𝚃𝚘𝚛𝚗- ᑕ0ᗰᑭᒪᗴ丅ᗴ

ch 27: nate

If someone were trying to wake me up by pinching me, I'd probably rip off their fingertips.

I never want to wake up from this dream.

I had just pulled up to my house and was walking in after dropping Sunny off, and was surprised to see my parents and Tristan all still awake in the living room.

"Tristan, honey. How was the first day?"

Shrugging before giving my mom a hug, I couldn't help but notice the glare on Tristan's face.

"Not too bad. It was a half-day, so, no practice. But, Sunny did have her audition-- she's signed to do at least one album."

I smirked to myself a little bit, noticing the look of confusion beginning to find its way onto Tristan's face.

"I didn't know she was auditioning. Hell, when'd she start singing in front of people?"

Tristan's mumbles were meant just for him, but I heard him, and I couldn't help but poke at him a little, wanting to twist the knife in further.

"A lot's changed since you left, Big Brother."

My parents either didn't notice or chose to ignore our silent feuding, as my mom changed the subject.

"Well, we should have them over for dinner sometime soon. I know your dads have their game this Thursday--"

"And practice starts for me tomorrow..."

I chimed in, reminding my parents about how busy my schedule was going to be getting.

"How about next Friday after your season opener? We can all go to dinner... just like we used to."

I grinned with pure joy, seeing how uncomfortable the thought of having dinner with the Prescott's was making Tristan.

"Sounds perfect, Mom."

Tristan glared at me, not that my parents noticed, because a few moments later they both headed for their room, leaving Tristan and me alone.

He shifted on the couch, flipping through stations, completely ignoring me, so I decided to just head to my room. I was almost out of the living room when he finally spoke again.

"So, how is my Bunni?"

I stopped dead in my tracks, instantly annoyed by the stupid nickname I can honestly say I didn't miss. I turned to look back at him and wanted to rip the smile off of his face.

"She's not yours. You left her. Remember?"

Tristan's eyes flickered in rage for a moment until he cleared his throat, seeming to cover his anger with a tight smirk.

He got up from his seat, hobbling over on his crutches until we were face to face.

"Just remember one thing, little brother..."

He leaned in and the arrogance that was seeping through his words had me honestly questioning how I could even be related to someone like him.

"No matter what happens, she'll always be thinking about me."

"Wow... you really are a narcissistic prick."

"I noticed you didn't deny it."

If he hadn't been on a bum foot, I would've decked him, I swear. His cocky grin was definitely pushing towards hitting him, and the wider his smile got, the more I wanted to knock him down a peg.

"So, Tris, was she thinking about you when she gave me her first kiss?"

His smirk faltered for a moment and I felt victorious right up until a loud chuckle left his throat.

"Of course, she was thinking about me. Or at least about how you were the safe choice."

I shook my head, not wanting him to see how his words affected me, but I failed.

He saw it.

"Come on, Nathaniel. You've always been the safe choice. What, she never told you?"

🖤