Teach Me Bad - 26. Wed, Thurs, Friday: Trent

When Trent woke up Wednesday morning, it was still dark out and he was alone. Confused, he rolled over and looked around the room for Kayden. The little Korean was nowhere to be found, however, and Trent had a bad feeling about it. With his heart in his throat, he grabbed his shorts off the floor and hurriedly put them on.

Half-naked, he stalked down the hall. He caught sight of the sun out the window, fighting to make an appearance over the Stanford hills, but it did nothing for his mood. When he reached the stairs, he took them two at a time with a scowl on his face.

He heard soft voices from the kitchen and immediately, he breezed into the room. Lucas and Kayden sat together at the island. There were mugs of coffee in front of them and they looked awfully cozy. Trent frowned at the pair. “What’s going on?”

Kayden looked up at once and stiffened with fear. He looked guilty and Trent’s eyes narrowed with suspicion.

Lucas cleared his throat and spoke clearly. “Trent, we need to talk.”

“What’s this about?” Trent asked.

“It’s about last night, when you brutalized Kayden.”

Trent drew himself up, offended. “I didn’t brutalize anybody…If you’re talking about the sex—”

“That’s what I’m talking about,” Lucas interrupted. “Kayden says you choked him out twice to finish the deed.”

“Yeah? So?” Trent crossed his arms. “He asked for it the second time. Specifically.”

Lucas shook his head in amazement.

“It really wasn’t that bad, Lucas,” Kayden whispered. “I just wish we could go back to our normal sex.”

“I really don’t think that’s going to happen until you work through your issues,” Lucas said. “You can’t just wish your problems away.”

“I told you,” Kayden groaned. “I’m going to talk to my advisor about a counselor. I was just looking for a ride…”

“You should have asked me,” Trent snapped. “Why did you involve him? I told you I would support you!”

Kayden dropped his head. “I know, but I didn’t want to wake you.”

Trent crossed his arms. “That’s bullshit. The less people know about our problem the better and now you’ve involved Lucas.”

“I’ve been involved since the beginning,” Lucas said to Trent. “Besides, this is a continuation of another conversation we were having.”

“What conversation?” Trent growled under his breath.

“I’ve been meaning to talk to you for a few days now—”

“About what?!”

“About the rape,” Lucas pressed. “And about how you’re handling your traumatized boyfriend.”

Trent threw up his hands. “Why do you care so much?! Kayden’s my boyfriend. How I handle him is my business.”

“If you were handling it right, it wouldn’t be my business, but it is,” Lucas said firmly. “The two of you need help. It’s obvious.”

“What kind of help do we need?” Trent sneered. “A sex coach?”

Lucas snorted with amusement.

“Why are you laughing? Most of our issues are in the sex department.”

Lucas’s expression turned serious. “I really wish I could get you guys to go to the police, but at the very least, I think the two of you need couples counseling.”

“Yeah. Right after we figure out how to fuck again. Because that’s our number one issue right now.”

Lucas sighed. “You know, there are more important things in life than sex.”

“Like what?” Trent huffed. “Everything is about sex.”

“Kayden says you blame him for the rape,” Lucas said. “That’s not right. You need counseling to talk about your feelings.”

“I don’t blame him, I’m just incredibly frustrated! I…” Trent turned to glare at Kayden, and the tiny boy ducked his head again in an instant. “How much did you tell him?!”

“Not much,” Kayden whispered.

“He told me everything, Trent,” Lucas corrected, and Trent turned back to glare at him instead. “Maybe he pretended to be okay with it last night, but I don’t think he really was.”

Trent looked at Kayden again. They’d had sex twice last night. It hadn’t been easy, but Trent had been enormously satisfied. He’d needed to come so badly, and he’d appreciated Kayden doing what it took to make that happen. He actually felt really bad that Kayden had complaints. “Kayden? Is that true? Did you hate the sex last night?”

“I-I-I know you’re just trying to distract me, but I wish you didn’t have to choke me into unconsciousness to do it.”

Trent’s expression fell. “Fuck me…I’m sorry, Kayden.”

Kayden lifted his head and cautiously met his gaze. “I-It’s okay.”

Trent smiled a little, then turned back to Lucas. “I have an idea.”

Lucas curiously raised an eyebrow.

“Obviously I have no idea what I’m doing,” Trent said. “Want to have a threesome with us? You can mediate and show me how to have sex with my traumatized boyfriend again.”

Lucas snorted. “Um, that’s an interesting offer…”

“Lucas would never!” Kayden started, turning a shocking shade of red. “At least, I don’t think so…”

“Actually, maybe he’s got a point.” Lucas set his cup aside and cleared his throat. “If Trent thinks choking and spanking is the way to do it, then maybe he does need some assistance.”

Trent grinned. “See, he’s willing to help!”

Kayden blinked at Lucas in surprise. “Y-you’ll have sex with us?”

“Only if you’re okay with it, Kayden. It’s totally up to you,” Lucas started, turning to the little Korean with a serious look. “How would you feel about me joining you two in the bedroom?”

“Ah…fine?”

“Between the three of us, I’m sure we’ll be able to find a better solution than the choking.

“Yeah…okay.” Kayden turned back to Trent. “This is what you want? Right?”

“Sure,” Trent said casually. “I don’t see what the harm is, as long as the rules are followed. Lucas isn’t allowed to kiss you. And he isn’t allowed to top you either.”

“I’m willing to follow the rules,” Lucas said eagerly.

“I’ll bet,” Trent laughed. “Alright. So when are we going to do this?”

“Not now,” Kayden whispered. “I’m trying to get a ride to campus.”

Trent looked out the window at the rising sun. “It’s like seven in the morning. We’ve got time.”

“No, we should wait until the weekend,” Lucas said. “I have a feeling someone will burst in on us if we aren’t careful… How about Saturday afternoon, after Vince leaves to do his family thing and Mitch goes off with Ivy.”

Trent rolled his eyes. “A scheduled threesome? Why didn’t I think of that?”

“I don’t want anyone to find out about this and get the wrong idea,” Lucas said. “So it’s best if we plan ahead.”

Trent snorted with amusement. “Only you would plan sex.”

“Hey, Lucas didn’t laugh at our rules,” Kayden pointed out. “You’re being rude.”

“I guess I am,” Trent said, then he pulled a serious face. “Alright then. I’ll put it on my calendar. Saturday at noon, we’ll meet here again and have sex.”

Lucas pressed his lips together, fighting not to smile. “I don’t even know why I’m agreeing to this…”

“Because it’s going to be fun!” Trent said. “I just wish it was happening sooner.”

“Well, in the meantime, you should take your boyfriend to campus. He wants to talk to Sarah about getting a counselor and I think you should go with him.”

“Sure, once the sun’s up, we’ll go.”

Kayden stood, beaming. “I’ll go take a quick shower.” And then he left his cup of coffee and hurried past Trent for the door.

“What’s he so excited about?” Trent watched him go, his eyebrows raised.

Lucas laughed. “He was worried you wouldn’t support him.”

Trent shook his head. “I fucking said I would. Christ.”

“Actions speak louder than words, Trent.”

“So I’ve heard.”

Lucas took a sip of his coffee.

“So, how did this conversation get started in the first place?” Trent asked as he leaned against the countertop. “Did he roll out of bed and come running to you for help?”

“I found him down here, maybe twenty minutes ago,” Lucas said. “He said he was waiting for Mitch to wake up, so he could get a ride, but he ran into me first.”

“Oh, so you weren’t even his first pick?”

Lucas shrugged. “He’s been avoiding the conversation. He doesn’t want to talk about his issues, the poor thing. I’ve been trying really hard to help him.”

“So you’ll just work it out in the bedroom, right?”

Lucas smiled. “I guess so.”

“I really can’t believe you’re agreeing to do this,” Trent said, giving the blond a considering look. “I thought you said you’d never sleep with me.”

“I’m not sleeping with you, I’m sleeping with Kayden, right?” Lucas said slowly. “And it’s not even about the sex, really, it’s about your relationship.”

“My relationship…” Trent murmured, confused. “You’re being such a fucking martyr. Why?”

“Because I love you, Trent,” Lucas said with a smile. “And I want the best for you, honestly I do. If that means I have to take it up the ass, then so be it. I think it’ll help you two come closer in some weird way.”

Trent braced his hands on the counter and leaned in, so he was just inches from Lucas’s face. “I guess we’ll just have to find out.”

“I guess so.” Lucas blinked, and slowly, his eyes traveled down to Trent’s lips.

“No kissing, remember?” Trent smiled at him. “My eyes are up here.”

Lucas looked up again, his cheeks pinkening. “You’re the only one who breaks the rules.”

“Every time,” Trent said with a laugh, then he leaned in the rest of the way and kissed Lucas softly on the cheek. “Now, I’m gonna go join Kayden in the shower. See you later, Luke.”

Lucas gently touched his cheek as Trent pulled away. He sat in silence as Trent waltzed out of the room with a grin on his handsome face.

Upstairs, Trent found Kayden partway through a shower. He stepped out of his shorts, then slipped into the stall with the other boy. “Hey, baby.”

“Oh!” Kayden turned in surprise. “I didn’t hear you come in.”

Trent wrapped his arms around Kayden’s waist and hugged him close. “Sorry.”

Kayden tensed a little, then slowly, he started to relax when all Trent did was hold him. “I can’t believe Lucas agreed to have sex with us.”

“I know,” Trent purred. “It’s going to be hot, watching you top him.”

“I just hope it will help us have sex again,” Kayden said.

“Well, it’ll certainly be a distraction,” Trent snorted. “I’m sure we’ll figure something out.”

“Mmm.”

“So, why did you tell Luke I blame you for getting raped?” Trent asked suddenly. “You know I don’t, right?”

“You said it last night,” Kayden said in a little voice. “Don’t you remember?”

“Did I say that?” Trent pulled Kayden closer and tucked his head under his chin.

“Yes,” Kayden muttered against his chest. “You did.”

Trent sighed heavily. “I don’t blame you, Kayden, I just wish it hadn’t fucking happened.”

“I know…” Kayden trembled against him. “I’m so so sorry, Trent.”

Trent sighed again, then kissed Kayden on the top of his head. “Maybe we do need to talk to someone about our feelings.”

“Lucas thinks it’ll be a good idea.”

“And Luke’s a lot smarter than I am…” Trent drawled. “Okay. We’ll do it. Let’s see if Sarah knows any counselors we can talk to.”

Kayden hugged Trent back firmly and they stood in the steamy stall for a while, enjoying the closeness of their bodies. Trent let his hands roam a little, up and down Kayden’s smooth back.

“I love you,” he said softly after some time. “We’ll get through this, somehow.”

“I love you too,” Kayden whispered, then slowly, he pulled away. “But let’s hurry. I’m ready to do this.”

Trent nodded, then grabbed his soap off the ledge. He hadn’t been to therapy since he was a kid, and the memory of it depressed him more than anything. But, still, he was willing to try. He’d fucked up last night with the sex. He’d fucked up with everything, really, and Kayden needed his assistance. He did love Kayden, and he just wanted his sweet boy back to normal.

The two of them finished their shower, toweled off, then got dressed in the adjoining walk-in closet. Kayden was lost in thought and didn’t say much as they collected their school things and went downstairs to leave.

The drive to campus was a quiet one. Trent snuck curious peeks at his boyfriend as they drove, but Kayden never caught him at it. He stared out the window the whole time, his brow furrowed in consternation. Trent left him be, but he was a little worried what he’d say when they got to Sarah’s office. She’d accused Trent of taking advantage of him more than once, and now they were coming for counselling because of a rape... It probably wasn’t going to go smoothly.

When they got to the school, Trent parked the truck below the library, then hurried around to the passenger side to help Kayden.

“Thank you,” Kayden said, taking Trent’s hand and sliding out of the vehicle.

“Welcome.” Trent laced their fingers, then drew Kayden up the hill. It was early yet, but there was a fair amount of students on the path above. A few of them looked in Trent’s and Kayden’s direction when they reached the top of the hill and hit the pavement, their hands still clasped, but Trent spared none of them more than a second’s glance in return. He was committed to the boy at his side, nothing was going to stop him from supporting Kayden. He was in this til the very end….

Trent led the way to Sweet Hall, the advising department across from the library, at a brisk pace. Kayden kept up with him with relative ease and Trent smiled a little when he thought of all the training they’d been doing on the treadmill. It seemed to be paying off after all.

“I don’t even know how I should start the conversation,” Kayden muttered as they reached the building at last. “I thought this was such a good idea this morning, but now… I don’t actually know what I’m going to say!”

“Maybe you should let me do all the talking,” Trent said as they slipped through the glass doors and entered the main hallway. “I’ll tell her exactly what she needs to know, and glaze over the stuff she doesn’t—”

“No thanks!” Kayden snapped, then followed it up by yanking his hand out of Trent’s, and storming down the hall. “That would totally defeat the purpose… you’d better leave it up to me.”

“Leave it up to you, huh?” Trent muttered, then slowed to a stop and watched Kayden disappear around the corner. He stood by himself for a few long moments, annoyed his grand idea had been tossed aside, and he folded his arms and imagined his boyfriend inside, handling the receptionist, all on his own. Trent leaned against the wall and started to get comfortable when he pictured Kayden flirting with Elsa like he did every time he saw her. It was such an unpleasant scene in his head, Trent started after Kayden almost immediately.

When Trent entered the advising lobby, he saw Kayden had been spared the embarrassment of dealing with the flirty receptionist by Sarah, herself. And it really seemed like she was the only one who worked here, because she had an armful of transcripts and was trying to get Elsa to copy them. There was nothing else going on.

Elsa peaked over Sarah’s transcripts, her googly eyes getting huge. “Now Trent’s here as well… This should be interesting.”

“Trent?” Sarah looked from Kayden to Trent, then back again in confusion. “But I thought you wanted to talk?”

“I do want to talk,” Kayden said. “And I want Trent to be involved, too, if that’s okay.”

Sarah set the transcripts on Elsa’s desk, then brushed her long brown hair behind her ear, speechless.

Trent smirked at the woman, uber confident now that Kayden was standing by him. “We should probably go to your office.”

Sarah nodded then turned and walked around Elsa’s desk. “Right this way, I guess.”

Elsa grabbed the stack of transcripts and hugged them to her chest as Trent led Kayden after Sarah. She seemed disappointed she wasn’t going to hear more, but Trent had more important things on his mind. He draped an arm around Kayden and helped him gallantly down the hall.

The second they got to the safe haven of Sarah’s office, Kayden pulled away from Trent’s embrace. “I still want to do this on my own,” he said when Trent gave him a look. “I want to lead the conversation for once.”

Trent’s smile fell away, but he still tried to remain supportive. “Go on then,” he said, sliding into the chair against the wall with a sigh. “Let’s see how you handle it.”

Kayden smiled a little, then turned to face Sarah with the silly little expression still on his face. “I’ve got something important to tell you.”

Sarah sat wearily in her chair. “I’m almost afraid to ask… what is it?”

Kayden wet his lips, then took a deep breath. “Last weekend,” he started. “I was raped. ”

“What!”

“Please, let me finish,” Kayden spread his hands importantly, and Sarah zipped her lips but she didn’t look happy. She turned to glare at Trent in fact.

“Why are you looking at me like that?!” Trent sputtered. “He’s not talking about me. I didn’t rape him!”

“Yes, but I know you’re somehow involved.” Sarah narrowed her eyes in suspicion. “It’s probably your fault.”

Trent threw up his hands. “Oh my God!”

“Maybe I should start again,” Kayden whispered, then he did exactly that, in a slightly louder voice. “Last weekend, I was raped at a party. It was an unfortunate accident, and we’re all making efforts to make sure it never happens again.”

Sarah looked highly confused. “What efforts?”

“I’m working on self-defense, for one.”

Sarah’s look of confusion stayed put. “How is that helping the situation? What happened at this party? I don’t understand Kayden.”

“Maybe you should start again,” Trent snorted and Kayden began to fumble.

“Um…” Kayden grabbed the last chair in the room and sat on it heavily. “I just wanted her to know I’ve got the violence factor under control.”

Sarah looked at Trent with wide eyes. “Violence! What’s he talking about now?!”

“He’s probably talking about the douchebag I kicked in the balls after it happened,” Trent laughed and Sarah’s eyes got wide.

“What are you trying to tell me?” She asked in a high pitched voice. “Are the two of you starting a masked crime fighting group?!”

“Pfft! No!”

“I’m sorry I’m confusing you.” Kayden’s little face turned red. “The rape was the only new thing I was trying to tell you.”

“And when did this happen?”

“Right after Thanksgiving.”

“Well, I don’t know how that slipped under Vince’s radar,” Sarah said quickly, sweeping her hair out of her face. “He said everyone had a nice time last weekend celebrating the holiday.”

“I might have told him not to mention anything about it,” Trent drawled. “Can’t let all the secrets get out…”

Sarah crossed her arms. “So, let me get this straight. There was a secret rape that happened at the house?”

“No, no…” Kayden whined. “It wasn’t at Trent’s house, it happened at a party we were all at.”

“So it didn’t happen at your place?”

“No,” Trent sneered. “I don’t generally host rape parties.”

Sarah shook her head. “I’m sorry. What happened again?”

“Aya.” Kayden buried his face in his hands. “This is so not going the way I was hoping.”

Trent rolled his eyes. “Want me to help you?”

“No.” Kayden sat up at once. “I’ll handle it.”

Trent sneered at him. “Well then get on with it!”

“Okay!” Kayden dropped his hands and turned back to their advisor. “Everything else has been handled, except that I still need some kind of counseling… we both do actually.”

“Counseling?”

Kayden pressed his hands together. “Please, I know you don’t believe me but everything has been handled—”

“I’m mostly worried about the perpetrator,” Sarah pointed out and when Kayden’s face fell, she turned back to Trent. “Do we have a rapist walking among us?”

Trent shrugged. “Well, after that kick in the balls, maybe Jake'll think twice the next time he gets an urge.”

Sarah turned to face her computer and started typing. “Jake Who? What’s his last name? I need to get a report in immediately.”

“Trent!” Kayden cried. “That part was supposed to be a secret!”

Trent rolled his eyes. “I don’t know what you were expecting, babe. There are no secrets in counseling.”

“Aya she wasn’t supposed to be our counselor!” Kayden moaned. “She was supposed to refer us to someone neutral!”

“Whatever. Same difference.”

“I still need the full name,” Sarah pressed. “I’m not letting you leave until you rat someone out.”

“I don’t know his full name.” Kayden leaned back in his seat with a huff. “He’s a freshman and he is… was on the football team. His first name is Jacob.”

“I know who that is,” Sarah spoke up. “I’ve looked him up recently for Lucas and Vince.”

“Yeah well, he’s the one who did it,” Kayden said, pulling an epic pout right after. “He’s been after me since the beginning of the year, I think.”

Sarah turned to her computer and clacked away at the keyboard. “Looks like he was expelled recently… but it doesn’t say for what.”

“I think he molested another boy on the team,” Kayden spoke up. “That’s what he said anyway.”

Sarah nodded with firmness. “I’ll make a request for his file.”

Trent crossed his arms behind his head and leaned back casually. “Think you can find out what school he’s going to after break? Everyone thinks I did a bad job getting my revenge. I should kick him again.”

Sarah gave him a look. “If he just got expelled, he’ll need to wait until next year to get back into school, so there’ll be no kicking.”

“Awww.”

“A better revenge would be building a case against him with the authorities, so he never has another chance to get into another school,” Sarah said, her gaze roaming over Jacob’s computer file. “It’s going to take more than one accusation, I’m afraid. He must know someone important. His file’s been sealed. I can’t see anything except his exit date.”

“You know.” Kayden sat up slowly. “He’s had problems with other guys besides the one on the team. There’s a guy in my chemistry class for example…”

“You should talk to him.”

Kayden nodded, his expression filling with determination.

“I know you didn’t want to tell anyone, but this is the way to go!” Trent said encouragingly. “A giant “Me Too” case built in secret. This is going to be awesome!”

Kayden looked away in embarrassment. “But what about counseling?”

“What kind of counselor are you looking for?” Sarah asked with a smile.

“Lucas said we need to talk about our feelings if we want to fix our sex lives,” Kayden said. “A couple’s counselor would be ideal, but any kind of counselor will do.”

“First of all, a marriage counselor is the only professional that would treat the two of you at one time,” Sarah said. “And I’m not sure Stanford has any marriage counselors for undergraduates at the moment.”

“Fucking marriage counselor…” Trent muttered under his breath, thinking about the buffoon Chase and his mother saw once a month, but no one paid him any attention.

“However, since I did my undergraduate paper on sexual assault,” Sarah drawled. “I might be qualified to at least listen to your problems.”

“I was really hoping to get someone neutral…” Kayden said, glancing nervously in Trent’s direction.

“You don’t have to find someone special for my sake,” Trent sneered. “I’m not afraid of anybody.”

Sarah gave Trent a rude look. “Kayden has a point, but I’m not sure we have the option for much choice in this situation.”

Trent crossed his arms with annoyance. “Fine, then. Let’s just get this over with.”

Sarah turned away from her computer, then folded her hands together. “So, you two are having sexual problems?”

Kayden’s face turned bright red. Trent was embarrassed, too, but they’d both asked for this. He began.

“Kayden’s reminded of the rapist every time we have sex,” Trent said. “Apparently, the fucker was really gentle with him so when we tried again last night, I was rough and mean—”

“What do you mean, rough and mean?”

Trent smiled crookedly. “I spanked his ass and choked him out from behind. Nothing crazy.”

“Oh, no, no, no….”

Trent laughed at the look of horror on Sarah’s face. “I’ve already been told it was too harsh. I got the memo, thanks.”

Sarah shook her head in amazement. “There’s got to be another way of reminding Kayden who he’s with,” she said, changing the subject. “Maybe just switching positions so Kayden can see you during sex?”

“You seriously don’t think we’ve tried that?” Trent asked. “He can’t even get through a blowjob now and he’s got a face full of me.”

“Maybe a BJ is totally off the table for now,” Sarah said, neatly folding her hands. “Maybe some simple, candle-lit sex from the missionary position, is in order.”

Trent laughed outrageously. “Is that what you and Vince do? Light up a candle and go a round under the covers?”

“Don’t be a dick.” Sarah glared at him. “I’m trying to help you.”

Trent snorted with amusement, then let it go.

“I really think you should try something simple and romantic like I suggested,” Sarah said.

“Maybe we’ll get around to it,” Trent said lightly.

Kayden finally seemed to come back to himself and he raised his head guiltily and spoke in a little voice. “I can’t satisfy Trent anymore and it’s really bothering me.”

“Oh,” Sarah brushed her hair back, surprised. “Well, try what I suggested before you give up. Increase the romance and focus on staying in the moment. Maybe try some soft music.”

“But it’s so hard,” Kayden said sadly. “I can’t help but to see Jacob’s laughing face in my mind every time it happens.”

“That is hard,” Sarah said, frowning. “How did this guy get his hands on you in the first place? I thought Trent was always watching over you.”

“Fuck you,” Trent scoffed. “It was all planned. I was outside dealing with my wrecked truck when Jake made his move on Kayden.”

“Oh, so you left him on his own.”

“No. I left him with someone I thought was a good friend,” Trent said. “But he abandoned Kayden without even a thought, and now he’s no longer someone I even associate with.”

Sarah raised her eyebrows.

“It’s not Trent’s fault,” Kayden spoke up. “Trent wouldn’t have left me there if we knew Jacob was in the house. I was stupid to get into a conversation with him, then agreed to go upstairs so we could get a peek at Trent….” Kayden hung his head. “It’s my fault.”

Trent reached over and squeezed Kayden’s thigh. “It’s not your fault. If you’d refused to go upstairs with him, I’m sure he would have thought of a different plan. He was there to rape you, after all.”

“I think that’s probably the best conclusion you can make, Kayden,” Sarah said.

Slowly, Kayden nodded.

“And I’m not going to leave you on your own ever again. Sarah’s right. I promised to always protect you. I won’t let anything bad happen to you again.”

Kayden’s eyes shimmered with unshed tears. “Trent… I love you.”

“I love you too,” Trent said in a deep voice, then he leaned closer and took Kayden’s chin. “That’s why I’m going to the family dinner with you on Friday.”

“Oh, Trent, no…”

“Yes. I promised to protect you. I have a feeling my services will be needed.”

“I thought we were talking about a rape during a party? What’s this family dinner about?” Sarah asked curiously.

“It’s totally unrelated. We don’t have to talk about it,” Kayden said, avoiding her gaze. His chin was still trapped in Trent’s fingers and he glared at him pointedly.

“Nothing is unrelated. We can talk about anything you want,” Sarah said.

Trent smiled hugely. “Finally, I’ll get someone on my side.”

“We’ll see about that.” Sarah smiled back. “Now you were saying?”

Trent released Kayden’s chin and leaned forward in his excitement. “So, Kayden’s mean dad that kicked him out wants a favor.”

“A favor?”

“The old folks are coming from Korea for a visit and good old dad wants Kayden to pretend everything is the same. So, he’s straight again and dating his best friend Audrey. He’s even demanding the two of them exchange a kiss.”

Sarah’s jaw ticked with irritation. “That’s more than a favor.”

“That’s what I think, too,” Trent said. “I think I should show up and ruin the whole thing.”

Kayden covered his face and muttered something in Korean.

Sarah frowned. “I don’t know about ruining the whole thing, but maybe if you came as a friend—”

“What! That’ll never work,” Trent raged. “Kayden’s dad would have me kicked out in a heartbeat.”

Sarah pressed her lips together.

“I need to come in and surprise everyone,” Trent said with a nod. “It’s the only way this will work.”

Kayden dropped his hands. “How is this being protective?” he whined. “It seems like you’re punishing me!”

Trent casually crossed his leg over his knee. “I’m not punishing you. I’m doing this for your own good.”

Kayden looked helplessly at Sarah. “Is he right?”

“Not really,” Sarah said lightly. “If the two of you can’t agree on a way to come out to the family, then Kayden is allowed to stay in the closet if he wants.”

“No, that’s lame,” Trent scoffed. “We’ve fought so hard to come out and be together, why stop now?”

“Because Kayden obviously isn’t comfortable coming out to his extended family. It’s understandable.”

Trent sucked his teeth. “Fucking stupid.”

“So what happens on Friday?” Sarah asked in a firm voice.

“I drop Kayden at his house, so he and his family can drive to meet the old folks,” Trent said boredly.

“Good, so you’re not even going to the hotel?”

“Nope. I guess not.”

Sarah smiled beatifically. “Well, we’ve certainly handled a lot of things in a very short while.”

Trent gave her a glum look.

“That was really helpful,” Kayden said beside him. “Do you think we could come back for another session?”

“Absolutely. Let’s schedule an appointment for next week.”

Trent listened to the other two schedule another session. He wasn’t interested in coming, but he would, if it would make Kayden happy. If he managed to do what he planned, they’d certainly have enough to talk about next time…

“I think that went well,” Kayden said brightly as they came out of the advising department.

“It went well enough,” Trent muttered. He didn’t like being told his ideas were wrong, but he wasn’t listening to anybody. He was coming to the dinner, damnit, one way or another.

“I know you wanted to come to the family thing, but it really is better this way,” Kayden said, taking his hand as they started back down the hill for the truck. “Now you don’t even have to worry about it.”

“Mmm.”

Kayden leaned his head on Trent’s broad shoulder. “I can’t believe she made a report about Jacob. I really thought it would be harder to do.”

“Maybe it was,” Trent said. “But you certainly gave her a lot of information. She’s smart enough to fit it together.”

“Oh. Yeah. I guess.”

“Let’s go back to the house for a workout before class,” Trent said, kissing Kayden on the forehead. “We’ll just have enough time to grab showers before we leave if we hurry.”

Kayden pulled away, then dashed down the hill. “Race you there!”

Trent smiled after him calculatingly, then followed him through the grass. He felt bad going behind Kayden’s back, but he really did think he was doing the best thing for him by crashing the family dinner. He just had to figure out which hotel they were going to, and he already had the perfect person in mind he could ask.

***

The two boys went back to the house and ran down to the gym for a half hour. Trent was on the weights, but he watched Kayden push himself on the treadmill from across the room with interest. He was shirtless, as per Trent’s suggestion, and he looked good half naked and covered in sweat. His phone was on the treadmill’s console, resting beside a bottle of water, and Trent’s gaze kept falling to it. He needed to get his hands on it. He needed to see the contacts list.

Suddenly, Kayden smacked the stop button on the treadmill and let out a breath of relief. “Finished!”

Trent set the weights aside and came over to check the console. Kayden had gone just over 3 miles. His running was much improved. “Good job, baby,” he said, leaning over the treadmill to kiss Kayden. He was sweaty and the kiss was a sloppy one, but Trent focused on their lips sliding together as he climbed up on the treadmill beside Kayden and wrapped him in his arms.

“I’ve only got twenty minutes to get to class,” Kayden said between the kisses, nervous.

Trent pulled away with a smile. “You’d better go clean up then. Let me get a mile real quick, then I’ll come join you.”

Kayden started to reach for his phone.

“I’ll bring your stuff,” Trent said, waving him away and starting the treadmill for a second time. “You’d better hurry.”

Kayden scurried away without protest and left his phone behind.

Trent watched him go with a hooded gaze. He would never leave his phone with a lover, and he struggled with feelings of guilt as he lifted Kayden’s phone and opened the screen. There was no lock, so it was simple enough.

Trying to shake the guilt, Trent went into contacts and browsed the shockingly small list of names inside. Kayden’s little sister was near the top, and he tapped into it and memorized the number. When he was finished, he closed the apps and went back to the home screen, so everything was the way it had been.

Trent now had Emma’s number, and he planned on calling her soon for information. He had a feeling she would be receptive to his idea, and he was almost looking forward to it.

He put Kayden’s phone back, then took a large swig of his abandoned water. He jumped on the treadmill and pounded out a mile in just a few minutes.

***

The next day, Kayden’s good mood radiated off of him the moment he came out of the science building, and he wasn’t alone, there was an older boy beside him with a backwards cap and dimples in his cheeks.

Trent waited just outside the building with a stony expression. He might have felt threatened by the older boy’s appearance, but he knew Kayden had been planning on talking to his lab partner today. That must be him, Duncan. He took a big step forward and cut the two off just outside the doors. “Kayden?”

Kayden blinked once in surprise, then he smiled hugely and turned fondly to the boy at his side. “Duncan, this is my boyfriend, Trent.”

“Oh, hey,” Duncan said easily.

“Hey.” Trent eyed the dark-haired jock with a curled lip. He recognized him. “I think I’ve seen you before at Case’s place.”

“Yeah. He’s got the best parties on campus,” Duncan said with a laugh. “Did you go to the Thanksgiving bash? I heard it was awesome, but I had stuff to do with my girlfriend.”

Trent threw his arm around Kayden’s shoulders and pulled him close. “We both went. It was lame.”

Duncan pulled a look. “Really?”

“Really.”

Duncan still looked confused, so Kayden explained half-heartedly.

“Jacob was there. We… had problems with him.”

“That guy’s a dick.” Duncan laughed, then he started to walk. “I’ve got to go… My girlfriend, remember?”

“Oh yeah.” Kayden grabbed Trent by the hand and pulled. “Come on.”

With a grunt, Trent followed the other two down the path. They were still heading for the psych department, so he didn’t complain.

“Kayden was telling me he filed a report against Jacob for being a creep,” Duncan joked. “He wants me to come file one too.”

“Will you do it?” Trent asked as they walked briskly under the arcade. “It’s no joke. Jacob is a creep.”

“I know he is, I just think it’s funny,” Duncan said lightly. “Yeah, sure, I said I’d meet Kayden at Sweet Hall tomorrow before class so we can do it.”

“Good,” Trent murmured, “You have no idea how important it is.” He and Kayden had talked about it last night. They were both under the agreement turning Jacob into Sarah had been a wise move. She’d help them navigate the legal system.

“The freak got himself expelled for kissing on his running back!” Duncan snorted.” Everyone’s talking about it. I was thinking about telling someone about the shit he’s done to me, too, so this works.”

“What’d he do to you?” Trent asked, giving the boy a haughty look. He wasn’t much larger than Kayden, but he really didn’t look like a push-over.

“Eh, he’s tried to kiss me a few times,” Duncan said, disgusted. “And one time, he even managed to touch my dick.”

“How’d he do that?” Trent snorted.

“An accident in the bathroom a few weeks back,” Duncan said, his expression darkening.” I don’t really want to talk about it right now.”

“Ohh, sorry.”

“It’s cool. I’ve got to go anyway,” Duncan said, gesturing down the path. “I’ll see you tomorrow, Kayden.”

“Bye. See you tomorrow,” Kayden called, then he leaned into Trent side and pushed him in the direction of the psych department. “This is great! He’s going to back me up tomorrow!”

Trent went with it and continued to walk. “He’s pretty cute. Do you have a crush on him too?”

“No!” Kayden laughed. “You’re the only one I care about… besides. Duncan has a girlfriend.”

“I had a girlfriend too, when we met.”

“So did I,” Kayden snickered.

Trent rolled his eyes. “Well, it’s good he’s helping you. Whatever the reason.”

“The reason he’s helping me is because Jacob’s been creepy to him, too,” Kayden said adamantly. “I told him I was still having problems with Jake and had turned him into my advisor, and he jumped at the chance to come with me.”

“What time did you promise to meet him?” Trent asked, sighing as they neared the psych building. “I’ll drop you off in the morning.”

Kayden hugged him enthusiastically. “Thanks Trent. It feels so good to be able to depend on you…”

Trent ruffled his hair in response, then fell quiet as they entered the building and scanned the room for Audrey.

***

That night, after a long study session in the bedroom, then another long soak in the bathtub, Kayden called it a night and he climbed under the covers and curled up on his side. “Are you coming to bed?”

“No,” Trent said from the door. He was planning on calling Emma soon, so this was just as well. “I’ll probably grab a drink with the guys downstairs,” he added, then left the doorway to tuck Kayden in.

“Sounds like fun. Just try not to over do it,” Kayden said, reaching up for a hug when Trent stopped beside the bed. “It’s still a school night.”

“I know. And we’ve got another early morning.” Trent hugged Kayden firmly, then slid his fingers through his hair and brought his face up for a kiss. “C’mere.”

“Mmm,” Kayden moaned into his mouth as the kisses came slow, and passionate, but Trent was determined to wait until the weekend for sex. He ended the embrace with a teasing nip to Kayden’s plump bottom lip, then pulled back.

Kayden’s dark eyes were filled with need. “Goodnight,” he said in a husky voice.

“Night.” Trent adjusted himself, then turned to leave the room.

It was different not having sex. They’d avoided it completely all day, but Trent was content. He knew they had something planned for the weekend, and he’d thought about the threesome idea more than once today. It’d made his dick hard each time. He would be more than ready for the action when it finally came time…

Downstairs, Trent heard the TV playing some kind of program, and he veered down the hall for the gym, thinking he’d call Emma before he got caught up in anything more exciting.

The gym was empty and dark, just as Trent had expected, and he drifted over to the weights machine and sat down to make his call.

It was just after 10. Trent hoped Emma still had her phone on and was somewhere she could have a private conversation. Deciding just to risk it, he dialed the number from yesterday, then waited for it to ring.

Almost immediately, Emma picked up. “Hello? Who is this?”

“Emma. It’s me. Trent Hudson.”

“The sexy Trent Hudson from my dreams?”

“Yeah,” Trent laughed, though he was relieved. “What are you doing up?”

“Oh, I was just texting my bestie. Sometimes it goes on until past midnight.”

“That’s cool.”

“Yeah. So what did you want?”

Trent cleared his throat. “I wanted to ask about that dinner you guys are having tomorrow. Like, where is it?”

“Why? Are you planning on crashing the party?”

“Umm…”

“Because I think that’d be amazing!” Emma cheered.” My Korean lessons went really poorly. I need the focus to be on someone else.”

Trent laughed. “Yeah, I was planning on stopping in for a visit. But don’t tell anyone. It’s a secret.”

“Oh, so my brother doesn’t know your calling me? Sneaky.”

Trent laughed again. “More like, it’s a surprise.”

“Well, we’re meeting the grandparents at the Four Seasons in Palo Alto. That’s where they’ll be staying and we’re having dinner there. Promptly at 6.”

“Great,” Trent said. That was everything he’d needed. “That was really helpful, Emma. Thanks.”

“No problem.”

“I guess I’ll let you get back to your texting…”

“No wait! I’m not done with you yet.”

“What is it?” Trent huffed.

“Don’t be mad at me,” Emma whined. “I don’t know. I haven’t seen my brother like at all since you stole him away—”

“I didn’t steal him away, I took him in after your asshole of a father kicked him out.”

“I know. I just… well… how are you guys doing? How’s life?”

Emma didn’t know anything about the rape, so she was mostly in the dark about “their lives”. Trent pinched the bridge of his nose as he thought of something to say. “I don’t know, Emma, life is fine. We’re all preparing for exams next week so we don’t have much time to mess around.”

“You guys?” Emma snorted. “All you do is mess around. I don’t believe it. I’m sure you guys are up to something exciting.”

Trent thought briefly about the threesome. “Nothing I can tell you about.”

“Aww, why not?”

“Because it’s none of your business.”

“Your no fun,” Emma grumbled.

“Oh, I’m lots of fun,” Trent sneered. “And as soon as I get off this phone, I’ll certainly be having more of it.”

“Burn.”

Trent rolled his eyes. “Hanging up now.” And Emma laughed as he ended the call. It was obnoxious.

He stored the info away from later, then slid his phone into his back pocket and left the room.

Back in the living room, Lucas and Vince were watching a cooking show and drinking beer out of a large case on the floor between them.

Trent grabbed a beer and slid into the free seat next to Vince. “What’s up losers?”

Lucas looked up, a faint smile on his face. “You just missed your mom. She had a couple beers with us.”

“Is that why your watching Gordon Ramsey?”

Lucas laughed.

Trent looked around the living room. He wasn’t surprised, but Mitch was missing again. “Is Mitch with Ivy?”

“Of course,” Vince grunted.

“Figured.” With a sigh, Trent cracked his can open and took a healthy swig. “That was a long day.”

“Well, I heard things went well with your advisor yesterday,” Lucas said. “Kayden says he even managed to report Jacob to the authorities.”

“Well, it was some kind of campus report. We didn’t go to the actual police station.”

Lucas shrugged. “Well, I’m glad you made the effort.”

“Sarah was really pissed I hadn’t told her the scoop about Kayden,” Vince grumbled. “She says there should be no secrets between us.”

“Fuck that,” Trent hissed.” That wasn’t your secret to tell!”

Vince took a gloomy sip of his beer.

“Yeah, well, we set up an appointment with Sarah for next week so I guess it’s going to be a regular thing now.”

“That’s exactly what I was hoping the two of you would do,” Lucas said, holding up his can for a cheer. “I’m so happy you guys are doing the right thing!”

Trent reached over Vince and crashed his cup into Lucas’s. He felt kind of silly when they were done and he took another gulp of his drink to make himself feel better, than he glared at the TV. “Let’s at least watch something better than this.”

“Aww, no, let us finish this episode at least,” Lucas said.

“Yeah, once you watch a few episodes, you really start to get into it,” Vince agreed.

Trent rolled his eyes and sat back to finish up the episode of Hells Kitchen. He wasn’t happy about it, but at least he was with his friends. And he was thinking of Lucas and Vince more as friends now and less as just roommates and general annoyances. They were his honest to god buddies and he’d been appreciating that fact more and more lately.

The three of them stayed up late watching cooking shows and drinking beer. It was a lot more fun than it sounded.

***

Friday after school, Kayden started to painstakingly prepare for the dinner. He took a long, hot shower, combed every lock of his hair until it was arrow straight, then carefully put on the suit Diana had bought him.

“You look like a little Ken doll,” Trent laughed from the sidelines. “You’re fucking perfect!”

“Your mood sure has improved,” Kayden said as he fastened his tie in the mirror. “Don’t you remember I’m kissing Audrey tonight?”

“I’m not worried about that anymore,” Trent said easily. “I was just being a dick because I didn’t want you to go without me.”

Kayden gave him a weird look. “You’re still not going.”

“I know, but I just kinda got over it.”

Kayden smiled at him. “Well, that’s good.”

“You’d better finish so we can go, princess,” Trent said good-naturedly. “We’re already running late.”

“We are?” Kayden checked his appearance in the mirror for the umpteenth time. “What time is it?”

“Ten after five.”

“Aya!”

Trent laughed again as Kayden became a whirlwind of action. He buttoned his jacket, checked his shoes were tied, then straightened his belt.

“Alright. Let’s go.”

The two of them went out to the truck. There were a few paparazzi waiting outside the gate, but their numbers had sharply declined since Chase had yet to return. “Fucking move,” Trent muttered under his breath as he hit the gate release and waited for the cameramen to get out of the way.

“Now, I know we’re late Trent, but that doesn’t mean we have to speed,” Kayden said nervously.

“Course I do, baby.” Trent stepped on the gas and tore out of the lot. “I wouldn’t be me if I didn’t.”

“I guess.” Kayden grabbed his door handle and held on for dear life as they sped down Dish Trail and headed for the main street.

Trent wasn’t really that worried about being late, however, the damned party couldn’t start without them, after all. Kayden was right. He was in a good mood, and he just wanted to go fast. He’d snuck a bowl when Kayden had been in the shower and he was feeling really excited about his plans. This was going to be a lot of fun…

“I’d better call my mom and tell her we’re on our way,” Kayden said suddenly, sliding his phone out of his back pocket. “I can’t believe she hasn’t—”

BZZT, BZZT, BZZT

“That’s her now,” Kayden laughed, then answered the call. “Hey mom.”

The answering voice was deep and authoritative. Obviously not mom. Kayden’s face paled.

“Er… hi dad. Yes. We’re on our way now. I’m sorry we’re so late. I spent forever on my outfit…”

There was another deep grumble in response, but Trent couldn’t hear it over the sound of the truck. Whatever it was though made Kayden’s mouth fall open in surprise.

“But dad! We’re less than five minutes away. You don’t have to do that!”

“Do what?” Trent grunted, but Kayden wasn’t listening.

“Please don’t make me do this. We’ll be there in just a few minutes.”

“What does he want you to do?”

“This is so embarrassing!”

“What?!”

Kayden shook his head, then finally, he met Trent’s curious gaze. “Pull over.”

“Pfft. Why?”

“Because we’re taking way too long and my dad wants to pick me up,” Kayden grumbled, then back to his father, “Yes. We’re pulling over now. We’re right in front of the Trader Joe’s.”

Trent rolled his eyes, but he tore into the Trader Joe’s parking lot and double parked near the entrance.

“Yes, we’ll wait for you… Okay… See you soon,” Kayden said miserably, then he hung up and threw himself back in his seat.

Trent laughed at him. “Jesus. You’re dad’s such a snob.”

“He’s going to be in a terrible mood when he pulls up. Don’t say anything.”

“Aww, I can’t even say hello?”

Kayden gave him a look, and Trent snorted with amusement.

“I guess that’s a no.”

Kayden looked out the window and scanned traffic for his parents. “Now this is going to take twice as long…” He shook his head. “I can’t believe this is happening.”

“I guess I should have warned you about the time a little sooner.”

“Yeah? Why didn’t you?”

Trent opened his mirror and casually checked his hair. “Maybe I wanted you to be a little late.”

“Oh.” Kayden frowned, but refused to look away from traffic.” I wanted everything to be absolutely perfect. Now dad’s going to be in a rage before we even get there.”

“He’ll be fine.”

“I don’t know, Trent…”

“Just wait and see.” Trent shut the mirror, then reached over for the glove box. “I just refreshed my stash. You want a hit?”

Kayden’s eyes boggled out of his head as Trent pulled out the cigarette case full of blunts. “I can’t smoke before the family dinner! Are you out of your mind?!”

Trent chuckled as he removed a blunt and stuck it in his mouth. “I kind of figured you’d feel that way, but I just thought I’d offer.” He flashed the end of the blunt with his Bic, then turned up the music.

“It go Halle Berry,

or hallelujah,

Pick your poison tell me what you do,

Everybody gon’ respect the shooter,

But the one in front of the gun lives forever,

The one in front of the gun forever,

And I been hustlin’ all day, this a way, that a way,

Through canals and alleyways, just to say,

Money trees is the perfect place for shade and that’s just how I feel.”

“Oh! That’s my parents right there!” Kayden cried over the music. “Turn it down! It’s too loud!”

Trent blew a disapproving cloud of smoke in Kayden’s direction, but he still shut off the radio.

Kayden wasted no time. He jumped out of the truck and waved his arms frantically to be seen as a silver SUV drove into the parking lot. In a shaft of sunlight, Trent saw the driver was indeed Mark, and he scowled without even meaning to as the vehicle pulled up next to his truck, then stopped.

“Dad,” Kayden started, but Mark got out at once and shoved him to the side.

“You made my son late!” Mark pointed an accusatory finger over Kayden’s head at Trent. “I knew I couldn’t trust you.”

“It was just a couple minutes,” Trent drawled, not even trying to hide his blunt. “You have to calm down before you give yourself a coronary.”

Mark stamped his foot. His face was turning red. “This whole thing is giving me a coronary… If I had it my way, Kayden would never associate with someone as trashy as you.”

Trent looked around at the blatant luxury he was surrounded by. “Trashy?”

“You are a terrible role model for my son,” Mark spat. “I’m sure his grades will be negatively affected by all the time he’s been spending with you and then I can disown him for good!”

Trent chuckled. “Sounds like a plan.”

“Dad, come on, we should just go.” Kayden nudged his dad toward the car. Trent hadn’t noticed before, but the whole family was watching from inside, minus the old folks, of course. “We’ll be even later if we waste time out here.”

Mark glared viciously at Trent over Kayden’s little head. “Don’t even think about picking him up. We’ll drop him off when we’re done.”

Trent stuck the roach in his mouth then gave Mark a thumbs up.

Mark sneered with disgust, then he got back behind the wheel and slammed the door. Kayden waved at Trent briefly over his shoulder, then he squeezed in the back with his friends, and it was all of them. Ian, Audrey, and Emma were dressed to the nines, but Trent only caught a flash of them before the door shut and the SUV reversed.

Trent smoked his blunt for a few more minutes, then put it out and returned it to its case. When everything was put away, he climbed into the back and reached under the seat for his change of clothes.

The restaurant at the Four Seasons had a business casual dress code, so Trent had brought a nice collared shirt, pants, and black shoes to do the job. In just moments, Trent was out of his jeans and into a nicely pressed pair of slacks. When he was finished dressing, he got out the back and checked himself in the truck’s reflection. He looked good, but he already knew that.

Trent got behind the wheel again, then backed out of his spot. He took his time, but he started across town for the hotel.

The Four Seasons was a large, white building with a modern flair to the design. The windows were huge and everywhere. Vast amounts of tropical foliage were planted all over, giving the place a lost paradise kind of feel. Trent pulled into the lot and coasted past the cars, checking for the silver SUV. He found Mark’s ride almost immediately, up near the front, then found a place to park nearby.

It was a couple minutes past six, but Trent wanted to give everyone a chance to get settled before he made his entrance. He took out his smoke for a second time and puffed away. He kept an eye on the time, but he got lost for a little bit, singing with the music and enjoying the beat.

When it was half past, Trent ashed his roach out the window, then did a cursory check on his appearance. His eyes were super red and irritated looking, but he didn’t care.

The inside of the hotel was even nicer than the outside. The floors were marble and the walls were adorned with modern artwork. There were plants of varying sizes scattered throughout. The lobby to the left was filled with white, fancy furniture, and the restaurant to the right was behind a marble rainfall wall. Trent went up to the hostess and pulled out his most handsome smile.

“Hi.”

The girl turned to him with a start. “Oh, hello. Welcome to the Four Seasons… Did you have a reservation?”

“I’m meeting someone here actually. It’s a family thing for my boyfriend.”

“And what was the name?”

“Er, I don’t know. You might have seen him though. He’s with a group of overdressed Asians.”

The girl smiled faintly. “Yes, I think I know who you mean.”

“This is supposed to be a surprise, so they don’t know I’m here,” Trent said. “I was just hoping I could sneak in and find them.”

“Mmm, I can’t let you do that,” the girl said, and she truly seemed apologetic. “I can only let you in if you get a table.”

“Then I guess I should get a table,” Trent joked. “Come on, help me out here.”

The girl looked hesitantly at her seating chart. “Well, there’s an empty seat for two available.”

“Perfect.” Trent waited while the girl got the menus together, then he followed her into the restaurant.

The place was decently busy for mid-afternoon, but then again, it was Friday. Trent scanned the tables for his favorite Asians as he was paraded across the fancy room. There was a heavy preference for the business class, but he spotted some vacationers in the mix.

Kayden’s family was among them. They were seated at the center of the room at a large circular table. Kayden sat uncomfortably between his little sister and his best friend, and across from them was the world-famous grandparents, sitting with Mark and Cho on either side of them.

Trent slowed to a stop and gawked at the old folks. Grandpa looked like a frail old monk. He had no hair on his head, except a long, wizened beard that reached his waist. He looked old as dirt. The woman beside him wasn’t much better. She was incredibly wrinkled, but everything she wore was ironed and straight. Her dyed black hair was immaculate as well, and her lipstick was fire dragon red.

“Sir?”

It was the hostess. She stood a couple tables away, gesturing to a two-seater on the outskirts of the room. Trent’s gaze fell to the empty chair, and he pushed through the crowd and grabbed it one handed.

“I think I’m going to sit over there,” Trent said to the hostess, then lifted the chair and plowed through the tables for Kayden’s.

Kayden looked up as Trent approached and his face went white. “T-Trent?”

“Hey baby,” Trent grunted as he struggled with the heavy, wood chair. “Make some room.”

“O-o-okay.”

“Trent!” Emma cheered, scooting her chair aside so Kayden could scoot his. “It’s so cool you’re here!”

“How did you find us?” Audrey scowled, but she too, was moving her seat.

Trent plunked his chair into the spot between Kayden and Audrey and smiled at them both. “I was in the neighborhood.”

Kayden shook his head. “Somebody must have told you.”

“Not me!” Emma sang, and Kayden frowned at her.

Trent looked around the table at the gathered family. The grandparents looked, well, old and confused, but Mark was shaking with rage. He was holding it in, but he was seconds away from exploding. Everyone else Trent could handle though. Cho had a hand over her mouth, and beside her, Ian looked like he was trying not to laugh…

“Surprise,” Trent said with a smile. “How’s the meal so far?”

“We’ve only had appetizers,” Kayden whispered, gesturing to the plate of muscles in the middle of the table.

“Oh, yum, give me some.” Trent reached over the plates and grabbed one of the slippery shells. He ate the muscle sloppily, licking his lips right after. “This your plate?”

Kayden nodded and Trent dropped the shell.

“That was primo,” he said obnoxiously. “Good pick.”

Nobody said anything, and Trent just kept going.

“Is this your drink, Kayden?” Trent picked up the almost untouched glass of water.

“Y-yes.”

Trent took a large swallow. Across the table, the old man blinked at him in confusion and murmured something in his secret language.

“He’s asking if you want a menu,” Cho asked softly and Trent laughed at them.

“Naw, Kayden and I are used to sharing. Since we moved in together, what’s mine is his and what’s his is mine.”

The old man turned to Kayden next and asked a question.

Slowly, Kayden shook his head. He replied in rapid Korean and Trent was totally lost. He elbowed Audrey.

“Translate,” he demanded.

Audrey glared at him, but relented without giving much of a fight. “He just asked if Kayden’s living at home or not and Kayden said he isn’t.”

Trent looked up and met the old man’s gaze. Old Grandpa Monk was staring into his soul.

“So, I don’t know Korean,” Trent said to the guy. “What am I supposed to call you?”

He and Cho spoke briefly in their language. Trent wanted another translation, but Cho spoke up first.

“He says you can call him ha-ra-buh-ji. It’s the Korean word for grandfather.”

“Ha-ra-ba-ja…”

“Close. It’s ha-ra-buh-ji.”

“Ha-rah-bo-ja!”

Mark slammed his fist on the table. Everyone looked at him. “This isn’t Korean 101. This is an important family reunion!”

“Dude, relax,” Trent said rudely. “I’m trying to learn your dad’s name.”

“You… have no right… to use my father’s family name,” Mark said, trembling with rage. His face was reddening again and a vein over his temple was pulsing with blood. Trent wondered how far he could push him.

“He wants to be called ha-ra-buh-ja. I don’t want to insult him or anything.”

“Call him Mr. Lee and be done with it!”

“Ha-ra-ba-ji,” Trent said perfectly. “It’s nice to make your acquaintance.” He did a little bow, and Grandpa Lee smiled faintly in reply.

“Arrgh!” Mark shouted, then he stood and the plates and the glasses on the table shook in reaction. “You need to leave. Now!”

“I don’t think I will.” Trent reached for another muscle and ate it in one slippery bite. “I’m here to visit with the family.”

“Geuneun wae isaleul gassseubnikka?” Grandpa Lee asked curiously.

“Geuneun haji anh-assda!” Mark roared back. “Geugeon geojismal-ieossseubnida!”

Trent looked to Audrey for a translation. She sighed.

“He just asked why Kayden moved out and Mark said he didn’t.”

“I sonyeon-eun nugu-imyeo wae geuleohge hwaga nassseubnikka?”

“Geuneun Kayden-ege nappeun yeonghyang-eul michibnida!”

“Now he just asked who you are and why Mark’s so mad at you and Mark said you’re a bad influence from school.”

“Anj-a adeul,” Grandpa Lee said in a little voice.

“Naneunhaji anh-eulgeoya!”

“He’s asking him to sit down and Mark says he won’t.”

Trent looked across the table. Mark looked huge next to the withered husk of a man, and as he watched, Mark turned his gaze back on him and frowned.

“Fine. I’ll take you out of here myself.” Mark started around the table, bumping the edge a second time and sending a glass tumbling.

“No!” Cho cried. “Mark!”

But Mark didn’t listen. He squeezed around the table and Trent watched the man, but he didn’t get up. They were making a scene and he wanted to make it good.

Mark stopped beside him and seized his arm. “Get up.”

“No.” Trent glared up at him. “Don’t fucking touch me, man.”

“I’ll touch you all I like when you’re sitting at my family table!”

“Get off me!” Trent shoved Mark hard in the gut and Mark fell back, blubbering, into another table, followed by the crash of plates and cutlery. Trent laughed at him. “Stupid, fat cow.”

“Ahhhh!” Mark righted himself and launched his body at Trent. They both fell to the floor and rolled together for dominance. Chaos erupted around them as they fought and people began to scream.

“Trent! Stop!” Kayden yelled, but Trent concentrated on getting the upper hand. He twisted around and got on top of Mark, then dug his knees into the floor for purchase.

“You wanna fight? I’ll give you a fight…” Trent batted Mark’s hands out of the way, then hit him hard across the jaw.

“Yugh!”

“Fuck you! You deserve this!” Trent hit Mark again as the screams from the customers increased. He sensed movement behind him, but his attention was on Mark’s stupid face. He’d wanted to punch this fuck for quite some time… He did it again, then again, a familiar bloodlust taking over his mind. Then suddenly, arms came around Trent’s chest and he was lifted off Mark. “What the fuck!”

Guys in black shirts poured out of the kitchen. A few of them had Trent’s arms, and a couple more restrained Mark as he started to get up. The asshole was actually trying to make a comeback!

“We are so asking you to leave!” The hostess cried, and Trent caught sight of her, crying, standing at the front of the room. “You and you!” She pointed at Trent and Mark. “Please see yourselves out!”

“Pfft, I didn’t want to stay anyway,” Trent sneered.

“You ruined everything! I hate you, I hate you, I hate you!” Mark struggled against the kitchen staff. His mouth was bruised, but he otherwise looked alright.

“It’s your damned fault.” Trent shook off the guys holding his arms. “You started it.”

“Arrgh!!!” Mark kicked his feet in a rage.

Trent laughed at the helpless man. He hadn’t accomplished everything he’d been hoping to, but he was satisfied. Punching Kayden’s dad had felt great.

“Mark!” Cho cried suddenly and Trent looked up with interest. The family was gathering around Grandpa Lee and he was slumped in his chair. “Mark, somethings wrong.”

Mark fell still and he craned his neck back to see. “Let me up! I’m a doctor.”

“You’re not going to punch anyone else are you?” one of the black-shirted boys asked.

“No! Let me up!”

With visible reluctance, the kitchen staff released Mark and he rolled over and got up on his knees.

Trent’s and Kayden’s eyes met as Mark joined the family and quickly checked his father’s pulse. Kayden looked like a ghost. His face was totally devoid of color.

“Call an ambulance,” Mark said. “He’s having a heart attack.”