The Waters - A Beta Squad Story (bxb)

9. Playing Games

The car finally pulled up to the house, waking AJ up from his peaceful slumber. He stretched his arms above his head, yawning loudly, before blinking a few times to adjust to the dim lighting in the car. As he climbed out of the car, he smiled up at Niko. "Thanks," he murmured, his voice still groggy from sleep.

They thank the driver, and Kenny opens the door to the house. They made their way to the back to find the other three lounging on the sofa.

"We have arrived!" Niko made a grand entrance. Chunkz stuck his leg out, tripping Niko as he tried to pass, letting out a demonic chuckle.

"Nah, why does Aj look like he's just woken up from a coma, lads?" They all turned to look at the tired boy as Filly spoke.

Chunkz pulls a face at him and speaks in the highest voice he could muster: "Aw, you're so cute when you're sleepy." He yawns and flops down on the couch.

Aj rolls his eyes, but he can't help but smile. "Shut up." He walks over to the sofa and lies right on top of Chunkz in an attempt to crush him.

Kenny grabs Sharky's hand before telling the group he was going to get drinks and snacks. He wasn't too sure if they had heard them over the noise of Aj's yelling. Kenny pulled on Sharky's hand, taking them both to the kitchen.

Sharky glanced over at him, amused by the way he was so easily pulled along. "Where are you in such a hurry to get to?" he teased.

Kenny shrugged, not meeting Sharky's eyes as they walked into the kitchen. "Just want to make sure everyone has something to eat and drink," he said, a little too quickly. "You know how Aj gets when he's hungry."

Sharky raised an eyebrow at that but didn't push the issue. Instead, he leaned against the counter and watched as Kenny began to rummage through the cabinets and fridge. The other man's movements were jerky and anxious, and Sharky couldn't help but feel a twinge of curiosity. There was clearly something else going on here, but Kenny wasn't willing to share.

The two of them stood in silence for a moment, each lost in their own thoughts. Sharky glanced over at the others, wondering if they could sense the tension between him and Kenny. He hoped not; he didn't want to be the centre of attention.

Kenny had already gotten all the snacks ready but was still standing against the counter opposite him. Sharky was leaning back with his arms crossed.

Kenny turned to face Sharky, tilting his head slightly and just looking at his face. Sharky thought Kenny's actions resembled those of a dog. It made him smile at the other, which caused a mirrored effect on Kenny.

"Want one?" Kenny opened up a bag of crisps he had gotten out. Sharky didn't like those crisps. Kenny knew.

Realistically, he had time to run, but he didn't want to. Kenny pulled out a crisp, striding over to Sharky and attempting to forcefully feed him. Sharky tried to hold in his laugh to keep his mouth shut.

"I don't want them," he chuckled, glancing over at the others again. He wondered if they could see the playfulness in his eyes.

Kenny playfully frowned, the crisp hovering in front of Sharky's face. "But you like them."

Sharky bit his lip, trying not to laugh. "No, I don't."

Kenny rolled his eyes and put the crisp back into the bag. "Fine. Be that way."

Instead, Kenny walked back to the snacks, picking out something Sharky liked. Walking back over, the older man attempted to grab the crisp, but Kenny just moved it back and tutted.

"You're no fun," Sharky whined, rolling his eyes.

Kenny grinned, amused by the other man's antics. "Oh, I'm plenty of fun," he replied, putting half the crisp in his mouth. The two of them stood there, their faces mere inches apart. He then pointed at Sharky, the crisp, and then Sharky's mouth.