Many apologies for the long delay on this update. As I might have stated, this story was subject to an accidental delete last year and I was only able to rescue the first two chapters. This chapter had been started prior to the accident and without a backup, I had to start this portion from scratch.
While not a word for word reimagining, I've gotten as much as I remember from the initial draft into this one. Truth be told, I'm not 100% content with how it's turned out and I likely never will be.
Some new characters will be joining the fray in this chapter. Well, they're not new in the sense of being newly made. They're characters I call on every once in a while so not to overpopulate my already overcrowded pond of OCs.
3
Days turned into weeks and still Kai showed no signs of recovering. Rei was fast running out of ideas short of just leaving him to his own devices. So that Sergei could spend more time with his grieving master, Rei took over running the boys to school in the mornings. He'd done so with hopes of getting Gou to open up to him. Saoirse had progressed the most out of Kai's children. She'd bonded quickly to Raul's daughter and they were the best of friends. Sergei couldn't be more proud of her if he tried. Morning school runs were a thing of the past with Saoirse going by bicycle with Raul and his daughter.
Vivi was a delightful girl with bright turquoise hair and shining amber eyes. She'd been petrified of Kai at first, but now came bearing hand-crafted gifts for him every other day. Gou and Viktor were polar opposites. Kai's teenage twin interacted very little with others while the second oldest Hiwatari child had made a few friends and was quite fond of Rei's daughter, Rin. It honestly wouldn't surprise Sergei if he had a crush on the older girl. Gou on the other hand appeared to be keeping Brooklyn at a distance. Just watching him flee at the end of school amused Sergei greatly. The boy was more like his father than he realised.
Thanks to frequent café visits, Raisa adjusted quickly to Raul and even hugged him when it was time to leave. There had been times she didn't want to go and pitched a royal fit. Going to Café Garcia so often appeared to be having a positive effect on Kai too. He was a little more active while there, looking around at the warm interior. Getting him to eat was still an issue and all of Raul's ideas failed. Sergei hoped an upcoming trip to the hospital would shine a light on some new tactics, wondering what the doctor would be like. With any luck, the one assigned to Kai wasn't a grouch like the ones back home.
April gave way for May, spring in full swing. Sergei bumbled about in the kitchen early on a Monday morning, waiting for the kids to come down for breakfast. Kai as usual was at the table just staring into a mug of coffee, Raisa making a right mess in her high chair nearby. Today Kai would be going for a check-up at the hospital to see if his spine was getting better. Breakfast passed without incident in time for someone to come knocking. Viktor was out of the room before Sergei could say a word, wrenching the front door open eagerly. Outside stood Rei's daughter wearing her usual smile, pink hair tied into buns atop her head and gold eyes gleaming cheerfully. Rin barely had time to move, Viktor latching onto her waist tightly. She playfully ruffled his wildly spiked hair, waving to an approaching Sergei with her spare hand.
"Morning Sergei, Mr. Hiwatari."
"Come for the scamps have you Rin?"
Sergei's comment was rewarded with a sweet chuckle, catlike eyes dancing. The honking of a car horn drew Gou out of hiding, bag slung lazily over his shoulder, grunting when Rin greeted him as he stalked by.
"Real charmer that one. Don't worry Mr. Hiwatari; they'll be safe with us. C'mon Vik, we'd better get going or else we'll incur someone's wrath."
A cheeky wink accompanied the last part, showing it was spoken in jest. Sergei watched from the door as the boys climbed into Rei's car. No doubt some light teasing greeted Viktor, his face flushed pink. Returning to the kitchen, master and butler found Saoirse passing the time by doodling at the table. Hearing the turning of wheels pulled her away from what she was doing.
"Uncle Sergei, can Vivi come over this weekend?"
"I dunno, Saoirse. Do you promise to be a good girl all week?"
Sergei inquired with a vaguely teasing tone, arms folded tightly. Saoirse nodded eagerly, almost bouncing in her seat. She certainly didn't get her excitable personality from her father.
"Well all right. But only if you're good and it's fine with Raul. Be sure to ask him when he gets here."
"I will."
Right on cue, the doorbell rang. Saoirse bounded from her seat and sprinted out of the kitchen leaving her father and uncle to follow at their own pace. As expected, Raul and Vivi had arrived. Both of them looked mildly exhausted, bicycles in hand. Raul's heart sank at seeing no visible improvement to Kai's mental state, still unaware of the hell he'd been through that put him in such sorry condition. Vivi stepped forward, something in her hands. Sergei gave Kai's shoulder a tap to wake him up as he'd dozed off after Rin's brief visit. Lifeless crimson eyes stared at the offering placed into idle hands. It wasn't the prettiest papier-mâché horse in the world but it was the love that went into it that mattered most. Sergei cleared his throat as Saoirse went to leave; reminding the girl without words she had something to ask somebody.
"Mr. Raul, can Vivi come over and play at the weekend? I promise we'll be good."
Questioned father ruffled Saoirse's hair affectionately, smiling from ear to ear. "It's fine by me, Saoirse. Have you asked your daddy if it's okay?"
Knowing that Kai wouldn't answer, Sergei did it for him in the form of a nod, an idea coming to mind that the handsome Spaniard might not like much.
"Here's a better idea. Raul, how about bringing your family over for dinner on Sunday?"
"I'll have to run it by Julia tonight. If she doesn't wanna budge I'll just bring the kids and myself. Merida's always wanting to know more about you lot. Anyway, we'd better get going, Sergei. And good luck with the hospital trip."
Sergei gave Raul's hand a brisk but firm shake and kissed Saoirse goodbye, watching as she peddled away out the gates. Kai's appointment wasn't for a few hours yet so some time was spent just chilling in the spacious front yard to soak up the sun's warmth. As he watched Raisa babbling away in Kai's lap, Sergei wondered how Yuriy and his boys were doing. Making a mental note to give the redhead a call at some point, he started making preparations to leave. With any luck, good news would find them at the hospital.
Almost two hours later, Sergei sat in a doctor's office with Kai and Raisa waiting for the results from the scans to come back. He was nervous and hopeful at the same time. They weren't waiting too long, a young doctor striding into the room looking over some papers. He was a handsome chap, looked to be in his late 20s with a quiff of short blonde hair and alluring grey eyes, a small beauty spot to the lower left of his mouth. Sergei liked the look of him already, waiting with reluctant patience for the verdict. Once the doctor was comfortable in his chair he made eye contact and spoke up without fear of the intimidating looking man opposite him, voice flowing with a soft Irish accent that was pleasant on the ears.
"Sorry to keep you waiting, Mr. Petrov. I'm Dr. Matherson and I'll be working with you and Mr. Hiwatari for the foreseeable future. I must say I'm pleased with the results that came back. Despite all odds, the damage done is steadily healing. If this keeps up, we can start looking at rehabilitation in the coming weeks."
Sergei's sigh of relief didn't go unnoticed by the young Irishman, glad he could deliver good news that seemed to be desperately needed.
"My primary concern at this point is getting Mr. Hiwatari to put some weight on. I shouldn't have to tell you he's dangerously underweight. Is he still not eating properly?"
Sergei shook his head wearily, sorrow echoing in the depths of his eyes. "Everything we've tried has failed, doctor. While Kai has had anorexic periods in the past, what he's going through right now is worse than anything I've had to watch before. It's never been this bad. All my methods have failed and I'm at a loss of what to do."
Dr. Matherson tapped his chin thoughtfully, an idea coming to mind; one he hoped would work.
"Perhaps the children can try? The older daughter maybe? Start off small with soft foods like yoghurt and go from there. Once Mr. Hiwatari reaches a healthier weight we can begin looking at hydrotherapy to kick off his rehabilitation in say one month from now."
Sergei left Kai and Raisa in Dr. Matherson's office to locate the toilets after planning their path for the next few weeks, praying that things were finally getting better. On his way back to them, somebody spotted him marching up the blinding white halls.
"Sergei? Is that you?"
Broad shoulders hunched a little. He knew that voice. Turning around, Sergei saw somebody he never expected to find. Without a moments' hesitation he pulled the speaker into his arms and kissed her, a trembling hand stroking wavy chestnut hair with forgotten affection. Green met purple, locked for what felt like an eternity.
"You're as beautiful as the day I let you go." Sergei breathed, tears rolling down his cheeks. "I was a fool to cast you and Rüshi away all those years ago, Mithra. I realise that now it's likely too late."
Mithra pulled away to get a better look at her old flame. He looked a little different to how she remembered him. On her hand, Sergei spied an engagement ring, killing any hope he had of picking up where they left off.
"You're right, Sergei. You are too late. What are you doing in England if it's not to sweep me off my feet again?"
"Kai's in a bad way, Mithra. I can't say much right now but we came here to start over. Maybe we can get together later and talk? Seeing you might wake him up a little."
Mithra knew things must've gotten real bad for Sergei to drag the family he served away from all that was dear and familiar. His loyalty to them knew no bounds and part of her was proud of him. Even now she fondly remembered how they met during college. He'd never really fit with any social group, Kai beside him. They always kept to themselves, never engaging in typical college kid behaviour. One night Sergei just came and whisked her away out of the blue. Mithra couldn't recall if they were even sober that day, but she wouldn't trade it for anything. Over time they did come to love each other, his quietness appealing to her more than she'd thought possible. Sure he wasn't the most handsome man in the world, but it was what lay beneath the intimidating exterior that drew her in.
Mithra was one of very few people who knew Sergei's darkest secret; he and Kai were lovers once, probably had been all through high school. And she'd found out in the worst possible way, catching the pair in his bed. The look on their faces at being discovered had been priceless. Yet for some bizarre reason she wasn't surprised or angry, even teased the pair about a threesome once. Now that Mithra thought about it, she caught them in the act around the time Tanya came into the picture. Not a year into her and Sergei's relationship, their daughter arrived. For the short time he was part of her life, Sergei was an amazing father to Rüshi. And Mithra knew he'd want to see her, the desire unspoken but clear in his eyes. But would Rüshi share that feeling?
While it was true Sergei hadn't shirked his duty and had regular payments set up for child support, father and daughter hadn't seen each other for pushing 9 years now. All the girl had ever been told is that somebody needed her daddy more, that he didn't want them to get hurt. Mithra didn't know the full truth herself, feeling that she'd find out later.
"Very well, Sergei. But we won't be coming alone. It's not that my fiancé doesn't trust me. He's always displayed interest in meeting Rüshi's biological father. I've made it clear to him you're no deadbeat, that our split wasn't due to a fallout."
"That's fine, Mithra. We usually have supper about 6pm and you're all welcome to join us. That goes for any extra kids. I should be getting back, anyway. Dr. Matherson is probably wondering where I've run off to by now and he's likely got people waiting to see him."
"Well I'm in no rush to leave so I'll walk you back to his office. Just…please be aware that I can't guarantee Rüshi will be happy to see you. I've tried to make her see you didn't abandon us 9 years ago but I don't think it's stuck. She's stubborn as a mule, just like her papa."
"Oh really?" Sergei teased, his eyes twinkling brightly. "Last time I checked you were far more stubborn than me, missy. I say we share the responsibility."
Mithra left Sergei outside the door with her number, telling him to text her the address and kissed his cheek. Why'd she have to make it so damn hard for him to behave? Dr. Matherson sent them off with a smile, hoping for visible progress next time he saw his patient. Before heading home, the trio stopped by a grocery store to pick up some bits. Arriving back at the manor with all the ingredients for tonight's meal, Sergei blitzed the entire lower floor. Perhaps it would be worth his time to seek out some maids to lighten the load? Raisa watched her second father curiously from the confines of her playpen. She'd never seen him so eager to get up and clean before. Popping a load of washing on, Sergei took a breather beside Kai on one of their many sofas.
The traumatised father seemed more aware of his surroundings today, leaving the loyal butler to wonder what had happened during his brief absence from his master's side at the hospital. Maybe the good news had given him hope? Or perhaps Dr. Matherson had said something he needed to hear? All Sergei cared about was getting his former lover back to their old self, no matter what it took. Even if it meant losing him to somebody else should it come to that. Best case scenario, they go back to how things were in school. But the more Sergei thought about it, the less likely it seemed to happen. For now, he pushed himself to be positive towards the near future.
Settling Raisa down for a nap around 1pm, Sergei took Kai to get a shower so they were fresh for the dinner date in a few hours. The steamy air weighed heavily on Kai's chest and as he made to sigh, Sergei turned around to wet the back of hair only for the tip of his erect manhood to pop neatly into an open mouth. They both blinked, momentarily confused about their current predicament. Placing a supportive hand on the nearby wall, Sergei ran his spare mitten through Kai's hair, cheeks marred dark crimson. Memories of their younger years sprang forward for both of them. No prompting was required for a response, a weary head bobbing of its own accord.
Another day of school came to an end for the Hiwatari kids. Gou strolled along the halls off in his own little world, eager to leave and change out of his uniform. He was so out of it that Brooklyn was able to catch him by surprise, pulling Kai's oldest off to a quiet corner. Gou was given no chance to run, pinned to a wall by Brooklyn's slightly taller frame. What the hell was he playing at? His cheek being tenderly stroked sent a shiver racing down Gou's spine, their faces barely inches apart.
"It's okay." Brooklyn whispered. "I won't hurt you I promise. You're such a handsome boy and I've had a difficult time keeping my hands off you these last few weeks."
Gou wanted to believe he'd misheard the words spoken. Surely Brooklyn hadn't just confessed to finding him attractive? Yet part of him was elated to hear the ginger's admission, that the feelings growing in him were shared. Gou lost all sense of time when gazing into Brooklyn's shimmering eyes, watching like a helpless pup as they loomed closer. Finally, their lips met in a gentle kiss and Gou snapped, his knee coming up quicker than lightning to catch Brooklyn square in the nuts.
Sergei glanced at his watch, wondering what could be taking Gou so long. It wasn't like the boy to keep them waiting for half an hour. A thousand scenarios ran through the butlers' mind, many of them unpleasant. Just when Sergei thought about going to look for Kai's oldest, the teen came storming over, climbed wordlessly into the car and slammed the door shut. With everybody finally collected it was time to head home. As he pulled away, Sergei stole a glimpse of Brooklyn looking quite sore as he tried to hide a limp, face creased in pain. Had something happened between the boys? Or were the local bullies to blame? Asking would just make matters worse so Sergei opted to wait until Gou came to him. Kai's young twin didn't even wait for the car to stop completely before getting out, a visible tent in his trousers. Seeing it gave Sergei a rough idea of what happened to put Gou in his foulest mood yet.
Sergei's nerves burned close to 5pm. Tonight could go many ways and all he could think about was the bad ones from Rüshi disowning him to Mithra's fiancé deeming him unworthy of being in the girls' life and everything in between. Saoirse tried her best to cuddle her uncle's fears away once she was clean and in some pretty clothes but he was almost inconsolable. Shortly after a nearby grandfather clock chimed five times, the doorbell rang. Sergei straightened his shirt before pulling the door open, finding Mithra outside with Max, two boys and a girl about Gou's age.
She was tall, had shoulder length sandy brown hair and sharp green eyes. Despite some physical differences, Sergei identified her as his daughter. Mithra stepped aside to let him get a better look at Rüshi, praying their child wouldn't be too harsh towards him. Max watched quietly as father and daughter shared their first embrace in 9 years. He'd seen Sergei at the school collecting Gou and Viktor, never once imagining the burly man was his stepdaughter's birth father. But he couldn't deny the clear similarities between them. Rüshi stood very awkwardly in Sergei's arms, doing nothing to return the affection he gave. She wasn't deaf to his sobbed apologies, wanting more than anything to just leave. He pulled away after a few minutes, cupping Rüshi's face in his strong hands.
"You're so big I can scarcely believe its you."
The tell tale sounds of an approaching wheelchair prevented Sergei from saying more, turning to see Viktor pushing Kai towards the door. Now it was Mithra's turn to be in disbelief, unable to recognize the once healthy father who now sat crippled. She slowly crouched down in front of him and gently grasped one of his cold, pale hands.
"Oh, Kai. What has she done to you? Do you remember me?"
In Kai's eyes something akin to recognition shone dimly for the woman before him. Max continued his silent observation, heart aching for the boys he taught. It couldn't be very easy for them to watch their father suffer.
Rather than stand around at the door all evening, Sergei ushered everyone inside and instructed Viktor to take their guests to the sitting room while he prepared a pot of tea. Kai's second born did as he was bidden, confused as to why one of his teachers had suddenly shown up. Saoirse looked away from keeping Raisa occupied, wondering who these strangers were and what they were doing in her home. Max's fatherly instincts kicked in when Viktor started transferring Kai from his chair to a sofa, moving to help before Mithra could stop him. The shy boy he'd grown fond of vanished in an instant, replaced by terrifying sternness warding the teacher off. Suffice to say Max did not expect the sudden shift, staggering back at the look he was given. Viktor understood that the buff blonde meant well and just wanted to help but his pride wouldn't let the man interfere.
A tense air hung in the room when Sergei came in and he felt it instantly. Max looking sheepish painted something of a clear picture as to what had happened along with the unfamiliar sharpness of Viktor's face. Mithra wasn't blind to the shaking of Sergei's hands as he approached the large coffee table, politely taking the huge tray from him and set it down with a quiet clatter. She hadn't seen him this nervous since Rüshi was born when he'd been afraid to hold her. As he sat down beside Kai, Sergei got a good look at who he assumed were Max's sons.
The oldest, probably no older than 15 looked very little like the blonde with smooth, short pale green hair and mahogany eyes. His younger brother, maybe about 12 years old had sky blue streaked spiky blonde hair and bubbly blue eyes. His side being suddenly snuggled into made Sergei jump a mile, looking to see a strange sight. Kai was far more active than he'd ever been and seemed desperate for cuddles, grasping tightly at Sergei's smart blouse. Pushing all concern to one side, Sergei lifted Kai into his lap, carefully rubbing a quivering back. Saoirse shared her uncle's worry, moving to provide her papa with some extra comfort.
Had Sergei looked to the opposite sofa he would've seen why Kai became antsy so suddenly. Rüshi watched the interactions with hateful eyes, bitter that her father had cast her aside for somebody else. Mithra only hoped she could prevent a war starting, grasping Max's hand for support and he squeezed back. Once Kai was successfully consoled, introductions could finally begin.
"Kai, Sergei, this is my fiancé Max and his sons; Itaru and Topher."
Mithra gestured to the owner of each name in turn, rewarded with an acknowledging nod from Sergei. There appeared to be no animosity between the fathers to the naked eye. Did Max know why Sergei hadn't been part of Rüshi's life for 9 years? This question echoed silently in quivering green orbs, answered with a negative shake of Mithra's head. Turning to her daughter, Mithra gave Rüshi's shoulder a reassuring squeeze.
"Ru? Have you nothing to say to your father?"
"No."
The word was spat with such venom it was no surprise Sergei winced. Meeting his daughter's eyes he saw boundless resentment and hatred.
"Nor do I understand why we're even here. He made it perfectly clear 9 years ago where his loyalties lie and they're not with us. If my so-called father cared, why hasn't he been in touch before now?! Why wait for nearly a decade to show his face again?! Far as I'm concerned, this man" Rüshi pointed accusingly at Sergei, blind to the tears pouring down his face. "is not my dad. We were cast aside soon as he couldn't be bothered to look after us anymore!"
By the time Mithra felt it appropriate to step in, it was too late. Feeling that any argument he made would be dismissed, Sergei left the room with his head held low, Kai still in his arms. Saoirse chased after them at Viktor's insistence, leaving him to soothe a frightened Raisa. This was not how Mithra hoped the reunion would go, absolutely livid that Rüshi was insensitive to her father's feelings. Max wasn't impressed with how the situation panned out either, secretly hoping that they could find some way to undo the harm dealt.
Before either adult could move however, the living room door violently swung open, revealing a thoroughly pissed off Gou in the hallway. He thundered over to the couch and tore Rüshi away from her seat, pinning his cousin to the nearest available wall and clouted her across the face…hard.
"You really wanna know why uncle Sergei sent you and your mom away?!"
Gou growled, eyes lashed with rage.
"It wasn't because he didn't want either of you anymore. He saw before anybody else the monster my mother was becoming and so made one of the hardest decisions of his life; to send his loved ones away to keep them safe. My father tried convincing uncle Sergei otherwise, to not place him above the family he'd started. I can't even count how many times I've caught him crying at night when he thought nobody was looking. There's not a day goes by he doesn't regret that one painful choice. How fucking dare you sit there and claim he doesn't care when all this time he's had no way of getting in touch?! If he'd had a number or something I can guarantee your father would've been on the phone every night to see how you were doing or sending letters every week."
Rüshi shrank, too afraid to even squeak. Mithra saw a lot of how Kai used to be in Gou. And she knew the boy was right. Sergei being unable to contact them was her fault, not his. He still had more to say, his posture unchanged.
"Your father is the most selfless man I know. If it wasn't for him, my dad wouldn't be alive today after my own mother beat him so bad she nearly killed him! Every morning I wake up thinking; is this going to be the day my father dies from starving every day because his trauma won't let him eat? When I go to sleep at night I'm afraid he isn't going to wake up again. So ask yourself this, Rüshi. Would you have rather stayed in Russia and possibly met a similar fate to my dad, or understand that yours sent you away for protection, resigning himself to the pain he'd bear the rest of his life? Because if I were in your shoes, I'd be grateful my old man made that call."
A scream from the kitchen prevented anyone else from speaking and it came from Saoirse, Gou was certain of it. Time slowed to a crawl when he reached the scene, everything processing at a snail's pace for Kai's first born. Saoirse was pinned to the floor by her father, a pot of yoghurt spilled a small distance away. Everything moved at hyper speed when it became obvious Kai wasn't moving.
"Papa!"
Gou's cry drew Sergei out from wherever he'd been hiding, pouncing straight into action. Checking for a heartbeat, the family's fears were becoming real; Kai's heart had stopped, most likely from stress. Mithra appeared at the door, concern etched across her face. Without a moment to lose she surged forward to perform CPR, shouting for Max to call an ambulance as she crashed to her knees at Kai's side. Gou had never felt more weak and helpless as he tightly clutched his father's cold hand, silently praying for him to wake up as Sergei aided the life saving effort with mouth-to-mouth. Saoirse scrambled to the sitting room when instructed, sobbing into Viktor's side that their dad wasn't waking up after falling off a chair, filling him with dread.
Rüshi's step brothers sat confused, unable to get a firm grasp of what went on until sirens could be heard. Gou reluctantly left Kai's side to let a team of paramedics into the building, leading them to where they were needed. During his brief absence it appeared the joint effort to restart Kai's heart paid off, but he wasn't out of the woods yet. Sergei was given no chance to bound into the ambulance, Gou glued to his father's side. Mithra didn't need telling that the reunion was off, at least for now. Max understood the look given to him, corralling their mixed family into the car and drove the kids home. Mithra intended to stay and clean up the gargantuan mess Rüshi had left behind, no matter how long it took. Her main concern was how all this was going to affect Kai's children, Gou and Saoirse specifically. Viktor looked to be holding strong for now, but how long would it be until the pressure broke him?
His shoulder being shaken roused Gou from his slumber, unable to recall when he'd nodded off. Bleary eyes could barely make out their surroundings, adjusting to the painful rush of light assaulting them. Dr. Matherson wisely stepped back a few paces when tired, bloodshot crimson eyes targeted him. Gou observed this stranger guardedly, attempting to discern if they were friend or foe.
"Take it easy, Gou. I'm Dr. Matherson and I mean you no harm. You came to the hospital last night with Mr. Hiwatari."
Gou blinked groggily, turning away from the blonde doctor silently willing for him to leave. In the bed next to him lay his father, pale as a new sheet strapped to numerous machines and other medical apparatus. Slowly all of last night's events came back to Gou making his blood boil. Rüshi's rejection of her father had stressed Kai out so much that his heart couldn't take it.
"Will he be alright?"
The question came out harsher than intended but Gou didn't care to apologise, nor did Dr. Matherson expect him to. Any fool could see the weight on Gou's shoulders, the fear in his eyes.
"I won't lie, Gou, I'm not sure if your father will pull through. But I promise to do everything in my power to get him back on his feet. For now we'll keep an eye on him and try to put some meat back on those weary bones of his. If there's anything you need, please don't hesitate to ask."
Gou said nothing, resigned to the duty he'd pushed on himself. Dr. Matherson left father and son in peace to tend his other patients and await Sergei's arrival. Nurses bustled in and out of the room performing odd tasks all while Kai slept. The only sign he still lived was the beeping from a nearby monitor that picked up his shallow heartbeat. Gou figured the machine that looked like a pump was giving his father the oxygen he needed and the tubes connected to bags injecting all the nutrients he sorely lacked directly into his veins. Hope was all Gou could do now, hope and pray Kai would claw his way back from the jaws of death to live a full and happy life with the family that loved him.
It killed Sergei to see Kai tied to a hospital bed again when he arrived just after 10am with Gou's siblings. None of them would be going to school for a few days given the circumstances. Dr. Matherson's heart broke as he watched from afar; silently vowing to do everything he could to get Kai back home safely. He checked Saoirse over after hearing the girl had been fallen on, relieved that she was only a little bruised when it came to physical injuries. Mentally the girl was incredibly shaken and likely very anxious about leaving her papa alone. Getting Gou away from Kai's bedside for something to eat was near impossible. He wasn't budging for anything or anyone; afraid his father could pass in his sleep and didn't want him being alone if it happened. There was no guarantee he'd respond to being revived a second time.
Sergei took the others home later in the afternoon, content for now to leave Kai in the capable hands of the hospital staff. Gou stayed all week, steadfast in his silent vigil. Dr. Matherson worried the teen would hurt himself if this kept up. After some persuasion, Kai's oldest was convinced to leave the room on occasion to eat and stretch his legs. A member of staff was always with the frail father to ensure Gou had no excuse to neglect his own needs. When the rest of the family returned on Sunday, Kai was still sleeping soundly beneath the pastel blue sheets. Saoirse turned to Dr. Matherson, who had followed them into the room, and asked him why her daddy hadn't woken up yet.
It killed him to tell her that Kai was currently in what they called a coma; a dreamless sleep that had no predictable end. The professional side of him wanted to tell her that Kai might never wake up while the other, more sympathetic side, yearned to give false comfort. Saoirse seemed to sense this, retreating into Viktor's arms where she cried. That night, Gou sat awake unable to sleep. He couldn't stop thinking about the possibility of his father never waking up again. Even if it didn't show, Gou did love his dad. More than anything or anyone else.
Good news came from the hospital a week later. Kai was showing signs of life and might even wake up before the month was over. That weekend, Raul and Vivi paid a visit to the hospital with a gift of flowers. Somehow, Gou had been dragged home so Sergei could give the boy some much needed TLC. Café Garcia's widely loved server had been a huge pillar of support to the Hiwatari family over the last two weeks, doing everything he could to keep them in high spirits. He'd been horrified to hear what happened, that Kai's heart had given out to stress. It had never occurred to the handsome Spaniard just how frail the father of four actually was and it broke his heart to see the truth. Just what had reduced him to such a sorry condition? Raul wanted to know more than ever now but worried Sergei would cut him off if he asked.
Setting the vase of flowers down on the bedside table, Raul took a firm yet gentle hold of Kai's hand as he sat next to the bed. Vivi did the same on the opposite side with the addition of tenderly kissing a pale cheek. Dr. Matherson arrived moments later, eyes glued to the clipboard in his hand. Looking away from it, he saw the two new visitors and smiled widely. Raul gave him a certain look, one that told the dashing doctor to take Vivi somewhere else. She didn't protest to being taken away but was quite confused as to why. With the girl gone, Raul sighed.
"C'mon Mr. Hiwatari, you've gotta wake up. I know there's fight left in you yet, you just have to find it. Your family needs you to get better. I'll help however I can, I promise. Just please…come back to them."
Groggy groaning drew teary green eyes away from the bed sheets, dancing with endless glee to the sight of weary crimson orbs slowly creaking into view. Raul left the bed briefly to call for help, returning to Kai's side immediately after. Dr. Matherson came back in the blink of an eye, Vivi beside him. Raul gave the young doctor some privacy, taking his daughter to give Kai's family the good news they desperately needed to hear.
Kai wasn't allowed home until Dr. Matherson made absolutely sure he was healthy enough. Sergei collected him after another week of being in hospital, hopeful he'd make a full recovery this time around. It was a school day so the older three siblings were at school, giving the loyal butler chance to try and get Kai to eat something. The near-death experience seemed to have woken him up, getting through two yoghurts and a bowl of soup. Positive reinforcement from Raisa helped heaps too. Rei visited briefly having been unable to see his patient while they were confined to a hospital bed, pleased to see him interacting with Raisa in the garden. He almost couldn't believe Kai was the unresponsive man that needed his help.
For now, Rei planned to make scheduled visits every week to see how the recovering father got on. He also wanted to assess the mental states of Gou, Viktor and Saoirse, to coach them through any lingering scars left behind by the whole ordeal. How Sergei even got the siblings out to school Rei didn't know. Viktor especially was a shell of his former self, barely even smiling at Rin and that alone was concerning. Hopefully having their dad back home and on the road to recovery would cure what ailed the Hiwatari siblings. Before going to collect the kids from school, Sergei got Kai bathed and in some clean clothes, sneaking in some cheeky smooches to let him know just how loved he really was.
First up they collected Saoirse. Soon as she saw her papa in the front passenger seat nothing else mattered, running to hold him tight crying happy tears. It warmed Sergei's heart to see the given affection returned tenfold. Raul and Vivi came over for a brief hello, their day made by seeing a smile back on Saoirse's face. Vivi wasn't escaping without getting hugged, gratitude shining in once lifeless crimson eyes. With a play date arranged and once Saoirse finished snuggling Kai to death it was time to go get the boys from school. With any luck their day had been a good one.
Rather than wait in the car for the brothers, Sergei got everybody out and into the sun. He was so eager to the looks on Gou and Viktor's faces that the loyal butler neglected to strap Kai into his wheelchair before wheeling him into the yard. They weren't waiting long for the brothers to come out, neither one of them looking pleased. Gou cast his crimson eyes over the ocean of people, doing a double take when they landed on his father. Viktor thought he was seeing things too for a moment. Their paces quickened from a walk to a quick jog until Kai started pushing himself out of the chair, determined to stand on his own.
"Papa!"
The joint cry alerted Sergei that he had an escapee on his hands a moment too late. Thankfully Gou and Viktor were able to catch their dad in time, crashing to the floor with him as his legs weren't yet strong enough for standing up. Kai sat in the arms of his sons, trying his best to cuddle their tears away without caring for anybody watching. Sergei couldn't recall the last time he'd seen Gou crying. It felt like forever ago, probably over a scraped knee or something. Saoirse joined in when given the nod of approval, slipping into Kai's lap with Raisa.
"We thought we'd lost you, papa."
Viktor sobbed, his grip tightening a little out of a desperate need for the closeness he'd never had with his father. Kai's hold grew stronger in return, providing the comfort his offspring desperately needed. While Sergei didn't wish to break up the rare display of familial affection, they really couldn't stay in the school yard all afternoon. On top of that, the last thing Gou and Viktor needed was to give Rodney and Vincent more ammunition to fire at them. Buckling Kai back into the front passenger seat, Sergei felt eyes watching him. Looking around the immediate area he saw nothing. Shrugging the sensation to one side, he drove everyone home briefly before dragging them all back out the door. Raul had insisted on treating Kai and his family to a meal in celebration of him waking up. Little that any of them knew, they were being watched intently by cold amethyst eyes.
And that concludes chapter three. I'm likely not the only one who feels like Kai has recovered too quickly from his mental trauma BUT I'll have it explained in chapter 4. The owner of those mystery eyes will show themselves as well. But who are they? What could this stranger want with misfortune-plagued family?
Find out in the next episode, folks.