4.12 Breaking Down Barriers

He could hear Indira's banshee scream all the way to the curb as he walked up the sidewalk. Rolling his eyes he briefly wondered what had gone contrary to the diva's wishes this time. Stopping several feet from the door he debated whether he should go in and pretend he didn't hear anything or go someplace else for a couple of hours. All he wanted was some peace and quiet. Something he rarely got to enjoy since Indira invaded his living space. As soon as he opened the door he knew he would be sucked into her tale of woe, expected to fix whatever calamity had overcome her. He would have to listen to her banshee screech ad nauseam until she ceased to be fascinated with the retelling of it or her voice gave out.

The corners of his mouth quirked up. It wasn't often Indira ever tired of her list of woes or hearing herself complain. It was like she was on an endless loop of complaints. He took a couple of backwards steps deciding the library was his best chance for quiet he'd have for the night.
The door opened to  his disgust. "There you are," she said her voice grating on his nerves "just the person I was looking for."

Stifling a groan he forced his lips to form a smile he knew didn't reach his eyes but Indira wouldn't notice. She hadn't even bothered to learn his name in the year he had known her why would she concern herself with whether or not his smile was fake or not. In all this time she hadn't once indicated she wanted to know what his name was. He certainly wasn't going to offer it up on a silver platter.

It may have been a petty game he was playing. He felt that the least she could do was ask. To at least want to know the name of the person she was sharing a house with. To want to know the name of the person she demanded fix her insurmountable woes. It was a good thing he didn't believe in holding his breath until he got what he wanted. He would long since have been dead. She hardly acknowledged him unless she wanted something. Which to his chagrin was all the time. It was one of the reasons he had grown to hate coming home.

Her mouth transformed itself into a sugary sweet innocent smile causing him to cringe "what do you want?" he asked not in the mood to be manipulated.

"Why do you always assume I want something?" she asked putting on an injured air.

"You always want something," he crossed his arms preparing himself for battle. The sweeter she acted the worse her demands were. By the looks of it this was going to be something he wouldn't want on pain of death.

She sidled up to him running her fingers lightly up his arm. Glancing up at him a look in her eyes that gave the impression she thought he hung the moon and stars. "Daddy forgot to pay my tuition before the due date. That's not a big problem since my scholarships will cover everything but my dorm room. You know how flighty musicians can be and mommy is just hopeless when it comes to deadlines but thanks to their carelessness I'm going to be out in the cold unless ..."

He took a step back already dreading the next words to come out of her mouth. Hoping to cut her off before she could ask he said "I guess it sucks to be you." He had no clue where or why those words popped from his mouth. He was sure she would tear into him for being so cold and callous but to his utter dismay she moved in close, running her fingers through his longish purple hair.

"Don't be such a meanie" she pouted "it's not my fault my parents are clueless about the ways of the world." She leaned in close pressing her body against his "how about you and I find a little house to rent close to campus." She brought her mouth up his fluttering her eyes.

Her scent overwhelmed his senses. The feel of her made his body come alive. His body wanted her even as his mind detested everything that came out of her mouth. She was pretty. Beautiful if he closed his ears to the sound of her annoying voice. A part of him wanted to float on the hazy cloud of lust she was creating around them. With a surge of self preservation he grabbed her hands by the wrists pushing her away from him "you don't even know my name."

"What difference does that make?" she demanded.

"It makes a lot of difference to me. You don't kiss someone just to get your way. Why couldn't you have asked me like a normal person?" His breath was coming out in rapid laden gasps as he fought for control over his anger that had boiled to the surface. "All you had to do was ask. You didn't have to try and seduce me." He ran a hand through his hair trying to keep his anger from boiling over. "I've got to go" he said abruptly turning and running from her and the house. 

"Wait," she called after him "I'm sorry," she whispered so low that only the crickets chirping nearby could hear her.

***

"Why does she have to be so difficult?" Caleb asked slumping into a chair.

"Because our daughter is a spoiled little diva with entitlement issues." Drew told him settling into his lap. She took his face in her hands "don't let her poisonous words effect you. You're not an immature drug addled has been rock star." She kissed both his cheeks before continuing "you're a good father. A loving husband. Don't let your daughter make you think otherwise." She caressed his worried face "it's Indira's fault that she doesn't have a dorm to live in. If she would have answered our repeated calls or returned our messages none of this would be happening now."

Sighing Caleb wrapped his arms around her "I know" his voice quivered "it just hurts that she thinks so little of us..."

"She hasn't experienced loss yet." Drew leaned into him "we know what it's like to lose someone we love. To have our lives collapse in on itself because of that loss."

"It's something I'd do anything to keep her from experiencing" Caleb swallowed the tears he felt building inside him making his chest tight.

"I know but sometimes that's the only way for some to learn compassion. Indira may be our difficult child but look at how well Andrew is doing despite all the things life has thrown at him. He survived and has grown stronger because of it. Plus he has someone who loves him and is willing to stand beside him." Standing she held her hand out to him "come on let's go."

Caleb took her hand asking "where are we going?"

"Out."

"Out where?"

"Just out" she laughed up at his bewildered expression "we're going to do whatever we want. Just the two of us. Forget we have worries or responsibilities waiting for us at home."

Pulling her close Caleb kissed her tenderly "maybe a moonlit stroll along the beach?"

"Maybe" she smiled up at  him as he captured her lips in his once more.

***

Shaking her head as she glanced into the living room. Emmaline was unable to hide the smile that spread across her face upon catching sight of her parents. It was good seeing them so happy and affectionate after the difficult months since Indira dropped out of their lives. 

Entering her room she sighed in relief. What wouldn't she do to be able to give Indira a piece of her mind. Couldn't she see how much her words and actions hurt the people around her? Was she so blind that only her needs and concerns were of paramount concern? Emmaline would bet it was the latter. Indira was the one of the most self-centered, selfish individuals she knew.

Throwing her homework on her desk she glanced out the window into the backyard. She couldn't hide the smug of look of satisfaction that crept across her countenance. Her brother was sucking face with his boyfriend. Charlie was a good guy, a little slow to admit his feelings towards her dorky brother but she took care of that. She took a measure of pride in bringing them together. If it weren't for her meddling as they liked to call it they wouldn't be together.

Unable to resist the impulse to tease her sensitive older brother she opened her window. Leaning out she called to them saying "my eyes, my eyes" she dramatically covered them and swooned "they're burning, burning...."

Pulling away from Charlie's lips Andrew glared up at his sister. "Just ignore her," Charlie mumbled attempting to resume their kiss.

"Get a room" she called down to them her unmistakable giggle carried down to them "you know you want to."

"I'm sorry I can't" Andrew shook his head pushing Charlie away from him.

Blowing through his nose Charlie stood up glaring at the young pink haired girl giggling from her window. "Just wait until you get a boyfriend" he called up to her in a mock angry voice "pay back's a bitch."

"As if I'd bring him home to be tormented by the likes of you," she shook her head closing the window behind her. She knew enough to know when they had enough of her teasing. It was definitely time to leave them alone. She liked the way Charlie always jumped to protect her brother.

Picking up her homework a thought crossed her mind that she should be grateful that Indira wasn't here. Andrew would have cracked under the strain of trying to please her. Without her influence he was free to be himself. Despite her teasing she wanted to see her brother happy. If Charlie made him happy she would do whatever it took to see that Charlie stayed around too.

***

"I knew she couldn't stand the heat," Charlie said turning towards Andrew who was getting up gathering his things. "Hey don't let her get to you," he said in concern.

"I try not to...it's just" he covered his eyes with his free hand "it's hard living inside a fish bowl."

Moving to Andrew he lifted his chin up. Charlie watched the redness creep across his cheeks "do you know your adorable when you blush." His words had the desired effect as his heightened color increased.

"You're not helping," Andrew objected jerking his face free "I'm going inside."

Sighing Charlie watched him go. How had their perfect day gone so wrong? "Andy wait," he called out to him "don't go away mad."

"I'm not mad," Andrew protested.

"Then why are you leaving?" Charlie asked  walking up to  him "we were having fun. Enjoying ourselves..."

"I know," Andrew's eyes shied away from Charlies direct gaze. His chest tightened making it difficult to breathe. 

"Somethings wrong" Charlie said pulling Andrew close "tell me about it."

Andrew let himself relax within Charlies embrace. Closing his eyes he rested his cheek on Charlies bare chest. He could hear the rhythmic beat of Charlie's heart. The low grumble of vibrations as Charlie talked to him. He could stay like this forever. Content within Charlie's arms, free from demands and expectations. At least he always thought so before "we should go inside" he repeated brushing his lips along Charlie's smooth skin.

He hesitated upon hearing the low moan his touch elicited from  his companion. He wanted nothing more than to let  his hands wander over Charlie's chest and abs. Enjoy the firmness of his muscles. The contrasting softness of his skin. To explore other regions as yet unknown except in his dreams. He let his hands fall to his sides as he resolutely moved towards the door.

"Not there," Charlie's husky voice struck a cord deep within him sending shivers of electricity through him. He let Charlie lead him by the hand into the garage. Once the door closed behind them Charlie pushed him against the wall in a fierce kiss. Their tongues dueled each other as they sought a deeper connection.

Charlie released his mouth to kiss down his neck encouraged by Andrew's low moans of pleasure. His lips caressed his skin as his hands explored Andrew's chest and firm abs. Slowly he made his way down to his knees gazing up at Andrew looking for signs for him to stop. Licking his lips anticipating the moment his dreams became reality.

Gently he tugged on Andrew's shorts only to encounter resistance. Looking up disappointment plain in his eyes "you want to stop?"

"Mmm yes...no..." Andrew's voice held uncertainty "I mean not here."

Awareness of their surroundings came crashing in upon Charlies consciousness. Inside the family garage where anyone could walk in on them was not the intimate moment he envisioned. A self-conscious chuckle bubbled out as his cheeks flamed in heat. Standing he took Andrew's hand in his leading him up to his apartment.

Upstairs Charlie turned to Andrew lifting a hand to brush back a strand of hair that had fallen into Andrew's eyes. "We don't have to do this," he said giving Andrew a chance to back out "if you're not ready."

Pushing himself against the other man Andrew whispered "I'm ready," he said leaning in capturing Charlies lips in a fierce demanding kiss.

Breaking the kiss Charlie held Andrew's face between his palms "are you sure? I don't want to do anything you'll regret later."

"I'm sure," Andrew repeated never breaking eye contact with Charlies light blue eyes "I've been dreaming of this moment..."

A stunned smile spread across Charlie's face "then why..."

Refusing to look away he said "you never mentioned it. I thought maybe you didn't want to or want me like that."

"Didn't want you," Charlie croaked in astonishment "of course I want you. I love you." His hands slipped lower caressing Andrew's hips, fingertips slipping inside the waistband of Andrew's shorts.

Andrew stiffened as time seemed to slow down and center around the fingertips inside his waist band. Nothing else mattered but this moment "I love you Charlie" he murmured against Charlie's cheek.

"We should wait," Charlie said seeking refuge from the storm "I want our first time to be special...."

"It will be," Andrew said kissing along his jawline. Hovering above Charlie's mouth he said "every time with you will be special."

Lifting him up Charlie sought Andrew's mouth with his own. Andrew wrapped his legs around Charlies waist drawing them closer. Lips locked Charlie carried Andrew to the bedroom. Nothing mattered but this moment. No one mattered more to Charlie than the man in his arms.

***

A loud knock on the front door interrupted Caleb and Drew's make out session. As they pulled apart they heard Emmaline bounding down the stairs calling out "I'll get it."

They took a moment to adjust their clothes and hair before joining their daughter in the entryway. "Jennifer" Drew cried giving off a squeal of delight as she threw her arms around her older sister "it's been too long."

While the sisters hugged Emmaline latched onto to her cousins and dragged them upstairs to her room. Coming along side his brother-in-law Caleb leaned in close "what brings you here?" There was more to this unexpected visit than met the eye.

Chase shifted his weight from one foot to the other under Caleb's scrutiny. Giving his wife a sideways glance before pulling Caleb into a quick hug "we need to talk," he whispered in Caleb's ear.

Nodding Caleb said out loud "why don't we leave the girls to catch up."

Drew smiled over at him clearly thanking him for the alone time with her sister. "Take Chase upstairs and show him the Foosball table or something."

"Good idea," he agreed kissing her cheek.

Knowing Chase wouldn't say anything until they were alone Caleb refrained from asking him any questions until they were both staring at the unused Foosball table. "The kids used to come up here and play it with their friends. Now it's just collects dust."

Nodding Chase muttered "my father is up to his old tricks again..."

Caleb was among the few who knew Chase was the time keepers son. "Is my family in danger?"

"I don't think so but Emit is playing fast and loose with the Van Winkles again. He's of the opinion that he has the right to manipulate them because they're our ancestors."

"He should have learned by now that the Van Winkles would help him if he was honest with them." Caleb thought back to the time he spent in Oasis Landing. He had grown fond of Peter during that time "is there anything I can do to help?"

"Watch over my family," Chase told him " Emit may be my father but his agenda isn't mine. Since Emit can't travel through time anymore this is the perfect place to keep my family away from his manipulations."

"Also if they're here he can't use them to keep you from doing what you plan on doing. Which is what by the way?"

An exasperated sigh escaped him "he sent Peter into another dimension. Forcing him to take on the role of time keeper to replace the one that died."

"You want to go after him," Caleb stated knowing that was something Chase would do.

"Yes. Peter has done so much for me and my family. I owe him. I can't let Emit destroy his life anymore than he already has."

"You can count on me to help," Caleb assured him.

Nodding Chase acknowledged the sentiment "keep my family safe. Emit may send someone for them. Keep on guard of anything or anyone suspicious."

"Do I need to worry about my own family?" Caleb asked his thoughts turning to Indira somewhere alone isolated from the rest.

"I shouldn't think so," Chase told him "some time ago Adam Van Winkle sent guards to watch over all of his extended family. Purely a precaution but a wise one."

"My daughter...."

"Even her," Chase gave him a reassuring smile "you may even know her protector. He's a college student, purple hair, golden brown eyes."

Frowning Caleb tried to fit the description to someone he knew "I don't know...wait is he Adam's grandson?"

"He is from his adopted son Quinton," Chase confirmed.

"He's a werewolf isn't he?" Caleb asked remembering having met the family some years ago at a family reunion.

"Quinton is but his son isn't but long story short Randy will make sure Indira stays safe," Chase told him.

"Good," Caleb muttered hoping the boy was up to the task that was Indira.

***

Emmaline watched her cousins with rapt attention. They were demonstrating how they could send an object through time. She didn't entirely believe them. After all her stuffed bear couldn't tell her if it had gone back in time. "This is just some fancy slight of hand trick," she announced unconvinced.

"We can prove it," Connie said turning to her sister.

"Grandpa says we shouldn't send people through time yet," Michelle protested.

Frowning at her Connie said "Grandpa says we're almost as good as he is. What's so different about sending a person through time? Its the same process as the one we used on the stuffed bear. It's no different now then it was before we sent it."

Nodding Michelle reflected upon her twins argument "alright we can try it but we need some place with more space then Emmaline's room."

"And some place private so that dad doesn't stop us," Connie added.

"How about the garage?" Emmaline suggested.

The twins turned to each nodding "that should work, let's do it."