The price of silence

Xavier stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind him. The sharp crack of the wood against the frame echoed down the hallway, where Damon, Gilbert, and Alexander stood, waiting.

Damon raised an eyebrow, clearly amused by Xavier's frustration. "You just couldn't hold it in, could you?"

Gilbert, leaning casually against the wall, shook his head with a chuckle. "Despite the reward of getting her to do literally anything." He sighed, rubbing his temple. "You really went off, huh?"

Xavier reappeared, still seething, his fists clenched at his sides, his jaw tight. "You have no idea how infuriating they can be," he muttered, voice low but laced with frustration. "You think your parents are annoying? Mine are on a whole different level. I've got zero tolerance for their crap."

Damon, ever the opportunist, smirked and crossed his arms. "Yeah, yeah. But you didn't have to let it out like that." His eyes sparkled with mischief. "However, we both know you've got a way of making things... interesting."

Xavier's frustration bubbled to the surface again. He glanced over at Damon, rolling his eyes. "Just get to the point. What do you want?"

Damon leaned in, lowering his voice. "Alright, I'll make it simple," he said, his grin widening. "If you want us to stay quiet about all that... stuff," he motioned vaguely to the aftermath of Xavier's confrontation, "you're gonna have to give me something in return."

Xavier's eyes narrowed. "What do you want?"

Damon didn't hesitate. "I want a ride on Jexa."

Xavier froze for a moment, processing Damon's request. "You want a ride on my bike?" He could hardly contain his disbelief. Jexa, his custom-built power bike, was a prized possession. It wasn't just any bike—it was a symbol of his independence, and Xavier never let anyone else ride it.

Damon nodded, unshaken. "Yep. I know you never let anyone ride it, but I'm asking for a reason, bro." He raised his hands innocently. "Just once. You'll be a hero to all of us."

Gilbert snickered from the side, watching the interaction unfold. "That bike is legendary, Xavier. You can't blame Damon for wanting a piece of the action."

Xavier's lips curled into a tight smile, but it didn't reach his eyes. He crossed his arms and studied Damon for a beat. "You sure you want that, Damon? You might not come back in one piece."

Damon grinned wider, eyes gleaming with excitement. "Challenge accepted."

Xavier shook his head in mock disbelief. "You really think that bike's a game? It's not some toy you can just hop on and take for a spin." His tone softened, an edge of amusement creeping into it. "But fine. I'll let you take it. Just don't break it."

Damon gave a dramatic bow. "Deal! You won't regret it."

Gilbert raised an eyebrow, the look on his face somewhere between impressed and amused. "Well, I wasn't expecting that. Guess I'll take whatever you've got hidden in that collection of yours."

Xavier glanced at him briefly. "What are you after, Gilbert?"

Gilbert smirked. "I want that bottle of whiskey you're always hiding. The top-shelf stuff."

Xavier raised a brow, taken aback. "That one's been under lock and key for a reason."

Gilbert's smirk only grew. "I know. So, you're saying no?"

Xavier paused for a moment, then exhaled a sharp breath. "Fine. I'll get you the bottle."

Alexander, who had been quiet through most of this, finally spoke up. His voice was calm, measured. "What about me?"

Xavier turned his gaze to him. "You want anything?"

Alexander gave a small shrug, but his gaze held steady. "Just a quiet day. No drama. That's all."

Xavier nodded slowly, considering the request. "Deal. You get a quiet day."

Damon, clearly satisfied with his win, slapped Xavier on the back. "Awesome! Thanks, man. You won't regret this."

Gilbert clapped his hands together. "You're making all our lives easier, Xavier. This is gonna be good."

Xavier let out a long breath, his irritation still simmering beneath the surface, but he'd made his choices. He glanced at them one last time before he headed for the door. "Alright. You've got what you wanted. Just don't make me regret it."

Damon grinned. "I'll make sure you don't. Now, when do I get to take Jexa out for a spin?"

Xavier's smirk lingered. "Soon enough. Just don't break it."

As he walked away, his boots clicking on the polished floor, Damon's voice drifted back to him. "Man, I'm gonna make the most of this. Thanks, bro!"

Xavier didn't turn back, but his lips twitched into a small smile. At least the momentary headache of dealing with his friends was over. Now, the only thing left to do was keep his promises and pray Jexa survived the ride.

---

Kamsi crossed her arms, her lips curving into a suspicious smirk. "How did it go?"

Xavier leaned against the doorframe, the golden afternoon light casting sharp angles on his face. He could see the doubt flickering in her dark eyes, the way she studied him like a puzzle waiting to be solved. Instead of answering right away, he let the silence linger, a slow, knowing smile creeping onto his lips.

"It went well," he said, his tone calm, unreadable. Then, as if anticipating her next move, he added, "You can ask the others if you don't believe me."

Kamsi's eyes narrowed, her expression unreadable. She tilted her head slightly, assessing him, as if daring him to slip up. "Don't think about deceiving me," she warned, her voice light yet edged with challenge.

Xavier held up his hands in mock surrender, his lips twitching. "Fine. I can call the boys for you to speak with them if you want."

A heavy silence stretched between them, their gazes locked in a quiet battle. Kamsi's eyes flickered over his features, searching for any cracks in his confidence. But Xavier remained perfectly composed, his smirk unwavering.

Finally, she exhaled, conceding. "Okay… then what do you want?"

Xavier's smirk deepened. He let the moment breathe, enjoying the flicker of curiosity in her expression.

"I want you to dance," he said simply.