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There are some things in life no one wants to ever walk in on; one of them being your twin brother having sex. Sadly for Colt, this is exactly what happens to him.
As he stands in the doorway of Ryland’s apartment, he is assaulted by the unnecessarily loud noises of his brother’s moaning and whimpering, as well as the thudding sound of what he assumes is Ryland’s headboard hitting the wall at a scarily fast tempo. He’s just glad that his brother had the decency to close his bedroom door before Colt arrived.
He’s so distracted by the offending noises and the even more offending scent of another alpha’s rut permeating the apartment, that he doesn’t even notice the reason of his impromptu visit walking towards him until Rocky is pawing at his leg.
He takes a moment to close his eyes and wish he could bleach his brain somehow before he looks down at the small dog. “Hey Rocket! How are you?”
Rocky looks up at him with a long-suffering side eye before he just huffs in answer. At least the dog seems so be suffering with him.
When Ryland had texted him two hours ago if he could take in Rocky for a few days, he didn’t think that it would be because his brother is helping some alpha through his rut. He can’t believe Ryland met an alpha and didn’t even tell him about it. Ryland ‘I gave up on Romance’ Grace. His brother should be so glad that the set of the movie he’s currently working on is near his apartment building.
Grumbling, he picks up the stuff Rocky will need, like his leash and favorite toy, all while trying not to inhale any more of the offending alpha pheromones. A particularly loud keen from Ryland is all the cue he needs to quickly usher Rocky out of the cursed apartment and hastily flee after him.
Ryland definitely owes him for this one.
Even a few days later, he’s still thinking about the incident, reliving it like a particularly horrifying memory reel. At least Ryland had looked ashamed enough when Colt had dropped Rocky off back at his place, avoiding eye contact with him the whole time. On the other hand he had also refused to answer any questions Colt had about his mystery alpha and closed the door in his face when Colt had refused to let it go. Standing alone in front of his twin’s door, he had also realized that the unknown alpha had very intensely marked Ryland’s doorway with his iron-tinged scent, pretty much telling every other alpha to piss off with that.
He had complained to Jody about it, trying to brainstorm with her who that alpha could be and why Ryland is hiding them. They were definitely possessive of his brother, that he could tell.
He’s still thinking about the mystery of the unknown alpha while on break. They are bringing in a new guy for the next few stunt scenes on the racetrack, so he has a bit more free time than usual. Which is perfect since he can use that time to brainstorm more on Ryland’s mystery alpha and then present his findings to Jody in her trailer later. He bets she also took some more notes while simultaneously directing a killer movie. God, his girlfriend is so smart and talented.
He’s disrupted from his musings by a whistle and when he looks up, he sees Dan waving him over to the race cars. “Colt! Come meet the new guy!”
He makes his way over to where Dan is standing and the new stunt driver seemingly just arrived. When he sees the guy step out of a 1973 Chevy Malibu, he immediately categorizes him. A (admittedly very cool) muscle car, shimmery white jacket and combed blonde hair – that’s a real life Ken doll if Colt ever saw one.
“This is Colt Seavers, our leading stuntman for the movie and for Ryder in general,” Dan introduces them.
“Call me Colt,” he says as he holds out his hand to the new guy. “That’s a pretty cool ride you got there.”
The Ken™ seems to study him for a moment, eyes flinting from his face to his outstretched hand, before he shakes it with his gloved one. He simply nods at Colt in greeting, not saying anything in return. From this close Colt can smell that the new guy is an alpha. The scent of leather and cotton makes something in the back of his mind tingle, like a faraway memory that he currently can’t make out. Weird, but he just shrugs it off as déjà vu. Maybe he already worked with the guy on a set once and just can’t recall.
“Actually, I don’t think I got your name?” Dan turns to the young alpha, looking a bit sheepish.
“Call me Driver,” is the simple reply they’re given.
Driver? A pretty boring stage name in his opinion, but who is he to judge. He chose Danger as his second name for his stage name after all, when he was around the other alpha’s age. He does seem pretty young, maybe this is one of his first jobs. At least that would explain why the kid talks so little, nerves and all that.
The new guy – Driver, he reminds himself - sure doesn’t show any nerves on the racetrack though. The shots and stunts are perfect and he can tell from the satisfied grin on Jody’s face that they will probably wrap up faster today because of that. Frankly, Colt is impressed by the control Driver has over the car at the speed he’s going for the scene. Even more impressive though is his completely non-plussed demeanor in the face of Ryder’s antics, who’s once again trying to show dominance and complaining about too much face or whatever. That boy has a bright future ahead of him.
Even with Ryder’s complaints and having to reshoot a few stunts because of that, they still manage to finish early for the day. The stunt team had tried to invite the new guy for a round of welcome drinks, but he had simply shaken his head and said he had to pick someone up before driving off in a cloud of dust. Colt is glad Driver had declined the offer though because this meant that he was under no obligation to join the others as well and could instead brainstorm with Jody about Ryland’s secret alpha over Chinese take-out.
“I bet it’s someone from the school,” Jody says while pointing her chopsticks up in the air. “Ryland seems like someone who would like an alpha that’s good with children.”
“No way!” Colt denies with an eggroll halfway in his mouth. “You didn’t know Ry during his rebellious youth, there’s no way he would go for some stuffy old teacher!”
Jody raises her eyebrows at the mention of a rebellious phase and Ryland. There are plenty of stories to unpack, but Colt is saving them for when Ryland is here too, so he can embarrass his brother properly. Then again, he might just save some for blackmail, in case Ryland ever wants to show Jody any of Colt's embarrassing childhood photos.
“What if it’s a newer one? You know, those young idealists, fresh from university and ready to change the world?” Jody intervenes.
Colt mulls the thought over in his mind while chewing on his dumpling before resolutely shaking his head. “Ryland would never date someone younger than him. A few years maybe, sure, but not someone in his twenties fresh from university.”
They sit there for a moment in contemplating silence for once. Ryland would probably date someone older if he ever got back into the dating scene; someone who would be settled in life and sure about themself to balance out Ryland.
Suddenly, his phone starts ringing and when he picks it up to check, he sees that it’s Ryland calling. Speak of the devil and he shall appear.
“Hey Ry, what’s up?” He shares a curious look with Jody, who immediately puts her food away when she hears who’s on the other line.
“Hi, I hope this isn’t a bad time? I know you and Jody had a long day filming today.” Ryland’s voice comes from over the speaker and Colt can tell from his tone that he’s probably fisting his hair in stress.
“Nah, it’s fine. We were just finishing dinner.” Jody scoots closer to him to listen in better and Colt puts the phone on speaker mode. “So what’s up?”
“You, um- you remember when you picked up Rocky?” Does he remember? He more than remembers. He still has nightmares about it actually.
“Sure I do,” is all he says though. No need to stress out his brother more right now.
“How do you know if an alpha’s interested in you?” Ryland rushes out in almost one breath and Colt has to take a moment to decipher what he just said.
He and Jody share a wide-eyed look before leaning in towards the phone immediately. “Is this about the alpha I caught you with? Are you two official?”
“What? No!” Comes the immediate sputtered response. “We’re just friends! I was simply helping in a tough situation!”
Brows arched, Jody mouths Just friends? at him and Colt shrugs his shoulders in return. It sure didn’t sound like they were just friends to him - which ew, he doesn’t want to think about that moment again. “If you’re just friends, then why are you asking if he might be interested in you?”
The phone is silent for a while before his brother grumbles, “It’s complicated.”
“Look, he was in a really bad state, so I helped him out with his rut.” His brother explains and Colt is sure that if they face timed, he would be able to see Ryland’s face go completely red at that. “I thought things would go back to normal after a short while of awkwardly avoiding each other, but that didn’t happen.”
“What did happen then?” He’s this close to driving over to his brother's house just to interrogate him in person about this.
“Well, he’s been really attentive- not that he isn’t attentive in general, he’s actually a very sweet and kind person! But he has been even more so lately!” There is some rustling from the other side of the speaker and Colt guesses his twin is probably gesticulating wildly, as he usually does when he is feeling stressed.
“He keeps insisting on driving me to and from school and every time he brings me little gifts like coffee or skittles- the sour ones because he knows I like them most!”
Beside him Jody makes a small touched aww sound as she holds her hand in front of her mouth. Meanwhile Ryland stays silent for a short while before he resumes speaking in a quieter tone. “If I didn’t know any better, I would think he’s courting me.”
Colt scoffs at that. “Well, why wouldn’t he be courting you? Sure sounds like he is to me.”
“Colt, please, look at me. No one would be interested in me.” Is his twin’s immediate rebuff. “I’m old and washed up, but he’s still young and very handsome and has a promising future ahead of him! There’s just no way!”
“Hey, don’t say that! You’re a real catch!” Colt immediately protests, pulling the phone closer to his face so his brother can hear better how appalled he is. “And I should know, we literally have the same face! Anybody would be lucky to have you! Also, if you call yourself old, you’re also calling me old, just so you’re aware.”
That at least draws a small chuckle from Ryland.
“Seriously Ry, have you seen the way you make Ryder crazy? Well, crazier than he already is.”
“He only does that to annoy you,” his twin protests but Colt and Jody both shake their heads at that.
“Believe me, I wish it were so.” Sometimes he actually almost feels bad for Ryder because of how oblivious his brother is to the alpha’s affections, if said alpha just weren’t so obnoxious that is.
“If you say so,” Ryland chuckles but Colt can tell that he still doesn’t believe him. At least he managed to cheer his brother up a bit.
“Hey, why don’t we meet up for dinner tomorrow? I don’t know when filming will end but you can meet Jody and me on set and we’ll leave together,” Colt suggests to both his brother and his girlfriend. “We can analyse your situation a bit more then.”
“That would be nice, actually,” Ryland agrees softly. “I need to hang up now because Rocky has to go on his evening walk, but I’ll text you later!”
The say their farewell before hanging up and Colt turns to Jody with a grin. “Guess we will find out tomorrow.”
The next day on set there’s a happy skip to his steps. Dan notices but chooses not to comment on it, just shaking his head at his antics, and Jody just smiles knowingly at him. Colt is simply excited to see his brother again (and to solve the mystery around his apparent situationship).
When he spots a head of dirty-blonde hair from afar, a grin breaks out on his face and he immediately jogs over to where his brother is waiting for them near the trailers, Jody following him at a more sedate pace. Even better, Ryder doesn’t seem to have caught wind of Ryland’s presence yet.
“Ry!” He calls out, and his brother turns to face him while shielding his eyes from the sun with his hand.
It’s only when he gets closer that he notices someone else standing beside his brother. To his surprise Ryland seems to have been talking to Driver before Colt’s arrival. The kid is nice but honestly, Colt hadn’t thought he would be able to hold a conversation with someone else on his own.
“Oh hey, you met Driver!” He pulls his brother in by the shoulder and gives him a quick shake before letting go with a grin.
“Actually, we know each other already. We’re neighbours,” his brother tells him and Colt makes a double take before he turns to Driver.
“You know my brother and didn’t say anything when we first met?” He asks the younger alpha while gesticulating pointedly between Ryland’s and his identical faces. Driver in typical fashion only shrugs his shoulder in reply.
Behind him Jody arrives and hugs Ryland in greeting. Colt turns to her, “Jody, can you believe Ry and Driver live next to each other!”
She makes a surprised face, her eyes flinting between the omega and their newest stunt member. Suddenly she seems to have an epiphany, mouth forming a small oh. Colt looks at her in confusion, wondering what she’s thinking. In turn she pointedly tilts her head towards his brother as if to tell him something, but Colt can’t figure out what she means. After a while she gives up with an exasperated huff and instead smiles at Ryland and Driver.
“We’re planning to try that new diner around the corner street. Would you like to join us, Driver?”
The young alpha seems surprised by the sudden invitation and looks at Ryland, who just smiles bashfully back at him. Colt notices that his brother’s ears have turned red and wonders if it’s due to the heat.
“Sure.” Is the simple reply they’re given but there’s a satisfied smile on the younger’s face now. Jody claps her hands in excitement and Colt wonders if he missed out on something.
Dinner, while fun, turns out to be a bust in terms of solving the mystery surrounding Ryland's new alpha. His brother is surprisingly tight-lipped about the whole issue, even though it’s the reason they decided to have dinner together to begin with. Whenever Colt tries to bring the topic up, his brother immediately shuts it back down. Strangely enough he keeps glancing at Driver the whole time it happens, his face completely flushed. The younger alpha also looks weirdly pleased about the whole ordeal. Colt’s brother is probably just uncomfortable discussing his love life in front of the other.
Jody isn’t much help in that regard either, suddenly not interested in the issue with Ryland’s mystery lover anymore. Instead she spends the whole time scribbling in her notebook, occasionally looking up to study Ryland or Driver. When Colt asks her about it, she simply tells him she has a new idea for a romantic comedy movie.
“It’s going to be amazing!”
Well, at least his girlfriend seems to be enjoying herself, and that's all Colt truly wants.
Court watches his brother as his brother watches someone else. Specifically, his little brother watches one of Claire’s teachers as he leaves the school building.
The man struggles with a bicycle that frankly has seen better days, hanging his head in defeat when he notices that one of his tires is flat. Court’s little brother takes that as his cue to drive towards the entrance of the school, acting like he drove by on coincidence and just so noticed the teacher struggling with his bike on the side of the road. Court can guess that he is going to offer the man a drive back to their apartment building.
Court also knows that it had been his little brother who had slashed the teacher’s tire earlier while the man was still at work. He can also guess that his brother will probably offer the man to change said tire for him later. The teacher will probably invite him in for coffee after as thanks.
Court hadn’t meant to find his brother again at first when he settled here with Claire. It’s not like he hadn’t kept tabs on how his little brother was doing in life before, but the shame and guilt had been too big when he saw how his brother went in and out of the system, never truly finding a place for himself. It was his fault that he’s gotten into this drifter lifestyle, because Court hadn’t been there for him and had given him early childhood trauma instead. Well, along with the trauma their father gave them both.
He thought his little brother would be better off without him in his life. A part of him was also too scared of how he would react to the news that Court is still alive, that he had lied to him and abandoned him when his brother needed him most. Often at night, he thinks back to the little boy on the other side of the prison window. Court had hated how his brother had become almost non-verbal after the incident with their father, his already rare smiles even rarer now that Court wasn’t with him anymore.
It actually hadn’t been his plan to find his brother again when he chose this part of the city for him and Claire to start anew. At the back of his mind, he was aware that this was the last place his brother had settled, but from what Court had gathered, his brother never tended to stay for long, so he hadn’t even dared to hope. (At least that’s what he tries to convince himself of.)
It was pure coincidence that he found him again. He had actually been checking out one of the schools Claire had chosen for herself when he noticed him sitting in his car, also watching the school from a corner street.
It had taken a few seconds for Court to shake himself out of his shock. He would recognize that face anywhere, he has the same exact eyes after all. It was the first time he saw his little brother again in years. For a second he wondered if it had been so long, that his brother now had a child that also went to this school. He had quickly scratched that thought though, his brother was far too young to have a teenage child. What was he doing here then?
The question answered itself quickly when he saw his little brother perk up just as someone walked out of the building. It was one of the teachers - a science teacher if he remembered correctly from the website Claire had shown him.
He had watched curiously as his brother slowly followed the man as he biked away from school. A strong fear of losing sight of his little brother once again had made him follow them as well. And that is how he found out that they both apparently lived in the same apartment building and that his little brother secretly followed (stalked, his little baby brother is a stalker) the teacher everywhere when he wasn’t at work himself.
A need to be close to his little brother but too afraid to face him made him keep secretly following him. Claire would be disappointed in him if she knew what he does while she’s at school and call him a creep. But this is also how he found out about his brother’s other part-time activities.
A mix of emotions swirled within him when he first found out. Pride at how well his little brother could handle himself now and at his competency (Court himself has always been a bad driver and never really got the hang of it). But also a deep well of sadness at the life his brother found himself in and by how involved he has become with the darker side of the city just to survive.
At least things have started to look up since the first time he followed his brother, and it’s seemingly all thanks to one Ryland Grace. That is another thing Courts has very mixed feelings about though.
He’s not exactly sure how to feel about the fact that his little brother is actively stalking the older omega. From what Court can tell he at least has nothing nefarious planned for the teacher - in fact it seems like his brother is trying to better himself for the omega. The amount of criminal activities he has been involved in has decreased significantly since Court first encountered his little brother and he began to develop a closer relationship with the teacher.
Although he doesn’t exactly approve of his brother's courting techniques, he can’t deny that he was rather proud to watch him take out three would-be robbers before they could reach the older omega.
After a bit of digging into the omega and meeting him once on Claire’s first day, he could at least approve of him as possible partner for his brother and teacher for his (kind of?) daughter(?). Aside from a frankly hilarious incident in his past where he verbally attacked the leading scholar in his field, Dr. Ryland Grace has a completely clean record in all areas and is leading a perfectly fine and normal life.
The man is still a thorn in Court’s side though. With Paula taking a leave next week and therefore unable to pick up Claire from school, along with his brother actively following the omega around like a dog, he doesn’t know how long he will be able to hide himself from his little brother.
Lately Claire has been watching him with eyes too wise for her age and he knows she would be delighted to discover that he has family nearby. She would probably also tell him that he’s just too scared of his brother not recognising him after all these years and that he just needs to rip the band-aid off.
Fortunately, Claire is also thirteen years old and therefore can’t tell him what to do (if he keeps repeating that thought he might actually start to believe it himself). So for now, he’s content watching his little brother woo the omega of his dreams with questionable methods, even if said omega seems to be oblivious to it all.
In the end he still ends up telling Claire about his brother after she bombarded him with questions about his afternoon activities and gave him her lethal puppy eyes after dinner. Just as he had predicted she is over the moon at the prospect of meeting his family while simultaneously judging him about how he has handled the situation so far.
Her demands to finally face his fears as well as the pressing time matter with Paula’s leave led to where he currently stands in front of his brother’s apartment door. At least judging by the position of the window through which he had spied his brother, as well as the scent marking the door, it should be his brother’s apartment.
He’s been standing here, trying to muster up the courage to knock on the door, for some time now. A little voice in his head that sounds suspiciously like Claire tells him to just bite the bullet. With a sigh he straightens his shoulders and decides he will finally do it when sudden steps down the hall draw his attention.
He turns his head to see Dr. Grace standing by the end of the hallway, dressed unusually in a leather jacket and eyes angry as he looks at him.
“HEY, YOU!”
Ryland’s vehemence to not tell him anything more about the alpha that is possibly pursuing him bothers Colt more and more with each passing day. Before, the mystery had been a fun puzzle to discuss with Jody, but now it just won’t let him live in peace anymore. He doesn’t understand why his brother has to be so closed-off up about it all of a sudden. Doesn’t he know that it will just make Colt even more curious?
So he waits until a Saturday when he’s off set and he knows that Ryland will be busy getting chores done outside the house. Jody for once didn’t support his decision to spy on his brother while he’s out but his plan is fool proof. He has the spare key to Ryland’s apartment and he’ll just have a small look to see if his brother has anything lying around that might help him figure out who the alpha is. Worst case if his brother catches him, he’ll just tell him he was in the area and let himself in because he missed Rocky. Completely fool proof.
What he doesn’t account for when he gets off the elevator, is some unfamiliar alpha sniffing around his brother’s door. The man is tall and Colt can tell from his stature that he’s also built like a brick house. For a second he thinks that this man might be Ryland’s mystery alpha, but then he smells the traces of pheromones the alpha left behind in the hallway.
Smoke, gunpowder and… chewing gum? This definitely wasn’t his brother’s mystery man.
“HEY, YOU!” He calls, pointing at the other alpha for good measure. “What do you think you’re doing, you creep?”
The other alpha just watches him silently before his brows furrow in what might be confusion.
“You’re not an omega.” He states lamely and Colt feels his hackles rise. So this guy really was just sniffing around because he smelled a single omega.
“Yeah, no shit, Sherlock!” He huffs, balling his fists. “Now get away from my brother’s doorway!”
“Brother?” The creep cocks his head slightly before something seems to dawn on him as he studies Colt with critical eyes. “This is Dr. Grace’s door?”
The mention of his twin's name makes his anger rise even higher. He’s this close to just decking the guy when the other suddenly snaps to attention, eyes going distant as if he hears something from afar. Colt doesn’t even have time to wonder what’s up with him before he’s suddenly yanked forward, a hand covering his mouth as the other alpha pulls him around the corner. He tries to struggle but the other alpha’s grip on him is like steel, which is impressive given that Colt is pretty built himself and knows some martial arts because of his job. Is this guy a secret service spy or what!?
Mumbled voices along with steps down the hall distract him though and he stills for a moment when he realizes that he recognizes the voice. He resumes his struggle to break free with renewed vigour, trying to warn his brother that some creep is waiting for him here, while he completely ignores the hushed shushing sounds the alpha makes in an attempt to quiet him down.
However, the second voice beside his brother's takes him by surprise, and he stops struggling once again. That might be his brother's hidden alpha!
He tries to peek around the corner, and surprisingly the strange alpha behind him lets him do it, probably satisfied that Colt is keeping quiet for now. In turn he ignores the other as he also takes a peek around the corner above him and they both watch his brother carry what seems to be his laundry basket to his apartment. To Colt’s disappointment the other voice turns out to be Driver, who sometimes hums in agreement as he listens attentively to whatever Ryland is talking about.
Colt silently curses himself; he had almost forgotten that the kid lives next door to his brother. They watch them talk quietly about getting groceries together later in front of their doorways, laundry baskets at their feet, and Colt only then remembers that there’s still some weirdo behind him who has it out for his brother.
He’s about to yell when Driver suddenly steps forward and crowds his brother against the door. He watches with disbelieving eyes as Ryland turns completely red, avoiding eye contact with the young alpha who just stares unblinkingly at him. A soft smile that Colt has never seen before in the weeks he has been working with the kid graces his face. And then to Colt’s absolute shock he leans forward and kisses Ryland softly on the lips.
Colt watches them kiss like teenagers in the doorway and comes to a sudden realization.
Ryland’s mystery alpha is Driver. The answer had been right in front of him the whole time – he had even recognized the kid’s scent when they first met, for god’s sake. This is why Jody has been so exasperated with him the last few days whenever he tried to bring up his brother’s situationship. Oh god, he’s so stupid. He can’t believe Ryland got himself a younger boyfriend.
The yell that has been stuck in his throat the whole time finally escapes him as a high-pitched gurgle. Immediately a hand clasps back over his mouth and pulls him around the corner again. The creep he forgot about shoots him a look that pretty clearly translates to You idiot.
Colt would stick out his tongue at him if he could, but they both still when they hear shuffling from around the corner. The strange alpha holds a finger up to his lips to tell him to keep quiet. At this point Colt is really just confused about what this weirdo’s deal is.
They both listen as Ryland and Driver talk a bit more before they hear the distinct sound of a door opening and closing. The strange alpha still holding him finally relaxes and lets him go. Colt immediately takes a step away from him, preparing to tell him very colourfully just what he thinks of him, when suddenly a hammer strikes the wall right next to his head.
He lets out a high-pitched scream that makes him sympathise with his Grandpa Holland and falls back against the wall. He is then pulled away by the collar of his jacket and pushed behind the creepy alpha. Now Colt is actually grateful for the other alpha’s presence because WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT?
From behind the wall a gloved hand pulls the hammer out from where it was stuck (stuck!!!) in the wall and they both watch as Driver steps around the corner. There’s a shadow over his face and Colt honest to god feels his heart drop into his stomach at the blank expression. Where on earth did he pull that tool from? Hadn’t Colt just seen him with nothing but his laundry?
Driver immediately lunges forward again but the taller alpha side steps him swiftly and blocks the attack expertly. The whole thing feels like watching a movie and for a moment, Colt has an out-of-body experience. What was even happening!?
When Driver catches sight of him though, he stills and his brows furrow slightly in what might be confusion.
“Seavers?”
His gaze darts from him to the alpha in front of him. He seems to study the other for a moment before his face suddenly turns ashen. The hammer slips out of his grasp and onto the ground.
“Courtland?”
Sierra Six, Courtland Gentry, Court. They have all become different identities and sides to him. But at the heart of every single one of them he is an older brother, trying his best to protect his sibling.
He has imagined many times and many ways how their reunion would go, how his brother would react to him. Disbelief, anger, even fear - they were all expected. He had imagined a number of things his brother might do to him, including hitting him in the face, before outright rejecting him. In a better scenario, his brother simply accepted that he was still alive but did not welcome him back into his life since he did not want to be put in danger because of him.
None of this happens though.
What he hadn’t imagined, is his little brother staggering forward before falling into his arms. He had not even dared to hope that he would be happy to see him. And yet here they are, his little brother clinging tightly to him with a death grip like he might vanish again any second. His eyes are red and starting to tear up as he stares at Court in disbelief.
“Don’t. Don’t leave me again, please.”
Court takes a shuddering breath, blinking back his own tears, before he squeezes his baby brother tightly in his arms. So much time has passed, back then his brother had barely reached his hip, now they’re almost the same height.
“I won’t. I promise.”
They stand there for a while, holding onto each other tightly and not wanting to let go again, until hesitant footsteps round the corner and Court reluctantly looks up to see Dr. Grace watching them all quizzically.
“Colt? What are you doing here? And is that a hole in the wall?”
Before his twin can answer though, his gaze switches to them and once again, eyes widen when they land on Court.
“Mister Gentry?!”
There’s an awkward silence in the room as they all sit across from each other around Ryland’s tiny kitchen table. The silence is only broken by tiny sniffles from Driver, whose eyes are still a bit red rimmed. Colt’s brother looks like he wants to lean over the table and comfort the younger but barely holds himself back for propriety’s sake.
Colt is scrutinising the two alphas sitting opposite him, while furiously petting Rocky in his lap to calm himself down. After disappearing for a while in Driver’s apartment, they had come back knocking on Ryland’s door to explain the whole situation. The older alpha had given a spiel about how he and his brother had gotten separated in the system after he went to juvie and how he only now found him again through pure coincidence.
The story had visibly touched his brother, who ushered them in for some tea and coffee. Colt doesn’t buy it though, at least not the whole story. There are definitely some parts left out on purpose. No normal person behaves like that, after all. At least Driver apologized to him for almost attacking him because he had thought they were burglars.
“Wait,” His twin suddenly interjects into the silence and looks at the youngest in the room, “Does that mean your surname is Gentry?”
Across from him, Driver nods his head and smiles shyly at Colt's brother, who just looks back with a grin that betrays his infatuation.
Gross. How has he been so blind to these two before.
A thought makes him screech to a halt though and he immediately turns to his brother aghast. “Hey Ry, can I talk to you in the bedroom for a second?” He grits out through a fake smile before setting Rocky down and quickly pulling his protesting brother up. Rocky follows them on small paws with a wagging tail as they leave.
Once they’re in the bedroom, Colt immediately rounds on his brother and whisper-yells, “What do you mean you didn’t even know his name before!?”
Ryland has the audacity to sputter at him with exasperation. “You also didn’t know his name and you work with him!”
“Well, I don’t live next to him, nor do I sleep with him regularly!” Colt defends himself.
In turn his brother’s face quickly turns red, but he doesn’t deny the accusations.
“What does it matter? Driver obviously prefers his anonymity and he’s done nothing so far to warrant any scrutiny.”
“Nothing!?” Colt tries not to yell in frustration. “Have you seen the way those two moved? Like contract killers or something, Ryland!”
As if on cue, they both lean back slightly to peer into the living room. The two alphas are still sitting there in total silence, their backs ramrod straight and their gazes fixed straight ahead. Colt eyes his twin as if to say See? Total psychopaths!
They both move back out of sight and Ryland finally looks a bit chagrined. “They’re both just a bit overwhelmed at the moment, I’m sure.” His twin still has the gall to defend them. Is Colt also that blinded by love when he’s with Jody?
“Look, I also know Mr. Gentry through work. He seems like a good man who genuinely only wants the best for his daughter. There is really nothing to worry about.” Ryland tries to reassure him with a hand on his shoulder. “And I thought you like Driver?”
Colt has to hand it to him. He genuinely likes the kid, weird quirks and all. He’s a genius behind the wheel and does his job well with little to no complaints. Most of all though, Colt can see how much he adores Ryland.
He groans but relents. “Fiiiine, but this better not blow up in our faces!”
In turn his brother smiles gratefully at him, instantly making Colt feel better about the whole weird situation. They walk back into the kitchen, where the other two are still waiting for them. The moment they re-enter, the two alphas snap their gazes towards them and Colt suppresses a comment at their creepy synchronisation. He and Ryland weren’t even that in tune when they dressed up as the twins from The Shining for Halloween once (Grandpa Holland forced them into it).
Colt gets himself a glass of water as Ryland sits back down at the table with Rocky in tow. Colt notes how Driver is watching his brother without ever seemingly blinking even once, only relaxing back into normal human behaviour once Ryland looks up and smiles at him. Honestly, how had he missed these signs before?
“Once again, I want to apologize to you both for the misunderstanding,” The kid’s older brother – Courtland, if he remembers correctly - interjects smoothly. “And also to congratulate you, Dr. Grace.”
“Congratulate me? For what?” Ryland asks slightly baffled, his glasses once again somehow dangling awkwardly off his face.
Driver also turns to look at the alpha with an almost perplexed look on his face, before he subtly scents the air and suddenly goes completely rigid. Colt takes a sip of water and wonders what all that is about; that behavior is weird, even for the kid.
Courtland just keeps smiling politely while glancing between Ryland and his own little brother. “Well, for your pregnancy of course.”
Colt immediately spits out his water. Once again, a moment of complete silence falls over the room, before all hell breaks loose.
Jody’s new action rom-com is a total box office hit at least.