CRAZY | beautiful.

Exposed

12.
Exposed

"Each time I'm around you, you pull away another layer."

High.

Storm needed to be higher than he already felt.

He didn't know what to do with himself.

He wasn't the only one that couldn't keep himself at bay – Beautiful and River were all over the place as well. Why did you rush away like that? She needed us. That was Beautiful. I mean she really needed us Storm and you just left her. He continued on. Storm grit his teeth, deciding that he wouldn't answer him. You're running Storm. Why finally found a weakness? Then there was River, who had traded in his neutral stand for taunting him instead. He needed to quiet them both, but he wouldn't be able to do that until he got home. He pressed harder on the gas, sending the bike jerking forward. The wind ruffled his clothes as he focused his attention on nearing his destination. He couldn't get there fast enough.

He dodged traffic with a quickness. Blaring horns didn't cease his trek. Instead, they only increased his adrenaline rush. He didn't let up on the gas pedal any until he was rushing into the driveway of the familiar place that he called home. He drove it into the entrance and parked it just outside of the garage door. "Damn it," He muttered to himself, his eyes having noticed their grandfather's car. He was hoping that he wouldn't be home. He needed to be alone. He didn't have time for the conversation that would probably take place once Keenan became aware of his presence.

He rid himself of his helmet and leather jacket before sauntering up the driveway. He tossed his coat over his shoulder and settled his gaze on the door that led into the house. He took a deep breath and twisted the knob. Instantly, he was met with the smell of food. "That you Beau," Keenan shouted, his back turned away from him. He was standing at the stove stirring what was probably going to be their dinner for the evening. "Can't be no one else, pops."He replied while stopping to peer into the threshold. Keenan turned around with a small grin coating his lips. "How was school? You look a little shaken." He sauntered toward him. Storm tread backward slowly. Apparently, he was still wearing his emotions all over his face.

He knew he shouldn't have kissed her, but he wanted to.

And as much as he hated to admit it – there was something there.

Something that shook the core of him.

"I'm good," He waved him off, forcing a smile on his face, "Aye, we still have that old punching bag?" That turned the conversation. "Oh yeah, it's out there in the garage. Look out there by my worktable. I stacked a bunch of old junk on top of it and that's probably why you didn't see it." Storm backed away on his heels with a nod of his head. "Thanks, grandpa. I'm just gon' let off a little steam. Finals week is getting closer." He rambled off an excuse with ease. He rushed towards the stairs before Keenan could utter a response. He breathed a sigh of relief when he reached the last step. The padding of feet suddenly sounded into the air. He knew that meant Pride was home as well. He grimaced when he noticed his bedroom door opening.

Pride's sandy blonde curls were the first thing that came into view. "I've been waiting for you to get home all day, big bro."He smiled, running towards him. Storm rolled his eyes and tossed his head backward. "Not in the mood today, kid. Go play in your room or something." Pride's grin dwindled and quickly replaced itself with a frown. "I thought you were going to teach me some more piano today."He kicked away at the ground, "You promised." He cast a hand over his face and groaned aloud. "Alright later. Just go away for now."He dismissed him with a nod of his head towards his own room. He wore his satisfaction proudly and followed his older brother's command.