Reed, Alice, Tyler & Cooper || Runaway Love
Reed had been staring off trying to think through all the places they had already been, the places he would need to double check, and all the places he still needed to go. Then another question started to haunt him. Why would he run? Did he really think he was so much of a burden?
The thought immediately vanished when he heard the familiar sound that was Alice tumbling into the living room. There was some relief in his expression, though it was mostly worry. He wrapped his arms around her, burying his face in her neck for the short moment. “Thank you for coming” He murmured.
A moment later Reed heard Tyler walking out of his room, and Reed pulled back from Alice. “No..” Tyler said in disbelief. “No, no, no.. You didn’t call her to make me stay here, did you?” Tyler snapped at Reed. Tyler loved Alice as if she were a sister, but not now that he was so wired. “Tyler, I need you to be here in case he comes home while i’m out.” “No, I want to go! She can’t stay!” He screamed. Tyler’s devastation was written all over his face. There was no hiding it for him. “This isn’t up for argument. I need you here.” Reed said sternly. Tyler swallowed hard his eyes brimming with tears. Reed let out a small sigh, guilty his voice had gotten so harsh with the other. “I’ll find him, okay?” Reed assured, softening his tone as he walked over and pulled Tyler into a hug, kissing the top of his head. Tyler was barely holding it together as Reed walked over and kissed Alice on the side of the head. “Thank you again..” He told her as he headed for the door, grabbing his jacket on the way. “I’ll be back as soon as I can..” He told them, and was gone.
Alice let herself rub Reed’s back comfortingly for a moment. “It was no problem,” she whispered, giving his temple a soft kiss. “You just go find him. Please.” If Cooper couldn’t be found, she didn’t know what she would do. That little boy had wrangled his way into her heart, and now it felt wrenched. Alice felt quite sick at her stomach, but she knew she couldn’t show it. Not until both boys were off doing their own thing could she do anything about that.
Once Tyler entered the room, Alice silently watched the scene unfold. She had guessed beforehand that she probably wouldn’t be wanted by Tyler, but she didn’t expect him to be so angry about it. Sure, she was here to make sure he didn’t leave, but that was simply a safety precaution. Tyler was obviously emotional over his brother, which was expected, and an emotional thirteen year old probably didn’t need to be roaming the streets at night looking for his little brother.
Alice’s gaze stayed at Tyler, even as Reed came over to her and kissed her on the side of the head. The boy, who usually was so nonchalant and uncaring, looked like he was about to crack at any second. The moment the door closed, Alice took a deep breath, trying to think up what to say. “I’m so sorry,” she murmured earnestly. “I know this has to be rough for you… Hell, I can see the toll it’s taking on you… but Reed’s right for making you stay. And I know when I’m not wanted; I’m quite used to the feeling. But if you need someone to talk to… or yell at, if that suits your fancy… I’m not leaving tonight.”
Tyler couldn't figure out if he wanted to scream, cry, storm away, break something, or even just collapse into Alice's arms. He looked around for moment, in silent contemplation. He finally decided on the last option. She seem sincere, and Tyler didn't want to be alone. He just wanted both his brothers back at home.
With a deep breath he walked across the room, wrapping his arms around Alice's waist, hiding his face, as the silent tears fell, dampening her jacket. "He's got to find him.." He mumbled as he clung to her. "There's got to be something we can do. We can't just sit here!" He sobbed desperately. Cooper had always been a shadow to Tyler, and not having him there was more devastating than Tyler was prepared for.