All Around You (Troyler AU)

Chapter 10: Entirely Invisible

Troye's P.O.V

I didn't think it was possible to be this happy.

Honestly, talking to Tyler had made all of this pent up stress within me just go away. He was the only person who knew about my family situation and my parents- and I hadn't known how badly I needed to tell someone about it until I told him. He didn't judge me like I assumed he would. He just listened and understood. He didn't try and tell me I was over-reacting, or tell me that I was wrong; he just accepted the way I felt. And it was amazing. It was so relieving to know someone out there knew about my problems and not only cared, but wanted to make sure I was okay.

That previous night, Tyler stayed with me until very late. He didn't try to get me up to go to supper; instead he went downstairs himself and brought back food for us. If anyone asked him about me, he just said I wasn't feeling well (which, in actuality, was true). We sat on my bed and just talked for hours and hours, and he let me vent about my family as long as I wanted. He told me funny stories about his childhood that he hadn't told anyone before; not even Korey!

It was morning mass now, and I knew exactly what to be thankful for. I thanked every higher power for bringing Tyler into my life. I thanked every star in the sky for putting us together and bringing us so close. I thanked the universe for giving me someone as great as him.

I had been enjoying my new found euphoric state for as long as I could. Tyler and I talked occasionally between mass and breakfast, which only made my mood better. I didn't think anything could bring me down from this great feeling.

Then all things went to hell at breakfast.

"Steele, how are the swordsmanship lessons going?" asked my father from across the table.

"Great, actually. My speed has improved a lot since I tested it last month," replied Steele.

I listened happily into the conversation, for once in my life I felt incredibly personable.

"You should come out and train with me some time, son. I could show you a trick or two when it comes to battle. Not to brag but I had the best fighting skill in the family," my father said proudly.

"Definitely. I'd like that," Steele said eagerly.

"What about you, Tyde, are you keeping up with your lessons, too?" my father went on. Tyde nodded his head quickly, not able to speak with his mouth full of food. "Has your aim improved at all since I last saw it?"

I heard a loud gulp come from Tyde and I chuckled to myself. "Yeah, Dad. I've hit every target the tutor's laid out so far. He hasn't been able to trick me yet."

"That's good to hear," said my father proudly.

I waited quietly for a second. I wondered if he was going to ask me at all about my swordsmanship lessons. While I may not have had a legitimate tutor to teach me how to fight, I did have Tyler, and the entire militia for that matter. I smiled wide to myself and waited, but no one said anything to me.

"Sage, that is a lovely dress you have on, dear," my mother said fondly, looking right past me towards Sage.

"Thank you," said my sister.

"Remind me to show you a necklace I have. It was your grandmother's; I think it would look nice with that dress," said my mother. Sage agreed happily as my father began to speak.

"Have you been keeping up with your French lessons? How about your music lessons?"

"Of course I have, Dad," Sage giggled. "And I've been doing very well, or so my tutor says."