Notes:

Additional Cast:

Chris Wood as Daniel Alexander Nelson

Meghan Ory as Claire

Joseph's POV

Everything seems in place. Cushions in order on couch and the coffee table without any dust or any bits of food. The whole place is tidied and clean. At least to me. I am sure Sophie can find something to ascribe to me, but it's the second time I am so thorough in cleaning. The first was the first time me and Alice slept together. We made the place a mess with our clothes tossed everywhere on the floor, but at least it was clean. She had come to my place before(unexpectedly), but that time it was special, so I couldn't leave the place like a Neaterdal's cave.

Anyway, this time the cleaning occasion is not because of Alice, but because of my brother. Dan is coming to my place for the first time in the three years I've been living here. I've been in his place in Boston before, due to his both graduations; Bachelor and Masters, but he's never been to mine. I thought I couldn't care less on making a good impression to my brother, since we lived together for many years at the parental house, but as I said I am not a caveman. I should present a decent house like my mother would say. Not to mention, I am sure Daniel will leave a full report after his visit to our parents and I am in no mood to listen to my father's judgemental comments or my mum's quick rave about not cleaning. Sophie would tell me off as well, so I saved myself a hell of a lecture.

I sit comfortably on the sofa and I look at the time. Dan will be here any minute. He and his fiancee, Olivia, arrived at Silver City this morning and they will stay for four days, because they are guests and presenters at some seminars, taking place in SCU. Dan and Olivia didn't have much time to rest, due to preparations, but I received a call around noon, in which Dan said he wanted to hang out. Olivia couldn't follow, so it's going to be the two of us. It's been a very long time since me and him have gone somewhere, just the two brothers, and I can't hide that I am intrigued to see how this will go.

Dan insisted to come home at first, to see my place and greet Sophie. He actually proposed Sophie to join us, but Sophie being a wreck the last week declined. I made the offer if she wanted me and Dan to stay here, but she declined that as well. Honestly, things are getting worse and I don't know what to do or say. I am trying to be the supportive and funny big brother, but all my attempts are in vain. Sometimes I wanna pick up the phone and call her irrational mother and shout to her "JUST CALL YOUR DAUGHTER YOU INSENSITIVE BITCH!", but I'd probably make things way worse.

My thoughts are interrupted by the sound of the door. Sophie has finally decided to leave the kingdom of darkness and join the living. I give her a soft, yet concerned look

"I see you pick up the vacuum machine only when our folks are coming. You could do that more often, but anyway, as Nathan would say. I'm going to take a bath, Vanessa is coming soon." It's the only thing she says, giving me a quick glance.

The moment she disappears into the bathroom, the door phone rings. Dan is here! After a while he appears on my footstep, smiling at me, dressed a bit formally. Black trousers, a light suit navy coat and a white shirt. And of course his glasses... Which are new?

"That's what I call a new fashion update. Cool glasses, bro." I smile brightly at him.

"You think? I had my doubts. Olivia's choice!" he returns the smile.

"That explains a lot. As I've said, keep that woman. She might manage to turn you into a mainstream brand model" I tease him, welcoming him into my house.

"That's a lovely home." Dan remarks, taking a look around. "Sophie's touch is apparent of course, thus the sophisticated style." He keeps on taking strolls into the house. "And by the way, where is she? I wanted to greet her."

"She's in the bathroom." I point towards it.

"Is she still negative about joining us? Sophie is like me. She doesn't like noisy crowded dirty places. We can go to a nice restaurant. My treat of course."

"Actually she's not in her best mood these last few days." I point out and wait for any kind of reaction from his side. Perhaps mum had filled him in with some info or gossip or anything for that matter. She hasn't told me much to be honest.

"I see. The stress of the upcoming exams. Always got their toll on her. I can relate." Dan responds simply and probably that's all he knows. I guess mum wouldn't like to stress him out over neighbourhood issues. She knows Dan works way too much, so she wouldn't like to bother him with anything more.

"Exams... Your favourite period." I state sarcastically, and point to him the couch to sit.

"Because I am good at it, it doesn't mean I am a masochist." He jokes, making me chuckle. "So tell me, where will we go?" His question catches me off guard. He seems really eager to go out. Who? Dan! Who loves staying in more than anything.

"Who are you and what have you done to my brother? If you want money, of course I am not gonna pay. You can keep him." I state, making Dan laugh. He seems excited indeed.

"Is it that bad that I want to go out with my little brother?"

"Where's the catch?"

"There's no catch. I just thought it would be nice. I haven't seen you since Christmas and we barely talk." He pokes me in a brotherly way.

"Does mum hide behind this kind of attitude? You know how much she wants to see us hang out and be best brothers and all..."

"She could have, but no. I do a lot of thinking now that I am making my wedding preparations. Well, Olivia is on charge of most, but she didn't let me slip easily. She said research can wait, whereas wedding planners cannot." He chortles and I join him. Well, I didn't see this coming from Dan, the responsible and great son of Nelson family. I wonder how father would react if he had heard this.

"Don't tell me you're thinking of calling off the wedding. You should have done it earlier like I told you. Now you have already paid for half of this shit-" Dan gives me a warning glare "-of this thing and this money is not refundable."

"There is no way I am calling off the wedding. Olivia is the woman I want to share the rest of my life with and everyday I am more sure than ever. I know you can't relate, as your ideology is completely different, but at least you should respect that. And I hope you won't indulge yourself sexually with half of Olivia's cousins and cause a family crisis in the middle of the ceremony." He points his finger at me, giving me his deadly look. I stay there looking at him completely unbothered and trying to hold my laughter at the same time.

Dan has no idea, like the rest of the family. None of them knows, that I am out of the bachelor's club and the different-night different-woman lifestyle. I didn't bother to tell my parents on spring break, because it's not of their business. I'll tell them, when the time is right. The only one I told back home was Chris and then the rest of my friends found out one by one. I really want to tell Dan and capture his face reaction on camera, but I don't know if I should do it now or if I should wait a bit more.

Fuck it! Why wait when I can now?

"It's not something to laugh." Dan keeps on lecturing me. "I won't let you ruin my wedding. Just try to keep it calm for this day. Let this be your wedding present to me." He tries so hard, being sure I'd bang Olivia's bridesmaids. That's something I would do, but just because I am decent and I'd respect his special day, I'd bang only one. But now, he doesn't have to worry at all. Olivia's bridesmaids can't be prettier than Alice, even when she has no makeup on.

"Don't worry, bro.I won't do anything." I give him a condescending look.

Dan still has his doubts. "How can I be sure?"

"Come on, Dan! I promise. I am not a fool to do something reckless like this. My girlfriend would beat the crap out of me with technical accuracy and I am serious. Instead of escorting you in the wedding car, you will escort me in an ambulance." I start nagging and as Dan is nodding, satisfied with my promise, he suddenly stays puts. His blue eyes widen and pierce me.

Where the hell is my phone? I should picture this!

"Did I just hear correctly?" Dan mutters, completely unsure.

"Did you got that old and your ears stopped functioning properly?" I smirk, enjoying it way too much.

"Did you just say the words 'my girlfriend'? I mean, not mine! Yours, like your girlfriend!" He stutters.

"Dan, you are the intelligent one in the family. With all the diplomas and papers and stuff... I guess I was right all along and you aren't as smart as all think." I start chortling. I have never seen him so confused in my life. Never. And his field is Applied Mathematics. Nothing more confusing than that.

"Are you serious?"

"Dead serious!" I reassure him, stopping laughing at once. "I am officially and with all means committed to one woman." I put it poetically.

"I should meet her!" My eyes widen in surprise. "I should witness it with my own eyes. She has to be a hell of a woman, to make you leave this frickle life of yours."

"I never expected hearing you use this kind of expression." Yeah, Dan spoke like this! The intellectual!

"That's the only way to describe her. If you are truly enchanted by her... and faithful." The moment he says that, he receives one of my famous glares. I almost never use it, but I do when I have to. Dan seems shocked.

"When I said to her, that I will go down this path, I said I'd do it correctly. I couldn't stand myself if I was an asshole towards her. She deserves a lot and she means a lot. I left this frickle life, as you've put it so nicely, behind me. But I will say one thing. I don't regret what I did. It was my life and I lived it to the fullest as I wanted. I never bothered anyone. Even if people say that I took advantage of girls, just to fool around, I was always honest with them from the beginning. My offer was simple. You are into me, I am into you. Do you wanna have fun? And that's all. I never gave any fake promises nor said things I didn't intend to keep. And even if it's hard to believe, this life leaded me to meet the one true diamond in my life and value its value the most." I stop to take a breath, because I realized I was speaking non-stop. I didn't know I was holding all this stuff inside my chest all this time. I guess I had enough with all the judgmental comments I received from people and from my family. Especially my father and even Dan, even if he did it unconsciously.

Dan's expression is totally shaken, but I detect something more. Is that pride I am reading on his face? "You've grown up a lot. I haven't seen you for five months, but you've really become more mature. I am proud of you." He says this simple thing and I've never realized in my whole life, that I needed it this much. I thought I didn't care about Dan's approval, but in the end I really wanted my big brother to say these words to me. I guess I deep down admired him somehow. "So what's the diamond's name?" He asks, grinning.

"Alice." My mouth edges rise, even by pronouncing her name.

"Tell Alice I want to meet her. I will arrange a dinner with Olivia, if you don't mind." He proposes and I instantly make a grimace. I guess it's still too early for me to access the whole couple option menu. But I guess I should take the leap at some point. Dan isn't going to be here for long and I guess he and Olivia should meet my date for their wedding eventually.

"Fine!" I agree, but I make it look like a chore. "But let Olivia choose the restaurant." Dan chuckles and nods.

"I guess we should go out and celebrate then. I will let you take me wherever you want. Why not your favourite bar?" He proposes really thrilled.

As I am about to answer, the phone bell rings again. I get confused, but then I remember Sophie expects Vanessa. I am glad she decided not to be a complete introvert and let Vanessa hang with her a bit. Even at home.

"Hey Ness!" I greet her the moment she rings the bell and I open the door.

"Hi Joseph! How are you?" She looks at me smiling as she comes inside.

"Is that you Vanessa Adams?" Dan speaks, the moment Vanessa steps into the house. His eyes widen in surprisement.

"Oh my..." She rests her hand above her chest, looking quite astonished too. "Dan? I didn't know-um, hi! What a nice surprise!"

"A surprise indeed!" He continues in the surprisement mode. "It's been a really long time, since Ι last saw you. Joseph's graduation, if I remember correctly?"

"Yes! Absolutely! Almost three years. Actually a little less than that, since it's early May now." Vanessa specifies it while moving her hands fast and nervously in the air. I wonder how she hasn't blushed yet. "How you've been?" She titles her head on the side and with a shy grin she marches towards Dan and extends her hand towards him for a handshake.

Dan receives gladly the handshake, being the gentleman, like he says, he is.

"I've been good. I am still in Boston. Doing my Phd." He answers casually. "I can't believe how much you've grown. I remember you being such a pretty little girl and now you are such an elegant young lady." Dan praises Vanessa, using all the Nelson's charisma without actually realising it. I think it's in our blood.

"That's so great! I mean that you're doing your Phd, not that... um..." Red cheeks; check. "It's in applied mathematics, isn't it? I think my mom bumped into yours one day and she told her. Mrs Nelson is so proud of you and everything that you have achieved! You're doing so great and in a way we're all proud of you. I mean, we're in a small town so..." Vanessa puts an end to the compliments with a giggle and locks a curl behind her ear.

"Thank you Vanessa." Dan smiles tenderly at her. "I think you're going to achieve many things too. Joseph told me you study Journalism, right?" Vanessa nods, shyly still blushing. Sweet Vanessa, your childhood crush is showing so much.

"To be honest, since Dan found out we hang out, he never misses a chance to ask me about you, whenever we talk." I smile towards both of them. Let's leave out the lecturing part, where Dan warned me not to mess around with Vanessa in any kind of way.

"Um, that's extremely nice of him-of you." She mentions at Dan and looks at the floor. "And considerate."

"You were my favourite student, Vanessa. I never praise if someone doesn't deserve it. Sometimes I wish my students would be more like you at university." Dan compliments her once again and sweet Vanessa finds anxiously a place to look at, that it's not Dan.

"Ummm... Thank you." She beams."You're going to stay here for long, Dan?" She tries to make casual conversation, while the red colour never leaves her cheeks.

"Unfortunately we are going to stay here only for four days. Me and my fiancée present a couple of seminars at SCU."

"You're engaged?" Vanessa exclaims, while lifting her eyebrows really high. "I had no idea! My mom didn't- um, I'm sorry! I mean, congratulations! That is such wonderful news! I wish you all the best from the bottom of my heart." She takes a step forward and extends her hand again to congratulate my brother properly. So sorry, Vanessa. Your childhood crush fantasy has officially come to an end.

"Thanks a lot! I wish you find a decent young man one day as well. You deserve it." Dan grins warmly, caressing Vanessa's hand.

"How do you describe decent?" I chime in, with a playful attitude. "Because it seems we have different definitions on the matter."

Dan chuckles, before he answers. "At first he has to be someone who cherishes and respects her. And of course I can only picture our sweet Vanessa with someone with a strong academic background. She deserves nothing less." Dan throws a satisfied look towards Vanessa, but I huff in despair. Some things just never change. "Vanessa, you will meet many of my students at my wedding. Make the best of it." Dan winks at her. "If you haven't found that special someone, of course. I don't want to be the cause of a break up." He laughs awkwardly. Look at Dan, playing the matchmaker. I didn't see that coming. I wonder how Nathan would react to this if he knew, but after our last convo, I should better let it pass. He already has his gun pointed at Ashton. Let alone my brother who will introduce to Vanessa a bunch of nerds.

"Awwww. Isn't he a great cupid? What a multitasking brother I have. He's teaching, he's doing his phd, he's publishing papers and he helps people find their soulmates." I tease Dan, by tapping him behind of his neck.

"He's pretty charismatic for sure." Vanessa chuckles at my tease and then gives a quick glance around. "Um, Joseph, where is Sophie?"

"She's in the bathroom." I answer, casually. "She won't take long."

"Good." She nods her head a couple times. "I brought ice cream. I almost forgot! Can you show me around the kitchen, Joseph? Excuse us, Dan." She throws an apologetic glare at my brother and then approaches me.

Vanessa pushes me gently with her towards the kitchen, where I take the ice cream and put it into the fridge.

"I got a bit distracted. Alice hasn't mentioned Dan's visit." She crosses her arms in front of her chest and leans against the counter with her back at the living room and looks over her shoulder to make sure Dan isn't paying attention to us.

"I guess she is lost by the whole pre exams period. She sucks at scheduling." I chuckle lightly and Vanessa joins me. "Tell me. What's up?"

"How's Sophie? I don't know if Dan knows and I do know it's extremely rude to leave him there hanging, while we are here whispering, but I couldn't avoid the possibility of him not knowing. Any question could have upset him." She confesses her worries in a low tone. "I think she's doing better, don't you think? All these calls from her dad are kinda reassuring. Her mom will call any day now."

"I hope so. Because she's sure taking her time." I point out sarcastically. "Sophie seems fine, but she's keeping everything for herself. I don't know how much she's sharing, but it's not for sure the 100%." I huff.

"She seems better to me. Robin is putting her very best and it's working. And you, Joseph. You're doing great too. Sophie is better because of you. You know all the different ways to put a smile on her face and ease her troubles." She gives me a soft look and rests her hand on my shoulder comfortably.

Vanessa is so good at encouraging others. Personally, I don't think I am doing a good job, but perhaps Vanessa sees it more objectively as a third party.

"Thanks Ness. My brother is right. You deserve a lot. Sophie and Alice are so lucky to have you." I give her one of my brightest smiles.

"Aw, stop it you! I haven't stopped being nervous from the moment I got in." She goes for an eyeroll but ends up chortling.

"Are you still smitten with my big brother-"

"Joss, stop it!" She gives a slight slap on my arm that can barely be compared to the ones Sophie gives me. "Um, so!" She says in a lower voice and turns around getting Dan's attention. "Sophie will be done in any minute and you guys have plans obviously. I am so sorry for getting in the way! I have brought some notes of mine, I am not sure if Sophie would like to have a non-stop movie marathon, considering we're way too close to exams period, so I can occupy myself with those until she gets out of the shower."

"Are you sure girls don't want to come with us?" Dan proposes. "I told Joss to go to his favourite bar, but I can understand if you don't feel comfortable going there. I've been told a couple of nice restaurants. Totally Sophie's style and you don't have to worry about money. I would love to treat you both, our little sister and my favourite student." Dan is gentle and kind for sure. Our mother has to be very proud, raising two sons with manners.

"Aw, that's so kind of you, Dan! And thank you so much for the invitation, but I think you two need some brother-time alone and honestly, Sophie and I have some things we have to take care off. It was really so nice to see you again! I wish you enjoy your stay here in Silver City and that everything goes well with your seminar! Congratulations once again on your engagement as well!" Vanessa declines politely.

"Too bad!" Dan pouts instantly. "And thank you again!"

"So are you still in to go to my favourite bar? I have to warn you, it's not your style." I say in a serious tone. I may like cheap bars and pubs, where the beer is plenty and as I said cheap an accessible to underaged, but Dan's taste is completely different. He prefers fancy restaurants and bars and since he gains a proper amount of money now, he can satisfy his need. Obviously I like fancy things as well, because who wouldn't, but I can't afford living a luxurious life everyday. Someday I might.

"I will take my risk. Olivia once took me to an underground bar. It wasn't that bad." Dan shrugs, trying to play it cool.

"Wow! You live a dangerous life." I point out ironically, making Dan eyeroll. "Anyway, I am going to fix my hair a bit and we are good to go."

"Take your time. Vanessa will keep me a pleasant company. We will remember the good old days." He beams wholeheartedly to Vanessa, pointing her the couch to sit, next to him. I hope Vanessa survives, till the time I got ready.

After a while, I am ready to go. Black jeans, white t-shirt, denim jacket and my hair as always on point. As I am going out, Ι see Sophie has joined Dan and Vanessa. She seems really happy she got to see Dan again. Well, truth to be told, she loves both Nelson brothers. Dan asks again if they are sure about not going out and since Sophie politely declined, we find ourselves in Dan's car, heading to 'Checkpoint'.

When we arrive, I motion to Dan to follow me to the bar. He looks around, watching the place carefully. He really seems like a fish out of water, being dressed too formal for a place like this. I know he didn't hang out much during his college days, but as a student he had to go to a pub like this. I am sure Boston has plenty.

"That's what I call a good-looking surprise." Claire, my favourite bartender, greets me wholeheartedly, the moment I get to the bar. She is dressed pretty much like always. Her outfit total black. Black tights, black crop top and black leather jacket. Her long black hair straight, dark red lipstick and piercings, one on her lip, one on her nose and many on the ears.

"You know how to get yourself a generous tip, don't you?" I wink to her.

"I can't expect to live only from the bartender's salary." She chuckles and then her eyes are locked on Dan, who's taking a seat next to me at the bar. She's checking him out without hiding it. Classic Claire. She never loses a chance to hit on a handsome man and my brother is no exception. Nelson's visuals like I said. "But since you brought an attractive company tonight, you can spare the tip." She turns to Dan at once, who's still checking the place out. "Hey handsome. I am Claire. What can I get you?"

Dan is caught completely off guard and coughs due to his bewilderment. "Hello... Claire." He smiles politely and then looks carefully at the blackboard, behind Claire, where all the available beers are written. "What do you propose?" He asks nicely, still looking at the blackboard. Dan is not a big fan of beer, unlike me, but sometimes he joins, just for the sake of the majority.

"What's your taste?" Claire asks, flirting openly with him, while my brother doesn't have a clue. It's so funny to watch actually.

"Umm... I usually prefer the blond ones." He answers sceptical.

"Too bad. Brunettes are way better." Claire responds fully confident, speaking seductively at him. At that moment, my brother understands the reference (Hallelujah!) and moves his eyes on Claire. His discomfiture is way apparent.

"Um! Excuse me?" He fixes his glasses. Classic Dan gesture, when he feels awkward.

"After my shift I can show you, brunettes really do it better." She leans on the bar, getting closer to Dan, while he moves subtly backwards. Why am I not recording this?

"That's really considerate, but I am not interested." He smiles awkwardly, trying to be polite and not offend her. Claire raises an eyebrow instantly, from disbelief. She's not used to getting 'no' for an answer. "I am engaged!" Dan speaks more confidently and louder.

That's Claire's cue to back off, instantly. "This changes things. Taken men, not my style. Not my thing to ruin relationships." She smirks and Dan seems relieved and shaken at the same time. It's rare to find a person like Claire, who is being bold and doesn't mince her words. "So what can I get you boys? Joss, your usual?" She asks me and I nod. "Leave yours to me..." Claire stays put, looking at Dan, pending. Dan gives her another puzzled look. "Your name? Except if you want me to call you handsome all evening. I don't mind though." She shrugs, but the flirt vibes are off. She's being the sociable and friendly Claire, the favourite bar tender of SCU's students.

"Daniel. Daniel Nelson." He introduces himself, formally. Sometimes he looks more like Sophie's sibling than mine.

"Nelson?" Claire raises her eyebrow, quizzically, looking at me.

"Claire, let me introduce you my big brother." I say sarcastically, like it's the big event of the year.

"Thus the breathtaking looks." She points out, making Dan a bit embarrassed. He's getting praised for his face like me a lot, but he gets shy and embarrassed, unlike me. Especially now, that Claire puts it without any filter. "Then it's half the price for you, Daniel. If you weren't engaged, it would be free, but you lost your chance." The subtext is clear underneath, but it's Claire's way of speaking. I am used to it and I enjoy it, whereas Dan laughs still awkwardly.

Claire goes and comes back instantly with our orders. "Enjoy boys! I will catch up with you two princes later." She says and goes to the storage.

Dan turns to me and whispers. "Does she treat every customer like that?"

"Only the good looking ones." I remark.

"She's bold for sure."

"You have no idea. But she's one of the coolest around here."

"Do you know her for long?" He asks curiously, still shaken from her attitude.

"Since I was a freshman. She really did take a good care of me." A wide smile spreads on my face. I had a really good time with Claire. And a wild one. But always she and I were into it as a game, thus we knew how to have a pleasant time. Now she's just a really good friend. I am looking at her, without having any dirty thoughts, since Alice stars in all of them.

Dan obviously got the hint. He got that, but not Claire throwing herself completely at him. "Does Alice know? I mean does she know you still hang here?"

"Alice knows everything." This caught Dan's attention for good. "She knows, about my past and she knows Claire and my past with her and, to be honest, she really likes Claire."

That's something Dan didn't expect to hear. "You mean that your girlfriend knows this bartender, with whom you were involved many times, and not only she's fine with, but she also likes her?"

"Exactly. They actually team up and they make fun of me. Not one of my brightest moments." I say like it's no big deal.

"My curiosity to meet her just leveled up. You must have shown her she can really trust you. That you have truly changed." He concludes. "Let's drink to that." He raises his glass and I join him, smiling.

"I don't feel like I really changed, to be honest." I confide in him, drinking from my beer. Dan gives me an examining look. "I am the same Joseph you used to know. I still like playing games, listening to rock music really loud, enjoying drinks and food with friends, going to parties..." I don't honestly understand the whole 'change' meaning. Nathan fears that I have changed. Frankly I was feared that I will change, but I don't feel any different.

"I can see that." Dan smirks. "Still with a sarcastic quip ready to slip your mouth, still fixing your hair to make sure they look intended messy..." He teases me and I chuckle, lightly. "But this is not what I meant. When I said at your place that you have matured, it is true. You would never jeopardize your freedom or your care free life for anyone. You wanted to live without responsibilities and now here you are; having taken the greatest one." I give him a huge 'What do you mean' look. "This responsibility is Alice's trust. It may sound like something insignificant, but it's not. Trust is really fragile and it's not easily given. This girl must have seen something in you, so she could trust you with her feelings. Mum was right again. Each of us matures in his own way. Taking his own path. I am not saying you were bad, when you were living without worries, this carefree life of yours. No one says that. I guess it was what you needed in order to discover yourself." Dan finishes, looking softly at me and then takes a sip from his beer. 

It's the first time he talked like a big brother. Not the annoying know-it-all one. But the true mature big brother, who has more experience in life and guides his little one. I have never realized life like this. I guess I really did change, but I became a better version of myself. And Alice helped to that.

"I don't really want to throw accusations, because I didn't care much, but you didn't really seem to accept me." I speak in a heavy voice.

"Maybe... I kind of envied you." Dan answers, drinking his beer again. The moment he say this, I turn completely to him.

"You? The perfect son?" I exclaim, unable to believe in my ears.

"Sometimes I wanted to be more like you. Not to care about a bad grade or make a bad impression or act a little wild." He smiles mischievously and I am still shook. "But I couldn't because me and you are different and I am glad for that." He beams.

"Because one of you is insufferable, let alone two." I quip joking, as this is what I am best at. The conversation got really sentimental and, not knowing how to handle it, I had to ruin it, by throwing a sarcastic comment.

"And that's how our sweet brotherly moment goes to waste." He huffs, showing like he can't stand me any longer, whereas it's the first time we actually enjoy the company of the other.

"But seriously I can't understand. Perhaps I can understand why you envied my life, because it was and still is awesome, but you always got the praise, the encouragement, the support. You never had your actions judged or questioned."

Dan's expression shows he understood well for what or better for who I am talking about. "Dad knows your value." His comment makes me burst out laughing. Obviously not because of joy.

"Dad thinks the lowest of me." I spit.

"That's not true. Dad taught you everything you know about computers. He dedicated all his time to you, teaching you his passion, that it's now your passion." Dan caresses my back.

"That's why I can't understand why he treats me like that." I raise my voice. "I managed to get accepted to one of the top universities, I never failed a single class, I got the attention of a very distinguished professor, who offered me a place in his team and a New York internship. What more does he want?" I realize I am shouting, but thankfully the music is loud, so I was not heard. Claire is talking with some guys across the bar and she didn't seem to hear me. Dan's look is soft and understanding. He tries to sympathise with me, without showing pity. "Forget I said that. Honestly I don't care." I speak again, after I manage to gather myself together.

"You two should talk. Without arguing and shouting." Dan proposes decisively.

"Since I told him about the summer internship, he stopped talking to me and it doesn't bother me less. I didn't see him a lot during spring break. He was always at work and when he was home, I was out. Mum seemed really anxious with this whole situation and tried to make us talk, but all her attempts were in vain. I know she won't give up that easily. She's stubborn."

Mum knows I won't be home during summer, so she decided to play along during spring break. She was really proud of me about the internship, but she still can't get over the fact that she won't see me for a whole summer, in which I also have my birthday. I am sure she will find her chance to visit me for one weekend.

"Dad just wants you to follow his footsteps. At first it was me, but he gave up when he realized computers wasn't my calling. You gave him the hope he'd lost." Dan supports dad, like he usually does. Old habits are hard to forget sometime.

"Generally he thinks I am completely hopeless." I huff. "I don't want to be him. I am not him. I am Joseph!" I declare firmly.

"You are the only one who can make him see that." He says smoothly and I huff deeper. How can I make a man who doesn't want to see, see? "I guess we talked a lot about our old man. Tell me about your project. And the internship." He changes the subject, as he sees the conversation about father exhausted me psychologically. I am glad he did. I was in no mood to talk more about it. Not to mention, Dan seems really interested about both my project and internship.

As I am talking about them, my cheerfulness returns. I am so lucky to have found what I love to do in such a young age, while others spend their lifetimes searching. That's why I hold to them tight. Dan seems more and more intrigued as I keep talking and he asks me questions, that honestly none of my friends (except Matt and Grant maybe) would do. I remember talking about it to Nathan for example, but I was sure all the technical details would bore him out. But not Dan. Honestly I was so immersed in the conversation, that I didn't feel a hand poking my back, until Dan pointed it out. I turn around and speak of the devil, in front of me there is no other than Nathan.

"Greetings to the Nelson brothers. Dan I presume?" He looks at my brother after making the connection.

Dan looks puzzled at Nathan. "Exactly. Are you a friend of Joseph's?"

"I'd like to think so. I'm Nathan. And you're about to get wed. So what can we do for you?" Nathan asks teasingly and winks at Claire behind the bar as a sign to get him a beer.

"Unfortunately yes! All the hotties are getting off the market as it seems." Claire brings Nathan his beer and smiles mischievously at Dan, who tries to avoid eye contact.

"I know losing Joseph was a huge one for you and the majority of the SCU female population. You still have me, Claire." He raises his glass up to her direction.

Claire narrows her eyes and then looks once at me, then at Nathan and again at me. "Do you care to put subtitles on your statement, Nathan?" She seems really confused. Fuck! Why am I not taking pictures? I could make an album of all their faces naming it 'The Huge Revelation' or something like that. Claire will be the next one to know about me and Alice.

"Don't you know the latest? Joseph got himself a girlfriend." Nathan announces and makes sure to emphasize on the girlfriend word once more.

Claire's eyes widen and then smirks. "I knew Alice would get you!" She exclaims enthusiastically and it's my time to be astonished. Nathan and Dan look at her in the same way. "I liked Alice, since the first time I met her. I am glad you pulled yourself together and finally asked her out." She pokes my arm playfully.

"Well well, look at that, Joseph. You have your first fan here." Nathan comments smirking.

"How did you know it was Alice?" I ask, ignoring Nathan's comment.

"Hello! I am a bartender! It's not a myth that we can read people. How many times have I ever seen you hang out with the same girl? Not to mention when I saw you with her, your whole attention was completely on her. Body language spoke on itself. You were smitten and you hadn't the slightest clue. No other girl had managed to do that and I've seen you with plenty." She winks playfully and I huff annoyed, while Dan across me looks impressed with Claire's explanation.

"Meaning you have been doomed for a while now, my friend. To Joseph getting a fine lady and kinda settling down. You're drinking with us for this, beautiful." Nathan clinks his glass with mine and then with Dan's as Claire puts herself a drink as well and joins us for a group toast.

"So Nathan, are you up to an after midnight lecture with me?" Claire tilts her head pointing her guns to Nathan.

"Would be my pleasure. We have been far behind." He accepts her offer right away. Claire would be another good distraction to Nathan. The best nevertheless. Dan, who is obviously not used to such bold flirting, looks nervously around the place. Sometimes it's hard to guess he's being the older one.

"Good!" She winks. "Since science lecture was cancelled..." She turns to Dan with a mischievous smile and then goes to serve some other clients, who just appeared, as Dan has an impulse cough from her words.

"She knows how to make an impression, for sure." He remarks, fixing his glasses.

"Was it a good one?" Nathan questions him with the rise of an eyebrow.

"I would call it unique for sure." Dan states with an awkward smile. "I can't imagine what she would do if she didn't know I am engaged."

"Stop being a whiner, Dan!" I scold him lightly. "Claire was just messing around with you. It's her style."

"I wonder how Alice manages that kind of style." Dan seems curious.

"As you heard, Claire likes Alice. She had stopped flirting with me, since a long time ago and tonight she explained why." I take a sip of my beer.

"I see. Well, Olivia would have told her off and perhaps thrown a small hissy fit if necessary." Dan says, still shaken from this whole experience.

"So, Olivia, the bride to be, I am guessing from your saying, is a version of Alice 2.0? You Nelsons got a particular taste in women." Nathan points out impressed and I chuckle by his comment. He's so right.

"Petite Olivia threw a hissy fit?" I can't imagine that calm and delicate woman, who always speaks politely and softly, being like that.

"You have no idea. I didn't see that coming either." Dan takes another sip from his beer and he seems to enjoy it. Claire made an excellent choice. "We were dating for 6 months, when we went to a restaurant. The waitress hadn't stopped paying her whole attention to me. Like really, she had ignored Olivia completely. She always kept on asking me about the food and the wine and kept on telling me about my good taste and appreciating my appearance and you know how these things go, but the whole time her back was turned to Olivia. I was trying to be polite and include her, but the waitress didn't seem so keen. Finally Olivia snapped since she was piling up all the patience she could get and told her pretty much not to flirt with her man, because she will find herself cleaning the restrooms." Dan narrates and he seems still surprised, even after so many years. I can't help it, but laugh out loud.

"Olivia got style! Didn't see this coming." I keep on laughing.

"Yeah, you guys, definitely have a style." Nathan remarks with both eyebrows raised now.

"You can say so!" Dan laughs alongside us. "So... Nathan, right?" Dan turns to Nathan and he nods. "Do you and Joseph study the same field?"

"Nope, but flattered. It's sports science for me and I am a freshman."

"Joseph, you hang out with a lot of freshmen this year." Dan remarks.

"I hang out with a lot of people." I state.

"Well, it's basically me and Sophie. And the so-called girlfriend, Alice. He has been kind enough to take us under his wings and show the tricks." Nathan says cockily after checking his phone. I bet it's going to be a long night for him.

"And Vanessa." Dan adds at once and Nathan's attention is caught for good. "But perhaps you don't know her." Oh Dan, please don't... But I guess Nathan won't be rude to him. At least I hope.

"I sort of do. Vanessa is Alice's roommate and had been my partner in a history class last semester. Look at the irony." He took the high road without forgetting to be his sarcastic self.

"Really? You had this luck to be Vanessa's partner? I am sure you had the best project in class. Vanessa is so thorough and studious. As I said to her back at Joss' place, she is my favourite student." Dan's beam widens as he praises Vanessa. He sure has a soft spot for her.

"You can say we did good. She was at your place?" Nathan eyes fall on me.

"Sophie called her. I didn't know." I try to erase the accusation from his look.

"It was a pleasant surprise indeed." Dan chimes in. "I hope, Joseph, you're taking a good care of her. If I studied here, I would take her under my wing for sure."

"We are doing our very best to keep her under our radar. She isn't making that easy for us though." Nathan forces a fake smile. Nathan is doing a good job at remaining calm, but I don't know for how much longer he will keep going. Dan is unaware and he keeps on praising Vanessa, without knowing he's pushing Nathan's limits.

"Vanessa? This girl is an angel." Dan defends her wholeheartedly, making Nathan eyeroll.

"Thank God Olivia isn't here listening to you speaking like this about another woman." I tease him, without being able to control myself. I just love teasing my big bro.

Dan almost chokes on his beer. "Are you insane? Vanessa is a little girl!"

"Well the little girls are the reason of cancelled weddings." I continue jestering him, chuckling.

"Not our case, right, Dan? You only sticked on the tutoring part. You never liked her, right?" Nathan takes a sip from his beer in an attempt to appear as indifferent as possible.

Now it's Dan's time to freak out. "Oh my God! I would never..." he huffs, desperately. "I hope you're just fooling around with me Nathan, right? I am familiar with Joseph's humor, so as his friend, I guess you share the same sense of it." Dan laughs awkwardly again.

"Right." Nathan nods his head reassuringly and Dan begins to breathe again. But that was quick. "Rumor has it she had a crush on you so... you know, things like that happen all the time."

He said it! I can't believe he said it.

"Vanessa? A crush on me?" Dan can't believe his ears and then laughs, because he believes it's yet another joke. "This is nonsensical!" This night will be memorable for sure. "Joseph, do have you any idea on the matter?" Now I have to answer?

"Why should I be interested on Vanessa's crushes? I had other interests back then if you remember." I try to be as indifferent as I can and also keep hidden Vanessa's cute dirty secret.

"And my interests were way different than Joseph's." Dan turns completely to face Nathan. "I don't know what kind if first impression I gave you, Nahan, and it rarely happens to me to give such one, but I was just Vanessa's tutor. I admired her as a mind and student and I still do. She was a baby back then. I wouldn't ever do that. Not to mention that would be illegal. Last but not least I had started dating Olivia back then." He gives a full report, just because his decent reputation was on jeopardy.

"You know what, Dan? First impression was good, but now I like you. So next round is on me." Nathan offers with a satisfied grin.

I can't believe Nathan sees threats everywhere. I can get Ashton, but Dan? Come on, man!

After his treat, Nathan says his farewells and goes back to his group of friends.

"Can you believe this kid?" Dan points towards Nathan's direction. "I can see why you're being friends with him." He shakes his head.

"He's a good buddy. Perhaps too bold for your standards, but he's one of the few guys that deserve to keep around." I take the last sip from my beer and Dan smiles at me.

"You always had a good instinct about the people who you call your friends. Let's see about the girlfriend one." He smirks.

"Seriously, are you going to put Alice on test?" I groan.

"I will leave this to mum, when the times comes." I choke, hearing this. Dude you're the one getting married, not me! Baby steps! "I can't wait to meet her. My guts tell me she will be wonderful. I don't think you would have given up on your freedom for anything less." His last words paint a huge smile on my face. That's true. Wonderful is such an understatement for Alice.

"I will let her know, about our..." Fuck can't say the word.

"Double date." Dan completes it.

"Yeah that!" I say, without caring, as Dan chortles.

"I hope she has room in her studying schedule. Getting ready for exams is an exhausting period." Dan says worried and I am trying so hard not to laugh. Alice having a schedule? Like seriously? I am sure she's groaning and complaining above her books with a huge cup of coffee all day, without knowing from where to start.

"I will talk to her. Just text me the place and when both of you be available." I inform him as I call Claire to pay.

"What are you doing?" He demands, after I give the money to Claire.

"It's not everyday that I get to hung out with my big bro at my favourite bar." I smile to him, tapping his back as a signal for him to sit up.

"Then the dinner is on me!" He responds, before we leave.

A/N: So Daniel...Dan finally made his proper guest. What do you think of him? Plus I think Vanessa's crush on him is the cutest thing ever, but totally innocent. Share your thoughts on the comments and don't forget to vote. See you on the next update.