Driven by the Fraternity (2/2) (Patreon)

"Tyler."

"Tyler?"

"TYLER."

The freckled Kappa Treasurer snapped out of his daydream because of Vincent's call. "Y-yeah?"

The President looks at him with genuine concern. "Are you okay? You look like you were possessed after not blinking for half a minute."

"No, n-no... I'm okay." Tyler took a deep breath. "Where were we?"

"I finished the final drafts for the agenda in our year's Parent-Teacher Conference," Vincent answered.

It made Tyler drag his hands over his face in frustration. "Oh no, I barely did any work again, did I? I'm so sorry Vincent..."

"Don't be, you actually look kind of tired." Vincent sorted out the papers on his desk and made sure they were organized to perfection. Yet he didn't dismiss the Treasurer, as usual, instead, he opted for a small talk.

"You seem kind of spacey today, much more than usual." He says.

"What? I am? No," Tyler replied, snorting and faking a laugh. "It's just..." I slept with my step-brother in the Frat house's bathroom and now I can't face him. ".... lack of sleep..."

"Right..." Vincent nodded suspiciously. Due to nervousness, Tyler took a sip of his mango shake. In an all too casual demeanor, Vincent asks, "I've heard the Frat boys hosted a slumber party last night and Xavier was there."

Tyler choked on unblended ice but was able to play it off by melting it with with his increasing temperature. He was visibly blushing.

"Did he stay over?" Vincent asked.

"N-no," Tyler answered. "Xavier's Mom was worried so he had to take me home. We had to sneak around the boys."

"Exciting, huh. Valentina's always been that kind of person."

Tyler casually cleared his throat. It wasn't Xavier's mom at all; for the guy had carried the sore and very slightly bleeding Tyler home to treat the damage that came with his amateur experience with anal sex. It was terrible but somehow, I didn't regret it at all. Shocking.

Vincent stared at him like he would stare at a pretty suspicious culprit with anxiety. When Tyler stared back, he realized Vincent had known. There's nothing this guy would miss out on. Coupled with Tyler's readable personality, Vincent is able to see through what had happened.

A minute of tensed buttcheeks, Tyler blurts out, "Please don't tell anyone."

Finally, Vincent laughed at the poor boy. "It's not my secret to tell, Tyler. I also deleted the security camera footage of you and Xavier leaving the front door of the house. You should really eat more, Xavier is able to carry you bridal style like a sack and your weight is concerning."

"Ahh!" Tyler covered his face. "What else do you know?!"

"You... probably like him? Yeah, you do like him. It's shocking but... not surprising," Vincent, the reincarnation of Albus Dumbledore, grinned so sheepishly that Tyler knew his knowledge goes beyond what he said.

"I don't know what to do anymore. My pride, my dignity... he was my mortal enemy!"

"Semantics," Vincent nodded. "Was."

"Then what am I supposed to do besides run away from home?" Tyler leaned back and drowned in his dilemma. "Living with him is both exciting and nightmarish."

"I don't know." Vincent shook his head with a chuckle. Tyler gave him a look of disbelief since the wise old teenage man said he 'doesn't know. Vincent continued, "I wouldn't know because I don't have to run away from home. I'm not the one who can't tell someone my true feelings."

"You think I should tell him what I feel?" Tyler asks softly, above a whisper, yet Vincent can hear the words clearly accompanied by hesitation and nervousness.

"Xavier loves you, Tyler. I've seen it; Justin has seen it, Jason has seen it, Ryland ignores it, but it's clear that the guy loves you."

Tyler groaned. "But it's wrong, I'm a guy."

"We live in America, gays are validated."

"We're stepbrothers!"

"Xavier didn't change his last name for you," Vincent said.

He leans forward and makes sure Tyler gets a clear message. "Listen to me, Tyler. All your life, you have been living the 'only child' fantasy where you are pressured into being the CEO of your father's company. Taking classes you don't want, taking courses that don't get you where you want to go. Your life has been molded by everyone around you. Now it's time for you to make your own path. You're not pressured by your father anymore. You're not pressured to be CEO, nor are you pressured as an 'only son'. There's your chance to live a new life on your own terms."

"I... " Tyler was at a loss for words. His mind broke, no longer narrow. His opportunities are unlimited now. He can do whatever he wants, live, however, he likes without the pressures of an only child. He realizes the wedding was a blessing. His stepbrothers are a blessing.

Xavier is a blessing, and so was last night. "I should... go talk to him, then."

"Stay safe."

Feeling a rush of excitement, he exited Kappa with the sole purpose of finding Xavier. Last time he remembers, Xavier's class schedule was loose and currently, he doesn't have a class. Tyler decided to call Ryland.

"Uhm, hi Ryland... can you- can you tell me where Xavier is? I need to talk to him ASAP." Tyler speed-walked towards the campus with his heart leaping giddily.

"Xavier?" Ryland's monotoned voice sounds even stranger through the phone. "He's not at the house. He left for school about...6....7 minutes ago—"

All of a sudden, a van pulled up on the sidewalk beside Tyler. Much to his surprise, the door opened and the next thing Tyler knew, he now has a sack on his head after being snatched off the sidewalk; he dropped his phone behind.

"—what do you need him for? ....Tyler? Tyler? Hello, are you there Tyler!"

The van drove off with a cracked iPhone on the sidewalk, Ryland's caller ID still displayed over it. Its owner is driven off to god knows where.

later on,

???

At the glimmer of consciousness, Tyler hears a man, speaking in what seemed to be German. "Are you sure this is the kid? He seems too unguarded for Wyner's son."

"That is him, I have checked twice."

"Shit, his arm is cut from all the kicking. Are we going to be in trouble for that?"

"Tell Schliemann it's an existing cut, idiot."

Tyler groaned, coming into full awareness of his surroundings. The sack was still covering his head; the only difference is his mouth being duck taped. He squirmed, trying to shake himself out of the bag.

"Shít, restrain him Ichten!"

Tyler felt hands pin his legs down, yet his legs kept on kicking until one of them eventually kicks him in the stomach. Tyler wants to scream but settled only with tears.

"That is a small teenage boy, you should not be struggling with him!"

Tyler is a fair 5"8, and he took this as an insult. Fuck, fuck, fuck....

All of a sudden, Tyler's world stopped for a mere second and he was thrown to the side. The car had crashed or was hit by something. Nevertheless, it rid Tyler of his consciousness once again.

It was only for a minute until he was shaken by somebody.

"Tyler! Tyler!" The sack was snatched off his head, and what greeted his vision was a very worried and furious Xavier who had a gun in his hand. The car was flipped over, and he struggled a bit with untying Tyler's hands.

"Mmmfhh! Mghh?"

"No time, more are coming. We need to go!" Xavier pulled him out of the flipped car and threw Tyler over his shoulder, running to his black Tesla.

Immediately, Tyler ripped the duck tape off his mouth and he screamed at the pain from the abrasive material. "Xavier, what's going on?!"

"Someone bit the cake."

"What?!" Tyler yelled. He then saw the dead bodies of the German kidnappers whose heads has been shot, apart from one who was stabbed by a windshield wiper in the eyes. Tyler gagged, wanting to puke.

He then noticed the bent hood of Xavier's Tesla. It was probably the one that hit the van. "I... I don't know what's going on..."

Xavier settled him on the passenger's seat before taking the wheel.

"It's the German mafia."

Tyler gasped in disbelief. "Mafia?! We're not a mafia, why are they after us! The Levough is a mafia! Not the Wyner!"

"It was Ryland's fault," Xavier answered. "After Justin and he formed a partnership, your family's company is now directly tied to Justin's Mafia."

"Then why am I dragged into this?" Tyler was visibly crying from fear. It doesn't help that he's seen dead bodies and Xavier supposedly had killed all four Germans. "Why'd you crash the car, I could have died!"

"You didn't," Xavier's grip on the steering wheel tightened, the speed of the vehicle increasing. Tyler stares as a stray tear escaped Xavier's right eye. "I'll never allow it."

"Xavier..."

"I'll never allow it, Tyler!" Xavier hits the steering wheel. "I'll never lose you to anyone. I've found you, I've claimed you! I'm never letting you go!"

Tyler's heart made a backflip even though it will twist his arteries.

"Once you find someone who you will give your life to... Don't let them go."

"Hey Tyler," the man's voice cracked, his eyes glancing over to the crying Freckled Nutmeg. They were speeding through the highway. "I love you."

Is this a good time that? Tyler felt butterflies in his stomach, as cliché as it is. Xavier had said those words... it made such an impact on him.

I love you too. "Xavier—"

Entering an intersection, a black van was speeding towards them head-on. With a curse, Xavier abandoned the wheel and opened Tyler's door, throwing both of them off the vehicle. They had felt the van hit, as their exit was delayed. At the impact, they bounced from the obliterated Tesla and out to the sidewalk.

Tyler lay limp on the asphalt road, bleeding from the side of his head. It was too painful, but he was numb. He lost his hearing temporarily, but he can witness everything in clear but out-of-focus vision.

Tyler can focus on Xavier shooting somebody off his line of sight. He can see the Marauder's terrible shape. Legs are broken and bleeding... his face was scraped by the asphalt but still looked handsome despite the dirt and blood.

Xavier stopped shooting just as Tyler's ears began ringing. He can see Xavier yell his name; weakened, out of breath... furious, but still, look pained. Suddenly, a bullet strayed onto Tyler's arm; the paralyzed boy could not react, but he can feel all of it. With one last shooting by Xavier, he panicked at the sight of Tyler bleeding out.

"...ler...Ty..." Xavier crawled to where the unconscious boy lay, trying to hold his hand. Tyler can feel Xavier's hand tremble while holding his. Xavier took deep breaths, losing a lot of blood. "Fúck, I'm so sorry... I'm so sorry..."

Tyler could no longer decipher those Italian words. Yet Xavier repeated them like a prayer.

Residents near the intersection had called the paramedics and the police since guns were involved. When the last bit of consciousness left Tyler, the last thing he knew was being treated in an ambulance.

...??

Tyler can hear everything, but he cannot move. Aside from having no energy to lift a finger, his whole left arm is numb and his head feels constricted. He is not in such a bad shape as Xavier, though.

"Oh my God, oh my God, this can't be happening PLEASE tell me he'll wake up!" Kei Johnson hysterically cried on the edge of Tyler's bed, holding the warm but unmoving hand. "Tyler, Tyler, please... I'm... I'm so sorry—I'm..."

"It's not your fault..." Vincent placed a gentle hand on the small boy's shoulder. In all honesty, that could have happened to Kei too, since he is the lover of the great Justin Levough.

"Vincent..." Tears flowed out of Kei's eyes nonstop. "I don't want him to go... not when the last time I saw him was five months ago... oh god, no... Fruit, please wake up..."

Beside a comatose Tyler is Xavier de Vera, who also didn't wake up once. The rest of the Marauders were outside, since they could only allow one visitor at the time. The Doctors are allowed to let Vincent in with Kei because Kei is too anxious to go alone.

Vincent stared at Xavier while consoling Kei. How do you expect me to keep a secret, Xavier?

Meanwhile, Ryland paced back and forth outside the ER.

"Ryland, your Mom is coming. She sounded so loud, too..." Says Jason who just got out of a phone with Valentina. Ryland kept pacing.

They were a two-way soundproof mirror, and Justin can very well see Kei crying on Tyler's bed, his brother Vincent patting his back to avoid hyperventilation. Ryland is anxiously pacing despite having an expressionless face, Jason has a worried look but Justin is all too calm.

"You seem too fúcking happy for something you caused, Levough," Ryland growled.

"Oh, I caused this?" Justin smirks. "I mean yeah, the Schliemann mafia is my rival, but you let Xavier run along and take his eyes away from Tyler."

"He bit the cake that you poisoned!" Ryland yells in Italian, breaking out of his character.

"Well, who baked it, Ryland?!" Justin stood up. "Besides, rat poison will probably kill rats like Xavier."

Ryland swung a fist to Justin's face but after undergoing strict combat training, Justin grabbed Ryland's fist and threw him to the side. Usually, a blow from Ryland would get Justin cowering. But now that he's handling a whole Mafia at age 20, Justin is no longer under Ryland's fist.

Yet Justin overestimated him because Ryland landed a knee to his stomach. They tackled each other in a brawl until Jason and four security guards held them back.

"Guys, do you want to be kicked out of the hospital or not?!" Screams Jason.

"I'll take Levough to the ER if he ever insults my brother again!" Ryland took a step forward but it was threatening enough to have the guards prepare their tasers.

"What's there to insult, Ryland?" Justin spat, being pulled away by Jason. "He already insulted himself when he grew feelings for the freckled freak."

"Okay, fúcking stop it!"

Everyone stared at Vincent, who is now standing by the door. The Marauders were shocked because Vincent never swears. Moreover, Vincent rarely had tears streaming down his eyes.

"You're all acting like children and might I remind you, none of you are teens anymore." Vincent pointed at the ER furiously. "That there is your brother, Ryland. That there is your friend, Justin. One that will sacrifice anything to keep you little dipshíts together! Might I remind you back when you were a senior, Xavier got himself suspended for a month when he took the blame for what you did, Justin?"

Justin looks as angry as ever, but his expression change when a scared Kei appeared behind Vincent.

Vincent continued his wrath. "That in there is Kei's best friend, and you have the nerve to fúcking insult him. He is the reason Kappa Aegis didn't get suspended by the Principal because of what you did Justin. That there is Tyler Wyner, and all of you have something you owe him."

He took a deep breath, "If Tyler dies Justin... Kei will never forgive you."

Justin scoffed, not believing such a claim.

"Pft, really? Suckerpunch---" he reached out to Kei, but the boy only flinched and avoided his gaze.

"I-I'd... like to go to the canteen with Vincent, please."

Justin's heart shattered. He felt the great urge to snatch Kei away from Vincent since jealousy plagued his mind from the way his boyfriend held onto his brother.

Instead, Justin turned and kicked a nearby trashcan.

"Sir, you're gonna have to leave this—"

Justin pulled himself away from the guard. "Don't touch me or you'll lose your job and your family!" Justin left on his own, a pair of guards also escorting Ryland out to avoid them causing a disturbance.

But when Ryland walked past Vincent he whispered, "You know what to do."

The lobby was quiet once again, Jason being the last Marauder left. Despite not moving, Vincent can feel Kei sob behind him, staining his blazer which he paid no mind.

"It'll be okay, Kei. It'll be okay."

....??

The light was blinding. Tyler cannot fully open his eyes. He moved his limbs, his left arm still paralyzed. What has... oh no. Oh no, I can't move.

Much to his relief, he can move his arm now properly. He woke up, seeing an unconscious Xavier on his right not too far off.

Lifting his own arm up with slight difficulty, Tyler removed the oxygen mask ever so slowly. He got a bit of focus on Xavier's heart monitor. While he is calm, Tyler's are much more alive and pronounced. It must be because of the adrenaline and anxiety.

"...!" He was probably out for too long since the first word he utters didn't make a sound. He kept on moving his lips and vocal chord, until he is able to whisper.

"Xavier."

The whisper seemed like a yell amidst the quiet hospital room. In a burst of miracle, Xavier opened his eyes. It looked as if he woke up way before Tyler, as such was the case.

Xavier's eyes are beautiful, Tyler thought. The man must've read his mind because he smiled warmly, though weak and slow, he was able to comfort Tyler in the best way possible.

Xavier's hand escaped the edge of the bed and he weakly held it out towards Tyler. They were a mere two feet apart, and Tyler could have easily reached out to the man he loved. With trembling hands, Tyler touched Xavier's fingers with his. Then Tyler clasped his hand around Xavier's, feeling the warmth.

Fúck, I've loved you for so long... Xavier squeezed his hand as if saying the words himself. He couldn't because of the oxygen mask.

"Xavier... I... I really—do love..."

All of a sudden, the heart monitor beeped an unending sound as the line fell flat. Xavier closes his dark, moss green eyes. The hand that Tyler took warmth from ceased its grip and he was unable to hold on to it. Xavier's hand fell limp on the edge of the bed.

What...? What happened... "Xav?" Gasping, Tyler's tears flooded his eyes. No, no, no, no... No...! "Xav... ier!"

Tyler was now hyperventilating, his heart rate increasing by the sound of his monitor displaying more erratic heartbeats. "Xa... vier!" He gasped in between breaths as nurses and doctors flood in.

Tyler wants to touch him again. Tyler wants to be beside him. But the nurses block his vision, and all he can see is Xavier's hand convulsing whenever the doctor try reviving him with a lot of shocks.

Tyler watched as the doctors slow down. Tyler watched as a sheet slowly cover Xavier. Tyler watched as they leave. Tyler had spotted Vincent and the Marauders when the doctor opened the door to tell them the news.

That was the most painful thing. Tyler could only watch.

five years later

March 2022

Tyler's jaw found comfort in his palm as he and Vincent drove along the west coast. The palm trees are aesthetically beautiful. It made the scenery repetitive and mesmerizing. Yet Tyler feels as if the passing trees are mocking him, and the constant clouds are laughing while following. Despite the awesome day and weather, Tyler feels worse than a year-long rain shower.

As smooth as the road has always been, Vincent is able to read a magazine inside a limousine. Tyler was seated at the far back, as he usually does. Vincent sits right beside him.

"Are you ready?" Says Vincent halfway to their destination.

"You said that back when I was tying my shoes. Yes, I'm done tying my shoes." Tyler chuckled half-heartedly, Even though he knew Vincent was talking about the dreadful event ahead; one that Tyler is definitely not ready for.

Vincent's dyed copper hair is laid flat and lengthy, which now covers his nape definitely. It was slicked back, giving him a polished look with the pure, blinding white suit. To see Vincent wearing any color other than white has been taboo since five years ago.

Five freaking years ago, Tyler thinks as he stared at Vincent's white ensemble. It's been... five, huh.

He, himself took it a bit more casual with a black tux over a satin button-up shirt. A red bow tie completed his geeky look. Tyler now grew out his hair, curly and unkempt. He usually puts it up in a messy bun, but with this event at hand he slicked it over to a proper low ponytail.

"Justin told me he bought you another car," says Vincent, which made Tyler release a drawn-out sigh.

"I don't need another car, jeez. See, I get it. Justin likes me now. But he shouldn't spoil me like how he spoils my best friend," Tyler whines, referring to his best buddy Kei Johnson.

Which is now engaged to Justin himself; and the event they are heading to is the engagement party of Tyler's best friend and the Levough mafia boss. That sentence has never apparated in Tyler's mind until now. Yet it isn't at all strange.

"Is your father gonna be there?" Asks Vincent.

"Please don't talk about him. The guy is pressuring me to get married now and it doesn't help that my step-mom is trying to set me up with her co-workers' daughters." Tyler replied truthfully. He then leaned over to Vincent and pointed at an article in the magazine, shifting the topic. "Let's talk about that instead."

It was a preview article about Vincent Levough being one of the Top 10 Business Entrepreneurs in the country, one of the Top 100 by the international margin.

"Congratulations! Everyone's so proud of you, especially your Mom!" Tyler happily exclaimed. Vincent laughs as the freckled boy forcibly turns the page to look at the full article.

Alongside famed business franchises The Levough Empires, Vincent Levough has stepped up as CEO for the Carvalle High School Divisions worldwide. Was being a Chief Executive Off—

Vincent closed it, laughing. "Nope, it'll feed my ego."

"Nobody minds if it inflates because you are amazing!" Tyler marveled at how Vincent's work is recognized. Unlike his brother, Mafia boss Justin Levough, there was no need to conceal Vincent's line of work. After graduating with a Masters in Secondary Education with 6 Majors, Vincent became the successor of all 30+ Carvalle High Schools around the world.

As for Tyler, he became Ryland's assistant while also being a practical effects director in independent horror movies. Though that was part-time and for fun, Tyler has been in-demand for most Directors of the genre.

Also, as he chose to get additional college years for his Masters in Media Arts, he is now the President of a proud Kappa Aegis. Tyler Wyner is the first non-Levough to ever be the president of that fraternity. It now has a perfect track record with 72 members all happy in its brotherhood.

It was all for him.

"I'm so proud of you too, Tyler," Vincent says with his gentle smile. "You're stronger than you believe to be."

Vincent is confirmed to be a mind reader from Tyler's perspective. He had sensed the freckled boy's mood and aura. Vincent himself knew that the small talk about the article was to distract Tyler from his real issues.

"Xavier's death anniversary is two days from now," Vincent says. "You haven't visited since the funeral. I hope you come visit this time."

A knife stabbed Tyler through his heart as everything came flooding back into him. The heartbreaking funeral, to which Tyler refused to cry to; the multiple emotional breakdowns, which Tyler never showed anyone; Xavier's mother almost knocking down the casket from her sorrow, Tyler acting like he doesn't care.

It was heartbreaking, see a woman who has always smiled, drown in the tears, and screams for her youngest son. "My baby... my baby X..." And Tyler could only watch, immediately wiping his cheeks if ever a single tear broke out. But nobody noticed. Nobody ever has.

In the present, in front of Vincent, a tear did indeed breaks out. Tyler lets them slide instead of wiping it away as he always had. Vincent watched as his friend stared blankly, crying silent waterfalls.

"I'm sorry," he apologized. "I shouldn't have brought that up."

"No, you have every right to," Tyler sniffed. "I'm a terrible person."

"Tyler... you are not..."

"It was my fault, I know it. And I can't even go and see him once," He wiped his tears with a handkerchief and tried to fix his appearance. "I want to go, but I don't know if I'll handle seeing his name on the stones."

Five years and the feelings remain. Five years and Tyler's heart, mind, and body are still loyal to his late would-be lover. The feelings had stayed, and with those feelings also came pain. It is amazing how Tyler can put up such an act for a long time.

Vincent pulled Tyler in for a hug, a small tug of what seemed to be guilt on his heart. He never should have brought that up, but Tyler needed to hear it. It's just this guilt.

"I am here for you. Kei is here for you. He may be engaged to Justin, but I'm not letting my dog of a brother take your best friend away from you." Vincent smiled. "You have us, Tyler. We will always be here."

But Xavier will not.

Speaking of, "V-Vincent! Can I... can I stop over at the cemetery for once?"

The pain in Tyler's voice was evident. Vincent couldn't deny him with that look on his face. Being late to Kei's engagement party is probably worth it if Tyler's going to visit Xavier for the first time in 5 years.

"Of course," Vincent said before telling the driver to take a U-turn and go back a couple of blocks to the City's Private Cemetery. "Why now, though? Why not at the anniversary? Your Frat is going to be there with you."

So I'll be alone and I can cry. I won't be able to cry when people are around. Tyler didn't answer, and Vincent let him be.

When they arrived, Tyler hopped out of the vehicle with his eyes moist and threatening to spill tears. "You should go without me, Vincent. I'll catch up."

Not in a million years will I leave you out of my sight, Vincent instead says, "It's okay, we'll wait for you right here. I'll order pizza delivery so you'll have a bite to eat on the way back," Vincent warmly said while still seated in the car. Tyler smiled and thanked him.

He took hesitant steps as he counted the gravestones that leads up to Xavier himself. He clutches his aching heart, urging his legs to run away and never see this place again. But he has to. He owes it to Xavier. What would Xavier have said when Tyler refused to visit for 5 years?

Of course, he can't answer that. Tyler wiped a tear. Stupid, terrible, stupid me...

He finally arrived at Xavier's gravestone when he spots Aldrynin Wyner there, to his surprise.

"Dad?" Tyler called out, and the man turned around. Still as big and intimidating as ever. "Why are you here?"

"I couldn't visit on the day of the anniversary since I have to go to Venice tomorrow. I have to at least visit for Valentina's sake."

Tyler had flashbacks to his stepmom's many emotional breakdowns, making him want to have one too. But no, not in front of Aldrynon Wyner. Not in front of the most judgmental person ever.

Instead, Tyler looked at the stone that he hasn't seen since the day of the funeral. It was maintained to perfection, courtesy of Valentina. The woman came here every week to clean her son's gravestone.

XAVIER DE VERA

1998-2017

Tyler felt the most excruciating heartburn in his life. Thankfully, his Father snapped him out of despair.

"Send my regards to your friend who's about to marry Justin Levough. Sadly, I couldn't attend today's event too." Of course, you're a busy man since day one. "But I have a task for you that might get you a job working for that horror-musical movie you loved so much."

"Heathers?!" Tyler gasped. A Heathers: The Musical movie is in the works and he has been wishing to all religious deities, including Santa Claus, just to be of some part in that movie. "Wh-what is it?"

"Well, at this engagement party today, I have pitched a meeting with its Producer. Unfortunately, since I cannot go, I think you should meet them."

"What can I even talk to them about?"

"WYN Industries are making the sets for the film. They'll discuss plans and visions with you, and you should be able to recommend yourself." Aldrynon replied, staring fondly at the stone in front of them.

"W-wow..." Tyler had a glimmer of happiness as he glanced at Xavier's stone once more. You are a blessing, Xavier. "I'll .... I'll do it..."

Would Xavier even be proud if he can hear them at this moment?

moments later,

As Tyler entered the room that his Dad instructed the clients would be in, he found it empty. I guess they're late, he thought as he seated himself.  His mood swung low as his eyes stared at the ground.

Being alone was dangerous, for his mind wandered off to his visit earlier in the cemetery. After his father left, Tyler had sat down in front of the gravestone as if he's facing Xavier himself.

"Why is it that I feel dead when you're the one buried?" Tyler cried, covering his eyes while crying. "It's been so long... so long, Xavier... I'm so sorry. I've been a pússy."

Tyler gently touched the stone, feeling it cold and smooth, just like what Xavier's personality.

"Vincent kept wearing white. Consistently mourning over you. You two were childhood friends, right? At least Vincent was consistent. I don't know about me. You'd probably be disappointed." Tyler sniffed. "Ryland has a boyfriend now. Who knew he also has a thing for men. You'd probably be proud of him, they're happy together, and hopefully, Ryland doesn't die on him."

Teardrops landed on the stone beside his hand. "I fúcking miss you so much you emo bástard. It's been too long and it still hurts!"

It still hurts. Back in the present, Tyler was snapped off his daydream by a crash at the door. He stood up, thinking it was probably the clients. So he fixed his appearance and tapped his eyes awake. But no one came into the room.

"Hello?" Tyler stepped towards the door cautiously. His heart was pumping because that crash was loud and scary. He has a bad feeling about this.

When he came in view of the door, he stepped back in shock when it was wide open, and he can see a bodyguard in the hallways with a hole in his head.

"Oh my God," covering his mouth, his legs were paralyzed. Bullet wounds... dead body... blood... he knew this scene all too well five years ago. His stomach churned, and he turned over and gagged air.

"Fúck," whoever did this is probably outside. Should I go out? They're probably inside this room since the door's wide open.

Yet before he can decide on leaving the room, a suited and masked man entered with a huge rifle. He immediately pointed at Tyler and shot him.

"Ahh!" Tyler had dodged the headshot and got hit on the shoulder. "Wait, wait! Stop! Please! Don't--" his shoulders stung so bad that he had trouble breathing with a bullet in his flesh.

The man, still holding the rifle up terrifyingly, took a good look at the 24-year-old Tyler. A good, deep, long look at the bloodied aristocrat.

I'm gonna die, I'm gonna die, I'm gonna die... Tyler clamped his eyes shut.

Yet nothing happened. He opened his eyes to see the man lowering his gun ever so slowly. Only then did Tyler get a good look at the man. Tall, wearing a gas mask. Head to toe, he looks like a SWAT member that's definitely not a SWAT member. Whatever he is, Tyler is scared of him shítless.

Seconds of staring into that gas mask, it became slightly transparent because of the light from the window. Tyler's heartbeat grew increasingly loud. Not because he's probably going to die, but those eyes behind that green-tinted mask... it made him lose awareness of his impending death.

That death is confirmed when more men in suits and gas masks entered the room. I'm gonna die. Tyler cursed, trying to sit up hut moving his arm just makes him scream. The bullet lodged in there is too deep. What are they doing here? They came to kill me, or if they came for anything else, they're still going to kill me.

Suddenly, they spoke in a language Tyler can't understand but is familiar with. German; the language that brought back terrible memories.

"It's not him," says the first man who shot Tyler.

"Kill him then," replied another one. The wounded boy cannot understand German, so all he can currently do is pray and search for a phone that he can possibly reach.

The first man stepped towards Tyler, which only make him scurry back until he hits the window sill."Schliemann wants him alive. But not now."

Kneeling down on Tyler, he took a cloth from the pocket of his belt and pressed it into the boy's wound, making Tyler scream out from the pressure. "Stop! Stop it!"

"You'll bleed out," the man emotionlessly said with a clear non-accented English. It was at that moment, Tyler had calmed down. But not his heart, no. His heart was erratic. His emotions also were after hearing the first man's voice.

"What are you doing, Savvi?" Another man, tall and thin in his suit, suddenly took his mask off. Tyler watched as his curly hair and hollowed-out eyes held dreadful anger in them. "Kill him! We kill all the witnesses! Schliemann hasn't cared about Tyler Wyner since ever."

"Patience, Orion. We never do something without orders. You may be one to not follow them but it's six of us against you."

All the other men murmured, probably in agreement.

"Orders my motherbítching chickenáss, he is a witness!" The man who exposed his face held a gun out to Tyler, which the boy flinches visibly to.

Yet the first man who tended Tyler's wounds stood up and tried reasoning. "Orders was to not hurt Tyler Wyner. It may be five years ago, but Schliemann never said anything to expire that command."

Somehow, the man with the visible face cursed a string of German words and left the room. The others stood patiently, waiting for the first man's orders which seemed to be the leader.

Tyler is still dumbfounded as the first man walked towards the group. "Scout for the target. Do not be spotted by guests. Move out!"

They all exit, but the first man was the last to leave. He stared at Tyler before closing the door, leaving the boy with a bullet wound in the room.

hours later,

???

Kei and Vincent were worried. Tyler had spaced out more often in the hospital since the incident. Kei cried because it was his event, so Tyler tries consoling him that again, none of it was his fault. Vincent became worried especially when he technically left Tyler alone. The freckled boy had wanted to ask why Vincent is somehow in charge of his safety, but he stopped himself. He waited until the both of them fell asleep in his hospital room.

For he wants to know a whole other story. Now Tyler has snuck out of the hospital in casual clothes and an arm cast, and into the cemetery where Xavier is buried. It is a terrible idea, Tyler Wyner, alone in broad daylight with an arm cast and protected by nothing but a Jack Skellington hoodie.

"Excuse me!" He approached a caretaker with a shovel. "I'll pay you one grand if you do something for me."

There, Tyler stared at the dug-up plot in front of Xavier's gravestone. He doesn't know what to expect. He's going to get in trouble for this, but it's for the truth. Tyler needs to know.

He just needs to see Xavier one last time, or confirm that he has seen him.

Hours later, the caretaker's shovel finally unearthed the coffin. He looked up to Tyler, "I've uncovered it, Sir."

"O-open it," Tyler breathed out. "Please."

He did not flinch or blink at all when the caretaker disturbingly opened the casket Tyler made him dig up. For one grand, Tyler was prepared to break down and be disappointed, or break down for a whole other reason.

Tyler covered his mouth. "Oh my god."

The latter was more likely, as he knelt in front of the 6-foot hole with tears of hope streaming from his eyes. The pain from his gunshot wound was gone, as was his heart's. Yet the plague of confusion hovers above him; the plague of dread.

Xavier is alive. As proven by the empty casket, void of life or death. "Oh my god, you're alive... it was you... that guy with your eyes..." Tyler held a hand over his patched-up wound, referring to the man who shot him up earlier.

Oh fúck, oh fúck, oh fúck... Tyler doesn't even know what to do as he shakingly hands the caretaker a roll of ten hundred dollar bills. He stayed in front of the grave alone, unable to stop his tears from raining on the earthed grass.

He doesn't know what happened to Xavier. Why did he end up shooting Tyler, or why he's suddenly fluent in German. Then again, that could have been not Xavier at all. But the empty casket, the empty grave... it has to mean something. It has to.

Coming to terms with his scattered emotions of fear, confusion, hope, and worry, Tyler finally got up with trembling knees. He slowly zombied his way to Vincent's car that he stole. He is still unable to fathom his discovery. Xavier's empty grave.

Xavier is alive. Xavier is—he checked for his phone while inside the car, but he couldn't feel anything in his pockets. He realized he had left the thing. He could have called Vincent since they probably found out about his escape from the hospital.

Sighing Tyler started the car with the most solemn expression anyone can see him in. Xavier may be alive but I still can't see him. I can't see him. I want to see him. I need to see him. But now I just... can't.

What he did see in the rearview mirror though, was the most terrifying. Tyler wasn't alone in the car.

"AH—!" Before Tyler could even react to the unfamiliar face in his car, a leather belt wrapped around his neck, and a cloth-covered his entire nose and mouth.

Inhaling was the most painful physical thing Tyler had witnessed, since each whiff of the cloth stung his insides so bad, and so was exhaling. His mind was empty aside from some internal screaming. Apparently, there was nothing he could do as the terrible chemical has overridden his consciousness.

??????

Tyler woke up with no vision of where he is. He has a sack in his head and he is being carried on a huge man's shoulder. His eyes were pricked with tears. This scene reminds me of... me of...

Uncontrollable tears streamed down Tyler's cheeks and it stained the sack. He sobbed, but was unable to wipe his nose of eyes because his hands are tied together. I hate this scene. This has to be a dream. No, it can't be real...

It hurts too much. The memories... The events leading up to Xavier's death was returning. If Xavier actually died...

But before Tyler can elaborate what he saw in the cemetery, he was thrown into a hard surface so harshly that his back hurts. His sack is being pulled off, and Tyler widened his eyes at the sheer size of the man carrying him here. He was huge! Muscular, possibly bigger than Dwayne Johnson! It made Tyler push himself away with his legs until he hit the wall.

The gigantic man only raised an eyebrow and turned towards the door without a word. Even each step strikes intimidation in Tyler's heart, up until he disappeared behind the locked door. Tyler is choking in panic at the room he's in. Plain white, although clean, was entirely empty. Yet, the terrified Tyler heard a sob of a little girl from a dark corner of the room.

"Shh," another person said to the girl, the voice cracking. Tyler looked over to who was there with him, and is both relieved at not being alone, but also horrified at the little girl and a boy his age in poor condition.

"H-hey..." Tyler breathed out, shifting closer to the dark corner. He wanted to ask them where they are and what the people wanted with them.

But his heart dipped low at a small whimper from the girl, "H-he's terribly hurt..."

"I know..." says the boy, probably referring to Tyler. He does indeed have a bleeding lip and a cut on his eyebrows.

"Wh-where are we?" Tyler called out, "How long... have you guys been here?"

"We got dumped here two days before you," says the boy, crawling out of the dark with a shard of broken glass. "I should untie you."

He used the shard of glass to rub against the tape until it broke off. They removed it, revealing the redness of his wrist indicating he's been tied up for quite a time.

"What's your name?" Asks Tyler. The boy barely looked at him, his lips pale with no color and his eyes dull and cold.

"Jax," the boy answered. "My name's Jax."

The name was familiar, but Tyler didn't recognize him until Jax's eyes looked up at him, he can finally remember where he saw this person.

"You're Ryland's boyfriend! I saw you at his place!" Tyler gasped out. He hasn't spoken to his step-brother's boyfriend of 1 year, despite living with Ryland the whole time. Tyler doesn't really visit Ryland, nor does the man say anything about his love life.

"How did you get here? Why are you here? Is the girl okay?"

"That's my sister..." Jax mumbled, just as the girl came limping front behind with a ripped Teddy bear. "And someone broke in Ryland's house and took us. We don't know why we're here."

"My name is Theresa," the girl says. It breaks Tyler's heart how this dirtied princess managed to sound cheerful despite the situation. "Jax and my friends call me Tyra."

"This is terrible, you guys can't stay here..." Tyler breathed out. "You have to get out. What would Ryland do when he finds out?"

"We heard the guards talk outside. They were speaking English, so I guess we're not in Germany. The three of us has been missing for three days now. They say that Ryland acts as if it's just nothing," Jax's discouraged voice cracked at the mention of his uncaring lover.

That can't be right, Ryland has been overprotective of this person since forever. "I'm sure they're trying to find us. Ryland is probably going crazy trying to find you."

"No, they're going crazy to find you. News are everywhere, they're even searching for you all over Germany. That's why we weren't brought there," Jax sounds heartbroken, but he couldn't lose hope. He has Tyra! They have to get out safe!

"Do they feed you both? You look quite thin," says Tyler.

Jax gave him a weak smile, confirming that the kidnappers do feed them. But it seems like Tyler got the idea with Jax's weakness and his loss of weight that they probably get one meal a day, and Jax gives his meal to his little sister.

"I'm so sorry," Tyler silently cried without tears. "You got dragged into this. We are a dangerous family, and you definitely don't deserve this."

"Don't cry, Mister..." Tyra reached out with her fat fingers and wiped off Tyler's tears. "We're not dead yet."

Despite it being disturbing and dark, Tyler found her optimism humorous and at least she got the two boys to smile. "Okay angel, I won't cry. Don't die, alright?"

To his surprise, the little girl blurted out, "Daddy Ryland will stuff their mouths with their scalp."

Tyler held in a laugh because it was not an appropriate situation for humor, and Jax merely sighed as if he's used to this. Tyra's brother commented, "She's probably the daughter of the Marauders themselves."

Tyler smiled slightly. "I'm both impressed and horrified." It's good that the dreadful situation was lit up even for a little.

Tyler takes off the ripped blazer he wore when he was taken and used the clean insides to wipe the dirt off of Tyra's face. It looked like coal, or ash. Where have they gotten too? This place is empty but surprisingly clean.

"There, you're beautiful now Tyra." Tyler whispers. "They're going to rescue us, I know it. Justin and Ryland is pretty powerful."

Tyra smiled, missing a tooth which kind of makes her look cuter.

"Tyler," Jax's tone turned serious, "Whatever happens, make sure Tyra is safe."

Tyler's face soured. "What? What do you mean? We're getting out of here together. Don't be pessimistic."

"I'm nor being pessimistic, I'm being realistic. Whenever a scenario pops up, promise me you'll pick Tyra, first priority." Jax started to cry, holding his sister closely as if she's going to be taken any time soon. "Please, Tyler."

Tyler didn't want to promise. He didn't want to leave Jax behind--he didn't want to think of a scenario where he has to leave Jax behind. He wasn't good with sacrifices. He isn't good with watching someone accept their doom.

"I'll protect Tyra," he says, placing a hand on Jax's shoulder. "But please don't lose hope. She still needs you. You have to leave together."

Jax nodded stiffly. Tyler can still feel the disappointment in his actions. From what Tyler learned, Jax is 25 years old, a year older than him.

Ryland will get us out of here, Tyler reassures himself. He will... right?

Later that night,

Jax and Tyra slept on the cold floor cuddled together. The little girl slept on top of her brother to avoid the cold and hard surface. They had used Tyler's blazer as a blanket. Tyler had fallen asleep sitting up, dried tears decorating his pale cheeks. His heart never stopped churning. A lot has happened, and he doesn't know how to process everything.

Five years ago, he was given two step-brothers. Tyler reconciled with one of his step-brothers which was his worst enemy; which also almost became his lover. Almost. Until he got kidnapped by a German mafia. Which is probably the same group that kidnapped them now.

Xavier had saved him back then. But in return, Tyler lost him. Tyler lost a lover, he lost a family. The de Vera-Wyner household has never been the same. Then came Ryland's boyfriend, who Tyler knew nothing about because Ryland made sure to keep him a secret. Probably to avoid him ending up like Xavier.

Tyler'd heart burns once more, his slumber unable to dream. It hurts. Recently, during his Best Friend's engagement party, he was almost killed. Had he never taken his father's place in that meeting, Aldrynon Wyner would be dead. Right after, Tyler shamelessly dug up Xavier's grave. Finding nothing. What did it mean?

A stream of light from an open door disturbed Tyler's thoughts. Before he can react, his head was shoved in a sack and he was taken out of the room without Jax and Tyra's knowledge. Tyler soon passed out, unable to do anything to defend himself. He's at their mercy now.

The next thing Tyler knew, he was thrown into a shower stall. When the sack was taken out, he saw the same giant who took him to the barren room earlier. Light blinded him; yet he is indeed inside a bathroom. A very luxurious one, that is.

"Wh-what do you w-want?!" Tyler heightened his guard even though his knees were trembling. He couldn't fight this guy, he'd be crushed like a grape!

The man pointed at the shower. That's all he did; no changing of facial expressions, nor did he utter a word.

He wants me to what? "I can't do plumbing!"

The giant scowled, and Tyler felt genuine fear. Had he provoked the hulk? Is Tyler going to die?

Suddenly, a man's hand appeared on the giant's chest, much like how friends great each other. Tyler sees someone come in the bathroom, a red haired German who isn't as tall as the man he greeted.

"Mann, don't scare little Tyler Wyner. Try smiling, that'll calm him down!" The redhead said in German, to which Tyler did not understand. His confusion was evident in his face.

"Oh! Rude me," finally, he spoke in English. "My name is Tag. This is Mann. He's mute. It happens when your tongue gets ripped out."

This man is too optimistically dark for Tyler's taste, but strangely the guy reminds him of how Tyra speaks. Cheerful and light but the contents of her speech is just disturbing.

"You need help undressing?" Tag stepped forwards, making Tyler back away and trip on the shower door. A very expensive shower door. "Hahahaha! You are very funny! You know, you don't shower with clothes."

"You want me to shower? Why?"

"Uhm... because you are dirty? Duh!" Tag mocked him. "Or do Americans not shower at all?"

"I am more Italian than American," Tyler's stubborn tone returned as he grew more annoyed with this German redhead. "And I don't like it when I shower with people around."

Tag twisted his lips to the side. "You don't look Italian to me... but eh, lizards look like America's President, so who am I to judge."

Tag turned around and beckoned Mann to get out, to which he did. "We'll go, okay American boy? You have ten minutes. Towel and robe over there."

Tyler was about to close the shower door when Tag's head popped in smirking. "Oh and Tyler? Welcome to Alpha Zhi."

"Alpha Zhi—?" before he can ask what that was about, the door closed. It was then he realized something. Alpha Zhi is a Fraternity. The rival Fraternity of Kappa Aegis. It means that if they are truly in the Alpha Zhi house, it means that they are no longer in the West Coast, but back where it all happened; since they share a town.

Tag then sighed from outside the door, "Say goodbye to Tyler, Mann! You're going back to Berlin are you..."

As their voices faded out, Tyler started to undress with reluctance and confusion. What about Jax and Tyra? Do they get to shower? Don't tell me they're leaving them there! I will not leave here without them! Or at least... get Tyra out so she can alert the police. Or Jax... I'm not leaving here unless it"s all of us out!

Kappa Aegis is nearby; if only Tyler could contact one of his members, then he can get out of here! He's only in Alpha Zhi, merely a car escape away from his own Fraternity! We're just close by...

After the plain shower, Tyler absentmindedly stared at himself through the mirror. The wash definitely showed where he was injured. He has a cut on his lips, eyebrows, and left cheek. But his freckles made it less obvious. When wearing the bathrobe, he noticed a calligraphy stitched on the fluffy sleeve.

Schliemann. Without knowing it, Tyler's eyes stared to release more tears. He is in the Schliemann Mafia's possession, and worse, the same German Mafia responsible for Xavier's death. He feels a mental breakdown coming, but was halted when the door abruptly opened.

"I smell an angel!" Tag happily announced. "Oh wait, it's just me."

Tyler immediately wiped his tears and took deep breaths before facing Tag. "Where are you taking me?"

"Just follow," the man smirked before walking out.

Tyler followed him, "Where's my clothes?"

"Burned," Tag answered.

"In English please—" To Tyler's surprise, he was taken to a master bedroom with a very familiar feel to it. He hasn't been here before, but the feel of the whole room is just... so familiar.

Tag walked in the mini lounge of the room where a man in a fancy red dress shirt is checking out a book, his back to them. "Yo, you still need us to patch his wounds and brush his teeth or...?"

"It's okay Tag, thank you. Leave us." Just when Tag disappeared from the room, the man returned the book to the shelf and turned around.

Tyler's knees fell weak that he has to hold sofa's edge to stay up. His eyes were wide as saucers, his tears hesitating to escape, much to his surprise. His eyes sting, his throat feels painful. Tyler's hands shook, in sync with his increasing heart rate.

"N-no... that can't..." He muttered to himself in disbelief. "Xa... Xavier?"

The man's eyes, the man's hair, posture, face, everything; it was him. This is him. Is he even alive? Is he even human? Whatever he is, Tyler was too shocked, he can't even cry. He felt too weak, though.

"I guess you think that after digging up his grave and seeing nothing?" The man--or Xavier, as Tyler believed, stepped forwards to where Tyler is until they are within each other's breaths.

"I don't... I can't believe it..." Tyler choked out. "You died. You were gone. I saw you inside the casket before the burial. I... I stopped waiting for you..."

The man was silent. Tyler's eyes kept roaming around, searching if it really is him. He is not satisfied what what he has seen... how can he prove Xavier is alive? "Is it really you? X-Xavier... please... is it really you?"

Tyler's eyes we're glossy and almost doll like, but they were filled with tears threatening to spill out. They just didn't want to spill out for the wrong person.

"What would you do if I am Xavier?" The man almost whispered; challenging Tyler's morale, confusing his heart.

Tyler didn't answer as he only reached a shaky hand out to touch this man's face. But before the fingers can touch his face, the hand froze in place, visibly shaking, pale and pink in the fingertips.

If his hand went through as if it is a ghost... would it hurt all over again? If he wakes up at the next blink, would it kill him all over again? How many tines has that happened to him; would it happen now?

A single tear escaped Tyler's one eye. Upon seeing the paralyzing hesitation, the man in front of him gently wrapped his big hands on Tyler's trembling hand and held it against his face, kissing the fingertips.

He did not disappear... I didn't wake up... "Xavier—!" Tyler completely broke down in front of the man. He caught the weakened boy and held him against his chest, Tyler uncontrollably staining his red dress shirt with his years.

"I'm sorry! I'm sorry I stopped waiting! I'm sorry I gave up! I'm sorry I didn't stay! I'm sorry if I didn't visit! I'm sorry if I didn't want to see you! It hurt, Xavier! It hurts! Everything—everything, hurts!"

"Hey," the man lifted Tyler's chin up to face him, his eyes holding a sense of pity and gentleness to them. "It hurts more for me to tell you... I'm not Xavier."

"What? No!" Tyler pushed him away but only landed on the floor in distress. To which the man held him back up, as he yelled, "Stop running away from me! Stop leaving! You are Xavier, I know it!"

"I'm not Xavier."

"I know who you are! You can't fool me! From what you've shown at the Engagement Par—I know it's you! I feel it! I know!"

"How would you know?!" The man snapped, all while still having that face of pain and pity. Then his voice lowered down to a whisper, "It takes more than feeling to call a look-alike the person you know. How would you know I'm your dead lover?"

He didn't become my lover. Even so, Tyler used all the strength he was left with to throw himself onto 'Xavier' and claim his lips for himself into a fiery, passionate kiss. Tyler wrapped his arms around the man's neck, pulling him in tightly. Their tongue molded to form an intimate alliance, their movements screaming a sync that rivaled ocean currents.

It was heaven. Tyler missed this. And even though his salty tears made it in between their kiss, it did not change the sweet flavor of being reunited. If this is Xavier, at least...

Tyler gently pulled away, keeping his intimate distance to Xavier by keeping their foreheads together. Xavier loved doing that. It gave them a deep connection without speech.

"I can prove that you're Xavier..." He breathed out.

"How?"

"I..." His breath hitched, "I don't know... but I think..."

"What happens if I'm not Xavier?" He asks.

Tyler stubbornly answered, "It doesn't matter. Because I'll know you are."

meanwhile

IN THE LEVOUGH MANOR

It was a terrifying sight. Vincent simply stared in thin air, his gentle and kind persona no longer present as he grew cold and distant. Ryland was nowhere to be found, since he disappeared one hour ago. Justin is here worrying about Ryland, since he literally lost an adopted daughter and his boyfriend.

Moreover, Justin is worried for the people that'll cross Ryland's path.

Jason Ford has problems on his own. His twin brother Jace was nowhere to be found and cannot be contacted. Apart from being worried about his sinling, he is terribly angry. His twin Jace has a serious relationship with Victor Strauss.

Which they had known to be the one who ruled the Schliemann Mafia. Jace Ford is the official husband of the notorious German Mafia which practically betrayed them all. Justin is not surrised, Vincent is disappointed, but Jason is pissed.

"Fúcking traitor!" Jason threw his phone unintentionally towards Justin, to which Levough only leaned in his chair to avoid being hit by a phone. "Is he even my brother?! That whóre! Of course he'll enjoy a Schliemann's díck!"

"Jason, calm down."

"Calm down?! He never told me they're actually married now! I thought it was one of the flings he'll leave when he's bored!" Jason looked terrible. "A German Mafia boss, Justin! My brother! Married to our enemy! And he never told us! Now look, Ryland's bloodlust is out of control because that husband of his took Jax and Tyra!"

Suddenly, Vincent spoke up. "It's useless. Jace is out of the question. He is completely on Schliemann's side now. Jace isn't driven by morals, he's driven by fun."

Justin feels kind of sad with how Vincent is speaking now. Monotonous. Sad. Discouraged. Given up. it really is as if he had enough with the kind world as he always believed to be.

"We still have him, right?" Justin says. "Or has he completely sided with the enemy?"

"If Xavier doesn't bring back Tyler, Jax and Tyra alive..." Vincent's aura turned darker than Justin himself. "I'm killing him myself."

Just then, Ryland came back with a heavy creak of the door, removing his coat as if he just went for a light walk. Justin stood up concerned with the heavy amounts of blood on Ryland's suit.

"Ryland, what the hell?!"

"It's not mine," the perfectly flat and monotoned voice rang out from a stoic Ryland who looks as empty as always.

"How many did you kill?!"

"Zero," Ryland answered. "They're still alive somewhere. With fork stabs."

Justin sighed in relief. "Stop trying to be Jack the Ripper! Jeffrey Dahmer is cleaner so go be like him!"

Frustrated, Justin Levough twirled a pen in his fingers, thinking deeply about their next move. No surprise, it is a game to him. "Is Suckerpunch safe, Jason?"

"I'm not even gonna tell you his location," Jason answered. "But he's in an Disneyland."

"Okay," Justin rubs his temples, relieved that his precious Kei is so safe that only Jason and the youngest Levough know where he is. "We baked for Serafini Levough... we baked for Aldrynon Wyner..."

Vincent did not flinch at the mention of his step-father. Ryland's heart clenched at the thought of his own mother... yet he let Justin continue,

"...now let's give a big wedding cake to Victor Strauss. Whether or not Jace takes a bite is a whole 'nother thing. Get it, Jason?"

Jason can't complain. He has devoted himself to the Marauders and without doubt, it contains a sacrifice. He loves his twin brother. He loves Jace. But if he's in the way... Jason can't do anything about that.

"Yes, Justin." His eyes stung with tears, but he held it in.

"Vincent," Justin calls out to his brother, in which the distraught man looked up with cold, unforgiving eyes. Victor, Xavier, Jace... Vincent has taken care of each of them, like brothers, but he will not hesitate to change his morale. Deep inside, he still grew up in the ruthless mafia family. Justin says, "I'll give you the honors."

moments passed

IN ALPHA ZHI

They were in the middle of a heated kiss, full of desire and longing. Xavier is seated in the comfort of the sofa, while Tyler is straddling his waist. Tyler was lost in his desire to seduce and bring Xavier back to him. He is ready to feel him in again, after all those years. He wants Xavier, he needs him...

Tyler placed Xavier's rock hard shaft against his loosened entrance. After spending a whole bottle of lube, there was no need to be afraid of... right?

"A-ahh..." Tyler tried muting his embarrassing sounds but it was no use; even the head is ridiculously hard to handle despite being stretched. The weirdness sof having something intrude still bothers Tyler.

"We can stop—"

"No," Tyler stubbornly hit Xavier's shoulders. "We're doing this. I've missed this... I've wanted this... I've missed you... s-so much..."

Inch by inch, Tyler sank down to take Xavier in. He struggles, but damn, it feels too good. Xavier leaned in to feast on his sensitive nipples, making Tyler moan his name out.

"Fúck, do that again... " he said as he continued to tease and worship the perky buds.

"Xa... Xavier...!" Tyler yelped when he finally got all of Xavier inside of him. He arches his back, the head of X's cóck nudging the deeper parts without thrusting yet.

"Shít... Ty... so tight... fúck," Xavier groaned out, unable to prevent himself from being crazy all over the freckled boy again. All these spots... so gorgeous against his skin.

"Mmnn..." Tyler started moving on his own, whimpering at the strange feeling that he hasn't felt in years. Xavier finds this hot... Tyler is looking sexier with his flustered and pained expression. Behind those winced was the bud of pleasure; he can hear it in his voice.

"Ohhh..." Tyler kept a rhythm, and it felt so good having Xavier rubbing inside of him like this. It's embarrassing, he's totally being a disgrace to his own dignity; but Tyler couldn't care less. He wants this.

"X-Xavier!" The man started to meet his thrusts, their hips colliding with each other making Tyler almost go crazy for how terribly good it felt.

Xavier then weaved his hand through the lengthy hair, then pulling it backwards to stretch out Tyler's throat. He can't help but lick it from collarbone to jaw. This made Tyler even more sensitive and he started to sound more pleasures than pain.

Xavier didn't stop; as his partner went crazy for what he feels in his abdomen, X worshipped him by all the lovebirds he left and the touches of fire he trailed over. He gripped a handful of Tyler's áss, pulling the two cheeks apart to possibly hit deeper.

"Xavier! Ohhnn, mmmnn!" Tyler threw his head back and pressed himself further into Xavier, his hips having to will to stop. They moves provocatively, almost expertly, hitting the prostate each time.

Shít, I love you so fúcking much... Xavier held Tyler close to him as he thrusts more rapidly, sharply; claimin the boy as his once again. the room was filled with their moans, most specifically Tyler's. I always have. Never... never again will I leave you... Xavier started to pump Ty's member in sync with their speed.

"Xav..." Tyler's whimpers when he feels a pleasure coiling in his abdomen, "It's...it's embarrass...ssing... I'm...gonna cú— cú!"

Xavier's hand tightened. "Come on baby, me too..."

He then pushed Tyler to the sofa's seat and proceeded to pound into him mercilessly, to which the boy loved.

"Ahh, fúck! Too fast...—! Too--fa...fast!" Tyler yelled out, "Xav....!"

He spurted his first batch of ejaculation, followed by another, all which landed on his stomach. Xavier's thrust became sloppy, and Tyler can feel his cóck release its seed right inside of him. Yet Xavier didn't stop thrusting, as he completely milks himself inside Tyler.

"Fúck," he breathed out. "Ty..."

Tyler only pulled him in for a kiss, now crying big, fat tears. "You are Xavier. I love you. I love you so much. I'm telling you now... I've always loved you."

Those words... Xavier hasn't heard those words from him before. His heart leaped, enveloping Tyler in a hug.

They almost forgot where they were. Moreover, Xavier almost completely forgot his purpose. Will he give it up for Tyler? Nonetheless, Ty is happy that this indeed is his Xavier... he would've died if it weren't.

"Xavier..." The happy eyes that decorated Tyler's eyes earlier disappeared, and is now filled with serious concern. "What are you doing with Schliemann? Why are we inside a rival fraternity?"

Once upon a time,

—three legendary Mafias overrule the authorities of the world. The Shinji, the Schliemann, and the Levough. The Shinji Yakuza peacefully governs over all of Asia. The Levough takes up North and South Americas as well as France and Italy. The Schliemann territory stretches up to the Slavic countries, England, and all of Africa. Yet the upon Adolf Hitler's rule, the Schliemann mercilessly took over Europe and the Americas. The Mafia participated in the extermination of everyone and anyone.

When the Levough fought back as Germany abused their Mother Country of Italy, the rivalry began. The two Mafias fought behind the scene to reclaim some unclaimed parts of Europe. Europe itself hated Schliemann for their association with the Nazis, and because of this, the Levough claimed what was once Schliemann's continent.

The war over European territory is still ongoing, until the generation of Justin Levough and Victor Strauss. Two of the most richest and powerful men, the recent descendants of the Mafia war.

The Wyner family and their influence from WYN Industries fell in between. It was an Italian company, but Schliemann had once owned it during Hitler's rule. Now, whoever takes over WYN Industries definitely takes the crown for the European territory. That is why Justin Levough made Ryland the CEO. That is why they went through tough measures to own WYN Industries. The man is devoted to staying by his side and with Ryland owning WYN, the Levough will win.

But not quite yet. Ryland is only the CEO. According to Aldrynon Wyner's will, "the eldest" will take over. Tyler is the rightful owner of WYN Industries because he is the eldest of the Wyner Family. Or is he? There was no mention of Tyler specifically. It was merely "the eldest".

Once upon a previous timeline, Victor Strauss came to America to pursue someone. He was here to find Jax Tyrone by his Grandfather's orders, but the boy was kicked out of Carvalle in Middle school. Victor didn't know where he was.

But someone who stuck up with Jax did, and that is Jace Ford. The best friend of his target; the somewhat guardian of Jax. The twin of the Marauder, Jason Ford. The top student of his grade; the heartthrob. Victor only seduced him to learn about Jax. But by the time he found Jax Tyrone, he unexpectedly fell madly in love with Jace. It was a shift in his universe, but Victor went with it.

Trust is better than force. If Jax Tyrone trusted his best friend, then Victor can get the boy easily if Jace stays as his lover. It's a double win, since Victor himself cannot live without Jace Ford. Finally, he took over his Grandfather's Mafia, the Schliemann. Jace also went to live with him in Germany. This was the time where Justin Levough and Victor Strauss went head-on with each other, even behind the scenes.

Unfortunately, WYN Industries CEO Ryland hid Jax Tyrone in his own home and security. Victor has allowed Jace to go back to America and take him, but the loyal friend did not do it. He was sly and cunning and just wants to piss Victor off. He can't be pissed; he knew Jace Ford does what he wants and not what he's told to do.

The Marauders have protected Jax over the years. Vincent was tasked to protect Tyler. They thought Victor wouldn't make a move on Vincent because he was under his care during his "fraternity years". Fair enough, no move was made to hurt Vincent.

Speaking of, during Victor Strauss' high school years spent in the Kappa Aegis Fraternity when Justin Levough was President; he became terribly close to Xavier de Vera. They were practically inseparable. Victor even wanted to give Xavier Alpha Zhi as a gift; a fraternity of his own to get out of Justin's skin.

Xavier denied it, but Justin wanted him to be President of Alpha Zhi. He has to, in order to remain loyal in Victor's eyes. So when Victor left Kappa Aegis and went to Germany, Xavier left kappa as well to secure his title as Alpha Zhi President.

Xavier left Kappa Aegis and went to Alpha Zhi by the time of Vincent's Presidency. He has to be loyal to Victor Strauss, by Justin's orders. Xavier de Vera unintentionally is in between the two sides.

Victor had told him to keep an eye on Tyler. He has to be the one to bring Tyler Wyner to the Schliemann Mafia boss. But he loves Tyler; he fell madly in love. He can't bring himself to let Tyler watch his betrayal. But Xavier did betray him. He told the Schliemann Mafia where Tyler was at the day of his kidnapping five years ago.

When Schliemann gangs went to kidnap Tyler, Xavier changed his mind and secretly betrayed Victor Strauss. He rescued Tyler and shot the mafia men. But Justin Levough didn't want Xavier betraying the Schliemann. He wants him to keep an eye on the German mafia. Xavier has to choose, Xavier had to sacrifice. If he stays in the Levough mafia, there would be no saving Tyler if Schliemann gets to him. Xavier has to sacrifice.

The new generation of Mafia wars began. And it always had been going on ever since Xavier 'died'. This is Justin Levough's apocalypse, made only to protect the ones the Marauders loved. Especially to the one he loves.

But all hell went loose when both Tyler Wyner and Jax Tyrone were taken. Tyler being the heir of Aldrynon Wyner is understandable why Schliemann took him, but why Jax?

Why is Victor initially after Jax? "Because you are brothers," Xavier answered after a lengthy explanation.

The world stopped for Tyler. How? Why? How are they, brothers? Tyler only spoke to Jax for the first time, why Jax?

"I don't believe you..." Tyler shifted in the bed, his body protected by a dress shirt and some boxers. He clutched the duvet with trembling hands as his vision distorted because of overwhelming stress. "I don't believe you!"

Xavier feels just as distressed as Tyler is. "Jax and Tyra are orphans, they grew up in the orphanage, but they don't share the same father. Jax is born from your father, Tyler. You are biological brothers."

"Xavier, please! Don't lie to me! Don't tell me I have a brother and a sister that was left to starve—"

"You have. Your father sent them to live in the orphanage."

"MY DAD KNEW?!" Tyler cried. He is so tired of crying, but he can't help it. He's on the verge of exhaustion. What kind of monster....? "MY DAD KNEW HE HAD CHILDREN AND HE LEFT THEM IN THE ORPHANAGE?!"

Hell is empty, all the demons are literally my family, Tyler's heart ached at the revelation. "Why... why abandon a little girl like her?" Tyler cursed his own father. "Why didn't he just take Jax with him?"

"Because if he took Jax, all the hard work you went through to become CEO of the company would go down the drain," Xavier answered. "Jax is the eldest. The company would be given to him."

"I'll give Jax the company! I didn't care about the damn company!"

"Your father did. All the progress would be lost if he tried to train Jax the same way he did to you. And besides, your father did not really care about his own children," Xavier sadly stated. "But Ryland cared at least. He brought Jax back. But he kept it a secret since... the whole Mafia wars... they're after the real heir of WYN Industries."

Tyler shook his head. "What are they going to do with Jax now that they have the real heir?"

Suddenly, someone opened the door of the bedroom. Tyra clasped her hands exclaiming, "Oh look! Tyler is handsome now!"

Tyler saw Jax by the doorway carrying little Theresa. They walked inside with a familiar person behind them carefully shutting the door. Tyra hopped out of Jax's arms and used her chubby legs to run to Tyler, to which he immediately pulled her close to him.

They’re my siblings... Tyler can't help but hug the little girl, and Jax lets him. Tyler then looked at the person who accompanied Jax, and he can't help but scowl at him. "Jace Ford."

The man smiled, though sadly. "In...! The flesh," he sighed, almost as if he wants to keep his grandiose attitude but he's not in the mood for it. Then he gave a sad grin, "Jax knows. I told him."

Jax had tears in his eyes, and Tyler never looked so guilty. He was living a lavish life while his siblings stayed in an orphanage? The two brothers hugged it out, while Jace gave Xavier a look.

"If only I had known, Jax... if only I had known, you wouldn't even be going through a terrible life," Tyler sobbed. It's different now, embracing someone that he knows to be family. And for once, Tyler finally has a family whose innocence and goodness exist within them.

"It's not your fault," Jax mumbled against Tyler's shirt. "I'm just so happy right now... at least we have you with us..."

"Hahh, I'm jealous!" Jace pouted, throwing his hands to his head and spinning around the room.

Xavier stood up to leave the siblings for their reunion, and he smirked at Jace. "What, can't handle your Best friend having another loyal brother that 'didn't betray him'?"

"Ouch," Jace flinched playfully. Then his demeanor changed and he seemed sadder than usual. "No... it's just... reminds me of my own brother."

Jace looks disheartened, and he sighed. "Jason hates me, doesn't he."

"So much," Xavier placed a hand on his shoulder. "You really do care about him."

It was then Jace went back to his original personality; a mask of his true feelings. "Psh, me? I care about my limp díck more than I care about that príck—get 'cho hands off of me!"

Xavier only chuckled at the sassy Jace Ford. "Where's Victor?" His tone turned serious.

"He's coming," Jace answered, almost disappointed at his own answer but his face morphed into that of a sly fox. "You know he can't stay away from this glorious áss. It's either shoots or stab, and I'm all in."

"You don't make sense," Xavier scoffed, walking away from the peaceful scene.

"So is God, therefore I am God," Jace walked out with him. When they closed the door to leave the siblings alone, Jace's eyes pricked from tears. "Unfortunately, God can't do anything if someone hates him."

Jace truly loves his brother. Xavier thought, but he knew the egotistical díck wouldn't admit it.

"Halo," says a person from behind them a couple of minutes later. Both of them turned around to find Tag with a really, really uncomfortable expression. "The Boss is here and he wants us to take off for the helipad."

This made Jace sigh. "Will it be useless to ask my best friend and brother for forgiveness?"

"Not useless," Xavier whispered, as he opened the door to escort the three prisoners out. "Just too late."

AT THE HELICOPTER LANDING PAD

When Jace approached Victor Strauss, he wrapped his arms around his neck and greeted him with a hungry kiss. Who cares if the Schliemann mafia men are watching? Upon pulling away, he can't help but be torn between the people he grew up with and the sexiest man he's currently married to.

Victor himself looks dashing in a pure black suit and his signature black glasses. Jace had forced him to have a blue streak in his black hair since it's his favorite color. Way taller than Jace himself, his aura screams authority and power.

"Nice suit," Jace smirked. "Doesn't suit you. It's better if you're naked."

"Nice try," Victor is all too used to his seduction techniques and he squeezed his waist in an act of possession.

"You better keep your promise, my love~" Jace gave him a sick sweetly fake smile. He intimately pulled Victor, but his tone turned serious and threatening, "If you hurt them, I will murder you during sèx."

Despite threatening the Schliemann mafia boss with assassination, Jace still managed to look sexier and provocative in his eyes. "I am looking forward to it, Vitya."

Jax, Tyler, and Tyra were escorted out of the building's rooftop staircase by Xavier and Tag. Xavier was securing the two adults while Tag stood by with an AK-45.

Jax's eyes met his best friend, and a flash of guilt appeared in Jace's witty eyes. But they were gone, since he had to keep the illusion. It breaks Jace's heart; betraying his best friend like this. But he has no choice, since he chose Victor. Both of them watched as Xavier and Tag safely brought the Wyners to the helicopter pad.

"You'll be okay, I'll make sure of it..." Tyler whispered to his siblings as they were escorted out.

"I'm scared," Tyra whimpered, being intimidated by the Germans that are waiting by the helicopter they are being escorted to. "Where's Daddy?"

"Ryland is not coming," Jax muttered.

"No, I want Daddy," Tyra started to cry, in which Jax cannot even console her because he himself is too hopeless.

Tyler glanced at Xavier, almost begging him to be the hero he told him to be. But as Jax and Tyra were pushed inside the car, he concluded Xavier truly is lost in the Schliemann. With that, the German Mafia would win. With the three of them in their possession, WYN Industries is owned by Schliemann. They would win.

But before Tyler himself got into the helicopter, the whole building shook, and with it flew the broken debris from an explosion happening at one side of the building.

●•●•▣●••▣▣▣●•●▣●••▣●●•●●●•

A loud booming sound broke out, and fire flew all over the place. Everyone was knocked out of their feet; Jax and Tyra got pushed deeper into the shaking copter. A Bomb.

Victor covered Jace from the impacts of the blown-up side of the building, pushing the both of them to the ground because of the impact.

Suddenly, drivers of the helicopter were sniped to their heads, making Tyra scream at the sudden blood that splashed on the window. "AAAAAHHHHH!"

Victor looked at Jace and found him passed out on the ground with a cut on his temple, probably hit with a debris. "Fúck," he signaled his men to take care of an unconscious Jace before pulling out his own gun and pushing himself up.

"Boss!" A couple of men surrounded Victor and Jace as they confirmed this was an ambush.

"Get on guard. They're here." Victor commanded.

Tag was unconscious because of the blast, throwing him on the copter and hitting his head on one of the footrests, so Tyler took his chance to snatch Tag's large gun and shoot the bodyguards who ran towards them.

"Xavier!" Tyler called out, despite not seeing anything because of the smoke all over the place. He doesn't know what's going on, nor does he care, but he's not gonna leave himself defenseless.

Jax called out from inside the helicopter with a crying sister. "Tyler!"

Before Tyler can pull them out himself, a gun is pointed at his temple. A German bodyguard had pulled Jax and Tyra out of the car and held them at gunpoint.

The reason was because they can no longer leave. The Italian Mafia had surrounded the building. The Marauders himself faced Victor Strauss in the middle of the helicopter pad.

Tyra kept crying while Jax trembled. Tyler feels as if his heart was going to jump out from the tension between the two parties. This was it. The Levough versus the Schliemann.

Vincent. Justin. Jason. Ryland. And surprisingly, Xavier stayed beside Tyler. All of them stood calm as if nothing serious is happening. Vincent even looked angry for once, and Tyler has never seen the man angry ever. All of them were in casual attire, apart from Ryland who wore a formal dress shirt.

"Victor, old friend. Had fun súcking on Granddaddy Schliemann's díck?" Justin smirked.

"How about you tell me. How'd your dead father's díck feel inside you?" Victor Strauss replied, his tone as powerful and matured as ever. Almost nothing had changed with how he presented himself.

"Speaking of," Justin smiles, "Why are we continuing the fight our predecessors started? How about we just leave the territory alone? We're rich enough without it."

Victor replied, "I wish, Levough. But I have people to protect. I have business to do. You were the one who started your move with WYN Industries. I was trying to protect my own territory."

"And you think we're not protecting anybody?" Vincent stepped out, almost looking like he has tears in his eyes. "Victor, I know you're not like this. I know you."

"Do you really, Vincent?" Victor asks with a dead look on his face. "You can't just expect a person to be kind just because you're being kind to them."

"I didn't expect you to be a good person. I just want you to at least be human!" Vincent cried, getting closer and closer. "You didn't have to take them! And I also mean Xavier and Jace!"

"Jace is with me by his own will," says Victor. His own men are alert because Vincent is too confident in getting closer to their boss.

"Let's end this. Both Levough and Schliemann will stay away from those European countries. Don't be the villain, Victor—"

All of a sudden, Vincent was sniped in the shoulder by someone in another building. Even Victor seemed shocked at the sudden attack, but it was too late. Vincent dropped to the ground painfully.

"Vince!" Justin's demeanor turned furious and demonic.

Suddenly, the Levough men were shot by Schliemann's bodyguards and they retaliated. The guards that surrounded Tyler were also shot by the Levough. Xavier cursed as a shootout began.

"Take cover!" He yelled out as he pushed Jax, Tyra, and Tyler around the helicopter to take cover on the other side. The copter's not bulletproof, so it's not safe to hide inside.

Gunshots rang about as Xavier tried protecting them. He tries his best to cover Tyra's ears because the poor girl is crying terribly.

"Jax, I want Daddy!" She cries.

"Daddy's busy right now... shhh, Tyra... calm down..."

Tyler was restless and he didn't want to stay on their cover. "V-Vincent... he was... oh my God, is he okay?"

Xavier peeks over to see Ryland carrying Vincent's unconscious body to safety. Jason was shooting his way towards the helicopter. "It's just the shoulder. Unless he loses a lot of blood, Vincent will be okay."

"It's my fault... it's my fault... Vincent's hurt... oh my God, Vincent's hurt..." Tyler can't help but sob against Xavier. "If... if only I'd just... just die—"

Xavier shut him up with a kiss. "Don't say that baby, please... not when I'm alive. Not even you still have a brother and sister to take care of."

Xavier was right. Jax and Tyra still need him. They have to survive. Vincent's okay, right? He has to be. They need to be. Tyler can't handle losing someone like he lost Xavier once.

"Hey! Imbeciles!" Jason was on the tail of the helicopter shooting down people. "You waiting for a cake to be served?! Let's go!"

The gunshots were lessening, as the fight grew faint. Or maybe... Tyler saw a lot of dead bodies when they were pulled outside of the helicopter. He can't help it, his stomach churned, and while Jax and Tyra ran to the doors, he bent over and puked his guts out.

"Shít," Xavier cursed, going back to accompany Tyler. "Jason, take them somewhere safe! I'll handle Tyler!"

Jason himself cursed as he was left no choice but to leave the two in front of the helicopter pad. Jax saw Ryland putting pressure in Vincent's would as Justin suffered a shot in the leg.

Victor stood in front of the Levough Boss, holding his white gun with a black silencer. He too was bloody in one arm. "I can stop this if I can, Justin... but unlike you, I haven't killed the previous Schliemann Mafia Boss. He expects me to win, and I can't afford to lose. I don't expect you to understand, Levough."

"Bastard... you shot my brother..." Justin was breathless, his leg is numb, and his mind is spinning from the loss of blood. "I can do you a favor and bury you with the previous Schliemann Mafia Boss."

I didn't carry out the order to shoot Vincent... Victor wanted to say, but bit his tongue. He raised his gun at Justin Levough thinking, It's better if he dies hating me. "Justin Levough... thank you so much for forcing me to join Kappa Aegis years ago. I wouldn't have met Jace."

"And you shouldn't have," a furious Ryland Wyner pointed his own handgun to Victor. His stoic demeanor disappeared as he looked visibly angry. He wants to poke a hole in Victor's head so bad and fill it with candy...

"Oh yeah, I shouldn't have taken Jax." Victor gave Ryland a mere side glance as he kept targetting his gun at Justin. "But you can thank me for not raping him and chaining him inside houses, Ryland."

Ryland clicked the barrel.

Moments earlier, Jason had successfully escorted Jax and Tyra safe to the rooftop doors. "It's okay now--"

"TYLER! Get Tyler! We can't leave Tyler!" Jax cried out.

"He'll be okay!" Jason yelled out. Surely enough, Xavier was carrying a sick and dizzied Tyler towards them. "We have to go—"

"Daddy!" Unfortunately during Jax's reluctance, Tyra hopped out his arms and ran towards Ryland.

Jax's world stopped as the little girl crossed between Justin and Victor. He definitely lost focus Tyra got in between them, on time of Victor pulling the trigger.

"TYRA!"

Bang, goes Victor's gun. The gunshot, though accompanied by a silencer, was deafening in everyone's ears. Jax held his breath, as he can no longer support his own weight. He fell down in shock.

Nobody knows if they would be relieved or shocked that instead of Tyra, it was Jason Ford on the ground in front of Justin in a pool of his own blood. Tyra ran safely into Ryland's arms after being shielded by Jason, leading to his shot.

Xavier's vision darkened as his heart felt like it was squeezed mercilessly. That was his best friend. That was Justin, Ryland, and Xavier's best friend. That was a Marauder; a Marauder with a hole on his head.

For the rarest time of all, Justin had tears streaming down his eyes. Not only did Jason save Tyra, but he also saved him. The Marauders' hearts broke.

"D-Daddy... why is everyone sad...?" Tyra whispered to Ryland.

With gritted teeth, Ryland answers, "Because someone's going to hell, Tyra." To which the man only stood up and covered her eyes, pointing a gun at Victor and ready to shoot.

If not for Jace Ford appearing in the scene, his temple bleeding from the blast. He is also holding a gun. "No, Ryland. This is enough."

Everyone fell silent hearing how Jace's voice cracked. The almighty sociopath, void of empathy and remorse... silently crying at the sight of his dead twin brother. His breathing was entirely erratic as he weakly walked towards where Jason is. He saw the lifeless open blue eyes of his brother, he saw the blood coming from the bullet wound on his head.

Then he turned to Victor with pure hatred in his eyes. Yet also, it also contains hurt, betrayal, almost as if asking his husband, why? Jace took weak steps toward the man he loves.

"You said you weren't gonna hurt anyone." Jace's voice cracked painfully. "You said you were just going to take my Best friend and keep him safe from the Marauders. Victor... look..."

Even the Schliemann mafia boss himself had a tear escape from hearing his lover's pain.

"M-my brother is dead..." Jace sobbed. "Look, Victor. My twin brother is dead."

He suddenly pointed the gun towards his own husband. The gun was visibly shaking, as if the tremors in his hands are caused by pain and hesitation. He didn't want to, but he needs to.

"I deserve it," says Victor, dropping his gun. He cannot stand seeing Jace suffering like this. "Do it, Vitya."

To everyone's surprise, Jace lowered his gun and shook his head. "I can't... I can't, I love you—so, so much... But I want... I just want to hurt you, Victor..." Jace then pointed his own gun at his chest. "And I know how to do just that."

"JACE!" Hearing his best friend's scream and the shocked, pained look on the psychopath's face, Jace pulled the trigger.

Victor fell to his knees as his world crumbled down. Jace fell right beside his brother. He was choking on his own blood, but before his heart can completely stop, he faced Jason and wrapped his hand around his twin's.

"M-Mom's gonna be so mad..." Jace laughed, his chest hurting like hell in every chuckle. Just like Jason, blood also escaped Jace's mouth. "We're gonna be in so much trouble..."

He was laughing despite crying waterfalls. Jace Ford passed away laughing beside the person he was born with. Redemption for betraying Jax, Jason, and everyone he hurt.

Victor wanted to scream. He lost his heart. He lost his world. He can only clutch his chest, feeling his heart go crazy. But before he can express his anger, a smoke grenade was thrown onto the helicopter pad and they were all drowned with smoke for a whole two minutes.

"Justin!" Ryland searched for him, doing his best to cover up Tyra's nose. "Xavier, go and get Justin! I'll get Vincent!"

Xavier, although in despair at the loss of his best friend, carefully pushed Tyler with Jax inside the exit. "Stay here, okay?"

Tyler held Xavier back for a moment. "I'm so sorry."

Despite the pain, Xavier left Tyler a kiss before he went to find Justin in the middle of the smoke.

By the time the smoke cleared out, Victor was gone. In fact, the smoke cleared out because of the helicopter's exit. In his anger, Ryland shot the thing multiple times.

"Ryland!" Justin yelled out. "Leave him be! Revenge won't solve anything!"

"But it will feel so goddamn good—" Ryland was stopped when Jax himself ran into him and wrapped himself around his boyfriend.

"Please... let's go home... Ryland, please..." Jax sobbed against his chest. Ryland did indeed calm down, but instead released his tears while embracing Jax and Tyra.

As they hug it out, Justin patted Xavier in the back. "War's not over. Whatever we do, we have to protect Jax and Tyler." The tough Levough himself can't bring himself to watch the twins dead in the middle of the area. "Jace was already our revenge, anyways."

Nobody said it was easy. It's such a shame for us to part.

two weeks later,

Carvalle High School, their Alumni, had conducted a town-wide memorial for their great loss. It was a grand white-flower memorial as all of the students lighted their own candles in the darkness of the night. Kappa Aegis President Tyler Wyner had led the services, rightfully so.

The day after was the funeral. All of them were in the cemetery, awaiting the burial of two beloved individuals.

JASON FORD, JACE FORD

1996-2022

Ryland, along with Jax and Tyra, were the first ones to step forward and offer their flowers before they are lowered to the ground.

"You were one of the only people I've tolerated, Jason," Ryland said, doing his best to stay in character. Even though while thinking of their childhood together, it emotionally and physically hurts him. "At least... you both came and went together."

Jax on the other hand, completely broke down and cried so loudly that not even pressing himself to Ryland can make it any quieter.

"Can we keep him?" He hears Jace's first words he heard way back in kindergarten. His childhood friend... a brother...

"Shh, baby..." Ryland kissed him on the head.

"He was..." Jax sobbed. "The first person to ever show me kindness... he was my best friend... he is my best friend... he wanted to k-keep me... he was the only person back then who wanted--wanted me to live..."

It broke Ryland's heart. Tyra, in her white princess dress, patted her brother on the head. "Don't cry Jax, or I'll cry too..."

When Vincent stepped forwards with his cast, Tyler went with him. they both stared at the late siblings with so much love, and guilt. Vincent Levough stated, "Jace never once said he loves his brother. What hurts is that... Jason never got to see how Jace really loves him."

"I feel so numb, Vincent..." Tyler says. "But despite the numbness, it still hurt. We lost them because... because... "

"No matter who's at fault, and we know it's not yours, they sacrificed themselves for something. Jason did it to save little Theresa... Jace did it to save all of us."

It was true, since Victor could have finished off Justin and Ryland. He bought enough time for Victor to escape, but at least Victor escaped without anyone else dying.

It still hurts, Tyler thought. Vincent left with a sad smile. Tyler remained, but then Xavier stood by his side.

"Hey buddy," Xavier greeted Jason with a failed attempt of sounding happy. His voice was still huddled with pain, "I have... something special for you. You too, Tyler."

"What?" Tyler looked at where Xavier pulled out a little black pencil. It was an eyeliner. The same black pencil during Xavier's emo years.

"I want to bury this... so Tyler and I can start over. We won't forget the bullying, but well leave it behind us." Xavier sighed, throwing the pencil along with the flowers. "Thanks for giving that to me during middle school, Jason. You have been the closest to me."

Tyler leaned his head on his boyfriend's shoulders. He can't say they're truly happy, with this tragedy going on. Nonetheless, Tyler is still pretty thankful he and Xavier are together.

a month later

KAPPA AEGIS

Tyler woke up in the fraternity's Master Bedroom, naked and aching. The sun shone on his freckled skin, and it illuminated the bruises of passion in his hips. Fúcking prick...

Just then, Xavier de Vera entered the room in nothing but pajama pants. "Good morning, Kappa aegis President Tyler. Your loyal servant is here."

"Well Alpha Zhi President Xavier, you don't even belong here yet you leave ugly marks on me?" Tyler pointedly looked at his hips. That muscular body will not be enough for Tyler to forgive him for that rough fúcking last night.

"Don't give me that look," Xavier hopped in the bed, kissing Tyler on the neck to which the boy just pushed him away. "You were the one screaming 'harder!' 'Oh X, harder!'"

Tyler blushed a bright red down to his neck. "Shut up!" He took a pillow and pushed it against Xavier's face, straddling him in the process of smothering.

"Oh come on, I just got back to life and now you're killing me?" Tyler took the pillow off, finding Xavier in total cóckery and bliss. "It's so good to be home."

"We're in Kappa Aegis."

"You're my home," he took Tyler's hand and kissed the knuckles.

Xavier then pulled Tyler in for a heated kiss, and they knew that there would be additional bruises for the next hour. There was no one else in the world but them at the moment.

THE END—DDDUUUDUSCCCCVuyvyuvyuvYVUYV

We interrupt this program for some breaking news.

"Breaking news: Local cemetery raided in the middle of the night. Grave robbers have stolen the recently buried body around midnight. The police are now investigating the dreadful scene."

THE END