Is it just me, or do my chapters seem to be growing longer?

Desmond eyed the new young man as he walked in. "Hands down," he was beautiful with long red curls and designer clothing. He had brown eyes. He was beautiful. Desmond watched him talk to the teacher, and when the boy noticed, he smirked and winked. Desmond jolted from his ogling and looked back down at his book. Best not to claim what Ezio would—he couldn't compare. Still, when Salai walked past, he found his eyes trailing on his ass.

"No," he told himself. "Ezio will claim him."

He frowned. It sucked having an older brother who was better at, well, everything. As he walked out of the room for first period, he felt the boy grab the back of his hoodie.

"There is no man who can claim me without permission, signore."

He watched the boy walk off to his first period class, sending a mischievous smirk over his shoulder to him. Desmond felt his stomach clenched, and he turned, scowling, no need for his hopes to get up.

He was disappointed to find that he had no morning classes him. When lunchtime rolled around, he was sitting at his table with Lucy and William—who were discussing something about schoolwork—and Rebecca and Shaun—who were listening to music together and generally being a cute couple. He often felt like the "third wheel." Until Ezio came over with a dramatic gesture.

"Have you seen the new boy."

"Just bone him, stupid prat," Shaun spit. "And don't tell us about it or I will gut you."

Ezio raised an eyebrow before wrapping an arm around Desmond. "I am telling you: I will have him before the day is out. Is he not gorgeous?"

"Whatever," Desmond said, rolling his eyes.

"You may be dense, brother, but I know that you will think he has been graced by the angels."

"Well, cross him off my list if you get to him first. He'll probably catch a disease."

Ezio rolled his eyes. "You all are your happy selves. I am glad to see it."

"We just don't care to hear about how many girls and boys have gotten to play with your wee-wee," Shaun sneered, and Rebecca laughed.

Desmond smirked. "Imagine Altair's reaction when he comes home with him."

Shaun smirked, too. "You must invite me over to see this. Shouldn't you be in class, anyway? You can't afford to kill any more brain cells by skipping classes. Juniors don't have lunch until next period."

Ezio scowled and stalked off. Desmond laughed.

"Is he really that pretty?" Rebecca asked.

Desmond scanned for him and gestured.

"Hot shit! You're sure he's a man? I saw him in the halls and wondered who the new girl was!"

Desmond nodded. "He pretty all right."

"I feel sorry for him if his first boyfriend is Ezio," Rebecca said. "He should hook up with you."

"Me?" Desmond raised an eyebrow. "Why? You've made it clear I'm not bringing anything to a relationship with your wonderful commentary."

"We can't help if you're a idiot," Shaun said.

"I don't know. You're a good guy," Rebecca said. "Stupid, but a good guy. And if he's gay, then you'd be great."

Desmond scowled. "Thanks for your uplifting comments. It's good to know I'm stupid."

"Hey, don't take it that way."

"How should I take it then?"

"Exactly how she said it."

"Why do I hang out with you guys?"

"Because we're the only ones who will talk to you."

Desmond scowled. "Fuck off."

"His intelligence shines through again. Astounding comeback."

Desmond sighed and rose, taking his tray to the trash as the new boy came walking over.

"Careful: it's shark-infested waters over there. Enter at the risk of death," he said, moving to the trashcans and dumping his tray.

He couldn't wait till gym as he shoved his hands in his pockets and stalked out of the cafeteria. He got his books together and went to his next class. The periods dragged by slowly, and when the bell rang for final period, he rushed to the locker room, undoing his backpack and pulling out his gym clothes. He had his pants halfway off before he heard another voice.

"For the last time, I am not interested. Leave me be."

"But, Salai—"

"I have heard of you, even from my first few hours here. I do not want you. Stay away from me, you asinine slut."

Desmond bit his lip to hold back a smile as he saw Ezio walking in, trying to woo the new boy.

He stuffed his pants in his bag and shimmied into the gym shorts. He was falling more and more in love with the new kid every second. He unzipped his hoodie and tugged it off.

"Are you even legal to get a tattoo?"

He looked at the new boy and frowned. "I don't think that concerns you, does it? Besides, your charmer over there's gonna die if you ignore him. And be ready. The seniors in this class are no better."

He tugged off his tee shirt. Ezio was fuming when he glanced at him.

"What?"

He tugged on the gym shirt and walked out. He was muscular, he conceded, but no match for Ezio. Altair was even better. He sighed, tapping the toe of his beaten up sneaker against the tile. Exercises went by quickly, and he could only sigh in relief when the teacher called him out to run while the others played some sort of football match.

"You've got a match this weekend. You're running every fucking day."

He nodded and started around the track. A few others joined him, also from the track team, but he didn't notice them, lost in his own world as his feet hit the ground in a steady beat. It was moments like this he cherished: where no one would tease him, and he was alone. It was only a matter of time before he ran away. He had his train tickets and had enough for motels from various jobs around the community he had found—his most notable being a bartender at a sketchy bar that hired him because he was just a kid and would bring customers. He even had a free motorcycle promised by a drug dealer who didn't want it. He had fixed it up and hid it from his family.

He was getting out of here. He was gonna leave everything behind: Ezio, Shaun, his mediocre grades—everything. He didn't know where he was going, or where he was going to end up, but he would be free at last. No more Altair and his high standards (Desmond had really liked bartending, but he'd never admit it to Altair), no more Ezio and his sex issues (he hated how every time he got a crush on someone, Ezio always swooped in first), and no more Shaun, Rebecca, and Lucy and their teasing (it didn't really bother him too much, but it was starting to effect him). He'd leave behind his brothers and their partners. He'd be free: simply free.

His feet felt like they weren't connected as he flew around the track, getting faster the further he lost himself in his own world. He felt as if he were flying as he ran, and he longed to see the world. He could almost feel himself take off from the ground as the breeze got him in the face. He could almost taste freedom.

And then the whistle blew to end class, and Desmond slowed progressively, making one more lap before he stopped. The coach gestured him over.

"You're a greater runner, Miles. I bet we're gonna take the prize from Angel's View high this year."

He smiled softly: at least one man had faith in him. "Thanks, Mr. Dunigan." If he was still here by the end of the quarter, that was. He planned on running once the weather was slightly warmer. He jogged into the locker room and stretched a bit before stripping to go to the showers. That was the nice thing about taking gym last block: they had time to shower after school, instead of rushing to next period. And Mr. Dunigan didn't mind at all.

He turned the water on and let it soak into his skin. It was searing hot, but he didn't care. He was relaxing under the warm streams of water when he heard the last person he wanted to hear.

"I take it you are walking home today?"

"Yeah, tell Altair I'm showering, since you guys never leave any hot water anyway."

Ezio laughed. "I will. Should I mention how you hate how he and Malik and Kadar fuck in the tub?"

Desmond smirked and looked at his brother. "Yeah. Tell him I hate how he takes so much time making love to those assholes."

"You mean dicks—I can guarantee they are not the assholes."

Desmond laughed: for as much as he could hate his brother sometimes, he could certainly love him. "Yeah, and tell him he should be setting a better example for me."

"Oh! And guess what else?"

He shook his head.

"I got the pink hair dye. We will have the best April Fool's Day yet."

"Did you get the tub to freeze Altair's boxers in?"

Ezio gave him a grin and a thumbs-up before disappearing with a, "You have the greatest pranks, brother." He laughed for a while longer before he relaxed into the shower. Perhaps he wouldn't leave too soon. His older brothers were the best thing he had, and despite Ezio's slutty ways, he had never actually told his brother who he had a crush on.

But dying Malik's hair would be fun, and harassing Kadar in the showers would be even better. However, he was going to get the most fun from freezing Altair's boxers. He squeezed shampoo into his hand and lathered it into his hair, releasing a soft sigh.

"Your brother is a real ass, yes?"

He jumped and spun around—it was too much to ask for a relaxing shower. Salai was sitting there at the edge of the showers, picking at the elastic on his boxers. He cast a side glance at Desmond.

"He does not know when to quit."

Desmond scoffed and turned back around, rinsing the shampoo from his hair. "Try living with him."

"Do you hate him?"

"No… and yes. But that's his job as my brother, I suppose."

"Tell him to stay away from me, or I will knee those precious jewels of his."

Desmond snickered. "Okay."

He turned his attention back to the shower, picking the bar of soap out of the plastic baggie. The warm water was soothing. He heard the new guy leave after a couple of minutes, and he sighed in relief. That boy had been gorgeous, and if he had stuck around for too long, he would've had some problems. He washed down and turned the water off before rubbing down with a towel. He tossed it aside and looked for his clothes—only to find two sizes too small designer jeans and shirt laying where his clothes had been, with a note that said in beautiful handwriting:

"I think you will look much better in my clothes. Besides, you have a very alluring smell, so I am taking them. I will give them back later. 3 Salai, your little devil."

He scowled and did his best to fit into the tiny clothes—and damn, was his crotch ever restricted. He remembered why he wore loose jeans. He tugged on the shirt and walked out awkwardly, trying to get used to such tight clothes. Eventually, he had a walk down and stepped out of the locker room.

"You look absolutely ridiculous."

He looked to see Shaun and Rebecca standing there.

"I dunno. I think he looks hot. I never would've guessed he was that big… or that ripped!"

"He's walking around in women's clothes that are much too small—"

"That damn new kid stole my clothes." He held out the note.

Rebecca howled with laughter after reading it, and Shaun looked horrified.

"Have you considered a restraining order?"

"I'll hire a lawyer tonight, if my dick doesn't fall off first." He wriggled awkwardly in the jeans and scowled as Rebecca kept laughing. "These pants are so fucking tight!"

Rebecca grinned lecherously. "But I bet you get the glances of every girl you walk by, and every guy you pass."

Desmond grabbed his crotch and wiggled again, looking really uncomfortable. "Shaun, do you have any extra clothes?"

Shaun's nose wrinkled at the sight before him. "No, I'm afraid not. Would you like a ride home?"

"No way, is that pity I hear?" Desmond gaped, his hands flying to his mouth.

He heard a giggle, and looked to see two of his classmates whispering with large smiles. He turned away.

"Please, before I humiliate myself further."

"Dessie," Rebecca began as they walked from the gym, "those clothes are far from humiliating."

He flushed when she gave him a thorough eye-fucking.

"Don't listen to her: she's being ridiculous."

"I know what women want. And it isn't you, Shaun."

"Really then? I think your 'hotness' scale must be broken badly if you're still with me. Or did the other men think you were too masculine for them?"

"Haha."

As they passed through the halls, he tried not to meet the eye of anybody. These clothes were so embarrassing. Eventually, a senior girl sidled up to him.

"You know, Ezio has my number if you're looking for a good time. My name's Angela Garrison."

She blew him a kiss and walked off. He was bright red.

"See, Dessie? I told you. You should have more faith in your image."

"Just get me home," he groaned.

As they walked out, he found Salai sitting in his clothes on the hood of Shaun's car, sweater hood up and filing his nails.

"Hey! Asshol—"

"Hey is for horses, but grass is much cheaper, yes?"

Salai was giving him that same devilish smirk as in the hallway.

"Fuck you. Give me back my clothes."

Salai laughed and drew the hoodie up to his nose, inhaling deeply. "Why? They smell good. Will you strip for me in the parking lot?"

"Fuck no! You're crazy!"

He smiled charmingly. "Perhaps. Your clothes are comfortable."

"Yeah. Because they're loose."

He spread out on the car hood, looking vaguely like an actor in one of the porn films they had replaced Kadar's movie selection with last year. Malik had been mortified when he thought his brother was watching porn—but it proved Malik liked chick flicks, and earned Ezio and Desmond each fifty bucks from Altair. Desmond scowled as Salai looked him over. He wiggled in the jeans again, uncomfortable.

"Get off my car, you damn weasel!" Shaun shouted. "And leave Desmond alone before he files sexual harassment!"

Salai slid from the car and waved as he walked off, giving him one last, good look before he snapped a shot on his cell phone. Desmond popped in the car.

"Twenty bucks if you knock his shoes off. Gorgeous or not, run him over."

"Naw, Dessie," Rebecca said as she climbed in the front seat. "I think he'd be good for you. You need to stop being so cynical. He might help."

"I'm going to lose my dick because these pants are so fucking tight. I don't have the right to act grouchy?"

He was sprawled out uncomfortably in the backseat, praying Shaun wouldn't get caught speeding as he tried to get him home: he had just gotten his license. Finally, they pulled up to his house. He popped out and grabbed his backpack.

"Thanks Shaun."

He ran in, looking over his shoulder to wave as he hobbled up to the door. Rebecca gave Shaun a quick kiss on the lips, and he smiled as he waved. Shaun smirked and pulled out, waving once. He opened the door, seeing the kitchen through the thin hallway. He peeked into the living room to his immediate left to see Altair and Kadar lying on the couch, cuddling.

"Kadar?" he asked.

The young man looked at him.

"I need your help. Please."

Altair growled, but Kadar smiled as he turned and hobbled up the stairs to his room. It was small and well fit to his needs. His bed was a twin, and the bookshelf he had was sparse. His closet was relatively empty. It was all good if he was going to run away. Kadar came popping in.

"What can I…"

He turned to see Kadar staring at him, wide-eyed.

"Help me out of these pants."

Kadar closed his mouth and nodded, looking concerned. He walked over as Desmond undid the button and zipper, pulling out his dick and sighing in relief. He grabbed the hem and started squirming, and soon, he and Kadar were locked in a battle of pulling off the pants. Between grunts, kicks, and squirms, he told Kadar what happened. Halfway through, Altair came up and leaned on the doorframe, smirking as he watched the two struggle.

"And," Kadar grunted, "Ezio wants him?"

"Yeah," he kicked the air, "but he wants me," another grunt, "apparently."

"You should play hard to get, make Ezio mad."

He looked at his oldest brother. "I don't that crazy-ass mother fucker in my bed! He'll glue my nuts to my leg to when I break up with him!"

Kadar yelped and tumbled backwards as the pants came off. Desmond grunted when he smacked his head against the wall from the force of the pants coming off. Altair was still smirking. He rubbed the back of his head and scowled.

"Man, that kid is crazy."

"I don't know: maybe let Ezio have him?" Kadar suggested.

"He doesn't want Ezio!"

"This is like those soap operas you made me watch," Kadar said, looking at Altair. "Lots of drama with no resolution."

Desmond pulled off the shirt and threw it on the ground. "I don't… If only he wasn't so pretty." He pulled on a pair of sweatpants. "Thanks, Kadar."

Kadar nodded. "No problem, Desmond."

Ezio peeked in. "What's going on?"

"That new boy at your school stole Des's clothes and left him with his."

Ezio stepped in. His room was getting crowded. His older brother scowled and picked up the clothes. "You fit in these?"

"Hell no. Kadar was helping me take them off."

"You should have seen it," Altair said as he walked down the stairs to greet Malik when the sound of the front door was heard.

Desmond sighed, and Ezio sat by his brother, wrapping an arm around his brother. "Desmond, you must be careful with a nutter like him."

"I know. I'm gonna go out for a run. Get the feeling back in my legs."

Ezio laughed as Kadar ran down the stairs to hug his brother. "I will keep a look out to make sure he is not stalking you."

Desmond nodded. He couldn't wait to get out of this town. He got up stiffly and put on his ratty sneakers. By the time he got downstairs, Ezio had a pair of binoculars in his hands and the phone nearby. He laughed, and Ezio grinned.

He said hello to Malik and walked out: perhaps he'd run to his bike in the woods. There was a sprawling forest behind his subdivision that he hid the bike it. Perhaps he'd even go for a ride. He ran back in, grabbed his license, a muscle tee, cell phone, and some cash, and stuffed them in his backpack. Desmond took to the streets, jogging off with his bag a comfortable weight.

He eventually got off the streets and started down the path in the woods. This led to another, more obscure path, and another, and another, until he arrived at a small locked area. He hopped the fence and padded in, pulling off a camouflage blanket to reveal a clean, new looking, black motorbike. He knelt by it and ran his hands along the seat. He couldn't wait to take her on the road. Desmond found himself smiling as he worshiped his bike: this was his ride out. And then, if he ever had to run again and couldn't bring his bike, he had train tickets specially bought with no date and no specific train so he could hop on the next one. Those had taken a month's pay from the bar, including tips.

He sat on the bike and ran his hands over the handles. He could all ready feel the wind. On the other side of it sat a sleek black helmet. He grinned: he loved druggies—especially when he could rip them off since they were higher than a kite.

After several more minutes, he covered her back up and hopped the fence again, jogging off. He ran into the heart of the city before he heard his cell phone go off. He dug it out and popped it open.

"Idiot, let me talk to him!"

He smiled: it was Malik.

"Desmond!"

"Yeah?"

"Your idiot brother forgot to write chicken on the shopping list. Can you pick some up? It's what we were going to have for dinner."

He laughed. "Yeah, I've got some cash on me."

"See!" he heard yelled. "I told you your brother would have some! Sometimes I wonder if he's the only one who's smart in your family!"

He shook his head. "Yeah, I'll pick some up. What kind?"

"Breasts, if they have any good ones, or thighs."

He nodded. "Got it. See you in half an hour."

"Goodbye."

He heard Malik hang up, and he stuffed his phone back in his backpack, pulling a muscle tee from his bag. Pulling it on, he walked over to the grocery market and entered.

"Hello, Desmond.

He nodded at the cashier. He called himself "La Volpe," and more than once, he had helped Desmond by just being in the right place at the right time. He was going to miss him when he ran away. He walked back to the poultry section and looked for the best chicken he could. He felt a hand on his shoulder and turned to see a man with blonde hair and beard. He had freckles across his cheeks.

"I overheard the cashier's greeting, and I couldn't help but ask. Are you Desmond?"

He nodded, examining the man closely. "Yeah, what of it?"

"I am so sorry on Salai's behalf for stealing your clothes. He's such a troublemaker."

He looked surprised. "Are you his dad?"

"No, I actually adopted him. He was a problem child before, too. I'm so sorry. I'll have your clothes by tomorrow."

He shrugged. "As long as I get them back, I don't care."

"I am so sorry."

He shook his head. "I should've been on the lookout."

"I'll have them for you. I promise."

He nodded. "Okay, that's cool."

He picked out the breast and trotted over to the cashier. As he was rung up, La Volpe said, "The weather will perfect by the end of the month."

"What?"

He looked at the old man, who had a knowing look in his eyes. "La Volpe knows. The weather will be perfect by the end of the month."

Desmond stared at him as he bagged the chicken.

"It is the perfect time to go."

He jolted—he had no idea how he knew his plans. He had been so careful. Nevertheless, he grinned. "I'll keep that in mind."

He took the bag and waved. La Volpe gave him a knowing smirk as he left. He walked home slowly, enjoying the nice spring day. When he walked in the door, walked straight into the kitchen and handed the chicken to Malik, who was in the middle of an argument with Altair. He paid them no mind as he head to the little eating area, and hopped down the small step into the living area. He saw Kadar reading a book and settled beside him, leaning against the man. Kadar smiled and wrapped an arm around his waist.

He settled against the man and yawned. "Have a good run?"

He nodded. "Yeah."

The two were good friends, and Kadar was, at times, the only thing that kept him here. They sat in silence until Malik called them for dinner, and he took his seat at the small dining area. The rest of the day passed without much hassle, and the next day came too soon.

When he sat down for lunch, Lucy looked at him. "Becca told me about yesterday."

Desmond scowled. "I'm gonna pound that kid if he pulls something like that again."

William snickered. "Pound him where?"

Desmond frowned. "I'll punch you if you don't shut up."

"And the brute speaks again."

"Shut up, Shaun. I don't want his attentions. He should go back to Ezio."

"But you thought he was gorgeous."

"Pretty or not, I'm afraid for myself."

"The boy is a nutter," Shaun said. "I'm sorry, but if you date him, I'm going to laugh at you."

Desmond sighed. "Why wouldn't he want Ezio's affections? I mean, the guy's a hardcore flirt and romantic when he wants to be."

He jumped when he felt arms around him. "I think you should not go for Salai. I will get him yet."

He looked up to see Ezio frowning at him. "You can have the crazy. I don't want him."

Ezio smirked. "Good."

"What are you doing here?"

They turned to see Salai, with a tray—dressed in Desmond's clothing, he noticed with a frown—scowling at Ezio. "Shouldn't you be in classes?"

Ezio smiled charmingly. "Caro mio—"

"Don't give me that bullshit."

They all looked slightly surprised.

"I don't want to date a manwhore, thank you."

Desmond bit his lip to contain his smile. Perhaps he wasn't so bad if he was willing to call Ezio out.

"I am not a whor—"

"My apologies: a slut. You do not get paid. Correct? It is the sluts that aren't good enough to be paid."

Shaun roared with laughter, and Rebecca was laughing beside him. Lucy looked horrified, and William was grinning. Ezio looked downright appalled, then scowled. "If you'd let me, I would show you what you are missing out on."

"A bunch of illnesses, I am sure. I will pass, thank you."

Salai plopped down next to Desmond as Ezio stormed off. He seemed unaffected, and when Shaun stopped laughing, the British student slapped the table.

"Congratulations, mate. You're welcome in our little group."

Salai smiled beautifully. "Thank you."

Desmond shook his head. "Wait! He's crazy! Why—"

"I have extra clothes to change into after gym today. I will give them to you then."

"Why did you steal them in the first place?" Rebecca asked.

He smirked, giving Desmond a mischievous glare. "To make sure I would have to see you again."

"That was clever. I like this boy, Desmond. I approve."

"I don't want your approval, Shaun."

"I don't care if you want it or not. I think you should date him. He has an impeccable taste in clothes, an air of cleverness, and tells your brother off. I think you should date him."

Salai grinned. "I am glad I have your approval."

Shaun shrugged. "Don't think too much of it, mate. I'm only in this for myself."

He raised an eyebrow.

"You know Ezio is bound to raise Hell, and I do enjoy a good bit of drama."

"Then I'll make sure you're included in it," Salai said, shrugging.

Shaun scowled as Rebecca laughed, grabbing her boyfriend's hand. "You asked for it, Shaun."

"I'll make it worth the trouble," Shaun snapped.

Salai smirked. "I'll look forward to it."

Desmond covered his face with his hands. Just until the end of this month, he reminded himself, then he wouldn't have to deal with these crazies, no more Ezio, no more Malik and Altair arguing. He shook his head and started eating. He jumped when Salai wrapped an arm around his shoulders and leaned in close.

"What the fuck are you doing?"

Up close, the boy looked even prettier. He swallowed thickly. "I'm simply getting to know your personal bubble."

Desmond scowled, leaning back. "I don't have one. Ezio took care of that."

Salai hummed and leaned in closer. Desmond's scowl deepened. "Get away, freak."

The arm around his shoulders found its way onto his leg. "Are you sure? Your pupils are dilating."

He pushed Salai, who yelped and fell from the chair. He heard Shaun snickering behind his hand.

"A wonderful response."

"Shut up, Shaun."

"I can see your brother's intelligence reflected in you." Shaun smirked.

Desmond snarled as Salai got back up and dusted off. "At least he isn't like you. Then, I'm afraid I'd have to kill him."

"Whatever," Desmond said as he finished eating quickly and left the two snarkers.

He couldn't wait to leave. The rest of the day passed quickly, and he found himself changing in gym, more than ready to run. Ezio came storming in.

"I forbid you from taking this man home. If you date him, I will castrate you."

"Altair seemed rather fond of him."

"That man has no more taste in partners than a toad."

Desmond laughed. "What if I really wanted to?"

"I forbid you," Ezio spat, waving his hands wildly. "He is not worth you."

"If I went by what others thought I was worth, I would never be good enough for a relationship."

Ezio pulled back. "What? Says who?"

"Says Shaun, and Rebecca, and Lucy, and—"

"Do not listen to them, brother. You have your merits—but Salai is below them."

He felt Ezio wrap a hand around his shoulders and poke him in the chest. He looked his brother in the eye. "And now I speak from the heart, Desmond. You do have your own merits, but high school is the time to discover such things. Do not lose heart—you will find them."

He smiled softly. "I think I have all ready. Running seems to be my talent."

"You have more than just that, Desmond. Intelligence may not be yours, but you have more than just running."

Desmond forced a smile.

"You have no idea how good at running I am," he whispered when Ezio stepped away.

He changed, looking at the door when he heard someone whistle as he changed his shirt. He peeked to see Salai watching him change. He flushed and turned around, finishing quickly and walking out.

"Leave my brother alone," he heard Ezio say.

"What your brother does is not your business. If I choose to pursue him, I will pursue him."

"He is my brother."

"You are just sore because I wounded your pride earlier."

"No, I am worried because you are an ass, and you have no respect for him."

"And how would you know?"

Ezio scoffed. "Have you even seen what you are wearing? He has told you to back off."

Salai raised an eyebrow. "You are just sore because you cannot wound me."

"My pride and my care for Desmond are two separate things."

Desmond jogged out, not wanting to hear the rest of the argument. He was pretty sure they were separate. His brother, while a slut, did respect him and Altair. After exercises, he was glad the coach sent him out to run before either of the two could approach him. His feet were flying as he ran, and he didn't realize the class was over, lost in his own dreams of living on the streets, until he ran into Ezio. He propped himself up on his hands.

"Well, that's one way to stop you."

He grinned sheepishly. "Sorry, I was thinking."

"About what?"

"About… Running."

Ezio chuckled and sat up as Desmond climbed off. "At least you're dedicated. Will you be showering here?"

"Um…"

"I called Altair. He's on the couch until further notice."

"What for?"

"He laughed at Malik for crying at Fried Green Tomatoes with Kadar."

"What?"

"Some tear-jerker chick flick. So, there's no hot water left. He filled the tub and threatened to drown him. Kadar found them wrestling on the bathroom floor, and Altair was losing."

Desmond sighed. "I'm showering here then."

Ezio nodded and offered a hand. He accepted and walked with his brother to the locker room, and into the showers.

"Do you want me to stay and guard your things?"

"No, I'll keep them on the other side of the showers, so I can see them."

Ezio nodded. "See you at home, brother."

"See ya."

He pulled his things from his backpack and stepped into the shower, stripping down. After he had his things situated so he could see them, he turned on the water. He let his eyes slip closed as he rubbed himself down with the soap, and he sighed, relaxing in the warm water. After he washed off, he reached for his shampoo, only to find it missing.

"Looking for this?"