How Green Becomes Wood

"Yeah, well---I bet you wouldn't act so tough if you didn't have Mr. Dark to protect you!" Jordan shouted, whipping around and truly believed he had a good comeback, "But he's just a--uh--" It was obvious that he wanted to use a slur, like Logan used to, but was too afraid, "Screw it! And you're just as bad!"

~~

"I think you're already very patient, so you're on track to be. And you may surpass me, I've been at risk of being unreasonable lately," she laughed, "but I maintain that's not quite my fault. I am so glad it's been easier for you, though, and just think about where you'll be in another five or six months."
 
Xander slowly backed into the restroom and turned to level a steely look at Jordan. "You wanna say that about Mr. Dark again?" he asked, his anger running cold. "You have something you wanna say to my face?" He took a step toward Jordan, his fists clenched, shoulders hunched and squared for a fight. If Jordan backed down now, so would he, but wasn't going to let some punk get away with insulting Dark in front of him.

~~

Alec nodded soberly. "I will. I want to be better, I just get lost sometimes. I get so focused on where I want to be, I forget to appreciate that I'm better today than I was yesterday. You know?"
 
"I'm just saying," He shrugged, trying to make himself look big, "if you didn't have him backing you up, you wouldn't act so untouchable all the time. That's why I can't fight you, he'll just get me expelled too. So you should just run back to him, and I'll be kind enough to forget this ever happened." Ultimately, despite how much he wanted to fight Xander, he knew he wasn't as lucky as Logan or his old friends were. He'd get in trouble too, probably get into more because he didn't have family at the school to stand up for him, and his mama would be furious if she knew he was fighting again.

~~

"I do," She agreed, "I'm always thinking about the future, sometimes I think it's easier than focusing on the present. It takes a lot of courage to really just appreciate where you are now, instead of thinking about who you could be, I'm not that strong most of the time. I've been trying harder lately too, to focus on the now, and just enjoy it day by day," She turned to him, and after a pause said, "But you know, some days won't be better than the day that came before it, but that doesn't mean you're doing anything wrong or getting worse. Everybody will have a bad day."
 
"Oh, you're worried about getting expelled?" Xander walked right up Jordan, who was only one kid, so no matter how big he was, he wasn't nearly as scary as Logan and a pack of minions. "Let's get one thing straight, asshat, no one backs me up. No one. I'm just as likely to get expelled as you are. But I won't let you or anyone else at this school insult Mr. Dark. He's been good to me and my brother. So zip your lip before I bust your teeth. I don't mind getting expelled if it means you sucking through a straw and keeping your xenophobia to yourself. So." He raised one fist. "What's it going to be?"

~~

Alec stepped over and hugged Daizi lightly. "Thank you, Daizi. I lo... I like you a lot. Thank you for helping us."
 
"Whatever," Jordan spat, pushing past Xander, "I don't have time for you. You better hurry off to class before you make yourself late."

~~

She hugged him back, completely catching what he nearly said, but not acknowledging it, "I like you a lot, too... I'll always be around to help you..." She gave him a squeeze and then released him, "You should get some rest, you've got a big day tomorrow."
 
Xander snorted. "Pathetic," he muttered, but, unfortunately, Jordan did have a point. He needed to get a move on if he didn't want to be late.

~~

"Is it really okay?" Alec asked softly. "We can just... move on?"
 
"We're going to give you and Xander a few extra chores this week, I think," Daizi said, "but besides that, yes we can just move on. It was the first time either of you really did anything wrong, and it was, ultimately, for a good reason, so as long as you don't make a habit of sneaking out, we're okay. Like I said, Dark and I got up to worse."
 
"Thank you," Alec said quietly. "We used to... no, it doesn't matter. We'll work hard. But you're right. I should go get some rest. Tomorrow is a big big day!" A bit of excitement glimmered in his voice, the first all day. He headed back to his room, suddenly very tired. The house felt weird without Xander.
 
Fortunately, because of the nature of Daizi's job, she was able to do much of it from home, so she went to her office until the school day was over.

At school, after her final class was out, Sloan stood by her locker, putting her books away. All things considered, it was a pretty good day, and a poorly written love letter hadn't come tumbling out when she opened the door, so ultimately, it could be worse. She just hoped the traffic wouldn't be too bad.
 
Xander walked down the hall, looking for someone. He spotted Sloan and walked passed her. Then he turned and walked back. The locker next to hers was closed and unbusy. He turned and leaned his back against the locker, not saying anything to Sloan as he dug something out of his backpack. He pulled out a small single-serve chocolate pudding cup and held it out to her. He didn't say anything, didn't even fully look her way, just held it out quietly.
 
Sloan didn't notice him right away, and when she did, she didn't say anything, waiting for him to speak first. But when she noticed the pudding cup, she rolled her eyes and smiled at him, "Alright, I'll accept your peace offering--this time. Thank you," She stuffed it in her bag, "and I'm sorry you had a rough weekend. I was texting Alec, he told me a bit about it, nothing specific, and that's not me asking or anything."
 
Xander shrugged. "Just typical me stuff," he said, lightly folding his arms over his sleevless white shirt. "Talked him into doing something stupid, and now we're paying for it. First time getting into trouble with the fosters, though, so... go me for having a record peace streak, I guess." He gave her a lopsided smile that softened his face but didn't quite reach his eyes. He was tired and couldn't wait to get home!
 
"It was bound to happen eventually I guess," she shrugged, "I get into trouble with my mom all the time. But in class Mr. Dark has always been fair, and despite what my mom will say he's a good neighbor. I can't imagine it'll be a problem long term," She smiled back at him, shutting her locker, "I think you have a bus to catch."
 
"Yeah, see you there." She was somewhat impressed by his apology. It definitely felt very much like him, but she doubted she would have gotten one when they had first met.
 
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Xander gave a sort of wave and headed for the bus. He found his usual seat on the bus and sat next to the window, waiting impatiently for his stop.

Meanwhile, back home, Alec sat in the living room watching out the window. He didn't even disguise the fact that he was waiting for Xander. Any minute now. Any minute...

"Xander's home!" he shouted the second he spotted the familiar figure walking down the sidewalk toward the house.
 
Daizi laughed, wondering if Dark was ever that excited when she came home, and wandered down the stairs to greet her other foster.

If he hadn't had a rough night, she probably would have hurried to prank him, somehow, and perhaps get Alec involved--although she doubted he would ever join in against Xander--but it was not the right time for that. Next time. It'd be better with more planning anyway.
 
Xander walked through the door and right into a giant hug. He grunted, staggering a little under the impact, but recovered quickly. "Can I at least get through the door?" he complained.

"Right." Alec backed up and waited for Xander to close the door behind him before launching himself forward again. "Missed you!"

"Really? I couldn't tell." Xander couldn't help but smile and hugged his brother back tightly. It felt like something had been put back right. "I didn't miss you one little bit."

Alec snorted and let go, allowing him to take off his shoes and touch the salt. "Sloan texted me that you were grumpy this afternoon."

"Hey, I made up with her!" he protested. "And does that mean you finally found your phone?"

Alec nodded. "In the trash can."

Xander grunted in amusement and looked passed Alec. "Hey, Daizi. Did you stay home all day?"
 
"Technically speaking," She nodded, leaning against the banister, standing casually with one arm against it and the other hand on her belly, "I was working from home, so I was here but my boss is still happy. Why do you ask?"
 
Xander shrugged and gently nudged Alec out of the way like he was a hyper puppy. "Just seeing Alec was home alone or not." He let out a huff as he set down his school bag. "So. What chores are we supposed to tackle?"

Alec picked up Xander's bag and carried it to their room, setting it neatly by the dresser before returning. "Sweeping and mopping?" he suggested.
 
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