"The house was so empty without you," Maxi said, brushing Sam's shoulders.

Sam fought the impulse to roll his eyes. His mother had been saying that for the whole three days they'd been home.

"Honestly, it's so good to have you all home," she continued, looking from Sam to Christine and the rest of the girls. "Home and together."

Sam squirmed, but tried not to show his discomfort. He and Christine weren't together. Even if he had to admit that she'd delivered.

The moment they'd landed in Chicago, Christine and Tina had met them at the airport. Tina was mostly there to see Jerry, but Christine had come armed with her makeup kit and had spent the following hour hiding bruises and scratches so that they could avoid awkward questioning at home.

She'd done a brilliant job. Their parents hadn't noticed that they were hurt. And ever since, Christine had come by every morning to redo the makeup. Even now Sam's face was coated in a thick layer of foundation that covered the ugly bruises on this temple and cheekbone. But he was fine, probably the least hurt of all except for Jerry and Jessie.

Once the adrenaline rush had faded, he'd been able to see the real consequences of their escape. Kyle and Jimmy, as brave as they played it, had been beaten pretty badly. Ignoring the superficial cuts which would heal in time, their torsos were a purple mess. Jimmy was worst off, his face a little swollen from the damage. Still Christine had worked wonders in hiding it.

Even now, both Kyle and Jimmy wore long-sleeved tees, even if it was still hot outside. Sam had a hoodie on too, preferring to hide the cuts and bruises on his arms with fabric rather than makeup. The only one who had let himself get made up was Tom.

"As delightfully awkward as this conversation is, can we go now?" Tom asked, gesturing towards the door.

Maxi squinted at him, a smirk on her lips. "Yes, smart mouth, of course you can go. You should before your dad shows up and lectures you all."

Everyone piled out to head for the park where they agreed they'd spend the day. Sam lingered behind, watching Christine leave with the rest of the group. His chest tightened every time he realized they weren't together. When he'd finally realized they were safe, his mind had drifted to her and their relationship. He hadn't rushed to get back together, but now, every time he saw her, it was harder not to. She didn't push him, didn't breach the subject, just smiled and treated him like the most important person in her world. The more loving she was, the worse he felt for stalling and not making a decision.

"Sam, are you okay, honey?"

He jumped and turned to his mother who watched him worried.

"Aren't you going with your brothers?" With Christine? Though unspoken, the question lingered in the air.

"Yeah, sure. I just wanted to talk to Dad first."

Maxi smiled. "Sure. Your father is in his office."

Sam nodded and headed for the home office. What the girls had said during their escape had stuck with him. They were at a disadvantage because they couldn't read Snitch Gravel. Knowledge was power so it was about time Sam got more info about it. They'd agreed he was best fitted to breach the subject and also that he should do it alone. Any other combination would probably lead to a massive fight and no answers.

His father sat at his desk, reading a folder which was spread out before him. He raised his eyes when Sam came in and smiled.

"Hi, Sam. What can I do for you?"

The question felt a little weird and Sam tried to remember when was the last time he'd had a proper conversation with his father.

"Just wanted to talk to you about something," he mumbled.

Freider indicated that he should sit down. "Are you finally going to tell me more about this internship?"

Sam remained standing. "Actually, that's exactly what I wanted to talk to you about."

With careful moves, he unzipped his hoodie and peeled it off him, fighting the impulse to draw air through his teeth. Though hardly serious, his scratches stung.

Freider's eyes widened as he took in his son's cuts and bruises. With a sigh, Sam wiped the foundation off his face so his father could get the whole picture.

"Son, what happened to you?" Freider whispered.

"Snitch Gravel happened, Dad. He came after us. He's hunting us."

For a moment, Freider said nothing, just stared, his jaw slack and hanging open. Then he closed his mouth and bit down so hard it looked like he'd pull a muscle.

"Are the rest of your brothers hurt?" he finally asked.

Sam nodded.

"Even Kyle?"

Sam tilted his head. That was a weird question. "Especially Kyle. Why would you even ask something like that?"

Freider waved him away and looked at the ceiling, his fingers joined in front of his chest. And at that moment, Sam could practically see him shutting down, closing off any answer, any truth.

"Do you know of a reason Snitch Gravel would not hurt Kyle?" Sam insisted, and even as he asked the question, his brain went back to all their missions, all the interactions between Kyle and Snitch Gravel or his men. If there was anything he'd noticed was Snitch Gravel's desire to snuff Kyle out first. Which was understandable seeing as he was the most dangerous.

"Of course not," Freider finally answered. "It was mostly me wondering out loud whether your brother's studies at the academy are helping."

Sam gritted his teeth because he could see through the poor lie. Freider hadn't lied about not knowing of a reason, but the second part was a rouse. And he was done swallowing bullshit.

"Dad, why is this happening? Why does Snitch Gravel hate you so much?"

"We've already had this conversation three years ago. What more do you want from me?"

The answer was empty and patronizing. Sam clenched his fists.

"The whole truth. Details."

Freider narrowed his eyes and Sam fought the impulse to step back. So he squared his shoulders instead and lifted his chin, maintaining eye contact. His father stayed quiet, glaring at him as if the question was a bother.

Then, all of a sudden, he sighed and indicated that Sam should sit down. This time, he took the invitation and dropped on one of the leather chairs.

"Snitch Gravel and I were a couple of those people who just can't stand each other without needing a reason. We were completely opposite in interests and personalities. The only reason we ever collided was geography, same high school and all. We had a bitter rivalry. And even in high school, he was a lowlife. I got in his way as much as possible. He hated me for it. It was bitter, intense and might seem childish and stupid."

He took in a deep breath. "Just like I mentioned when we first had this conversation, you don't know what it's like to have a rival. You don't know what it's like to hate. Well, I've learned early on. And some people just never give up on grudges."

Sam waited, but no further explanation presented itself. His father just watched him with an air that showed he expected Sam to eat it all up and leave him alone.

Not a chance.

"You can't possibly think I'd believe this is over a high school grudge."

Freider's eyes narrowed. "And why exactly wouldn't you believe that?"

"Because it's stupid. He's trying to kill your kids. This can't be about who had higher scores or who asked the head cheerleader to the prom!"

"Oh, really now?" The chill in his father's voice sent a shiver down Sam's spine. "And you're saying that because you're so experienced when it come to inter-human relations? Face it, Sam. No matter how mature you think you are, you're still a kid. You don't know how life works."

Sam bit his lip so hard not to snap back that he drew blood. "Stop underestimating me."

"I'm not underestimating you. But I'm not overestimating you either. You asked for the truth and I gave it to you. Now you have to live with it."

"Really now? And how much will I live with this information? How will it help me defend myself?"

Freider bit his lip, too, and appeared to actually consider it. Sam's shoulders relaxed a little as he realized he might be hearing the first real piece of information.

"Snitch Gravel is a psychopath. I didn't want to tell you this, because it's hard to hear, but maybe it will help you understand." Freider leaned his hands on the desk and spread his fingers wide. "In his senior year, he killed people, Sam. And I was the only one who realized it was him. I gave him away and he got expelled. It was the cherry on top of years of rivalry."

Sam tilted his head. This was new. But it also sounded a bit too dramatic. Yes, Snitch Gravel was a killer now, but had he really been one at Sam's age? Was his father exaggerating to drive a point home? Or maybe it really was that way.

"All you need to know is that he makes no sense," Freider continued. "He's a vengeful bastard who will do anything to get his way, like the spoiled brat he's always been. That's why the best way to handle it is to stay away from him." His father's eyes returned to the papers before him. "So maybe it's better to stay home for a while."

Sam understood that last sentence to mean that he was being dismissed. So he sat up and walked out, his brain buzzing with the information. It didn't feel right. He'd come to know Snitch Gravel and he wasn't as psychotic as his father claimed. He didn't seem to be the stupid grudge holding type either. Sam was almost certain there was something else, something much bigger at the root of everything. But he was also convinced his father would only tell him so much. He was sure from the way he'd dropped the murder bomb as if it was the final nail in the coffin.

Sam just prayed the coffin wasn't his.

⭐⭐⭐

Kyle watched Kay as she raised her face towards the sun, lying propped up on her her elbows. She'd taken her shirt off, and now only wore jeans and a tank top. The leaves of the trees in the park sent dancing shadows across her face. And he couldn't stop staring. She was safe. They were all safe even if a little beaten up. Okay, maybe more than a little. But it didn't matter. They'd only get better at it and escape easier. After that massive fight, he knew it. She had pulled through, had been invaluable help.

He looked to his left where Jessie lay on the grass, her hands folded under her head. She caught him looking and smiled at him. She was unharmed, both because of her skills and Jimmy's obsession with protecting her. It explained why Jimmy had come out worst. But he didn't mind. Kyle knew he'd do it again without batting an eyelash.

The thought of it sent a jolt of discomfort to Kyle's stomach. A part of him felt bad that he hadn't protected Kay properly, hadn't focused on keeping her out of trouble. But another part of him knew it was for the best. He needed to treat Kay as his equal, not a liability. Not that Jimmy thought of Jessie that way, but he tended to get overprotective.

So hard to break the habit. But he was doing it.

"You know what would be perfect right now?" Kay said to no one in particular. "Ice cream."

"Oh, yeah. Now you're talking," Jessie agreed.

"Okay. I'll go get you girls some," Kyle said, getting to his feet.

"I'll come with," Jimmy said, getting up, too.

Kyle opened his mouth to point out that he could handle two ice cream cones, but shut it because maybe Jimmy actually knew what kind of ice cream Jessie liked.

They headed towards the mobile stand on the alley overlooking the lake. The moment they climbed to the alley, Jimmy grabbed his arm and pulled him next to a tall tree.

"What's going on?" Kyle asked suspiciously.

Jimmy wiped his hands on his jeans. "I just wanted to talk. Ask you how you're doing on the control thing."

Oh. Damn, he didn't think he was that obvious. "Look, I know I've been staring at her boobs a lot, but it's impossible not to with that tank top. But I got this..." He trailed away as he took in the shocked look on Jimmy's face. "And you weren't actually talking about that."

"Ew, of course not. I don't care if you keep it in your pants or not." Jimmy shuddered. "Ew. I meant the creepiness."

Kyle raised an eyebrow. "Creepiness?"

"What happened when you cornered Eye Patch in Delhi... If Kay hadn't pulled you off him... It reminds me of when you used to blackout in the jungle."

Oh, that. The memory of how he lost control made him shudder. He'd hoped against hope that he hadn't freaked the others out too much. He apparently had if Jimmy was bringing it up.

"I won't deny it. I do tend to lose control more than I used to."

Jimmy frowned. "Than you used to?"

"Yeah. I've had this problem before. I get so angry I just black out and hurt people. But I've also learned how to control it so that it only happens when I'm tired, or very stressed out or unbelievably angry. I guess the Eye Patch thing was a combination of all."

Jimmy paused a little as if taking it all in. "So you've got this. It's not getting worse."

Ah, crap. He couldn't lie to Jimmy. He avoided talking to the others about it because the pressure would make it worse. It was enough that Kay knew. But maybe Jimmy, someone who could contain him physically if need be, should know, too.

"It actually is. And just like the blackouts in the jungle, I'm guessing it's a side effect of my super special snowflake serum." Which led him to another conversation he needed to have and another issue he needed to come clean about. "So, I think you should watch your temper, too."

"Um, what?"

God, he hated having to do this, but he'd kept the secret long enough. And Jimmy needed to know to prevent potential tragedies. "This serum... When you were beaten unconscious in the jungle... " Hell, this was harder than the thought. He didn't even know where to begin. "Okay, when I left to get Kay from Snitch Gravel's base, I collapsed."

Jimmy frowned and tilted his head, but didn't interrupt and Kyle was grateful. Maybe it was easier just spilling it all out.

"When I woke up, this freaky guy in a robe told me he'd given me some antidote against the side effects of the serum. So I kind of knew there was something up with me before the labs. The thing is, whatever he gave me, it worked. I haven't blacked out since, even if I've felt I was supposed to a couple of times. So when he showed up while you were dying and injected you with some left over serum, I... I let him."

Pause. A long uncomfortable pause as Jimmy obviously struggled to wrap his mind around what he'd just said.

"I was dying?" he finally asked.

"Yep. Failing organs, internal bleeding, the works."

Jimmy rubbed his stomach as if he could still feel the pain. He winced because of a more current pain. "So this serum saved my life?"

"Yes. You all know I heal a bit faster than usual. It worked very fast on you, so we assumed it focused on healing you and wouldn't have any other side effects. But then you threw up after you drank so..."

Jimmy nodded, rubbing the back of his head. "It's just so weird. Why didn't you tell me earlier?"

"I just..." Kyle bit his lip. "I just thought it was the last thing you needed to burden yourself with at the moment. At any moment except right now. Sorry if I was out of line. You're my little brother and I felt the need to protect you."

Jimmy nodded again, his eyes still far away, but Kyle was glad he wasn't getting angry or throwing a fit.

"We..." he said thoughtfully. "Who else knows?"

Ah, shit. He hadn't thought that one through. But he didn't see the point in lying either. "Jessie. She didn't tell you for similar reasons."

Jimmy just hummed, looking towards the lake where the girls were. They couldn't see them from up there and Kyle was glad the hill protected them.

"Thank God," Jimmy finally breathed.

"Huh?"

"It would've sucked having to explain all that to her. This way she won't freak out when I go crazy. Sorry," he added quickly.

Kyle just laughed. "No sweat. We both have a lot of work to do. But for now, let's get our girls some ice cream."

⭐⭐⭐

Sam walked next to Christine, trying to put his conversation with his father out of his mind and focus on the good things in his life. It wasn't like he could do anything about it, and he'd tell the others later, let them enjoy a quiet afternoon.

"What are you thinking?" Christine asked.

Sam just hummed, his eyes fixed on Jerry and Tina who were walking further ahead. "Just thinking how weird it is to see them holding hands."

"Tell me about it," Christine said with a laugh. "But I'm happy for them, you know? Tina is in a much better mood since she actually got a boyfriend."

"So is Jerry."

And Sam wished more than ever that he could detach himself from his worries too, even if for a few sunlight hours. His eyes drifted towards the lake where Kyle, Jimmy, Kay and Jessie sat, laughing and joking, maybe just enjoying the fact that they were alive.

"Move out of the way, slowpoke!"

Sam jumped to the right, just in time to avoid Tom who zoomed past him on a skateboard. He skidded and turned dramatically, a big grin on his face.

"I missed this so much."

"Where's Angie?" Sam asked.

"Right here," she answered, coming up from behind on rollerblades and circling him and Christine. "What are you guys doing?"

"Just walking," Christine said.

"Groovy. Now leave them alone, babe. Let's get ice cream," Tom said, and with a wave of his hand, he was off with Angie hot on his trail.

"They're so cute together, honestly."

Sam nodded in agreement and he and Christine walked on. It felt so strange being with her without being her boyfriend. He hadn't realized how much he'd gotten used to the idea until now. He itched to take her hand, hug her, sink his face into her hair.

The backs of their hands touched and it sent a jolt through Sam. Why was he doing this to himself? Another accidental touch had him making up his mind. He took her hand.

Christine didn't look at him, just smiled and walked on.

"You really are giving me space," he said.

"As much as you need."

He stopped in the middle of the path and turned her to face him. "I don't need space. I'd rather have you."

Her amber eyes shone brilliantly in the afternoon sun as she put her hand on his cheek. "I'm yours. I'll always be, no matter what." And she raised on the tips of her toes and kissed him on the lips.

His first impulse was to pull away, but he fought it. Why shy away? He liked the softness of her lips, the heat of her body. So, instead, he wrapped his arms around her. And when she smiled against his mouth, he smiled back. And when she parted her lips and then parted his, he fell like a fool into the first kiss of his life.

To be continued

🌟🌟🌟

This is it. The end. Of this story at least. I hope you all enjoyed it and liked the happy ending.
Major author note coming soon. Meanwhile give me your thoughts on the ending. 😊

I'm so happy that I managed to finish this! Yay! Share my excitement! Also vote and comment 😁