[Alec] *talking to the pan* No thanks, I have become very skilled at grilled cheese. *looking at him* Hungry? I can make you one if you wanted.
[Tyler] No, I'm good at the moment, thanks. *watching Alec cooking and fiddling with the salt shaker on the table* Did you have a good time at the game? I'm sorry we didn't get to spend more time with you.
[Alec] I had fun until the fire, then I got a bit pissed off at the press conference. I don't like the dirty press one bit. Other than that I had a pretty good time. I am glad you and Jonnie stayed in a separate tent with little Ty. Jonnie didn't need to worry about her tent being on fire, she is still a little fragile.
[Tyler] *chuckling quietly* I think we all got a bit pissed off at the press conference. I thought the big news story was going to end up being the bloody murder of a squad of reporters by Conor. *giving him a serious look* I know some things came out at the press conference that you weren't aware of, and you could surely tell that Jonnie wasn't either. i want you to know that she and I have talked things out, and we're good.
[Alec] *putting the sandwich on a plate and grabbing a handful of lettuce, adding some Italian dressing on it and smiling at his meager lunch before moving to the table to sit next to Tyler* I heard that you two talked. I am glad because we would've had a problem if you didn't work things out with my daughter. *looking at him and then eating a bite of his sandwich, never looking away*
[Tyler] Right. Well that's kind of what I wanted to talk to you about. As you know, Jonnie is expecting. And well, I really want to marry her. Before the baby is born. In fact, before the month lets out. So I've come to ask your blessing.
[Alec] *chewing on his salad a little longer than he needed to he swallows, then takes a long sip of water* You want my blessing to marry my daughter? *seeing Tyler nod* You are sure this is what you want? Because its not like you can decide you made a mistake. Now you have a new baby to worry about, on top of Ty, who is growing very fond of his daddy.
[Tyler] I know it's a cliche to say it sir, but I've never been more sure of anything in my life. Jonnie is all I've ever wanted, and all I will ever want. I love Ty, and I am so happy about the new baby. I will not change my mind.
[Alec] You have my blessing, you've always had it. I know you will do right by Jonnie, you will love her and care for her. But can I ask you something?
[Tyler] *exhaling with relief* Thank you. I promise you won't regret it, I will take care of them all, and any new additions to the family later on. *shaking his hand* Thank you. You can ask me anything you like, anything at all.
[Alec] How can you guarantee Jonnie and Ty's safety when you are away playing quidditch? After recent events, I hope you understand why I don't want Jonnie to go to any away games. I just can't get the image out of my mind.
[Tyler] *shaking his head * That didn't have anything to do with Quidditch. Conor and Mia have had this crazy stalker for months from what I understand. They're pretty sure it's his ex. I know it scares you, but can you guarantee the safety of your family, even when you're home?
[Alec] I can not, but I am close enough to try. As far as the stalker, I know. I talked to Conor months ago, when Jackson had his brake lines cut. Who ever is after them, is pretty slick. But eventually they will be caught. *running his hand through his hair* How much do enjoy quidditch?
[Tyler] *confused at the sudden change of subject* I love quidditch. We just won the world cup. It's not something I plan on doing for the rest of my life, but that and cooking are the only two things that kept me sane when I was without Jonnie.
[Alec] If you had something to keep you home would you consider it?
[Tyler] Something to keep me home? I guess that depends on what it is. I'm planning on taking next year off at least, so that I can help Jonnie with the new baby, and spend lots of time with Ty, but I hadn't really thought beyond that. Why?
[Alec] *getting up and walking out of the room and then coming back in and handing an envelope to Tyler* This is for you, Jonnie, Ty and my new grand baby.
[Tyler] *opening up the envelope and pulling out a sheaf of papers, looking them over, along with a check for 10,000 pounds* I don't understand. What is this? I can't take this much money from you Alec. I've done well with my quidditch, I can assure you I can take care of your daughter and my kids. *looking at the papers more closely* This is a deed, for a commercial property. What is this?
[Alec] That my boy, is a deed to the spot next to The Broken Wand, its the ideal spot for a restaurant. That is enough money to get you started, you will have to put your own money into too I'm sure. But I didn't want any money to be taken away from the needs of the family. I want you to have this, and I do have a little favor to ask you along with it. *smiling* If possible, I'd like Joey to work for you. She is going to the university and learning about bar-tending and restaurant management with her little friend. *laughing* I guess she is your friend too. But, I worry about her. She is so innocent and naive. You look out for her and she needs that.
[Tyler] *staring at the papers for a full minute, not really seeing anything* A restaurant? My own restaurant? *looking at Alec* You got us a restaurant?
[Alec] I did! I thought about how miserable Jonnie was, and how sick she was towards the end of her first pregnancy. I just wanted you all close by. I don't think I could handle her traveling all over being your personal cheerleader. Plus, Ty will start school next year and then she really can't travel. This is something you want, so why not? *smiling proudly*
[Tyler] *staring at him, tears filling his eyes* I don't know what to say. You know our dad died when we were little, and then mom got with that pile of ... anyway. I've always thought of you as a kind of a dad, and now you're really going to be. And you got us a restaurant. No wonder Jonnie and Joey love you so much, you are amazing. You've taken in my brother, when I was gone. You're just. *standing up and hugging him* I love you Alec. Thank you. Of course Joey can work there, I want to keep an eye on her anyway, she's growing up and, just, oh thank you!
[Alec] You're welcome son. It's the least I could do for my family. If you need any help, let me know. Simon probably knows people who could help you out with the business part of it. *patting him on the back* Now, speaking of your brother. You two need to bury the hatchet. It's time.
[Tyler] Aah, Luke. I really don't want to have this talk with him. I love him and I really don't want to hurt him more. This is going to kill him.
[Alec] Once upon a time I would've agreed with you. I know he is afraid to lose Jonnie and Ty, he has bonded with Joey and Lizzy lately. I think because he doesn't know where he fits in with you and Jonnie anymore. Please cut him a little slack, he is the reason Ty knows so much about you. He looked up to you, even when you thought he hated you. *smiling* Take it from me, my little brother was a pain in the ass. But when we got older I realized he was my best friend. I miss him, don't miss out on something wonderful, just because you let your pride get the best of you.
[Tyler] I won't. He's important to Jonnie and Ty, and he's my little brother. No matter what's happened in the past I love him. As far as I'm concerned, we're flush. I hurt him, he hurt me, I'm really ready for the hurting to be done. I'm glad he's hanging out with Lizzy and Joey, they're great girls. And with him around I don't have to worry about Joey with Andy as much.
[Alec] Well, then I hope you two work it out. Ty misses him. I am sure Jonnie misses him, but she won't tell you because she remembers the last fight. *hugging him one more time* I am going to finish my lunch, and then I am going to the pub. Please tell Jonnie I am excited for you both. I know this is what you both always wanted. My baby, getting married, finally! *chucking he takes a bite of his food and starts reading his paper*
[Tyler] *standing and clapping Alec's shoulder* Alright, enjoy your afternoon, tell Simon I'll be in touch. Is Luke in his room? *at Alec's nod turns toward the stairs* Alright, might as well get this over with. *walking up the stairs to Luke's room and knocking on the door* Lucas? Are you in there, it's me.
[Lucas] *sitting on the floor drawing he shakes his head then slides his papers under his bed then gets up to open the door* Hey Tyler, come in. *moving to sit on his bed he looks at his brother both curious and annoyed with his visit*
[Tyler] *sitting in a chair and looking around the room* Hey. I haven't been here before, it's nice. *looking awkward*
[Lucas] I know you didn't come here to look at my room. *looking at him he shakes his head* Why did you choose to grace me with your presence?
[Tyler] Look, I didn't come here to fight Luke. That's for damn sure. But I have something to tell you, and I need you to try to be understanding.
[Lucas] I am not trying to fight, you barely speak to me unless you are mad that I am near your family. I gave you guys space. I don't know what else I can do for you. *sighing* I will try to be understanding.
[Tyler] I barely speak to you because you're always mad at me for things I did in the past that I can't go back and change. You're happier when I'm not around you, and I just want you to be happy. Jesus man, I just can't do right by you can I? Try to bring you into my life, you're mad that I'm with Jonnie and having good times with Ty. Try to leave you alone so I don't hurt you more and you're mad that I'm ignoring you. Do me a favor and tell me when I've hit the right level of caring for your delicate sensibilities will you?
[Lucas] *laughing outloud* How about just let me have my best friend and my nephew in my life. Be my big brother. That's all I ask.
[Tyler] I'm not trying to take them away from you. Not Jonnie, and certainly not Ty. He's a good kid, and you're the closest thing to a daddy he's ever had. I've been trying to make sure he still gets to spend time with you. But I'm also trying to bond with him. That takes time, and if it takes time away from you then I'm sorry. Really.
[Lucas] If we could just get past all this resentment we could all hang out, then he can spend time with me and you at the same time. Or, if that's not okay I understand. But, I wish you would understand that I never tried to be his daddy. I told him about his daddy everyday I spent with him.
[Tyler] I know you did. I know that you didn't try to be his dad, that's not what I said. I said you're the closest thing to a dad he's had. That's a good thing, god knows the kid needed one, and I'm grateful that you were there, and that you were able to tell him about me. And yeah, the three of us can all hang out, we can play ball, I'll teach you two quidditch. I don't mind sharing time with him and you. But that's not what I came here to talk to you about.
[Lucas] *looking confused* Then why did you come here? Because now I am lost, that is our usual subject of conversation.
[Tyler] *clearing his throat and bracing himself for Lucas's reaction* Jonnie and I are getting married. Soon. On Halloween in fact. I wanted to tell you myself.
[Lucas] *looking down* Congrats man.
[Tyler] Thanks. *taking a deep breath* So how much of an insensitive prick would you think I was if I asked you to be my best man?
[Lucas] *shrugging his shoulders and watching as the tears falling hit his bed* I won't say no and hurt Jonnie, but I am just in shock. I guess I knew it would happen, now that she is pregnant. But, it still hurts.
[Tyler] *feeling like the worst brother ever* Lucas. Can you please look at me? *when Lucas doesn't look up he says* Fine, I'll say this anyway. I'm sorry I hurt you, but I'm not asking you for Jonnie. You're my brother, and when I get married I want you standing by my side. And what that means is, if it's too hard for you, I can accept no as an answer. You don't have to decide now. Think about it. *deciding as his big brother he can do this if he wants to, he stands and sits on the bed next to Lucas and wraps his arm around his shoulders* I love you.
[Lucas] *feeling so lost in his brothers arms, not sure to cry or to move away, he can't fight the emotions and sobs* I love you too. I am happy for you, but I am heart broken at the same time. *feeling the tears slow he wipes his face but stays in Tyler's embrace*
[Tyler] I know you are. I wish I could help that. *rubbing his arm comfortingly* You know, back in the day we were best friends, you and me. I can't forget that if I wanted to, I wish that my happiness didn't come at the cost of yours. *tearing up himself* It seems like that's the way it's always been for us, I do something that makes me happy and it just hurts you. God I'm a shit brother.
[Lucas] You deserve the happiness. I will be okay, I knew it was going to happen. *sitting up and looking at Tyler* It's not going to happen over night, but we need to work on being brothers. Not enemies pretending to be brothers, but actual brothers. Because in spite of everything you believe, I do love you. And I want you to be happy.
[Tyler] *giving a tear filled laugh* Ok, we can do that. But do me a favor and stop projecting things on me that I don't really think or feel. Because guess what, I know you love me. You proved it every day that you told my son about me when I wasn't there. When you took care of the woman I loved. And when you saw that she and I were back together, and you didn't leave. You may have chosen that time to be a colossal pain in the ass, but you didn't leave, and that's what counts. I want you to be happy too. *pulling away and punching him in the shoulder* You've been spending a lot of time with Liz. What's going on there, huh? *smiling at him while wiping the tears off his face*
[Lucas] Well, we spend all of our free time plotting ways to be colossal pains in the ass. *laughing then looking at him with red eyes* I wanted Ty to know about you, and I knew that if I didn't take care of him and Jonnie, you'd hate me. I fell in love along the way, but you can't blame me. Look at her, who wouldn't love her? I will try to be less of a pain, but give me time to work on it. You are taking the two people I love more than anything and officially making them yours. I never had much of a chance, but now its definite. It's alot to take in.
[Tyler] You'll have all the time you need. Or, like a couple of days, at least to make the decision. Because I really need to know if you'll be my best man, but after that, you know, take all the time you need to get used to it. *giving him a weak smile* And have fun plotting with Lizzy, if you two don't pull off some major mischief at the reception I'll be disappointed.
[Lucas] *looking at him and shaking his head* I don't need time to think about it, I will do it. I'll be your best man.
[Tyler] For me. Not for Jonnie, or Ty, or because you think you're supposed to. But because I want my brother by my side and he wants to stand there with me.
[Lucas] for you mostly, but I wouldn't miss seeing Jonnie walk down the aisle for anything. Besides I get to stand up there with Ty and this goof of a man too. *trying to pinch Tyler* I get once dance with my best friend, and you can't get mad.
[Tyler] Hell yeah you do. And I might just take that opportunity to get a dance with my best friend too. Providing Jonnie and you are both ok with that.
[Lucas] *smiling* Lizzy misses her best friend too, just so you know. That's why I like spending time with her, she understands exactly what I am going through.
[Tyler] *looking sad* I really messed up with her. I have to find a way to make it up to her. When I'm done here I think I'm going to stop by her place and see if she wants to chat.
[Lucas] *nodding* She'd like that. Trust me, I know things. * standing up and looking in the mirror, fixing his hair and wiping his face one more time* I think I should get packing this room up, we are moving into the flat in a couple days. Wanna help your baby brother pack, while we discuss a pressing matter. What are you going to tell Jonnie when she mentions mom being here? *laughing* I know Jonnie, and she'll ask.
[Tyler] *sighing and starting to pack books into a box* She already asked. I told her I'd think about it. I need your opinion on that. As far as I'm concerned I could never see that woman again and be just fine with it. But you were there longer than I was, you know if it's even worth bothering asking her to come.
[Lucas] The night I was released from the hospital, it was Jonnie who picked me up. I haven't spoken to mom since she let Jerry almost kill me. And, its funny that Jonnie asked. She wouldn't let Ty near them. *laying out some picture frames to pack* I say that's your call bro. I hate the lady. And if I ever see Jerry I will kill him, slowly.
[Tyler] Give me a call after you've taped him up, I'll come help you. *shaking his head* She knew what he did to you, she knew what he did to me, and she's still with that man. Not because she's trapped or stuck, but because she "loves him". Obviously more than she loves us. I have no desire for her to mar my wedding by even being in the country.
[Lucas] But, it is hard as hell to win a fight against Jonnie. Just be prepared. *smiling* I've tried many times. I am still at zero.
[Tyler] You're telling me? *laughing and looking down at the picture frames laid out, seeing several of the two of them together when they were kids* Man, you still have these? *picking one up of the two of them, arms around each other, laughing and smiling* That's the week before dad died. When he took us deep water fishing out of Santa Monica. We didn't catch a thing, but that was a great day. *wiping his eyes surprised to find them damp again* I miss him.
[Lucas] I miss him too. I sometimes think that if he was still here we would've had a better childhood. He loved us. *smiling as he looks at the picture* He was the best dad.
[Tyler] He was. I hope that one day my kids will know that I loved them as much as dad loved us. *leaning over and hugging Lucas again, sobbing as deeply as Luke had been earlier* I'm sorry I left you brother. I'm so sorry. I never should have left you alone with them. I was supposed to take care of you after dad died. I promised him I would always take care of you. I failed him, and you both.
[Lucas] *squeezing Tyler tightly* You didn't fail me, you went to better yourself. I would be one selfish jerk to hold you back. I was strong enough when you left that I held my own, it wasn't until you left the states that there was a problem. But, that is in the past. Jonnie saved me and I never looked back. As far as mom knows, I died from all the wounds. She wouldn't know any different because she never saw me after I was taken out of the house on a stretcher.
[Tyler] I did fail you, and it takes the man in me to finally realize that. I need to recognize it so that I don't ever do it again. *sniffling and still hugging Lucas* And if she thinks you died, then lucky you. But that means that she didn't take any steps to try to take care of even your body when you died. No funeral, no wake, nothing. Bitch even abandoned you in death. Caused by her piece of shit husband. I can't forgive that and I'll tell Jonnie that. She can't make me have someone at the wedding who would do that to you.
[Lucas] Well, when that talk happens just bare in mind her mom died, its a sensitive subject. *shaking his head* Sorry, you know that. I don't know why I feel the need to tell you all the stuff you already know. Guess it's my attachment to her that makes it hard to stop. *holding a picture of the three of them* He looked like you from the day he was born, look. *handing Tyler the picture, and puts the rest of the pictures in the box* If you two have a girl, I hope she looks like her mom, poor kid wouldn't stand a chance with the boys if she looked like you. *laughing out loud, thinking how effortless it was to be around Tyler now*
[Tyler] Yeah, like you'd be a looker if you were in a dress either. *chuckling* So, *fiddling with his keys* next weekend, before the wedding, I'm going to be taking Ty to this little cottage I have out in the forest. Show him my garden and stuff... Would you want to come with us?
[Lucas] *looking at him slightly unsure* Are you sure? I don't want to be in the way because you need to get to know your son. You need to see the amazing kid he is. I don't want you to feel awkward.
[Tyler] *seeing Luke's hesitation makes him even more sure* I am positive. Look, you're all Ty's known, and as much as I need to spend time with him I also need him to know I'm not going to take away his uncle Lucas. And I need you to know that I'm not going to take him away from you. And for the love of all that is good and holy, I need Jonnie to know that you and I can spend time together without trying to kill each other. This seems like the perfect opportunity.
[Lucas] So the knives are strictly for food, nice! *laughing and then hugging his brother* I'd love to join you and Ty. The Ferris boys together, I think this is long overdue.
[Tyler] *hugging Lucas back* Me too man, me too. *pulling away sniffling comically* I love you man!!! *he laughs* Seriously though, it's gonna be a blast, I'll pick you up on Friday night. You don't have any plans do you?
[Lucas] No, in fact you will be saving me from helping Joey unpack her room. If I know her, she'll want to paint something, and then want her room set up just so. *shaking his head* You know her, free spirit that one. *smiling at Tyler's nod* Do you need me to bring anything?
[Tyler] Hmm, a fishing rod if you have one. And a bottle of your favorite drink so that when Ty falls asleep we can relax with a few drinks. Other than that the cottage is pretty well set up. When I was on my own it's where I spent most of my downtime. If I had more than one night off I would go there, tend my garden and just get away from the city.
[Lucas] Well alright! I can do that. I will even go get us some bait in the afternoon. It will be a fun time, I am sure of it. I'll even bring my camera and get newer photos of us, to add to the frames. Let's have a better future and forget the bad parts of our past. *pulling out a suitcase and moving to his closet* I am going to finish up packing. You are welcome to stay and hang out, but if you want to go I won't mind too much.
[Tyler] Well, as tempting as hanging out here helping you pack up sounds, today seems to be my day to have hard talks. So now that I'm done with you, and we're good, I have to go see Lizzy. God I'm lucky she's a muggle. I may very well get slapped, but at least I know I'm not gonna be hexed. *laughing*
[Lucas] *smiling* I am sure you are okay. She mentioned having dinner with you and Jonnie, I have to go too. But I really don't mind. If her and Jonnie can work it out, you two should be able to as well. Just don't expect it to go back to normal with one talk. We have all been hurt and it takes time. I know you two will figure it out. Best friends don't give up on each other, no matter what.
[Tyler] *rustling Luke's hair* How'd you ever get to be so smart? Ok, I'm going now. Love you brother, I'll see you at dinner then, or on Friday for our trip, whichever comes first. You know me, Jonnie tells me where to go and what time to be there, and I just show up and hope I'm dressed right.
[Lucas] *laughing* That's what happens when they have you by the balls. *hugging him and smiling* Love you too Tyler. Call me this week sometime if you want.
[Tyler] I will. Have fun packing, can't wait to see your new place. *walking out and shutting the door behind him, leaving the house with a new sense of hope and happiness he hadn't felt in a long time.*
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