09:00 PM): "Okay..." poking a strawberry.
Phoenix (4:12:04 PM): Phoenix was jostled when Gwen knocked into him and looked over as her and Reese battled for a piece of chocolate on the dessert she'd ordered. "Or maybe I should talk to him..."
Caiden (4:12:54 PM): A smirk. "Maybe."
Phoenix (4:14:35 PM): Phoenix glanced over. "After dinner...
Caiden (4:15:08 PM): "Okay..." nodding a little.
Phoenix (4:18:51 PM): And as dinner finished up and the adults went about spliting the bill, Phoenix sat back in his seat and stretched.
Caiden (4:21:26 PM): Caiden got up for the bathroom and disappeared.
Phoenix (4:24:12 PM): Sighing, Phoenix tugged Reese aside. "Mind if I talk to you a minute, Reesie?"
Caiden (4:25:39 PM): "Wha'?" looking at him oddly.
Phoenix (4:32:55 PM): "Just c'mere.
Phoenix (4:33:07 PM): He pulled him over to the side out of earshot from everone else
Caiden (4:35:03 PM): He followed him almost reluctantly and then looked at him.
Phoenix (4:44:45 PM): "So...you like her, don't you?"
Caiden (4:49:02 PM): "Huh?"
Phoenix (4:52:54 PM): He nodded over to Gwen. "It's become pretty obvious, mate."
Caiden (4:55:31 PM): He leaned back against the wall a bit and looked at it. "What's it matter?"
Phoenix (4:58:05 PM): "Because if it's obvious to us, don't you think she's noticed?"
Caiden (5:02:51 PM): Reese looked over at the table. "She wouldn't care."
Phoenix (5:06:24 PM): "And why not?"
Caiden (5:12:17 PM): "Because it's stupid. What else would she say?"
Phoenix (5:15:15 PM): "Reesie, come on, you know she's not like that. She adores you."
Caiden (5:17:12 PM): He crossed an arm. "Maybe in a few years," clenching jaw a little bit.
Caiden (5:18:20 PM): He wasn't trying to get mad, really... and he wa sn't. Just... what was his point?
Phoenix (5:21:17 PM): "Reese...if you feel like that, then maybe...well...tone it down a little.
Caiden (5:22:03 PM): "What? I can't joke around with her?"
Phoenix (11:47:57 PM): He bit his lip a bit. "Anyone can see that you like her a bit more than that..."
Caiden (11:49:09 PM): "She doesn't," and, if she did, he knew she was probably just brushing it off.
Phoenix (11:50:49 PM): "I'm not so sure about that....she can be pretty perceptive."
Caiden (11:51:59 PM): Reese looked at him a moment. "So what are you saying, then?"
Phoenix (11:54:12 PM): Phoenix paused. "I really, don't know...This is why I told Caiden he should talk to you..."
Caiden (11:54:32 PM): "And what would he say to me?"
Phoenix (11:56:07 PM): Phoenix looked to Gwen and then back at Reese, sighing. "That she's our friend, Reesie...but she's... just...wait until you're older."
Caiden (11:58:02 PM): Reese looked a little unjustified. "So you're telling me... what? I can do what I want," it wasn't like he expected to get someone 3 years older than him and so much more mature.
Phoenix (12:00:53 AM): Another sigh and Phoenix scratched his head. "You're right...I'm sorry."
Caiden (12:02:16 AM): Pulling away from him, Reese didn't say anything.
Phoenix (12:03:44 AM): Phoenix felt like an ass as he walked back over to the family.
Caiden (12:04:10 AM): Caiden still wasn't back from the bathroom/
Phoenix (12:05:19 AM): Gwen looked at him when he came over and made a kissy face, smirking.
Caiden (12:06:12 AM): [whcih one]
Phoenix (12:12:27 AM): (Ahah Phoenix not Reese. Lol that'd just be bad)
Caiden (12:13:28 AM): Reese flopped down into his seat, no longer playful.
Phoenix (12:15:25 AM): Gwen frowned and Phoenix looked sheepish. She shook her head at him and went over to Reese, hanging her arms over his shoulder. "What's wrong, Reesie Piecey?"
Caiden (12:16:11 AM): Looking back at her. "Nothin'." Caiden finally reappeared.
Phoenix (12:19:02 AM): She pecked the top of his head. "Then smile for me, cuteness. Life's too short to be in a bad mood." Phoenix saw Caiden and frowned.
Caiden (12:20:00 AM): Cai sat down in his seat, yawning a little.
Phoenix (12:23:28 AM): "All right, we can get going. C'mon." Phoenix's mom called out, heading with the other adults to the door.
Caiden (12:25:28 AM): They both got up and, when they sat in the car, Caiden got in and then Reese beside him.
Phoenix (12:27:04 AM): Gwen got in beside Phoenix and frowned at him and he just shrugged.
Caiden (12:28:09 AM): Caiden adn't been thinking... and Reese was quietly grateful that she wasn't beside him.
Phoenix (12:30:53 AM): The drive home for the backseat was quiet and when they pulled up at Phoenix's house, he stayed put.
Caiden (12:31:39 AM): Reese got out just after Caiden, Cai standing there at the door.
Phoenix (12:34:58 AM): Phoenix watched Gwen get out and make her way up to the door and he let out a heavy sigh.
Caiden (12:38:42 AM): Reese went with her, leaving Caiden standing there and looking int at Phoenix.
Phoenix (12:39:54 AM): "I shouldn't have said anything, now he's pissed at me."
Caiden (12:40:42 AM): "I don't know... he wasn't shooting daggers at y ou."
Phoenix (12:44:39 AM): "Yeah, well silence is deadlier."
Caiden (12:45:33 AM): "He's probably just upset that you reminded him he's too young."
Phoenix (12:51:35 AM): "I know...but sometimes I don't think he realizes that...or wants to. And she doesn't help it."
Caiden (12:54:48 AM): "He doesn't honestly think he's going to get her... we all get crushes on things we can't have."
Phoenix (12:55:58 AM): Phoenix rose his brows. "You're getting me, so maybe that's wrong."
Caiden (12:57:58 AM): A sigh. "I was talking more along the lines of celebrity... people too old for you... guys who don't prefer it up the arse..."
Phoenix (1:00:52 AM): "Right...well, he could have her...he just...needs to wait that's all."
Caiden (1:03:27 AM): "We probably shouldn't just right out assume thats what hes trying to do. I know he thinks she doesn't see it that way."
Phoenix (1:04:40 AM): "I'm not assuming. I'm just saying if he did...because he seems to think he couldn't. Like she's some higher being."
Caiden (1:05:00 AM): "She is. Didn't you notice?"
Phoenix (1:08:16 AM): Phoenix rolled his eyes. "She is not. She's been our friend since were in primary."
Caiden (1:09:22 AM): "She knows everything. I'dn be anything that she even knows about him," a pause. "Do youw ant to get out of the van, now?"
Phoenix (1:11:59 AM): "Fine, I'm coming." Phoenix hopped out, frowning.
Caiden (1:14:18 AM): "What are you so upset about?"
Phoenix (1:19:19 AM): "Because I knew it was dumb to say anything and Igot him mad at me for no reason."
Caiden (1:22:39 AM): Shutting the van door. "Stop worrying. He probably forgot already."
Phoenix (1:26:58 AM): "Right...sure he did." Phoenix walked up to the house and stepped inside, only to stop, blinking, when he saw Gwen had Reese pinned on the couch, tickling him.
Caiden (1:30:56 AM): "See? Forgotten."
Phoenix (1:31:46 AM): "Uh huh." Phoenix laughed a little and shook his head.
Caiden (1:33:12 AM): "Come on..." starting towards the stairs.
Phoenix (1:45:36 AM): Phoenix followed Caiden upstairs and to his room, shutting the door behind them. "I swear I'm waiting for them to just kiss one day...."
Caiden (1:47:17 AM): "How awkward would that be for them? She'd probably feel like a pedophile and Reese would get all red in the face..."
Phoenix (1:47:59 AM): At that, Phoenix actually laughed a bit. "Yeah....maybe, but I'd love to get a picture just for the hell of it."
Caiden (1:48:34 AM): "Good luck with tha'," sitting down.
Phoenix (1:49:27 AM): "Jokinggg." He fell onto the bed and stretched out, shirt riding up over his stomach.
Caiden (1:49:53 AM): "It'll '
Caiden (1:50:03 AM): appen... and I bet they wouldn't tell anyone."
Phoenix (1:50:59 AM): "You're probably right. And I'd be so deprived of teasing her."
Caiden (1:52:25 AM): "Like you said, though... he's way too younge."
Phoenix (1:53:05 AM): "Yeah...maybe...though me and her dated when we were thirteen. Then again, we were also the same age abouts."
Caiden (1:54:40 AM): "Its different when you're older..." a shrug.
Phoenix (1:55:27 AM): "I know...ah. Whatever. He'll probably find some new girl to crush on soon,and besides, I think that bloke Preston's asked her out."
Caiden (1:57:15 AM): "I don't think he will," Caiden didn't even touch the Preston comment, sitting down on the bed.
Phoenix (1:58:08 AM): Phoenix quirked a brow. "Why not? There have to be loads of girls out there his age that find him cute."
Caiden (1:58:39 AM): "Don't think he's thinking on that level. He's thinknig about who appeals to him... not who wants him."
Phoenix (2:00:20 AM): "Ah yeah. Damn Gwen for being so...I don't know what."
Caiden (2:01:12 AM): "Superior being," toeing his shoes off.
Phoenix (2:01:52 AM): "Stop saying that. She's like one of the guys."
Caiden (2:04:22 AM): "you said it, I just filled the blank in."
Phoenix (2:05:26 AM): "She's not a superior being. Shit, she's seen all of us naked. She knows what we looked like in diapers."
Caiden (2:06:40 AM): "Maybe, but she probably doesn't remember... Reese, though... maybe."
Phoenix (2:07:18 AM): He shook his head a bit, pulling Caiden towards him. "She's just one of us, remember that."
Caiden (2:08:56 AM): "I know that..." looking up at Phoenix from his spot on the bed.
Phoenix (2:09:34 AM): "Good, cuz you seemed like you didn't." He chuckled, nudging his head against Caiden's shoulder.
Caiden (2:10:27 AM): A small smile touched his lips, scooting back so he could sit down with him.
Phoenix (2:11:04 AM): Phoenix wrapped his arms around Caiden's waist and held him there, forehead against his back.
Caiden (2:11:56 AM): A little smile was on his lips, not moving.
Phoenix (2:12:30 AM): He ducked his head under CAiden's arm, kissing his side. "How did I not pick up on this earlier?"
Caiden (2:13:32 AM): "I don't... don't know..."

Caiden (10:27:06 PM): Phoenix (10:01:51 PM): "Mm...I'll have to make up for it then..."
Caiden (10:02:37 PM): Caiden blushed just a little bit and looked at him.
Phoenix (10:28:20 PM): Phoenix glanced up at him. "What? I wanna." He grinned.
Caiden (10:31:11 PM): His smile tugged at the side of his lips a little and he looked at the door.
Phoenix (10:36:40 PM): "What you think someone's gonna bust in on us?
Caiden (10:37:03 PM): "No..." shakes head abit
Phoenix (11:26:03 PM): "Okay...then why're you staring at the door?"
Caiden (11:27:09 PM): "Because it's right there," smiling just a little.
Phoenix (11:33:33 PM): "Oh...I see..."He smirked and pecked over CAiden's stomach.
Caiden (11:35:06 PM): "Do you even... you look at me and think I'm hot? Or are you just... I don't know... I'm just easy to get on w ith...?"
Caiden (11:39:47 PM): [replace hot with something better lmao]
Phoenix (11:49:00 PM): Phoenix quirked a brow. "You're gorgeous and you're my best friend. I'd say that's a winning combination."
Caiden (11:49:23 PM): "You didn't think I was gorgeous two days ago, though.. .did you?"
Phoenix (11:53:52 PM): "I never really thought about it like that. I always did think you were cute."
Caiden (11:55:23 PM): "Like a teddy bear," sighing just a little bit and lightly putting his arm at Phoenix's back.
Phoenix (11:59:43 PM): "Well if you wanna put it that way."
Caiden (12:00:36 AM): "Well, you said cute... I doubt you were thinking much else..." a small shrug.
Phoenix (12:05:33 AM): "I think of cute in many different ways, Cai dear."
Caiden (12:06:14 AM): "Okay..." a small nod.
Phoenix (12:15:07 AM): "Now since we got that settled....let's go spy on Romeo and Juliet."
Caiden (12:15:46 AM): "We still need to talk, though... don't we?"
Phoenix (12:26:00 AM): "Well yeah, of course we can talk, Cai."
Caiden (12:30:54 AM): "Maybe later, then..." getting up.
Phoenix (12:34:16 AM): "You can stay over, maybe?"he suggested as he slid off the bed.
Caiden (12:36:18 AM): "Yeah... maybe..." a small smile.
Phoenix (12:42:20 AM): "I think Gwen is. Not sure. But she'd probably leave us alone anyhow." He took Caiden's hand, leading him downstairs. He knew the adults were out back drinking and that Gwen and Reese would most likely be in the front room. "It's quiet..."
Caiden (12:46:09 AM): A small nod, not letting go of his hand.
Phoenix (12:49:21 AM): Phoenix crept down the hall, then pushed Caiden in front of him. "He sees me spying he'll kick my ass. So you tell me, they sleeping or what?"
Caiden (12:50:25 AM): He almost stumbled a bit and peeker around the corner.
Caiden (12:50:29 AM): d-
Phoenix (12:55:26 AM): Phoenix looked around the hall and chewed at his lip while on the couch, Gwen and Reese were simply looking at each other a little wide-eyed.
Caiden (12:56:09 AM): Caiden collected himself back into the hallway.
Phoenix (1:01:51 AM): Phoenix glanced at him. "What?"
Caiden (1:03:31 AM): "Don't know," quietly.
Phoenix (1:09:16 AM): "You don't know...? What was going on?"
Caiden (1:09:45 AM): "They're just staring at each other."
Phoenix (1:17:17 AM): "Really?" Phoenix ducked his head out there and scrutinized them. "That's weird."
Caiden (1:18:20 AM): "Yeah..."
Phoenix (1:22:21 AM): "Hmm.."He scratched his head and then glanced out at them again. "Think they kissed?"
Caiden (1:24:48 AM): Caiden leaned against the wall there, looking at him, before he shrugged.
Phoenix (1:37:41 AM): "Huh...well maybe we should just...er....go."
Caiden (1:41:45 AM): A small nod, heading back up the stairs.
Phoenix (1:44:25 AM): Phoenix followed, only to stop when he heard Gwen softly whisper Reese's name.
Caiden (1:46:41 AM): Phoenix stopped and Caiden did too, listening.
Phoenix (1:51:00 AM): Phoenix's brows rose and he looked up at Caiden questioningly.
Caiden (1:52:04 AM): Caiden heard one of them get up, looking at Phoenix.
Phoenix (2:01:27 AM): "Shit..."he grabbed Caiden's arm and hurried up the stairs.
Caiden (2:01:52 AM): Ducking into Phoenix's room, he couldn't hear aything else.
Phoenix (2:04:38 AM): "well then..."Phoenix gave him a little smile.
Caiden (2:05:00 AM): He shut the door and sighed, peeking out the window.

Phoenix (2:27:24 PM): Flopping on the end of the bed, Phoenix scratched his hair.
Caiden (2:28:39 PM): "He's leaving," seeing Reese leave down the driveway.
Phoenix (2:29:15 PM): Phoenix blinked and then came over, glancing over Caiden's shoulder.
Phoenix (2:29:19 PM): "Oh damn...."
Caiden (2:30:20 PM): Caiden sighed a bit and watched him go, knowing if he went after him Reese would juts be bitter.
Phoenix (2:31:52 PM): Phoenix sighed and went over to the door, casually pulling it open a bit and listening, he could hear the faint sounds of crying. "Fucking hell..."
Caiden (2:32:15 PM): "Guess that didn't go well," sitting down on the edge of the bed.
Phoenix (2:37:06 PM): "Apparently not..."Phoenix frowned, torn between wanting to go downstairs and comfort her and staying there in the room.
Caiden (2:39:14 PM): "Maybe you should go talk to her."
Phoenix (2:40:37 PM): "And say what...? Oh by the way I was spying on you in the hall and yeah..."
Caiden (2:41:10 PM): "Well... no... I mean... whats she doing now?"
Phoenix (2:42:46 PM): "Right...Why am I always the one that has to talk to them? You see where that got me last time,"he grumbled,getting up from bed.
Caiden (2:43:53 PM): "Because he's my brother and I'm not sure she'd want to talk to me. Whatever... we don't have to know everything."
Phoenix (2:46:44 PM): "Good. Because I didn't fancy that conversation one-
Phoenix (2:47:30 PM): "He was cut off as there was a knock at the door and then Gwen came in, tears on her cheeks and her eyeliner smudged a bit, the pink sheer lipstick she usually wore smeared slightly.
Caiden (2:49:00 PM): Caiden didn't look up at her, chewing his lip.
Phoenix (2:50:59 PM): She wiped her cheeks and Phoenix glanced at her, sucking in his lower lip. "I didn't mean to..."she whispered, voice breaking as she collapsed against Phoenix's chest.
Caiden (2:51:57 PM): He looked at Phoenix and sighed a little.
Phoenix (2:52:36 PM): He stroked her back, letting her cry into his shirt. "He hates me,"she sobbed.
Caiden (2:54:26 PM): Opening his mouth a little and closing it again, he didn't think he should say anything... though he knew that wouldn't be true.
Phoenix (2:56:09 PM): She pulled away and let out a little frustrated huff. "I shouldn't have let him kiss me. I just..oh god, I feel like such an idiot. And I kissed him back and then he freaked out and ran off before I could say anything."
Caiden (2:59:25 PM): Caiden looked at her a little, waiting for Phoenix to say soemthing... because he wasn't sure what to say.

Caiden (12:04:52 AM): "I didn't really think about it, " meaning hehad never SERIOUSLY thought about doing it.
Phoenix (12:07:09 AM): "Ah...all right, I guess I was just wondering."
Caiden (12:13:12 AM): "Anything else you're wondering?"
Phoenix (12:15:56 AM): "Nah...I think I got the gist"
Caiden (12:44:10 AM): Caiden wasn't very close to him, arms up to his chest and sighing alittle.
Phoenix (12:46:12 AM): "Erm....night, I guess."
Caiden (12:47:13 AM): "Last time I slept in this bed with you... you were spoooning with me..." a small smile, "Did you know?"
Phoenix (12:56:46 AM): "Yeah...I remember that."
Caiden (12:57:22 AM): "I couldn't stop wondering why you were."
Phoenix (1:01:29 AM): "I guess I just wanted to hold you."
Caiden (1:08:45 AM): "Because no one else has?" quietly.
Phoenix (1:15:20 AM): "Mmm I didn't know that no one else has."
Caiden (1:16:22 AM): "Why would anyone want to?" looking at him a bit.
Phoenix (1:18:48 AM): "Why would anyone not want to?"
Caiden (1:20:39 AM): A shrug, "Because I'm 15 and I'm a little gay boy, N ix."
Phoenix (1:26:16 AM): "I'd think that'd be more reason to."
Caiden (1:27:38 AM): He turned himself over. "Those aren't the reasons I want someone to hold me for."
Phoenix (1:33:35 AM): "No, I know that. I was joking."
Caiden (1:35:05 AM): Caiden moved back against him, laying against him a little. "I want someone to hold me because they know what my life is... and because they know it helps when things get bad... and when things hurt..." his voice quiet.
Phoenix (1:39:14 AM): Phoenix wrapped his arms around Caiden, pulling him closer and resting his head against his. "I can do that..."
Caiden (1:41:20 AM): "And that I'm always the one holding Reese when things go wrong... and I just wish someone would do that for me..." his voice was quiet and close to tear filled.
Phoenix (1:46:46 AM): Phoenix pressed his lips to Caiden's ear. "I'll be that person for you, Caiden."
Caiden (1:47:12 AM): "Mm... don't promise so much too fast..." quietly.
Phoenix (2:07:35 AM): "I've always been that person."
Caiden (2:08:22 AM): Caiden sighed a little to himself and closed his eyes. "ITs different."
Phoenix (2:15:18 AM): "Well then, we'll grow into that."
Caiden (2:15:58 AM): He didn't say anything, sighing softly as he tried to sleep.
Phoenix (2:17:07 AM): Phoenix looked over Caiden's head and out the window.
Caiden (2:17:47 AM): His hand went down to his stomach, wrapping his arm around himself.
Phoenix (2:21:18 AM): He closed his own eyes, attempting sleep.
Caiden (2:21:46 AM): He only scooted back a little more, waiting for him to pull him closer.
Phoenix (2:23:42 AM): Phoenix smiled slightly, and pulled Caiden tightly to him.
Caiden (2:24:19 AM): Caiden wondered when this would wear off... when Phoenix would realize it wasn't what he wanted.
Phoenix (2:27:57 AM): "Night, Cai,"he whispered, hiseyes fluttering.
Caiden (2:29:19 AM): "Mm... goodnight...."
Phoenix (2:30:12 AM): He let himself sleep, holding Caiden to him the whole night
Caiden (2:40:08 AM): He turned himself around eventually, laying his head above hsi heart.
Phoenix (2:40:46 AM): Phoenix awakened the next day only to a camera going off and Gwen scampering out the door.
Caiden (2:42:32 AM): Caiden didn't budge much.
Phoenix (2:44:05 AM): "Dammit, girl,"he muttered, rubbing at his eyes, then looking down at Caiden
Caiden (2:45:44 AM): He was still fast asleep, all of his hair tossled forward.
Phoenix (2:48:27 AM): Leaning a bit, he pecked his forehead lightly, brushing hair from his face.
Caiden (2:51:52 AM): A little groan... soft and slight.
Phoenix (2:57:20 AM): Smiling, Phoenix chanced pecking his lips.
Caiden (2:58:10 AM): Caiden stretched a little bit.
Phoenix (2:58:51 AM): "C'mon, kitty cat, wake up."
Caiden (3:00:46 AM): "It's early..."
Phoenix (3:01:24 AM): "If you call noon early."
Caiden (3:03:02 AM): "It's early."
Phoenix (3:03:33 AM): Phoenix laughed. "Fine then, go back to sleep."
Caiden (3:04:19 AM): "I was... but you kept touching and kissing..." smirking.
Phoenix (3:04:40 AM): "I couldn't help it. You looked to adorable not to."

Caiden (1:35:28 AM): Caiden wrapped himself a little closer to Phoenix, eager to feel that with someone.
Phoenix (6:25:19 PM): Slipping his arm around Caiden's waist, he rubbed at his back. "I hope you know, Gwen took a picture of us."
Caiden (6:55:48 PM): "Did she?" looking up at you.

Phoenix (2:25:40 AM): He nodded a bit. "Yep, caught her running out of here."
Caiden (2:26:01 AM): "I hope it was a good one."
Phoenix (2:28:11 AM): Smirking, Phoenix tousled his hair. "What, ya gonna get it from her to keep?"
Caiden (2:28:35 AM): "Maybe," a small smile on his lips, feeling giddy.
Phoenix (2:31:07 AM): "Ah, I see. You probably conspired with her to get a pict