Chapter 8: We're What?

Bree's POV:

After I had stomped over to the table Chase wanted me to sit at, I decided to be a petty bitch. By eating my yogurt and drink my juice really loudly. I know I originally didn't want him to be mad or annoyed at me, but it's easier than him being sweet to me. A sweet and caring Chase, means an extremely sexually frustrated me. Which wouldn't end very well. Yesterday's incidents can NEVER happen again, not if I want to keep what little sanity I have left. Chase snatches a few of the hundreds of papers from his desk, and slowly walks over to me. Is this mother fucker really stalling right now? He pulls out a chair, and sits next to me. "Here, take a look at these. They'll explain everything.", Chase says. He hands me the papers, and I reluctantly grab them. He really couldn't tell me himself? Chase usually LOVES explaining stuff to people, it makes him feel superior. After I read over the papers for a hot minute, I slowly handed them back to Chase. "We're what?", I ask. Okay, I'm hella confused right now. Chase thinks that Adam, him, and I, are adopted? I mean, it's not THAT far fetched. There are tons of kids that're adopted, and lots of them go through most of their lives not knowing it. Douglas and Mr. Davenport would've told us if we were adopted though. "I believe, there's a possibly that we're not actually biologically related.", Chase calmly says. What the fuck even brought this on? Why does it even matter if we're related by blood or not?

Chase's POV:

I can understand Bree's confusion. We've been raised and treated as siblings since the very beginning. It would be hard to consider us as anything different. "Mr. Davenport or Douglas would've told us if we were adopted. Chase, what even brought this on?", Bree asks. Well, at least she doesn't seem frustrated with me anymore. Oh how I long to tell her why I'm desperate to prove that our blood differs, but I know that she'd be immediately disgusted. What happened yesterday morning was merely, a chemical reaction in the brain paired with hormones and a hidden sexual frustration. Suggesting that we become more than just siblings/friends, would imply something more than just sexual attraction. It would imply emotional feelings as well. "They never told us, because we never asked. We never questioned anything else after Douglas admitted to being our father.", I reply. I purposefully avoid her question of why do I want to know. She's changed after yesterday, she reciprocates my secret feelings for her, it's the only logical explanation. It's clear she's been at war with herself, and I don't think the part of her that harbors these feelings will ever win. Until I can change how she views our dynamic, and what better way to change said dynamic, than with cold hard facts. Right now everything's all assumptions and speculations, but once Douglas and Mr. Davenport confirm my theory, she'll have to accept how she feels.

Bree's POV:

Oh, don't think I didn't notice how you dodged my question. I'll let it go, for now. He does make a very good point though. We never bothered to ask anymore questions. We just accepted things how they were. We've been siblings all of our lives, and as great as it would be to not be related to Chase, I'd hate to lose him as a brother. "Well what happens if we are siblings, just like we've always thought we were?", I ask. This has to be about yesterday. I've denied it multiple times already, but does Chase have a crush on me or something? I mean, if he did, he probably try to find a way around the whole sibling thing. "Then we can all have a peace of mind and reassurance about our family.", Chase says. Yeah, but why do you need 'a peace of mind and reassurance about our family'? We're not related by blood to Leo, yet he's just as much of our brother as Adam is. "Then what happens if we're not siblings?", I ask. Chase takes a deep breath, then stands up. So I stand up too. "We'll cross that bridge when we get there.", he says. You've been down here, probably for hours, CONVINCED that I'm not your sister. Now you're trying to convince me that you're not my brother. Chase has to be doing all this for a reason. A reason that he apparently doesn't want to share with me. "No matter what happens, we'll always be a family. Tasha will always be our mother, Douglas will always be our uncle/father, Mr. Davenport will always be our father, and Adam and Leo will always be our brothers. Nothing could ever change that.", I say.

Chase's POV:

I agree with her completely on that. I hope she doesn't believe that I'm somehow trying to break our family up, or cause unnecessary drama. HOLD ON, DID SHE JUST LEAVE ME OUT? I don't know if I should be relieved, or hurt. Does she not consider us family? From a brother standpoint, that really hurts. From a guy who has feels for her standpoint, that gives me hope. "What about me?", I ask. I don't want to push things, but I NEED TO KNOW. Bree delicately picks up her now empty yogurt container and juice bottle. "What about you?", she asks back. There's still time to back track on this. She didn't understand what I was trying to imply. It'd be safer to back track, and it would make things easier if she actually is my sister. "What will I be to you?", I can't help but ask. I'm terrified of her answer, if she'll even give one. Yet I have to ask these kinds of questions, plant these kinds of seeds in her mind. If I ever want us to be more than just this. Bree looks down for a moment, then reconnects our eye contact. "We'll cross that bridge when we get there.", Bree says. I can't help but softly laugh at this. Of course she'd parrot back the indecisive and vague answer I gave her just moments ago. "Fair enough.", I chuckle. Bree then starts to walk towards the hyperlift, causing my laughter abruptly die off. She didn't come here to discuss my theory, so what was her purpose for entering HQ?

Bree's POV:

I really need a break from all this Chase stuff. I probably shouldn't have left him out of the lineup, but I already consider him as more of friend/teammate/possible mans, than a brother. If it turns out that we're not related, I'm definitely jumping his bones. I'd never be able to see him as a brother again if I did that. "Bree, what was it you originally came in for anyway?", Chase asks. Damn it! I was almost to the hyperlift too. I'm kind of glad he decided to pick today to work out this theory of his. I honestly don't know what I would've even said to him. "Oh, it was nothing important. Besides I'd hate to pester you while you're currently so busy.", I say without turning around. I start walking again, only to hear Chase running up behind me. I internally groan. What does he want now?! "I'm not that busy, I finished the immobilization gun and serum yesterday, and my theory is already all completed and summed up.", Chase says after he catches up with me. Maybe if I just keep walking, he'll go away. "I don't even remember I what I came in here for.", I say. Chase has been practically LIVING down here like a hermit ever since the attack constantly working, but now that I'm trying to get away from him, he's suddenly done with everything. He suddenly wants to have a conversation with me. "Okay, well let me know when you remember.", Chase says. Yeah, okay, fine. Does that mean you're going to finally leave me alone right now?

Chase's POV:

I really want to spend some more time with Bree today. Also, I don't actually know what to do with myself now. I'll have to wait for Douglas to fully recover before I can stage an intervention of sorts. The team is currently in no shape to seek out Rodissius and his children. I'd feel really unproductive if I wasn't currently working towards a goal. So with the current free time I have, what better goal to work on than making Bree my girlfriend. At this point I've completely accepted my feelings, and I'll hopefully convince Bree to do the same. There was no point denying my attraction to her any longer, if I'm going to be in denial about something, that something's going to be the fact that she's currently my sister until stated otherwise. "Will do.", Bree chirps. Huh. Her bright tone sounded rather forced there. We both enter the hyperlift, and emerge into the living room a moment later. Is she annoyed that I'm seemingly following her? She was so desperate to be around me yesterday. Perhaps she's still bothered by last night? Bree super speeds to the kitchen's waste basket to dispose of the cup and bottle. I glance towards the couch, and notice that the boys' must've finally woken up. Bree super speeds to the couch, then proceeds to throw herself onto it. I walk over and sit next to her. She quirks her brow at me, but says nothing. Kaz then decides to rush down the stairs. "Hey guys! Wait, what're you doing up here, Chase? Is it 11:10 am already?", Kaz asks.

Bree's POV:

I giggle at Kaz's comment. I guess everyone, including me, is so used to Chase's schedule by now. That it's weird to see him outside of HQ when it's not 11:10. "Mr. Schedule over here finally finished up all his 'work'", I say. I can see Chase staring at me through my peripheral vision. Is he staring at me 'cause I giggled, or because of my comment? I usually only giggle around cute boys, or if something really amuses me. I purposefully avoid Chase's stare, and look directly at Kaz. I'm trying so hard not to blush under Chase's intense stare. Why do things have to be so complicated?! Things shouldn't be this complicated, Chase is my brother, end of discussion. My love for him should be strictly platonic, but NO. HE JUST HAD TO MAKE THINGS DIFFICULT. "That's great, dude! What're you gonna do now that you have all this free time?", Kaz asks. If only he could be doing me in his free time... UUUURRRRRGGGHHHH! If I just had boyfriend, maybe I wouldn't have this problem. Hmmm.. Kaz is single, right? He's not bad looking either, and more importantly, he's NOT MY BROTHER. "I haven't really given it much thought. I could hang out with you guys, if you wanted.", Chase replies. Why wouldn't Kaz want to hang out with him? They're great friends! Chase must still be insecure about the friendships he's made. I can imagine he's still not as easily trusting after the whole Sebastian uprising thing. DAMNIT! WHY DID HE HAVE TO MAKE ME FEEL BAD FOR HIM?!

Chase's POV:

"We should definitely have a guys' night! God knows Oliver really needs one after talking to Skylar. We could go bowling!", Kaz suggests. Wait, WHAT? WHEN DID OLIVER TALK TO SKYLAR? Also, I'm really touched that Kaz wants to include me in their guys' night. "When the fuck did those 2 talk things out?", Bree asks. I'd normally chide her on her use of inappropriate language, but I need to STOP acting like her brother. I need to START acting more like a friend. "Sometime after Oliver and I woke up, Skylar came downstairs, and she wanted to talk to Oliver on the balcony.", Kaz says. The rest of the team must've woken up after Bree decided to visit me down in HQ. "Okay, so what happened? Did they break up or not?", Bree asks. I really hope they worked things out. I personally think they'd be a great couple if they could only work out their issues, and if Oliver could only treat her like a person instead of a Goddess. "Oliver said they're currently, 'on a break'.", Kaz says. Maybe that's for the best. Some time spent apart might do them some good. "Have you spoken to Skylar yet?", I question. If I'm not mistaken, Kaz hasn't even spoken to Skylar since yesterday. "I mean, I tried.", Kaz offers. Which in turn means that he hasn't. "And how exactly, did you 'try'?", Bree asks. It appears that Bree doesn't believe that Kaz actually tried that hard, if at all, to see how Skylar is doing. "I said hi to her when she first walked out here, but she ignored me and beelined for Oliver.", Kaz says.

Bree's POV:

I deeply sigh. Of course she made a beeline for Oliver! She'd probably spent half an hour trying to figure out what exactly she was going to say to him. "Did you make any other attempts to speak to her after she spoke to Oliver?", Chase asks. Probably not, and I don't count 'hi', as trying. Skylar's really going through a lot right now, and she probably doesn't want to deal with Kaz's antics right now. He should've asked how she was doing. "Nope, I didn't get a chance to. She super sped upstairs.", Kaz says. I face palm. He should've went after her to see if she was okay. I know that Oliver is his best friend, but Skylar's his friend too. Come to think of it... "What about you Chase, have you even SEEN Skylar since yesterday?", I ask. I'm pretty sure he hasn't. Do these dumb asses only care about Oliver or something? "No, I've, been preoccupied.", Chase mutters. I roll my eyes, and hop up. Chase slowly rises. "Of course you haven't. Last time I checked, Skylar's your friend too. You should stop making up excuses, and go see her to make sure she's okay. If the situation was reversed, she would've checked on you yesterday.", I say to Chase. He looks really guilty now. Good, he should be guilty. Because Skylar did in fact, check to see how he was doing the SAME NIGHT after the attack. "I know, you're right Bree. I haven't been a very good friend to her, while she's been an amazing friend towards me. I have to go fix this immediately, so, if you'll excuse me.", Chase says.

Chase's POV:

HOW COULD I HAVE BEEN SO FORGETFUL!? I should've went to check on Skylar as soon as I was finished talking to Oliver. I'll definitely make it up to her. Bree nods in approval. "Good luck, buddy.", Kaz tells me. I give him a half smile. I'll need all the luck I can get, especially if Skylar's crossed with me. What if she thinks that value Oliver's friendship more than hers? I start to cross the room, but then I abruptly stop. I swivel around to face the duo. "Bree, have you spoken to Oliver yet?", I ask. She's guilted me about Skylar, and will no doubt guilt Kaz as soon as I leave. Yet, if I recall correctly, she hasn't consoled Oliver yet. "No, I planned on seeing him as soon as I got out here.", Bree responds. "Yeah how come you didn't check on Oliver? He's your friend too.", Kaz mocks. I roll my eyes, and finish crossing the room. I ascend the stairs, and pad down the hallway. I reach the girls' room, and softly knock on the door. I'd hate to wake her up if she was resting. Although, if she was resting, I don't think she'd be able to hear me knock. After a moment, I hear moment on the other side. The door cracks open a sliver, before opening completely. Revealing a seemly normal Skylar. Her eyes and nose aren't red, and her face isn't tear streaked. I believe that's a good sign. "Oh, hey Chase. Is it 11:10 am? I could've sworn it was later than that.", Skylar says. Her voice doesn't sound strained or cracked either. She just sounds a tad bit tired. I can't imagine how emotionally drained she is currently. "May I come in?", I ask.

Bree's POV:

Did Chase really have to try and get me in trouble with Kaz before he left. "I was too drained from Skylar last night to talk to him then. I wanted to talk to him today when it was convenient for him.", I say. Kaz scoffs. "Excuses.", he mutters. I walk up to Kaz, and grab him firmly by the shoulders. "Oliver is just as much my friend as Skylar is. So when I see him, I'm going to ask him if he's okay. Because that's what you say to your friends in situations like this. You don't just say 'hi', and leave it like that, especially to a girl.", I state. Kaz gives me a confused look. I swear, this boy practically has the same IQ as Adam. "Oliver isn't a girl.", Kaz finally says. Oh Lord. This might take a hot minute. I grab Kaz's face with my hands. "Kaz, sweetie. After Chase gets done talking to Skylar, you're going to go talk to Skylar. You're going to ask her how she's doing, and you're going to spend quality time with her. Do, you, understand?", I slowly say. Kaz nods his head, and I let go of his face. "Did you just call me sweetie?", Kaz asks. I sigh and run a hand through my hair. "Really, that's all you got from everything I said?", I question back. Maybe I shouldn't have called him that? I don't know, it just came out. I felt like I was explaining something for the 5th time to a 2nd grader who just wasn't getting it. "No, I got what you said. But for the entire time I've known you, you've never called anyone 'sweetie'. So I wanted to know what all, that, was about. Also, you held my face while you said that.", Kaz says.

Chase's POV:

Skylar nods, then backs into the room, allowing me to enter. I close the door behind me as Skylar sits down on the edge of her bed. "Did you need something?", she asks. She thinks the reason for this visit is for my own personal gain? I don't suppose I can blame her for assuming such things. "I wanted to stop by, and see how you were. I also wanted to apologize for not coming to visit you sooner. It appears that I haven't been a very good friend as of late.", I say. Skylar slightly widens her eyes before giggling slightly. Her giggle is fairly similar to Bree's, except Bree's is more melodic. "You don't need to apologize for anything Chase, really. You've been going through your own stuff, I didn't expect you to come see me right away.", Skylar replies. I cautiously approach her, and she gestures next to her. Giving me a silent invitation to sit. I sit near her, just not next to her. Skylar rolls her eyes, and playfully tugs me towards her. "Come on Chase, I won't bite.", Skylar says. Well, I suppose I SHOULD be giving her some sort of comfort in a time like this. I ease myself closer to her, and drape my arm around her shoulders. Effectively bringing her into a side hug. If I didn't realize my feelings for Bree, and if Oliver didn't have feelings for Skylar, I might actually have feelings for Skylar. She's an amazing friend, no one could deny that she's pretty, and she has many of the same qualities Bree has. If Bree ends up being my sister, I might have to start looking at Skylar in a different light. Especially if her and Oliver decide to officially split.