Disclaimer: I don't own the Suite Life Series or the Honor Harrington Universe. I do own Ken and Alexander, Tom Connelly and the armsmen.
I like to thank Tiger002 for betaing the chapter.
Sorry for taking two months on this chapter and the next. They were originally one chapter but were split into shorter chapters to read and review.
I had my job search going on, I was working double shifts at work that were making me tired, I also had an issue with getting into the proper writing mindset and I found myself lost in the electronic advanced readers copy of the newest Honor Harrington Universe related novel. Pretty much I was doomed to not get this done anywhere near on time. The second chapter will be posted in a short time. Thanks to the readers and reviewers for the story so far. Your support and comments had been appreciated.
The cold air froze over the outside of the windows as two forms slept in beds mere feet away from each other. The light blue empty walls that surrounded them blanketed the two forms in soft refracted beams as the solar sunburst penetrated the sleepy domain.
The stillness was broken as auburn hair shuffled in one of the beds. Dark green eyes opened in wonder and confusion as the boy's eyes blinked away the sleepiness. They darted this way and that in their semi-new environment and tried to put new details together as the current situation ran though in his mind.
How did I end up here?
The boy known as Travis moved his legs out from under the thick comforter. The movement caused leg sized waves as the limbs were slowly exposed to the frigid cold of a New England winter somewhat negated by the heat rippling into the room.
His eyes captured Zack's body locked in mortal combat with the anaconda comforter with his limbs partially pinned. Travis smiled at the sight of the other boy's bizarre sleeping position.
How does he sleep like that?
The previous day's memories rushed back into his recollection. The 10 in1 sports table sat still in its box against the wall next to Travis's bed waiting to create new chaotic memories of laughter. Bags of clothes still with the tags on were scattered near the closet in the room like crinkly snow on the floor. The group was so tired last night they decided to skip the put away process until the next day and went to sleep.
Travis looked at the clothes he was wearing, nervous of changing in front of Zack even though Zack did not appear bothered by it the night before. Zack acted like it was normal to walk around in front of Travis only in his boxers and a T-shirt. Their relationship and attitude with each other so far, at first cautious but at least it was not tense. Just two boys trying to relate to each other in their shared living space. In the end, his roommate's quirks were something to be dealt with as time rolled on. He hoped no pain would impact on him or Zack as a result of either of their actions.
Travis sat back on the bed and looked at the room's walls, which were scantly covered with a few posters of athletes and bands on Zack's side while Travis's side was bare. The auburn haired child thought he was not supposed to put things on the walls since he owned nothing. He looked at the sleeping form and wondered how Zack got so lucky to live where he did and wondered what he should do next.
The sizzling oil in the frying pan punctuated the stillness in the kitchen as Ken read the Boston Globe. The pink sausage was slowly turning brown to join the morning sun in taking back the morning from the night.
"So far so good." Ken said to Joanna, who was watching the eggs cook.
"Yes, at least, both boys got off to a good start. Do you see when Cody, I mean Travis handed the slice of pizza to Zack?" Joanna asked with a smile.
"Yeah." Ken matched her smile. "There's at least hope for us since there's a part of Cody's personality somewhere in there." I tried to concise this sentence to make it flow better.
Ken frowned as he thought of a terrible alternative.
"I am happy for one thing though. We did not find Zack's twin dead in an alleyway somewhere. That would have been the worst thing to happen."
Joanna silently nodded and looked at the time.
"Well it's almost 9:30. I am going to check on the boys to see if they are up. After breakfast, we have to talk to them. Just watch the food for me and try not to burn anything." Joanna walked toward the boys' bedroom.
"Are you sure you can trust me with this painfully hard job of watching eggs and sausages and prevent them from burning black as night? A guy who has depended on mess hall food for the most part since he was 18 years old." Ken started to have a smile but Joanna chuckled at him.
"Please dont tell you dont know how to cook or do laundry. Even without modern technology it should not be issue. That's so 20th century. Unless of course you are down to two brain cells through all the fighting in the past two and half decades in the Queen's Navy. If that's true, then you are not the man I met so long ago. Heck I had hired help since I was born and I can at least cook normal food in order to survive." Joanna's smile turned to steel as she looked at her boyfriend.
"Ouch, the sword is all the way into my side already. Still the hired help trained you and allowed you to do trial and error in order to improve. But I can thankful we don't have to worry about doing take out every night and die at a ripe young age of 150 or so."
"Just watch the food" Joanna snapped back.
"Aye, aye ma'am" Ken answered with a respectful tone and half-saluted Joanna as he watched her open the door.
Travis had not moved from the bed and overheard the noise from the living room and grew worried with the voices as one sounded like it was outside the door. His eyes narrowed when he heard a knock and the door opened and saw Joanna.
"Oh you are awake. I was wondering about you." Joanna looked at him and saw Travis was still wearing yesterday's clothes.
"You must have been tired. Why don't you get dressed? Breakfast is almost done."
Travis did not move a muscle but he saw the woman's eyes soften.
"What's wrong?" she asked and Travis just shrugged his shoulders.
Joanna proceeded to comb through the bags of clothes and laid a set of clothes on Travis's bed. The boy slowly picked them up and looked at Zack's sleeping form. Joanna saw where his gaze was centered on and was way ahead of him.
"Don't worry about Zack. He sleeps like the dead on the weekends." A smile crept onto her face. "We never seem to get him up. I have a feeling many people have tried and failed in the effort to wake him from his hibernation. Like any bear, I mean boy, he'll wake up when he smells food."
Travis's mood lightened at this, unsure of the reason. But whatever the reason, he felt his nervous fade away and watched as Joanna left the room and left him to his devices.
Zack woke up of course. 15 minutes later when the fumes of the eggs, sausage and toast filtered into the boy's room. He came dressed and the group rushed through breakfast. By the time they were done, all that left was the egg yolk and crumbs on their plates. Even Alexander cleaned his plate of food while the boys sat amazed while the treecat surgically cleaned the chicken along with all the vegetables set before him with his two forelimbs.
Plates were cleared away and the table got quiet again as the two adults motioned the two boys to stay. The children exchanged curious and nervous looks as they waited for something to happen.
It all started with a simple enough beginning.
"Zack has heard most of this already from us but it's good for a refresher for all of us so everything is on the table. If you have any questions or worries about anything, you can ask them anytime right now. First things first: You can call us what you like as long as it's not something like jerkface or something. I figure Ken and Joanna would work best for the moment. If that's all right, Travis?"
The boy offered no rebuttal to Ken's comment. Alexander laid down on the wide back of Ken's chair and his head and green eyes looking squarely at Travis.
Travis looked worried and raised a hand. Joanna smiled and nodded at him. His eyes darted back and forth for a second and his hands wringed themselves for a second and then he finally looked up at the adults.
"What about school? I want to do good in it."
"I'm glad you asked that question, Travis." Ken's warm tone and smile reached to Travis and the boy failed to grasp it willingly or otherwise. "That was going to our next topic."
Both Zack's and Travis's eyes darted to Ken's face as he continued. "I have already called the school and asked if Travis can be placed in the same classes as Zack. His grades transferred from his old school already. If the request goes through, this will allow the two of you to help each other with homework and help Travis's transition to his new school not be so dramatic. Besides it makes it easier on all of us so we can combine meetings at the school if necessary with your teachers. Also you will do homework the second you get home school."
Ken looked at Zack. "I presume you have no issues with any of this, right?" Zack looked at him and shook his head surely and his eyes zipped over to the boy next to him. Zack's mouth opened as if to say something but closed it just as quickly.
"Now we are here to help with any problems with your homework. Of course, we won't do the work for you but we can help with any difficulties you might have." Joanna soft tone cut through the quiet. "Both Ken and I are focused on your education because the Star Kingdom has enveloped us with a intense passion for it and we intend to make sure you have the best chance at a full and successful life and an education is the major way to do it. In addition, at least one of us will be always be here when you get home."
"What about stuff for school? I don't have anything."
"That should not be an issue. We have a storage closet in our room that has 10 of everything from backpacks and first aid supplies to socks, toothbrushes, combs and shampoo." Ken added. "We can never run out on those things."
Joanna got up and proceeded to hers and Ken's room and walked back out. "Here, this is for you." She handed Travis a backpack "It has everything you need. Notebooks, writing utensils, folders and everything else a student needs. If we missed anything, just ask and we will get it for you.
"Thank you. But… what happens if…we mess up or cause… problems?" Travis's voice was quiet but shaken, barely audible to everybody in the room.
The adults and one treecat detected the unsaid fear in Travis's crackling vocal cords but refused to mention it. Only light speed looks between each other gave any evidence of their notice.
Ken started to say something then stopped. He regathered himself and looked toward the boy who has been through so much.
We were afraid of this. He's barely containing his fear. Well, we can't leave him hanging. That would just add more stress to him and he already has enough on his diminutive shoulders.
Ken gave a last look to Joanna who squeezed his hand and tried to eliminate the jittery boy's mistrust.
"Well first of all, we will never hit you. Ever." Ken saw both boys tense up at this. His eyebrows raised themselves at what else he saw in their reactions.
Wait, did Zack's right arm move toward Travis? Travis moved like he was shocked. His eyes moved too. Toward Zack perhaps? I wonder?...Maybe there's something there?
His voice went on as though on auto pilot while he watched Travis settle down.
"It would hurt us both of us just as much as you if we did such a thing."Though I highly doubt it from the stuff I have seen during my life. He and Zack would be destroyed if we did that to them.
"Life, and growing up is especially difficult anyways without having to be afraid in the place where you are supposed to be safest." Ken's voice lost its strength as he finished.
An increase in pressure on his hand refocused his mind on the situation. Man, Joanna has a grip. A sense of love and support came over him as he felt Alexander's nose brush against the side of his face. Things could much worse than they are now, I suppose. I could be in hell instead. Oh wait, I've already seen that already in my life.
The conversation continued with Ken and Joanna stating the boys would have chores around the suite like keeping their room clean among other things. Both adults told them if anything happened that would affect them in any way, they would ask for their input on it since it would affect them as well.
"Oh last couple things." Ken's echoed through the suite. "All I will say is that is either of you can tell us about anything from your past if you feel the need to. We will be open and not judge you on it. Understand? We are here to support and care for you and that includes being your sounding board when the stress of life becomes too big for you to handle. "
"Also we want you to be honest with us, if there's something you need, ask us." Joanna said. "We do not have any issues trying to make feel comfortable here. Especially you Travis." The boy's looked at her curiously as Joanna continued. "We realize the situation you are in is not perfect, however under the circumstances, we are dealing with it with the best of intentions. If there's something you need to feel more at home, just ask. This includes you too Zack. I know you have been here a while but having another child around does not make things easy on you. If there's something you need to say, don't stay silent about it. The sooner we know about it, the sooner we can deal with it and figure out a solution."
"Why don't you give ideas on what you like to do for hobbies or things to see in the city and see if we can plan something for a trip to do something different every once in while," Ken told the boys.
Travis raised his hand "I'm not very good at sports."
"That's ok. It's does not have to be all about sports. It can be museums, historical monuments or even hobbies." Joanna soothed the boy's worry.
Both adults saw Zack's reaction to Travis's comment. They saw the anxiety for a brief second before it was gone and looked at each other with worry
"Is there anything you guys want to talk about now?"
A low sound was heard and Ken looks around and sees Travis looking downward.
"Something you wish to say Travis?" The boy incrementally moves his eyes toward Ken and gives the smallest of nods. Ken smiles and encourages the boy to go on.
"Um", Travis's voice is shaky looking at Ken, "what about the clothes, blankets and stuff?"
Ken looks at the boy, his gentle face hiding his true feelings but his eyes told another story. He sighs and his voice was the only calm thing in his entire being.
"Travis, all we give is yours as long as you live here. We will never take them away from you. We can only give you more if you need it." Ken stops for a second and realizes something.
"As for the hotel, the staff knows you are here and will treat you like any guest of the hotel with respect. I request that you do the same thing for them. I have one request. Just please don't be causing chaos in the lobby, the hotel manager does not like that. The first time I came into the hotel, I caused a major ruckus that surely aged him 20 years. I had this train of people following me around. I was my own train and caboose. It was really ridiculous if you could have seen it. Moseby was not happy."
Ken could have sworn he saw a shadow of a smirk on Zack's face at that comment.
Joanna cut in and mentioned an allowance to Travis whose head shot up when Joanna announced it. She said besides the stipend from the state for being in the foster system, he would be given money for lunch as well as extra spending money for things he wanted. Ken added something to the point.
"I grew up at the lower end of the financial totem pole as the child so that has affected me to this day. I had to scratch and claw my way up to where I am now. That's the reason for the allowance. Besides I figured it would teach you some responsibility by learning to spend wisely since there would be a limit to the allowance. That money has to last for lunch for the week at least. If you want anything, save for it, since we would be willing to pay for some of it if you willing to as well."
The room was quiet for a few precious seconds. A throat clearing punctuated the silence.
All the males in the room centered their attention on the only woman.
"There is one other topic we want to talk to about…. Me."
Curious looks appeared on the boy's faces as the topic appeared out of nowhere.
"Ah, what are you doing, love?" Ken's voice filled with anxiety.
"I am going to tell them about myself and I mean all of it."
"All of it?" Distress filled the air as Ken rose out of his seat, staggering and barely hanging onto the chair. Alexander grabbed onto the padded back of the chair to brace himself while hissing at Ken.
"Yes all of it. Sit down and calm down and I will explain. You are scaring them." Joanna's face stopped Ken.
I guess I have inherited the family ways after all. The look and attitude included.Joanna mused as she looked at her boyfriend slowly sit back down and apologize to the boys who were stunned at the sudden turn of events. She turned her head and saw Alice Powe and Ronald Cummings appear by the open door behind them. The two members had looks of concentration on their faces while their eyes did a quick search of the room on their faces. Finally they looked at Joanna questioningly.
"Everything's alright. Actually this is good timing for you to come in, Lieutenant, Sergeant. I need to explain you as well." The two armsmen nodded and took flanking positions in front of the wall behind their primary charge and responsibility.
Well, I guess it's time to raise the curtain and allow to see who I truly am. The only thing I can do is tell them and hope for the best. Maybe they will get over the shock. Time to take the mask off for them.
"The reason why I am telling you everything right now is a matter of trust. I know that any relationship we are going to have to built on it and if I lied to you about who I am, any trust created between us would be undeserved. The trust would evaporate the instant the lie was discovered and the relationship would be shattered into pieces."
Both boys said nothing but waited for her to continue.
"Joanna, I know you are going to tell them anyway and I understand why but I wish you could wait a little while longer only to have things crystallize between of all of us." Ken's voice leaked understanding while at the same time, still recovering from the state of affairs.
"I thank you for understanding me Ken but I think the longer we wait the more difficult this could be in the long run. Better to tell it now then later and have the boys wonder why we did not trust earlier to tell them." Joanna smiled at him and then looked at Zack directly. "Zack… I am sorry I did not tell this earlier but with the way certain events happened, it could not happen." Joanna looked down for a brief second but continued. "I…just was focused on settling into your life and trying to deal with your situation. If as a result, our relationship has been damaged, I hope I have a chance to repair it or have a fresh start."
Zack looked at her and then away for a second or two. Then he looked at her.
"Hm…" Zack's eyes swiveled toward Travis and then back at Joanna. He nodded at Joanna "Ok, I understand. I accept your apology. I would not mind that."
"Good" Joanna smile lit up the room. At least there's a shot with him.
Remember when I talked to both of you in time and said I was involved in Manticorean politics?
The boys confirmed that and she continued.
"Well that's completely true. My family has been deeply involved the Star Kingdom ever since it founded over 400 years ago." Joanna smirked internally at the boys' bug-eyed reactions to that little number. Well, wait till they hear the whole story.
"I have grown up with responsibility my entire life whether its socially or personally. I have learned to deal with things I don't like just because of who I am."
"Just who are you then? You are Joanna right?" Zack's squeaky voice asks the obvious. Joanna chuckled lightly at the boy's impatience.
"Yes, in fact I am a member of the House of Winton."
The boys' eyebrows were almost into their hair.
"Isn't that the royal family?" Travis asked, futilely trying to mask his excitement and astonishment.
"Why yes it is, Travis" said Joanna happy to know Travis knew that. "It so happens that I happen to be the oldest daughter of Queen Elizabeth III and second in line for the throne."
Well what a way to end the chapter, eh ? Feel free to tell your thoughts and feelings. If you have any questions about anything, feel free to PM me.