Chapter 16: Bionic Island

Bree's POV:

I crack my eyes open and am low key kinda shook to see a sleeping Chase lying across from me. Then last night's events come flooding back to me, and at all makes sense. Last night wasn't a wild dream and Chase ACTUALLY rearranged my guts. True to my words, I don't regret sleeping with him, but I do regret how we got here. Skylar had to get her heart broken in order for us to get this opportunity. God I feel like such a horrible sister and teammate to her. If it were any other situation, with any other guy, I would've super sped after her to make sure she was okay. Chase slightly shifts before slowly opening his eyes. He shoots me the most adorable smile before pulling his arm away from my waist. Has his arm been like that the entire time, and if so, how the hell did I not notice it? He reaches over and tucks a strand of hair behind my ear. I immediately feel my face heat up, and it takes all the willpower I have not to squeal. This feels just like every romantic movie, novel, and TV show geared towards a more matured audience. I mean a guy tucking a strand of hair behind a girl's ear is textbook romcom material there though no matter what rating. I never thought that I'd come even close to getting this if I'm being honest with myself. I sit up and stretch out my sore muscles. I hear an appreciative hum come from Chase, and I realize I'm still naked. I lightheartedly slap his chest, making him chuckle before sitting up himself. I slide out of bed and mentally debate for a hot second if I should shower here or at home.

Chase's POV:

"Hey Chasey, are we stopping by the apartment before we set off?", Bree asks me. I'm assuming she wants to know whether or not changing into a fresh set of clothes and freshening up in general is an option. The body tends to be rather filthy post sex so freshening up is an ideal option. I push the sheet that was covering me to the side, and rise to my feet. "I believe that'd be best. A change of clothing seems rather necessary don't you think?", I point out. She quickly nods as a look of relief forms across her face. "Oh believe me I agree. Next question would be if we should shower here or at the apartment.", she replies. That is a very valid question. Would it raise suspicion if we took turns showering at the apartment? I don't quite think it would since it's a normal daily hygienic activity. Of course the longer we stay at our apartment the more likely we'll run into Skylar. Oliver and Kaz I'm not too worried about, although I wonder if Oliver would threaten me with physical harm if he knew that I hurt Skylar's feelings last night. I still feel terrible in regards to that, but I know that moping about and letting my negative aura drag everyone around me down as well won't solve anything. I knew that she was bound to react negatively, and I should've prepared myself a bit better for it. "I would suggest here to save time. That way we can just change at home and quickly be on our way.", I say. Bree nods in agreement before super speeding off into the restroom. I wonder if I'd be overstepping my bounds if I asked to share the shower with her.

Bree's POV:

After I super speed into the bathroom I shut the door behind me. I obviously don't bother locking it cause Chase's already seen me naked so what'd even be the point? I turn on the water and while that's heating up, I take a good look at myself in the mirror. I look exactly the same.. I don't really know what I was expecting, but I figured there'd be some noticeable difference. Like you'd just be able to tell that I wasn't a virgin anymore, that I've really matured and grown up. I'm not the same naive little high school girl who dreamed about the perfect boyfriend that'd carry my books for me to all my classes. I'm an adult, that does adult things. Steam starts to fill the room, so I walk over and monkey with the water temperature until it's perfect. I hear a knock on the bathroom door before I can actually get in though. It's kinda hard to be annoyed since Chase was nice enough to knock instead of barging in and assuming that's okay. I've always appreciated how respectful he is, especially when it comes to things like this. So I walk over and open the door, only to be greeted be a blushing Chase. Awwww. "Hey, um, since we're in a hurry and all I was wondering if, it was a possibility that we could share the restroom space during the same span of time?", he nervously asks while rubbing the back of his neck. He can't seem to look me in the eyes either, he's just staring at the floor. Which is Chase's adorable way of asking if we can take a shower together.

Chase's POV:

Bree lightly laughs, assumingly at how awkward I tend to be when it comes to girls. Although I'd like to think that I've grown to be more confident as time has worn on, I'm of course still a nervous wreck when it comes to the more 'intense' side of a relationship. Which surely was made apparent last night at how awkward I made things initially. "Yes Chase, you can shower with me.", Bree laughs out before stepping to the side so I could enter the small space. I shuffle inside as Bree shuts the door. She brushes past me to pull back the shower curtain and step inside. I take a deep breath before stepping inside as well. I don't intend to make any sexual advances towards her without being prompted by her beforehand. The fact that there is a specific checkout time we must leave by or else be charged for another day, also plays a factor in my decision to keep my hands to myself. We shower in peace as neither of us tries to spark any sexual tension. Then we both dry off and leave the restroom, picking up our clothes that were still scattered across the floor from last night, before donning them once again. Once we're dressed I grab the key cards for the room before we make our way to the elevator. "So, have you thought about what we're gonna say to our family when we break the news to them?", Bree asks after a moment, effectively breaking the tranquility. If I'm being completely transparent, with everything that's been on my mind as of late, that has not quite crossed my mind as often as it should have.

Bree's POV:

"With our family, any type of plan/planning usually never completely falls through.", Chase comments just as the elevator hits the lobby. So in other words, we're winging it. Wow, it's pretty unlike Chase to wing anything unless the situation demands it. The elevator opens and we walk over to a woman at the front desk. I let my mind wander as Chase takes care of everything. Saying that I'm nervous about what's about to go down would be a huge understatement. Not only will we have to possibly face Skylar when we stop by the apartment real quick, we also have to justify taking a short trip out to the bionic island when we're needed here. When it comes to actually asking Uncle Dougie if we're related it's because we have the right to know, that bit's pretty simple. The part that's gonna come after is what really puts me on edge. I'm tired of keeping secrets from people, I've had to do that my whole life. I never wanna live a lie ever again. "Bree?", I hear Chase call out. I quickly shake my head and look over at him. "Are you ready to go?", he asks me with a slightly concerned look on his face. I shoot him a smile, before grabbing his hand and dragging him out the door. I can't overthink this, I'll just end up stressing myself out. This has to go down, but I don't have to be a nervous wreck while it's happening. I'm sure of our decision and I know we're doing the right thing. Once we're outside I turn around so Chase can hop on my back, and as soon as he does, I super speed us to the apartment.

Chase's POV:

I can tell that Bree's mind is on the inevitable argument that will take place, either at our apartment or at the bionic island. Things were tense as is at the apartment ever since Skylar and Oliver had that fight. Everyone's been changing around romantic partners, or at least trying to, for the past couple of days. Human emotions are quite the tricky thing, especially when it comes to the more romantic side of things. Jealousy and hurt feelings were bound to be a result from that. I stop my current train of thought as we're soon in front of our apartment building. I descend from Bree's back, then we reluctantly shuffle inside. Bree hasn't heard from Skylar since last night, and I of course haven't either. We need to work things out with her of course, just not at this particular moment. Bree and I can't put this off less we want to lose our nerve. We stroll through the lobby and enter the nearest elevator, all the while silent as we grow closer to our floor. I glance over at her, we make eye contact just as the elevator doors ding. "Ready?", she nervously laughs out. I give her a curt nod. "Ready as I can be given the situation.", I respond. She giggles before dragging me out of the elevator and towards our apartment. Which is probably an excuse to hold my hand since neither of us are really keen on setting foot inside. I unlock the door for us and cautiously creep inside as Bree trails right behind me. I stop dead in my tracks, causing Bree to slightly bump into me when I notice Kaz and Oliver sitting on the sofa engrossed with their smartphones.

Bree's POV:

Of course Fire and Ice would be out here chilling on the couch when Chase and I are trying to be discreet about coming back. I nudge Chase to try and get him moving again. Idk why he even stopped, it looks like they didn't even notice us come in. Chase tiptoes to the stairs, and we almost make it. "You're not even gonna say good morning? Rude.", Kaz jokes. FUCK. We freeze in our tracks again and slowly turn around to see an amused look on Kaz's face. Oliver looks up at us, then to Kaz, with a confused look on his face. Huh, thought Kaz would've blabbed to Oliver about us by now. I drag Chase over to the couch cause I don't wanna yell across the room and tip Skylar off that we're here. "Morning, how'd things go last night while we were gone?", I immediately ask Kaz in a suggestive tone of voice with wriggling my eyebrows. He busts out laughing as Oliver immediately sits up with a terrified look on his face. "What are you even talking about what last night nothing even happened!", he rambles out as Kaz tries to not fall over from laughing too hard. I give them an amused look as I playfully shake my head at their antics. "Is it possible for you two to not cause a scene?!", Chase hisses before whipping his head around towards the stairs. Shit, I forgot for a split second that we're kinda hiding from Skylar. Kaz sobers up a bit at that and shoots Chase a sorry look while shrugging his shoulders. "Come on Oliver, you can cut the crap. We know Kaz and you had a heart to heart last night. So are you 2 dating now or what?", I excitedly ask him.

Chase's POV:

I have to admit, I'm quite curious in regards to how Kaz's confession went over last night. Since they're currently spending time with one another one could easily conclude that they're still on good terms. Oliver's face reddens as he struggles to form a coherent response. Knowing Oliver, that most likely means Kaz and him are an item now. Kaz sends us a smug smile before sliding his arm around Oliver's shoulders, causing Oliver to turn as red as a tomato. Bree lets out an excited squeal before bouncing up and down in excitement. "Congratulations are in order for the both of you, you look great together.", I compliment as I shoot them a smile. Kaz beams at me before hopping to his feet to envelop me in a hug. "Thanks man, it means a lot to me that you support us.", Kaz tells me. I pat him on the back before we pull apart. "Of course, and I could say in same in regards to us.", I reply with a quick glance over in Bree's direction. Kaz's smile turns knowing as he pulls a still slightly bashful Oliver to his feet. "I haven't told him yet, cause even though I tell Oliver practically everything, I knew that this was something you 2 had to do for yourselves.", Kaz tells us. Practically is putting it lightly. Oliver looks to Kaz, then to Bree and I. "What am I missing here?", he questions. I glance over at Bree, and she nods. We know we'll have Oliver's support in the end, so what would be the point in dragging this out honestly? I reach over and interlock my hand with Bree's, but Oliver doesn't notice at first. So Bree raises our hands.

Bree's POV:

It takes Oliver a hot minute for him to catch on, but when he finally does, his facial expression goes from 'what the fuck is going on' to ':o'. "Wait so you 2 are like?", Oliver asks while wagging his finger between Chase and me. "Together.", I laugh out. I'd be hella nervous right about now if he looked disgusted or something, but Oliver just looks shook the house. "Like together together?", Oliver tries to clarify. "What other kind of together do you think we're referring to?", Chase quips. I giggle before putting our hands back down, but I don't let go of course cause I love holding my man's hand. "Okay fair enough. It's just a little, or a lot, surprising. Since you know...", Oliver awkwardly trails off. Yeah we're siblings and it's weird we get it. "Well not necessarily. That's what we're going to find out today.", Chase states. "Wait what lol?", Kaz snorts. Way to find a way to give the vaguest response possible Chasey. "We're going to the Bionic Island to ask Uncle Dougie if we're related or not.", I explain. Chase nods. "Wait there's a chance that you're not even related? Don't you both have the same dad?", Oliver asks. Jesus Christ, now's not really the time for 20 questions. "There's only one way to find out, and that's to question Uncle Douglas and Mr. Davenport. We should return before nightfall. We just swung by to change into a fresh pair of clothes.", Chase explains. Well at least he did better at explaining this time. "We already showered at the hotel.", I add.

Chase's POV:

It just occurred to me that Bree would have to enter her room to change clothes. "Is Skylar in her room?", I question before Oliver could carry on about us being of the same blood or not. "I wouldn't know, haven't seen her this morning yet.", Oliver replies while awkwardly rubbing the back of his neck. I take it that Skylar is still a sore or at the very least awkward, subject. "Yeah, same.", Kaz nonchalantly comments. "Did you need to talk to her?", Oliver questions. "Not right now.", Bree immediately replies. "We're not exactly on the best terms with Skylar at the moment.", I admit. Bree shoots me a slight glare for bringing that to the boys' attention. I take it she doesn't want to open up that can of worms at this very moment, neither do I. "What happened now?", Kaz dramatically sighs out. I'm sure Bree would've been amused by his antics had this been about practically anything else. "Long story short, the 3 of us went to the movies last night where Chase finally let Skylar down easy once and for all. She didn't take it so well.", Bree quickly summarizes. "So we'd rather not run into her before we come back, since that would lead to a very long, and no doubt tense, discussion.", I quickly explain before Oliver would insist for us to speak with her immediately. A look of understanding flashes across Kaz's face. Which was honestly something I wasn't expecting, I should really have a tad bit more faith in him sometimes I suppose. "Can't Bree change in your room or something?", Kaz asks me.

Bree's POV:

Somehow it never hit me that Skylar's probably chilling in our room right about now. I mean honestly that's where I'd be too if I didn't wanna see half the team. "That's actually a really good idea, Kaz.", I compliment. I look over at Chase. He'd know if we could actually pull that off or not. It looks like he's pondering it for a moment. "I might be able to wire my capsule to bring up your wardrobe as well as mine.", Chase says. FUCK YEAH! Oliver of course pats Kaz on the back for the great idea. "What if we run into her on the way to your room?", I ask Chase. That'd be awkward, and we'd honestly be really shitty friends to her at that point if we just ignored her and left. "Want us to check to see if the hallway's clear?", Oliver asks. I beam at him before clasping my hands together in front of me like I'm about to pray or something. "Could you please?", I plead. Oliver shoots me a smile before motioning for Kaz to follow him. Chase and I watch them trot up the stairs and disappear down the hallway. "Well that wasn't too difficult after all.", Chase comments. Well I mean we already had Kaz on our side, so it's not like there was gonna be a huge chance that Oliver would stand against us. "Did you think it would be?", I ask him. He shakes his head. "No, I knew that Oliver would be on our side as well as Kaz. They care about us and our well being, at the end of the day they just want us to be happy.", Chase replies. I knew they'd be on board with it deep down, but that didn't stop me from feeling nervous as Hell about it.

Chase's POV:

Kaz exaggeratingly tip toes down the stairs alone. He stops at the foot of the stairs before beckoning us over to him. Bree and I glance at each other before padding over to him. "Where's Oliver?", Bree asks him. He presses his pointer finger to his lips before loudly shushing her. She rolls her eyes this. "He's making sure the coast is clear, come on!", Kaz loudly whispers before motioning for us to follow him. It's times like these where I have to pose the question, does Kaz do these goofy acts on purpose or is his brain naturally like this? We ascend the stairs with him, though we both decide on not tip toeing up each step. Careful and calculated steps are much more effective. Oliver's waiting for us at the top of the stairs, whipping his head around every few seconds as if Skylar would materialize out of nowhere. "As much as we appreciate both of your efforts, is all this really necessary?", I whisper. I apparently whispered quietly enough for Kaz's standards since he doesn't move to shush me. "Things have been pretty slow around here since the attack.", Oliver admits with a shrug. Has he been mentally absent these past few days? Bree quirks her brow at his statement, but says nothing. The boys escort us to our room, and we miraculously don't get caught somehow with how slow those two were walking. We all enter the boys' room, carefully shutting the door behind us. I waste no time in stepping into my capsule to change clothes.

Bree's POV:

Chase steps into his capsule, and changes into this pretty cute light blue suit with a red tie and a pair of black shoes. Idk why he decided to dress this fancy but I'm not about to complain, he looks like a solid snack. He fiddles with the control for a minute before stepping out. "Well don't you clean up nice.", I compliment. "Thank you, I figured I might as well look a bit more serious for our confrontation with our family.", he replies. Okay I get that, looks like I'll have to dress up as well. He steps to the side then gestures to his capsule. "It's all yours.", he says as I walk up to it. Well yeah I kinda figured as much when you gestured to it and stuff lol. I step inside and decide to go for a similar vibe as Chase's outfit. I pick out a white suit with black trim, purple plaid tie and skirt, knee high socks with black leather ankle boots. I keep my makeup purple and put my hair into 2 messy space buns. After that I hop out and notice the stares the boys are giving me. "What?", I ask. Kaz and Oliver clear their throats and look in every other direction than mine. "You look adorable.", Chase says as he brushes past me to fix his capsule. I try not to let my face heat up at the compliment, but hearing something like that from Chase really does hit different. After he fiddles around with his capsule he sends Fire and Ice out of the room to make sure Skylar's not in the hallway or downstairs. After they leave Chase grabs my wrist and yanks me towards him. I let out a squeal as I stumble into his chest.

Chase's POV:

I grab Bree's chin and tilt her face towards mine. I give her a quick kiss then step back moments before the Kaz bursts through the door. She looks quite stunned, but manages to maintain her composure quite well. "We have a bit of a situation now.", Kaz informs us as he clasps his hands together. One would assume that situation is Skylar since that's who they were keeping an eye out for, but with Kaz, who knows. "What happened?", Bree asks anyway. Since clearly Kaz was waiting for one of us to enquire about it before fully explaining the situation. "Skylar's downstairs watching tv. I left Oliver down there to distract her.", Kaz explains. She was going to be viewing a television program regardless, Oliver being there would only make things awkward. Possibly causing her to make an excuse and leave. "Great, how're we supposed to leave now?", Bree questions. Hmm, for her it would be fairly easy. She could activate her invisibility app and have Kaz create a reason to open the front door. "Is there a way Oliver and you could convince Skylar to return to her room perhaps?", I ask him. Kaz takes a moment to conjure up a plan of action. "Yeah no I have no idea how we'd do that.", Kaz deadpans. That's understandable since it'd be difficult to come up with a logical reason on the spot. "Spill something on her! Then she'll have to run upstairs to change!", Bree exclaims. I lightly clap Bree on the shoulder while nodding my head. "Great thinking.", I immediately agree.

Bree's POV:

"Wouldn't she just super speed up here then back?", Kaz asks. FUCK, he's right. "We'll just have to plan out our steps and be prepared.", Chase says. Well I mean obviously, we'll be fucked if we just wing this and get caught. "Here's the plan. I'll hop on Bree's back and we'll wait here with the door cracked open ever so slightly. Kaz, you'll go downstairs with Oliver after I send him a message informing him of our plan. You'll go to the kitchen and pour yourself a full glass of juice, then sit next to Skylar on the sofa. Oliver will go to the front door to 'check if we have any mail', and as Oliver opens the door you'll spill your drink all over Skylar. Then when she super speeds past us Bree will super speed us downstairs and out of the apartment.", Chase explains. I love how quickly Chase's able to think up full plans on the spot. Though I've never really admitted it, Chase was the best mission leader we've ever had. Actually sucks that he gave that up, it was one of his bionic accomplishments since really early on. "On it!", Kaz says before running back downstairs. Chase cracks the door open before hopping on my back as planned. "You know, I've always admired your leadership skills.", I comment. I've never really verbally expressed how much I appreciate Chase, obviously cause who wants to be overly sappy to their little brother? Which is kinda dumb honestly. He probably wouldn't have so many self esteem issues if I hadn't had ragged on so much with Adam when we were younger.

Chase's POV:

I didn't expect Bree to give me a compliment, at least about my skill set that is. She never really seemed to appreciate it prior. I assumed she thought of me as bossy in that sense, bossy but effective. "Not really, this might be the first time I'm hearing about it.", I respond. She lets out a sigh before letting her shoulder slightly sag. "I know, and I'm sorry about that. Ever since we were younger I kinda went with the flow, Adam's flow, of picking on you for being so smart and talented in so many things. It wasn't right, but it was typical sibling/highschool behavior. You deserve to hear how amazing you are by someone who loves you.", Bree confesses. Before I can find a response, Skylar super speeds past our room. Bree flings the door open and super speeds us down the stairs and out of the apartment. Thankfully Oliver did his part and left the front door wide open for us. We reach the elevator, and I descend from Bree's back as she pushes the down arrow. The elevator opens and we step inside, I press the lobby button. We both let out a sigh of relief as the doors close. "I understand why you acted the way you did, by the way, in the past. Peer pressure and the social norm of picking on the smaller more intelligent person of the crowd. It's not a big deal really. I do appreciate you breaking that mindset now, and I plan on constantly reminding you of how perfect you are. You seem to forget that quite often.", I respond to her earlier confession.

Bree's POV:

I try not to blush and absolutely lose my shit after Chase called me perfect. I'm definitely FAR from perfect, I along with a lot of other people can see that. If Chase and I hadn't have come as far as we have I would've thought he was playing some sick April Fool's prank on me or something. "I'm not perfect.", I laugh out. Chase shoots me that knowing and somewhat arrogant look he gets sometimes when he just 'knows' he's right about something. "I've reflected a lot over these past few days, especially since last night. We're always the most judgemental of ourselves, and usually tend to overlook all our amazing qualities. While hyperfocusing on all of our lacking ones. If you could see yourself the way I, and so many other people see you, you'd realize how perfect you actually are.", Chase tells me. Of I'm of course grinning like an idiot as my brain turns to mush. I don't even know how to respond to that verbally. The elevator pings and the doors open. Chase moves to head out but I grab his wrist and slightly pull him back. He turns to look at me with a questioning look on his face. "You're everything I ever wanted, and so much more.", I breathe out while staring into his eyes. I let go of his wrist and rush out of the elevator. I almost don't wanna see his reaction to that, it was so sappy. Chase tends to say things in a more sincere and real kinda way than gooey and sappy. I catch moment out of the corner of my eye. I look over just as Chase loops his arm through mine and leads us out of the building.

Chase's POV:

Bree always was the more romantic one of the two of us, it's of course one of the many things I love about her. I certainly didn't expect her to tell me such a warm and heartfelt thing before bolting into the lobby. It seems that that was a spur of the moment thing that even surprised her to a degree. I let go of her arm, and climb onto her back once again. "I'm starting to feel like an uber driver at this point.", Bree jokes. I lightly chuckle at her statement before responding, "Incorrect, because Uber drivers actually get paid.". I can almost feel her roll her eyes before she super speeds us across town to the hydroloop. We come to a halt before the workers in charge of screening everyone who wants to visit the island. I dismount from Bree's back and we walk right past them. They of course already know who we are and there's no need for formalities. We enter the hydroloop, have a seat, and moments later the doors are opening. As we stand and step back into the former academy that we used to live and teach at, so much nostalgia envelopes me, and taking a quick glance over, I can tell Bree's getting emotional over returning as well. We've had so many memories here, good, bad, and somewhere in between. The automatic doors leading to where Bree and me's old capsules are open to reveal Leo. He was looking down at a tablet so he had no inkling that we were there yet. "Leo!", Bree and I exclaim in unison. He whips his head up before a giant grin forms on his face. He runs up to us, almost tackling us as he hurried to capture us both in a hug.

Bree's POV:

It's so great to see Leo again! We've missed our brother so much ever since we had to split the team up. Leo let's go after a hot minute. "Just wait til Adam finds out you're both back! Wait here I'll go find him!", Leo chirps before running in the direction of the cafeteria screaming Adam's name. Leo's girly screams draws the attention of some of our former students. Hugs and greeting are exchanged. Of course when Bob found out I was here he rushed out and hit on me as usual. Chase was amused by, we both were, it's Bob after all lol. It almost felt like nothing really changed, like we were all still 1 big family. Leo finally runs back with Adam. "Guys!", Adam shoots with the biggest smile on his face. We pull Adam into a hug, then have to remind him not to crush us with his super strength. We pull apart after a minute. "Ugh I've missed this.", I admit. Sadly Leo and Adam have always been too busy with running things here to visit us, and the other way around I suppose. "As did I, it feels right that we're all together once again.", Chase agrees. Well, more like we were expected to stay where Mr. Davenport put us. "I couldn't agree more, but what're you 2 doing here? Aren't you supposed to be in Centium City with your new team?", Leo asks. Ugh, the term 'new team' has always rubbed me the wrong way. Besides it being a reminder that Chase, Leo, Adam, and I, our team and everything we ever accomplished, is in the past. "We found some time to sneak away, and we wanted to see how everyone was doing. We also wanted to talk to Mr. Davenport and Uncle Douglas about something fairly important.", Chase explains. As if his ears were burning at the mention of his name, Mr. Davenport walks in with perfect timing.