Everything was happening so fast.

I screamed out in protest when my brother's fist made contact with Nixon's face. Tears blurred my vision as I felt myself go into panic mode. I don't remember seeing my dad walking by me but he was suddenly out front, peeling my brother off of my boyfriend and there were multiple voices shouting loudly which made me flinch. At the same time, Jake's arms found their way around me trying to shield me away from what was going on.

"Come on Mar, you don't wanna see this."

I hastily tried to push him away and step around him. I knew I was an emotional mess but I didn't care one bit, the only thing on my mind was Nixon.

Through my blurred vision I finally saw him hastily stand up with blood at the side of his mouth. His whole demeanor was seething with anger. My gaze tore away from his direction as soon as my dad let Aiden go, who was also dripping with anger and was muttering profanities under his breath as he made his way back into the house, my dad following behind him. He had a massive frown on his face and sighed deeply as if he couldn't believe what just happened.

Neither one of them glanced my way.

Totally ignoring that my big brother was stood next to me I immediately ran towards Nixon. He was stood like a statue where I could see that he was fighting his anger, his eyes two shades darker than normal. A few months ago I would have been frightened to be anywhere near him but in this moment, fear was the last thing on my mind. My arms automatically flung around his body as I cried silently against his shirt. This seemed to snap him out of his stance as his fists unclenched and his arms were around me.

"Oh my god Nixon are you okay? I'm so sorry," My voice was muffled against his chest and I ended up sobbing. He pushed me backwards gently to get a hold of my face and wipe my tears away. His eyes had softened but his expression was pained. I'm not sure whether it was because of me or because of my brother.

"Shh it's okay baby, I'm okay. We expected this right? He barely even got me." He had a hint of a smirk at that last part. If I wasn't so upset right now I would have rolled my eyes and punched him in the arm. He wasn't wrong though, there was only a small trickle of blood on the side of his mouth. We all got lucky that my dad had stepped in before any more punches. So instead I settled with a, "Shut up stupid,"

I hugged him again tightly, pressing my face into his chest and Nixon laughed which felt so good to hear. It was then that I knew he was okay.

Somebody clearing their throat behind us made me jump up in surprise and I stepped away from Nixon like my fingers had touched a hot plate. Of course, my boyfriend didn't seem fazed.

My cheeks heated up in embarrassment as we were face to face with Jake. I had totally forgotten that he was still at the doorway and must have witnessed the whole thing. Feeling dread of how he'd react, considering Aiden's actions, was an understatement. I held my breath as he stepped outside the door to where we were.

He seemed to be studying us for a few moments with a curious gaze. I had no idea what was going on in his head but it mustn't have been a bad thing as Jake held out his hand towards Nixon with a smile on his face. They shook hands and I let out a sigh of relief.

"Hey it's Nixon right? I'm Jake. It's nice to meet you kid. Excuse our hothead of a brother. I'm sorry it wasn't with the welcome you deserved. You and Aiden must clearly know each other," He said raising his eyebrows questioningly.

Of course Aiden wouldn't have just hit a stranger the way he did, my brother wasn't stupid to not put the pieces together and it would only be a matter of time when my dad figures it out too. I just hoped that Aiden doesn't tell him about the drugs.

Nixon had a warm genuine smile on his face which made my heart melt. "It's nice to meet you too, Mara's told me a lot about you Jake. We're both at school together so he must have recognized me," His little white lie was said so smoothly but I didn't expect anything less. Jake obviously believed him as he nodded in return.

"Well I hope Mar's only told you the good things. You guys should come on inside we can have a proper introduction,"

"Wait Jake," I stopped him, my voice sounding a little hoarse from the crying earlier. "Are you sure that it's a good idea?" There was a slight tremble in my voice and I held onto Nixon's hand for comfort.

"Yeah don't worry Dad's got it under control,"

My big brother's warm smile was everything.

****

The three of us found ourselves situated in one of our living rooms.

I was so glad that Jake invited Nixon into the house as I was very happily distracted at witnessing my boyfriend and my big brother getting on like a house on fire.

Once we got in, I showed Nixon the bathroom for him to get cleaned up and he joined us on the couch. Much to my happiness, it seemed like the boys had quite a bit in common, most notably their passion for working in health care. I didn't miss Jake's face of approval when Nixon mentioned his ambitions to major in pre-med at college. It was hard to get in a word after that but I didn't mind just listening.

Jake excused himself for the bathroom leaving the two of us alone for a few minutes. Nixon immediately grabbed for my hand and gave me a gender kiss on the forehead making sure that I was okay.

"Now this brother I like," He mused flicking my nose.

I smiled swatting his hand away. "I can tell he really likes you Nixon. I'm so happy that he does,"

"You have the same eyes you know. They even crinkle the same way when you both smile. It's really cute," He had a look of adoration on his face as he murmured.

I smiled to myself. "We get it from my dad,"

"Hey sweetheart,"

Speaking of my dad, his voice broke our eye contact and attention to each other. I reluctantly let go of Nixon's hand. Looking over to him, he looked worn out. My dad very rarely looked like this which made me worry about what happened with Aiden.

"I just wanted to apologise to the both of you, especially you Nixon." My dad's eyes were directly pointed over at him. "I didn't expect my son to react the way the did and I won't be condoning his behavior tonight. It's the last time anything like this will ever happen. You're our guest and a part of Mar's life now so you'll always be welcomed here,"

At my dad's heartfelt words, Nixon stood on his feet and went over to my dad to shake his hand, showing his appreciation and saying a thank you.

It slowly dawned on me that my brother had kept his mouth shut which I was so grateful for. I also came to the realization that I had to face my brother and speak to him for myself. Now that I had seen my dad's and Jake's support I had a new found courage and I was ready to fight for my happiness.

"Dad is Aiden upstairs? I think I should go and talk to him," My voice came out soft.

Nixon looked taken aback as if to say 'are you sure about this' and I gave him a slight nod to trust me. My dad nodded in response and told me to call him if Aiden loses his cool. Nixon had a wary look on his face after that but dad reassured him.

Despite his temper and over protectiveness my brother would never intentionally hurt me and that I knew for a fact. But that still didn't ease my nerves as I made my way to his room. Staring at his door I took a few deep breaths and found the courage to knock. My heart felt like it was pounding out of my chest as I waited for the voice on the other side.

"Come in," Aiden's muffled voice was in a clipped tone.

I opened the door to step into the familiar room. He keeps his room tidy, my brother has always been a neat freak which is something I admire about him. He was perched on his couch not really paying attention to the TV playing in the background. His expression was blank when he saw me walk in and his gazed followed my movements as I went to sit beside him, leaving considerable space between us.

Turning to face him he had his arms crossed and his jaw was tense.

"Please say something," I barely whispered looking at my brother with pleading eyes. I placed a hand on his arm but his expression never faltered so I dropped it.

"What the hell are you doing with that bastard Mara?" His deep voice dripped with hatred and I flinched at the use of my full name. The volume at which he spoke was dangerously low and it was obvious that he was trying his best to keep as calm as possible.

"Aiden-"

"Why him? Why couldn't it have been anybody else expect fucking him?" He uncrossed his arms in frustration and leaned forward resting his forearms on his legs.

"He makes me happy," I whispered looking down at my hands.

"He makes you happy?"Aiden scoffed with sarcasm. "Ford is bad fucking news. There is no chance in hell that I'm letting him anywhere near my little sister,"

"It's a bit late for that. And you don't get to make that decision for me Aiden. I don't dictate your relationship. You don't know him like I do, he's been nothing but good to me. You had absolutely no right to punch him like you did,"

"Wake up Mara he isn't this good person that you've deluded yourself into thinking that he is. He fucking deserved that punch. Hell, he deserves a lot more than that." Aiden scoffed, his tone was dripping with pure hatred.

Maybe it was hearing my brother's harsh words towards the man I loved, but something inside me snapped with rage.

"I think that's rich coming from someone who is involved with a gang," I sneered.

As soon as the words left my mouth I was filled with regret. My eyes widened as I watched my brother who had a look of shock on his face. His eyes turned into slits and he balled his hands into fists.

"What did you just say?"

Realising that there was no turning back I replied. "You heard me. He told me everything Aiden," My voice was barely above a whisper.

My brother made me jump in surprise when he started laughing. It sent shivers down my spine as there was no humour in his laugh whatsoever, it was laced with sarcasm and rage. "Well that's great Mar. Your little boyfriend told you everything and now you think you know it all. Did he tell you about his extracurricular activities too?"

There was something the way he spoke that made me think there was more to the bigger picture. I really wanted to ask him about it but I figured that now wasn't the right time. Not finding the words to speak I merely nodded at his question.

"I never took you to be stupid Mara,"

My chest felt heavy. Out of everything that Aiden had said these words hurt me the most. So it was inevitable that a couple of tears escaped my eyes. Looking up at my brother his gaze had softened slightly and he sat up sighing deeply, running a hand through his hair.

"Does he love you?"

My brother's question caught me off guard. His tone was serious, looking dead straight at me I knew he meant it.

My response was automatic. "Yes,"

"I can't believe I'm fucking saying this, but if he's your boyfriend then fine." Aiden sighed. "But I hope it's clear that I will never approve of the bastard. He's managed to get wrapped around dad's little finger but I know that he will never be good enough for you. I'll be watching his every move. And so help me God, if he ever even looks at you the wrong way I will kill him with my bare hands,"

That counts as progress right?

💖