First Son, Cursed Son

Sons keep promises

"Willow, we picked swimming lesson ages groups." Kara tells her as she skids into the office, barely on time.

"Oh no." She says worriedly. "Melanie gave me a terrible group didn't she? Punishment since I'm late."

"Level 5." Kara says sympathetically and Willow groans dramatically.

"Bright side, we're partners." Devon calls across the room.

"We're gonna have fun, we've got Isaias and Zane." She says, consulting the list of names on the paper.

"And a bunch of other snot nosed 8 to 10 year olds." He says. "At least you can control those two."

"Somewhat." She grumbles.

"Look lively, kids are coming in!" Melanie calls and Willow resigns herself to certain doom. They face the crowd. Zane and Isaias stand next to each other wearing identical innocent smiles.

"I'm just thankful that Rang and Cruz are done." She mutters and Devon snorts, trying to compose himself. Melanie calls out names and their different age levels with different guards- Autumn and Kalli excitedly bound after Kara, clutching hands. Finally, she calls,

"Level 5!" Willow and Devon step up, waving. "Isaias Lowman, Zane Skogstrom—" Both walk toward Willow calmly as Melanie reads the other names and Willow narrows her eyes. Once all the names have been called, they lead their kids to the deep end. As Devon gives out instructions, Willow stares down Isaias and Zane, arms folded.

"Ok, everyone jump in!" Devon says and everyone leaps into the water, except Isaias and Zane.

"Scared?" Willow taunts.

"Actually, we can dive, so can we do that instead?" Zane sasses and Willow takes a deep breath then shoves them in. They come up spluttering.

"You two are not going to be little shits." She says flatly, crouching down so that they can see her face better. "Any lip, any sass, and I'll tell Happy. And I bet he'll have some creative punishments lined up." She threatens and they both nod seriously, looking chastised. Willow nods for Devon to continue and he grins.

"Oh my god, how do you deal with them on a daily basis?" Devon marvels as they put away kickboards.

"With a lot of threats and bribes." Willow says with a little laugh, falling in step with him as they file out of the pool.

"Really?" He asks, looking at her. She nods.

"Lately, all I have to do is threaten to tell their dads, but that'll wear off soon enough." She says. "At least, it did with Rang and Cruz."

"You poor thing." He says, shaking his head. "I'll see you Monday?" He calls, unlocking his car and she nods, waving. She turns and sees Abel is watching with a frown.

"Hey." She says, walking over.

"Who's that?" He asks gruffly and she looks over her shoulder, looking at Devon's car then back at him.

"Who, Devon?" She asks, bewildered. He nods curtly and she laughs slightly. "Oh, he's just another lifeguard. I teach lessons with him." She says cheerfully.

"Do you really think that's wise?" He asks her and she looks at him, taken aback. "Talking to him?"

"It's not like I'm dating him or something." She says, annoyed. "I teach lessons with him, we have Zane and Isaias in our class, we were just discussing that. I've known him since 7th grade."