Strong One

Chapter 18 Control

Ethan POV

"That is called singing.  We do sing along to some songs we like, when we hear them being played" I tell Fin.  "It's nice, and makes you want to move" Fin says tapping his hand to the beat. Ry gets up and goes into the bathroom.  I hear him brushing his teeth after a couple of minutes. Then he walks out in just his boxes.  "I know I'm going to fall asleep before the end" he says climbing back onto the bed.

I check I've set my alarm on my phone before also going into the bathroom to get ready for bed. "Oh, that snake doesn't look, like he's good" I hear Fin say.  "No, don't go off by yourself" he adds.  I walk out and see him with him half hiding his face behind Ry's arm. While watching the movie.

"It isn't real Fin, it's just a story" I try and comfort him.  "He's like me.  Only he only has the bear.  I'm lucky I have you and your family.  You wouldn't let a big snake come and take me away" he says hiding his face completely as the snake goes to coil its self around Mowgli.  "It's okay" Ry assures him patting his head.

We watch the rest of the film, Ry falling asleep during the monkeys singing about wanting to be like us.  Fin manages to stay awake till near the end.  I turn off the tv and lights before laying down to sleep as well.  I dream about a small child, scared and alone. I'm woken by my alarm while I'm trying hard to reach the child before someone else does.

"What the hell is that noise?" Fin cries covering his ears.  I turn off the alarm and pat him of the head "sorry, it's the alarm, we have to get up and have breakfast before we go and train with pop" I tell him.  He snuggles into Ry's side and mutters something I don't catch.

"Okay, I'll get up first and start breakfast.  But you had better not make us late" I state getting out of bed.  "As if anyone wants to get up after hearing that racket!" I hear him say.  "He'll come and throw water on you if you don't get up" Ry murmurs back.

Fin growls, but I hear him getting up.  Then Ry swearing after it sounds like Fin has smacked his ass.  "I'm wearing one of my dresses" Fin declares walking into the bathroom.  He goes to the toilet sitting down. "You know you can stand and do that, don't you?" I ask "I know but I don't like it as it can go everywhere" he replies rolling his eyes at me.

I dry my face and leave the bathroom.  Ry is sitting on the side of the bed, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. "My night was full of weird dreams. I'm going to get pummelled during training" he moans.   Instead of walking into the closet.   I go over and give him a hug. Trying to give him some energy and encouragement. He hugs me back, "thanks, I'll be fine" he assures me.

"What is this stuff growing out my face?" Fin cries and we shake our heads at each other before we go into the bathroom. "Look I have all this stuff coming out of my face!" he says talking about his morning shadow.

"I've got this, go get dressed" Ry says to me. "That is called stubble, men get it and can grow a beard from it" he explains to Griffin. "How do I get rid of it?" Fin asks "here let me show you" Ry says.  I don't hear more as I finish getting dressed and go to the kitchen.

"Why can't I shave down there?" I hear Fin asking as they both move to the closet. "That hair helps keep things in order down there. You can get it trimmed.  But you should try and get use to it first" Ry explains.

I make a simple breakfast of eggs, bacon and hash browns.  Also, putting out some cereal and yoghurt for Ry.  When they come to the kitchen Fin is wearing a dark blue dress the same as the one, he had yesterday.  He's wearing a pair of Ry's sneakers and by the looks he's giving his feet he isn't happy about it.

"If I have to wear these, every time I go out.  I'll stay in" he says to Ry sitting down and crossing his arms across his chest. "We can find some that you like.  Sky forgot about shoes, but knowing her, she'd have bought you some pink glitter things" Ry says getting some cereal for himself.