Till Death - Ace Merrill (BOOK 2)

Bros before Hero's

Having spent most of the day shopping, the trio soon returned home. Ace had relaxed a lot more and actually had a smile on his face seeing Oceane get so happy about everything.

Charlie had managed to find an invitation design that had a Greek pattern going around the edge. Ace had agreed to it before Oceane even got the chance.

The invitations had been printed while the group went for lunch. The boys almost had to drag Oceane away from the dress shop as she wanted to go inside.

*****

"Okay I'm fucked." Charlie mumbled as he crashed down on the sofa.

Ace nodded in agreement as he flopped down beside his friend.

Oceane stood over them as Vince took Austin from her arms. She allowed her arms to cross as she stared down at Ace.

"I don't like that look." Charlie mumbled as he pointed up at her.

Ace shook his head. "She's got a real nasty glare when she wants."

Oceane remained silent as she continued to glare down at Ace.

"Dude I think she's spent too much time with you." Charlie mumbled.

Ace nodded. "I'm scared that's true."

"You think she's just gonna keep standing there glaring?" Charlie asked, getting nervous seeing the unchanging expression on her face.

"I played nice all day!" Ace exclaimed up at her.

"You didn't last night though did you?" She finally spoke, still glaring down at him.

Ace groaned. "I don't wanna-"

"I don't care." She snapped back. "Either you go apologise right now or you're paying for every bar tab your cobras draw up while we're here." She snapped.

Charlie's face instantly lit up. Unfortunately for him Ace flew up off the sofa.

"I'll apologise." He grumbled quickly.

"Thought you might." She mumbled as Charlie leant back pouting.

Ace continued to grumble as he walked out the house.

"Go with him. Make sure he does it." She snapped down at Charlie.

Charlie groaned slightly, his feet were already aching.

"You know if he doesn't you get unlimited drinks while we're here?" She pushed.

Charlie quickly nodded, realising he could happily snitch on Ace if he didn't actually apologise.

Jumping up he raced off after Ace as Vince, Jack and Fuzzy walked back into the living room.

"One of you go with them. Charlie's soft enough to accept a bribe." She snapped at the trio.

Fuzzy nodded and raced after Ace and Charlie. Oceane sighed slightly as she turned to Vince and Jack.

"Austin's napping upstairs." Vince mumbled as he sat down.

Oceane nodded slowly as she sat down and began rummaging through the bags from today.

"Well you guys can help me write out a guest list and these invitations then." She mumbled as she chucked a notepad and pen to Jack.

The pair nodded as they sat near her and the guest list began.

*****

"I don't see why I've gotta fucking apologise." Ace grumbled as he walked in between Charlie and Fuzzy.

"He was a prick."

Charlie and Fuzzy nodded in agreement as Ace looked between them blankly.

"You don't like him either?" Ace asked them somewhat confused.

"Took Connie." Fuzzy mumbled.

"Hurt Billy." Charlie finished.

Ace nodded at both of them. Glad he had them on his side.

"Let's just get this bullshit over with." He grumbled as he finally reached Jason's house.

They were across the street as they stopped and watched Jason saying goodbye to a guy. The pair chatted for a moment as they shook hands.

"Where do I know him from?" Fuzzy asked quietly.

Charlie shrugged. "He looks familiar?"

Ace tilted his head as he stared at this man. "Why is my head ringing bells?"

The three watched as the man walked away from Jason's and began walking away down the street.

"You're not gonna apologise to Jason are you?" Fuzzy asked quietly as the three kept their attention on the man walking away.

Ace scoffed and shook his head as he instantly took off walking after the man. Charlie and Fuzzy gave each other a small shrug as they followed after Ace.

*****

"Why the fuck is he staying at the B&B?" Charlie choked out as they watched him head inside.

Ace and Fuzzy shrugged.

"Gotta admit, they rebuilt the place looking good." Fuzzy mumbled quietly.

Charlie flinched slightly as he brought his hand up to his head, feeling the small scar from his previous time in there.

Though he had never admitted it to the guys but he still had nightmares of that day. The fear of losing his best friend Billy, Eyeball and Oceane often woke him up at night. Only relaxing when he realised it was a nightmare and they were all okay.

Ace placed a hand on his shoulder, snapping him from his thoughts.

"You good?" He asked, a small hint of concern in his voice.

Charlie nodded quickly. "Course."

Ace gave him a small nod as he took off going straight for the B&B.

Charlie and Fuzzy quickly followed but as they reached the door, Charlie stumbled backwards.

Ace and Fuzzy instantly turned to him as he just shook his head slightly.

"I... I can't..." he mumbled.

Ace looked between him and the door before back at him. Austin and the other agent's words flashed through his mind.

Your team is your lifeline.

Ace gently smacked Charlie's back. "Let's go. Probably nothing anyway." He mumbled as he began to lead Charlie away.

Charlie nodded as he let Ace and Fuzzy walk him away.

"Sorry." He mumbled quietly as the three headed back.

Ace and Fuzzy shook their heads, completely dismissing his apology. That day had been tormented for all of them. Neither wanted an apology.

"Don't tell Oceane I didn't apologise." Ace mumbled, wanting to change the subject.

Fuzzy shook his head. "Course not. Bros before-" he stopped himself as both Ace and Charlie turned to half glare at him.

"Bros before future wife's and mothers of your child." Fuzzy quickly finished.

Charlie laughed. "That doesn't even rhyme."

"You think of one then!" Fuzzy snapped back.

Charlie and Ace fell silent.

"Exactly, fucking hard not calling her a-" he stopped seeing the glare Ace was giving him.

"Bros before Hero's." Ace finally spoke up.

Charlie and Fuzzy both smiled up and nodded at him.

"Bros before Hero's. I like it." Charlie mumbled as he felt Ace's hand pat him on the back again and the three headed off home.