Ok so first off there is something I feel I need to clarify after my fiancé snipped at my heels the other night regarding my use of the word "midget". I'm well aware it's considered an insult towards little people, and I would NEVER use it in that context unless the character spewing it was a Douchebag.
After reading through this chapter again, I decided to cut it off earlier than planned as it was getting pretty long (a habit I'm trying to get out of). My hope is that by doing so, I can prompt my brain to get that motivation pumping again.
Any text in BOLD ITALIC is Russian speak. Written communication is displayed ["Like this."] (I couldn't find the backward slash on my keyboard as it's apparently an American layout and I have zero idea how to map the keys on my dino of a pc)
Another character from Together Forever is making a return in this chapter.
4
June arrived on warm wings mere days after Kai recovered from his coma. Sergei observed several changes in the kids since their return home. Gou in particular spent less time in his room and more hours helping around the home; whether it be doing chores or looking after his father. Viktor was back to his old self for the most part, though the fear of losing the only parent he had left hung over him constantly. With Saoirse's help, Kai got enough strength back to start feeding himself. She also moved his legs a bit every day, hopeful that by doing so, he'd be able to walk again one day.
Sergei could not rid himself of the nagging feeling that somebody was watching them daily when out on the town or just in the gardens. Rei noticed during one of his visits that the butler was incredibly on edge, thinking that perhaps he was being just a bit paranoid. But what if Sergei wasn't imagining things and the family was being watched? Was their observer doing it out of malice or curiosity? Rei could only hope it was the latter, not keen on the prospect of this already tormented family being harassed further. Raul and Vivi were frequent visitors after school, both of them pleased to see Kai making an unexpectedly speedy recovery. If he maintained this pace, his legs would be working again in no time.
Raul put the idea of getting Kai a motorised wheelchair to Sergei. Having one would certainly give the paraplegic adult the means to be a bit more independent and it would ease the strain on his arms as the wheelchair-bound papa had taken to wheeling himself around the manor since he started eating on his own. Of course the suggestion was met with some apprehension, but Sergei knew he couldn't keep lugging Kai around everyday. They both needed the freedom in one way or another. And it really wasn't fair to expect the kids to push their father around either.
Life for the Hiwatari family finally looked to be on the up by mid June. Kai now had a motorised chair to cruise around in, giving him the independence he sorely needed. Sergei had mixed feelings about it as was to be expected. There was always a looming possibility for accidents to happen no matter how skilled Kai thought he was at manoeuvring his personal chariot. For now, Sergei would remain close by during outings just in case.
One sunny Wednesday, Saoirse couldn't focus on her maths work, plagued by a pounding headache. Upon asking to be excused she was taken out of the classroom. Arriving at the nurse's office she had a surprise to see Raul sat at one of the desks wearing a striped uniform of some kind, his hair slicked back. Saoirse's teacher explained the situation and returned to the other students, leaving the duo in a somewhat awkward silence. Why wasn't Raul at the café? The man in question moved over to some cushioned seats and gestured for Saoirse to join him. Once she was comfortable he explained.
"I work here on Wednesdays and Fridays. I'm not just a talented young cook, y'know."
"Your stripes are very pretty." Saoirse squeaked, her eyes glued to the floor. "How did you get them?"
"Well, when I was in high school, I underwent nurse training. For every patient I treated successfully, I was given a new stripe on my uniform. Once no more stripes could be added, my training was done. Candy striping I think it's called. It's been so long I can't recall off the top of my head. And speaking of heads, how about some fresh air and see if that helps yours to stop hurting?"
Saoirse would never pass up an opportunity to go outside, grasping Raul's hand tightly as he led her through several doors. He made sure to grab some bottles of water just in case there was cause to use them and his phone in case of an emergency. A cool breeze greeted them in the school yard accompanied by warming sunlight. Birds tweeted a merry little song in the trees, blissfully unaware that trouble was about to be stirred.
Raul would've thought nothing of glass being smashed if Saoirse didn't start screaming seconds later. To his horror, it looked like something was eating at the girl's skin. Without a moment's hesitation, Raul washed away the chemical gnawing at Saoirse's flesh all while trying to soothe her and call for an ambulance. Before he knew it they were at the hospital. Meanwhile, at the high school, Sergei had been called in for a last minute meeting with one of Gou and Viktor's teachers. With Kai now fending for himself, he felt comfortable leaving him to watch Raisa. With any luck he wouldn't be gone from the house for long. Max looked up from some paperwork he'd been filing when a knock came to his office door.
"Come in."
Momentary fear took hold of him upon seeing Sergei ducking into the room. Teacher and butler stared at one another in agonising silence, neither one prepared to make the first move. Sergei sat down when Max gestured for him to take a seat. Now what had the boys done? Blue eyes caught sight of this question quickly.
"Don't worry, Sergei. Gou and Viktor aren't in any trouble. I'm sorry to call you in at such short notice. It's just that…I wanted to apologise for what happened last month with Rüshi. Hearing all she said made me realise that it's mine and Mithra's fault she adopted such a hateful view of you. But I never once painted you in a bad light around her. All I'd ever known is what Mithra told me; that you'd sent her and Rüshi away but never why."
"I trust you're now aware of my reasons for doing so?"
Max gave a shallow nod in response. It wouldn't surprise him if Sergei had heard Gou laying into Rüshi that night. He still couldn't believe it himself. Gou was always such a quiet lad in class, never gave anyone grief. Last month was certainly a wake up call for the P.E teacher that's for sure.
"Gou explained everything he knew of the situation. I'll do all I can to untwist Rüshi's warped mind but we have to work together. She doesn't know, does she? That you and Kai were lovers once?"
Sergei tensed in his seat, eyes catching Max dangerously in their hold. Had it really been that obvious? Realising how sticky a situation he'd just landed himself in, Max scrambled to get out of it and quickly.
"Mithra gave me a head's up. While I understand it wasn't her place to provide such private information, she did it with the best intentions. And if I'm being honest, your love for him wasn't difficult to spot."
Sergei paled further, feeling an increasing need to get out of Max's office with every passing second. Once in the safety of his car he relaxed. Before he could go home however, a message came through from Raul on his phone. Sergei found it strange at first, wondering what the dashing server was doing messaging him at work. What the text entailed caused Sergei's blood to run cold, setting a course for the hospital. Raul was pacing by the time he got there but he couldn't say if it was from frustration or nervousness. Apple green eyes lifted from the floor to the sound of familiar heavy footsteps coming closer.
Without a word, Raul took Sergei to where Saoirse was being treated, finding Dr. Matherson sat with her while she rested. It pained the loyal butler to see Kai's third born covered in bandages. Raul squeaked to life as Sergei eased himself into an empty chair beside the bed.
"How is she, Iorek?"
Questioned Irishman turned away from his patient, immediately spying worry and guilt swirling across Raul's features.
"Given time, Saoirse should make a full recovery. She'll need to come in every couple o' days so I can make sure these burns heal properly."
"Burns? What burns?"
Iorek turned now to Sergei who sat confused. Had Raul not told him why Saoirse was admitted to the hospital? Taking a deep breath he explained as best he could; that somebody had thrown a glass bottle or something full of chemicals into the playground while Raul had been helping Saoirse over a headache by taking her to sit outside. As a result, she now had permanent damage to the skin on her left side. Thankfully the injuries were entirely external.
Iorek wanted to keep Saoirse overnight just to make sure she was in the clear. Sergei ran Raul back to the primary school before making his first trip to the local police station. He didn't care who was behind the attack, they weren't going to get away with it. An officer would be visiting within the next few days so all they could do for now was wait. Returning home close to three hours later, Sergei had the dreaded task of telling Kai that misfortune had once again struck.
Within the hour they were back at the hospital. It warmed Iorek to see the love this one family shared, pulling Sergei off to one side for a discussion. In doing so, they left Kai alone by Saoirse's bedside, leaving him to wonder why the gods were being so cruel. Was this the price he paid for getting better? Were his children being punished for the recovery he'd made? If it meant that Saoirse and her siblings would be left alone he'd undo it all in a heartbeat. Being a lifeless husk terrified him but for his children, Kai would do it and more to keep them safe from harm. All these thoughts were clear to Sergei the minute he returned with Raisa clinging to his neck. Getting Kai away from the bed was challenging but not impossible thanks to Iorek assuring the protective papa that Saoirse would be safe under his care for a little while.
By the time master and butler left the hospital it was time to pick the boys up. They were told what happened, that their sister had been the victim of a possible chemical attack. Neither of them were thrilled about it in the slightest. Much like Kai, the brothers felt as if the world was against them finding and keeping even the smallest shred of happiness. To be free of this never ending cycle of misery they'd give anything. Getting the men of the house to eat their supper was a task Sergei did not enjoy. He needed them at their best and having an empty stomach wasn't going to achieve that goal. That night they all went to bed dreading what the future held for all of them. Bad things always came in threes, leaving Sergei to ponder what would complete the trifecta of bad luck.
Saoirse looked better the following afternoon. Some colour had returned to her cheeks and she couldn't wait to go home. Content that his patient was out of the danger zone, Iorek happily discharged Saoirse with strict instructions that her left side wasn't to be touched. If she experienced a serious flare-up of pain, he wanted her back for urgent medical attention. Sergei was truly glad to have met Iorek, certain that he was a blessing from above. His devotion knew no bounds when it came to looking after the sick and injured.
Their first stop was Café Garcia for a much needed bit of refreshment. Raul was over the moon to see his favourite little customer nestled in her papa's lap for protection. He practically bounded over the counter to double, no, triple check she was really okay, paying no heed of any possible punishment. Sergei observed how Kai reacted to the situation, surprised that he wasn't panicking or trying to get away. Instead, he was taking in all the fine, unseen contours of Raul's face, drinking in the scent of him. Having the Spaniard so close stirred something in Kai's breast that he hadn't felt in a long time and without really thinking, he reached out.
Feeling a hand being placed on his shoulder made Raul flinch. Pulling away he met with intrigued crimson orbs watching his every move. There was no anger or irritance, just unhindered curiosity. A tanned hand cautiously returned the gesture with an added squeeze of support. Raul wondered how long it would be before Kai started talking as did Sergei. There hadn't been any damage to his vocal chords so he was either waiting for the right moment or his silence had been triggered by the initial trauma. For now they wanted to get him walking again before piling on any extra pressure that speech therapy might add. With Saoirse spoiled rotten on Raul's cooking it was time to collect her brothers. Seeing Viktor cuddle his baby sister was nothing short of normal, but Gou actively embracing her was a rarer sight than even the mythical beasts of old.
A shiver raced down Sergei's spine when they all arrived home. Something didn't feel right despite the outside of the house looking the same as he'd left it. Ordering Gou to keep his father and siblings in the living room, Sergei scoured the bottom floor for any sign of what set his nerves off. Stepping into the kitchen he found a man at the table, sipping leisurely at a cup of tea. Many things set the brunette butler's blood boiling soon as he laid eyes on the intruder but before he could erupt, amethyst orbs homed in on his position.
"You sure took your sweet time coming back, Sergei. How kind of you to move my little brother without saying a word."
"How the hell'd you get in and what are you doing here?!"
"Isn't it obvious? I wanted to see MY baby brother. As to how I got in, your conservatory is sloppily locked."
Sergei growled, unable to shake his unease towards the situation he found himself in. Tomorrow he'd see about making the manor more secure and perhaps consider getting a guard dog. Skirting around the dining table, Sergei filled the kettle and turned it on, anything to occupy his hands that were itching to hurt Kai's brother…badly.
"You've got a massive pair of brass ones showing up here, Zephyr. For years we believed you'd died in that car crash! If you truly cared about Kai you would've shown up sooner!"
Zephyr scoffed, flicking some of his long gray streaked golden blonde hair over his shoulder. How long had it been, he thought, since the day of that "tragic" accident resulting in the death of his parents. It was so long ago now, coming up 20 years. How had the time gone by so quickly?
"I didn't abandon him, Sergei." Zephyr sighed. "I tried to get Kai out of that hell hole but nobody listened. Faking my own death was just the first part of our failed liberation. Before I knew it, over a decade had gone by and I was far from home, living in a foreign country. Think what you will, but it's killed me being away from him for so long. If you're wondering how I found you, I pulled a certain midget's strings."
Sergei instinctively stiffened at the passive mentioning of Ivan. How had Zephyr even been able to contact him? What dark road did Kai's big brother walk? Knowing what must be going through his host's mind, Zephyr pulled a badge out of his pocket and not just any old badge. Sergei was certainly surprised to see Zephyr had chosen the path of a police officer, setting a fresh drink in front of him. Best to be hospitable for the time being, gauge if Kai's long lost sibling was truly here to be part of the family.
"You should know I'm not just here to catch up with my baby brother, Sergei. I've been assigned to your case."
"And your CO doesn't know you're related to the victim?"
Zephyr shook his head negatively, sipping at the still piping hot cup of tea given to him. "I deemed it unsafe to retain anything that could see me taken back into hell so my surname had to be changed. Zephyr Hiwatari ceased living the day his parents died. Since then I've been known as Zephyr Varskovitz. I took a big risk taking on my great grandmother's maiden name but it paid off considering our dear grandfather didn't find me. How is the old crone anyway?"
"Dead and buried. He lived long enough to push your brother into an unwanted marriage at the age of 17."
Zephyr would've asked how Voltaire died but he was silenced by someone striding into the room. Gou balled his fists at seeing a man he didn't recognise at the table. Zephyr didn't need telling that this boy was his nephew; standing slowly from his seat intent on introducing himself but Sergei pushed him back down. He then took Gou out of sight for a few minutes, both of them returning looking much calmer. The look in Sergei's eyes warned Zephyr to keep his mouth shut about being the boy's uncle. For all he knew, Kai's big brother would vanish again once the case closed and it wouldn't be fair on the kids to learn they had an uncle who up and left soon as they'd met him. Sergei wondered if Gou already suspected there was a connection as the duo respectfully shook hands.
While Sergei didn't want to get Kai's hopes up, it was best he be informed who would be handling everything on the law's side, telling Gou to send his father through. Zephyr stared out at the garden as he nervously waited to see his brother for the first time in almost two decades. Would Kai even remember him? Confusion swirled when he heard wheels instead of footsteps, turning around with agonising slowness. The sight that greeted Zephyr wasn't what he expected. How and why was his only sibling in a wheelchair?! Sergei watched the reunion intently, ready to pounce if needed.
Kai sat blinking for a moment, struggling to process the man standing before him. The Zephyr he remembered wasn't nearly 6ft tall and rugged with muscle. Nor did he have a strong chin, long hair and a mild tan. Over and over Kai's mind replayed the heart wrenching memory of being told his brother and parents had been killed in a traffic accident yet before him stood proof to the contrary, that Zephyr had survived. Amethyst locked onto crimson, both heavy with tears. Sergei couldn't relax when the reunited siblings embraced each other, still fearing the possibility of Kai's heart being broken again.
"I'm so sorry little brother." Zephyr sobbed, holding Kai that little bit tighter to his chest. "I tried to get you away from him but nobody would help. You're safe now, I'm here. I won't leave you alone again I promise."
Sergei doubted the oath would last long but if Kai was willing to give Zephyr a chance then he would too, unable to deny the possibility that time had changed him for the better. And only when his loyalty was proven would Zephyr be told what had put Kai into his crippled state. Once the brothers dried their tears, Saoirse was brought in to be questioned, cowering in Kai's lap trying to get away from this new scary adult. Only when one looked close would they see the scars Zephyr bore on his face and arms from the day that ripped him away from home. Sergei observed everything, noting just how perfect Zephyr's Russian was considering he'd likely not spoken it properly for years.
Several days passed after Zephyr's sudden appearance. He hadn't been seen since, hopefully busy trying to find the one responsible for Saoirse's injuries. Sergei added some extra security measures during his absence. He wouldn't be surprised if Zephyr still got in despite all the new locks put in place. That Saturday it was arranged for the family to visit a nearby pound and look for a dog to adopt. It'd do the kids some good to have an animal companion. Sergei didn't much care what breed they ended up with so long as it wasn't super small. He hated little dogs and the feeling was mutual. Browsing through the seemingly endless row of kennels, none of the canines sparked interest, tails wagging and eyes pleading to be given a home.
"Uncle, what about this one?"
Saoirse inquired as she stopped still, mismatched eyes gazing at the animal trying to hide at the back of its cage. Sergei observed the rosy brown/white pup closely, noticing a clear difference in temperament compared to the other dogs. This one was afraid, its pale blue, almost white eyes gazing back at Saoirse. A member of staff removed the pooch from their kennel and led everyone to a grassy enclosure. Sergei was handed some information on the terrified dog, scanning it carefully. As he suspected, Saoirse had picked a Pitbull cross with an odd white marking on its face that looked like a misshapen bone and a darker brown line running from between his brows to the bottom of his back.
Pointed ears told that he was possibly crossed with either a Doberman or a German shepherd, the former seeming more likely. The staff weren't sure as he'd been found on the streets and nobody had come forward with any information. Looking up, Sergei saw Saoirse on the floor giving lots of affection to the abandoned canine, Viktor beside her. Gou seemed uncertain about his sister's choice, hanging a short distance behind Kai and Raisa who were waiting their turn to say hello. How the dog reacted to them would determine if he came home to be part of their family.
A call from the secondary school on the last day of June drew Kai, Sergei and Raisa away from home and into the headmaster's office. This was their first time meeting him in person, wondering why the mahogany eyed sky blue haired man had summoned them at such short notice. Sergei caught sight of Zephyr at the back of the office, curious as to what had brought him out of hiding.
"I apologise for the sudden meeting, gentlemen. Officer Varskovitz has informed me that two of our students might be responsible for the incident regarding Gou and Viktor's little sister. I cannot express how sorry I am should this be the case. It worries me to think that any of the students here would do such a thing."
Sergei got the feeling he knew exactly which two youngsters might be found guilty. Right on cue, Rodney and Vincent were shoved into the office by a dark blue haired brown eyed man dressed like a janitor.
"Here they are, Hitoshi. Caught the scumbags trying to sneak out the back gates again."
"Thank you, Takao. Make sure those gates are secure and find any holes that might be in the fences."
Once the darker haired male vanished, Hitoshi sighed heavily and directed a stern stare at the school's biggest bullies.
"Why is it always you two? Not the other day you came back from being suspended. In case you're wondering why I sent for you, witnesses reported seeing two lads matching your description suspiciously close to where a young girl was injured by a glass bottle of chemicals being thrown into the primary school playground."
"You can't prove it was us."
Rodney snarled, currently blind to the very rattled policeman behind Hitoshi resisting every urge to tear him and Vincent apart. Zephyr became distracted momentarily by his phone going off, leaving the room shortly afterward. If it was even possible, he returned looking fifty times angrier, cuffs in hand. Seeing them told Hitoshi, Kai and Sergei all they needed to know. Before the boys could be carted off downtown however, their parents needed to be informed.
The wait for Rodney and Vincent's parents was agony. In the meantime, Zephyr presented the evidence brought forward that placed the boisterous teens at the crime scene both in video and photographic form. Finally, a little before lunch time, three adults stepped into Hitoshi's office. Sergei couldn't say he liked the look of Rodney's parents. His father was identical to him and looked far too arrogant for his own good while Rodney's mother had short spiky ginger hair and blue eyes. Vincent's mom looked nothing like him either with eyes and hair of pink. None of the newly arrived parents were pleased to see their sons in handcuffs.
"The hell is going on here, Hitoshi?"
Spat Rodney's father, his voice thick with a Scottish accent. Hitoshi apparently wasn't keen on the man either, a shiver racing down his spine when facing him directly.
"Mr. McGregor, I'm sorry to say that your son and young Mr. Harrington here have been found responsible for injuring a young girl by throwing a bottle of chemicals into the primary school playground knowing full well they could seriously hurt somebody. Photographic and video evidence coupled with numerous witness statements place both boys at the scene when the incident took place."
"That's bullshit and you know it. Where the hell would they have even gotten these chemicals in the first bloody place?!"
The answer provided itself when a member of staff briefly stepped into the room, handed Hitoshi a clipboard and promptly left. A quick scan of the provided document gave one final piece of decisive evidence.
"Why from the science lab here within the school of course. Rodney was caught stealing a fairly large bottle from the store room on camera, backing up what one of the teachers said about supplies going missing. I will not tolerate such blatant disregard for the safety and wellbeing of others any longer, Mr. McGregor. Until they can learn to have some empathy, Rodney and Vincent will be sent to a correctional facility where they'll have a long time to reflect on their actions."
Rodney's father opened his mouth to protest further but before he could form any sound, Zephyr slammed his back against the nearest wall. Kai hadn't seen this side to his brother since the last time he got bullied in school by bigger lads. All the bullying stopped after that. At least until Zephyr "died".
"You listen here, mudaki. Squirm all you like but it won't change the evidence. YOUR son threw that bottle with every intention to hurt others. He didn't care if it was an animal or child. Because of his sadistic apathy a little girl is now physically scarred for the rest of her life! She may even be in pain for several years. Add in the agony thrust upon that child's family forced to watch her suffer. I personally have had just about enough of dealing with these boys and their antics. It stops now, Johnny."
Without another word to anybody, Zephyr marched the boys out of the building and into a waiting squad car. Sergei doubted they'd heard the last out of Johnny McGregor, watching as he and his presumed wife stormed out of sight. Vincent's mother didn't budge. Unlike the other family, she actually looked sorry for what her child had done, appearing quite meek in comparison to her ill spirited child.
"I'll make no excuses for Vincent's behaviour. My husband and I have raised him to know better than to partake in such behaviour. If there's anything at all I can do to help, please don't hesitate to contact me."
Sergei warily took the card offered to him as Mrs. Harrington departed, glancing down towards Kai to see how he was taking everything. There was a worrying lack of emotion on his tired face. With the matter resolved, Hitoshi shooed master, toddler and butler from his office for some peace and quiet. Rather than go home, the trio spent the rest of their afternoon at the beach. When collecting Saoirse from school, she was informed that the ones responsible for her injuries had been apprehended but not that they were boys from Gou's school. Raul was surprised but pleased to hear that the culprits had been caught so quickly.
In the blink of an eye, another week went by bringing with it a new month. Summer was in full swing and boy was it hot. So hot in fact that a shirtless Gou became a common sight at home, earning him some much unwanted teasing from Sergei, usually in the form of wolf whistling. Zephyr had yet to try sneaking in again, likely too busy with work to even try. Looking at a wall mounted calendar in the kitchen one afternoon, Sergei saw that Viktor's birthday was coming up in just under a week. There was already a surprise on its way but the dependable brunette wanted to do more for his nephew. It was a weekend so the kids were all out in the yard just chilling. Vivi was over for a play date. Sergei smiled every time the spirited girl tried getting Gou and Viktor to join in her and Saoirse's games. She had yet to succeed.
"Penny for them thoughts big guy?"
Sergei snapped around to see Raul leaning on the doorframe across the room, arms folded somewhat tightly across his chest. As usual he was smiling warmly. For the large Russian to be caught off guard, he must've been really out of it.
"Sorry." Raul chuckled with a dismissive wave. "Thought you'd heard me coming with your satellite hearing. You feeling okay?"
"I'm fine. Just trying to think of what to do for Vik's birthday in a couple days. It hasn't really been something he's celebrated properly."
"Oh? Did he not want parties growing up?"
Sergei didn't answer, just stared out the window at Viktor resting on the grass with a book. Raul wanted to convince the stoic giant to open up but feared it would see him slammed into the ground.
"Have you asked Viktor what he wants to do for the big day?"
"He didn't answer. Just walked away and stayed in his room until supper time. Most years he'd just want to spend time with his dad, Gou and the girls."
"Maybe he doesn't want to ask for anything, fearing it might put Kai out of having fun? How about putting that big pool o' yours to good use and have a pool party for him? At least that way Kai can go in the water."
But would Viktor want the fuss of it was the question. Kai's boys weren't overly fond of big crowds as it was. Surely having some friends over would be fine though? From what Sergei understood, Viktor had fallen out with his buddies for one reason or another and didn't seem to care about finding new mates, content for now in Gou's company at break time. Thank heavens Saoirse was more of a social butterfly compared to her brothers. Raul could see the cogs of worry whirring in Sergei's mind, setting a supportive hand upon his broad back.
"It'll be fine, Sergei. Just a small gathering, nothing too fancy. I can bring Vivi, Merida and Kou along. Rei would likely be happy to drag Rin over for a bit."
"And your sister?"
"I dunno. She prefers spending her free time alone, doesn't really bother much with family outings. I know she misses her husband but that's no excuse to cut us off."
Sergei cocked a curious brow. He'd always wondered where Merida's dad was since Kou took her home every day and likely wheeled her to school too. Intrigued as he was, Sergei felt it impolite to pry. Viktor striding in from the garden halted the conversation temporarily. He didn't say anything, just nodded a little in greeting on his way by. Gou, Saoirse and Vivi weren't far behind with Kai bringing up the rear, Raisa slumbering away in his lap. Raul stepped away both to give Kou a call and so Sergei could run the suggestion of a pool party by his master.
Kai was all for it. He'd always wanted his kids to have a better childhood than the one pushed onto him. It was partially Tanya's fault that Gou, Viktor and Saoirse had never really celebrated their birthdays. And Kai was often too drained from work to do anything other than just sit with his offspring, hoping it might grant them some measure of happiness. Now it just left approaching Viktor about him having his first ever birthday party. Grabbing a pen and some paper, Sergei hauled Kai upstairs to have words with the temperamental teen. But not before setting Raisa down for an afternoon nap.
Viktor wasn't difficult to find, lounging on his bed a thousand miles away lost in the pages of a novel. He returned to the real world when something was placed nearby, happy but confused to see his father so close, Sergei hovering behind him so he didn't fall.
"Dad? Uncle? What's going on?"
"Calm down, Vik. You're not in trouble. We just wanna talk."
Viktor turned his face away, already knowing what the discussion would be about. Kai hated seeing his son so depressed, writing something on the paper Sergei had brought along.
["Talk to me. Why don't you want a party or to have some friends over?"]
Sergei hoped Viktor would respond positively to Kai reaching out, knowing the boy NEEDED somebody to confide in if he couldn't be there. It took a while, but Viktor eventually gave in, realising that his father and uncle weren't budging until this discussion had run its course.
"I don't want you and Saoirse to feel left out. It wouldn't be fair. And it's a lot of unnecessary work for Uncle Sergei to set it all up."
["Well, how about this? You could have a pool party for your birthday; that way everyone can take a dip if they want. We can set up a smaller paddling pool for Saoirse with regular water so her skin isn't agitated by the main pool. We'll get some friends over too."]
"But what about you papa? Even if you weren't paralysed from the waist down, you can't swim."
Kai sighed, feeling they were about to go round in one big circle, looking to Sergei for some assistance. This kid was getting a party, even if they had to metaphorically break his arm off.
"All your dad needs is somebody to help him stay afloat. Dr. Matherson says it's safe to start trying hydrotherapy now and is sending us a few harnesses for assisted swimming. And I won't hear the "I have no friends" argument, you've got plenty. Kou's your friend isn't he? Brooklyn and Rin too? Besides, even if they couldn't make it, you've got your family."
"But…"
"No buts, Viktor. It'll be fine, I promise. Nobody is gonna be left out. Now come on, let's go write out some invitations, yeah?"
Just as father, son and butler reached the lobby there was an outburst of barking and shouting from the back yard. Sergei grinned widely at finding Zephyr pinned to the conservatory roof by the new family member. He knew adopting the Pitbull would be well worth the time it took to earn his trust.
"Good boy, Rover. Now sit."
Zephyr gave Sergei the coldest glare possible, unwilling to leave his safe place until the dog was gone. He'd have to be much more alert from now on. The bag in his hand didn't go unnoticed by stern green eyes.
"I thought I warned you, Zephyr."
"For crying out loud Sergei, that's my family in there! You can't expect me to act like a stranger all the time!"
"Why not? You've done a sterling job of doing that the last 20 years."
Zephyr ground his teeth, beyond frustrated with Kai's most trusted friend. Had he not proven his loyalty by catching Saoirse's attackers? Sergei was distracted from ripping Zephyr a new hole to breathe out of by Kai's arrival. He couldn't understand why his big brother wasn't being given a fair chance to prove he wasn't just going to ride off into the sunset again. Part of Kai was still angry that his sibling had effectively abandoned him but the other understood that Zephyr had only done what he felt was right at that moment in time. It was more than even Sergei himself had done. Giving Zephyr the signal to sit in the conservatory, Kai "dragged" Sergei into the kitchen for a word.
"I'm sorry Kai." Started the giant as he flicked the kettle on. "I know he's your brother but I'm just trying to protect the kids. You as well. Zephyr has never been good news, even if he was there for you through all that shit."
["How can he prove himself if you won't let him? Surely it can't hurt to let him see his family? The fact that Zephyr is even here should say he's trying to bridge that gap."]
"By breaking in twice? If your darling brother wants me to trust him, he needs to do it like a civilised human being not a goddamn criminal. Fine, let him see the kids. But I stand by my decision not to tell them he's family until such I time I feel he can be trusted."
On those terms, Kai informed Zephyr he could visit when able, but from now on was to use the front door. Despite his irritance, the older Hiwatari understood Sergei's reluctance to some degree. He hadn't been a very pleasant young man in his teens, dabbling in drugs of various lethality but he'd put all that behind him, gotten clean as a whistle and trained hard to get to where he was now. Saoirse certainly wasn't expecting to see Zephyr again, nervously accepting his get well gift under Sergei's watchful gaze. Viktor surprised them all by inviting his long lost uncle to the planned pool party, wanting to thank him in some way for everything he'd done. Kai would hear no protest from anyone, giving Zephyr the all clear to accept his nephew's offer.
He wouldn't be coming alone, revealing he had a son about Gou's age who needed to get out more. Zephyr was long gone by the time Gou revealed himself. Kai's oldest had gone out before Zephyr's arrival, grumbling at the mere thought of having so many people over at once. He would be given some invitations to take to school in case there was somebody he might want to invite that Viktor didn't know. Raul confirmed that Kou and Merida would be coming; adding that his niece's boyfriend was bringing someone else along in hopes Gou and Viktor might extend their social circles through them. Now it just left informing the more obvious candidates of the event.
That night, Kai found himself unable to sleep. He'd seen something in Zephyr's eyes that bothered him; a look he knew too well. It was one that spoke of great loss. If his brother wanted to talk about it, Kai would readily lend an ear. Until then, all he could do was theorise what Zephyr had been through to cause him such turmoil. Blissful slumber evaded him constantly, nightmares surfacing every time he closed his eyes. Some taunted him for being powerless to help his sibling while others saw Kai burying Zephyr in the rain. Eventually he gave up trying to sleep and sat reading a book instead into the wee hours of the morning.
Now hopefully it wasn't SUPER obvious who I was bringing back, but I wanted to do more with Zephyr after the amazing job Julia Fernandez Hiwatari did portraying him in Asylum. And yes, this means Aiden will be back as well! I will try, key word, TRY, to get chapter 5 up sooner rather than later.