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The team had all returned to the Haven and Institute respectfully, Landon having gone straight to his dorm to crash and get some more sleep feeling very drained from the battle. Over at the Haven Tommy and Billy were regaling the others with the story of how their mom was captured when the door rang. David rose to get it and opened the door and blinked looking at Malcolm Durvo. “Um Hi Malcolm. Boys, Malcolm is here to see you.”, David called as this wasn’t the first time Malcolm had come to visit the boys. “Actually sir. I’m not here technically to see them.”, Malcolm said setting his duffle bag down on the ground. David raised his pierced brow and looked from the duffle bag to Malcolm. “So what exactly is happening then?”, David asked. “I’m here to request sanctuary.”, Malcolm answered. David blinked in shock at this. “What? I’m confused. Why?”, David asked. Kim hearing Malcolm say he wanted sanctuary got up from the sofa where she’d been sitting with her sons and looked at Malcolm from behind her cousin. “Malcolm? Does your mother know you are here for this reason?”, Kim questioned. Malcolm nodded. “Yes. My family knows I’m here and why. I’ve been allowed to leave. I struck a bargain with Azazel,. I was allowed to leave as long as I ensured that when Aunt Wanda went to face Landon that Azazel would be named headmaster. And to answer you Mister Bryant, I’m here because I do not want to be Academy anymore. I no longer am needed to be spy for your son since he has finally captured my Aunt and ensured that she will not be killing him. And otherwise for personal reasons.”, Malcolm explained. “Spy for Landon?”, David repeated looking to the living room at Tommy and Billy.
Billy walked forward seeing David’s look. “Um yes sir. Our cousin was helping us with Landon’s plan. He was our inside guy the whole time. He helped us with the black out that allowed Tommy to steal our mom’s book back in January, he got our things from the Academy while Landon talked to Misses Bryant-Frost, and these last three months he’s been making sure that our mom was not going to get any support from the Academy so Landon would not need to face anyone but her today.”, Billy explained. David sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. “Alright so what is this personal reasons? Don’t tell me you did this because you have feelings for one of the kids too. Cause really there aren’t any left to like.”, David said shaking his head. Malcolm rubbed the back of his neck. “Am I allowed to claim sanctuary yet?”, Malcolm asked. David sighed. “I can’t really tell you no.”, David answered. Malcolm sighed and stepped inside. “Sanctuary.”, Malcolm declared. “Welcome to the Haven.”, Aislinn said walking out carrying a tray of snacks for the boys. “Thank you Misses Bryant.”, Malcolm said with a smile. “So about the personal reason?”, David questioned. Malcolm rubbed the back of his neck. “Um well, guess since I’ve claimed sanctuary I can say this and not die. Mister Bryant, I’m dating Cora Lee. And well she’s why I’ve done everything I’ve done to help Landon.”, Malcolm said quickly wincing waiting to be hit. David’s jaw tightened as he looked at Malcolm, but Aislinn lightly laid a hand on his shoulder. “Let the lad be, luv.”, Aislinn said. “Our daughter must be rat’er important fer him ta have risked so much to ‘elp.”, Aislinn added. David grumbled turning back to the living room. Kim chuckled and patted Malcolm on the shoulder. “You were smart to tell him after you claimed sanctuary. You can go crash with my boys if you like.”, Kim instructed pointing upstairs. Malcolm nodded. “Thanks Misses Bryant-Frost.”, Malcolm said heading up the stairs.
“We are going to need a bigger house at this rate.”, Kim said walking into the living room behind Aislinn. David sighed and needed. “Yeah apparently. I mean I kind of thought we might need to expand when you guys moved in back in January so I asked Jacob to start drawing up plans for a bigger place. Just need to get the money together to build it.”, David explained. “I’ll talk to Christian. And before you say a damn word David James Bryant I live here with two of my children I can help if I damn well want to.”, Kim said pointing at David. Merrick and Sebastian covered their mouths to hide their laughs at how their mom spoke to David. David rolled his eyes. “Whatever Kimberly Anne Bryant, using full names low blow.”, David grumbled. Kim laughed and nudged her cousin. “I’ll call Christian tonight and see what we can figure out. Till then boys will just have to deal with being sardines in their bedrooms.”, Kim stated. The boys shrugged. “We’ll survive.”, Merrick stated. “Sorry to cut this short and all, but I’ve got work. I’ll be home late tonight.”, Merrick said getting up and giving his mom and hug goodbye. “Which girl are you seeing after work tonight?”, David teased. Merrick smirked. “Jada or is it Jennifer. Meh I’ll remember which twin it is when I pick her up. Jada has the ‘Marilyn Monroe’ beauty mark piercing and Jen doesn’t.”, Merrick answered with a wave heading out the door. David shook his head. “And people think my boy is bad for kissing a set of cousins.”, David sighed. Kim shrugged. “I don’t try to defend my son’s virtue. As long as I don’t become a grandma before I’m ready I don’t care who he’s fucking.”, Kim admitted. Sebastian and the twins just started to laugh at that statement.
Later that night Landon and the others arrived at the Draven to enjoy a final summer night at the club as a group. It’d been since the birthday party that Landon had come to the club with the others. As they walked in as a group a number of people took notice. Rachel was one of those people that took notice. She’d been sitting at the booth with Xavier, Tommy, Billy, Malcolm, Blaire, Hope, Gabriel and Bianca waiting for the others. Rachel smiled seeing the group enter with Landon in the center. It’d been so long since she’d seen the group in public together smiling. It finally felt like it was before all this mess. She got up with the others and pushed past them heading over to the group and without a second thought hugged Landon tightly. Landon laughed shaking his head. “Nice to see you to Rach.”, Landon said returning the hug. Atif found it amusing how Rachel rushed to hug Landon, but then again he was pro Rachel. He didn’t want to take a side in it because Rose was one of his best friends but there was just something about how Landon was with Rachel that made Atif a firm believer Rachel was the right girl for Landon. Rose held back her emotions on how her cousin moved to hug Landon and chose to write it off as Rachel like the others had been was glad Landon was still here and hugged him like they all had after the fight was done. Rachel blushed a little realizing she was still hugging and pulled back looking to the others. “Congratulations guys. You did it.”, Rachel said smiling. “Thanks Rachel. Now let’s all go have some fun. Cause I think I’ve not really had any fun in months. Rather missed hanging out with all of you.”, Landon suggested looking at the group. “So who’s dancing with me?”, Landon asked looking at the group. Rose looked to Rachel who looked to Rose neither sure if they should say yes to dancing with him and not get the other upset. “I’ll dance with you. Less weirdness that way.”, Blaire said grabbing Landon by the wrist and heading to the dance floor. Landon laughed and shrugged giving a look to Rachel and Rose of ‘save me’.
“You realize you asked a loaded question back there? You can’t just act like nothing’s changed Landon.”, Blaire said as they started to dance. “Huh?”, Landon questioned. “You can’t just go back to treating them both like your buddies. You can’t pretend that what you did didn’t happen. You made out with Rachel and kissed Rose. It was weird enough for them before when you’d be close to them since they had feelings for you just didn’t know if they were returned. Till you make a decision on which one you friend zone or if you decide to just friend zone both of them, don’t put them into that type of situation. You generally get to be the one that intimated others and such. Well this is my intimidation to you. Don’t mess with Rachel or Rose’s minds and hearts like that, or I’ll kick your ass.”, Blaire threatened. Landon raised an eyebrow and attempted to not laugh. “You have a good point. Thanks Blaire. It’s not really easy for me you know. And picking between them isn’t going to be that easy either.”, Landon replied. “Well you better fucking figure it out. Just promise that till you figure it out you keep distance from them. Don’t flirt, be charming and sure the hell don’t be alone with either of them.”, Blaire instructed. “This coming from the girl who has kissed with how many townies in this club?”, Landon countered. “That’s a bit different. Any boy I’ve kissed has been made full aware before the kissing that he’s not my boyfriend, and never will be and that more than likely I’ll be kissing a different boy the next night. My intentions are made clear up front. There’s no emotional attachment.”, Blaire argued. Landon nodded. “Uh huh and the rodeo clown?”, Landon asked spinning Blaire out and back in. “Tristan is different. And that’s’ not the point here he doesn’t live in Bayville. And like the townie boys hasn’t been my best friend since diapers. You’ve been friends with Rose and Rachel your whole life. And besides Tristan and I have an understanding because he kisses other girls and guys for that matter.”, Blaire explained. “Uh huh and so what I’ve heard that you two are keeping in touch fit into that ‘no emotional attachment’ part of the deal how?”, Landon asked. Blaire furrowed her brow. “Shut up with your logic.”, Blaire said stopping dancing as her phone started ringing in her jeans pocket.
“Is that ‘it’s raining men’? Who the fuck?”, Landon questioned raising an eyebrow. “Tristan, where your ears burning or something handsome?”, Blaire greeted. Landon just started to laugh. “Oh priceless.”, Landon laughed. “Why would my ears be burning beautiful? You talking or thinking about me? Who you with?”, Tristan asked keeping his phone between his ear and shoulder as he was loading the trailer from the final rodeo of the summer. “Oh I’m always thinking about you. But I was talking about you. And that’s just Landon laughing like the jerkface he is.”, Blaire said. Landon leaned close to the phone. “Hey Tristan!”, Landon yelled still laughing. “Glad to see you don’t have any emotional attachment to him Blaire. I’m going to go sit with the others. You enjoy your phone call.”, Landon teased patting her on the shoulder walking to the booths. Blaire stuck out her tongue walking off the dance floor to find somewhere quite to sit. “Oh he and the others out celebrating that win you texted me about earlier?”, Tristan asked. “Yeah. I was dancing with Landon because moron was trying to act like shit hasn’t changed between him and the Howletts. I told him till he decides what he’s doing about that love triangle he needs to not be all flirty and charming to them cause it just messes with their heads and hearts and if does I’ll kick his ass.”, Blaire said. Tristan laughed a little. “Good for you Blaire. Someone should lay down the law with him. Cause really not cool to toy with them like that.”, Tristan agreed.
“He says it’s not going to be easy to decide what he wants to do. And I’m sure it’s not. Kind of a pickle he got himself into since they are both his friends, Rose being his best friend. But for what my opinion is worth I think he’s just going to be agonizing more about how to friend zone Rose without getting his ass kicked.”, Blaire stated. “Oh you think it’s gonna be my Rose that gets the friend zone?”, Tristan asked closing up the trailer he was loading and getting into the cab of the truck with his dad. “A man does not give a woman a 14k gold covered with white sapphires bracelet with the Arabic word for the meaning of the woman’s middle name engraved into on a lark.”, Blaire stated. Tristan blinked. “Whoa what kind of money does Landon make to afford that?”, Tristan asked. Alex raised an eyebrow glancing to his son but decided to not even ask and started driving back to Oregon. “That’s the thing he didn’t buy it. Landon made that bracelet from an apple for Rachel. This is of course at the same dance that he made her a custom mask from the petal of her favorite flower, the day lily, that he made special just for her and the sheet music to the first song she ever played at her piano recitals.”, Blaire explained. “Wow. Man is in love.”, Tristan commented. “Exactly. I mean seriously he is so thoughtful and romantic he makes all other men, no offense cowboy, look like they don’t know what the word means.”, Blaire commented. Tristan smirked. “No offense taken. But yeah based on that he’s got it bad for Rachel. Hell I’m even jealous of Rachel.”, Tristan admitted.
Blaire giggled. “Yeah. She’s my best friend and I have no interest in Landon that way and I’m jealous. I mean I wish a guy could remember things like what my favorite flower is about me. I don’t play music like Rachel but maybe someone remember my favorite breed of horse or at least the name of the horse I ride.”, Blaire said with a sigh. “Well the white orchid isn’t exactly ranked high on the list of flowers women favor. And anyone that listens to what you talk about would know that you ride a blonde Arabian you named Chloe.”, Tristan responded showing he’d paid attention during the week he spent with her in Bayville. Blaire blinked. “Wait you remember that? Any more people should appreciate the white orchid it’s an awesome flower.”, Blaire said a bit shocked he remembered such small details. “Of course I remember. I remember everything you’ve told me beautiful. And I’m just saying the white orchid is an understated flower and you are far from understated.”, Tristan commented with a smile. Alex rolled his eyes at his son, but said nothing. Alex hadn’t really seen his son use his phone this much, well ever. So he chose to remain quiet. “Someone’s a sweet talker. So where are you calling from today?”, Blaire asked. “Sure am. We just packed up the last rodeo in Colorado. So we are driving back to the ranch in Oregon. Need to get home in time to start my junior year of high school, woo.”, Tristan said rolling his eyes. Blaire giggled. “School is important. I still need to go school clothes shopping before I start freshmen year.”, Blaire said. “Mmm too bad I go to school in Oregon. Think I’d like to see what you buy for your first year of high school.”, Tristan teased. Blaire giggled. “I’ll send pics. Get some sleep on your long drive home. I’ll talk to you soon Tristan. Going to head back into the club. Night.”, Blaire said saying good bye. “Mmm. Alright I look forward to those. Tell the gang hi for me. Night beautiful.”, Tristan said hanging up. Alex chuckled. Tristan raised an eyebrow pocketing his phone. “What?”, Tristan asked. Alex shrugged. “Nothing.”, Alex answered shaking his head. Tristan rolled his eyes and rolled up his jacket putting it against the window before leaning against it to get some sleep during the drive.
“Where’s Blaire go?”, Rose asked when Landon got to the booth. “Oh she had to take an important phone call.”, Landon explained taking a seat. “An important phone call?”, Atif asked. Landon smiled. “Tristan called.”, Landon stated with a laugh. Rose rolled her eyes. “I seriously think he’s talked to her more in the last three months than he has talk to me in the last six years.”, Rose said. “Jealous?”, Ashley teased. “Oh please. If I wanted Tristan I’d have him. I don’t so fair game. Just amusing to me that Tristan hates talking on the phone and doesn’t really do any relationship with people he meets at his events, yet your cousin he calls all the time to talk to.”, Rose explained with a shrug. “I think the two of them talking on the phone this consistently is about the closet either will get to having a relationship with someone. Blaire prefers to keep things no strings with the boys here in town and from what you describe about Tristan he’s the same.”, Ashley said. “All I know is Uncle Colby is probably grateful that Tristan lives across the country where Blaire can’t get into trouble with him.”, Atif said. “They are kind of cute together though.”, Rachel said. The group all looked over to her. “I’m just saying. I mean Hope, Bianca back me up on this. We are Blaire’s best friends.”, Rachel said looking over the back of the booth to her friends. Hope and Bianca turned in their booth to look over at the others. “Yeah. Blaire defiantly has a thing for Tristan.”, Bianca stated. “She spent a week around him.”, Rose stated. “And? What’s time got to do with anything? Tristan left an impression is all we are saying. And given he keeps calling her she left one too.”, Hope said with a shrug. “I don’t really think any of us cal talk. We’ve all liked people at some point in our short lives. And when someone leaves a strong impression on you they are hard to shake.”, Hope said glancing to the dance floor where Jessa was dancing with another girl. The pair were on the outs because of Jessa’s parents having issue with her dating a mutant.
Rachel and Rose looked at each other and both glanced to Landon. “Yeah hard to shake when someone leaves an impression.”, the cousins agreed. Landon raised an eyebrow noticing they were both looking at him. “And look at that, I should probably go home. I’m supposed to meet up with my band in the city tomorrow for practice before our gig.”, Landon said moving to get out of the booth feeling he uncomfortable feeling of the two girls now that he didn’t have anything to think about and avoid the subject of his feelings for them. Cora Lee raised an eyebrow and grabbed her brother’s arm pulling him back into the booth. “What band in the city? At what point did you decide to ditch Meddling Kids?”, Cora Lee demanded. “I haven’t ditched Meddling Kids. We have played together in three months because of what’s been going on. So to make it easier on everyone I was staying clear of the Draven. So I started hanging out in the city on weekends. I was going to jazz clubs and met up with a group of guys looking for someone to play sax and sometimes sing. So we formed a six piece jazz band called Blaze Halo. I play my sax and sing and sometimes play drums when Benny isn’t able to make it. Benny plays drums and gives backup vocals, Danny is on bass and I don’t mean a bass like you play but like the old school bass, Mitch is our piano man, Gavin plays guitar or banjo depending on the need, and Jackson is our trumpet guy.”, Landon explained. “So you’d rather hang out with them then us?”, Rose asked. Landon groaned. “I’m not saying that Rose. I had to do something on my weekends that got me out of the school but didn’t involve you guys so that it kept our cover that I was on the outs. I ran into those guys at a club and we got to talking and realized we have a shit ton in common in regards to music influences. We hit it off and so I’ve been hanging out on weekends with them in the city. They are in their twenties and Ben, Dan, Gavin and Jackson are all at Julliard for Music which is how they met and they found Mitch in some hotel lounge.”, Landon explained.
“Well we are here to celebrate that you aren’t dead and we won against Wanda, and you are talking about ditching because you have practice with them tomorrow.”, Cora Lee said. Landon sighed. “Look I’ve had to go three months were I couldn’t exactly be in public with all of you. And it’s not even just adjusting to being back with you guys, I’ve got other things I need to figure out.”, Landon said standing back up. “What other things?”, Cora Lee asked. Landon sighed and looked at Rachel and Rose. “I don’t want to make things weird. I really don’t. But till I can quantify my feelings into compressive words and have a serious conversation with certain individuals it’s going to be weird when I’m with everyone. I hate that I’ve completely screw up our dynamic. And I’m sorry.”, Landon said. Cora Lee let go of his arm realizing he was trying to just avoid being with Rachel and Rose. Rachel and Rose sighed. “We could leave and you could celebrate the win with the others.”, Rose suggested. Landon sighed. “No. Alright, just no. You two stay and have fun. It’s your win as much as mine Rose. And this way I can sit down and try to actually think. I’ll see you guys later.”, Landon said getting up and heading for the door. Rose and Rachel sighed. “This blows.”, Rose stated. “Second that.”, Rachel sighed. “He better figure this out quick because I’m not liking this new band idea.”, Cora Lee pouted. Malcolm leaned over the back of the booth behind Cora Lee having seen Landon walk away. “Everything alright?”, Malcolm asked kissing Cora Lee on the cheek. “Eventually it will be, I hope.”, Cora Lee said. “Ah. Well why don’t we dance? Haven’t danced with you in public since December and then I was in disguise.”, Malcolm offered. Cora Lee smiled and nodded. “Yea, let’s dance Sparky.”, Cora Lee said climbing out of the booth to go dance. The others all went about their evening enjoying their night. Rose and Rachel however had a pit in their stomachs both wondering what Landon was going to do.

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The team had all returned to the Haven and Institute respectfully, Landon having gone straight to his dorm to crash and get some more sleep feeling very drained from the battle. Over at the Haven Tommy and Billy were regaling the others with the story of how their mom was captured when the door rang. David rose to get it and opened the door and blinked looking at Malcolm Durvo. “Um Hi Malcolm. Boys, Malcolm is here to see you.”, David called as this wasn’t the first time Malcolm had come to visit the boys. “Actually sir. I’m not here technically to see them.”, Malcolm said setting his duffle bag down on the ground. David raised his pierced brow and looked from the duffle bag to Malcolm. “So what exactly is happening then?”, David asked. “I’m here to request sanctuary.”, Malcolm answered. David blinked in shock at this. “What? I’m confused. Why?”, David asked. Kim hearing Malcolm say he wanted sanctuary got up from the sofa where she’d been sitting with her sons and looked at Malcolm from behind her cousin. “Malcolm? Does your mother know you are here for this reason?”, Kim questioned. Malcolm nodded. “Yes. My family knows I’m here and why. I’ve been allowed to leave. I struck a bargain with Azazel,. I was allowed to leave as long as I ensured that when Aunt Wanda went to face Landon that Azazel would be named headmaster. And to answer you Mister Bryant, I’m here because I do not want to be Academy anymore. I no longer am needed to be spy for your son since he has finally captured my Aunt and ensured that she will not be killing him. And otherwise for personal reasons.”, Malcolm explained. “Spy for Landon?”, David repeated looking to the living room at Tommy and Billy.
Billy walked forward seeing David’s look. “Um yes sir. Our cousin was helping us with Landon’s plan. He was our inside guy the whole time. He helped us with the black out that allowed Tommy to steal our mom’s book back in January, he got our things from the Academy while Landon talked to Misses Bryant-Frost, and these last three months he’s been making sure that our mom was not going to get any support from the Academy so Landon would not need to face anyone but her today.”, Billy explained. David sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. “Alright so what is this personal reasons? Don’t tell me you did this because you have feelings for one of the kids too. Cause really there aren’t any left to like.”, David said shaking his head. Malcolm rubbed the back of his neck. “Am I allowed to claim sanctuary yet?”, Malcolm asked. David sighed. “I can’t really tell you no.”, David answered. Malcolm sighed and stepped inside. “Sanctuary.”, Malcolm declared. “Welcome to the Haven.”, Aislinn said walking out carrying a tray of snacks for the boys. “Thank you Misses Bryant.”, Malcolm said with a smile. “So about the personal reason?”, David questioned. Malcolm rubbed the back of his neck. “Um well, guess since I’ve claimed sanctuary I can say this and not die. Mister Bryant, I’m dating Cora Lee. And well she’s why I’ve done everything I’ve done to help Landon.”, Malcolm said quickly wincing waiting to be hit. David’s jaw tightened as he looked at Malcolm, but Aislinn lightly laid a hand on his shoulder. “Let the lad be, luv.”, Aislinn said. “Our daughter must be rat’er important fer him ta have risked so much to ‘elp.”, Aislinn added. David grumbled turning back to the living room. Kim chuckled and patted Malcolm on the shoulder. “You were smart to tell him after you claimed sanctuary. You can go crash with my boys if you like.”, Kim instructed pointing upstairs. Malcolm nodded. “Thanks Misses Bryant-Frost.”, Malcolm said heading up the stairs.
“We are going to need a bigger house at this rate.”, Kim said walking into the living room behind Aislinn. David sighed and needed. “Yeah apparently. I mean I kind of thought we might need to expand when you guys moved in back in January so I asked Jacob to start drawing up plans for a bigger place. Just need to get the money together to build it.”, David explained. “I’ll talk to Christian. And before you say a damn word David James Bryant I live here with two of my children I can help if I damn well want to.”, Kim said pointing at David. Merrick and Sebastian covered their mouths to hide their laughs at how their mom spoke to David. David rolled his eyes. “Whatever Kimberly Anne Bryant, using full names low blow.”, David grumbled. Kim laughed and nudged her cousin. “I’ll call Christian tonight and see what we can figure out. Till then boys will just have to deal with being sardines in their bedrooms.”, Kim stated. The boys shrugged. “We’ll survive.”, Merrick stated. “Sorry to cut this short and all, but I’ve got work. I’ll be home late tonight.”, Merrick said getting up and giving his mom and hug goodbye. “Which girl are you seeing after work tonight?”, David teased. Merrick smirked. “Jada or is it Jennifer. Meh I’ll remember which twin it is when I pick her up. Jada has the ‘Marilyn Monroe’ beauty mark piercing and Jen doesn’t.”, Merrick answered with a wave heading out the door. David shook his head. “And people think my boy is bad for kissing a set of cousins.”, David sighed. Kim shrugged. “I don’t try to defend my son’s virtue. As long as I don’t become a grandma before I’m ready I don’t care who he’s fucking.”, Kim admitted. Sebastian and the twins just started to laugh at that statement.
Later that night Landon and the others arrived at the Draven to enjoy a final summer night at the club as a group. It’d been since the birthday party that Landon had come to the club with the others. As they walked in as a group a number of people took notice. Rachel was one of those people that took notice. She’d been sitting at the booth with Xavier, Tommy, Billy, Malcolm, Blaire, Hope, Gabriel and Bianca waiting for the others. Rachel smiled seeing the group enter with Landon in the center. It’d been so long since she’d seen the group in public together smiling. It finally felt like it was before all this mess. She got up with the others and pushed past them heading over to the group and without a second thought hugged Landon tightly. Landon laughed shaking his head. “Nice to see you to Rach.”, Landon said returning the hug. Atif found it amusing how Rachel rushed to hug Landon, but then again he was pro Rachel. He didn’t want to take a side in it because Rose was one of his best friends but there was just something about how Landon was with Rachel that made Atif a firm believer Rachel was the right girl for Landon. Rose held back her emotions on how her cousin moved to hug Landon and chose to write it off as Rachel like the others had been was glad Landon was still here and hugged him like they all had after the fight was done. Rachel blushed a little realizing she was still hugging and pulled back looking to the others. “Congratulations guys. You did it.”, Rachel said smiling. “Thanks Rachel. Now let’s all go have some fun. Cause I think I’ve not really had any fun in months. Rather missed hanging out with all of you.”, Landon suggested looking at the group. “So who’s dancing with me?”, Landon asked looking at the group. Rose looked to Rachel who looked to Rose neither sure if they should say yes to dancing with him and not get the other upset. “I’ll dance with you. Less weirdness that way.”, Blaire said grabbing Landon by the wrist and heading to the dance floor. Landon laughed and shrugged giving a look to Rachel and Rose of ‘save me’.
“You realize you asked a loaded question back there? You can’t just act like nothing’s changed Landon.”, Blaire said as they started to dance. “Huh?”, Landon questioned. “You can’t just go back to treating them both like your buddies. You can’t pretend that what you did didn’t happen. You made out with Rachel and kissed Rose. It was weird enough for them before when you’d be close to them since they had feelings for you just didn’t know if they were returned. Till you make a decision on which one you friend zone or if you decide to just friend zone both of them, don’t put them into that type of situation. You generally get to be the one that intimated others and such. Well this is my intimidation to you. Don’t mess with Rachel or Rose’s minds and hearts like that, or I’ll kick your ass.”, Blaire threatened. Landon raised an eyebrow and attempted to not laugh. “You have a good point. Thanks Blaire. It’s not really easy for me you know. And picking between them isn’t going to be that easy either.”, Landon replied. “Well you better fucking figure it out. Just promise that till you figure it out you keep distance from them. Don’t flirt, be charming and sure the hell don’t be alone with either of them.”, Blaire instructed. “This coming from the girl who has kissed with how many townies in this club?”, Landon countered. “That’s a bit different. Any boy I’ve kissed has been made full aware before the kissing that he’s not my boyfriend, and never will be and that more than likely I’ll be kissing a different boy the next night. My intentions are made clear up front. There’s no emotional attachment.”, Blaire argued. Landon nodded. “Uh huh and the rodeo clown?”, Landon asked spinning Blaire out and back in. “Tristan is different. And that’s’ not the point here he doesn’t live in Bayville. And like the townie boys hasn’t been my best friend since diapers. You’ve been friends with Rose and Rachel your whole life. And besides Tristan and I have an understanding because he kisses other girls and guys for that matter.”, Blaire explained. “Uh huh and so what I’ve heard that you two are keeping in touch fit into that ‘no emotional attachment’ part of the deal how?”, Landon asked. Blaire furrowed her brow. “Shut up with your logic.”, Blaire said stopping dancing as her phone started ringing in her jeans pocket.
“Is that ‘it’s raining men’? Who the fuck?”, Landon questioned raising an eyebrow. “Tristan, where your ears burning or something handsome?”, Blaire greeted. Landon just started to laugh. “Oh priceless.”, Landon laughed. “Why would my ears be burning beautiful? You talking or thinking about me? Who you with?”, Tristan asked keeping his phone between his ear and shoulder as he was loading the trailer from the final rodeo of the summer. “Oh I’m always thinking about you. But I was talking about you. And that’s just Landon laughing like the jerkface he is.”, Blaire said. Landon leaned close to the phone. “Hey Tristan!”, Landon yelled still laughing. “Glad to see you don’t have any emotional attachment to him Blaire. I’m going to go sit with the others. You enjoy your phone call.”, Landon teased patting her on the shoulder walking to the booths. Blaire stuck out her tongue walking off the dance floor to find somewhere quite to sit. “Oh he and the others out celebrating that win you texted me about earlier?”, Tristan asked. “Yeah. I was dancing with Landon because moron was trying to act like shit hasn’t changed between him and the Howletts. I told him till he decides what he’s doing about that love triangle he needs to not be all flirty and charming to them cause it just messes with their heads and hearts and if does I’ll kick his ass.”, Blaire said. Tristan laughed a little. “Good for you Blaire. Someone should lay down the law with him. Cause really not cool to toy with them like that.”, Tristan agreed.
“He says it’s not going to be easy to decide what he wants to do. And I’m sure it’s not. Kind of a pickle he got himself into since they are both his friends, Rose being his best friend. But for what my opinion is worth I think he’s just going to be agonizing more about how to friend zone Rose without getting his ass kicked.”, Blaire stated. “Oh you think it’s gonna be my Rose that gets the friend zone?”, Tristan asked closing up the trailer he was loading and getting into the cab of the truck with his dad. “A man does not give a woman a 14k gold covered with white sapphires bracelet with the Arabic word for the meaning of the woman’s middle name engraved into on a lark.”, Blaire stated. Tristan blinked. “Whoa what kind of money does Landon make to afford that?”, Tristan asked. Alex raised an eyebrow glancing to his son but decided to not even ask and started driving back to Oregon. “That’s the thing he didn’t buy it. Landon made that bracelet from an apple for Rachel. This is of course at the same dance that he made her a custom mask from the petal of her favorite flower, the day lily, that he made special just for her and the sheet music to the first song she ever played at her piano recitals.”, Blaire explained. “Wow. Man is in love.”, Tristan commented. “Exactly. I mean seriously he is so thoughtful and romantic he makes all other men, no offense cowboy, look like they don’t know what the word means.”, Blaire commented. Tristan smirked. “No offense taken. But yeah based on that he’s got it bad for Rachel. Hell I’m even jealous of Rachel.”, Tristan admitted.
Blaire giggled. “Yeah. She’s my best friend and I have no interest in Landon that way and I’m jealous. I mean I wish a guy could remember things like what my favorite flower is about me. I don’t play music like Rachel but maybe someone remember my favorite breed of horse or at least the name of the horse I ride.”, Blaire said with a sigh. “Well the white orchid isn’t exactly ranked high on the list of flowers women favor. And anyone that listens to what you talk about would know that you ride a blonde Arabian you named Chloe.”, Tristan responded showing he’d paid attention during the week he spent with her in Bayville. Blaire blinked. “Wait you remember that? Any more people should appreciate the white orchid it’s an awesome flower.”, Blaire said a bit shocked he remembered such small details. “Of course I remember. I remember everything you’ve told me beautiful. And I’m just saying the white orchid is an understated flower and you are far from understated.”, Tristan commented with a smile. Alex rolled his eyes at his son, but said nothing. Alex hadn’t really seen his son use his phone this much, well ever. So he chose to remain quiet. “Someone’s a sweet talker. So where are you calling from today?”, Blaire asked. “Sure am. We just packed up the last rodeo in Colorado. So we are driving back to the ranch in Oregon. Need to get home in time to start my junior year of high school, woo.”, Tristan said rolling his eyes. Blaire giggled. “School is important. I still need to go school clothes shopping before I start freshmen year.”, Blaire said. “Mmm too bad I go to school in Oregon. Think I’d like to see what you buy for your first year of high school.”, Tristan teased. Blaire giggled. “I’ll send pics. Get some sleep on your long drive home. I’ll talk to you soon Tristan. Going to head back into the club. Night.”, Blaire said saying good bye. “Mmm. Alright I look forward to those. Tell the gang hi for me. Night beautiful.”, Tristan said hanging up. Alex chuckled. Tristan raised an eyebrow pocketing his phone. “What?”, Tristan asked. Alex shrugged. “Nothing.”, Alex answered shaking his head. Tristan rolled his eyes and rolled up his jacket putting it against the window before leaning against it to get some sleep during the drive.
“Where’s Blaire go?”, Rose asked when Landon got to the booth. “Oh she had to take an important phone call.”, Landon explained taking a seat. “An important phone call?”, Atif asked. Landon smiled. “Tristan called.”, Landon stated with a laugh. Rose rolled her eyes. “I seriously think he’s talked to her more in the last three months than he has talk to me in the last six years.”, Rose said. “Jealous?”, Ashley teased. “Oh please. If I wanted Tristan I’d have him. I don’t so fair game. Just amusing to me that Tristan hates talking on the phone and doesn’t really do any relationship with people he meets at his events, yet your cousin he calls all the time to talk to.”, Rose explained with a shrug. “I think the two of them talking on the phone this consistently is about the closet either will get to having a relationship with someone. Blaire prefers to keep things no strings with the boys here in town and from what you describe about Tristan he’s the same.”, Ashley said. “All I know is Uncle Colby is probably grateful that Tristan lives across the country where Blaire can’t get into trouble with him.”, Atif said. “They are kind of cute together though.”, Rachel said. The group all looked over to her. “I’m just saying. I mean Hope, Bianca back me up on this. We are Blaire’s best friends.”, Rachel said looking over the back of the booth to her friends. Hope and Bianca turned in their booth to look over at the others. “Yeah. Blaire defiantly has a thing for Tristan.”, Bianca stated. “She spent a week around him.”, Rose stated. “And? What’s time got to do with anything? Tristan left an impression is all we are saying. And given he keeps calling her she left one too.”, Hope said with a shrug. “I don’t really think any of us cal talk. We’ve all liked people at some point in our short lives. And when someone leaves a strong impression on you they are hard to shake.”, Hope said glancing to the dance floor where Jessa was dancing with another girl. The pair were on the outs because of Jessa’s parents having issue with her dating a mutant.
Rachel and Rose looked at each other and both glanced to Landon. “Yeah hard to shake when someone leaves an impression.”, the cousins agreed. Landon raised an eyebrow noticing they were both looking at him. “And look at that, I should probably go home. I’m supposed to meet up with my band in the city tomorrow for practice before our gig.”, Landon said moving to get out of the booth feeling he uncomfortable feeling of the two girls now that he didn’t have anything to think about and avoid the subject of his feelings for them. Cora Lee raised an eyebrow and grabbed her brother’s arm pulling him back into the booth. “What band in the city? At what point did you decide to ditch Meddling Kids?”, Cora Lee demanded. “I haven’t ditched Meddling Kids. We have played together in three months because of what’s been going on. So to make it easier on everyone I was staying clear of the Draven. So I started hanging out in the city on weekends. I was going to jazz clubs and met up with a group of guys looking for someone to play sax and sometimes sing. So we formed a six piece jazz band called Blaze Halo. I play my sax and sing and sometimes play drums when Benny isn’t able to make it. Benny plays drums and gives backup vocals, Danny is on bass and I don’t mean a bass like you play but like the old school bass, Mitch is our piano man, Gavin plays guitar or banjo depending on the need, and Jackson is our trumpet guy.”, Landon explained. “So you’d rather hang out with them then us?”, Rose asked. Landon groaned. “I’m not saying that Rose. I had to do something on my weekends that got me out of the school but didn’t involve you guys so that it kept our cover that I was on the outs. I ran into those guys at a club and we got to talking and realized we have a shit ton in common in regards to music influences. We hit it off and so I’ve been hanging out on weekends with them in the city. They are in their twenties and Ben, Dan, Gavin and Jackson are all at Julliard for Music which is how they met and they found Mitch in some hotel lounge.”, Landon explained.
“Well we are here to celebrate that you aren’t dead and we won against Wanda, and you are talking about ditching because you have practice with them tomorrow.”, Cora Lee said. Landon sighed. “Look I’ve had to go three months were I couldn’t exactly be in public with all of you. And it’s not even just adjusting to being back with you guys, I’ve got other things I need to figure out.”, Landon said standing back up. “What other things?”, Cora Lee asked. Landon sighed and looked at Rachel and Rose. “I don’t want to make things weird. I really don’t. But till I can quantify my feelings into compressive words and have a serious conversation with certain individuals it’s going to be weird when I’m with everyone. I hate that I’ve completely screw up our dynamic. And I’m sorry.”, Landon said. Cora Lee let go of his arm realizing he was trying to just avoid being with Rachel and Rose. Rachel and Rose sighed. “We could leave and you could celebrate the win with the others.”, Rose suggested. Landon sighed. “No. Alright, just no. You two stay and have fun. It’s your win as much as mine Rose. And this way I can sit down and try to actually think. I’ll see you guys later.”, Landon said getting up and heading for the door. Rose and Rachel sighed. “This blows.”, Rose stated. “Second that.”, Rachel sighed. “He better figure this out quick because I’m not liking this new band idea.”, Cora Lee pouted. Malcolm leaned over the back of the booth behind Cora Lee having seen Landon walk away. “Everything alright?”, Malcolm asked kissing Cora Lee on the cheek. “Eventually it will be, I hope.”, Cora Lee said. “Ah. Well why don’t we dance? Haven’t danced with you in public since December and then I was in disguise.”, Malcolm offered. Cora Lee smiled and nodded. “Yea, let’s dance Sparky.”, Cora Lee said climbing out of the booth to go dance. The others all went about their evening enjoying their night. Rose and Rachel however had a pit in their stomachs both wondering what Landon was going to do.