idiots.

NOTE: This is a multi-part Take Ten to Write story. For the story to make the most sense, read all previous parts first. You can read the compiled story here.

---

Chapter I · Part VII

A low chuckle echoed in my ear.

“Who do we have here?”

I exchanged a glance with Blake. In the edge of my vision, I saw something being held against the back of his neck as well. I blinked and saw that it was… a stick?

I spun around, ignoring Blake’s shout,  and saw a similar stick being knocked aside. A boy looked back at me with a grin.

“She’s a smart one,” he said, looking over my head at Walker.

I could practically see Walker’s smirk still plastered on his face.

“Hey!” Blake hissed, pushing his own stick away. “Who are you?”

The boy spread his hands, a stick still in each one, and, nodding at Walker, said, “I’m that idiot’s best friend. My name is Nate.”

“Nate.” I scowled at him. “And why exactly were you threatening–” I paused to correct myself, “pretending to threaten us?”

Once again, he exchanged a glance with Walker. “Well, we agreed that we shouldn’t be too quick with trusting the two of you. After all, you can never be too careful nowadays.”

“You don’t trust us?” Blake spluttered. “How do you think we feel about you?”

Nate’s expression darkened. “Look, we–”

Walker cut in, “just wanted to play a little joke on the two of you. Honestly, you should’ve seen your faces. It was hilarious.”

There was movement in the corner of my eye, and I watched with sneaking satisfaction as my brother punched Walker in the face.