Chapter 13: Don't Judge

Chase's POV:

I yank the bathroom door open to halt Skylar's persistent knocking. A look of surprise ripples across her face as she stops mid knock. I'm not entirely sure if she's surprised at the sudden action of the door swinging open, or that I was the one who was hogging the bathroom. Though I couldn't see my presence as being surprising, there are only five people in this house including her. "Oh, hey Chase!", she greets. I smile as I squeeze around her to walk into the hallway. "Hello.", I greet back after I'm standing in the center of the hallway. She turns around to face me, her smile never leaving her face. I'm not looking forward to her reaction towards me once she learns I'm dating Bree. Oh how I wish this entire situation wasn't one big mess. "Are you ready to head to the movies yet?", she asks me. I look her up and down, unintentionally causing her to blush. Oh no, that was definitely not my intention. "I don't really plan on changing, I believe my current wardrobe choice will suffice. Aren't you going to change? I figured girls liked to doll themselves up before going out somewhere. Not that I'm saying you NEED to doll up, or that you're unattractive how you are. Ugh, I'm hoping you get what I mean.", I ramble on before giving up and dragging a hand down my face in exasperation. Skylar lets out a giggle before nodding. "I get what you mean, and thanks for indirectly saying I'm naturally pretty. I am actually planning on getting in a quick shower before I change into something a little nicer.", Skylar explains.

Bree's POV:

I giggle at Kaz's goofy antics. Only he would put ghost peppers, of all things, in unmarked burritos without telling anyone. Well I mean I could honestly see Oliver doing the exact same thing, but I feel like it'd be slightly less likely. "Okay so now that we're in here alone, you can text me the name of your crush right?", I ask Kaz. He nervously scratches the back of his neck and looks away. "Aw come on, don't back out now, my curiosity is KILLING me.", I plead as I gently shake his shoulders. Kaz lightly laughs before shaking me off. "As long as you promise not to judge me, and that you'll text me the name of your partner IMMEDIATELY after me.", Kaz says. I immediately nod my head before slightly bouncing up and down cause I'm super fucking hyped. Kaz rolls his eyes at me before whipping his phone out. I know I should be hella nervous since in a few minutes I'm about to tell my sorta ex boyfriend, that the person I'd rather date happens to technically be my brother. I'm dying to know who he caught feelings for though. Plus it might help me solve some of my problems if I can actually help get this person and Kaz together. Kaz would hopefully be in my corner after that, and whoever that person is would be as well. Chase and I are gonna need all the backup we can get if it turns out we're ACTUALLY blood related. Also because I really do want Kaz and whoever this other person is to be happy. I already take out my phone as Kaz takes a deep breath before hitting send. A second later I get a new message. I make eye contact with Kaz before checking to see what name he texted me.

Chase's POV:

I suppose I did imply that she was naturally attractive. Which I will agree that she is, but me stupidly implying that might give her the impression that I was also inadvertently saying that I'm attracted to her. I guess I might be mildly attracted to her, but that feeling is fleeting and at the metaphorical back burner of my mind. I'm so crossed with myself for yet again giving her false hope that tonight will end with us becoming romantically involved. "Okay then, I'll just leave you to that then.", I awkwardly say while slowly starting to back away. I'd completely turn around and walk into the room I share with the guys if I was sure she wasn't going to give me a parting response. Skylar giggles before shooting me a half smile and starting to back into the bathroom. "You're so cute, Chase! I'll see you in a bit.", Skylar says before shutting the bathroom door. I'm desperately hoping Bree didn't hear that entire exchange. "What the Hell was all that?", I hear Oliver ask as he steps into the hallway. OH GOD, I AM SO SCREWED. I whip my head to the side in time to see Oliver walk over to me with a pissed look on his face. I always assumed I'd be eventually killed by an evil villain, not a pissed off teammate. "What was what?", I ask back. I try my hardest not to cringe at the high frequency of my voice, or at the fact that my voice cracked at the end of my question. Oliver glares at me while crossing his arms as he moves to stand directly in front of me.

Bree's POV:

I KNEW IT I KNEW IT I KNEW IT!!! I start squealing and hopping up and down as I read Kaz's text over and over again. "Jesus Bree, calm down. It's not that big of a deal.", Kaz says while trying and FAILING to look nonchalant about it. I can tell he's hella relieved that I didn't look at him with complete and utter disgust at the fact that he likes his best friend, who happens to be a dude. I do my best to calm down, but it takes me a hot minute. This is exactly what Oliver needs right now, a new healthy relationship to get him out of his dejected slump. I shoot Kaz a smile before bringing him into a tight hug. Kaz scoffs before asking, "What're you hugging me for?" I slightly pull away without letting go of him so that I'm actually able to look him in the eyes. "Just, thank you, for trusting me enough to tell me this. I could tell how nervous you were about it, like you were afraid I wouldn't accept you. I want you to know that no matter what you feel for who, you'll always be my friend and teammate. This doesn't change how I see you, because you're still the same person.", I say to Kaz. You'd think society'd be evolved enough to where people could like whoever, and it'd just be as normal as a boy liking a girl or vise versa. It fucking sucks that we're not there yet, but I'd like to think that 1 day we will be. Kaz looks like he's about to cry as he brings me into a tight bear hug. "You have no idea how happy I am to hear you say that.", Kaz whispers. I rub circles in his back as he lightly rocks us back and forth.

Chase's POV:

"You're going to the movies with Skylar, seriously? After we've JUST broken up? You've liked her this whole time haven't you? You've been just waiting for you chance to swoop in and steal her haven't you?!", Oliver starts ranting. I hold my hands up in defense and stop him before he over exhausts himself. "Woah woah woah, I can guarantee you that is not the case in the slightest. I would never risk ruining my friendship with you like that, especially so shorty after what's happened.", I say to Oliver. It looks like changing my date with Skylar to just a friend hangout really WAS the best thing to do given the current situation. Even if Oliver might be ready to move on, he still clearly has residual feelings for Skylar. This would've been the ultimate betrayal to him at the moment. I wonder how he'd respond if he knew both Skylar and Bree prefer me to him AND Kaz. He'd probably leave the team if he found all that out. Looks like I'll have to a LOT of damage control. "Oh really, you aren't going on a movie date with Skylar then and she DIDN'T call you 'cute' just a second ago?", Oliver snaps. My lord, as he just been standing in the shadows this entire time? Just waiting for Skylar to leave so he could verbally bash me for seemingly being a horrible friend and teammate? See this is why teammates shouldn't date, it throws off the entire dynamic of the team when things go South! "We're going to the movies to hang out as FRIENDS. She's been feeling pretty down lately due to recent events, so I figured some time out of the apartment would do her some good.", I explain to Oliver while choosing to leave out her calling me cute.

Bree's POV:

We pull apart after a minute, then Kaz whips out his phone once again. "Okay, your turn.", he cheerfully says to me. SHIT. I completely forgot about telling him who I ditched him for. I pull my phone out before looking up at him. Should I just absolutely send it and drop Chase's name without any context, or add that we might not be actually related so it's not as bad as it seems? "Don't judge me either, okay?", I nervously tell him. "I won't, unless it's someone lame.", Kaz jokes. I quirk my brow at him, and he rolls his eyes in return. "I'm joking, it's not like I can be 1 to judge.", Kaz says while dismissively waving his hand. I take a deep breath, before opening up my messages, typing Chase's name in, and hitting send. Kaz immediately checks his phone, then puts it back in his pocket. "I'm not really surprised honestly.", he says in a surprisingly chill voice. My jaw drops at his severe UNDERREACTION. How in the Hell is he not confused, freaked the fuck out, or just completely done with me right now? What the HELL does he mean by, he's not surprised? "Um, care to elaborate on that?", I manage to choke out. Kaz shrugs his shoulders before looking up and stroking his chin, as if he's trying to figure out what HE meant by that. "Well, you 2 seem about as close as Oliver and I are, and you 2 have that whole Flowers In The Attic vibe going for you. So it's not really blowing my mind right now, I mean if I was a total stranger, I probably would've lost my shit though.", Kaz explains.

Chase's POV:

"What about her calling you cute, huh?", Oliver unfortunately points out. I was really hoping that by some miracle he would've glossed over that. "In all honesty, Oliver, she did confess that her feelings towards me were more than just platonic yesterday.", I start. "SHE DID WHAT NOW? I mean I knew she said she wanted to 'explore' her other feelings for someone else, but I didn't think YOU of all people-", Oliver immediately interrupts. I raise my hand to silence him so I can finish. He grumbles something under his breath, but lets me continue. I'm going to ignore the insult that he slipped in at the end, since he's clearly distraught about the current situation. I know he didn't mean that. "I briefly considered dating her, but I knew it'd be unfair to her if I wasn't genuinely interested in her. I also knew I wouldn't be a very good friend to you if I decided to pursue things with her immediately after your split, without even checking to see if you'd be okay with it. I wouldn't date her if I didn't have your permission and approval in the matter. I didn't want to just push her to the side completely either, she has been through a lot over the past couple of days. I told her that we could see a movie tonight as friends, and if we felt a connection then we could think about taking things further in the future.", I manage to finish without any further interruptions. "Okay, so DO you, or do you NOT like her?", Oliver asks me. Well that's a slightly complicated question.

Bree's POV:

"You've seen Flowers In The Attic?", is my immediate 1st question for some reason. Kaz scoffs. "YEAH, that movie was made years ago after all. Also I had to due a book report over it and I didn't feel like reading the book, so I just watched the movie instead.", Kaz explains. There's a book? Wow, spending most of my life in my old lab practically cut off from the world did NOT do me any favors. Besides helping me to become a bionic hero of course. "So you're, okay with it?", I ask while nervously tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. Kaz shoots me a sympathetic smile. "Who you date is none of my business, but if you're happy then I'm happy.", Kaz says. A huge grin breaks out on my face as I tackle Kaz into another hug. I can't believe this shit show ACTUALLY went well. "Do Oliver and Skylar know?", Kaz asks me after I finally let him go. I shake my head no, and Kaz looks down at the ground. "That's probably for the best then, cause I'm pretty sure Oliver likes you too.", Kaz mentions. Is that 1 of the reasons why Kaz thought it'd be a good idea to wife me up earlier, so he wouldn't have to see Oliver with someone else? "If you thought Oliver liked me, then why'd you ask me out earlier?", I ask him. He continues to look at the ground as he stuffs his hands in his pockets. "I do kinda have feelings for you, and I wanted to get over Oliver. I didn't really think I could handle seeing him with you.", Kaz admits. I completely understand where Kaz's coming from. I'd probably rip my hair out if I had to watch Chase date Skylar.

Chase's POV:

"Honestly, I suppose I slightly do. Just not enough to pursue anything serious, and the last thing I want to do is hurt her because I didn't feel the same connection she was feeling. I also, have much stronger feelings for someone else at the moment. Which is one of the main reasons I won't be pursuing Skylar romantically.", I explain to Oliver. Relief washes across his face once he realizes I have no interest in being in a relationship with Skylar. That look of relief soon turns into curiosity, and I immediately know that I shouldn't have mentioned having feelings for someone other than Skylar. "Please don't tell me it's another girl you ran into at the library. The last thing anyone needs is another Reese situation.", Oliver remarks. I have to refrain from clenching my fists and my jaw at mention of my 'ex's' name. I'm not exactly sure if I can even refer to her as an 'ex', considering the entire basis of our short lived relationship was a lie. "No, it's not.", I snap. Oliver immediately raises his hands. "Hey man, just checking. Who is it then? I mean, it's not like you've left the apartment much, if at all, since the attack. I don't see when you could've met someone new.", Oliver questions. Well this isn't good, we're venturing into dangerous territory. Seeing how he reacted to Skylar having feelings for me, I'd hate to see how he'd react to finding out Bree chose her own brother over him. I suppose he'll find out tomorrow anyway, but at least by then he'll have had a little time to calm down.

Bree's POV:

Why don't you tell Oliver how you feel?", I ask Kaz. Kaz awkwardly rubs the back of his neck while looking away. I playfully roll my eyes and reach over to lightly slap his arm. "Oh come on, if you can tell me you like me, then you can certainly tell Oliver. You always tell each other everything anyway.", I suggest. Kaz immediately shakes his head. "This is different, Oliver's straight. Besides, he's still getting over Skylar.", Kaz argues. Okay but when has Oliver verbally stated he's straight though? "Has Oliver ever flat out said he's straight?", I ask him. Kaz shakes his head no. Good, there's hope for this ship then. "He's only ever been interested in women before though. He's never called a guy cute or anything before.", Kaz points out. Last time I checked, Kaz has never actively called a guy cute before or been interested in another guy. Yet here he is admitting he's had feelings for Oliver, like, this entire time. "That doesn't mean anything. You're not exactly verbal about your sexuality either, and I don't see you drooling over any guys. Oliver might just want to keep that part of his personal life private, or maybe he's not out of the closet? Sexuality's a spectrum, rarely is anyone 100% straight or gay. Most people fall in somewhere in the gray area, and just tend to lean more to 1 side then the other. My point is, you won't know until you try. You'll regret it forever if he ends up with someone else, and trust me when i say you do not wanna live with that 'what if'.", I say to Kaz.

Chase's POV:

Oliver looks expectantly at me as he waits for my response. I don't want Oliver to feel as if I don't trust him, but I know he won't be able to handle another metaphorical slap in the face. If only Bree and Kaz would walk into the hallway at this very moment, that'd be the perfect diversion.. That's it! I discreetly use my bionics to access my cell phone, and send a message to Bree. "I need you and Kaz to get out here immediately, I'll explain everything later. Just please hurry.", my message to Bree says. "She's isn't anyone new I've met from the city.", I say to Oliver in an attempt to stall. Oliver looks puzzled before letting out an 'oohh' and slowly nodding. "She's someone from the bionic academy isn't she? Wait, do you guys still call it the bionic academy even though the bionic students aren't students anymore?", Oliver asks. I open my mouth to respond, but Bree and Kaz enter the hallway before I can. Oh thank GOD. Bree looks slightly nervous when she sees us, and Kaz looks extremely nervous. Why would Kaz be nervous right now? Bree quickly walks over to us, dragging Kaz by the arm behind her. Why would Kaz hold any reservations about speaking to Oliver and I? Has Bree already told him who holds a place in her heart at the moment? Has she revealed her prior interaction with Oliver to Kaz? "Hey guys! What're you talking about?", Bree asks. Real subtle, Bree. Oliver gives Bree a slightly awkward wave. "Um, hey Bree. We were just talking about Chase's crush. What were, you 2 doing in the boys' room?", Oliver asks.

Bree's POV:

OOHHHH, now I get why Chase wanted us to haul ass outta the guys room and into the hallway. I feel my phone buzz in my pocket, so I whip it out real quick. "We weren't doing anything or talking about anyone in particular.", Kaz babbles. I check my phone and it says I have a new text message from Chase. Oliver shoots Kaz a weird look. "Are you sure about that? You're acting kinda funny right now.", Oliver points out. "We have to get Oliver off the topic of who my crush is. This isn't the right time to break the news to him.", Chase's text says. Jesus Christ, Kaz needs to work on his acting skills. "On it.", I quickly text back. "Kaz has something he wants to talk to you about, right Kaz?", I say while I elbow Kaz. Kaz's eyes widen as he immediately shakes his head no. "No I don't!", he exclaims. Oliver quirks his brow at Kaz, and steps up to him. He lightly puts a hand on Kaz's shoulder. "You know you can talk to me about anything, right? I'm always here for you no matter what. I know things have been centered around me, and how I've been feeling, these past couple of days. How're your feeling is just as important.", Oliver says. I stop myself from letting out an awwww. They'd be such a cute couple honestly. Kaz shoots him a smile. "I know man, thanks. That means a lot to me, and I really appreciate it. I don't really have anything I need to talk to you about right now though.", Kaz says. OH COME ON! NOW WAS YOUR CHANCE. There is no way in Hell I'm letting him blow this.

Chase's POV:

Huh, I wonder what Kaz's hiding. He's clearly nervous and lying, not to mention that his heart rate is elevated. I do applaud Bree for shifting the attention to Kaz decently smoothly. If only Kaz knew what we're attempting to do at the moment. Kaz's phone vibrates, and he pulls it out of his pocket just as Bree slips her phone into her own pocket. Kaz checks his phone, lets out a sigh, then shoves his phone into his pants pocket. "Actually, there is something that I should probably talk to you about.", Kaz says while looking down. Wait one moment, nervous, elevated heartbeat, shy behavior, not making eye contact.. Kaz has to have a crush on Oliver! "I'm all ears, buddy.", Oliver says. I bet Bree already knows. "Does Kaz harbor romantic feelings towards Oliver?", the message I send to Bree says. A playful smile lights up across Kaz's face. "I swear to God if you make a Dumbo joke.", Oliver remarks. Kaz lightly laughs. Bree whips out her phone, looks over at me, then nods. I figured at much, good to see I can still read people pretty well. "Alright alright, no Dumbo jokes. I promise. Is it okay if we talk in our room?", Kaz asks. Oliver immediately nods his in agreement. I soon receive a text message from Bree. "Kaz knows about us by the way, he's okay with it.", Bree's message said. As soon as I read that, it feels as if a huge weight had been lifted from my shoulders. Kaz and me's friendship has grown and evolved a lot ever since I stepped down from the mission leader position. I don't know what I would've done if I had lost that.

Bree's POV:

"Yeah that's perfectly fine with me.", Oliver says to Kaz. Kaz takes a deep breath before walking back into his room, with Oliver following right behind him. Kaz better not chicken out and talk about some dumb shit for 5 minutes. "You have NO idea how relieved I feel right now.", Chase says. I turn to him and smile. Oh believe me, I'm just as relieved. That could've ended REALLY fucking badly. I open my mouth to say so. "What're you relieved about?", I hear Skylar asks as she walks out of the bathroom. I slightly jump and Chase whips his head in her direction. With everything that's happen just now, I completely forgot Skylar was in the bathroom. I quirk my brow at Skylar when I realize she deadass walked out of the bathroom wear a towel, and ONLY a towel. I can't ever recall Skylar doing that, she always brings a spare set of clothes with her to the bathroom. Ya know, so things wouldn't be awkward if she ran into 1 of the boys in the hallway before she had a chance to change. Huh, maybe she just forgot. She reaches us and shoots us both a smile, but her eyes linger on Chase. Oh God, don't tell me I'm going to have to stand here and watch as she flirts with Chase. I swear if she pulls that shit I'ma head out. I glance over at Chase and he's looking at the ceiling, lol. "I'm completely covered Chase, you can look.", Skylar laughs out. 1 measly fucking towel isn't cutting it, sister dearest. Chase quickly glances at Skylar before looking at the ceiling again, thank God. "So what're you doing tonight, Skylar?", I ask her hoping to get her attention off Chase.

Chase's POV:

Claiming I'm uncomfortable right now, would be an extreme understatement. I know for a fact that Skylar never walks around in a towel, and she certainly would strike up a conversation with someone in one. This was clearly a tactic to get my attention, and to get my hormones racing. I wonder what Bree makes of the current situation. I don't sense any uncomfortableness in her voice, or any hostility for the matter. The cheeriness of her voice does sound false though. I wonder if Skylar will pick up on that. "Oh I'm going to see a movie tonight with Chase. Just as friends though of course.", Skylar replies. I don't see why she felt the need to include that we're only going as friends? "Okay, cool. That explains why you took a shower this late in the afternoon.", Bree comments. I feel someone grab my hand, and I immediately stiffen. There's no way Bree would grab my hand in front of Skylar. I look down and Skylar's holding my hand. I glance over at Bree, and she has the fakest smile plastered all over her face. "Yeah I mean, we're gonna see where things-", Skylar starts before Bree cuts her off. "You know what a movie sounds great! With all the drama's that's been going down it'd be great to get out of the apartment, and have some fun. Count me in!", Bree says. I have to tighten my lips together to stop from laughing. Skylar's smile soon turns fake and rather forced. "Well, actually, Chase and I were actually-", Skylar starts before she's cut off once again by Bree. Well the rest of the night should be fairly interesting.

Bree's POV:

"Oh right, you're probably leaving real soon right? That's okay it's only takes me like 2 minutes to get ready in my capsule.", I say. There is no way in HELL, I'm letting Chase go on a 'we're not calling it a date but it totally is 1' with Skylar. She's always outdone me in so many aspects, and everyone's preferred her to me. Oliver chose her over me, well I mean I kinda backed out but, either way it was clear he liked Skylar more. She was picked over me originally to endorse that dumb sneaker line, and Tony called her a 'natural beauty' while implying I needed a lot of makeup. Aj ranked her over me on that dumb list, and even though I have superpowers along with bionics, Skylar's abilities still greatly outshine mine. Even my little sister Naomi preferred Skylar to me. I know that's all in the past, but I risk something like that happening again. I don't know what I'd do if Chase decided he preferred Skylar to me. "Um, yeah, sure. Of course you can come along.", Skylar says. I smile before grabbing her wrist, and yanking her hand away from Chase's. "Great! Come on let's get ready!", I exclaim before super speeding into our room. Ugh, I can't believe she held onto his hand for THAT LONG. I let go of Sklyar and walk over to my capsule. "Bree.", Skylar says. I stop and turn around. She super speeds to her closet, then super speeds back fully dressed with her hair and makeup done. "Would you mind just staying home actually? I just, really need things to go well with Chase tonight.", Skylar asks me.

Chase's POV:

I actually don't quite know what to do with myself at the moment, the girls left me standing here I can't go into the room I share with the boys, I wouldn't want to walk in and interrupt anything. I suppose I'll just head downstairs and watch tv until the girls are ready to go. I hope Skylar didn't find Bree behavior to be odd. I walk down the hallway and stairs. Bree's always been the jealous type, and she doesn't like competition in this sense. It really doesn't help that her 'competition' in this case is Skylar. I enter the living room, and make my way over to the sofa. I grab the television remote from the coffee table, and take a seat. Bree has always felt inferior to Skylar in several instances. Even though she loves Skylar and sees her as a sister, I can tell she holds a slight resentment towards her deep down. For having all the things Bree doesn't. I turn on the tv, and aimlessly flip through the channels. Bree's not used to having another girl on the team, let alone living with one. Back at Mission Creek Tasha was the only woman around, and she was like a slightly over bearing mother to us. Even when we lived at the bionic island, any other ladies there were all inexperienced students. They were levels below Bree, and there was an unspoken difference between her and them. Even now that they're full fledged bionic heroes, they're the next generation of a new era. They're not quite in the same category as us. Essentially, Bree feels as if she's competing with a 'better' version of herself for a solid position in this team.

Bree's POV:

She wants me to stay home, so I won't get in the way of her trying to bone MY mans.. Of course she doesn't know he's my mans, but still. I'm not actually supposed to know she likes Chase yet, so it looks like I'm gonna have to play dumb on this 1. "Things to go well with Chase? What do you mean?", I ask Skylar. She tucks a strand of hair behind her ear. "Well tonight was kinda supposed to be like a, date. Just to see if we hit things off. It might be a little awkward if you're there though.", Skylar explains. It takes all my willpower not to glare at her. How am I supposed to say no I'm fucking going without seeming like a cunt? "Oh, I didn't know Chase was the guy you were interested in.", I say in the most surprised tone of voice I can muster. "That doesn't bother you, does it? Me dating your brother?", Skylar asks me. Woah woah woah, slow the fuck up, YOU'RE not dating anyone right now. "No, why would it bother me?", I say while shrugging my shoulders. It does bother me, a lot, because he's going to officially be MY boyfriend as of tomorrow. I'd tell Skylar that, but I have a feeling that wouldn't go over well with her. Chase HAS to cut things off completely tonight, with not a glimmer of hope for a future for them romantically. "Oh good. So you'll-", Skylar starts before I cut her off for like the 1,000th time tonight. "It is a little weird though. You know, considering...", I trail off. Skylar shoots me a confused look. "Considering what?", she asks me. I hate to do this, but, time to psych her out of this 'date'.