Summer Entanglement (bxb)

Chapter 2

The next two weeks went by fairly quickly and during that time, Jace had sent photos of his birthday in Vegas and I was super jealous because I have always wanted to go. I am excited that we will be seeing them again tomorrow. I do find it kind of odd to be invited to their mother's wedding when we have never met her before and the fact we met the boys only once, but oh well. It's happening.

"Which pair do you want?" Tanner's voice came from my bedroom door. I turned my head to see him holding up the black to grey ombre colored swim trunks and blue to black ombre trunks. I look at him dumbfounded.

"Does it really matter?" I ask with a quirked eyebrow. "We share shit all the time"

"Just thought you'd prefer one over the other" he mumbled before throwing the blue pair at my head.

"Do you have all your stuff packed?" I questioned, sticking the trunks in my luggage.

"Yep!" he chimed. I turned and seen him leaning against my door frame.

"How are you doing?" I asked hesitantly. He's been pretty hush hush about the break up ever since that night he caught Bethany. He let out a long sigh, running a hand through his short hair.

"I know you're secretly happy about it" he said, glancing up at me. A blush crept on to my cheeks.

"I'm not happy about it...Someone broke my big brother's heart" I stated, sitting on the edge of my bed and clasping my hands between my knees.

"I'll be fine Char" he muttered. I frowned and patted the bed next to me. It seemed like he had an inner debate with himself before he finally came to sit next to me. I grabbed his hands in mine before meeting his eyes with mine.

"I love you" I whispered.

"I love you too" he sighed

"Are you just saying that?" I asked quietly. I figured it doesn't hurt to outright ask.

"What do you mean?" he gave a confused look.

"I mean...Are you just saying it because you know how I feel or..." I trailed off, averting my eyes. I felt Tanner move and then his forehead was against mine.

"Look at me" I immediately snapped my eyes to his. "Charlie, I do love you"

"But?"

"Like I told you before...it's frowned upon and we'd have to be a secret and you don't deserve that" he explained softly, brushing his thumb against my hand. "You deserve someone who can show you off to the world...kiss you whenever and wherever...It'd be selfish of me to keep that from you"

I kept silent, not knowing what to say in return. My heart feeling heavy. Why did the person I love have to be my brother? If we weren't brothers, it would be easier.

"We should get to bed, we leave tomorrow" he said before pulling away and standing to retreat from my room. "Goodnight, Char"

"Goodnight Tan" I replied gazing at his back as he turned to walk to his room. I got up and shut off the light before climbing in bed and letting sleep overcome me.

Tanner's P.O.V
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I can't believe he would question if I loved him or not. Granted, I know just saying it doesn't prove anything really. I just wish he'd understand. Although my feelings have came about more recently than his, I want to be with him, so much it hurts.

I had my suspicions about him having different kind of feelings for me, starting about two years ago. I had started dating Bethany and I noticed how insanely angry he'd get at me after I would hang out with her or after she'd come over. At first, I thought maybe he was jealous that I was dating someone. However, I didn't know at the time but he was seeing someone. I wracked my brain over why he would be jealous, but then it occurred to me that maybe he was jealous of Bethany being with me. I began noticing all his blushes and smiles around me.

With the thoughts of his potential interest in me, it had sparked something in me that I didn't know existed. Maybe that's why we were so close to each other growing up. And I don't mean in the normal close twin bonding kind of way. I felt as if there was always something deeper between us that was unexplainable. Until now.

He confirmed my suspicions when we were drinking at a party this past winter, that he indeed is in love with me. I never told him I knew about his confession until spring break. As much as I wanted to just kiss him and make him mine. I couldn't because one, as I stated to him. It's frowned upon and not normal. Two, Bethany. She is- well was a sweet girl during our relationship. I don't exactly know why she would cheat on me. I have not spoken to her since I caught her in bed with one of my former close friends. But I really want to know. I decided to dig out my phone and scroll through my contacts.

"Tanner?" she asked in a surprised tone, once she picked up the phone.

"Why?" getting straight to the point. She sighed over the phone.

"It just sort of happened.."

"Bullshit Bethany, sitting on a dick doesn't just happen" I stated. She was quiet for a minute on the phone.

"Honestly, Tanner. You were being distant, we had not had sex in months. Not even on prom night." she replied.

"So that gave you the okay to go out of our relationship and screw one of my friends?" I asked incredulously.

"I didn't mean for it to happen when we were still together, I'm truly sorry Tanner"

"I just wanted an explanation...Bye Beth" I said before hanging up the phone and deleting her contact along with Kyle's. Fuck her and fuck a fake friend. I threw my phone on my bed and did a couple push ups to release some frustration.

After, I hopped in the shower before heading to bed. I just hope this summer is just as happy and fun as I hope it to be.

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"Wake up Char! Our flights in two hours!" I called from outside his door. I heard a groan and then silence. I opened the door to see him curled in his blanket. Cute.

"Wakey wakey Charlie" I tickled his chin, knowing he doesn't like it. He growled and then bit my fingers.

"Ow, Charlie! That really hurt!" I said in my best British accent to mimic the 'Charlie bit my finger' video. He popped his eyes open and glared at me.

"That's not been funny since you tried it the first time" he deadpanned. I just grinned at him.

"Come on, let's eat breakfast and get ready" I told him before standing and ripping his blankets away. I he curled his body up to try and reserve the body heat.

"It's too early!"

"It's 9am, get your lazy butt up" I stated and smacked his butt, making him yelp. "Time's a ticking" I said, walking out of his room.

"Ass" I heard him mumble.

Mom made us a pancake, egg and bacon breakfast. I hummed as I bounded down the stairs.

"I love the smell of bacon in the morning" I commented as I entered the kitchen. Dad was sipping his coffee and reading the newspaper at a barstool, while mom cooked.

"Is your brother up? You guys can't miss your flight" she asked while flipping a pancake.

"I got him up mama, don't worry we won't miss it. Even if I have to drag him out of the house" I chuckled.

"You make sure to tell them boys that I say hi and I hope they come visit here some time. They seemed like nice gentleman" she smiled at me.

"Will do" I said before grabbing some oj from the fridge.

"Mmm smells good mama" Charlie appeared in the kitchen, giving mom a kiss on her cheek.

"I'm just about done with the pancakes" she said.

"Oj, Char?" I asked while turning my head to look at him. He nodded and sat next to dad.

"Here sugar" she said as she handed a plate to dad.

"Thank you gorgeous" dad smiled and mom giggled like a schoolgirl. They are so cute, it's gross. No, but really they are couple goals. Perfect balance in their relationship.

"My babies" she said and set a plate down for me and Charlie on the breakfast bar.

"Thanks mama" we both said. She grabbed her plate and sat on the other side of dad. We ate our delicious breakfast while they asked questions on where we were visiting and telling us to make sure we check in from time to time. We finished then rushed upstairs after seeing we had to be at the airport in an hour. Grabbing our stuff, hugging our parents goodbye then climbing in the Lyft, we were off to Pennsylvania.

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"Do you see our luggage?" I asked while eyeing the conveyor belt that circles around and around. Charlie's phone dinged.

"Jace asked if we landed, I'm going to tell him we are waiting on our luggage" he said while glancing up.

"There! I see our bags!" I hurried over an grabbed Charlie's and my stuff. "Alright, are they at the pick up doors?" I asked and he nodded. We made our way out of the airport doors, glancing around awkwardly to see if we seen Jace. A horn sounded and We looked over to see Jace waving frantically in the driver's seat and Dakota laughing at him. We began walking over and they both got out and opened the trunk of the car.

"Hey guys, long time no see" once we got close to the car.

"Yeah, nice to see you guys again" Jace smiled brightly. Charlie wrapped Jace up in a hug causing Dakota to let out a growl.

"Whoa, down boy. Just a friendly hug" Charlie laughed and ruffled Dakota's hair before hugging him as well. I snickered at Dakota's 'WTF' face. I gave them both a bro hug.

"Are you guys hungry? We could stop somewhere so you don't have to wait for the reception" Jace said, shutting the trunk.

"Nah, we ate on the plane. Thanks though" Charlie replied as we all got in the car. We chatted on our way to the destination of the wedding.

We pulled up to a giant mansion, with a huge yard that was surrounded by a security gate. We got out and carried our stuff following Jace and Dakota to the backyard. It was filled with fairy lights, light colored flowers and sheer white fabric. There were even candles in the pool, which was a nice touch.

Jace introduced us to Ryder, their new step brother and Matt Jace's best friend before we were ushered into the house to change into our formal wear.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The ceremony was beautiful much like their mom. Victor, who I learned was the groom's name, looked kind of like Pierce Brosnan. The dude who played James Bond in Goldeneye. Once everyone was cleared to wait in the reception tent, Charlie and I made our way to grab something to drink. We were just standing at one of the table's when Matt and Ryder came up to us.

"The infamous Verlice twins" Matt chuckled.

"That's us" I grinned "Jace talked about us a lot, I guess?"

"Yeah, he was excited to make some new friends" Matt replied "He even showed me the picture of you two at prom" he said. I noticed his face falter after saying prom. Oh, yeah.

"I'm glad he's well recovered" Charlie spoke up. Ryder lightly leaned against Matt's shoulder.

"Me too...I hope your prom night ended better than ours" Matt commented.

"Ehh, didn't end in the cliché way it usually does but it was a fun night" I said and Charlie looked at me in question.

"Dinner will be served soon, it's buffet style" Jace said as he came out of nowhere to tell us. He leaned his head on Matt's shoulder and huffed "I'm pooped". We all laughed and then Ryder asked questions about the road trip we were going on, which led to Jace calling Damon and Sebastian over to tell us our mode of transportation. Damon said that he rented an RV for us to travel in. Which is a lot nicer than being crammed in a car for hours on end, even with stopping at hotels. Glasses clinked to start the dinner speeches and get our food. It was a traditional reception, the speeches were funny and tearful for some while the crowd clinked their glasses to get the bride and groom to kiss like a gazillion times.

Eventually the first dances came around. We sat patiently at our table as we watched all of them. I looked at Charlie and he had a longing glint in his eyes. He's such a romantic. This is the kind of stuff he adores and I wish I could give it to him. When the DJ announced that everyone could join in on the dance floor, Sebastian had asked me to dance while Charlie asked Jace. It was funny because Dakota was glaring at Charlie every so often.

"Your brother is going to kill my brother" I stated to Sebastian and he chuckled.

"Nah, he's harmless just a bit of a green eyed monster at times" he said.

"I remember Charlie telling me about that back at the beach" I laughed. "I haven't seen you or Damon get all jealous though"

"No need to be" he shrugged "We know where each other stands and we have trust in our relationship"

"That's very admirable" I nodded "And I guess being older helps too, cause you know what they say...get wiser with age" I added

"We aren't that much older than you guys" he rolled his eyes with chuckle. The song then ended.

"Thank you for the dance" I bowed which made Sebastian laugh.

"No problem" he said before venturing off. Eventually another slow song came on and I felt arms grab me around the waist.

"Usually I'm the smooth one" I said to Jace with a smirk.

"I'm full of surprises" he chuckled. He glanced to our side and giggled, so I turned to look to see Charlie dancing with Dakota. Dakota didn't look very happy. It's quite funny to see him like this, like an angry puppy.

"Anyway, I talked to Charlie..." Jace trailed off.

"Of course you did" I shook my head. Not that I minded because I am grateful that Charlie has someone to talk to about our situation. Or lack there of. "What'd he say?" I asked

"Classified information. I just want to hear your side" he stated and I narrowed my eyes at him "I'm nosey, sue me" he laughed.

I released a long breath "I just want him happy" Which is true. I want him happy. But can he be the happiest with me? The secrecy? The no PDA? Never getting married?

He nodded "I hope you guys can work it out" he said with a pat on my shoulder.

"Thanks...me too" I whispered softly. He looked around and made a weird face which in return I made a weird face.

"What?"

"My best friend is dancing with my step brother" he explained and I looked at him with an eyebrow raised.

"So?"

"Sooooo...Ryder fancies Matt. Matt is supposedly straight and has a girlfriend. However, Matt admitted to me that he thought Ryder was cute. Ryder got jealous of them having sex on his boat and I ended up spilling to Ryder that Matt thought he was cute so I told Matt that I told him...so yeah" he stated

"Ahh, I see" I said

"Yep, their friendship has grown so much overtime too so that's good...is it bad that I want them together?" he asked me as he gazed over at his best friend laughing. Even I could see the dreamy look in Ryder's eyes as Matt laughed. That's the same look Charlie gives me.

"No, but if your friend doesn't want to ditch his girl, you can't make that happen" I told him.

"I never said I was going to push him to dump her, she is a sweetheart...which where is she?" he asked rhetorically because I have no idea what she looked like. "There she is" he said and pointed over to a hot girl with sandy blonde hair standing next to an equally hot latina girl.

"She's hot and so is her friend" I commented.

"Oy vey...Men" he muttered and I frowned. Jace's mom announced the cutting of the cake so everyone made their way to watch them feed each other a slice.

The reception ended with a sparkler and bubble goodbye to the bride and groom. All the guys gathered and agreed it was time to get to bed before our trip started tomorrow so we headed to Jace's and Dakota's car. We arrived at their house and Jace escorted both Charlie and I into Sebastian's old room, telling us we could share this bed or one of us could go to Damon's room at the end of the hall. Jace said his goodnights and left the room.

"Do you want to share or do you want me to go to the other room?" Charlie asked.

"We can share, I don't mind" I shrugged and he nodded with a small smile gracing his lips "Plus it will be easier to wake you up then"

"Just don't tickle me" he said

"No promises" I said and stripped down to my boxers. I felt Charlie's eyes on me as I slipped into the bed, under the covers.

"Are you sure it's okay?" he asked again.

"Char...get in the damn bed" I rolled my eyes. He stripped down to his boxers and turned the light off before slipping in next to me. He kept a good space between us. It's probably a good thing because I don't want to send the wrong message.

Probably shouldn't be sleeping in the same bed then, my mind scolded myself.

"Goodnight Tan" he whispered into the dark.

"Night Char" I replied and closed my eyes.