The Academy: Discovery

A Family with a Lot of Issues

A/N: I've never dedicated an update before but I'd like to dedicate this one to jellybean262. She's always the first to comment and/or vote. You have no idea how excited I get seeing a comment or vote. This is another sad update (sorry jellybean262) but its necessary to explain the boys past. I think it also gives them something in common with Elsie on a deeper level. I just thought I would warn you. As always please vote and comment. Thank you.

 Victor is waiting by the door when I finally walk inside. He doesn't say anything but I get the gift of his happy smile and his fire eyes lite with the same feeling. He slides our hands together and entwines our fingers leading me through the short hallway into the dining area where the others are all gathered. I feel oddly content having all of there eyes on me. Especially since most of them are smiling at me warmly. "I hope you don't mind we took some liberties." Mr. Blackbourne says drawing my attention to my surroundings that don't live and breath.

I'm a little worried that I hadn't noticed such big changes when I first walked in. The windows are all covered with a cardboard looking paper blocking views in and out of the restaurant. The tables and chairs are all pushed to that side of the dining room creating a small barrier between the windows and the rest of the building. "Do you expect trouble?"

"We always expect trouble." North explains with agreement from the others.

"Oh. Well I guess I don't mind."

Kota steps forward taking the lead. The move isn't unusual really but the look he gives Mr. Blackbourne is. Its then I realize how silly I was to believe they had all just made up and moved on because I had. Kota is still mad at Mr. Blackbourne. Why didn't he tell me? And are the others mad too? I haven't thought to ask but maybe I should have. "Right..." Kota says getting to work "we discussed this in our meeting this morning but I want to fill you in. Si, Nate, Vic, and myself will search the dining and kitchen areas. North and Gabe will search the apartment. You, Luke, and Doc get the offices. I think thats the most likely place we will find clues so they'll need you. The rest of us will come to you as well with possible clues as we find them. Sound okay to you?"

Confused my response comes out like a question "uh, yeah?"

He nods looking away briefly then announces "Lets get started."

I stand still wondering if he realizes he skipped over Mr. Blackbourne. The look he exchanges with the others not immediately getting to work makes me think he knows exactly what he's done. And that upsets me. I don't blame Kota for his anger but putting distance between Mr. Blackbourne and the rest of the family is not a solution I see helping. I've got to fix this. In a flash I cross the room to stand with Mr. Blackbourne and slip my hand into his. Two things happen that I'm starting to realize will probably keep happening when we touch. The electricity and his instant recoil. I ignore both squeezing his hand tighter in mine as I walk to Kota pulling Mr. Blackbourne behind me. "He's with us." I tell Kota softly.

"Are you sure?"

"I am."

He opens his mouth to argue I think but hesitated and instead says "Can I talk to him first?"

Feeling like I need to protect Mr. Blackbourne from the angry Kota he seems to be in Mr. Blackbournes presence, I turn to Mr. Blackbourne and ask "Is that okay with you? I can stay if you want."

The smallest of smiles raises the corner of his lips a mm before he answers. "I appreciate your concern but I assure you I'll be fine."

"If your sure." I tell him releasing his hand and turning to Kota. I pull Kota into a hug and whisper "If this is you making him grovel I think he's done that enough. Please find it in you to forgive him. It makes my belly hurt to think you're fighting because of me." He nods and starts to release his hold on me. As I start to slide away from him I dart my tongue out and lick his cheek. He laughs and the sound warms my heart again.