Christian made his way up the steps to Isaac and Taylor's apartment. He'd seen both Isaac's car out the front and Taylor's bike in the garage, so knew they'd be at home.
When he got to the door, he hesitated. Fiddling with the lock a little, he opened the door and stepped through. No one was in sight.
Shrugging to himself, and hearing someone on the piano a couple of rooms over, he went to sit on the couch in the livingroom.
He took his trenchcoat off and slung it over the side, before putting his feet up on the coffee table and grabbing the remote to the TV. Turning it on, he began to watch until someone found him.
Tad
Tad walked into the lounge room and spotted someone - who he thought to be Taylor - on the lounge. He sat down on another lounge.
"Anything on, Taylor?" Tad asked, not really caring.
Christian
"Just sh*t," Christian shrugged, throwing the remote down.
Then he turned to Tad and smiled slightly.
"Sounds like you can start a normal conversation sometimes after all."
Isaac
"I need to do something to pass the time," Tad replied cynically.
There was something different about Taylor, Tad felt, but he couldn't quite put his finger on it.
"Dude, you will never guess what I found," Isaac said, walking in. "I was poking around on the net and I..."
Isaac stopped and looked at Tad, who was giving him this strange look.
"What?"
"If we're all in here," Tad asked. "Who's playing the piano?"
Christian
Christian grinned.
"Good evening Isaac," he nodded to him, ignoring Tad.
"What did you find that's so amazing?"
Isaac
"Well, possibly it won't mean as much to you, but... I just found this 80's lego set that I haven't got yet on ebay," Isaac nodded enthusiasitcially. "And I bid for it, and - for once - got it way way way cheap. I mean, dude, some people have no idea what they're giving up."
"Lego?" Tad said. "You're 23 years old and you still buy lego."
"Yes."
"Ooookay..." and Tad turned back to Christian. "And what are you doing here anyway? Regrouping to go after Blakesley?"
Christian
"Actually no. Taylor said he wouldn't be ready, and I won't be until he is," Christian insisted.
He took his feet off the coffee table and sat up.
"This is more of a social call. And yes, I know how to do those."
Isaac
"Ahh, social calls," Isaac nodded, plonking down on the lounge. "Always fun those. Well, mostly. Unless it's your annoying Aunt Cathy (and everyone has an Aunt Cathy) who insists on pinching your cheek and going 'aww, aren't you so cute'?"
Tad scrowled.
"So, whatcha been doing? Or if you tell us, you'll have to kill us?"
Christian
Christian chuckled, not even bothering to reply as he heard the piano playing cease.
"YO TAY?!" he called.
Isaac
"I'll take that as a yes," Isaac grinned.
Tad rolled his eyes, and then pointed a finger accusingly at Christian.
"I should turn you in," he said. "There's a warrant on you, y'know."
"Not a death warrant," Isaac pointed out firmly, frowning at Tad. "It's a rehab one. And even if you called for backup now, Christian could just leave before anyone arrives."
Tad glared at Isaac.
"Truth hurts?" Isaac suggested.
Christian & Taylor
"And don't think you'll be doing yourself any favours by turning me in. I could kill you at any second, and considering what a hard time you give these guys don't think I won't," Christian said matter-of-factly before Taylor appeared in the doorway.
"Hey! Chris!" a grin crossed his face as he made his way over to the couch.
He and Christian shook hands.
"Good to see you again. I didn't expect you out so early."
Isaac
"You make it sound like he's been in jail," Isaac joked. "But then, training, jail... is there any difference?"
Isaac took note of the look on Tad's face.
"Now, now Tad, just think of it as a strategical retreat," he said with just a hint of patronising.
Christian and Taylor
"I'm only out for a week," Christian grinned, winking at Isaac.
"Well, that's cool. How long are you planning on staying here?"
"Only a couple of hours. I haven't seen Steel yet, though I'm sure he knows I'm here."
"He would," Taylor nodded.
"And at least training is omewhat voluntary," Christian pointed out suddenly.
Isaac
Tad has folded his arms across this chest and was now glaring at the three of them in silence. Isaac ignored him:
"Well, that's good," He nodded. "You tend to get more out of it if you want to learn."
Christian & Taylor
"Yeah, true," Christian shrugged.
"Have you seen Kit yet?" Taylor asked curiously, sitting down on the couch beside him.
"Nope," Christian shook his head, "and I probably won't get a chance to for some time. I am looking forward to it though."
He looked up at Isaac.
"Heard you're having some troubles with our power?"
Isaac
There was a rueful expression on Isaac's face as he answered.
"Yeah... I had a bit of a nervous breakdown back in ahh, August," he admitted. "Now my powers insist on being controlled by my emotions, which is kinda annoying. Only advantage is that every now and then I get to hit Tad a moment before he reacts. This is, of course, what he gets for annoying me."
Tad's scrowl deepened.
Christian
Christian chuckled.
"Isn't payback a bitch. So what else have you been up to apart from having a little puppy dog follow you around?"
Isaac
Isaac's expression brightened.
"The band might be getting back together," he said happily. "We've been practicing with Zac again. It's been great!"
Christian & Taylor
Christian raised his eyebrows and turned to Taylor for confirmation.
"Yeah, it has," Taylor smiled, "and we're getting a lot more material together while we're jamming as well. We might even be able to record the next album next year."
Isaac
Isaac rubbed his hands together gleefully.
"It's gonna be great!" he said enthusiatsically.
Tad rolled his eyes. Pathetic.
Christian & Taylor
"It is," Taylor agreed, before tapping Christian on the shoulder and preparing to change the subject.
"Do you know a Sheldon Thomas?" he asked.
"Not that I know of," Christian shrugged, "just because I share a last name with someone doesn't mean I know them. Or am even related."
"Ok. It's just that he's been asking about you. And he knows some things. And I just didn't know if it was because he knew you from before or anything."
"What power does he have? If he's alien."
"Same as mine."
Christian hesitated, then shook his head.
"Nope, sorry. No idea. Where's Zac anyway?"
Isaac
"Probably he's at home with his kids," Isaac said. "And Kylie. Kylie is the latest women to be pregnant with his kid but from what I understand, she's not exactly giving him an easy time. Lots of complaining and nagging and generally getting under his skin. Maybe now he'll learn his lesson."
Christian & Taylor
"Zac learn a lesson?" Christian almost scorned as Taylor crossed his legs.
"From what I hear he never will. How many kids does he have now, anyway?"
"Alot with a lot on the way? I don't keep count," Taylor admitted.
Isaac
"Let me think..." Isaac said, poking out his tongue in concentration and counting off on his fingers. "Julie had B'Elanna and Tom. Nyx had Saku. Desiree had Dee Dee. Rachel had Annie. Shannon had Briar. Annika had Brett. Oh, and Faith had Tru. And... umm, Kylie's expecting... his Adigeian wife, Sari-Lyka is expecting too, and if there's anyone else, I don't know any thing about it."
Christian & Taylor
"Ten?!" Christian and Taylor both exclaimed at the same time, then hesitated when they realised what they'd done.
"Granted I probably have more than that that I don't know of, but still. I can't believe he plans to look after them all," Christian amended.
Isaac
"Well, at the moment he has custody of Saku, Dee Dee and Tru. The mothers have the others. And eh does have trust funds and that started up for all of them. But you're right, it is a lot. And I think he needs us to get back on the road more than we do," Isaac laughed. "Need to do something to keep the money coming. Although, having said that, I think he has a few investments going."
Christian & Taylor
"Like what, selling sperm? Because if he isn't he should be. He's doing a good enough job of giving it away so far, he should make profit while he's at it," Christian pointed out.
Taylor started laughing.
"What? I'm serious. I know people that have done it. It's not that hard."
Isaac
"I don't think that's quite his style, somehow," Isaac said, smiling. "I think he has a property or two that he rents out, and some shares and stuff. Plus, being a CEO of his own company - well, that he shares with his loveable brothers - would also count."
Christian & Taylor
"Well I think it's a good idea," Taylor chuckled.
"Not that your 'company' is making much profit now though, right?" Christian's eyebrows rose, "you're mor elikely to be spending money than making money."
"The record is still selling, thank you," Taylor suddenly scorned.
"Yeah well it won't be for long unless you get out on the road to promote it rather than being cooped up here with the puppy dog."
Isaac
"Well... we are going back on the road again," Isaac said determindly, even though it hadn't really been discussed between the brothers. "Soon. Very soon. In the near future, even."
Christian & Taylor
Taylor's eyebrows immediately rose.
"Well that's good, hope you have fun," Christian nodded, glancing at Tad awkwardly before returning his gaze to the television.
"Have either of you seen Kit?"
"I've seen him when I've had to go to the station for my treatments," Taylor admitted softly, "he's growing pretty fast."
Isaac
Tad glanced at Taylor. Sooo... Isaac was what? Defending himself? Making assumptions? Being hopeful? Interesting.
"I think I saw him once," Isaac considered. "A few months ago though, so yeah..."
Christian & Taylor
Christian nodded to himself, contemplating what he should do to get on the station.
"Know any light manipulators around here?" he asked casually as Taylor shifted as if he was uncomfortable.
Isaac
"Umm..." Isaac thought about it. "I think there's one just a couple of blocks away... Jeremy's a light, isn't he? Or am I mixing him up with someone else? Which is entirely possible, since he's only a kid."
Tad frowned.
Christian
"There's just a few adjustments that need to be made should I return to the station anytime soon," Christian grinned to himself.
Taylor hesitated with a frown as he stared at him for a moment.
"Oh," he suddenly realised, "yeah. Although no one up there would know... I guess until I showed up again. You have a point."
"Tay don't think out loud. You'll just confuse everyone," Christian chuckled.
"Sorry."
Isaac
Tad's frown deepened.
"Uh, guys," Isaac said. "Perhaps we shouldn't talk about such things in front of Tad. It might give him ideas."
Tad's frown turned into a scrowl.
Christian & Taylor
"Strategically?" Taylor raised his eyebrows.
"It's not like he could stop me anyway," Christian chortled.
"And once I get my f***ing pendant back no one could."
"Blakesley still has it?" Taylor frowned.
"He gave the f***ing thing to Ashtoreth. So now I have to kiss her ass to get it back. It's not like she'll get anything out of it anyway."
Isaac
Ashtoresth? Pendant?
"I'm just saying that when you want to keep someone on a need to know basis, then perhaps you shouldn't give them information they don't need to know," Isaac said. "Hence need to know."
Darn Isaac. Tad prefered Taylor and Christian, and their careless chatter.
Christian & Taylor
"He's the one talking!" Taylor defended, eyebrows raised and pointing an accusing finger at Christian.
Christian shrugged.
"Just telling it how it is."
Isaac
Isaac held up his hands in a peacemaker gesture.
"I'm just suggesting some discression wouldn't astray. Far be it for me to tell you your business, Christian, but probaby discussing future plans around people who's motives, connections and abilities you know nothing about, or only very little, is a bit stupid. We'd send him away while you're here, but he'd probably sneak back and listen in anyway."
Tad couldn't stop the sly smile from crossing his face.
Christian
Christian raised an eyebrow, contemplating that for a moment.
Finally, leant over the edge of the couch, his eyes on Tad.
"So who are you anyway?" he asked simply, not so much demanding but moreso in general conversation mode.
"Who do you work for? You can't work directly for Tanya because you wouldn't be such an asshole."
Tad
"No, not directly," Tad said. "I am a YIRAAS agent. And I happened to be the unfortunate one on duty when Taylor had his little spasm."
He took a moment to glower at Taylor, as if the whole thing was his fault.
"Unfortunately, despite her resignation, Tanya still has power. They call her a consultant, but when she can still order agents around..." the disgust in Tad's voice was self evident. "One does wonder... with jobs like this... just why she resigned."
Christian
Christian's eyebrows rose.
"Maybe because she has other responsibilities now? Or have you forgotten that?" he glowered.
"Why are you so pissed off about this anyway? If anyone had a right to be pissed it's these guys."
Tad
"Why?" Tad frowned. "Maybe because I'm stuck baby-sitting a couple of kids with questionable friends, who insist on doing foolish things. Or maybe because I'm not a field agent. Never intended on being a field agent. Much better being a stationary agent. Not as much pay, perhaps, but at least... there are other benefits."
Tad caught himself before he let on what those benefits were. If they weren't going to tell him anything, then he wouldn't tell them anything.
Christian & Taylor
Taylor scowled.
"Ok, first of all..." Christian began, beginning to count off on his fingers, "'kids' qualify as being twelve or under, and personally I would not put you in charge of any twelve year old for fear of their life. Secondly, you might want to consider exactly who you may be insulting before you open your mouth. Thirdly, I have never heard of these guys doing anything foolish at all. Fourthly, you were in the wrong place at the wrong time, which was no one's fault but your own, so now you have to suffer the consequences. No one cares. Get over it and get on with life and the job at hand."
Tad
Tad smirked, and also counted off on his fingers:
"One, some hotels actually count kids as being 19 and under, and legally you're not an adult until you're 21. Secondly, I'll say what I like, and if you don't like it, that's your problem. Thirdly, no of course you wouldn't because you're even more foolish than they are. Fourthly, I'm not the one who makes the schedule, I just follow it, so don't give me the wrong place, wrong time crap."
Christian
Keeping his composure, Christian continued.
"Let's start again, shall we? One, regardless of hospitality industry specifications, both Isaac and Taylor are over 19 years old. Both over 21 in fact. Two, depending on what you may say, I can make it my f***ing problem. Three, pay attention to the last time I spoke and think of what I said for number two. Four, again, live with it. it was obviously a once off and you were lucky one to get the job."
Taylor tensed as he read Christian's pheremones and glanced at Isaac.
Tad and Isaac
"One, close enough. Two, like I said, your problem. Three, your problems are not my problems. Four, if you think the job is so great, why don't you take it? Oh, I forgot," Tad sneered, "you're wanted by the YIRAAS for rehabilitation purposes."
Isaac looked back at Taylor and mouthed "let them vent".
Christian & Taylor
Taylor just shook his head in response, worriedly.
Christian's look suddenly turned into a glare as he stood from the couch and looked down on Tad.
"You want me to make it my f***ing problem?"
He picked Tad upf rom the chair he was sitting on and telekinetically threw him against the wall and held him there.
"Need I remind you of my earlier threat?"
Taylor bolted up from the couch at that point.
"Chris! Put him down!" he ordered.
Tad and Isaac
Tad attempted to disrupt Christian's power, but to no avail. He snarled.
"Uhh, Christian? We don't want to have any more trouble..." Isaac said tentatively.
"Yes, Chrissy-baby, why don't you listen to what your little pets say," Tad taunted.
Christian & Taylor
"I'm not the one making the trouble," Christian almost sneered, his eyes never leaving Tad.
"Put him down," Taylor repeated, "don't you dare kill him in here."
Tad and Isaac
"Yeah," Isaac agreed. "We've had enough killing lately. I'm sick of killing. Sick of it! Too many people have died in the past two years, and I'm tired of the furnerals and the investigations and all the crap that comes with it."
Tad noted objects in the room started to float. He wondered what would happen if he didn't disrupt Isaac's telekinesis for once.
Christian & Taylor
Suddenly remembering what may have cause Isaac's nervous breakdown, Christian forced himself to calm down slightly.
He dropped Tad to the floor and walked past him to the couch to grab his trenchcoat.
"If he had any idea at all of who the f*** I was he never would have tried," he mumbled before looking up at Taylor.
"Maybe you should educate him."
"I don't think that's a good idea," Taylor almost hissed.
Tad and Isaac
Isaac ran his fangers through his hair, now having seen the objects and watching them do a little dance around the room. Fabulous, just fabulous.
"Speaking of education," Tad said snidely to Christain after brushing himself off from his 'landing'. "I hear you never got one."
Christian & Taylor
Taylor scowled at Tad, knowing he was just provoking him.
"I got a better one than you f***ing did, obviously," Christian mumbled, putting his coat on.
"I learnt what matters and that's all I need. I didn't waste my childhood and teen years sitting in a classroom being bored to death."
Tad and Isaac
"You'd be surprised how much of that trvial knowledge comes in useful later," Tad said. "You'd know if -"
"Shut up!" Isaac yelled. "Just shut up Tad! This was supposed to be a casual visit from our friend. Seriously. Stop trying to make trouble."
Tad found he couldn't reply - Isaac's telekinesis was pinning his jaw closed. Tad frowned, and disrupted Isaac's power at last. The floating objects dropped to the floor - fortunately none of them breakable.
Christian and Taylor
Realising what had happened, Christian grinned.
"I don't need to know, there's a difference," he pointed out.
"And I'm leaving before Isaac gets too pissed off. Apparently it isn't healthy for anyone other than him."
"Are you going to go looking for Steel?" Taylor asked quietly from behind him.
"Maybe, maybe not."
Isaac and Tad
Tad was rubbing his jaw and glaring at the three of them.
"Well, uhh, good luck," Isaac said quietly, slumping into his chair.
Christian & Taylor
"Later," Christian waved before walking straight out.
Taylor watched as the door closed after him, then glared at Tad.
Isaac and Tad
Tad met Taylor's gaze.
Isaac just buried his head in his hands. Damn it, would he never regain control of his power?
Taylor
Flipping Tad the bird, Taylor turned his attention to Isaac.
"There's no real hope of gaining control until we get rid of this guy," he murmured, before heading back to the music room.
Isaac
Isaac glanced over at Tad briefly, who was making his own way out of the room.
"Yeah..." he said to himself quietly. "Probably not."
So, where did that leave him?