Liam drove to the fast food restaurant down the street from his house. He had a full day of work that day, and was eager to start. That morning he'd promised Simon he would be open about his feelings, and wouldn't let himself become too overprotective anymore, but he had no intention of following through on that. In fact if the events of the previous night had done anything, they had pushed him to work even harder. Liam just had to get Simon away from Asher Ericsson, and if Simon wouldn't listen to him of his own prudence, Liam would just have to take matters into his own hands. Simon had been bullied a few years back and Liam had begun saving money to transfer Simon to a new school, the problem was that Catholic School was more expensive than he anticipated, and because his grandparents were moderately wealthy (they had a nice condo in Florida) he was unable to secure proper financial aid. Liam had taken on two jobs over the last couple of years and still couldn't come up with enough to cover the cost. Asher's presence, however had lit a fire under him.

Liam pulled the apron over his head and went to work the counter. It was a weekday so it would be fairly slow, but his manager had asked to talk to him the next time he came in, so he had a funny feeling in the pit of his stomach. He joined his manager in the back office once the older woman got there. She was nice lady, and forgiving when his hours were difficult to deal with.

"You're a very skilled worker." She stated, "and being that I submitted my resignation last week, it looks like you're going to be filling my position."

"Thank you." He grunted. Manager of a fast food restaurant wasn't every kid's dream, but it got him where he needed to go. "Does it... Does it come with a pay raise?"

"Yes dear. You'll be receiving a call from the regional manager over the next few days to talk specifics."

Liam ducked out of the office and got back to work. The restaurant was incredibly tacky, but it would be worth it if he could just protect his brother. Life without their parents was difficult in innumerable ways, and he just wanted things to be better. He knew they wouldn't ever be the same, but if they could just be alright he though he could make things better with Simon.

....

"Do you have any plans tonight?" Kit asked Simon lazily at the Lunch table. "Simon?" Kit asked again when Simon didn't answer. Simon had been staring at a table not far from theirs, where Asher sat with his friend Garrett. Simon hadn't meant to stare, but he just needed to have a quick look.

"Oh... uh no. I don't."

"Were you staring at my brother?" Kit asked, after looking over his shoulder.

"No."

"Oh you totally were. Whatever, it's none of my business." Kit waited a moment to see if Simon would explain it to him, and when the other boy didn't he let out a little sigh. "Want to come over to my house after school?"

"Sure. I just gotta ask my brother." Simon's face flushed in excitement. He was excited to have a real friend again, something he hadn't had since Shea left him behind.

"Asher can drive us if that helps."

"Oh I won't tell Liam that." Simon's eyes widened slightly.

Simon: can I go to a friend's house after school? I've got a study hall last period so I'll have finished my homework

Liam: Who

Simon: my friend kit

Liam: Sure.

Liam: actually, I get out of practice early, y don't I pick you guys up and u can stay at our house

"Liam says he finishes practice early, and he can pick us up and bring us to my house, would that work?" Simon asked Kit, who pretended he wasn't looking over Simon's shoulder at his phone.

"Oh sure. My mom is messy anyway, so that's probably better."

Simon: that works

"Hey Simon!" A voice called and Simon looked up to see Shea and Asher walking over towards him. "I had a really nice time last night, we should try and do something again." Asher's cheeks had a dusting of pink, and Shea rolled his eyes at the cheesy line. "Are you coming over tonight?"

"Nah. Simon's brother invited me over to theirs so that's where we're going." Kit answered.

"Oh. Some other time then. Catch you later." Asher stated, and walked off. Shea lingered for a moment, then walked off in the opposite direction.

"They're weird." Kit stated, and Simon nodded in agreement. The pair had the rest of the classes together, and then walked to the quad to wait for Simon's brother to pick them up. "What's your brother like? He used to be like the star athlete, right?"

"He's nice. He's playing college football now." Simon stated. A beat up old car pulled into the driveway, and Simon pointed it out to Kit, "That's him." Simon's brother waved from the car, but his face twisted in confusion when he saw Kit.

"Hey Liam. How was school?" Simon asked as he hopped in the front seat. "This is Kit, by the way."

"Hi Kit." Liam looked up in the rear view mirror before quickly flashing his eyes back towards the road.

"What's wrong?" Simon asked.

"Nothing." Liam stated. His face was slightly flushed and Simon assumed it must have been a rough practice. The car pulled up to their house and the group got out to make their way inside.

"Where's your bathroom?" Kit asked.

"Down the hall, first door on the right." Liam answered before Simon could, "What the hell?" Liam asked, turning to Simon.

"What?"

"I thought Kit was a girl." Liam exclaimed.

"Is that an issue?"

"No, I'm just surprised is all. It's not like you guys are going to do anything." Liam began, but caught himself, and his face flushed red once again.

"Do anything like what?" Simon asked in genuine curiosity.

"It's just... I didn't think you were... Into guys like that."

"I didn't think you were."

"Shut up. You know what I meant." Liam scolded.

"No I don't. Guys like what?" Simon asked.

"Like Kit. You're not, are you? I always figured you liked guys more like....like Asher."

"I don't see what you're saying. What would be the difference if I had a guy like Asher over verses If I had a guy like Kit over?" Simon crossed his arms over his chest.

"You and Kit would never... Listen, if you and Kit are spoons, then Asher is a fork. You can't eat pasta with two spoons or two forks, you need a spoon and a fork to properly twirl the pasta."

"What's with the sudden interest in cutlery?" Kit asked, wiping his hands on his shirt as he exited the bathroom.

"Nothing. Liam's being weird. Let's go upstairs." Simon dragged Kit upstairs to his bedroom.

"Bye Liam." Kit called as they walked into Simon's neatly organized room. "Oh my God, you're brother is so hot."

"Kit! EW!" Simon scolded, "He's my brother!"

"I know, but even you can admit that man is sexy as hell."

"SHUT UP! He's gross." Simon wacked Kit across the head.

"Whatever dude. He's hot."