Notes: Some things are elements explored in role-plays with MoonlightTyger and XenoEmblemFTW, like the Enforcers at bedtime, trying to share with Jack, and Radley's family making up stories about why he wasn't around anymore.
Chapter Two
As everyone watched, several Duel Runners soon appeared on the street and drove up to the diner. Yusei took off his helmet and climbed down first, smiling at his friends. "Kalin! Radley! Guys! Merry Christmas!"
Kalin smiled too and came over to hug Yusei. "Merry Christmas!" he greeted.
"We have some unexpected guests this year," Radley said grandly. "May I present more of the Ramon family!"
Yusei returned Kalin's hug and looked over with a start. "Your family?!" he exclaimed, stunned.
Alejandro was staring at Yusei in amazement. "You're Yusei Fudo, the scientist!" he cried.
"And Turbo Duelist!" Emilio said, beaming.
"And my dear friend," Kalin said.
"Radley, I had no idea you knew Yusei Fudo," Alejandro commented.
"The articles Mother hoarded mentioned it," Marisol said.
The rest of Team 5Ds was coming over as well. Antinomy held his Siamese cat, Monkey.
"Oi! Radley, you didn't say the rest of your family was coming too," Jack remarked. They had known about Marisol and Emilio, but the others were definitely a surprise.
"They arrived just before you did," Radley chuckled.
"This is great!" Leo exclaimed as he and Luna hopped down from Jack's Duel Runner. "Now you can all be a family again!"
Radley smiled. "Yeah." He still doubted his grandmother wanted any part of this, but to have everyone else back was an incredible miracle the likes of which he had never thought he would experience. "Well, everyone's probably hungry. Why don't we go back to the diner to eat?"
That was an idea that was met with great approval.
It was certainly an interesting meal. Yusei was definitely one of the stars of the evening, with Radley's family fascinated by his various exploits and scientific achievements. But Radley wasn't ignored by them either, and Monkey took to walking across the counter to steal meat from every plate before Antinomy saw and grabbed him.
Kalin didn't have much of a chance to talk to Radley privately until the evening was wrapping up and they were wiping down tables and washing dishes. But then he went to his friend and spoke quietly. "It's been some night."
"You said it." Radley smiled. "It's been amazing. I'm still wondering if this is an amazing dream that I'll wake up from . . . or if the other shoe is still going to drop."
Kalin sighed. ". . . Your grandmother never put in another appearance."
"And I don't think she will," Radley said. "Grandfather was right that her showing up at all is pretty major, but she had to know that just letting me see her and then walking away would be hurtful."
"Do you think she did that just to spite you?" Kalin asked.
"I don't know if she'd be immature enough for that," Radley said. "Still, I don't think she cares about me or my feelings, that's for sure." He sighed too. "But I don't want to let her spoil everything. All the others are here, and as long as they don't let her bully them again, it will still be the most amazing Christmas."
Kalin smiled. "I hope it will be everything you want, and more. You deserve all the happiness possible."
"Thanks, Kalin," Radley said softly.
Yusei came over to them as they started on another stack of dishes. "Hey," he greeted. "Need some help?"
"Yusei Fudo, washing dishes?" Radley said playfully.
"If the owner of this place can do it, I can too," Yusei said with an easy smirk in reply.
Kalin smiled. "Sure, Yusei."
The three friends quickly settled into their task. Yusei and Radley always got along very well, to Kalin's relief. Radley considered Yusei an honorary member of the Bunch and Yusei was happy to be accepted by Kalin's other best friend, especially after their rocky start.
"So, how's Bruno?" Kalin queried after a moment.
"He's good," Yusei said. "He's been loosening up more, especially with Monkey around. He still doesn't remember everything, but more and more, he's becoming the Bruno I remember."
"I'm glad," Radley said.
"Of course, I was happy just to have him back before he remembered anything other than his time as Antinomy," Yusei said. "But . . . I really missed how close we were when he was Bruno. Now we're getting that back."
"They do sound like completely different personalities," Radley mused. He still wondered what would happen when all of Antinomy's memories returned. Since his true self had apparently been Antinomy, what would happen to Bruno then? Yet on the other hand, when he'd had amnesia in the past, that had been when his Bruno self had come out, as if that had been his true self. It was all very confusing.
From Kalin's expression, he wondered too, although he didn't intend to bring it up. "Have you heard anything from our friends through the portal lately?" he asked instead. It was strange to think about, that they knew their friends both in the past and the present, and that even as they were interacting with the Big Five and others in the present, those people's younger selves were still living their lives in the past.
"I saw Yugi the other day," Yusei said. "He came through to check on us and wish us Merry Christmas. He said they might all stop by if they get a chance."
"Wouldn't it be something if they come from both the past and the present?" Radley chuckled. "I'm glad paradoxes are apparently nonsense."
"Yeah, that's a good thing," Yusei chuckled too.
". . . Have you heard any more from the Yugi in our time?" Kalin wondered. "He acted like he wanted to contact you and Team 5Ds about joining that magical crimes investigation unit."
"He does want that, and yeah, we've all been discussing it," Yusei said. "I don't know if I'll have a lot of time to help, with my work and all, but I'm going to try. Bruno is too. Jack really doesn't want to be involved, and Crow is lukewarm. I can't blame them; they want to live their lives and not keep worrying about saving the world. Leo and Luna want to help. Carly too. Akiza would like to help, but she's not sure she'll have a lot of time either. She's taking her classes online now so that she can still live here, but she needs to devote the proper time to them."
"Of course," Kalin nodded.
"Well, I imagine that if Carly is involved, Jack may end up getting involved out of concern for her," Radley mused.
Yusei smiled a bit. "Yeah, that's logical."
". . . So, let's get to the elephant in the room," Radley said after a moment of silence. "Have you had any indication that Lawton is coming after you?"
"No," Yusei said. "Nothing weird has happened at all. I want to believe that's a good thing, but it's hard not to be suspicious. He hates all three of us, and maybe Jack and Crow too."
Kalin nodded. "I can't believe he'll just let us off."
"He doesn't like to take unnecessary risks, though," Radley reminded them. "When he took revenge before, it was a carefully planned-out scheme in which he would gain control of an entire world while we all died."
"What could be bigger than trying to take over a whole world, though?" Yusei said in concern.
"Yes, it would be hard thinking of an encore, wouldn't it," Radley said. "Unless he tries for an entire galaxy, but that is surely getting too ridiculous. My guess is he'll go for something smaller, but still hurtful."
"Or maybe he'll wise up and just try to live his life and leave us alone," Kalin said.
"Do you really believe that?" Radley asked.
"No," Kalin said. "That plan he was part of with Dr. Portman included getting revenge on us too. He won't forget that."
"Well, there's not much we can do except stay on guard," Yusei sighed.
"And we all will," Radley said.
The rest of the evening was pleasant and peaceful, although once again Radley's grandmother did not appear. He had really expected it, though, and said Goodbye to the rest of his family and friends before driving home with Kalin.
"I wonder if Lawton will let us have Christmas before striking," Radley remarked as he unlocked the door.
"I wonder which would be worse, worrying about him over Christmas or dealing with it now," Kalin grunted.
"I might rather get it over with, only I don't know how he might strike and if even Emilio might be in danger," Radley said. "If he waits until after they go home, maybe they won't end up part of his scheme."
". . . Maybe they won't go home," Kalin pointed out.
"I kind of suspect they will," Radley said. "But I'm happy to have them here for now, anyway."
Kalin grunted. "You figure your father wanted to talk to your mother about leaving?"
"Yes," Radley sighed. "There's little likelihood Grandmother will approve of them staying on, and I'm sure she'll make a fuss if Mom really tries it. If she does, I don't know if Dad will really stand strong like he says he will."
"It's hard to trust people after they've delivered so much hurt," Kalin said.
"Unless they show without a shadow of a doubt that they want to change and will change," Radley smiled. "You and the Bunch more than showed me that after what happened in the mines."
"I'm glad we could," Kalin said. "But more than that, I'm glad that you lived." He hugged Radley close.
Radley hugged back. "Me too. You helped me find value in life again, Kalin. I'll never forget that." He drew back, smiling at his friend. "Let's shower and get to bed to prepare for the day tomorrow. It'll probably be a busy one."
Kalin nodded. ". . . Do you think your grandfather believed you about the nature of our relationship?" he worried.
"I hope so," Radley said. "I'd be happy to share the bed tonight, if there's any concerns about nightmares. Or even just because it's fun." He winked. "My dad was right that I'd always wanted it. But I didn't suggest it to you for so long because I didn't think you'd be comfortable with it."
"I'm glad I am," Kalin said. "It really has been nice. I liked when we did it in the Enforcers, which was every night since we could only afford two beds."
Radley regarded him in amusement. "How did that work out?"
"Alright, in general, especially with Yusei and me," Kalin said. "Sometimes Crow or Jack would beg us to switch and get the other off his hands."
Radley laughed. "They were characters in their sleep, huh?"
"Especially Jack," Kalin said. "I did some strange things too, but Yusei never seemed to mind."
"That sounds like Yusei," Radley said.
"Definitely," Kalin said. "He really has the patience of a saint. So do you. I would never put up with so much."
Radley smiled a bit. "Well, thank you, Kalin. Maybe it's a curse sometimes. I should have just left my family before they actually kicked me out. But I didn't even realize how bad things were until I got away from them at college, and I guess it still didn't feel real. I was nervous about showing them how I'd changed, but I never thought . . ." He looked away, shaking his head. "I didn't think even my grandmother could be so cruel."
"If she can't see her behavior was abominable, I have no hope for her," Kalin said angrily. "You said to your mother that she pushed you down the stairs?! You never told that part of it before."
"Yeah," Radley said softly. "There weren't that many stairs, but that wasn't the point. I fell and hit hard on the sidewalk, and when I knelt up, they were all looking at me. My mother looked upset and so did Dad, but neither of them went to me. They just stood there in shock. They all seemed to realize I'd gone too far and Grandmother had gone too far and they all got scared of her and just let her have her way, like always. I still wonder what would have happened if they'd all stood up for me like they should have. They just let her treat me like I'd committed an unpardonable sin."
"I wonder what your grandmother would think if she learned that right after that, you found out your girlfriend only cared about sex and you broke things off because you didn't want a relationship that was only physical," Kalin remarked. "Some people wouldn't have had the strength to do that when she was the last link left to the life they knew. I couldn't have blamed you if you had stayed on, even though I don't understand the appeal of such a relationship."
"I can't deny sometimes I wondered if I should have stayed," Radley admitted. "I got so lonely. But I didn't want to just be a tool for sex. I always just wanted to be loved for me, and I never had that until I started finding the Bunch."
"I think you made the right decision," Kalin said. "You have so much to give, and you deserved to be with people who could see that in you. I would hate for Brittanie to have dragged you down with her."
"You know, I would have too," Radley mused. "I had too much self-respect for that."
"And showing up with long hair and jewelry was 'going too far,'" Kalin growled in disgust. "I wonder how your grandmother would have treated someone who actually did commit a sin."
"I don't think I even want to know," Radley said. "When I thought about things later, she kind of reminded me of the Pharisees, always making mountains out of molehills and acting like the letter of the law was the most important thing. Not to mention I heard that they actually made up rules that weren't even part of the Law of Moses they were so determined to uphold. I haven't studied religious history enough to know if that's true, but it really wouldn't surprise me."
"It wouldn't surprise me either," Kalin said. "And you're right, she sounds like that, especially if rules were being made up."
Radley sighed. "Oh well. It's all moot points now. I won't stand for that kind of treatment anymore."
"I'm glad. You shouldn't," Kalin said.
Radley managed a smile. "So let's see about getting ready for bed. I'm sure we could both use that."
Kalin nodded. It had definitely been a long day.
With the basement finally built, and the water pressure good, both men could shower at the same time in the different bathrooms. They emerged around the same time, Radley coming up from downstairs, both dressed for bed and drying at their hair.
"Your idea of turning the basement into rooms was a good one," Kalin said.
Radley nodded, pleased. "It took a lot of work, but it's been more than worth it," he smiled.
"I think I'll rest in my bed tonight," Kalin said. "And I'm happy if you want to join me."
"I think I will," Radley grinned.
They settled into Kalin's bed once their hair was dry. The sheets were cool, as were the quilts upon first climbing in. Radley added a thick throw to the top of the covers. "There. Isn't this cozy?" he smiled as they burrowed into the bed.
"It's a lot different from the cold nights in the Enforcers' hideout," Kalin said. "The building was old and falling apart. We all had to get used to the cold. And in spite of Jack's pride, we all had to snuggle close for warmth."
"It sounds terrible aside from the snuggling," Radley said.
"Of course, that got awkward sometimes," Kalin said. "But we still did it. And I think we all enjoyed it, even Jack."
Radley chuckled.
". . . Do you think you'll have nightmares tonight?" Kalin asked in concern.
"I hope not," Radley said. "So many wonderful things happened today. But . . . just the fact of my family being around might prompt some dream-memories of the past, especially with Grandmother's cold reception."
"That's possible," Kalin agreed. His eyes darkened at the memory of the woman watching Radley for a moment and then walking away without a word.
". . . Maybe I should try to reach out to her tomorrow, go to the hotel and say Hi or something," Radley said.
"Your grandfather thought you should wait for her to come to you, didn't he?" Kalin said.
"Probably. But she did come this far, so maybe I need to let her know that she's welcome in spite of everything," Radley said.
"It's your decision," Kalin said.
"I guess I'll worry about it in the morning," Radley sighed. "If I do that, I'll probably need to go alone too, if I want to have any hope of her deciding to talk to me."
Kalin nodded. "I'll do whatever you need me to."
Radley smiled. "Thanks, Kalin."
They settled deeper into the bed. Kalin brought an arm around Radley's shoulders. Radley dozed focusing on that warmth, while Kalin was lulled to sleep by the comfort of Radley breathing. After the horrors they had gone through in the past, there was nothing else as sweet.
xxxx
In the morning Radley still felt he needed to talk to his grandmother, so after breakfast he and Kalin went to the hotel. Kalin went to see Yusei, Jack, and Crow while Radley made his way to his grandparents' suite. He had to admit, he really wished he didn't have to do this alone, but he didn't see any other way. Taking a deep breath, he knocked.
Alejandro opened the door. His eyes flickered, but he didn't really look surprised to see Radley there. "Come in, boy," he said.
Radley slowly did. "I just wanted to welcome Grandmother to town," he said.
Alejandro nodded. "I thought you might show up for that." He headed for the bedroom. "I'll let her know you're here."
"Don't bother. I can hear he is here."
Radley tried not to flinch at the cold voice. His grandmother walked into the room with an unreadable expression, looking him up and down.
"I'll leave you two alone," Alejandro said, and vanished into the bedroom.
Radley managed a smile. "I wanted to welcome you to town, Grandmother," he said. "You didn't stick around long enough for me to say anything to you last night."
"I wasn't about to make a public display like the rest of the family was doing." Lucia Ramon frowned at him. "You've made a few improvements, but you still don't look like a respectable member of the Ramon family."
"I'm sorry you don't think so," Radley said evenly. "I am what I am. I haven't done anything to slander the family name."
She frowned more. "You know, we told the reporters you wanted isolation until you graduated college. Then we said you went to Spain. We had to do something to explain why you weren't around anymore."
"I think you even sent me on a safari once," Radley said without real humor. "At least I hope it was just a picture-taking safari. I wouldn't want my adoring public thinking I was shooting down innocent animals for my wall."
Lucia was not amused. "You understand our position. We couldn't tell the truth, that you had become a rebel and were no longer fit to be part of our family."
Radley looked away. "No, I guess you couldn't." The hurt filled his eyes. "Grandmother . . . you came all this way. Aren't you even happy to see me at all?"
". . . You're still not worthy to be part of this family," she told him. "But you've started using your last name again, and thanks to the pictures in the paper, everyone now knows who you are. I've had to tell the reporters that you decided to go into the mining business instead of joining the family winery."
"I wasn't even sure they'd still recognize me," Radley remarked.
"You are still a highly eligible young man, fawned over by foolish women and girls. Some vulgar articles have even dared to say you're even more attractive now, with your hair longer and your affinity for jewelry."
With anyone else, Radley might have made a quip that he thought so too. But he was already walking on thin ice. He wasn't going to jeopardize this mess any further.
"It's well-publicized back home that we have all left for the Christmas holidays, something unusual for us," she continued. "I'm certain some intrusive reporters have learned we came here. All eyes will be upon us to see how we handle this meeting. I will not further shame the family by creating a scene."
". . . Then you're saying you'll pretend things are okay in public, even though they're still not," Radley realized.
"Exactly," she nodded. "And I expect you to have the decency to play along too."
Radley sighed sadly. "I don't want a scene in public either."
"Good." She paused. "Then there's that particular young man you're with," she said. "Kalin or whatever his name is. What, exactly, is the nature of your relationship with him?"
Radley had known that was coming. "We're not doing anything that's against the Catholic religion," he said. "There's a lot of rumors in town, and I'm sure you'll hear some of them if you haven't already, but we're not romantically involved. Now, that being said . . . Kalin is everything to me and I am to him. We've pledged to spend our lives together, but as best friends, not lovers."
"I've never heard of such a thing," Lucia sniffed.
"No, I'm sure you haven't," Radley sighed. "Both of us are tired of society thinking romance is the only most powerful love. Ours is just as powerful."
"So I should refer to this person as your dear friend?" she asked.
"Yeah," Radley smiled. "That's what he is."
"Very well then." Lucia laid one hand over the other. "Then I believe we have said all we need to say to each other."
"No, we haven't." Radley looked her straight in the eyes. "You didn't answer if you were glad to see me. Of course, the fact you didn't answer is an answer itself. Maybe you're not glad, Grandmother. Maybe you wish I'd really died in that blizzard, like the idiot at the newspaper reported I did. But I'm not dead. My heart is still beating. And you know the really crazy thing about it? Even after everything you put me through, all the things I know now are actual abuse, and even after disowning me and pushing me down the stairs . . . this heart still loves you and wishes you would love me back. But that will never happen, will it? I was never good enough for you, even before I grew my hair out. That was just the last straw for you. You never loved me. And part of me wishes I wasn't soft enough to still love you anyway. Then it wouldn't hurt so much." He stepped back. "Now I've said what I needed to say. I'll see you later, Grandmother, and we can start pretending to be that nice family I always wished we were." He turned and headed for the door. When she didn't call him back, he stepped into the hall and pulled it shut after himself.
Kalin was coming out of Yusei's room at the moment. He looked over, frowning. "Radley?"
Radley drew a shaking breath. "Oh, that went very well," he said, fighting to keep the tremor out of his voice. "She wants to make sure everyone sees us as a happy family. No hint of scandal is allowed! We have to pretend we care about each other, even though . . . even though . . ." He couldn't make himself finish.
Kalin snarled. "Radley, I'm so sorry. She doesn't deserve you. She never did."
"Just . . . why, Kalin?! Why was I never good enough for her?!" Radley looked at him, physically shaking now. "She always hated me! She was never kind or loving. Everything I did was always wrong! I don't understand. I really don't . . ."
Kalin caught Radley in his arms and held him close. Radley clutched him, no longer trying to contain his anguish.
"I wanted so badly to please her, but I never could," Radley said sadly. "And since she controlled the family, no one else was pleased either. They're finally showing their real feelings now that they're not letting her control their thoughts, but she hasn't changed. All the years apart . . . all the things she read in those newspapers she hoarded . . . it didn't mean a thing! I was always a reject to her."
"She's a fool," Kalin said angrily. ". . . And so was I."
Radley looked at him. "Kalin?"
"Whenever I see how cruel your family is, it reminds me of myself," Kalin said. "You kept trying to please me too, and I wouldn't have any of it. Nothing you did was ever good enough for me. I wouldn't let it move me. I know, I was lost in depression, but I don't think of that as an excuse. You're such a bright soul, and I didn't see it any better than your grandmother does. I'm so sorry."
Radley hugged him again. "The fact that you were in a depressive state is a comfort to me," he said. "As soon as you were in a better frame of mind, you felt differently about me. My grandmother obviously never will. The way you are right now is your true state. And . . . the way my grandmother is . . . is hers."
Kalin was furious. Someday, he was certain, she would regret how she had treated Radley. He just prayed it would not take the same kind of extreme circumstance as what had been Kalin's wake-up call.
"What would you like to do?" he asked.
Radley tried to smile. "Let's find Emilio and the others who want to be with me. We can all hang out today, maybe do some shopping. Oh, and I promised to show Emilio how to bake Christmas cookies."
Kalin smirked. "And Scotch will show him how to eat dough."
Radley laughed. "Yeah. Okay, let's do that." He draped an arm around Kalin's shoulders as they headed down the hall.
Kalin smiled. Hopefully this would help Radley feel better. But even as they walked, he was pondering in his mind. The letter hadn't worked, but maybe he would try one last resort of speaking to Radley's grandmother in person. Maybe she really was immovable. But when Radley still cared about her, Kalin wanted to believe there was still a chance. His grandmother might not deserve that, but Radley definitely did.
