Chapter 10: In Shock

Chase's POV:

Skylar then immediately leans in, to capture my lips in hers. My eyes widen dramatically in shock. SHE WAS REFERRING TO ME THIS ENTIRE TIME? SHE WAS ASKING FOR ADVICE ON HOW SHE COULD SUCCESSFULLY REVEAL HER FEELINGS TOWARDS ME? HAS SHE LIKED ME THIS ENTIRE TIME THEN? This is almost too much to process. This couldn't have come at a worse time either. I already have feelings for Bree, and I couldn't possibly lead Skylar on, only for her to get hurt later on. She doesn't deserve that. I remain still, and wait for her to retract. I might consider it if things don't work out with Bree, but by then it might be too late. Skylar pulls away from me, a look of confusion plastered across her face. Most likely at the fact that I didn't reciprocate the kiss. "Skylar, your my friend and my teammate, and I care about you deeply. I just don't know if I care about you in that way.", I softly say. She immediately looks down. I don't want her to feel rejected or unwanted, but I must be honest as gently as I can. "I'm sorry, I'm so stupid. Of course you don't-", Skylar starts. I immediately cut her off by bringing her into a hug. "You're not stupid, how you feel is completely valid. You're allowed to feel that way, and I'm glad you had enough courage to confess something so personal to me. I don't want to give you false hope, but I won't disregard how you feel either. You're an amazing person, and I'd be the stupid one if I didn't at least give us a chance. Feelings change, and feelings can grow. For now, let's just be friends. If my feelings change from platonic to romantic, I'll be sure to immediately give you that kiss back.", I say.

Bree's POV:

Kaz and I make out for a hot minute. Man I can't remember the last time a boy wanted to do something like this with me. I wonder if should've saw this coming. I mean, it's not like he made it extremely obvious that he wanted to bone me, but he couldn't have been extremely subtle about it either. Kaz and subtle don't really go together. We finally break apart for air, and he rests his forehead against mine. "You have no idea how long I've wanted to do that.", he pants out. Well you're right about that. I smile at him. "Just out of curiosity, how long have you wanted to do that?", I ask. He softly chuckles. Everything feels so surreal right now, but at the same time, it feels a little bit off. Like something's missing. "Ever since we started living together.", Kaz says. Wow, and it took you THIS long to make a move? I could've had a boyfriend this ENTIRE time! At least then I wouldn't have to deal with the whole Chase thing. I'd be completely and utterly sexually satisfied, and my hormones wouldn't have gone so crazy. "Well what took you so long?", I joke. He smiles, and gives me a quick peck on the lips. Then wraps his arms around my waist. A shiver goes down my spine. WHY DOES THIS STILL FEEL SLIGHTLY OFF? What the fuck is even wrong with me. Kaz's cute, funny, witty, a great guy, he's a superhero too, he's sweet, he's caring, he's got a smile that lights up the whole room. I'd be lying if I said I haven't thought about fucking him before. Yet all I can think about right now is Chase.

Chase's POV:

Skylar hugs me tighter after my short speech. I hope I've helped her feel better about this tricky subject. Show I even consider dating her? How would Bree react? How would OLIVER react? I couldn't risk losing my friendship with him, and I'd never want to hurt him. I release her from our hug, and she reluctantly lets go. I smile forms across her face as she's obviously lost in thought. I let my mind wander a bit as well. Could I even been with Skylar when Bree hasn't even left my mind yet? I'm not even sure I want Bree to leave my mind. It'd be a lot easier for everyone if she did. "Hey, would you wanna maybe catch a movie later?", Skylar asks. Is she asking me on a date? I quirk my brow as I question, "Would this happen to be a date by any chance?" A look of playful amusement crosses her face. I have a feeling she was hoping I'd ask that very question. "Only if you want it to be.", she replies. She says it in a joking tone of voice, as if she'll disregard the idea if I want this outing to be platonic. Yet she can't knock the look of hopefulness off her face even if she tried. I was never meant to regard Bree in a romantic way. The logical thing to do would be to spend more time with Skylar, and less with Bree, then see where things go from there. My feelings for Bree would most likely lessen and eventually trampled by new growing feelings for Skylar. That'd be the right thing to do, wouldn't it? "It's a date then.", I state.

Bree's POV:

"So what happens now?", I ask. Does this mean we're dating now? What if he doesn't even want to date me? What if he just wanted a casual thing? "We go out on a date, if you want.", he says. The butterflies in my stomach start to flutter. This is it, the start of hopefully long lasting relationship. "I very much want.", I eagerly reply. Kaz snorts. He unfortunately knows how 'boy crazy' I can get. "Let's go to dinner then, tonight.", he offers. Of course he'd want to go eat, not that I'm complaining. WAIT, TONIGHT?! THAT BARELY GIVES ME ANY TIME TO GET READY?! "Sounds perfect. Have any ideas on where we'll go eat?", I ask. Cause no way in Hell am I spending the next 2 hours getting ready, only to go to Arby's or something. He rolls his eyes. "Somewhere nice, you can dress up if you'd like.", he says. I smirk at him. At least he knows me well enough to know why I was asking. "Then I better start getting ready now.", I say. He ever so fucking slowly lets go of my waist, letting his fingers trace random patterns on the way out. "Or you could stay dressed like that, and stay here.", he suggests. Chase would probably object to me going out in public like this, if fact, he'd probably SUGGEST that I dress up. Damnit! I fucking hate myself so much right now. Kaz is being cute and sweet, but my mind immediately goes to what Chase would say. Ugh, I've GOT to get him out of my head. "I'll text you when I'm done.", I say as I pull away from him. He lets out an annoyed groan. "FINE. I'm assuming you're gonna give Oliver a pep talk 1st though?", he assumes.

Chase's POV:

Her eyes light up, and her bright smile is contagious. Huh, I can't actually remember the last time I went on an ACTUAL date. This will be good for me, surely. "Okay, I'll see you later tonight then.", she brightly says. Skylar's radiating happiness at the moment, yet I feel a pang of sadness wash over me. I can't help but wonder if that would be Bree's reaction if I asked her out on a date. Would she immediately agree, or would she act disgusted? I immediately push those thoughts out of my mind. Thinking like that won't change or solve anything. It's very counterproductive. I nod, then rise from her bed. I'm assuming that was her way of dismissing me. I make my way over to the door, and offer her a small wave. She laughs out, "God, you're so adorable." I just smile and make my exit. If Bree would've said that, I definitely would've said something sappy back. Bree's my sister, and Skylar's not even remotely close to being related to me. Yet talking and regarding Skylar in this manner, feels more wrong somehow. I venture down the hallway towards my room, and run into Bree on the way there. Did Oliver go to our room since I last saw him? I feel oddly guilty, if I said I didn't know the cause of my current guilt, I'd be lying to myself. She gives me a wan smile when she sees me. Her smile doesn't even reach her eyes. Something's off here. What happened while I was gone? "Are you okay?", I immediately ask when I'm within speaking distance from her.

Bree's POV:

"Naturally", I reply. That is the entire reason I was waiting around the living room. He nods in response. "Tell him I said hi.", he says. I let out an amused snort, and Kaz smiles at me. He could literally text Oliver 'hi' right now, and he'd get the message by the time I super sped down there. "Sure thing.", I say. Then I super speed out the door before he can say something else. That entire exchange was low key slightly uncomfortable. I mean, we've always been pretty friendly towards each other, but this is a whole other level of friendly. Which is totally fine. This is what I wanted anyway, right? I start walking down the hallway at a normal speed. The minute it'll take me to get to the living room will at least give me a LITTLE time to think. So of course, Chase just HAS to be in the hallway. We make eye contact, and I at least try to smile at him. I would've used my invisibility app to sneak past him if I knew he'd be out here. I'm not sure if I can even deal with him right now. I hate how guilty I feel for kissing Kaz back, and I hate myself for wishing Chase was the one I was kissing. We walk towards each other. God, what I wouldn't give to be back in the boys' room right now. He asks me if I'm okay as soon as he's close enough. DAMNIT! Of course he'd notice that something's off with me. Jesus Christ, what else could go wrong at this point? "Of course, I'm fine.", I say while shrugging my shoulder. He quirks his brow at me. DAMNIIITTTT. Why does he have to be so adorable? I quickly have to look away. That's a dangerous train of thought.

Chase's POV:

What is Bree hiding from me? Why did she lie just now? I reach out, and turn her chin so her eyes meet mine. I hear her deeply inhale. I feel my brows furrow in confusion. That was not the reaction I was expecting. Do I really have that kind of an effect on her? I shouldn't be happy about that, but I am. Guilt washes over me once again. What am I even doing? I'm so torn between following my heart, and doing what's right. I have a feeling Bree's struggling with that too. "You're lying.", I softly state. I hear her swallow. She tries to shake her head no, but I hold her chin in place with my hand. "Did something happen with Oliver?", I ask. Bree quickly blinks, as if she's trying to clear the metaphorical fog from her mind. "No, I didn't even get to talk to him yet. So how'd things go with Skylar?", Bree asks. What? How could she not have spoken with Oliver yet, after all that time I was in Skylar and her room? That just confirms my suspicions that something occurred. Don't think I didn't catch her poorly executed attempt to change the subject. "Things went well, we talked about what happened between her and Oliver. I consoled her, and gave her advice after she asked for it. NOW, if you didn't speak with Oliver, what were you doing this entire time while I was speaking with Skylar?", I ask. I hear her breath hitch, and I briefly see a look of guilt flash across her face. Before she quickly replaces it with a cool look of indifference.

Bree's POV:

I should've figured he'd be able to tell that I was trying to change the subject. I also should've figured he'd be too stubborn to let it go. I should just be honest with him, right? Just rip off the band aid now. He'll have to find out at some point, and he's bound to ask once he sees me all dressed up. "I had a little talk with Kaz in your room after he stormed off earlier. He somehow misinterpreted what I said, and thought I was calling him stupid. Which I'd never do.", I say. I leave out the part where I made out with him for like 10 minutes, and agreed to go out on a date with him later tonight. I don't think I can actually bring myself to tell him. I glance down at his hand, that still hasn't left my chin. Am I even doing the right thing? I mean, of course I am. Is this the right thing for me though? Is this what will make me happy, lying to Chase about being with Kaz and selfishly seeing Kaz when I know I like Chase so much more? "That's what's upset you, the fact that you unintentionally hurt Kaz's feelings even though you've already apologized for it and made up with him?", Chase asks. I slightly cringe when Chase uses the phrase, 'made up'. Made out would be more accurate. Chase starts stroking my chin with his thumb. My breath starts to quicken. I look up, and we make eye contact. He's waiting for my response to his question. "No.", I honestly answer him. He'd be able to tell if I was lying anyway. "Then what's bothering you? Is there any way I can help?", he asks. Of course he'd offer to help me. Of course he'd be concerned. Of course he'd make me feel even worse than I already do.

Chase's POV:

She cringed when I mentioned her patching things up with Kaz after their apparent misunderstanding. Something happened during that conversation, and I'm going to find out what. Did she do something wrong? Did HE do something wrong? I don't understand her reasoning behind all this secrecy. "I really don't want to talk about it, and I really wish you could help. The only thing you'd do though, is make things worse.", Bree snaps. I quickly release her chin, and look away. I probably only would make things worse. Situation after situation, whether it's caused by me or not, I always try to help fix things. Yet I only tend to make things worse, or even more complicated. "I'm sorry, you're right. I'd probably only make a mess of things.", I reply. I step aside, and move to go past her. "Wait, no. I didn't mean it like that, it's just-", Bree starts. I really don't want to hear her feeble attempts at sparing my feelings. "It's fine, thank you for being honest with me.", I say. I start moving down the hallway, towards my room. I should probably gather my things and shower. I do have a date later on. I feel her hand grasp my arm, stopping me in my tracks. She yanks me backwards, making me stumble. I turn to face her, and she quickly places her hands on both sides of my face. My eyes widen in surprise. "What're you-", I start to say until Bree pulls my face towards her. She brings her lips to mine, and my mind goes blank. Whatever I was going to say to her, has completely left my mind.

Bree's POV:

I really shouldn't be doing this. It's completely unfair to Kaz. This isn't cheating, is it? Kaz and I aren't even officially an item, we're just going out on a date. I wasn't planning on kissing Chase ANYTIME soon, but my emotions have been all over the place since yesterday. I just felt so guilty about kissing Kaz, and agreeing to go out with him. I shouldn't have snapped at Chase, I know how insecure he can be, and he didn't deserve that. He's was just trying to help me. He was walking away, I had to act fast. Maybe I should've just apologized and explained myself better. Chase wraps his arms around my waist, and pulls me in closer. He starts kissing me back with way more passion than Kaz did. This isn't right, but this is what FEELS right. I moan into the kiss, and Chase's grip on my waist tightens. I guess he really does like me back. I nip at his lower lip, and he gladly opens his mouth. I slide my tongue in, and brush it against his. Fuck, I can feel myself starting to get really wet. Pretty soon he's groaning into my mouth as his tongue assaults mine. I stroke the sides of his face with my thumbs, and his hands gently run up and down my sides. We should really stop, someone could see us, and by someone I mean the only other people that live here. I break the kiss, and pull him into a hug. He hugs me back, and rubs small circles into my back. "I shouldn't have snapped at you, I'm sorry.", I whisper. At least not if 1 of the trio walks by, it looks like we're having a brother and sister bonding moment. That's when it hits me, I just kissed my BROTHER, and he kissed ME back.

Chase's POV:

DID THAT REALLY JUST HAPPEN? BREE ACTUALLY KISSED ME? This isn't some cruel hallucination? "It's okay, I forgive you.", I respond. Saying that I'm in shock, would be an understatement. I was fairly certain Bree reciprocated my feelings for her, but I never thought she'd physically or verbally do anything to make those feelings apparent to me. "You like me, don't you?", she asks me. I thought my responsiveness to the kiss made that pretty obvious. "In what way?", I ask back. I hear her let out an amused snort, I smile. "You like me, as more than a friend.", she says. She doesn't ask it like it's a question, she says it like it's a statement. I release her from our hug and pull back. The look on her face says it all. She knew, she knew I had feelings for her. "Did you just figure it out today, or have you know since yesterday?", I ask. She smiles at me. "Since yesterday. You wouldn't have gotten a boner yesterday if you weren't even the slightest bit interested in me.", she answers. I feel my face slightly heat up. "I didn't realize how beautiful you truly were yesterday until you were on top of me.", I admit. Now it's her turn to blush. I don't know if it's because she was remembering the event in question, or if it's because of my wording choices. "And I didn't realize how cute you were until you were under me.", I admits back. I smile and immediately capture her lips in mine again. She makes a sound of protest, and pulls away.

Bree's POV:

We can't do this again. I don't know if I'll be able to pull away next time. "We can't do that HERE. What if someone sees.", I say. Now Chase's sporting an 'oh shit you're right' look on his face. "You're right, we can't be this reckless again. We'll have to be more careful from now on.", Chase says. I look down. I wish I could do that. Pretend everything's normal around the team, have this thing with Kaz going, and have secrets moments like this with Chase. The thing about secrets though, is that they don't always remain secrets forever. "There can't be a 'from now on'. We can't do this again, you know that.", I say. I don't even try to hide the sadness from my voice. I look up at him, and all I can see is pain. "Why not?", he asks. GOD, I just can't do this right now! "You know why! Come on, you're supposed to be the logical one here. We can't just sneak around under everyone's noses and fuck around. We'd get caught at some point, and then it'd blow up in our faces.", I say. My voice cracks throughout that entire little speech. He takes a step closer to me, I'd stop him if I weren't so emotionally drained. He gently puts his hands on my shoulders, so I look a him. "We don't have to sneak around. Remember this morning, when I showed you my research? If we're not related, we can openly be together.", Chase says. I sigh. He's being way too optimistic about this, and I really wish I could be too. If I can't be with Chase without sneaking around, and risking being shunned from my other family members and possibly our team. Then I need to let him go, and move on with my life. Pursue this thing with Kaz. We could be really happy together if I actually tried with him.

Chase's POV:

Bree's argument is extremely logical, and it makes perfect sense. Sneaking around isn't the, ideal way, to go about things. The repercussions for being discovered would most likely be fairly severe. I just need to prove we're not related, then everything else will fall into place. I'll call Mr. Davenport tomorrow morning, and ask him how Douglas's recovery is going. If he's not well enough to travel, then Bree and I will just have to visit the Academy. "What if we are related, what happens then?", Bree asks. That's a very important question I need to consider, but thinking about that would only make me feel even worse about the situation. Us being related means we'd have to ignore how we feel for 1 another. We'd have to move on. I'd have to pursue things with Skylar, in hopes that feelings would grow when they're currently not found. "I can't bare to think about that right now, but I think you and I both know what we'd have to do then. I want to hold on to this hope, that you and I can be more than this. That we can be more than this in front of our friends and family, with them accepting that and us.", I say. A single tear runs down Bree's cheek, I go to brush it away. She lets me. "When are you going to talk to Mr. Davenport and Uncle Douglas?", Bree asks me. At least she let me hang on to this shred of hope. "Tomorrow morning, and if Douglas isn't well enough to travel. We'll just have to visit the Academy.", I respond. She looks so emotionally drained right now, I'm sure she's not the only one currently sporting this look.

Bree's POV:

I thought I'd have more time than that. The sooner we confront them, the sooner we might have to let each other go. I get why he wants to rush this. We can't go on like this. It's only been a day and a half, and it's already too much. There's so much happening all in the shortest span of time with the whole team. "Are you sure it's a good idea to hit Uncle Douglas with that heavy of a question while he's still recovering?", I ask. I'm perfectly health, and I'm completely overwhelmed by all this shit. I can't imagine how an injured Uncle Douggie will handle all of this. "Any damage to his physical well being will be mostly heated, if not completely healed, by now. He's just resting and recuperating.", Chase says. I sigh. He's not gonna back down on this, is he? "Okay, then that's what we'll do. Until we know for sure, we have to go back to the way things were. We need to be ready to move on if we have to. I know you don't want to hear this, but you have to. I'm going on a dinner date tonight, with Kaz.", I say. Fuck, there, I finally said it. Chase steps back from me, and lets his hands drop down to his sides. "That's what was bothering you earlier.", he says. I nod my head. I knew it'd hurt him if he knew, but I had to tell him. "You're right though, no matter how much I don't want to admit it. 1 of the best ways to get over someone, is to develop feelings for someone else. I'm going on a date as well tonight, a movie date, with Skylar.", Chase says.