"So," Tam said, crossing his arms and leaning against the wall. "You and Wylie, huh?"

Heat rose to my cheeks. "What about us?"

Tam raised his eyebrows. "I'm not blind, Linh."

"I know that," I told him. "But there's nothing to see."

Tam glanced back at the door, where the others were supposedly discussing plans to beat the Neverseen. But I wouldn't put it past Keefe to listen in--at least.

I moved my fingers through the air, making tiny shapes with the water to pass the time and help relieve the awkwardness.

My brother sighed. "He's good for you."

I froze, and my little water animals disappeared. That was so not the direction I had expected him to take. 

"So, you're not mad?" I asked timidly.

The corner of his mouth lifted. "Only if you admit you like him, and that he definitely likes you back."

I felt myself blush. "Fine. I like Wylie. And I think...he likes me."

Tam grinned. "Is this how you always feel when you force information out of me?"

I laughed. "It feels good, doesn't it?" I paused, and studied his face. "So, you're not going to go all overprotective-brother on him?"

Tam shrugged. "Wylie's a good guy. And you deserve to be happy. So if he makes you happy..." He narrowed his eyes. "But if he hurts you, that's a very different story. And," he stepped closer, poking me playfully in the arm. "I expect updates. Deal?"

I smiled and hugged him. "Deal."

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Wow. I'm honestly pretty surprised how bad that turned out. Sorry that was so choppy.