Disclaimer: I don't own Animal Kingdom.

A/N: While watching the first season of Animal Kingdom I couldn't help but notice how much J wants a family. It seems that he has a particular soft spot for Lena. In the premiere Lena sat on his lap when the family was out to dinner. Then when he heard that Lena was 'sick' he asked Nicky what little kids eat and went over to Baz and Catherine's to make it for her. I believe that J would love to be a bigger presence in Lena's life but can't with Baz' blatant opposition to the idea that J is his son. So, here's a little story about circumstances that redefine familial relationships. I hope you enjoy!

Family Ties-Chapter 1

J tiredly walks into the kitchen where the smells of French Toast and coffee awaits him, along with Deran and Craig's usual bickering. This morning it sounds like it's over who has caught the bigger wave.

"Morning, baby." Smurfs greets him with a kiss on the cheek and a plate of food.

"Mornin'" J replies taking the offered plate and takes a seat at the kitchen table. He pops a piece of bacon in his mouth as he opens his notebook. He may have become enthralled in his family's business over the last couple of months, but he's still a high school junior and needs to keep up his appearance as a dutiful Honor Roll student.

"Whatcha studying for?" Smurf asks as she's taking out a carton of eggs from the fridge.

"Chem," J replies, not looking up from his hastily written notes.

"I don't know why you're even bothering with school," Craig says. "I mean now that you're in with us, who cares about school?"

"Don't listen to your uncle, J." Smurf says as she she's cracking eggs. "I think it's great that you're still in school. I can't wait to see one of my boys march across the stage in a cap and gown to get their diploma."

"Hey, I graduated!" Craig retorts.

"Yeah after five years at the night program. And that's only because Smurf was fucking your principal." Deran says, laughing.

"Well, at least I didn't drop out." Craig bites back throwing an apple at his brother.

"At least I didn't get expelled," Deran replies hurling the apple back at his older brother. The throw was wide and instead the apple crashed into the wall making a resounding thud.

"Boys! No rough housing in the house! How many times have I told you if you're going to do that crap do it outside," Smurf yells.

To their credit both Craig and Deran look a little sorry for making so much noise.

"Who got expelled?" J asks quietly, looking up from his notebook.

"Pope," Craig answers standing up to get himself another cup of coffee. "Something about a Bunsen burner."

"Yeah, if not for your mother's quick thinking he would have been looking at a manslaughter charge. He's lucky he only got expelled." Deran explains.

Jesus. Expulsions? Manslaughter? Everyday he's learning something new and equally terrifying about his family.

"It was just a little burn. I got a worse burn that time I fell asleep down at the beach in Cancun. That Mitchell kid was always crying that your brother was bullying him." Smurf dismisses with a wave of her spatula.

"Wasn't some of the burns third degree?" Deran asks.

"What are you guys bitching about?" Baz asks coming into the kitchen.

"Smurf was getting all sentimental about the prospect of seeing J in a cap and gown at his graduation." Craig says with a roll of his eyes.

"You still in school?" Baz asks pouring himself a cup of coffee.

J nods his head. He's not surprised that the older man has no clue what's going on with him for he hasn't been around Baz a lot since the last job. Not since he asked his 'uncle' if he was actually his father. Baz' negative reaction made it clear that he wasn't very interested in being a father figure to him and J took the hint. He basically stayed away from Baz as much as possible ever since.

Baz' mind has been elsewhere as of late. He's been pretty much in a tailspin since Catherine disappeared. Lots of drinking. Lots of nights when he's not coming home leaving Smurf and J to be the ones to put Lena to bed. Catherine's disappearance is a taboo subject and she's only mentioned when Lena asks where her mother is. But, her disappearance is still felt in the house. It's like a storm cloud has settled over the Cody house.

"Is he still in school?" Smurf mocks. "I got his report card last week. All A's and B's. Even got an A in trigonometry." Smurf says with pride evident in his voice.

J feels his cheeks reddened in embarrassment and looks back at his notes.

"Julia must have screwed a math professor or something because she was definitely no math genius," Deran quips.

Baz shoots Deran a look before turning back to J. "That's good man. Keep doing well in school."

"Yeah, we need you to keep a clean record for a little while," Craig adds with a smirk.

"Daddy!" Lena calls out.

"Thanks you guys! She was up all night and finally fell asleep an hour ago. And now you woke her up," Baz sighs angrily.

"Dude, chill. We were just talking." Craig tries to placate his brother.

"She still has that ear infection?" Smurf asks.

Baz rubs his face tiredly. "Yeah, she can't seem to shake it."

Lena has been sick a lot lately. Before this ear infection it was another infection. Before that it was a case of strep. Maybe the stress of her mother's disappearance has weakened her immune system opening her up to every germ she comes across. Or maybe the psychological effects of her mother's disappearance has manifested into something physical. J remembers learning about that in his psychology class. He's going to keep that to himself though. Baz made it perfectly clear that he doesn't want J sticking his nose in his family's business.

"Maybe she needs another antibiotic?" Smurf says.

"Take her to Carlos," Craig says. " He healed me right up when I was shot."

"You're not taking my grandbaby down to Mexico to treat an ear infection," Smurf says.

"But, it was fine for me to go down there with a gunshot wound," Craig says.

Smurf gives her son a 'don't screw with me look.'

"Daddy!" Lena calls again.

"I'll call her pediatrician for a follow up," Baz says as he makes his way to Lena's room.

J checks his watch and sees that it's about time for him to get going for school. He starts packing up his stuff.

"Hey, you want a ride? I'm giving Nicky one." Craig offers.

J shakes his head. He hasn't quite put his head around that one. Nicky hooking up with his uncle. what the hell? It's definitely too early to see them flirting with each other.

"Nah, I'm good." J says.

"Suit yourself. We're going to do some blow before I drop her off."

Deran looks at his brother. "Before school?"

"Why not?"

"Here, honey." Smurf says handing J his lunch. "Have a good day. I'm making steak for dinner."

"Okay, See you later." J says as he quickly makes his way to the door. He has had enough of his crazy family for the time being.

I know this chapter is a little slow, but it was basically setting things up for what's to come.