Dewi plays with his temporarily red hair as he looks over at his manager. “Remind me what this one is for.”

“Swimwear.”

Dewi picks up a piece of clothing. It's barely any cloth. “Are you sure it isn't underwear? My contract says I don't do underwear.”

“They assured me that it wasn't. They really wanted you to work with them so I don't know way they'd lie and risk upsetting you.”

“Well, whatever, let them know we'll be charging extra for the misleading job description. If they agree, I'll go through with the job.” His manager is surprised, usually Dewi would quit on the spot for breach of contract, but he goes to pass on his client's demands.

This leaves Dewi alone with only a pile of 'swimsuits’ and his own thoughts. Surprisingly, or maybe not so much, his thoughts go back to earlier. He unconsciously touches his lips. Did Blake just wanted to tease him, or did he really want a kiss? It's not like they've known each other long enough for him to have developed feelings, right? Yeah, he must have wanted to mess with his new roommate. It would have been the same if it had been Satoshi instead.

Dewi doesn't know how his conclusion makes him feel, but decides it doesn't matter. He has a job to do. He starts putting on the first swimsuit since he knows the company will pay the extra money. He's one of the best at his job and those who hire him know it. He is just finishing getting changed when his manager walks in to confirm that the clothing brand agrees to the terms.

“Good, let's get going.” His manager escorts him to the photography set. After greeting the photographer and other staff, the shoot is underway.

It all is pretty standard, with the photographer giving out directions and such. “Raise your arm more.” “Hold that pose, darling.” “Now, give the camera a dreamy smile” “You're doing amazing as usual, sweetheart. Just a few more shots.” By the end, Dewi remembers why his contract specifically states that he doesn't do overly revealing clothes. Without fail, someone in the staff always gets over-friendly with Dewi. I am the model, not your significant other. He hates how superficial people can be, but Dewi has a reputable and calling out the unwanted flirting could ruin it. If he didn't have to worry about the consequences though…. He flips the bird at the outfits he had just finished modeling. Thankfully for his public image, no one witnesses him doing so.

He quickly goes to find his manager so they can leave for another shoot. They have an hour and a half to get to it, but Dewi wants to grab dinner on the way. His manager sees him and looks a little disappointed.

“Why'd you get rid of the red hair?”

“ The next job wanted a brunette, right?”

“But red totally suits you.”

“Shut up, you just want me for my body like everyone else.” Dewi doesn't mean it and his manager knows that. He decides to tease the model a bit.

“Well, it is such an attractive body. Who wouldn't want it.”

“Hey, I'm more than a pretty face…. I just wish I could find someone who sees that.” His manager does feel a little sorry for his client. Every relationship Dewi tries to have ends up with him as little more than arm candy for the other person.

“Don't worry, you'll meet the right person someday. You never know what's around the corner.”

***

Satoshi arrives to a seemingly empty apartment. He has three assignments for classes to work on later, but he figures now would be a good time to 'move in’ while no one's around. He walks back to his car and grabs one of the empty boxes. He carries it into his room. Then he hangs around for a while before repeating the process. After doing this five or six times, he is satisfied that it has been a realistic amount of time that one would use to move in.

What Satoshi is unaware of is the older set of eyes peeking out of one of the other bedrooms, watching the whole time. The eyes’ owner didn't really care, it's his secret to keep. Though how long does Sato think he can hide it from the others? The spying male smiles to himself. Better to not let his presence known right now. Wouldn't want to alarm the quantum physics student on…. what was it… his second day here? The older man quietly closes the door and returns to what he had been doing before hearing the noise.

Satoshi starts putting books on a large shelf in his room and setting things up in general. It would be too suspicious if his room is too sparse. When he's done, his room is picture perfect. Satisfied with the results, he takes out his college assignments and starts working on them.

It is hours later that he hears someone coming in. Satoshi notices that it's past when he had planned on having dinner so he decides to take a break. Walking out, he sees Blake and Luce in the kitchen. Well, more accurately Luce is in the kitchen and Blake is leaning over the counter between the kitchen and living room. They seem to be discussing what to have for dinner. Luce notices Satoshi first.

“Hey, I'm making dinner soon. I can make enough for you if you want to join us.”

“Sure, I guess…. Do you do that alot?”

“Do what?”

“You bought us all pizza last night and are making dinner tonight. Do you plan to be in charge of providing food for everyone from now on?”

“Oh, well, it's kinda a habit. I've got quite the mother hen personality, isn't that right Blake?”

“Yeah, this troublemaker feeds anyone he can. I've rarely missed a meal because of him. And don't get me started on his other mothering habits. I once had a runny nose and he insisted I spend a day in bed, convinced I had a horrible cold. The chicken soup was really good though.”

“Sounds like you two really get along… I wish I had someone like that. I'm an only child but I imagine having a sibling would be like what you guys have.”

“Oo, I could be like your big brother. We could be like one big family. I, the loving eldest brother, Blake the quiet second born, you the nerdy younger brother, and Dewi the-” Dewi suddenly pops his head through the main door.

“Did I just hear my name? I hope it's all good things.” Blake shoots a goofy grin at the new arrival as he responds.

“Just Luce talking about how we're now one big family. He was just about to tell us what role you'll play in his fantasy.”

“Oh, I've never had siblings. I want to be the fashionable brother. I'm too gorgeous to not be the fashionable one. Plus my closet has more clothes than some stores.”

“There's no way you have that much in your closet.” Satoshi voices his disbelief while adjusting his glasses. “No one has that many clothes. Plus I've seen the closet in your room and it's not that big.”

“Alright, you caught me… I couldn't fit all of it in so there's a few piles next to the closet.” There are laughs all around at his guilty confession. The playful atmosphere continues as Luce starts on dinner and the other three go to sit in the living room. Even the presentation of dinner doesn't slow down their lively conversation. Eventually though each of them disappear to their rooms. Blake is the first to slip away, followed shortly by Dewi. Luce eventually starts cleaning up and turns down Satoshi's offer for help. With nothing better to do, Satoshi goes back to his school work.

****

It is late into the night when Lucius cautiously knocks on Blake's door. “Hey, Bro, can I talk with you?”

Blake opens his door to reveal him wearing a black T-shirt and fluffy black and purple PJ pants. “Come in. Is this going to take long? I've got work in the morning.”

“I just wanted to check up on you since I didn't see you drinking your medicine during dinner.”

“I didn't need it. That's a good thing, right?”

“Blake…” The warning is clear in Luce's voice.

“Fine, I double dosed during lunch. I got stressed and just had a second one without thinking. I had some caffeine and spent the rest of the day in my room.”

“If that's all that happened, then I guess I'll let you get to bed. Have a good night.” Just as he's about to walk out, Blake stops him.

“Hey, Luce… thanks for always looking out for me. I know I've caused you problems, but don't let me keep you from your own life. I can manage on my own at least a little.”

“Of course I'd watch out for your well-being, we're family.”

“I mean it. I will be fine so focus on yourself more.” One look at Blake's confident stance and Luce succeeds the discussion to him. If he says he can do this then maybe he knows what he's talking about.

“If you're sure….”

“I am. Good night, Luce.” And with that, Blake closes the door on his brother.

Luce is sure there is something more going on with his brother, but he promised to back off when asked. The number one rule with Blake is no prying. If he refuses to say something, then Luce isn't allowed to press.

He tries to think back to when these guidelines weren't in place. It seems like things have always been like this, but there must have been a before. Suddenly he remembers. Of course, it was right after the incident.

Luce had been young and reckless. He had gotten mad at Blake and hurt him. That is when Luce found out about Blake's condition. Five year old Lucius vowed to protect his brother and to respect his boundaries from that point on. Guilt still wells up in Luce whenever he thinks about what he did to Blake. That one moment probably shaped his whole life and habits.