Ghost Force Liv Walker AU

Chapter 9- Telling The Truth to Mike

Date: Friday, March 18th, 2016

Mike's POV

As I walked home with Andy, I noticed that he seemed distant and unresponsive. I had been discussing a basketball-related topic with him, something he usually engages in, but all I got were short replies like "yeah" or "ok." His blank stare towards the front only added to my concern.

"Hey, Andy, I noticed you've been spacing out. Are you okay?" I asked, looking at him with concern.

"Huh? Oh yeah, I'm fine, Mike. I agree with you about the three-pointer," he replied absentmindedly.

"I never mentioned anything about a three-pointer," I thought, puzzled.

"Umm, no problem, Andy," I responded as we continued walking in silence.

"Hey, Andy, do you remember that question Drake asked you?" I inquired.

Suddenly, Andy snapped back to reality. "W-what do you mean, Mike?" he stammered, his face slightly flushed, which was unusual for him.

"Well, I'm just wondering why you didn't hesitate in answering his question. You responded without any doubt. So, I want to know why. Would you actually date Liv if she wasn't your sister?" I asked, wanting to understand his sudden certainty.

"I-it's none of your business, Mike," Andy replied, blushing again.

"Andy, your behavior has been different lately, especially around Liv," I stated, pressing the issue.

"W-What do you mean?" Andy questioned, clearly uncomfortable.

"Well, you've been much nicer to her. You don't argue with Liv as much as before, and you have been asking us to train with you more than usual. And I've noticed you've been spacing out more, with your gaze fixed on Liv like she's a distraction from everything else," I explained.

"W-Well, isn't it normal for me to be a g-good brother and look after her? And isn't it okay for me to train harder to protect people, including Liv?" Andy replied, his embarrassment evident. I let out a sigh.

"Secondly, you've become more easily embarrassed. I've noticed you blush a lot when people mention Liv, and you've started stuttering, which is something you never did before. It's affecting your confidence," I pointed out.

"I do not," Andy protested.

"...Andy, I'm your best friend. You're not a good liar anyway. You can tell me the truth," I reassured him.

"Fine, I'll tell you. Can we go to your house first? I don't want anyone else to know about this yet," Andy requested, and I agreed.

Once we arrived at my house, we made our way to the backyard and settled into the chairs near the pool.

"So, can you finally tell me what's going on with you, Andy?" I asked, looking at him intently.

"I had to tell you because you know I'm a terrible liar," Andy began.

"Yeah, I know, Andy. I'm guessing this has something to do with Liv, right?" I inquired, trying to piece it all together.

"Y-yeah. On Friday, March 4th, I went home early to play some video games since Liv was helping Miss Jones with something, and you were hanging out with Charlie that day," Andy started explaining.

"Oh, yeah, I remember. Sorry about that," I apologized, offering a smile.

"It's fine," Andy replied.

"Please continue, Andy," I urged.

"Let's just say I overheard my parents' conversation with someone who is close friends with them. I found out that Liv was actually adopted, and my parents told me that Liv's mom was Larissa because she was the one on the phone with them. They also shared details about Auntie Larissa's difficult childhood," Andy revealed, surprising me with his revelation.

"So, Liv is adopted... That explains why she had two different birthdays and why you two didn't look like siblings when I first met you," I remarked, connecting the dots.

"Yeah, Liv's family is moving here to New York. My mom said they already know me since Liv and I were childhood friends, even since we were in diapers," Andy added.

"That's amazing. I guess that explains a lot about your recent behavior around Liv," I commented.

"W-what do you mean by that?" Andy asked, his blush returning.

"Well, you're seeing Liv in a new light. Instead of viewing her as your 'sibling,' you're seeing her as a friend or something more," I suggested.

"I-I," Andy stuttered, unsure of how to respond.

"Do you still have feelings for Carla, though?" I asked, looking at Andy.

"I think so, even though I'm not entirely sure now that I know about Liv. I suppose I'm seeing Liv differently, but I don't think I have romantic feelings for her," Andy confessed, still blushing despite his denial.

"Well, love can be complicated, bro. You know that," I said.

"How do you know more about love than me when you haven't even made a move on Charlie, Mike even though you guys went on dates already?" Andy smirked, teasing me.

"Hey, don't bring my love life into this. We're talking about yours right now," I replied, feeling embarrassed.

Andy burst into laughter, and I joined him.

"Andy, when Liv finds out about her being adopted, you should consider telling her about your feelings, even if you deny having them to me. I'll always be by your side, just like I know you and Liv will be there for me when I tell Charlie," I suggested.

"I-I don't know, Mike. But I still have feelings for Carla," Andy responded with a somber expression.

"Well, don't rush it. Take your time to figure out your own feelings, dude," I advised, patting his shoulder.

"I'll try, I guess," Andy said, contemplating his situation.

"Also, you never know how things will change once Liv discovers she's adopted. She might see you differently too, knowing that you two aren't biologically related," I added.

"Yeah, maybe, but I doubt she'd ever be interested in someone like me," Andy mused.

"You never know what the future holds, Andy," I reassured him, and he looked at me, contemplating my words.

"Yeah, I guess," he finally said.

"Hey, want to play some video games in my room?" I suggested, wanting to lighten the mood. Andy agreed, and we headed to my room to enjoy some gaming.

We didn't talk about Liv again that day, but I had a feeling it wouldn't be the last time our conversations revolved around her.