Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii

---

Something felt weird: perhaps it was his neck? That was all Jackson truly understood as his eyes fluttered open to the gorgeous view of the brown carpet floor. A few blinks to refocus, and the world seemed to crash onto his awkwardly crooked neck as Jackson began to fully realize the situation. It seemed, after last night's shenanigans, he had fallen asleep only to find himself half on the bed and half on the floor. A groan of annoyance escaped him as he attempted to roll the rest of his body off of his bed, only to hit a table. "Ow..." His annoyed mutter reached his ears as he finally found himself sprawled out on the floor, finally parallel to the world that he was resting on. A few efforts later, Jackson pushed himself up to a standing position, his neck a little crooked from the kink that had formed from his sleeping habit.

A yawn escaped his lips as he looked around for his phone as he tried to stretch out his neck. The TV was still on, the Mario 64 pause menu music just now fading into existence as he realized he had left it on since he left for the night. The only reason he had been playing the bad ass game was because he had hit a lull period in his vacation: more like Jackson hadn't a clue what to do. He had only been on the island for two days, with last night being his first real party. For some reason, he was having difficulty finding locals or tourists of his own age bracket to party with; so most of his time recently had been just touring around looking for something to do. When he finally found some people, they had said that the party didn't start until last night, which prompted the game: if he had to wait, he might as well have fun with it. Too bad that the crowd that he had found himself in last night were mostly frat boys and jockeys. While he didn't care about who he partied with ever, he never could associate with guys who could spend more money on shirts than he did on groceries for the week.

Nevertheless, it had been a fun night: especially since he got to try some of the local grass, which nearly sent him for a nose dive: yeah, the kid easily labeled as a professional stoner had been blown away by the shit the locals gave him. Maybe that was why he was feeling so weird this morning. Sure, he did drink a lot, but perhaps that stuff had been as good as was 'advertised'. Finally loosening his neck up a little, Jackson wandered around his room in a slight daze as he picked some things up after himself. The room was just the right size for a guy that hadn't planned on staying indoors: small, quaint and had the essentials that included a shower, a TV and a bed. Stashing the empty liquor bottles in a corner, Jackson threw his clothes off and got into the shower, letting the cold water turn to warm as he stood there. After a quick shave, a placement of piercings and change of clothing - if he wasn't loose enough to board, he didn't own it - Jackson turned off the TV while he grabbed his phone to check the time and messages. He ignored the fact that the day was already half over to read the three new messages he had gotten. Two were from fratboys saying that there was a party or something tonight that the locals were hosting, and that they were gunna crash the shit out of it. While he hadn't planned on crashing a party, Jackson smiled at the idea: hopefully, if he found a friend amongst the locals, he could ditch the frat boys and get down to some seriously partying and fun. Maybe even learn to surf. The third text seemed like a drunk text from some girl that he had chatted up last night whose name and face were coming up blank.

With thumbs of lead, Jackson slowly got a text out to the fratboys to count him in, counting on their ignorance to get him out of their circle. The text took five minutes, but he had just gotten into the whole texting scene, since he hadn't been able to afford a cell phone after his drug abuse and rehab. The phone had actually been a present from his parents so that he could text them to find where they were moving, and as an outlet in case... well, in case shit happened. With the texts out, Jackson grabbed his beanie, clipped his skateboard to his minibackpack (why, yes it does house some alcohol) and 'surfed' his longboard out the door of the hotel. His travel agent had wanted him to stay at the Kealoha hotel, but as much as it looked swanky and nice, it was seriously out of his price range; even if their value was pretty damn good. So with all of his sunglasses and beanie on, Jackson surfed the land on his longboard, hoping to find something to do while he waited for the party tonight.

An annoyingly long time later...

Jackson was beginning to regret the decision of coming with a bunch of college frat boys and their sorority girls. Not only did they show up at the weirdest time to crash a party, but they kept getting dirty looks from the others that appeared to be the natives. While he knew the dirty looks were obvious, he couldn't shake the feeling that this was probably a bad idea. Nevertheless, he left his fake I.D in his pocket while he went shot for shot against another frat boy, knocking the inexperienced chump out of the water. So far, that had been the highlight of the night, which was more than disappointing to him: his whole goal was to somehow find a friend amongst the locals, and here he was beating college students in shots. Not the way to really win the friendship of the locals. Jackson gave a sigh as he stayed seated at the table where a few others were, sticking out like... well, like a Detroit native in a bunch of Hawaiians. While everybody around him chatted, he did some people watching, curious as to what this party was even for and what these people were up to. He knew it wasn't his style to strike conversations with others randomly, so the best he could hope for was either that a native came to him, or some for of radical party change/brawl brought him to a native.

---

Keo, Aliee and Dax parted ways to prepare for the luau. It had been nice to hang out with Aliee who wasn’t so grumpy with a hangover or a handsy drunk. Maybe just being in a job environment is just what Aliee needs to pull her out of the slump she’s been in.

He’s well aware the animosity Noa had for Aliee and him. Growing up for Noa hadn’t been as easy for her and he didn’t help by stealing like one or two of her dates. But didn’t she see that a guy that would so easily leave her for him was just going to hurt her in the end anyway? All those death glares turned his way sure didn’t make her look delicate anymore. Keo’s admits guiltily that he may have googled if there were man-eating mermaids and found a disturbing amount of teeth and bone. He wasn’t quite sure how the tension appeared between Noa and Aliee, but he suspected that Aliee siding with Keo was at least one cause of it.

He had to go back home and bring some stuff for the luay. There, he prepared stuff with Kye at the house. When he noticed Kye texting and had that face on. The face that made it obvious exactly who it was that was on the phone, he shouted unwanted advice at Kye who ignored him before hiding in the washroom. Kye rushed out moments later, volunteering to get more stuff for the party looking suspicious and giddy. “Ah, young love.” Keo shared a look with his mom who only whacked him in the arm and told him he only gets to tease Kye when he gets a girlfriend himself to bring to the luau.

A quick shower before the luau was in order. Having spent the majority of his day in the garden, Nate was not keen on attending the party covered in dirt. Rather than trudging dirt through the house up to his room and ensuite, Nate headed for the outdoor shower. It served the duel purpose of bathing those fresh from the beach, and those fresh from the garden. The only downside being that the shower wasn't heated. Yet, given the current temperature that really wasn't too much of an issue.

Nate could hear the sounds of movement in the house and, as he entered, caught the tail end of Quinn's farewell. Glancing out the window he felt his eyebrows raise slightly. "Maddie's got a date?" He asked his father, who was seated in the lounge reading the newspaper.

"Looks that way." He replied, glancing over his newspaper, "This Kye boy isn't some bad boy into drugs is he?"

Nate laughed and shook his head, amused at his father's concern, "He's alright." Nate added. His father nodded and Nate left him to his reading.

Upstairs it didn't take long for Nate to select and get dressed into his clothes for the luau. With that completed Nate picked up his cellphone and sent out a quick text message to Keo,

"Mate. Kye and Quinn. Together."

"Is that where the little guy went?" Keo texted back with a small smile.

"He picked her up for the luau."

Nate replied, before sliding his phone into his pocket. Then, having another thought he brought the phone out again,

"How are you getting to the party?"

Keo read the text and called Nate to make arrangements. "I have to help my parents drive some extra chairs, but I can come around in an hour or so and pick you up if you need a ride. Where are you going to be at?" Keo said, not even pausing to greet him before giving him instructions.

---

Having dressed and grabbed his phone and wallet, Nate had little to do for the rest of the hour until Keo arrived, so he decided to walk around to Mona's house and see if he couldn't get her to join the festivities. The walk less than five minutes, and he was happy to see that the lights to her family beach house were on. Strolling up to the door he rang the doorbell. He hadn't called or texted ahead, half hoping that he'd surprise her and she'd answer in nothing more than a towel. However, Nate's dreams weren't to be realised as a moment later Mona answered the door in a pair of comfy pajama pants and an old shirt.

"Nate? What are you doing here?" Mona inquired, obviously surprised.

"Taking you out." Nate replied, grinning at her. "There's a party down at Manu's Place starting soon and I thought you'd like to come." He added. There was every possibility at the locals might not approve of him bringing around a tourist, but he would apologise for that later. "So, what do you say?"

Mona hesitated a moment, mentally tossing up between staying in and watching reruns of Project Runway or going to the party. In the end the party easily won out. "Alright. Give me twenty minutes." Mona said with a happy nod,

"Take a seat in the lounge, I won't be long."

Loading up the chairs into the family van and some extra blankets for when the night gets cooler and the sea breeze is extra strong worked Keo up into a sweat. He had a change of clothes if necessary in a bag, but for now he went shirtless as he drove to Nate's house. Idling outside Nate's place, he texted him: "Five minute warning--if you're not outside by then I'm going to come in and then make amenable noises when your parents start talking embarrassing shit about you."

Seated in Mona's lounge, Nate was gazing lazily over the artwork hanging on the wall when his phone buzzed. He read Keo's text, swore quietly to himself, and then called up to Mona, "Mona! Hurry up, our ride is waiting!"

Mona's reply came as shortly after as a shout down the stairs from her bedroom, "Five minutes!"

Nate, sensing that his parents were in danger of falling prey to Keo's idea of a joke, quickly wrote the other boy a text,

"Won't be long, just picking up a plus one. Hope that's alright."

He hesitated slightly, he probably should have asked for permission to bring Mona before actually inviting her. With a shrug he sent the message and hoped that Keo wouldn't be too pissed.

Less than five minutes later Mona stumbled down the stairs, her outfit changed and her hair and makeup done. Mona always looked fashionable, and even with only twenty minutes to prepare she looked just as good as if she'd had an hour.

A few minutes later the pair rounded the street corner and Nate sighted Keo in his van.

"And who's this lovely lady here?" Keo said out the rolled down window when he spotted Nate at a distance. When they came closer, he hopped out and opened the door for Mona, and he looked like he would tip his hat if he had one. "The name's Keokolo."

The thing that Nate, and Mona, had come to love about Hawaii was the fact that a lot of the inhabitants, tourists and locals alike, spent a lot of their time without tops on.

"This is Mona." Nate said, introducing his friend to Keokolo.

"Hi, nice to meet you." She greeted him with a smile.

"Dude, where's your clothes?" Nate asked, taking the obvious approach to the conversation.

"What are you talking about? I'm wearing my birthday suit, with a few accessories." Keokolo smiled, showing off his bright whites all the while gesturing at his swim trunks with some crazy amazon design. "Get in, we're going to be late."

Mona hopped in, thanking Keo as she passed him. Nate simply raised his eyebrows, "Birthday suit?" He muttered as he took a seat in the car, "I've seen better." He had a crooked smile on that may or may not have let Keo know he was joking.

"Would you like to see the whole package later?" Keo winked.

Nate raised an eyebrow, "Down boy, not in front of the lady." He replied. Mona, for her part, simply shook her head and tried very hard not to blush.

Keo laughed at their reactions. They were adorable. As he got into the car and started the engine, he asked, "Where are you from, Mona?"

"I'm actually from California." She replied with a smile

Hearing the response, Keo gave a pointed look to Nate like what the fuck are you thinking bringing a stranger haole to Noa's party? We are going to be eaten whole and spit back out covered in stomach acid but gamely goes with it because Nate will owe him a favour and getting on Noa's nerves is dangerous fun.

Nate simply shrugged, "Keo, she comes here every year for holiday. She's hardly your typical tourist." He added, although given that no one actually knew that he could see where the problem was.

Mona, who had been watching Keo's pointed look and Nate's reply with interest frowned slightly, "Is there something wrong with being a tourist?" She asked. She didn't want to be intruding on the party if she wasn't technically invited. She'd believed that Nate's invitation was enough to gain her access, but perhaps it wasn't.

"Nothing of course." Keo said reassuringly, even if it wasn't completely sincere. "We love all tourists in Hawaii. Tourism is the life blood of our economy and we're fortunate to live in such a beautiful place year round." He spied Mona looking dubious and suspicious at him, Nate even looked like he was going to laugh at Keo's bullshit, so Keo admitted honestly, "It's the tourists who don't give a shit and trample into Hawaii littering their garbage and cultural garbage that get on our nerves.

"Did Nate ever tell you how I reamed him out because he tried to touch a wild honu." Keo explains, "It's an endangered sea turtle, and it's illegal to even touch them--and the guy was trying to make friends with it." Keo grins, "We've taught him better now. He and his sister are practically locals now. If you could only shape up your accent, hûpô!"

Nate rolled his eyes, "Everyone happens to love my accent already."

Keo looked at Mona at the corner of his eyes, "So how'd you meet this loser anyway, Mona?"

Mona grinned, "This loser tried to hit on me. I don't think he'd hit puberty yet." Mona pulled a face at Nate as the English boy shook his head, a wry smile on his own face.
"She won't admit it, but she loves me. I had her hooked from 'hello'" Nate added.

Keo cooed mockingly, "That's adorable. Did he still have baby cheeks? His mum showed me some photos--how ever did you resist?"

"Chubby cheeks and that ridiculous bowl cut." Mona replied with a laugh.

"Alright, alright. I get it, I wasn't a lot to look at back then." Nate injected, hoping to end the topic of his unfortunate haircut before it got too out of hand.

"And what sort of sites have you seen so far on your little vacation? Has Nate been a good tour guide to you?"

"I've only been down to the beach so far, but I want to explore a little bit more than what I've done in the past. Any helpful hints for places that aren't crawling with tourists?" Mona asked, understanding the irony of being a tourist and asking for a tourist-free place. She'd had years to go to the typical holiday destinations on the island though and she was curious to explore beyond the typical.

"Stick around a little more and maybe you'll find out." Keo grinned sharply, parking the car a little ways away. The nearby parking spots were mostly full already by early birds. "Nate, help me grab some of the fold up chairs in the trunk."

"You got it boss." Nate replied, hopping out of the car after Keo. "Would it help if I also take my top off?" He asked with a smirk on his face. He winked at Mona, who had followed the pair out of the car. Used to Nate's flirtatious ways she merely crossed her arms and followed the boys inside.

“So, do you bring all the guys you’re trying to bed here?” Noel asked with a smirk as he swayed to the beat of the music, obviously intoxicated, but still aware of his surroundings. He was intoxicated just enough to have a good time, but still coherent enough to answer questions about his life. Noel looked at Kani who looked rather pissed off at the moment. “Is everything alright?”

Kani hadn’t even heard Noel, he was too busy watching Noa out of the corner of his eye, and as she took off with Gray, it made him even more irritated. He really couldn’t be mad at her for wanting a Haole, after all, he was at the luau with one. Still, his protective nature often times got the better of him and honestly he would do anything Noa asked him to. It was going to be hard when the time came for him to leave Hawaii and travel abroad. It was something he had been saving up for, and he was going to take Jabari with him, something he had been working on behind closed doors. Kaniele could hear his name being called and quickly snapped back to reality.

“Kani, Kani are you okay?” Noel asked as he placed a soft hand on Kani’s face, as if to draw him back to reality, back to what was going on around him. Kani blinked a few times, but smiled as Noel kissed him softly on the cheek. “Ya know we don’t have to stay here, we can go back to the hotel.” Noel wasn’t throwing hints or anything like that, he was straightforward, if he wanted something he would get it with time.

“Nah, it’s cool,” Kani replied as he pulled Noel closer to him so that their bodies were literally so close a penny couldn’t breach them. “I am really enjoying myself with you Noel,” Kani added as he looked into the male’s eyes. Damn there was something about his eyes, they captivated him, they drew him in, and they took him places he hadn’t been before. Was there more to this guy than Kani first realized? A slight fear crept up his spine, as he realized he was getting way too into this guy without even knowing him. Nonetheless, in his current state, and with the music playing so soothingly, he found that he really didn’t care at the current moment. All of that would come as he spent more time with Noel. Noel was smiling and the kiss that they shared after that smile sealed the deal for them. They were officially dating now, officially talking to one another even though they knew nothing about one another, the kiss showed they were willing to try.

Suddenly, as they were kissing, Kani heard his name again. This time it wasn’t Noel saying it, but it sounded like a scream. NOA! Kani broke the kiss and looked at Noel, “I’ll be right back,” he said hurriedly as he kissed Noel on the cheek before darting off like a lion protecting his territory. When he arrived on the scene of the brawl, he didn’t know that Noel had followed him. Noel was hiding behind a large rock watching the fray, wondering what was going on, but daring not to get involved. It wasn’t because he couldn’t fight, but he didn’t know why they were fighting in the first place. Kani could see Gray and Noa as well as a bunch of his own siblings in the fray. He noticed Gray attempting to protect Noa and for that he was thankful but then his mind wondered and he couldn’t help but get angry at Gray, he was probably the cause of this fray. Damn Haole. He eventually saw Kye and Keo join the fray and he was the last to join.

Coming in like a wrecking ball, Kani landed knockout blows to a few of the guys attacking his sister. Even after a fight with her, he would still protect her because she was his sister, she was there for him and he was most certainly there for her. Amongst the brawl, Kani was getting a few well-placed punches in, knocking the haole that faced him out cold, but the more he knocked out, the more that seemed to scurry in like roaches. At that moment he heard Kye speak, saying he was going to jail at seventeen.

“Well at least you’ll be in there with family,” Kani stated as he ducked a punch but caught one in his sides.

Noel wanted so badly to help Kani in this time of need, in this time of whatever one would call it. He gritted his teeth and sighed, “fuck it.” Noel hurried into the fray just in time as two guys were holding Kani and the other was punching him. Noel was thankful for the years of martial arts he took back home. With a swift and powerful kick to the chin, the guy who was punching Kani fell to the ground, seemingly unconscious. Noel punched the other guy holding Kani before he could react and Kani finished off the other assailant. Kani was shocked to see Noel there, but now wasn’t time for exchanging of pleasantries, all Kani could say, or rather mouth was “thank you” before he entered the fray yet again, knocking over the haole like a bowling ball tumbling pins.

The sound of police alarms could be heard as surely someone had indeed called the cops. Kani looked over in Noel’s direction, as the male was handling his own against the frat guys. He quickly moved over to him.

“You have to get out of here, the police are coming.” Kani said.

“What about you?” Noel replied clearly worried.

“I’ll be fine, just stay hidden and after the police leave come out,” Kani stated as he pushed Noel into a hiding spot before returning to the fray of kicks and punches.

Noel blinked a few times wondering what had just happened. Was Kani protecting him? What was that all about? Nonetheless he listened to what Kani had to say and hid just as a police car came strolling up.

Aliee made her way back to the fire and took a seat. Of course she meant back on mute in order to not have a conversation with Noa. it was doubtful the girl would even try to talk to her. they both understood they had nothing to talk about and it would only aggravate them more if a words was spoken to either. Aliee's attention was caught once she saw a guy known as Gray come waltzing over. She could only imagine how Kani and Keo were going to react to this. Noa only invited a haole to their supposed group meeting. However, the duo didn't stay long as they walked off to go do who knows what. It wasn't like either would be missed though. It was a service to Aliee that they both left. Speaking of leaving, why was she even here at this little gathering? No one else was here. Kani left to probably go be with the new star in his sky, Keo wasn't here yet, and she didn't know where Kye was either. Sighing she rose to her feet having every intention in mind to leave this gathering. She had no business being here when she had to start her new job in the morning.

As she walked across the sandy beach she spotted Kye in the distance. Oh so he was here, and it looked like he brought Quinn with him. It was so clear he had a crush on her, and Aliee wasn't so sure Quinn knew that. She didn't particularly like the girl, but she was better then Noa. that little bit of information says a lot on its own. It was cute to see Kye like someone though. It took everything in her not to constantly tease him about it. However, it looked like Kye was bothered by something. She wasn't exactly sure what it was, but it probably had something to do with the yelling coming from the bar. By the time she made her way to Kye he already found his way into the fray. Really? Could they get through one party without some type of drama? Sometimes she really felt like she was dealing with a group of kids.

Aliee continued to get to Quinn and pulled on her arm a little once she arrived at the girl's side. She wasn't too fond of her like currently noted, but she still had that motherly side of her. Quinn and her brother were a part of the group, so Aliee wouldn't just stand aside and let Quinn get hurt. Even though Quinn could hold her own with her power and all."Hey, it isn't exactly a good idea for us to be right here." Aliee knew all too well what it meant to be around while the Kealoha family got into any type of fight. A nice black eye was all it took for her to learn her lesson.

She had multiple concerns about the current brawl. One being her friends were getting injured. They had abilities, but that didn't mean they were superhuman and couldn't feel any pain. It hurt her that she was just standing aside like she was, but Aliee truly abhorred violence. It was childish to her. She much rather talk it out instead of trying to punch people in the face. Somewhere in the fray she saw Kani speaking to some guy as if he was thanking him for something. That must be Noel. There was no way Kani would just talk to some random dude in the middle of a fight like that. "We can't all get locked away tonight." Aliee mumbled as she started maneuvering herself and Quinn away from the fight and to where Noel was standing.

"Hello, my name is Aliee. I'm a good friend of Kani's." It was an awkward time to introduce herself, but she didn't want Noel to think she as some stranger. "It was a good idea to separate yourself from all of this. With this family you just have to let them fight sometimes." Aliee ignored the annoying feeling of worrying about Kani and the fact he was on probation. Out of everyone he was the last person who should be involved with all of this. He had much more to lose then the rest of them. 'Goodness Kani.' Aliee knew she wouldn't be able to stop him without getting involved and someone had to bail them out. Well not all of them. Noa and her boy toy would have to figure it out on their own or let someone else from their family bail them out. Aliee certainly had no intentions on helping either of them out. The sirens of the police cars became louder and Aliee knew it was only a matter of moments before they cops would break up the bloody brawl. She could always break up the fight by using her power, but doing so in public was too risky. There was no way she was going to risk the chance of getting caught like that.

---

As the shouting carried though the wind to Kye and Quinn, Kye automatically tensed. Quinn wasn't really sure what was going on and before she knew it, he was gone. He told her to leave, but he was her responsibility. She could just make out Kye getting into a brawl and was about to go help out until Aliee arrived. Quinn was still dumbfounded about the situation occurring around her. What was she supposed to do? Could she really just stand by and let things happen? She glanced at Keo as his voice raised with the help of his ability. Unfortunately for Quinn, the closest fire was the bonfire, and she really didn't want to make a scene out of her power, even if the witnesses were drunk. She didn't have time for that. Aliee was also waiting for her to respond. "Yeah, let's go. We can come back once everything has settled." Her accent was thicker with the frustration and fear she felt. Bad habits don't seem to die, do they?

Aliee pulled her to a safer location and they met another person there who was hiding away from the police. Aliee introduced herself, and Quinn followed suit. "I'm Quinn, a not so close friend of Kani and Aliee here." Her mind was torn in different directions. Clearly, this wasn't something she was used to, even though she's been in heated arguments before. But an actual fist fight? That would be too much for her. Speaking of too much, Quinn had a thought. Where was Nate? She thought he came along with Keo and Mona, but she couldn't be sure. She just hoped he would be alright. His plants would protect him if he were in any real danger.

Reaching into her pocket and sighing with a bit of relief, Quinn stepped back a bit. She didn't smoke too often, but she did have some cigarettes with her for party purposes. She always forgot about that damn lighter, though. Can't be freaking out the new comer now, can we? Pulling out the ancient lighter from England, she breathed in the relaxing but hazardous smoke. The breeze was coming against her, so it shouldn't have bothered Aliee too much. "What do we do now? I don't know if it's a good idea to stay put for much longer. We don't need the cops on top of us." It wouldn't be that hard to transverse down the beach. Quinn knew it like the back of her hand. "Our best bet is going along the beach. Cops will be busy looking for people up there." Quinn motioned towards Mano's Place. Uniforms were already swarming the restaurant. People were getting dragged out of that place. This was a prime example of why Quinn didn't want to drink, ever. Taking another drag, Quinn waited for Aliee to answer her proposition.

Fuck this.... That was all Jackson could think of as the party kept going. Seriously, the frat boys had buggered off, the sorority girls had buggered off - everybody that he had known from a previous party basically had taken off save a few. Where they went was beyond him, but he did see a few heading towards a location that looked a little shifty - not to mention, probably illegal. Jackson grudgingly finished off his beer and packed up his things, intent on ditching this place for a cruise. Hell, anything was probably better than sitting around this native party, looking more white than a blank canvas. So far, his luck was shot: he had hoped to find a new group of friends or something at this party so he could ditch the frat boys for a group more akin to his tastes, but it looked like he would have to try again tomorrow.

His steps were a little uneasy, but he regained his footing as the alcohol slowly began to subside: it had been a while since did that shot contest, so he should be good to skate for a while. Avoiding the dirty looks he got from a few of the native adults, Jackson slinked into the background, getting out of the sand and such until he got to pavement to put his longboard back down. With his backpack secured, Jackson began to take off along the pavement, the party sounds dying ever so slowly. What in the hell was he supposed to do now? Jackson gave a sigh of defeat as he looked at the three beer bottles in his left hand, two of which were empty. Not only was he leaving without friends, but he was leaving the party with more alcohol than he had intended to have.

It was then that he heard shouting and angry voices beginning to get more powerful than the sounds of the party. He had barely left the party, and already he was hearing something that was piquing his interests: a brawl. Instantly, Jackson dismounted his board and began to search for a vantage point to assess the fight. Not a few moments later, Jackson could see the fight breaking out not far from his his position, and guess who was part of it? Those college frats and sorority girls that invited him to the party, of course! Seemed they were pissed off at the natives for some stupid reason, but not that it mattered: Jackson's blood was starting to get pumping. Drunken brawls were by far one of the most fun things that could happen to him. Now, he doesn't condone violence as fun all the time: no, Jackson is always a mello guy who would rather not fight. But when it comes to alcohol and bar fights, there is where he makes an exception. He isn't violent, he just loves a good brawl where nothing makes sense and you get knocked out by a random fist. Something is just thrilling about it - certainly didn't help that he was exceptional at it either. The gang got into brawls like this almost daily, so they were just something to get used to.

First thing first, however: Jackson emptied everything in his pockets and placed them in his backpack, to which he then stashed in the bushes. Jackson knew that if he got caught by the cops, the last thing they needed to see him with was a fake ID and booze. He also assessed the situation, noticing that the sorority girls seemed overly pissed off at the one native girl, while the dudes were duking it out with each other. Now only armed with his empty beer bottles (and that full one) Jackson began to walk from the brawlers, making it look like he was only passing by and trying to avoid the fight. The reasoning was simple: he didn't just want to invite himself to a party, he needed an invitation. And he got it. "Jackson! Fuckface! Whatever, get over here and help us with these crazy assholes!" The shorter of the fratboys, a little shorter than Jackson and named something weird like Ken, yelled out in the spare moments. A glimmer of excitement appeared in Jackson's eyes, and he yelled back as he ran. "Whatever you say, broseph!"

Jackson bolted it to the fight to a smirking fratboy, happy with the new reinforcement, only to have Jackson clothesline him with perfect accuracy. Sure, the guy was built and everything, but how could one expect the guy you thought was a friend to literally deck you into next week? With that, Jackson let out an excited yell and joined the lovely fray - he hadn't been this keen to fight since his last brawl, which was a few weeks before leaving for this trip. He didn't really care who he hit, though he did avoid hitting the natives as often as he could: didn't need to have his only source of new friendship pissed off because he broke their nose. But, in all honesty, Jackson let his thinking go out the window as he punched random folks for fun, or smashed a beer bottle over that one super tall guy's head just because. From where he grew up, beer bottles could only be brought into a fray if they were personally drank by the fighter, so Jackson made sure to down the third one before using it. Oh the joy of brawls.

Nate was grinning as he enjoyed laughing and flirting with Keo, though he made sure to still keep Mona involved. Truth be told, Nate was still curious and part of him still wanted to sleep with Keo. However, there was that issue with Noa. She was the first of the group to fully accept him and his sister and she bailed him out of jail. He knew all too well how she felt about her friends sleeping with her cousin. He could argue that he had met Keo before he met her but he knew that wouldn't stand with her. Besides, he liked her too and wouldn't mind getting a bit closer. It was a problem, these relationships. It seemed that one way or another, he was losing.

He didn't know which of them he wanted more and there was the risk that he'd lose one if he chose the other. He knew Keo. Keo wanted casual sex. That was fine because Nate was still just curious. And he knew Noa. She was more of a long term relationship girl. It was a hard choice to make and he didn't want to hurt or anger anyone, especially since he didn't feel completely accepted as a maoli yet. And he didn't want to be the one to further damage the Kealoha kids' relationship that was already on the rocks. At this point in time, he was fine with just being neutral ground.

He was torn from his thoughts by Keo mentioning Noa and immediately his flirting shut down, giving an involuntary cough. He turned his head and expected to see Noa march up to them but was sadly mistaken when he instead saw her on the arm of Grayson Hilton. Her attention turned from he and Keo and Mona, back to her date as a smile took over her face and she sat in his lap, squirming into his shirt. The Brit's jaw clenched as he watched. Jealous? Maybe a little. But Noa was his closest friend and he trusted Gray about as much as Kani and Keo did. If he so much as made her cry, Nate would kill him by strangling him to death with his own bare hands. Still, he couldn't help but to pout a bit watching her.

The scene grew uglier by the second as she approached some college kids obviously on summer break that were uninvited and getting out of hand, pushing around one of the smaller locals. Her saving him had come with the cost and she was soon attacked. Like the Kealohas, it was reflex to jump in and start cracking heads. It was something that you learned really quick in Lahaina - Maoli took care of their own. No matter how much they might fight with each other they would always stand up for each other.

When Nate first asked Noa why she bailed him out, she told him “No kekahi o kākou ka pilikia malaila pu kākou a pau. It's the Kealoha family creed. It means "Should one of us get in trouble we will all go that way". We will always stand for the people we care about. Whether Keo and Aliee like it or not, you and Quinn are one of us now. You're maoli.”

Nate was vicious in the fight as he always was. He had dropped his chairs with little warning and threw himself in, hitting anyone that he didn't immediately recognize. He could see nearly all of the Kealohas there, just the ones without a bedtime, all of them fighting tooth and nail. Even Lilo seemed to have decided to stay for the summer. Nate ended up headbutting someone to keep them off of her, offering a grin. He didn't know her personally but Noa talked a lot about their older sister.

However, bright lights of red and blue were flashing and he could hear Noa screaming for Grayson to get Kye off the scene. As he looked up, he could see the haole practically carrying the smaller Kye away from the fray with Kani and Noa's siblings seeming to move in a way that would prevent the police from seeing them flee. Before he knew it, Nate's hands were being cuffed behind his back and he was being escorted to one of the eight cop cars there. A glance to the side showed Keo and all the other Kealohas being escorted more like royalty than anything. He knew their family was important in Lahaina, but really? He'd been to small towns where everybody knew everybody and he'd never seen cops treat even their own children this way. He was going to ask about that later.

A turn of his head and he could see Dax waving apologetically. He hadn't even tried to fight with them! Nate made as if to lunge for him even though he was a good fifty feet away, only to be roughly shoved back into the police car, squished against some drunken sorority brat. He hoped Quinn was okay but he knew for sure that he was getting kicked out after this. He growled under his breath and placed his head against the window, watching faces pass by as the caravan of law enforcement officers drove through the streets on their way downtown. People watched while checking their phones, news of the fight spreading quickly. He could only hope Kye was lucky enough to not be caught on camera. Grayson could suck it. Figuratively, of course.

---

Noa sighed in the backseat with Lilo, her older sister's arms wrapped around her. Both of them were pretty beat up. Cuts, bruises, busted lips. No doubt they'd have a black eye or two later. Noa pressed her fingers to her lips and sharply inhaled. Someone had ripped out her piercing. Her hand went to her navel to find that one had been ripped out as well, blood leaking from her flesh. Luckily her strange blood with a light blue shimmer blended in with her paint. The young woman closed her eyes and curled her hands into a fist as the car came to a halt and she was escorted inside where she was lined up to get her mugshot taken. The bright flash of the bulb caused her to wince, a groan coming from her as she was escorted to a cell.

There wasn't much trouble in Lahaina except during tourist seasons so they didn't really have a fancy jail but Noa and Lilo were shown to a cleaner cell, sitting down to find that their cot was quite plush. When Lilo was called out to make their one phone call the deputy had already dialed their father for her. She returned with a light grimace. “Dad has too much to handle to come and get us now. Mommy is at home with the little ones. They're sleeping.” Noa whined, slumping a little. No doubt their grandfather was fast asleep too. Jabari had been pretty active today. But Lilo continued. “But dad gave someone some money to come get us out.”

Noa looked up again with a lifted brow. “We can't get on good faith. Normally, upstanding citizens of the law, especially locals, can get out on good faith. But with Kalani's election coming up and this fight being so huge. You know the haole are going to make a huge deal and if it looks like there's any nepotism it won't go well. The press is all over her. So. We have to pay... And Aliee is coming with the money. And Quinn...” As if her night couldn't get any worse! Noa whined again and prayed that those two wet blankets wouldn't pull a bitch move. She figured they'd let her sit there for a while.

---

---

Kye Kealoha

---

---

Kye was standing for a few more seconds, holding on to be okay and being totally fine for a second before his vision blurred.

Seconds later he felt himself get picked up as if he was nothing, getting carried away by the haole that Noa had been with earlier. He knew that they were trying to get him out of there and was thankful. If his mom heard about the fight, he'd be grounded for a month and wouldn't be allowed outside... That would really suck.

He saw that Keo was there, had actually shoved off one of Kye's attackers too. Then he remembered the haole carrying him. Why was he carrying him? He could probably walk straight, most likely. He felt everyone's excitement, fear, concern, and anger as he was pulled along and felt his chest tighten. He found it more and more difficult to breath, or maybe it was just that he was so woozy from the brawl...

When they were far enough away from the fight, Kye looked at Grayson, his voice quiet. "I can walk man... Just put me down..." Kye managed, not liking that he was so easily carriable. Was that a word? He didn't really care did he?

Kye wanted to check on his cousins, his friends... but he didn't know where they were. He wondered how many got arrested and whether someone was gonna go bail them out. Would they wait until morning? He probably would have gone to get them right away, but he couldn't really go get them out since he didn't have any money on him.

Kye looked back to see everyone being led to cop cars. A lot of his relatives were being led as well as Nate. "Shit... How are they gonna get bailed out anytime soon?" Kye says, wondering if Quinn was among the crowd that had escaped, or if she was in a car already.

Kye sighed and sat down on the sand. "I... I think I should go home..." Kye says, tired and dizzy from the night. He was trying hard to stay in control of his consciousness though he couldn't tell how well he was doing.

Only then did Kye realize what just happened in full. He had just fought with tourists. If he was caught on camera... he was dead. Everyone would know and it would hurt his mom's campaign. He just hoped nobody caught him on camera, ans his family got out of jail the next day at the latest.

was hiding, hiding as Kani had instructed him to, but he heard someone approaching from behind and he quickly turned to see two females standing there. One started talking to him and he could only blink a few times before registering that she was saying she was a friend of Kani’s and that they should get out of the vicinity, unless they too wanted to spend time behind bars. Noel couldn’t agree more. He had come to Hawaii to have fun, not spend a night in jail. Before he could turn and go along with the girls, one of the brawlers, a female yelled out to get Kye out of the vicinity. Noel didn’t know who a Kye was, but he assumed it was the guy on the ground that looked like a native, and resembled Kani a bit. The girl who yelled resembled Kani as well and Noel quickly put two and two together. They were family. She was telling some guy to get Kye out of there and Noel was very much intrigued by all of this, as well as concerned. It would’ve made an awesome thesis for a research paper. “How to beat the hell out of tourists in less than ten minutes.” A catching title indeed, but one that would certainly get him an F.

For a moment Noel could only pray that Kani didn’t get himself killed along with his sister and relatives, but they seemed to be doing quite the number on the tourist, all of them except one. Kye. Kye was out cold after getting hit in the head with a beer bottle. Noel didn’t know him, didn’t even know his name, but he couldn’t just let the guy lay there on the ground unconscious like that. Kani was still punching guys left and right, kicking and putting frat guys in headlocks, but he wasn’t immune to the bruises that came from a brawl. He was sure to be sore in the morning. So far he had sustained a busted lip, a cut right under his eye and his head was bleeding from a bottle that was smashed over his head. He did manage to cause some serious injuries to the tourists though. One of the guys with a beer bottle in his hand, had come into the fray swinging. At first Kani didn't know if he was fighting for them or the frat guys because he was hitting mostly tourist, but when the guy smashed the beer bottle over Kani's head, it was over. Blood had trickled down and Kani punched the guy in the nose, probably breaking it, but he couldn't tell because he was swarmed by more frat guys soon after. All in all Some would have bruised ribs, some would have broken noses and the others would have bruises and black eyes. All were consequences for messing with one of the Keolohas. The lights started flashing, red and blue, it was the cops. This was bad; they needed to get out of there and quickly. Kani was looking around noticing the cops walking up, and he realized then that he had royally fucked up. Jabari was on his mind as the cop came and cuffed him. Noel could only look from Kani to Kye and he sighed. Kani was going to jail; there was no doubt about it. Quickly, before the cops could see, Noel followed behind Grayson as he carried the limp Kye out of sight of the cops. He was sure the two females who had introduced themselves as Quin and Aliee would be following close behind.

When they were a safe distance away, Noel watched as Kani was loaded into the back of a cop car, a look of concern written all over his face. Kani sat there cuffed in the back of a five o. He hated this part. They would drive him to the police station, along with his family, and they would book them until one of their family members came and got them. Kani was restless the entire trip. He was annoyed that he had actually let it happen. Jabari’s future was now at risk because he had to jump in a fight, a fight that his sister and a bunch of haole started. Shaking his head, he lowered it for a moment before throwing it back and sighing. This was one for the record.

“Sorry about that, I’m Noel,” Noel said apologetically as he looked at Aliee and Quinn, “we should probably go bail them out.” Still a little inebriated, Noel wasn’t the best at thinking of what to do at the moment, but he was sober enough to comprehend that what had happened was bad. He looked at Kye and Grayson, “Kye is it? You alright?”

Upon Kani’s arrival at the police station, they booked him in, but because he already had a record, his probation officer would be called and he would be in more trouble than the rest. They sat him in the cell with his brothers, and cousins, and friends. He was irritated, but he said nothing the entire time he was in the cell. He could hear talking, but he didn’t register anything his brothers were saying. They were all bragging about how many frats faces they messed up, but Kani was silent, very silent, so silent that his brothers stopped talking and looked at him.

“Kani, you alright bro?”

Kani didn’t respond. He sat there his head down, face emotionless. His brothers looked at each other in a concerned manner before touching Kani’s arm, but Kani was unresponsive.

In hindsight, Jackson probably should have kept his damn nose out the fight, if he had wanted to save said nose again. Jackson had so much time to think as he lay on the beach's sandy ground, blood trickling from his nose - but let's not get ahead of ourselves. Jackson got himself into this situation when he decided to smash that beer bottle over that super tall guy. In reality, it wasn't the super tall frat boy he had hit, but the super tall native guy. A 'Woops' wasn't going to cut it, but it wasn't like Jackson truly noticed what he did until the guy swung around with surprising speed. At that moment, it looked as if a meteor was coming from the sky and landed straight on his upturned, slightly bemused face - if he were high, that would have made sense, but in reality it was just a massive fist clocking him in the face.

Pain was all he felt as a small cracking sound emitted from his nose. It wasn't entirely broken, he knew that sound quite well, but it did enough damage to shift it a little out of place. Blood began to trickle out of his nose as he stumbled backwards, the adrenaline quickly leaving him as the cruel reality settled in. Sure, he was always hit in bar fights and brawls, but that guy hit him like a truck: Jackson had to blink a few times just to make sure he wasn't going to lose consciousness. Instead, he fell backwards onto the sand to stare up at the world while the brawl continued. The blare of the sirens became prominent in the blur of sounds as Jackson began to lose focus a little. It reminded him a little too much of his past days when he was a hyped up on... Jacky's eyes bulged a little as his arm was grabbed, and a startled shutter rushed through his body as he went rigid. Finally able to focus, Jackson realized that a cop had come up and grabbed him, though he looked pretty uncertain as to what to do with a kid who looked knocked the fuck out. It was then that Jackson realized that he could easily play the part of a kid that just was at the wrong place at the wrong time - it would just depend if that was how he wanted things to go.

So instead, when the cop asked him what he was doing, Jackson answered the best he could. "Let's say I got seriously outclassed by them natives." The cops gave him a bizarre look, but hoisted him up anyway and helped to drag/carry him to a cop car. Jackson heard their mumbling that he would probably get let out with a warning since he looked more like a victim, but would still have to book him anyway. Good thing Jackson left his fake and stuff in the bushes, or he would be getting booked for a few more offenses than a minor disturbance. Nevertheless, he was shoved in with some dude he recognized as the frat kid he beat at shots, who looked like absolute shit. He couldn't help but giggle a little at his misfortune: really, Jackson was just leaving with a messed up face, but at least with his dignity.

Jackson was one of the last few to enter a jail cell, walking by all the bruised up people. The cops had asked for his statement as soon as he got into the station; how he really wasn't part of either group, barely knew any of the people in the brawl, was on vacation when he noticed the natives getting gang beaten by frats and decided to lend a hand. While Jackson did butter it up a little, he hoped that it would get the natives off on less if the cops knew they were just defending themselves. Jackson feared they didn't believe him, until they stated that he would be booked, but only for a few days unless he came up with like, a hundred bucks or something for bail. Jackson really couldn't believe his luck, until the one cop basically shoved it in his face that they were giving him a warning, and that he shouldn't be trying to stick his nose into native problems and just stick to his vacation plan. Jackson wanted to laugh, but decided against it and just gave a nod.

While he was being led to his cell, he got ushered by the frat boy's cell, to which he got a few jeers from them. All he offered them was a simple wink and a smirk, and that seemed to set them off. The officer who led him decided against putting him in with those goons, and put him in a cell of his own across from the natives, who ignored him for the most part. Jackson took the time to make sure everything was accounted for: his nose ring, his deadbolts, his beanie and clothes, all there. It was during his check that he noticed a silent guy across from him, looking suspiciously like the super tall guy he hit with a beer bottle. But first, before he decided to talk to the kid, Jackson needed to fix his nose. Touching it and wincing a little, Jackson realized that it was truly broken: again. Giving a sigh, he did the only thing he knew to do in this scenario; put it back. Tensing up, Jackson put both hands on his nose, and in a simple movement returned his nose to the placement it should be with only a little groan of annoyance. It hurt like hell, but it was better than leaving it there.

Finally fixed, Jackson leaned against his wall closest to the bars and looked across at the natives with a smirk, even though his nose was still bleeding. "Gotta admit, you guys seriously knew what the fuck you were doing back there. Like, that was impressive as shit; I'm even impressed at how fast I got basically laid out by tall guy over there."

---

---

There was no time for thinking, his body just moved mechanically. If the cops arrested him, his father would pull the plug on him and send him off and come here himself. He couldn't let that happen, it would ruin everything he was building up for. Let alone ruin the Hilton name. There was a lot at risk for him.

Upon hearing Noa shout for her to grab Kye, he searched over the mass of people fleeing every which way. Thankfully his height gave him the advantage. He was standing a distance off, wavering back and forth with a dreamy glaze over his eyes. Poor kid had it hard, he thought. In a few short strides he made it to his side. There was no way he was going to just tug along on him, it would take to long and they needed to get out of there, fast. So scooping him up, he carried him off the scene. "Stay with me Kye, things are going to be alright," I hope, he thought to himself.

A good distance away, Kye finally spoke asking Gray to put him down. Setting him down, he grabbed his shoulders as he swayed a bit trying to regain his balance. "You got scuffed up a bit, but you fought well," he managed a weak smile at the Native.

It was then that Gray noticed that some guy that had been with Kani had followed behind them. He nodded briefly to him before his attention returned to Kye who spoke again. At the mention bailing he immediately thought to Noa. Shit, who was going to bail her out... all of them out? Then the guy who had just introduced himself at Noel spoke. "Who's bailing out who? They can't stay in there." He looked to Kye then. He was family to the Kealoha's, he would probably know what was best to do in this situation. Gray certainly had the money to get them all out but he thought it best to allow Kye to have some input before they did anything else.

Kye wanted to go home and Gray could see some fear in his eyes. "Hey, don't worry, we'll figure this out. Why don't you take a seat and breathe a little to clam your nerves." Truthfully, Gray needed to take a seat himself and calm his frayed nerves. Trying to recollect his thoughts he looked about him at all the unfamiliar faces. Groaning, he wiped his brow of the sweat and blood and winced a little. The gash at his temple was probably going to need some sutures but that could be taken care of later. For now they had a bigger problem ahead of them.

---

---

Kye Kealoha

---

---

Kye was distracted and trying to figure out how he was going to get home when someone's words broke through his thought. “Kye is it? You alright?” Some guy, he just said his name was Noel right? He was hanging out with Kye's cousin Kani.

Kye considered his words. He was only bleeding on his arm and his lip. That was about it. He did however have bruises and maybe a concussion after getting hit in the head and literally tossed about like a rag doll for the past half hour. He could already feel his eye swelling and knew it would be a black eye. Why did he have to be so light? He was strong, but that didn't give him the size and muscles that would make him less difficult to pick up. He was so pathetic sometimes...

In response, Kye just shrugged. He had also just seen his family get arrested. That wasn't as bad as some might expect, he knew that once the bail money got there they'd be fine. They could handle themselves in jail in the meantime and this wasn't their first time. He didn't like it, but it was true, nobody was going to have a difficult time there, especially with his... feistier relatives... It was true, they did get rather feisty at times, and that was always entertaining to watch.

Kye smiled slightly and shook his head in wonder at the fact that he could smile at the moment. "Stay with me Kye, things are going to be alright," He heard Grayson say. He only knew the name because of Noa... Things would be alright once everything passed over in a few days and nobody knew any of this happened.

"You got scuffed up a bit, but you fought well," Grayson said. Kye rolled his eyes though Grayson couldn't see them since Kye was sitting with his head between his knees. He was nowhere near his relatives in their ability. He was probably just a burden to them even if he wanted to help. Why did he have to be so young?

"Who's bailing out who? They can't stay in there." He looked to Kye then. Kye shrugged, then looked up. "Quinn and Aliee probably have the money. They'll go get them as soon as possible. They'll be fine. It's not their first time they've been arrested, well some of them. Really, we can go get them now if we want to. We probably should... Even if they're going to be fine, the won't be happy with us if we wait too long," Kye says, tired as he stood.

Kye felt sympathy radiating from Gray and groaned inwardly. They guy thought he was just as pathetic as Kye though he was. "Hey, don't worry, we'll figure this out. Why don't you take a seat and breathe a little to clam your nerves," Grayson said. Kye shrugged.

"I'm fine. Just because I got beat up doesn't mean I'm gonna break down. I know they're just trying to help me out, but getting treated like the baby sucks," Kye says, bitter in a way though he didn't sound too bitter about it, he was good about that, "Even the haole do it... Well, the better ones that is." Kye looked at the few haole that had gotten away, they all fought against the Kealohas and their friends.

"Thanks, by the way. I know you guys didn't have to help us out, even though you are, well... I don't know what you are to my cousins, but thanks," Kye admits, confused momentarily about his family relations. He knew Grayson was with Noa and that Noel was with Kani, but still...

Kye looked up as Quinn and Aliee approached, hoping Quinn hadn't heard what he said about being the baby. That's all he needed to assist in his love life, which at the moment, seemed to be sucking rather majorly. "Tu Kai," Kye mutters under his breath, cursing again. He was surprised, he didn't usually curse a lot, but tonight was different... It was sucking... a lot.

Aliee wasn't too surprised by the good senses Quinn had. She never hated the foreigner, but she kept her distance from her. Tonight is a special occasion though. Aliee has basically been forced to be around Quinn. She really couldn't complain though, especially since being with Quinn was a whole lot better then being with Noa. So no complaints were going to come from Aliee. "Good idea. We just need to keep out of the sight of the cops." She gave Quinn a very brief smile then nearly jumped out of her skin at the sight of Kye fighting. Really? Even young...very young Kye was fighting? This family truly sticks together when a fight breaks out huh? This only increased her anxiety. Did anyone even try to get Kye out? Clearing her head, Aliee made sure to make a mental note so she could scold Kani and Keo about it later.

The police started coming in and just as that happened Kye was knocked out. Aliee withheld a horrified cry by covering her mouth. She watched as Gray carried Kye out. Good thing he was there because she wasn't sure if she could swiftly get Kye out on her own. Noel followed Gray out and Aliee would be right behind them, but she knew her and Quinn needed to get the money for bail from Mano first. She worried about Kye, but she was going to leave him in the care of Noel and Gray for now. "Come on let's get the money from Mano." He knew the protocol by now. Aliee successfully dodged the police and maneuvered Quinn and herself towards the one man who was able to help them right now. "Sorry about all this. So thanks." Aliee spoke apologetically to the older man. After getting the money for bail she headed back out onto the beach. She saw Noel, Kye, and Gray a little further out. She looked to the police cars and saw Kani get taken away. She sighed heavily before finally reaching the three guys.

"Don't worry about it Noel, I didn't expect us to have a full conversation with a fight happening right next to us." Aliee chuckled then directed her attention to Kye. He didn't look too bad which was good. "Kye are you okay? Maybe it's best if you head home now. We don't want anyone to see you here." Aliee knelt down in front of Kye and gave him a small smile. "You really held your own huh?" She chuckled then rose back to her feet. Aliee wasn't encouraging Kye to fight like that again, but she was happy he didn't look like a complete and total wreck. "Thanks for getting him out of there." Aliee spoke briefly to Gray. She didn't particularly, but she had to give thanks where thanks were needed. "Well I got the bail money for the others. We should get going and clear this whole ordeal up." She announced to the people around her. "So I guess what I'm saying is, if you want to follow me to go bail the others out then now is the time to tag along."

Aliee needed to get to Kani as soon as possible. Maybe, probably not, she would be able to beat Kani's probation officer. She had a feeling Noel would want to come as well as Quinn, but she planned on doing all of the talking. This isn't exactly a first for her. Aliee turned on her heels and started walking away. She didn't have time to wait for them to answer her question verbally. She was on a strict time schedule now. Aliee walked with haste towards her scooter. She hopped on and took off without a second thought. Good thing the police department wasn't too far. They should just have everyone in holding cells right now. She headed straight for the department not really thinking about anything else but Jabari. What if this one small thing ruined Kani's chance of ever possibly getting to be with Jabari like he wanted? Nothing seemed to bright right now.

It wasn't long before Aliee got to the department. Since Nate was here, surely Quinn was right behind her. Also Noel and Kani seemed to have something going on, so Noel was probably on his way as well. Noa better hope Gray gets her ass out cause Aliee certainly wasn't going to help her. "Hello." Aliee greeted the older woman sitting at the front desk. "I'm here to bail some members of the Kealoha family and a guy named Nate." Aliee was told to wait a moment as the woman checked the records of the people she just asked for. "Oh and someone else will come and get Hiwalani out. I don't have enough money for her right now." Aliee quickly spoke the last part before Quinn or anyone could hear her. The woman simply nodded her head not thinking twice about the fact Aliee literally bailed out the whole family and only left one member in jail. Aliee smiled sweetly as she handed the money over. "It will be a few moments to get them out, so you can have a seat." The older woman ushered towards the few chairs by the entrance. Aliee took a seat and waited for the woman to get another officer to let out the people Aliee just mentioned. This was a long night.

There were several things swirling through his head. There was the possibility of going to prison. There was the possibility of never seeing his sisters or his brothers again. There was the possibility of never seeing Kye or Keo, or Aliee again and there was the possibility of never seeing Jabari again. These thoughts made him clam up, they made him completely silent, and it was unlike him to be so silent when his brothers were speaking to him. His twin brothers and his younger brothers all in a holding cell with him, along with Nate and some other guy. They had separated the haole from the natives, and if ever the police made a great decision, it was in doing that. Still, the thought of Noel lingered on Kani’s conscious. The male had actually come in to help his family and they hadn’t even known each other but for a day. Who puts their life at risk over someone they barely even know? Maybe Aliee was right, maybe he should try it out and see where it goes. Maybe he could be happy. This would also mean not scolding Noa over Gray for a while, but who was he kidding he was seriously going to break Grayson’s nose the moment he got a good enough reason to do so.

“Kani,” he heard his name for the first time since his brothers had started trying to get his attention. Kani finally looked up at Kami, Kahi, Keon (Kani's nickname for Hikialani Inoke Keon Kealoha), Keanu (Kani's nickname for Hanini Feleti Keanu Kealoha), and Kamea (Kani's nickname for Honi Ipo Kamea Kealoha). Kami and Kahi were his age, and they all looked alike. Kani always said he was more popular and better looking, but Kami and Kahi each shared the same facial features as Kani. Kani was born first out of the triplets; therefore he usually acted as the oldest amongst the three. His sister Lilo was the oldest of them all. Noa belonged to the quadruplet set with Keanu, Keon and Kamea as his younger siblings. Each of them looked nearly identical, but with easily defining differences, just as Kani shared with his set Kahi and Kami. Noa was very soft, feminine, but one could tell her relation to Hikialani, Hanini, and Honi. Kamea, Keon, and Keanu were all nicknames Kani had given his younger siblings, and also their middle names for the most part.

“I’m fine,” Kani said softly, “really I am.”

“Ay bro, what about your probation officer?” Keon asked more out of worry than to frighten Kani. Kani just looked at him and shrugged his shoulders. He didn’t know what to expect, what ruling the probation officer would slam onto his head, but whatever happened he would have to deal with it. The group of Kealoha’s silenced for a bit before they heard the holding cell doors open and in came a strange looking guy. He was shorter than Kani, looked like a frat guy, and dressed like a haole. He even smelled like one. From the looks of it the guy had been in the brawl with them. Kani’s mind went into a frenzy before he started laughing. This made his brothers look at him, concern plastered on their faces.

“Kani, what’s going on bro?” Keanu asked finally as Kani shook his head.

“That’s the guy that hit me with a beer bottle,” Kani stated still laughing.

“WHAT?” all of his brothers said in unison as they turned and looked at Jackson. For a moment, it looked as if all of them were going to jump on him, but when Kani spoke, they listened and backed down.

“Nah, he’s cool,” Kani said, “hey, you, what’s up man, I take it you’re new around here? I’m Kani, these are my bros. I gotta hand it to you; you pack a mean punch with a bottle.” Kani felt sorry for breaking the guy’s nose. He could tell by the blood that had trickled from the guy’s nostrils. “What’s your name?” He waited for Jackson to respond to his barrage of questions before he started speaking again.

“Look man I know how it is when you’re in the heat of the moment, but if ya wanna experience all of Hawaii, let me know, I got the hookup around here,” Kani said as his brothers laughed and shook their head.

“Really bro? So you’re mister Miyagi now?” Kame asked as the others laughed. They already knew that they would be getting bailed out soon. It was no surprise that their family protected them for the most part, yet allows them freedom to learn and experience what it’s like when rules and laws are broken.
=======
Noel looked from one person to the next as he tried to comprehend exactly what they were doing. Apparently they would be going to bail out the Kealoha’s, well for the most part, and this would give him the chance to see Kani again. He watched attentively as Aliee walked off towards Mano’s Place where Kani’s father had been the bartender during the graduation ceremony. Perhaps it was there that she obtained the money necessary to get his man out of jail. Noel smiled. While he did have the money to bail all of them out, he didn’t want to step on anyone’s shoes or overstep any boundaries in this new territory, so he stayed quiet, listening and observing. He did, however, have a big enough vehicle to fit nearly all of the arrested members of the Kealoha family. Thanks to his father, he had rented Noel a nice Cadillac Escalade to drive around in while he was staying in Hawaii. It was a last minute attempt to spoil his son, something Noel really appreciated. It was what he had driven to Mano’s place to meet Kani.

“If anyone wants to ride with me to pick them up, I’d appreciate the company. Besides, I’d get lost,” Noel stated as he pulled out the keys to the Cadillac and dangled them in front of him. He had sobered up a bit since everything had happened so quickly and now he was ready to go help where he was needed.

The walk to the Cadillac was a quick one, but as he unlocked the car, he noticed Aliee driving off in a scooter. The girl really was on a mission, but why did she leave them all behind so quickly? Why was she rushing off instead of riding with him considering the gang would need some sort of transportation when they all got out? Noel was sure Gray would have his own set of wheels as well. The engine to the Cadillac came to life as Noel turned the key in the ignition. Whoever was riding with him needed to be in place. It wasn’t long before he pulled off in the direction Aliee had gone. A few turns later and he found the police station. He drove up and parked the vehicle, getting out and walking into the area where Aliee was bailing them all out, at least that is what he thought.

“Everything good Aliee?” Noel asked as he approached her.

---

---

Kye Kealoha

---

---

Kye watches people leave. He was going to head home. He did however need to make sure that Quinn made her way home though she was probably going with Aliee.

"Hey Quinn, I'm heading home. I won't be able to help with picking up my cousins and your brother. My dad'll be furious if I don't get home soon. See you tomorrow maybe," Kye says softly, feeling bad he was leaving her. He wanted to stay with her, he didn't want to lie to her. He had to get home though. He couldn't help and if he was seen at the jail, he could get in a lot of trouble. "Aloha Quinn," Kye says with a wave as he walks away. He didn't follow anyone else as he walked back to his old jeep.

Climbing in, he closed his eyes, tired for some reason. Pulling out of the parking space, Kye drove towards his house, swerving slightly though thankfully only when he was almost home. He parked, struggling out of his car and up towards his house.

When he got inside, his father was in a fit. He didn't think his dad would really be mad, usually he was passed out at this point. "Dad, listen, I'll pick some more up tomorrow," Kye managed as he saw that his dad had what looked to be the last empty bottle in hand.

His dad, not one to be reasonable often, didn't want to hear it and was immediately charging Kye. Kye tried to run, but in his own loopy state, was tripped by his dad sending him sprawling on the stained carpet.

Kye tried to roll away but was stopped by his father. He didn't speak so much as just attack him. Kye knew that everyone else wouldn't wonder why he was so beat up the next day, after all, what's a brawl without the least experienced getting hurt?

"Don't go out late anymore. Ever. Am I clear?" Kye's father demands, pinning his son to the ground.

"Yes sir, please stop now," Kye responds, trying his best to breath under his fathers weight. He wouldn't hit him back, he couldn't. It would get worse and worse. Kye didn't help himself as his father got worse and worse. Closer to maybe three in the morning, the man passed out.

Kye coughed, hurting all over at this point. First he was drained from the fight and now this. He shook his head. This wasn't the night he had expected to have. He had hoped maybe he could talk to Quinn and say something that would be meaningful, then he had been to scared to do it. Then he had joined a fight that had gotten his relatives arrested. He should have gone to help them, but he couldn't do that either in his fear. He needed to get over this. His fear of everything. Even his father.

Rolling over onto his stomach, he pushed himself up, using the nearby chair to stand up. He staggered to his room and collapsed in bed. Hopefully he could pass out in bed and he wouldn't wake up entirely broken. He'd talk to everyone tomorrow, especially Keo to see if his cousin could help him with his problem. He needed to get stronger, to not be scared anymore...

Jackson was intrigued that the guy started laughing, but knew instantly by the laugh that he would like this native dude. He seemed to be almost laughing at just the scenario and just the stupidity of the entire thing, which was just the kind of guys that Jackson liked to hang with: people that could hold their own, and then laugh at how stupid they could be sometimes. However, that didn't mean he was entirely comfortable with the fact that three burly men similar in stature to said large dude suddenly stared at him through bars like he was going to become their snack. Good thing the big guy calmed them down as fast as he did, even though Jackson knew they wouldn't be able to bust through bars or anything.

The guy he hit turned and asked him the obvious questions that one would normally ask their attacker: his name, how new he was, that sort of thing. "Yeah, I only flew in a few days ago really. And I've seen my fair share of bar fights, and when it comes to bigger people, fists usually don't cut it." Jackson wiped away the blood that was almost to his mouth: didn't need nose blood in his diet. "The name's Jackson, man." He would have shaked his hand if there were no bars between them. Once he had introduced himself, Jackson heard Kani say the words that he had been waiting for: that if he wanted to find out how partying was supposed to be done in Hawaii, the man had connections. Jackson hid his happiness that he was finally accepted by a native on this place, and could get rid of the frat boys.

"Hey man, really appreciate it. I mean, you don't know how hard it is to party with those guys. Bunch of tanned money bags really: I mean, shit I can't afford half the stuff they've lost over the past few days I've been here." Jackson shrugged. "But I'd be an idiot to refuse an offer like that. From the looks of things, you guys aren't scraping the bottom of Hawaii." Jackson wasn't trying to mock them or anything, he was just stating a fact: from what he could tell by the party, by the fighting and the way the cops seemed to like them, these people seemed to be pretty damn important on this island.

---

Everything from this point on happened so fast. Quinn wanted to go after Kye, but didn't have the chance as he ran off home. She waved back at him, but it didn't seem like he saw her. Then, Aliee pushed her over to Mano's to get money for bail. It was a good thing, because Quinn surely couldn't ask her parents for money and she didn't have enough on her to bail someone out. She stayed silent and followed Aliee's every moved and gesture. Quinn was too worried about Kye and Nate to speak anyways. It didn't surprise her when Aliee took off towards her scooter. Quinn was right behind her, and took a seat behind the woman. It wasn't the first time that Quinn and Aliee rode together somewhere. Knowing her, Aliee probably didn't realize that she was there. In a few minutes, they were over at the station. Aliee was faster than her walking in, and Quinn just got in as Aliee sat down. Noel was there too.

"I'm guessing my brother is here as well. Tonight went horribly wrong." Quinn must have seemed oblivious to how Aliee was feeling, but Quinn didn't want to suddenly be buddy buddy with someone that just tolerated her. She thought about tonight in all. Kye was being...weirder than normal. The phrase she didn't recognize still rung in her ears. What could it mean...? Her phone vibrated. 'Shit...what's Dad still doing up?' It was just a text message, but he didn't seem too happy about anything.

Where the hell are you two? Nathaniel isn't answering me. He's not too drunk, is he? Quinn chuckled at her father's assumption. Still, this was very unusual. He's always asleep by 9. Quinn quickly thought of something to tell him.

We're helping the Kealohas clean up Mano's. Dunno when we'll be done. Nate's cleaning stuff up off the roof, so he probably isn't paying attention. :P Tell Mum not to worry. We can take care of ourselves. See you in the morning. It was a good thing that her father believed her over anyone else around here. Daddy's little girl, as they say. the officers were starting to haul people out, one of them being her brother. She simply stared blankly at him, hoping he wasn't hurt or anything. "Dad thinks you're drunk, you know." She joked as he came up to her. None of the Kealoha's had appeared yet. "Did you want to wait for the rest of them or just go home?" Quinn didn't really care either way, but she knew she wasn't going to let Nate out of her sight again for the rest of the night.

---

---

At Kye's thanks, Gray awkwardly gave him a shoulder pat. When Aliee thanked him, he gave her a nodded politely in her direction. At the mention of bailing out people, Gray instinctively knew she would not bail out Noa. From the history, that Noa kindly informed him of, the dislike that ran between them was deep. That left him up to the task. Not that he mind of course. The money for the bail was pocket change, plus he didn't want Noa steaming and plotting in there. After all, a jail cell was rather uncomfortable; that he knew of from past experience.

Seeing everyone disperse, Gray made his way to his car. Naturally Ferrari's were only two seaters, so he would only be able to bring Noa home, not that he wanted to bring anyone else along. Seated comfortably in his car he took some time to assess the damage. A cut lip, a probably some bruised ribs, and of course that lovely cut at his temple that was still trickling blood. Grabbing a kerchief from the dash, he dabbed at the cut and winced slightly. Well, not much else I can do about that... Shifting his car, he made his way to the police department. There he found the Escalade and the scooter that belonged to the patrons he just recently had been with. Parking his car, he straightened of his clothes to seem halfway decent, and got out.

Directed to the clerk, he saw Aliee and Noel there. He acknowledged them and continued smiling at the clerk, "Hi, I'm here to bail out Hiwalani-Noa Kealoha." The older woman stared blatantly at him before telling him to take a seat near the other for a moment while so did the paper work.

Not bothering to sit, he leaned up against the wall on the far side of the room, opposite of Noel and Aliee. Now he just had to wait and this hellish night would be over, he hoped.

Noa knew she wouldn’t have to wait long but that didn’t mean that she was freaking out any less. Well, spazzing was a better word. There were drunk and irritating haole shouting and whining through the cells, being as loud as they possibly could. She ran her fingers through her hair as she leaned against the bars of the cell until an officer that she used to go to school with came with a set of keys. He released the Kealoha boys and Nate first before heading to her cell. She let out a sigh of relief and began heading out behind her sister only to have the door closed in her face. “Sorry – Aliee only had enough money for nine…” He cringed at her look of indignation that soon became rage. Of course Aliee would leave her in here. Her hands curled into fists as she thought about pummeling the snooty little bitch as soon as she saw Aliee, her veins pulsating with rage. The summer had barely begun and she was already fed up with Keo and his crew.

Growling, she punched the bars of her cell before stalking back to her bed where she stewed in her frustration and hatred. With the storm that brewed inside of her, another brewed outside. The wind kicked up fiercely as it began to drizzle, nothing like the clear skies from earlier as the storm came with absolutely no warning. Noa didn’t care though. Let the storm rage. Hopefully Aliee would hydroplane on her way home and wreck her pretty little face. If she was out of commission for the rest of the summer that was just a bonus. She gripped the bars tightly as she watched her family file out along with Nate, her brothers grimacing. She knew that she would be bailed out by someone before tomorrow night but it still irked her that Aliee would just let her sit there. Not that it was surprising. But the bitch could have informed her dad that they were bailing out Nate too so he could have provided the extra two grand.

Nate watched her steam as he filed out after the Kealohas, immediately being approached by his sister. He was ahead of the Kealohas, who had stopped to talk to a few of the officers, wrapping his arms around Quinn. “He always thinks I'm drunk,” he said absently, glancing over at Aliee and then back to the Kealohas. They were short one Kealoha. He gave Aliee a glare before looking down at Quinn. “You're fucking kidding, right? You used her father's money to bail me out? And you say she's the immature one.” He released his sister and rolled his eyes with a frown, preparing to approach the officer behind the desk and request that he take Noa's place. However, he didn't have a chance before Gray entered and spoke to the woman.

The Brit glared at the back of the Hilton's head before taking a seat away from everyone, watching as a man in a suit came out of an office, approaching Kaniele angrily. His probation officer. “I get it, Kani. You're a big guy. You're a Kealoha. You're a blue blood, royalty. But you are not above the law!” The short man's voice was at a whisper when he spoke, pulling Kaniele to the side quietly. Still, you could tell that he was angry from his very, very red face. He began rubbing his arms nervously, obviously not wanting to be the one to tell Mano that he had to put his son back in jail. “I mean, really. How hard is it for you to stay out of trouble? You couldn't let the rest of your litter handle it?” The fact that he was haole was more than obvious from the way he spoke to Kaniele. Marcus Drellock was a man who didn't like the Kealoha family simply because he thought they had it too easy. Not just them, he wasn't fond of people who came from old money and acted as though they hadn't a care in the world.

But nobody cared about his personal issues.

Noa held a look of relief when the officer returned to release her, nearly breaking her ankles with how fast she tore out of the cell. She pushed through her brothers to spot Grayson, beaming him a smile. Her long legs began to carry her toward him though there was a pause in her steps as she passed by Kani. His probation officer was having him hauled back off to a cell. “Mister Drellock, a word... Please?” She didn't give him much of a choice, grabbing him by the arm and forcing him to release her brother as she pulled him out of sight of the officers and Gray, unsure if the others could see her. Before he could speak, she looked deeply into his eyes and began to hum with a light smile. Confusion crossed his face first before he gave his own goofy smile and slouched towards her, lost in the magic she emanated.

She could feel the calming energy surging around her as she spoke in a soft sing-songy voice. “You don't need to take in my brother. He wasn't even in the fight. He was trying to pull me out, actually. You're probably confusing him for Kamehameha or Kahiau. Right?” She placed her hand on his cheek to maximize the effect as he gave a dazed nod. She grinned and left him there to head to the desk, leaning towards the receptionist with a smile. “Hey, Leilani! You can go ahead and get rid of that little report on Kani. It was just a mix-up.”

The receptionist gave a grin and rolled her eyes as Noa turned around. She gave Aliee a glare. “Don't bother coming back to Mano's or my house for any reason ever again. I could give a fuck less if it's life or death.” The rest of the words she spoke after weren't exactly polite, best not spoken around children.

Irritated all over again, she grabbed Gray by the hand and towed him outside where they were greeted by a hell of a storm kicking itself into full gear. She cursed again, this time under her breath and to herself. She'd have to let the storm go on for the night because this didn't seem like an issue she'd be able to let go of so easily. Some rest would let her clear her thoughts and regain her composure. “I just want to go home and watch my musicals... Will you stay the night?” She glanced up at Gray, sucking in her bottom lip to hide that it was busted, though it hardly mattered with her other cuts and bruises. “And, mahalo. For helping with the fight. And Kye. You didn't have to do that.” She whispered the last sentence as her arms wrapped around her body, though that hardly provided protection from the heavy rain pelting her and washing away her paint, staining her flesh.

Inside, Nate was still staring blankly at Kani's probation officer, who was in quite a daze with a silly smile. Most of the other Kealohas had filed out, leaving him with Kani, Keo, Aliee, and Quinn. “Anybody else want to know what the fuck is goin' on? I mean, don't tell me that none of you don't think that Noa might have skipped out on telling us something.” He gave a light frown at the idea of Noa withholding information. From the others, yeah. He could see that. But he thought that they were pretty close. He shook his head and held out his hands. “Never mind that. Did you guys get the feeling that you were being watched tonight? I mean, I've had this weird feeling that someone's been watching me for the past week. And I keep seeing some redhead every other time I turn around. She looks familiar...”

Aliee sat as her anxiety increasingly built up. Not even noticing it, she began tapping her foot and biting her nails. 'Please don't let Kani get arrested'. The thought was repeated constantly in her mind. There was no way she woud be able to get Jabari alone. If her and Kani really wanted custody of their child, then they would have to show they deserve it. Being thrown in jail isn't exactly ideal. Of course she also couldn't deny the fact she had her own drinking problem, but she had a way of thinking she could just stop if she wanted to. She didn't even notice Noel was talking to her until he stood before her. "Oh, um sorry. It's just been a long night. Everything's fine though don't worry. I bailed everyone out." Well clearly not everyone. But in her defense she only had enough money for nine people. She couldn't leave any of the brothers and let's just say her bailing Nate out instead of Noa was an act of kindness.

Quinn was the next one to walk into the police station. "Yeah he was in the fight as well. I guess he got caught up in the powerful fighting aura of the Kealoha family." Aliee chucked. She had to admit herself, that the one time she did fight alongside the family a long time ago, it was as if she was just magically sucked in. The family members were so riled up she felt her own blood begin to pump faster. She learned how to not get caught up now. She didn't need to be an alcoholic and have a criminal record. Aliee slowly let her mind drift again and her finger tapping started back up. Come on this was a small police station. Does it really take ten billion years to get a couple of people out? The noisy haole were only adding to her stress.

As if her prayers were answered, the Kealoha family and Nate started shuffling out from their cells. Gray, went up to bail Noa out and Aliee couldn't help the slight frown that tugged at the corners of her mouth. Really was the boy that sprung that he couldn't let that bitch sit in there a little longer? Aliee pursed her lips and immediately stood up. She felt eyes on her and she glanced over to see Nate shoot her a glare. "A 'thank you for getting me out' would've been nice." Aliee mumbled under her breath. If Quinn wasn't there she would've let Nate sit next to Noa all night too. Her attention from the two siblings to see Kani's probation officer approach her long time friend. She took a small step forward before stopping herself. There was nothing she could do. Unlike the other people in this room, she wasn't extremely wealthy or had any type of political power. Aliee forced herself to step back and just watch.

As if to add to her increasingly bad mood, Noa came waltzing out. Perfect. Aliee watched closely as Noa pulled Marcus out of sight, and she figured the girl must be working her mermaid powers and tricking the probation officer right now. Really she was such an annoying person. Though not said, somewhere within Aliee's mind she was frustrated Noa was the one to get Kani out of a potentially bad situation. Releasing a deep breath, Aliee crossed her arms over her chest and shifted her weight to one leg. Noa approached Aliee to give her the same old 'don't come near me' talk. "As if I'd want to go to your house." Aliee responded as the girl walked away. Aliee got the sudden urge to drink, so she grabbed her bag and walked over to Kani. "Glad you're okay." She gave him a small hug then pulled away. She would've said more, but with everyone hudled around it was best to refrain from saying anything else. Aliee turned to Keo and sighed. "You just couldn't resist fighting could you?" She joked.

Aliee headed towards the door practically ignoring what Nate said about being watched all night. "It's been real guys, but I need some sleep. I have work tomorrow. Try not getting arrested again huh boys?" She gave a short smile before exiting the police station as well. Finally she was able to get some fresh air. Aliee started up her scooter and took off. Noa just had to go all bitchy and cause a storm. Goodness the little princess couldn't handle a prison cell for a half hour? Aliee continued until she got to her small home by the beach. Aliee tip-toed into the small home, knowing her mother was more then likely sleeping right now. She successfully made it to the other side of the home to her bed room and closed and locked the door.

Aliee took a shower and put on her pajamas before sitting on the floor of her room. She leaned against her bed as she stared up at her dresser. A bottle of vodka was literally staring at her, enticing her to just take a couple of sips. Aliee stood up and reached for the bottle before pausing. 'You really shouldn't do this. You have work tomorrow.' The thought crossed her mind. She retracted her hand and began pacing around the room. What was one more night of drinking going to do? It couldn't bring but so much harm right? "Just a couple of sips." Aliee mumbled then hastily grabbed the bottle and popped the cap off. As if it was her life line, Aliee started chugging down the bottles contents.

The jail cell was getting rather uncomfortable, and the longer he stayed in the cell, the harder it would be to evade his probation officer. Good old Marcus Drellock was the bane of Kani’s existence. The man searched for reasons to put Kani behind bars and now he had a legitimate one, at least Kani thought so. There were things everyone in the group was hiding from one another. Kani’s secrets had yet to be revealed. Jabari wasn’t the only thing Kani was hiding. He had completed one year of probation, and after the fully completed it, things would be different for him. He had noticed during the fight how impressive his younger sister was with dealing with blows. Then again a mermaid could probably take a few hits, as they did dive to some incredible depths and their bodies were like soft iron. Kani mentally groaned at the sight of Marcus. The chubby man strutted over with a near smile on his face, as if he were happy to see Kani in this situation. At first Kani had no clue what he was going to say or do.

Noel watched as one by one the incarcerated walked onto the scene. It was odd to see them in such a way, but when he saw Kani, his eyes twinkled with excitement. He wanted to go hug him, to embrace him, but as he made his way towards him, he noticed a pudgy man step up and starts to address him. Things seemed to slow down and haze over as he watched everything unfold. Everyone was out that had started the fight, or rather had been a part of it, all except Kani from what Noel could figure out. Silently, he watched and raised an eyebrow as Kani simply looked at the man and rolled his eyes. Was now really the time to act as if he didn’t care what his probation officer could do? Kani barely let any type of emotion show as he stood there in front of Drellock, as defiant as he was the first day he met the man. Kani’s hands were balled into fist and for a second Noel thought Kani was about to strike the man, but when he noticed a native approach the rather large probation office, he exhaled gently hoping for the best.

A moment passed and the girl was still talking to the probation officer. Kani watched his sister with inner amusement. He knew what she was doing, but he wasn’t going to say anything. He scoured the lobby and noticed Aliee and Noel as well as Quinn. Nate had already made it over to his twin and Kani was happy to see Aliee. He was ecstatic to see Noel, and it made something in his stomach flutter. The guy had actually come to the jailhouse to actually help get him out. There were no words he could form to equal the amount of thanks and appreciation he felt towards those who supported him. Kani turned his attention back to Noa and noticed that she had finished talking to Drellock but he was in some sort of dazed state. He wanted to laugh so hard, but he didn’t, he just watched as Aliee and Noa exchanged words. It was messed up that Aliee didn’t bail his sister out too, but the fact that they didn’t get along at all more than likely contributed to her decision to leave Noa in the cell. He sighed, knowing that Jabari had a crazy aunt and a crazy mother, and the two were like oil and water, they’d never mix, but Kani wondered if they would come together for the sake of Jabari.

Aliee approached him and spoke, and he gave her a hug before watching her leave. Everyone had filed out of the jailhouse and now it was Noel and Kani left.

“I’m glad you’re alright,” Noel said softly approaching Kani.

“Thank you for coming, it means a lot,” Kani replied as he felt Noel’s arms wrap around his neck and hug him.

“I don’t want to be alone tonight,” Noel whispered into Kani’s ear as he released Kani from the hug. Kani nodded and they both left the jailhouse. After driving in the rain, with his brothers packed into the back of Noel’s vehicle, Kani just wanted to sleep. Noel dropped off the Kealoha’s, all except Kani and proceeded towards his hotel room. The conversation as they drove was a simple one. Noel wondered about Kani’s life choice and Kani asked about Noel’s. It was a simple conversation that went into many tangents, but in the end as Noel pulled into the parking lot, Kani was even more intrigued by Noel.

“So your parents made you take martial arts classes?” Kani asked with a smirk.

“It was to protect myself,” Noel replied, “and besides it helped didn’t it?”

“Hell yea,” Kani replied impressed. The two walked together up the stairs, entered into the hotel and went up to Noel’s room. This was normally the nervous part, the part in any date where the guy would tell the girl or guy goodnight and it would go from there, but this time it was different. After unlocking his door, Noel pulled Kani into the room by his shirt. They both needed stress relief, they had both had a long day and Noel knew exactly how to handle such things.

---

As Nate glared at Aliee, Quinn also looked over at her with a question in her eyes. "I didn't know...I just walked in the fucking door, Nate." It annoyed Quinn a bit that Nate was even upset with her. They used Mano's money every other time to bail everyone out. What makes now different? "I didn't have any control over the money at all." Quinn sighed. Nate was going to take Noa's place, but that Grayson kid already paid the money to get her out. A storm had started outside, and Quinn knew it was Noa.

Quinn didn't respond to anything really going on around her. Kye was on her mind. Was he alright? He looked pretty beat up when she last saw him. She promised herself that she would see him first thing when she woke up. She was deep in this thought when Nate spoke up again. Being watched? That sounded familiar. Quinn recalled the feeling she had before the fight broke out. Someone was there. But who? Quinn decided to keep quiet about it. Kye had checked it out and it seemed to be nothing. Right now, she was just ready to go home. Sleep sounded amazing then. She glanced around the room. Everything seemed to be settling down. Keo, she noticed, seemed to be in a daze. That was odd, considering Keo always had something to say to her. Aliee left soon after Noa did. Maybe that was their cue to get going.

"We should head to the house. Everyone has had a rough night." Quinn didn't like having to go out into the rain, but there was no helping that. While waiting for her brother's reply, she texted Kye.

Hey! I'll be around in the morning to see how you're feeling. Normal spot? Or is that going to be too much for you? :P Kye would know where she was talking about. His words floated through her mind again. What could it mean...?

---

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~Kye Kealoha~

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---

Kye sat up in his bed, or at least moved to. In reality, he just groaned softly and gave up a second later. His stomach was on fire, at least that's how it felt. He groaned again and rolled over. He hadn't even climbed under the sheets, he had only fallen on top. He saw some blood on his pillow and wiped at his nose to find a bit of dried blood there. He sighed as he remembered finally what happened.

He waited a minute or so before sitting up. He groaned again, but rested his back on his wall so he didn't have to feel the pain of holding himself up for the moment. Kye looked down at himself, still wearing what he had worn to the party last night. He wondered if the paint was still on his face. He sat there, not wanting to move and not really having the will to do anything, let alone get up. His dad was probably downstairs sleeping, or passed out.

Kye finally found the will to get up. If he went out into the water, he would feel better. He didn't know what it was, but going out into the water definitely helped. He stood and went to his bathroom. He turned on the lights to wash the blood and paint off his face when he saw the bruises. He sighed, he hoped that people would just think it was from the party. It was dark after all, that might help with tricking them.

He grabbed a rashguard from his drawer and slipped it on, inhaling sharply when he lifted his arms and felt like he had a broken rib though he knew he didn't. He never had one before and had covered himself up so it wouldn't hurt him as much. Kye grabbed a clean pair of swim shorts and walked downstairs. His phone sat on the ground next to where Kye had dropped it when he was charged. His dad was passed out in his recliner as always.

Kye grabbed his phone and walked out the front door. He didn't look into the glass of the door as he walked to the jeep. He had a black eye and his lip was busted, but he wasn't sure if anyone would notice, that is, that it was out of the ordinary after the brawling and all. He did have a good knot where he had gotten hit with the bottle, but it was just giving him a headache.

Kye disregarded his phone as he grabbed his board and headed down the cliff area. He looked down just in time to see there was a text from Quinn. Hey! I'll be around in the morning to see how you're feeling. Normal spot? Or is that going to be too much for you? :P

Kye sat down, looking down at the phone and letting his board sit beside him while his feet sat in the surf. Sounds like a plan. I'll meet you there. Kye texted back, then stood. He moved back up to his jeep, tossing his board into the back and climbing in. He drove silently, not turning the music on or anything. He silenced his phone at a red light as he drove to the small private beach. Not many people knew about it, it was an islander thing. A little beach area away from the city that had great waves, yet was also just a peaceful place. Friends would meet there to hang out or to talk or to plan something. Lovers could come and have a picnic, and families could come and play in the whitest sand in Hawaii.

Kye climbed back out and ducked into the concealed beach area, seeing Quinn hadn't arrived yet. He walked down to the black rocks nearby and leaned his board against it. He was about to sit down when he figured he might as well wax the board. He leaned it back down and started the task, his back to the entrance. Quinn could let him know when she got there.

He was thankful he had worn the rashguard. Normally, he never wore one, he didn't like them. If Quinn saw these bruises though, she would not be a happy camper, at least he could pass off the injuries on his face, but he couldn't do anything about his back and his stomach. Kye wondered if Quinn thought him to be just a little brother, or the way he thought of her, or if she just watched him because she though he was a cute kid, like most of his relatives.

He didn't really care or mind, about his relatives that is, if Quinn only thought of him as they did, well, he wasn't sure he would handle that well. She hadn't even responded to his confession last night. He thought it was because of the different language, but maybe she just doesn't share the same feelings.