Falling {Tronnor}

Nine

"We're actually here," Troye breathed as he parked the car. Connor hopped out, hurrying around the side to open Troye's door for him, because he knew how nervous Troye was and wanted to be courteous.

"You're going to be fine," Connor said as he helped Troye out of the car.

"Thank you," Troye said. The sound of the door of the house opening made Connor jump and both of them turn to see who it was.

"Troye!" A girl, who Connor assumed to be Sage, was making her way quickly to where they were standing. She was there quickly, and her arms were around Troye before Connor could even get completely out of the way. "I've missed you so much."

Troye had a sheepish smile on his face as he pulled back. "I've missed you too, Sage," he said. Sage turned her attention to him, giving him a confused look.

"Um... hi," Connor said.

"Sage, this is my best friend, Connor. Con, this is my sister, Sage," Troye said. Connor's stomach did a flip at the title of 'best friend,' despite the fact that he'd already been called that before.

"Nice to meet you," Connor said, extending a hand to Sage.

"Nice to meet you too," Sage replied with a smile, shaking his hand.

"Where's Tyde?" Troye asked, stepping a little bit closer to Connor.

"Inside with mom," Sage said as she led them inside. "We know you guys have to leave before dinner so we made a big lunch."

"Really?" Troye asked. "You didn't have to."

"Of course. It's not every day you visit," she proclaimed. "Or that you bring a boy home," she added softly to Troye, but not softly enough to stop Connor from hearing.

The comment made him blush, and he tried to hide it by acting very interested in a family picture hanging in the hallway. He recognized Troye and Sage, plus he knew that the other two boys were Tyde and Steele. Which meant that the older guy in the picture with his arm around a woman who was almost definitely Troye's mom was their father. Connor couldn't help staring at him the longest, even though he wasn't sure it was respectful to do so.

"It's not like that," Connor heard Troye mumble.

"But do you want it to be?" Sage asked softly.

Connor wasn't sure if he wanted to know the answer, so he hurriedly interrupted. (Well, he kind of did want to know, but he knew he shouldn't eavesdrop) "You know I can hear you guys, right?"

Troye's face flushed visibly red, but Sage looked rather pleased with herself. "Oops," she said, not sounding sincere at all. "I think the chicken is done," she finished rather abruptly, disappearing down the hallway to what Connor could only assume was the kitchen.

"S-Sorry about her," Troye said.

"It's fine," Connor replied, shrugging nonchalantly. "I don't mind. Sisters are sisters, I get it."

Troye sighed in relief. "I think you're among the only people who would be chill with my sister assuming I had a crush on them right off the bat."

"What can I say?" Connor said. "I'm chill with a lot of things."

"That's what so great about y—oof." Troye grunted as he was cut off by someone practically tackling him from behind. "Tyde, get off!"

Connor didn't even bother to hold back laughter as Troye struggled to get out of the grip of his younger, but taller, brother.

Troye finally managed to get free, turning around and glaring at Tyde, who just laughed. "Sorry, but I couldn't resist," Tyde said.

"You tackled me," Troye complained, stepping a little bit closer to Connor as he spoke. "I was just innocently talking to Connor and I was attacked!"