A Broken Crew

Chapter 36

Grey smiles slightly and leans into Maggie, an arm around Dakota. "I love you too." He looks at Atlas with a slightly mischievous look in his eyes.

Atlas smiles back at him, a question on his face.

Grey glances at Maggie in a way that makes it clear he has a prank or something planned.

Atlas smiles wider and leans over. "What are you going to do?" he whispers.

Grey fights a laugh. "Switch the sugar in the sugar bowl with salt." His eyes dance with laughter. "And maybe something else."

Atlas nodded excitedly. "Okay." he whispered. Maggie let go of them. "Food is almost ready boys." she said. "I'll eat with you and then it's back to the hospital for me." "Can I come too?" Dakota asked. Maggie nodded. "Of course. Now everyone into the kitchen."

Grey stifles a laugh and heads in quickly. He swaps the sugar for salt in record time, then goes to the fridge and messes with the milk carton. He's done before Maggie comes in.

Maggie gives him a little glance, but everyone gets seated. Maggie serves, and pulls out the salt. "It goes well with the meat." she said. "Does anyone want some milk?"

Grey's eyes widen slightly when he sees the 'salt'. He winks at Atlas. "No thanks, sorry but I can't do dairy."

Atlas grins back and says, "Yeah, I'll pass on the milk too Mom." Dakota grabbed the salt and put some on his meat. Atlas was curious and asked, "What about Dakota?" Maggie shook her head, but Dakota answered. "i'm lactose intolerant. I'll get really sick." Atlas was disappointed, but shrugged. Dakota cut off a piece of meat.

Grey tilts his head curiously. "Hmm. I don't know if I am for sure, but evidence does suggest that I am." He passes on the salt, watching the others, just waiting for a reaction.

Dakota took a huge bite, and immediately spat it out. Maggie looked up. "What's wrong dear?" Dakota stared at meat in confusion. "Is it supposed to be sweet?" He asked. "Because it's really, really, sweet."

Grey bursts out laughing, wishing he had a camera. "O-oh man! That wasn't my goal b-ut!" He's laughing so hard he can't finish.

Dakota stuck his tongue out. "Come on, man." he said. "Sugar and salt really?" He was having trouble keeping the corners of his face from tilting up, despite his best efforts. "How could you do this to me?" Dakota tried desperately not to smile. "This is so hurtful, honestly."

Grey just cackles in response, nearly falling from his chair. "Not sorry!! Not sorry at all!!"

Dakota finally can't keep the smile back and breaks out into a wide grin. "Just wait until I get you back." he said. "And you can bet I will. I'll plan a good one with August. We used to prank Mom all the time." Maggie laughed. "Yes, I do remember your pranking spree. I'd have to peak around every corner." Dakota pushed the sugar off of his meat and stuck out his lip in a mock pout. "Ruining a perfectly good meal." he said. "Shame on you both." Atlas laughed as well. He'd never really felt comfortable around Dakota, but he was starting to warm up to him.

Grey grins at his brothers. "I guess this means war! Me and Atlas versus Dakota and August!" He is totally caught up in the moment and is displaying a sneaky childish side not normally seen.

Dakota held out a hand in a fist bump. "War indeed has been pledged." he said, also being childish. "I vow to plunge to victory. I will relish your failure as you behold the true masters at the end of this battle."

Grey fist bumps Dakota. "Ha! In your dreams! I'm afraid, my good sir, that is you who shall go down! I will prove my pranking superiority to be so high that you will weep!"

Dakota smirked. "We'll see about that."

Grey raises an eyebrow and mock laughs. "Ha ha. I will most definitely be the victor. Watch your back~!"

Dakota finished eating his food in record time, jumping on the back of the couch, impatiently waiting to go the hospital. Maggie finally finished the dishes. "Any one else want to come see August?" she asked. Atlas came forward. "I do." Maggie looked a little surprised, but she kissed Atlas' forehead. "Okay. Grey? Are you staying here or do you want to come?"

"I want to come." Grey responds, grabbing his jacket and pulling it on, hiding his wings.

"Okay. Everybody in the car." Maggie drove them all to the hospital.