Tam

What Really Happened

This was suggested by @fanfictionaddict2. Go check her out, she's amazing.

I sat across from Tam, giving him a small smile as Sophie and the others went to see Wylie. Tam stared at me curiously, looking guarded.

"You okay?" I asked him.

"Yeah," he said, seeming to regain his composure. He lost the wary expression, but he still looked tense. "You don't want to go see Wylie?"

I shrugged, searching his face. "Wylie has enough visitors for right now. Besides, like I said, I haven't seen you in forever."

Another shy smile. "Yeah, I know. Maybe Linh and I should get out more."

"That'd be nice," I agreed, giving him a teasing grin. "I mean, it's not like Mr. Forkle's keeping you here."

"Ugh, tell me about it." Tam sat back in his beanbag and I snuggled deeper into mine. It was nice and soft, the fabric warming from my body heat.

"So, what have you been doing around here?" I asked him. He shrugged.

"Not much. Reading. Exillium. More reading. Trying to avoid being killed by Linh's concern for Wylie."

I frowned. "Is he that bad?"

"He's bad enough." Tam leaned forward and rested his elbows in his knees, fiddling with his bangs. "Biana, can I ask you something?"

I blinked in surprise. "Sure. Go ahead."

"How much do you trust Sophie?"

I frowned slightly, mulling the question over in my head.

"A lot," I finally decided. "I trust her a lot."

"With your life?"

My initial instinct was to say yes. After all, she was one of my best friends. Of course I trusted her. But I forced myself to think about it, for his sake.

"Yes," I said. "I trust her with my life, and I always will."

He nodded and sat back, not quite meeting my eyes. "Thanks."

"Why?" I asked, concern coloring my voice. "You okay?"

"Yeah," he said quickly, brushing his bangs aside. The habit was a bit distracting, and I found myself watching his hands as he spoke. "Yeah, it's just...seeing what happened to Wylie..." He shook his head. "It's nothing. Never mind."

"Tam..." I said softly, leaning forward with a small smile. "I know you're not used to people being there for you, but I'm your friend. You can tell me what's going on."

He regarded me, his silver eyes searching my face. He looked away and sighed. "I'm scared for Linh. I'm wondering if this was such a good idea. I want to help, I want to fix things, but...she's my priority. She always has been. And I'm just wondering if Sophie can protect her if something were to happen to me. Seeing what happened to Wylie...he wasn't even a part of the Black Swan, and look what they did to him."

"They thought he had information," I reminded him. "They won't come after Linh."

"How do you know?" Tam asked, sounded agitated. "People are always telling us how powerful we are. Who's to say a Hydrokinetic isn't in their master plan? How am I supposed to stop them if they do come after her?"

"You won't have to stop them," I assured him. "You have friends now, Tam. You're not alone anymore. If the Neverseen come after Linh, I swear I will do everything I can to keep her safe. Same with anyone else." I met his eyes. "Same with you."

He looked away again. "Thanks, Biana."

I gave him a half smile. "No problem."

There was a short silence, and I settled back into my beanbag, watching Tam. He was tugging on his bangs again.

"Sooo," he said finally. "Pretty sure I just killed the mood there, didn't I?"

I laughed. "Yeah, but it's all right. I'm glad you decided to talk to me."

Tam gave me a lopsided smile. "Me too."

I smiled, glad I had decided to stay behind.

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So....that was a mess. But honestly, i really really really need to know what actually happened during all the times Tam and Biana have been alone. Like, for my mental health. I need to know.