So here we are, chapter 2. Didn't mean for this to take so long. The last bit of this chapter addresses something that I felt needed to be addressed.
Also, for my sanity's sake, all speech in the last chapter was not spoken in English. From this chapter on, if there's speech in a foreign language I don't know the words to (and google translate isn't the most reliable translator in the world) it will be in this text.
Hope you all enjoy
2
The next couple of weeks passed by like a blur for Sergei and the kids. He'd never forget the looks on their faces upon seeing how dead Kai looked lying in a hospital bed. Tanya's trial was over in two hearings and as Ivan stated she got life without bail and no visitation rights on grounds of possible harm coming to the children. Yuriy took the siblings every other night so Sergei could stay by Kai's side and in doing so grew attached to them, Saoirse in particular. He'd always wanted a daughter of his own but at current could barely afford to keep his sons fed.
Sergei, seeing that the proud father was struggling, "gifted" him a hefty care package. Yuriy had argued against the aid but Sergei made him see sense and brought the father of two to tears. On top of that, Sergei had Yuriy's furniture replaced and upgraded him from the awful oven he'd been using. Yuriy wasn't the only one growing fond of the family they'd never met. His youngest boy looked up to Gou more than Raziel and even had a soft spot for Saoirse.
It killed Sergei to do it, but at the end of March on a cold dark night, he took Kai and the kids away from the only home they'd ever known to start anew. Yuriy and Ivan both knew of the plan Sergei had crafted, seeing the wealthy family off at the private airstrip Kai owned.
For hours they sailed over land, ocean and cloud, arriving at their destination mid afternoon. Sergei carried Kai and Raisa out to the waiting car before rousing Gou, Saoirse and Viktor, rewarded with sleepy grumbling. With everybody buckled in, Sergei claimed the driver's seat and plotted a course for their destination. The kids all noticed something off about the world outside. It was brighter, colourful and smelled funny.
"Uncle Sergei." Saoirse squeaked. "Where are we?"
"Our new home, sweetie." Sergei replied, shifting the car into gear without taking his eyes off the road. "I felt that in order for all of us to have a fresh start we should move somewhere nicer. We won't be going back to Russia, Saoirse. Not unless it's absolutely necessary."
Viktor shuffled in his seat opposite Gou at the back, his rear quarters hurting from sitting in one place for too long. "But WHERE is home, uncle?" He grumbled sleepily and rubbed his eyes.
Sergei chuckled a little at Viktor's impatience. After another twenty or so minutes of driving, Sergei parked the car outside a small office building connected to a road that ran straight to a beachfront. Telling the kids to all stay put, he popped the trunk and went to retrieve Kai's wheelchair. The father of four didn't protest to being moved, just stared blankly at everything before his lifeless crimson eyes.
With Kai strapped into his wheeled seat, Sergei ordered everybody out of the car while he retrieved Raisa from her car seat, nestling her into Kai's lap where she continued to slumber. Gou held his nose at the strange odour in the air. It smelled like…salt…a lot of salt.
"Get used to the smell, Gou." Sergei quipped. "It'll be what greets you every time we leave the house."
"What IS this foul stench?"
"It's the sea of course. This is our new home, Gorran, Cornwall, England. Quite a nice little place if I'm being honest. It was either here or Perenporth. Before we go to our new house however there's something I need to do. Everyone stay close."
Saoirse clung to Sergei's trouser leg for dear life, Viktor stayed within grabbing range of his family and Gou brought up the rear. The building they entered was very nice. Its interior was light and airy with the odd painting of sea life or beach scenery. A buzz of quiet music floated around too but it was alien to the foreign family. When approached, the receptionist was polite and pointed them all in the right direction. With the stairs not being an option, they all had to wait for the elevator to arrive.
Sergei was glad he'd insisted on the kids learning at least one other language and that it was the dominant tongue where they all now lived. He himself hadn't spoken in English for a long time, nor Kai or their childhood friends. But Sergei had prepared himself by listening to English audio books on the flight over from Russia.
A soft ping announced the elevator's arrival, cold metal doors sliding open smoothly. Once everyone was inside, Sergei pushed one of the many big buttons and the doors curtained shut. In a few short seconds they opened again after the ding of arrival.
Just like the lobby below, the waiting room Sergei and co found themselves in was bright and welcoming. There were several doors leading to other, probably smaller rooms, where people likely worked. Sergei sandwiched Viktor and Saoirse between him and Kai on the sofa while Gou sat on his father's other side with the first magazine he could lay hands on. It felt like years passed by before somebody called out from one of the rooms.
"Mr. Hiwatari?"
Sergei looked up, seeing the door to room 2 was open. Telling Gou to watch his siblings, the loyal butler headed through the varnished pine door and gently closed it behind him. Opposite the door was an oak desk behind which sat a rather handsome man with long, flowing jet black hair and gleaming gold eyes that looked…dare he say…catlike? The gent also bore pointed ears and a little fang poking out from under his top lip. Sergei had expected to see a fancy suit but instead spied garb of Chinese origin.
Gold eyes slipped away from the document they were reading as Sergei sat at the desk, their owner somewhat perplexed. This man wasn't his client, at least not according to the paperwork. Sergei could see the man's confusion and decided to clear it for him.
"My master is currently non-communicative. He won't speak to or look at anyone."
"I see. So you must be Mr. Petrov?"
"I am he. I'm the one who arranged all of this on Mr. Hiwatari's behalf. He needs help but is too stubborn to seek it out. And please, just call me Sergei."
The gold eyed man nodded, tapping away at a keyboard to update the file he had. "Well then, since we're going to be on a first name basis, I'm Rei. So Sergei, tell me why you referred your master to our establishment?"
Sergei took a deep, readying breath, knowing he was about to betray Kai's trust. But it had to be done if the wounded businessman was ever to recover from the horrors of his past.
"It first started when we were young lads. Kai's parents were abusive but being wealthy, any and all attempts to punish them were swatted away with bribes of money. His father dealt and used many illegal drugs and his mother an alcoholic and avid smoker."
As Sergei expected, a look of disgust and sympathy washed across Rei's face.
"And in what ways did they abuse him? Physical? Mental? Sexual?"
"Depended what mood they were in. On a good day Kai was lucky enough to only get belittled for his achievements. If however Mr. and Mrs. Hiwatari were both addled by their substance of choice, Kai wouldn't be at school for weeks from being beaten to a pulp."
Rei's heart sank with every word he typed into Kai's file, already dreading the task he'd have trying to get through to a clearly traumatised father. Rei excused himself briefly to pour two glasses of water, handing one to Sergei. After taking a sip of his drink, Sergei continued.
"This abuse went on until Kai's parents "suspiciously" died in a freak car accident. Thankfully he was at school that day. On the downside, his grandfather still polluted the air by existing. He wasn't as bad but still pushed Kai around. It's been about 14 years now since he passed away of heart failure. And not before forcing Kai into a marriage he didn't want."
Rei nodded to show he was still listening while jabbing away at his keyboard frantically to keep up with all the information he'd been given.
"So then, what's gone on in the last 14 years Sergei? Did things improve? Worsen? And how do you know all of this? I understand you're Kai's butler but I'd expect only a close friend to know such sensitive things."
Sergei's face went beet red leaving Rei a little confused. He would've consoled the blushing brunette had fierce green eyes not locked onto and silenced him.
"I know all of this because I was by Kai's side through all of it. We grew up together, even went to the same fancy school. I became his butler to look after him."
Rei felt horrible for probing into such private matters but his job required it. He just hoped Sergei would understand that he wasn't being nosy for the sake of it. Guilt was clear to see in Rei's golden pools and Sergei knew why, pushing a soft sigh between his lips.
"I know you don't want to pry, Rei. And for the record, I'm only letting you in on the things you need to be told. For the first few years of his marriage, Kai's life seemed to improve. Slowly it dipped into verbal abuse when his third child was on the way. Things turned physical 2 years ago. Believe me, I tried urging Kai to go to the authorities and free himself from that monster he married. But he fought back saying the tables could be turned and that…THING he called a wife would accuse him of abusing her despite lack of evidence and take the kids away from him."
"And I'm guessing Kai didn't want to lose them? As a father myself I can understand his fear. Losing my daughter to anything would tear my life apart."
Sergei blinked in surprise. Rei struck him as a man that played with women, not take one on seriously. His shock was clear for all to see, leaf green eyes wider than his favourite teacup. Rei stifled a laugh and waved his hand.
"Shocking I know. Strangely every new person I meet gets the impression I can't be serious in the ways of romance. Rin is my world and I'd do anything to keep her safe."
Sergei decide to have a little fun, his lip curled into a cheeky grin. "Even throwing yourself off a cliff onto sharp 6ft long spikes?"
"O-kay maybe not that far. Anyway, back to the matter at hand. It says here that Kai hasn't long been released from hospital following a vicious attack from his wife?"
"That's correct. I went out to finally put an end to his suffering and returned to find him badly beaten, and his youngest daughter still being assaulted. He's now looking at the possibility of living the remainder of his life in a wheelchair no thanks to her. His wife is now serving life in prison without chance of bail and no rights to the children."
Rei noted the tone of bitterness in Sergei's voice when he spoke of Tanya, leading him to believe the buff butler saw Kai as more than a friend, or had done in the past. Looking at a clock on the wall, Rei saw it was about time for a spot of lunch, saving all the information he'd added to Kai's file.
"Okay Sergei we're done here for today. Once I've drafted a plan of action we'll meet again. For now, allow me to show you a nice little place for a bite to eat?"
Sergei nodded, rising from his chair and strode out of the room. Saoirse pounced into his arms the second he became visible. Viktor was less hasty but still cuddled his surrogate uncle.
Rei's introduction was brief and they all left the building together. Gou kept his guard up around this new presence, unsure if he could be trusted. Since the place Rei wanted to go wasn't far away they all walked there. Raisa woke up during the stroll; her red eyes alight with wonder at all the bright colours and strange birds in the sky.
Their journey came to an end outside a quaint café of moderate size, the colourful sign above the door reading "Café Garcia" with a Spanish flair to it. Rei stepped through the threshold first, relieved to see his favourite server behind the counter.
"Afternoon Raul. Brought you some new customers."
The man Rei addressed had dual coloured red/brown hair and bright apple green eyes that danced merrily. He wore something of a uniform that consisted of a pastel blue V-neck tee, beige cargo shorts and comfortable white shoes. Of course he also had a pale gray apron on emblazoned with the café's name and logo.
"Again Rei? How many is that this month?"
"Quit complaining, you love the business really. Gonna need a big table today buddy."
Raul finished serving up the order he'd been working on and delivered it personally to the right table, rewarded with a kiss to his cheek from a pretty young lady making him go a cute shade of pink. Afterward he led Rei and his company to a large table in a shaded area, heart sinking when he caught sight of Kai in his wheelchair. Once everyone was comfortable, Raul plucked a notepad and pencil from his apron pocket with an adorable hip wiggle.
"Okay then what are we all having today? Everything on the menu is made fresh in our wonderful kitchen."
Rei rolled his eyes, never tiring of Raul's delightful personality. He always did his best to impress so that customers would keep coming back. Sergei glanced from the menu in his hands to the kids as they all tried their hardest to read the letters. Gou seemed to manage ok but his siblings struggled. Raul would've offered to help but received two glares; one from Sergei and the other from Gou. So that they weren't sat around all day, Sergei consulted with Saoirse and Viktor in their native tongue to find out what they wanted.
While Raul had guessed the group wasn't local, he never expected them to be foreign, his gaze fixed upon Kai as he sat silently with Raisa on his lap. Once he was sure everyone was ready, Rei placed his own order first. Raul jotted down every order next to the name of who placed it. Seeing that Saoirse had ordered pancakes, Raul crouched down beside her and pulled something from another pocket.
"Hey sweetie. How would you like some special shaped pancakes? We do ocean life and land animals. You can also have some fruit or chocolate flakes added for no extra cost."
Sergei translated everything for Saoirse and it made Raul's day to see her face light up. He held out a picture for her to look at that displayed all the different shapes the pancakes could be made in.
Once Raul knew exactly what Saoirse wanted, he sauntered back behind the counter and got to work. To try and pass the time, Rei attempted to strike up a conversation with Sergei.
"So then, now the cat's out of the bag, where have you all come from?"
Sergei eyed Rei guardedly for a moment until he judged the question harmless. It wouldn't hurt to tell Rei a little of their homeland.
"Born and raised in Russia. Moscow to be precise."
"That's an awful long way off. I hear it's quite cold over there most of the year."
Sergei nodded, seeing some truth in what Rei spoke of. Turning off from the conversation, Sergei looked around the café. There weren't many customers currently, a gentle hum of music in the air. At the front he saw Raul swinging his hips to it a little as he worked.
Feeling something pull on his hand, Sergei turned to where Kai sat, finding Raisa's fingers tightly wrapped around his pinky and wedding finger. Figuring the tot just wanted cuddles; Sergei pulled her into his arms.
Once there she settled briefly, kicking up a mild fuss shortly after. Keeping Raisa steady with one hand, Sergei rummaged in the bag hanging from the back of Kai's chair with the other. After some digging he found what he was looking for; a pretty pink sippy cup decorated with white flowers.
Raul returned with all the orders on a large tray, passing each plate around to its respectful diner. Saoirse was so happy with her pretty pancakes shaped like dolphins and starfish that she hugged Raul's waist without thinking. Knowing he'd probably get slammed into the ground for hugging back, Raul simply stood still allowing the happy girl to vent her gratitude.
"Will that be all Rei?"
Questioned gent would've dismissed Raul but Raisa decided now was the perfect time to pitch an even bigger fit, her cup empty. Rather than be annoyed by the sight, Raul showed understanding, crouching down a little to meet Raisa's eyes.
"Hey Princess, is your cup empty? I can fill it up if you'd like?"
The question was partially directed at Sergei even though Raisa couldn't understand a word spoken to her. Sergei weighed his options carefully. He could either risk trusting this seemingly kind stranger to fill Raisa's cup or put up with a tantrum for the next hour. The former was definitely more appealing and Raul had done nothing to show he couldn't be trusted. Looking to Rei for some form of second opinion, Sergei received a nod of approval.
With the cup in hand, Raul hurried off and returned in what Rei considered record time, passing the refilled receptacle back to Raisa with a soft treat to nom on. She looked at him shyly while also hiding her face in the crook of Sergei's neck which Raul found utterly adorable.
His job done, Raul ventured back to the counter in time for the door to swing open. Into the café came a couple of youngsters about Gou's age. Raul greeted them both warmly, giving the strapping lilac/purple haired young man's hand a firm shake, fearlessly clashing his green eyes with orbs of violet.
Raul's attention moved next to a girl sat in a wheelchair with pale ginger forelocks, thick ice blue locks forming loops at the back and eyes of a similar colour. She had a pale complexion and a scar over the right side of her mouth. The boy was also fairly pale. Sergei observed Raul closely as he interacted with the pair, embracing the girl lovingly.
"I thought you guys were busy today Merida?"
The girl hugged Raul back, her face beaming with warmth. "Our meet-up was cancelled last minute so Kou and I thought we'd stop by."
Merida swept her blue eyes around the shop, spying Rei at the far end with people she didn't recognise, waving to him cheerfully. "Hey Uncle Rei!"
"Afternoon Merida. You're both keeping out of trouble I hope?"
Merida smiled sweetly moments before Raul hit the sky screaming, hands immediately moving to his backside. Not far away stood a woman near identical to him but the front of her hair was ginger and the back stopped at the bottom of her spine.
In the woman's hand was a crisp white tea towel, apparently the very thing Raul had just been struck by. If Sergei had to guess, this woman was related to Raul and Merida somehow. His theory was supported more by the pair of them arguing in what sounded like Spanish. Having seen his fair share of abusive women, Sergei didn't like how this unnamed woman treated Raul but forced himself to stay seated.
The argument put Raul in a foul mood, stalking into the kitchen so not to sour the atmosphere of the café. Merida didn't get off lightly either. The boy in control of her chair took the clear hint and left. When it looked like Rei and co were done with their plates, Raul's aggressive twin stalked over with their bill, her gaze remaining hard. Sergei matched the cold stare with equal venom; leaving Rei to worry a fight was about to break out given what he knew of the giant.
"You might wish to watch what you say to your little brother. You never know when somebody who understands your language is going to step through the door."
The woman recoiled from the table briefly but her ferocity wasn't gone for long. "You'll mind your own business, outsider. What goes on between me and my brother is none of your business."
Rei's face paled when Sergei stood up after settling Raisa back onto Kai's lap. Raul's sister visibly shrank in Sergei's shadow but she still held her ground.
"You make it everyone's business when you fight out in the open. Your brother has been anything but lazy since we got here. He went above and beyond to keep these kids happy yet all you can do is belittle him?!"
Saoirse hated seeing her uncle angry, seizing his waist and pleading for him to calm down. To Rei's relief, the heaving of Sergei's chest stopped but he didn't take his eyes off of Raul's sister…until the scorned younger twin returned to his post, smile nowhere in sight. Sergei hoped to put it back before leaving, leering at his older sister as she set the bill down and walked away, vanishing into the kitchen.
With the bill settled, Sergei handed the pad to Saoirse and told her to take it to the counter. Raul was just wiping the sides down when he heard the patter of tiny feet, surprised to see Saoirse on her own and with the bill for her table. She set it down on the counter and ran back to Sergei, pouncing into his waiting arms. The sight alone warmed Raul, distracting him briefly from the fight he'd not long had. He counted up the money and rang it through the till, noticing something scrawled at the bottom of the receipt and more money underneath it. Pocketing the generous tip in his shorts, Raul sauntered over to where Saoirse and her family sat, not knowing what to expect.
It certainly wasn't Sergei addressing him in his native tongue, his cheeks burning red at knowing somebody had understood what he and his sister had said. Yet at the same time it felt nice to know somebody else who spoke fluent Spanish, even if it sounded funny due to their natural accent from somewhere else.
Sergei turned to Saoirse and spoke to her in Russian, reminding her to use her manners. Raul found himself caught by surprise when his new favourite customer launched herself at him, hugging his neck tightly.
"Spasééba."
The word spoken confused Raul but he figured it probably meant thank you or something along those lines, hugging Saoirse back. His green eyes shone while settling her back on the floor, smile stretching from ear to ear.
"Graçias senorita. Graçias."
Saoirse looked to Sergei for a translation, told it meant thank you lady/girl. Raisa didn't want a hug but she waved shyly at Raul making him melt more.
"Well aren't you precious." He cooed. "You remind me of my daughter when she was your age. Always a bashful little devil with strangers." Raul turned now to Sergei, feeling no fear at all.
"I'm sorry about my sister. She's just having a bad day."
"That's no excuse for how she treated you. Anyway, we'd better go. I'm sure Rei has work to do and we need to get settled in our new home. I expect your sister's attitude to have improved when we next visit."
Raul nodded in agreement, allowing Saoirse to hold his hand while they waited for everyone to get ready. Sergei somehow convinced Gou and Viktor to shake Raul's hand as they left, possibly making his day even more.
The family's first week in Cornwall passed quickly and before Sergei knew it, he was packing the kids off to their new schools. They'd spent all last week brushing up on their English skills, Kai watching them lifelessly as Sergei feared leaving him on his own for too long.
Monday morning saw Sergei in the kitchen preparing breakfast and lunch simultaneously; Kai sat at the table just staring at the varnished mahogany, his morning coffee untouched. Raisa babbled away in her high chair, face coated in what was meant to be her breakfast. Just as Sergei set three plates out on the table, Saoirse came bounding in, her siblings trailing tiredly behind with no enthusiasm for their first day at a new school. Without complaint their plates were emptied within twenty minutes, lunches packed into rucksacks along with everything else they'd need. Sergei tolerated none of Gou's whining as the teen protested to being loaded into the waiting car.
The drive to Gou and Viktor's school passed like a blur and soon the boys were climbing out of the car and onto the pavement. At Sergei's insistence they both bade farewell to their father. To Sergei's surprise, Rei strode up to his door wearing a warm smile.
"Rei? What are you doing here?"
"Dropping my daughter off, what else? I see the boys aren't enthusiastic for their first day?"
Sergei shook his head with a grin, glad to have run into Rei before leaving. "Could you do me a favour and drag those idiots to the principle's office? They need to receive their timetables and stuff and I have to get Saoirse to school."
"Of course. I'll see they get there unscathed. You might bump into Raul on your way. He's been asking about you guys, wondering when you're gonna stop by the café again."
Sergei often wondered how Raul was getting on after their initial meeting. Maybe he'd drop in later at lunch time or as an after school treat for the kids. With much reluctance, Gou and Viktor followed Rei into the school yard. Once the boys were inside, Sergei set a course for the primary school. The closer they got, the more nervous Saoirse seemed to get, her pep from breakfast long gone.
True to Rei's word, Sergei saw Raul just inside the gates with a little girl about Saoirse's age. Rather than force the girl to go into the building alone, Sergei transferred Kai to his wheelchair and settled Raisa into her grieving father's lap. Raul waved them over, his face tired.
"Hey guys. Didn't think I'd see you this morning."
Sergei nodded in greeting, keeping Saoirse close to his heels. "Well Raul I couldn't force Saoirse to walk all this way on her own. None of us know the town very well yet. Saoirse, you remember Raul don't you? He made those pancakes the day we arrived."
Saoirse did indeed remember Raul, hugging him without fear.
"Well hello to you too little lady. I'd better get going otherwise Julia will chew me a new one. See you guys later."
Kai and Sergei left the school half an hour later already feeling exhausted. Saoirse had bawled her eyes out, not wanting them to leave. To make matters worse, her crying made Raisa start wailing. Thankfully the headmistress had understood that both girls were just scared, promising to keep an eye on Saoirse throughout the day.
Rather than waste away indoors, Sergei decided a trip to the seafront would be a good idea. If anything, he just wanted Kai to react to something. Hearing the waves gently crashing against the sandy beach did little to soothe Sergei's worry as he sat down on a painted bench to rest his feet.
Seeing the ocean got no response from Kai. He just continued to stare at everything with his dead eyes, a loose hold on Raisa that had been placed for him. Since being outside wasn't helping, Sergei decided to head home and wait for a possible phone call from Rei.
Raisa's mood had certainly improved, playing in her pen happily once home. Time seemed to drag painfully by for Sergei as he sat in silence, Kai practically dead beside him. There had to be something the loyal butler could do to bring him back.
Sergei's mind wandered back to their school days, when they'd been young and reckless caring not for what anybody thought of them. On one hand the memories filled Sergei with joy but on the other made him feel bitter that what could've been was torn asunder by unfeeling, selfish parents.
After two hours, Sergei saw that Raisa had tired herself out, taking the tot for a nap, giving him the chance to try something he could possibly regret. Kai grumbled to being plucked off of the sofa and whisked up the room he currently shared with Sergei due to his condition. If only the loyal butler knew Kai was constantly reliving all the abuse he'd suffered over the years behind his lifeless eyes. Nothing he did could push the memories away, adding to the torture.
Sergei made Kai as comfortable as he could before lying down beside him, caressing a hollow, pale cheek with his larger hand. Kai was cold to the touch, prompting Sergei to snuggle closer, wrapping his spare arm around a bony waist.
"You've gotta snap out of it, Kai." He whispered, rubbing their cheeks together. "You can't let that bitch defeat you like this. You're stronger than you think. It's killing me to see you this way."
Kai responded this time, lifting his haunted crimson eyes to look at Sergei. Could his childhood friend not see all the strength was gone from him? He had none left, not for his family and not for himself.
"I'm not giving up on you Kai. I can't. We'll get through this together. Just like we used to."
Kai couldn't respond even if he wanted to, Sergei's lips cascading down on him in a tender kiss.
At Gou and Viktor's school, the brothers had just finished dinner and were looking for a shaded area to stand and wait out the rest of lunch break. Their fellow students had so far been uncommunicative, leaving them to feel isolated. Viktor had been absolutely terrified, latching on to Gou the first chance he got at morning break.
They were assigned the same tutor group, granting the brothers some measure of relief. Gou had spied Kou and Merida in his morning classes but didn't really care to try befriending them. He just wanted to get this day over with. The ringing of a bell heralded the start of after dinner tutor period. Students piled into the building and the vast ocean of them made it hard for Viktor to keep close to Gou. Luckily the older boy kept a firm grip on his little brother, determined not to lose him.
Their tutor was a nice lady with short chocolate brown hair, bubbly brown eyes framed by large round glasses and a warm smile. Gou would be lying if he said he didn't like Ms. Kincaid. She'd greeted him and Viktor into her room with a smile, radiating a motherly air yet didn't strike him as a mother herself.
Ms. Kincaid was stood at the front of the room when Gou and Viktor arrived, her face beaming. "Afternoon boys." She chimed. "How is your first day going so far?"
Gou merely grumbled under his breath, feeling that nothing worth mentioning had happened. Viktor came out of his shell and told her all about his first four periods.
"Well I'm glad to hear you're doing fine, Viktor. If you ever need anything, even if it's just somebody to listen, I'm here."
Viktor considered taking Ms. Kincaid up on that offer immediately had Gou not purposefully bumped his shoulder and reminded him in Russian that what went on in their home stayed there. Their time in Ms. Kincaid's room passed quickly and soon the boys were off once again to find their classes.
Viktor had history and Gou was needed in chemistry. Until the boy had memorized where he needed to go every day, Gou was stuck babysitting him for two weeks unless Viktor made a friend. Gou would've left Viktor at the door but as luck would have it, a couple of bullies came by to taunt them.
"Awe look Vincent." Mocked a spiky red haired blue eyed boy. "The little baby doesn't wanna let go of his big brother. Isn't that sad?"
Gou eyed the boy named Vincent dangerously, drinking in what the taller teen looked like. He was a little on the broad side with short green hair and piercing yellow eyes.
"Yes Rodney, it is sad. Probably still suckling their mum's tit those two."
Gou's fist balled tightly, ready to strike. He just needed one last push. Before it could be given however, someone came to his and Viktor's defence, shoving the bullies back a fair distance.
"Says the ones still tied to mama's apron strings. Go on and fuck off you degenerates. Leave the new boys in peace."
All through his chemistry class, Gou couldn't take his mind off the boy who had stood up to Rodney and Vincent, their spiked tresses of vibrant ginger hair forever captured in his mind's eye. Their soft, almost feminine voice ringing in his ears.
Who was that boy? Why'd he step in to stop a fight that didn't concern him?
In no time, Gou's final class was upon him…Physical Education. It was both his most and least favourite subject. He loved being active despite his lazy nature but loathed having to change around others. It just made him very uncomfortable. Gou changed into his P.E kit quickly and strode into the gym. The teacher for this class was a man probably around Kai's age.
He was a large man, smaller than Sergei but still pretty buff. Upon his head were luscious blonde locks, eyes a bouncy blue above cheerful freckles. The teacher noticed that Gou was the first student to arrive, walking over to him calmly.
"You must be Gou. I'm Mr. Mizahura but you can call me Max if it's easier. A little bird told me that Rodney and Vincent have already got their eyes on you. If those boys give you any grief at all, just let me know. Same goes for your little brother. Your day been well aside from those two?"
Gou merely nodded. Max struck him as a nice guy, fatherly even, but he wasn't ready to trust all these new adults just yet. All the other students piled into the gymnasium, preventing Max from saying anything else. To Gou's misfortune, Rodney was among them, putting as much distance between him and the red head as possible. After some warm-ups the session's activity was unveiled; badminton.
Gou had no idea what this sport was but it involved rackets similar to ones used in tennis only slimmer and a strange little thing called a shuttlecock. For Gou's benefit, Max explained the rules of badminton to him in a quiet corner. It sounded simple enough. Don't let the shuttlecock touch the ground on your side of the court. Gou's opponent just so happened to be the young man from earlier and his heart stopped dead.
He was beautiful! Emerald green eyes stared at him from within an unblemished pale ivory face framed by bolts of ginger hair. The boy didn't say anything, starting the match while Gou was still staring at him from lala land. Gou snapped out of his daze when the shuttlecock bonked him on the head making his opponent laugh.
"You're supposed to bat it back, silly."
Gou's face burned red with embarrassment. Why did this guy have to be so…so…so attractive?! Forcing his mind to focus on the task at hand, Gou served with unnecessary strength. It pleased his crush to see the fire burning within crimson eyes, his own dancing in the dim light. From across the room Max saw the sparks flying between the boys, a smile tugging at his lips.
Sergei stood waiting at the secondary school gates at around 3:30pm having already collected Saoirse as her school finished earlier. While she kept Raisa occupied, Sergei watched for any signs of Gou and Viktor.
Rei was nearby, smothered by a teenage girl hugging his face. Gou and Viktor emerged from the building looking no worse for wear but Sergei did notice how quickly Gou was moving. Had something happened?
A little distance away from them, Sergei spied the ginger haired boy calmly striding through the double doors. The brothers clambered into the car so fast Sergei didn't get chance to even open his mouth. Saoirse talked their ears off all the way back home and it was no surprise that Gou rocketed off upstairs and slammed his bedroom door shut.
'His first day can't have gone that badly.' Sergei mused, carrying Kai into the living room to sit him on the sofa.
Viktor stood somewhat awkwardly with Raisa in his arms, not used to holding the girl it seemed. Once Kai's youngest son had changed out of his uniform, Sergei sat him in the spacious back yard to talk.
"So Vik how was your first day?"
"It was ok." The short, curt response worried the fatherly butler, wrapping an arm around Viktor's shoulder.
"Viktor, I know you well enough by now to know when something's bothering you. Have you been bullied already?"
Viktor nodded shyly, burying his face into Sergei's loose t-shirt. Sergei had hoped the bullies would keep away longer than a few hours, figuring they poked fun at Viktor for clinging to Gou out of fear.
This thought was confirmed with quiet sobs but Viktor didn't repeat what had been said. Sergei dried mismatched eyes and gently kissed Viktor's forehead, a gesture that always filled the boy with comfort.
"Then this other boy showed up. He pushed the bullies away, telling them to leave us alone."
"Oh? Well if you see him tomorrow morning, point him out to me. I'd like very much to have a word with him."
"Kay uncle. Is dad getting better? He looked…less distant today."
Sergei gave Viktor a little squeeze making him squeak adorably. With him consoled, Sergei journeyed to the kitchen and made some drinks. Since Gou hadn't come down, his had to be taken up to him. He didn't respond to Sergei knocking on the door, causing worry to bubble in Sergei's gut.
Pushing the oaken door open, he was met immediately with the sight of Gou in the middle of changing, clad in only his red boxer shorts. Gou's face went a darker shade of red than before, lobbing his bag toward the door.
"UNCLE! GET THE HELL OUT YOU PERVERT!" Sergei quickly ducked behind the door, wondering what had put Gou on edge all of a sudden.
"Well next time don't ignore me you little fuck. The hell got your balls in a knot anyway?"
As expected Gou didn't respond. Sergei now understood how his parents must've felt dealing with him at Gou's age.
Everything went smoother the following morning. The kids all got up without complaint, put their uniforms on and ate breakfast quietly. Since Saoirse simply couldn't wait to get to school, Sergei dropped her off first. To everyone's surprise, Kai actually kissed her goodbye when she opened the door to hug him!
Gou was of two minds when the school gates loomed before him. Go in and get the day over with, or convince Sergei to let him play hookie. Chances of the latter bearing fruit were slim but he tried anyway.
Sergei sent Viktor in first, hoping he might find this knight in shining armour of his. Things ended up happening the opposite way around, the hero finding Viktor looking like a lost lamb.
"Hey little guy, where's your brother? Not off sick is he?"
Viktor suddenly felt very shy, grabbing the boys' hand and pulled him towards the car. Sergei saw his nephew coming, ducking out of the driver's seat. The handsome ginger visibly shrunk, terror rife in his eyes.
"Calm down kid, I'm not gonna clobber you. Viktor told me what happened yesterday, that you stepped in when a couple of bigger boys bullied him and his brother. I just wanted to thank you for doing the right thing."
The boy visibly relaxed, looking up at Sergei now with his usual smile. Glancing into the car, Sergei saw Gou trying to hide, his cheeks tinted pink. So that's why he was trying to get out of going to school. An idea surfaced in Sergei's mind, a somewhat evil one, but necessary.
"Say kid, what's your name?"
"Brooklyn, sir. I take it your not Viktor's father? I don't mean to pry but you don't exactly share a resemblance."
"I suppose you could say I'm his uncle, Brooklyn. Could you do me a favour and look after the boys? At least until they're settled. It might do Princess Charming behind me some good as well to have somebody his age to talk to."
Brooklyn seemed to recoil a little. And was that…a blush on his cheeks? Sergei chalked it up to being bashful for now, clapping Brooklyn on the back when he agreed to watch the brothers. Gou groaned and protested to being physically dragged out of the car, his bag thrown at him. Before he could walk away however, Sergei caught his shoulder and whispered to him.
"Go get him tiger. Just remember, second date, no tongue."
Gou pulled himself away from Sergei, his face far redder than it had been yesterday. Had the butler really just said that? Just because he thought another boy looked cute did not mean he fancied him! He was straight, damnit! Gou forced the mere thought of being attracted to another boy right out of his mind. If he was going to date anyone, it'd be a girl. Not a guy who looked like one.
Rei pulled up outside a nice looking manor early Saturday morning, marvelling at everything outside from the yellow gravel driveway to the well maintained flowerbeds. He'd had a long week and seeing all the bright colours blending harmoniously together eased his mind. Had it really been almost two weeks since he spoke with Sergei about helping Kai over his trauma?
Pulling up in front of the garage beside a minivan, Rei shut the engine down and prepared himself mentally. This was it. Today would be his first day properly working with the tormented father. Stepping up to the marvellous dark mahogany door, Rei pulled the nearby metal chain to ring the doorbell. Gou came to the door to Rei's surprise, headphones plugged into his ears. He stepped aside to let Rei in and vanished afterward. Sergei came stalking down the hallway and would've barked at Gou for being disrespectful but Rei held up a hand to silence him.
"It's fine Sergei. I'm still a stranger to the boy. Give him chance to come around on his own."
"That doesn't excuse his coldness. Please come in. I've just finished preparing a spot of tea. Kai's waiting for us in the conservatory."
Rei blinked in shock. There was a conservatory? Through the large kitchen window was the back yard. It was nearly the size of a football field! Just what did Sergei plan to do with all the space?! These thoughts seemed to broadcast themselves across Rei's face making Sergei chuckle.
"I'm sure we'll think of something, Rei. One lump or two?"
"Two please. Thank you. This place is beautiful, Sergei. I'd imagined the family to be wealthy but not THIS wealthy."
"Oh please, this little place is nothing compared to where Kai grew up. Back home he had a three storey mansion that has been in his family for generations. He still owns it of course. Didn't sit right with either of us to sell the place."
Rei understood Sergei's sentiment, recalling his distant home across the sea. Looking around the kitchen was a delight on the eyes. The walls were a mix of soft mocha shell embossed paper and rough stone bricks, the counters terracotta coloured wood topped with white veined black marble and a log fire carved out amongst the gray cobbles. Under foot was laminated wood and soft rugs in earthy colours.
Onto the mahogany table Sergei placed a large tray of cakes ranging from classics such as a Victoria sponge, blueberry muffins, Bundt cake and German chocolate cake to things Rei couldn't even identify. He assumed they were treats from Eastern Europe and it all smelled heavenly. How was he supposed to choose when everything looked so good?
The perplexed look on Rei's face delighted Sergei, briefly checking on Kai as he sat alone watching Viktor and Saoirse out at play. Once Rei had gorged himself enough of Sergei's fine cooking, he got down to business under watchful green eyes. As expected Kai didn't respond to anything or anyone.
After an hour of getting no response from his patient, Rei took a break in the yard to compile a short report. It bothered him that all Kai did was stare blankly out the conservatory window seemingly at his children but Rei doubted those empty crimson pits saw anything at all. Just as he finished, Viktor approached him nervously.
"Mr. Rei?"
"Hm? Hi there. It's…Viktor isn't it?"
"Uh-huh. Can you help dad?"
"I'm not sure but I'll try. Is there something on your mind?"
Viktor stared at the floor, tracing a circle with one of his feet, hands behind his back. Rei hated domestic abuse cases that involved children whether they were the victim or bystander.
"Why didn't dad put a stop to it? Uncle Sergei would've helped him."
"C'mere kid. Sit with me for a minute and I'll try my best to explain."
Viktor did as Rei asked, sitting beside him on the cushioned bench within touching distance. Now came the hard part; explaining how the mind of a abused person worked to a child who was indirectly affected by the abusers actions unto the abused.
"Your dad didn't reach out because he felt he didn't, couldn't, have control. He would've been scared and at some point it broke him. To him, the way out was closed. Male victims have a worse stigma on them so they often hide it as best they can. They feel powerless, that nobody would believe them. Eventually they start moving on autopilot more or less and it's awful."
Rei paused for a moment to sip at a glass of cool lemonade sat beside him. It also gave Viktor time to process everything he'd been told up to that point. The raven haired therapist could only hope it all made sense. Describing the mind of abuse victims was never an easy or pleasant task for anybody.
"I'm not trying to downplay the struggles of women going through domestic abuse. They have it bad too and I know it's there. The problem is there just isn't enough outreach of support for both genders. So you see Viktor, your dad was ashamed to admit to what went on. I know if I were in his shoes, I'd feel the same. The other reason he kept quiet until the abuse nearly killed him was because he feared your mother would have any claim he made turned against him and take you away. Add to all this what he suffered growing up at the hands of his parents, your dad saw it as a normal occurrence."
"But dad never did anything to hurt us. Not if he could help it."
Rei softened, wrapping an arm around Viktor's shoulder to pull him close.
"That's because your dad knows better. He wants you and your siblings to have a better life, to live a childhood that was stolen from him. I can't say if he'll recover enough to marry again though. Honestly I doubt Sergei would allow it. How would you feel Viktor? If your dad married another woman? Or maybe another man?"
Viktor hummed and bobbed his head to Rei's question, his legs swinging.
"If they were nice, I wouldn't mind. Dad deserves to be happy. But it'd be weird if he married Uncle Sergei. I know they're close and think maybe they had something similar to what dad had with mom."
"So do I, Viktor. So do I. Now then, what say you to helping me to assist your dad over his demons? Truth is Viktor, I fear this task is far too great for me to tackle alone."
To Rei's relief Viktor nodded excitedly but his expression darkened soon after. If a therapist couldn't help then how could he even begin to try? It honestly broke Rei's heart to see one so young look so defeated.
"But Mr. Rei…if you aren't able to do anything how am I going to do any better? I do want to help father over what he's gone through, honest. But…I don't even know the first thing about supporting somebody through that kinda stuff."
Heaving a soft sigh, Rei got Viktor to look at him directly, his golden orbs depicting untold wisdom.
"I never said I couldn't help, Viktor. Only that the task I'm burdened with is too difficult to face alone. All you have to do is give your dad a little more affection than usual. If Saoirse can do the same it would be great. It's better than doing nothing at all, don't you think?"
Viktor couldn't argue with Rei's reasoning, hurrying off to find his oldest sister and tell her the plan of action. Rei's next biggest obstacle would be Gou. Earning the broody teen's trust was not easy for many reasons. He avoided all contact with new people where possible. And if the tales Rei's daughter wove were anything to go by, Gou was already being targeted by the school's local bullies.
Rei remained at the manor for a couple hours more, mostly so he could get to know Saoirse better and explain to her how she could help Kai get better…well try to anyway. It warmed Sergei to see the siblings getting on well with somebody new, bouncing Raisa on his knees to hopefully familiarize her with Rei being present faster. Because if she did have issues later in life due to Tanya's abuse, Raisa would need his help.
So first things first, I can't fully remember how a day in senior school went in the UK as it's been a whopping 13 years since I left. I remember that the morning and afternoon both had a tutor room period (kind of like home room in other countries) and two education periods. If a fellow brit is reading this, please let me know if I'm getting stuff muddled up. I'm using early 2000s school not "modern" school.
Secondly, I felt it appropriate to expand on why Kai didn't come forward about the abuse he suffered. As (I hope) most of us know, he's one proud dude and would never admit to something he felt ashamed of.
I'm having some indecision with Brooklyn's eyes. All pictures of him I have show him with blue eyes but I swear they're meant to be green. The other two boys I can confirm are non-canon children of two male beybladers but I'mma leave y'all to figure out whose sons they are.
With how I'm planning things, this may run for more than 4 chapters. I want to take my time, experiment with the pairings I have in mind. Not sure when chapter 3 is coming since I have to restart it due to my little hiccup. I can promise a few returning characters will be in chapter 3, some from a story i used to have on here but removed for my own reasons.