It has taken me far longer than anticipated to get this chapter done. Doesn't help that I've decided to write a run-along story to this following Sergeant Varskovitz on his journey prior to being reunited with his brother. In a sense I guess it has helped me to sink my teeth back in here. It will be getting uploaded soon, possibly with this story's next update. Zephyr's Journey is currently 4 chapters long and I'm gnawing at the fifth as of this upload.
Usual keys apply. "foreign speak" ("calls") ["written messages"]
5
Preparations for the pool party were finished in time for July 10th and it was thankfully a bright, sunny day out. Raul had been a huge help getting everything ready a day or two prior, Merida and Vivi too. Thanks to them, a big spread of food accompanied the fairly sized cake. Rei would be bringing a few bits too just to throw in some variety. Sergei was understandably apprehensive about Rüshi coming over to celebrate her cousin's birthday. He didn't even know she and her step brothers were invited until they showed up at the door with Max and Mithra.
By the time they arrived, Raul and Vivi were keeping Kai, Viktor and his sisters company, the red haired Spaniard keeping a close eye on all four occupants of the generously sized paddling pool. Viktor was already making use of the much larger swimming pool. Itaru and Topher would've jumped in with him if Max didn't grab them quick enough.
"Not so fast you two. We should go and thank Kai for having us over first."
Said father's face fell the moment he saw Sergei's daughter. He hadn't forgotten that night a couple months ago. Mithra assured him that no trouble would be caused this time, giving Rüshi a very pointed look before moving to the far back end of the pool with her and Max in tow. The boys wasted no time getting their feet wet, happy as can be. What mattered to Kai the most was seeing his youngest son actually smiling as he splashed around with the other boys.
Sergei was just trotting downstairs with some towels when Gou strode through the front door, and he wasn't alone. At his back was a blue haired green eyed girl with warm ivory skin and a fairly slim build. This was the first time Sergei had seen Kai's young twin with a girl who wasn't Saoirse. And judging by how she held Gou's hand, they weren't exactly casual friends. But why choose now to introduce her? And how long had they been together?
Gou stared Sergei down for a good 5 minutes, daring his butler uncle to make a snide comment or something along those lines. Surprisingly, he said nothing. Just turned on his heel and with long, purposeful strides, headed towards the back yard. Gou left his companion on her own briefly to go change, coming back in ¾ cargo pants, a t-shirt and strap sandals. Stepping into the pool area, he saw immediately that some unwanted faces had shown up.
"So then, who's this?"
Gou would've hit the ceiling if there was one; turning to face Sergei who was setting a nearby folding table with food. Of course the butler would wait until his guard was dropped to say anything. Worse still, Sergei scaring the pants off him made the unnamed maiden giggle. When Gou answered, his tone oozed with irritance.
"Uncle, this is Mariam. Mariam, this overgrown goofball is my Uncle Sergei."
"Who're you calling goofball, spiky? It's a pleasure to meet you, Mariam. I trust Gou has treated you with the utmost respect?"
Mariam's cheeks turned pink but Gou's went fifty shades darker. Before he could bark about it being none of Sergei's business, a dainty hand was lifted to silence him.
"We've actually not been together long. A couple of weeks at most. He's not doing too badly far as respect goes. Right now it's finding a good balance that we're working on."
Gou tugged Mariam away to save himself any further embarrassment, leading her past the paddling pool and over to the right side where a long line of deck chairs awaited. Had the lovebirds lingered, they would've seen Kai quiver with unease to the sight of a strange woman. Sergei plucked Raisa from the water for a quick cuddle, not wanting the tot to spend too long being wet. A rouge blush kissed Kai's cheeks when Raul gave him similar treatment. Only now did he realise that the redhead was shirtless, leaning into a warm, toned torso when being eased onto a chair. Raul tolerated the sudden want for cuddles with a smile, rubbing a soothing circle into a soggy back. It was most unlike Kai to be snugly with someone who wasn't family.
Not 20 minutes later, Sergei was back at the door. This time it was to let Kou and Merida in. Accompanying them was a strapping young man whose skin bore a natural pale tan from much time outdoors. Mildly spiked creamy blonde hair stopped at toned shoulders, streaked and tipped with bolts of chocolate brown while mismatched eyes were somewhat reminiscent of a husky; the right shining a deep sea blue and the left gleamed brown. Kou's unnamed pal possessed an athletic build but was not devoid of muscle, especially around the legs.
Sergei surmised that this youth enjoyed sports; much like Gou did, taking in what the boy wore. He could usually read one's personality by their choice of clothing and colours. A semi tight purple tank top was paired with matching arm bands, minty green knee length trunks topped by a pale yellow waist, white socks and casual maroon leather flip-flops with a strap over the foot rather than between the toes. Looking a bit closer at the boy's face, Sergei noticed something. While the rest of this unnamed teen was definitely male, their face looked more female with thick lashes and soft angles. Overall, they looked harmless enough, a small shoulder bag hanging at their side.
"Kou, Merida, it's good to see you could make it."
Kou fearlessly grasped Sergei's outstretched hand, giving it a firm squeeze. Merida got a kiss to her cheeks, watched by curious eyes. Lastly Sergei returned his green gaze onto the silent teen, mildly surprised when a tanned hand was extended to him.
"Angel Penrose. It's a pleasure to meet you Mr. Petrov."
An involuntary shiver raced down Sergei's spine at the thick yet smooth Cornish accent flowing from Angel's lips, completing the proposed handshake silently.
"Kou insisted I come meet the birthday boy and his brother. Though I'm not sure their social circle is going to get much bigger through knowing me."
"Well Angel, one new friend is better than none. Come on through, the boys are out back."
Before Sergei could close the door, Rei and Rin came into view weighed down by bags.
Since Sergei clearly had more to set up, introducing Angel fell on Kou's shoulders. A shrill whistle distracted the brothers from what they were doing but Gou elected to ignore Merida's boyfriend. That was until Viktor padded over and dragged him by the wrist, grumbling about him not being a wet blanket for once. Mariam couldn't help but laugh as she watched her boyfriend getting pulled away by his slightly shorter sibling. Kou opened his mouth to get introductions underway, halted by a rogue towel almost knocking poor Viktor back into the pool. Once the assaulted boy dried himself off, Kou could continue.
"Gou, Viktor, this is Angel. He's a good buddy of mine and I'm hoping yours too in time."
Said blonde started digging around in his bag and pulled out what looked like a wrapped box, holding it out to Viktor once he clarified which brother was who. The gift was examined with great confusion, eyes of green and crimson questioning why this stranger was giving something to their owner.
"Well don't just stand there gawking, Vik." Sergei quipped from the food table. "Angel went through the trouble of bringing you a birthday present even though he didn't have to so be a good lad and take it."
Viktor did as he was told, but not without apprehension. Tearing the paper away, he discovered it wasn't a box. Beneath the neat wrapping was the sequel to a book he'd been reading.
"It's not much." Angel provided as he nervously scratched the back of his head. "Just a little something to apologise for barging in basically uninvited. Kou said you liked reading and have taken a liking to that series in particular. It's pretty good, but I'm more of a science fiction lover myself."
"Thanks Angel. Really. I'm almost done with the first book and this saves me the hassle of hunting the sequel down. I've never considered looking into science fiction; maybe you could recommend a good place to start?"
"Certainly. I'll have a look through my collection tonight and see if I've got anything that might interest you. How about you, Gou?"
Questioned teen merely glared at Angel wanting nothing to do with the charming blonde, turning on his heel intent on returning to Mariam but Sergei had other ideas. He crept up on Kai's grouchy double and tossed him into the pool. Everyone except Gou found it hilarious as he scrabbled for the edge looking like a drowned rat. It wasn't that he couldn't swim; he was actually quite good at it. But if he wanted to take a dip, it would be on his terms, nobody else's. Wringing his clothes and hair out as best he could, Gou flopped back onto the chair at Mariam's side with a huff of intense irritance. Shaking his head in amusement, Kou took Angel to meet Kai while Rin took charge of Merida's chair, wheeling the paraplegic girl over to where Rüshi sat.
Viktor momentarily vanished to put his new book away and upon returning he canon balled back into the pool, soaking Sergei in the process giving everyone something else to howl at. Unlike his master, the buff butler was far less shy about taking his shirt off, hanging the now soggy garment over the nearby fence. He would've jumped in to give Viktor a taste of his own medicine but typically the doorbell chimed, saving the boys for now. Sergei didn't expect to see Zephyr so soon, a hooded youth at his side. Claws clacking on tiles heralded Rover's coming but Kai's only sibling was ready for him this time, throwing a juicy bone to distract the protective canine.
No words were exchanged, Sergei still uneasy with Zephyr being around the family he'd all but abandoned as he allowed the father son duo into the building. Kai's day was made just by seeing his brother, baffled as to why his nephew hid their face. He couldn't remember Zephyr being shy at that age or ever for that matter. Itaru and Topher called out to the hooded teen but got no response. A thousand scenarios ran through Sergei's mind as to why Zephyr's child wouldn't take their hoodie off, none of them pleasant. He simply couldn't deny the possibility of him being physically and verbally abusive like his father before him.
Max would've moved to action but Zephyr shifted first; unzipping his son's top and tore it away with restrained force. The boy that emerged from beneath it was not what Kai or Sergei expected. While he shared Zephyr's hair and eyes, his skin was shockingly brown, several shades darker than Angel's. Expressions of surprise were met with a stern glare warning that any unpleasant comments would not go unpunished. Zephyr strode over to Kai when summoned, dragging his unnamed heir with him. Acceptance replaced shock in Kai's eyes as he carefully reached for his nephew's hand, strangely unsurprised when the boy kept out of reach.
"Aiden, that's no way to treat your uncle. He's not going to tear your fingers off. All you need to be mindful of is his lower back."
Saoirse and Viktor stared on in confusion as this new kid was taken into their father's arms, and although they'd seen others with similar or darker skin to Aiden, people of different colours was still a new concept to them. One thing that often bothered Viktor was how Zephyr spoke their native tongue, and frighteningly fluently. Surely it couldn't just be a coincidence? There was no chance to ask by the time he thought to, watching as Kai was lifted from his seat and carried inside with Sergei close behind, straining to hear Zephyr muttering but couldn't gleam what the cold eyed blonde was saying. Aiden moved over to Max once his father vanished and tried desperately to hide in the older man's side.
Meanwhile, the missing adults all gathered in a small office of sorts at Zephyr's insistence. Sergei wasn't sure he liked the secrecy all of a sudden, keeping his guard up. Kai didn't like it either but for different reasons, cautiously reaching out for his sibling's hand hoping it would offer him some comfort at least. Zephyr did not shy away from the gesture, a small smile pulling at his lips. It seemed that after all these years their roles were about to be reversed. Every tick of the wall mounted clock was torture for the trio until finally, Zephyr found his voice that had temporarily abandoned him.
"Kai, no amount of apologies can make amends for the pain I've caused you little brother. And I owe you more than just a quick detailing of the last 24 years but that's all I have to give. As should be obvious by now, it wasn't me who burned in that crash with our parents. Rather…I was the one who planned it with help from some…unsavoury friends."
Something clicked in Sergei's memory, his broad hands tightening around Kai's shoulders as he mentally replayed one specific morning over and over.
"So those letters me, Yuriy, Ivan and Boris received were part of your failed liberation?"
"You could say that. But the request I put to you was no less sincere, Sergei. With me gone, the only people Kai had left were his friends. Four stubborn boys who I entrusted his safety to without hesitation. I remained in Moscow until after the funeral, boarding a plane early the following morning."
A sheet of paper being slid towards him gave Zephyr momentary pause, closely scanning the penned words upon it. He'd expected that Kai might have some struggle properly grasping everything told so far. Around his baby brother, Zephyr had usually been quite mild mannered unless said sibling got bullied. Those were the only times he displayed any form of violence. Heaving a sigh, Zephyr took Kai's hands into his own, eyes developing a sheen of shame.
"Looking back on it now, I'm not proud of what I did, far from it. But at the time all I could think to do was get rid of them. The authorities were effectively useless across the board because of the power our family held. As for where I went…well I planted roots right here in Cornwall, in Liskeard initially. At first I was placed with an elderly couple who lived with their grandson but after a while things got…difficult between us. I'd been there a couple months when Ashley's girlfriend went missing. Turned out she'd been abducted by a gang of paedophiles and forced to spend nights on the streets as a prostitute. My attempt to sneak in backfired and I ended up as just another toy to them once they'd given me a beating."
Saying Kai was shocked would be an understatement. Hearing that his big brother had been exposed to such horrors mortified him. Sergei figured it hadn't been so clean cut. So that begged the question as to why Ashley adopted a different outlook on his new sibling. Zephyr saw Sergei was steadily putting everything together, solving the riddle for him.
"I was forced to rape his girlfriend…and they recorded every second of it. They must've drugged me or something because I was pretty out of it for days. Both of us were gagged and blindfolded for almost the whole thing. It wasn't until the police started asking questions about the abuse I suffered that I learned who those bastards pushed me onto. For weeks afterward all I could see in my dreams was that footage. I know she saw it too because I couldn't get anywhere near her to somehow apologise and get it across that those actions weren't mine. Ashley had it in his head that I was willing and made life for me a living hell all over again."
Once more Kai slid a scrawled message across the table, a question that caused a strong back to stiffen.
["What did Ashley do to you?"]
Zephyr didn't need to answer with words; his body freezing at the memory of two days in particular spoke loudly for him. Kai moved from his chair to Zephyr's lap with unexpected speed, launching with such force that Sergei barely had chance to register he'd shot off. Tempting as it was to accept the offer of a shoulder to cry on, weeping would be a waste of precious time. Swallowing the stubborn lump in his throat, Zephyr moved on.
"I ended up spending the next two years with a different family, one whose child loved me as a brother after I'd rescued him from the local bullies. 1988 saw me enrolling at the police academy as planned. To be more independent, I got a small place nearby in another neighbourhood. A few of Ashley's friends enlisted too but I'm not sure how many of them actually graduated nor do I particularly care. We weren't exactly chums. It was at the academy I met Aiden's mother, Holly."
From a pouch on his belt, Zephyr revealed a small book and opened it to the 30th page. In the photograph stood a much younger version of him with a girl under his arm. Her skin was noticeably darker but she wasn't pitch black, rather more a shade of chocolate standing out against Zephyr's pale ivory tone. Flaming copper-red hair hung in neat waves, chestnut eyes giving the impression that this young lady possessed a cheerful personality; yet another stark contrast to the man who fell head over heels for her.
"First time I saw her we were in the academy gym. Soon as I laid my eyes on Holly I just…needed to have her. I'd had many a girlfriend before we met but none of them clicked with me the way she did. There was this…emotional numbness inside until then. At the time it didn't register in my mind just how different we were in appearance."
Sergei eyed the picture curiously from behind his master. Holly must've been a special woman indeed if she wasn't cast aside after a quickie in an otherwise public place. Zephyr was not a man who made long term commitments so hastily. After a moment of silence, the story continued.
"Given the time period, people of colour were subjected to a lot of racist treatment and Holly was no exception despite being native to this country. I made absolutely certain she was willing before diving in but for some strange reason it didn't sit right with me afterward. As if she surrendered out of fear. Reaching out was difficult, mostly because all I had was her surname. Eventually I grew a pair and asked one of the other female cadets to pass a message on for me along with a small bouquet of flowers. Next time I saw her was on the way to or from a lecture. And I mean truly saw her, skin and all. Then some punk spat a racial slur towards Holly and her friend and I just snapped. Damn near broke the fucker's nose too."
Kai and Sergei both subconsciously rubbed their own noses, as if they'd just been slugged themselves. Neither of them felt sorry for the guy Zephyr whacked, not wanting to be in his shoes for even a split second.
The next maybe five photos were just Zephyr and Holly out on apparent dates, happier than pigs in mud spending time together. Halfway through the book came several new faces, likely Holly's relatives. Zephyr didn't say much about them, only that Mr. Fairfax hated his guts for a good while and Holly's big brother Jerome toured with a sect of the military so he wasn't seen very often. Next up came what looked like a ball of some kind. Zephyr looked not at all amused in a uniform while Holly donned a halter neck dress. If Kai had to guess, he'd say this photo was of a graduation ceremony. No explanation was needed for the next one. Dead center under gazes of scrutiny, shock and delight knelt Zephyr holding one of Holly's hands, presenting her with a ring. Judging by how happy and relieved he looked in the following snap, she'd said yes.
"That was the happiest day of my life for a little while. We were married later that year, September 4th 1990. Holly's old man wasn't impressed when she told him of our decision to move out of Liskeard a few days prior to the wedding. Moved into a cosy little house about a 10 minute drive from here, settled in and gradually got to know our neighbours. Quite a few of them had some strong words to say about mixed race couples. Elderly folks who were living like it was still 1950 or earlier when the racism was far worse. We weren't the only mixed couple in the 'hood. Max and his wife Sophie lived across the street. She was straight up Japanese while he's American/Japanese. It's just hard to tell unless you look real close."
Zephyr flicked through several pages, stopping on the first ones featuring Aiden. Holly looked absolutely exhausted tucked into a hospital bed, baby nestled against her breast. Jerome made an appearance in a couple images looking like a chuffed uncle and giving Zephyr some unwanted brotherly love. Kai was a bit jealous in truth. He should've been there for all of these major events. Yet instead everything went from better to worse for him, starting with his marriage to Tanya.
Zephyr closed the book and put it away, well aware that seeing the contents was upsetting his little brother. He'd already side-tracked enough anyway. Soon as the small album was gone a sour air settled around the room, weighing heavy on Zephyr's shoulders in particular. Sergei had been waiting for the "Hiwatari Curse" to strike again and by the feel of things, it hit hard.
"This brings me to why my plan to come home got derailed. It wasn't because I forgot or stopped caring. At least…not intentionally. The first criminal Holly and I caught together got released shortly after Aiden's 5th birthday. He used to be a fellow cadet but got kicked out within the first year. It never sat right with me that Holly went out of town with some friends to see a concert. Not that I didn't trust her, it was more that I wouldn't be there to protect her. First night the girls checked into a hotel, Seamus McGregor broke in with a small gang of thugs. Holly was in the bedroom at the time and went to investigate when she heard screaming."
There was a long pause filled with absolute silence and Kai already didn't like where the story progressed, flinching when Zephyr grabbed his hand tightly; seeking comfort that he readily gave.
"Soon as Holly opened the door she was struck over the head, pushed to her bed and…Seamus raped her at gunpoint before shooting five rounds into her. Holly was dead long before help arrived. I didn't know what happened until a couple of fellow officers requested that I identify a murdered woman. My memory of exactly what happened is vague but what I do recall is every part of my body going numb, as if each individual cell died on the spot. Holly's autopsy report delivered another devastating blow. She was 3 months pregnant and hadn't told me. A recorder was found at the scene containing an audio message…from Holly to me and our son. Everything that happened to her was caught on tape and camera. Given my relationship to Seamus's victim, I wasn't allowed to touch my wife's case, assured that our colleagues wouldn't rest until they caught him."
"But you couldn't just sit back, could you Zephyr? It's not in your nature to let other people sort out your problems."
"No, Sergei. Seamus would just get put back behind bars if they arrested him. That wouldn't be true justice for the agony thrust upon me and my son by his hand. So I left Aiden with Max for a couple days to deliver Seamus's punishment personally. Upon finding him, I made sure he suffered every pain Holly had been forced to experience the night she died. Even with the broom handle I'd rammed into his anal cavity Seamus still had the gall to twist the knife, claiming that Holly had enjoyed him raping her, that she'd screamed his name in delight at the end even though I'd already heard proof to the contrary. It was the last mistake Seamus McGregor would make. I left him down that cold, dark alleyway to die the same way Holly did, 5 bullets lodged into the exact same spots he shot her in."
Revisiting all he'd suffered finally broke Zephyr, reducing him to silent tears in the crook of Kai's neck. Sergei might not approve of the traumatised blonde as family but he still felt for him. The fate dealt was just too cruel. Pushing his tears back, Zephyr croaked on.
"After Holly's funeral…I relapsed pretty badly. For nearly 3 years, Aiden helplessly watched as I destroyed myself on drugs and prostitutes with both my addictions going full throttle. One of the women who frequently visited saw him one day and decided it was high time I cleaned my act up, calling in a non-hooker friend. Since then, Evelyn has been a mother figure to Aiden. And she's kept my sorry ass on the straight and narrow. Now I'm not sure I can even imagine life without her."
"Does Aiden know? About what happened to his mom?"
Zephyr shook his head looking ashamed. "Only told him what he needed to know at the time; that she'd been taken away and wasn't coming back. I guess I'm afraid he'd blame me for not protecting her. Wouldn't exactly be wrong to either. Even now I can't help thinking Holly would still be here if I'd been there or stopped her walking out that door."
Movement outside caused the trio to stiffen. Sergei took it upon himself to go and see who was there, figuring it might just be Rover. Instead of the dog, he found Aiden looking quite lost and very afraid. Sergei couldn't blame the boy for being scared; he was intimidating at the best of times.
"Sup kid? Your dad will be out soon."
"O-okay. W-where's the bathroom?"
"Down the hall under the stairs on the right. Can't miss the door it's bleach white."
Aiden scurried out of sight and Sergei couldn't help but chuckle a little. The kid had Zephyr's looks but absolutely none of the personality. Heading back into the office after fetching some glasses of water, he saw that Kai was no longer straddling his brother's lap but Zephyr had visibly scooched his chair closer. Now that Sergei thought about it, keeping the brothers apart wouldn't be fair on them or Aiden. No doubt Kai was eager to catch up on the fifteen years he'd already missed with his nephew. Zephyr wasn't out for sympathy, just understanding and he got both.
"Well, little brother. I've told you what's gone on with me; now I want to know why you're in a wheelchair. When I left home you had two perfectly good legs. You've a wife somewhere, haven't you? Sergei told me that grandfather forced you into a marriage to suit his needs."
Kai did want to tell Zephyr how his life went pear shaped, but would Sergei allow it? He'd already been told a little, what harm could it do to tell him the rest? The look of seriousness on Zephyr's face softened to one of concern and affection. Not knowing why his baby brother had been maimed was killing him.
"Someone once told me; you can't heal what you don't reveal. Maybe talking about it won't help right away, but it's a step in the right direction. Please Kai, talk to me. I'm here and I want to help."
Sergei was still reluctant to divulge more than he already had. There was no telling what Zephyr would do to Tanya once he knew how badly she'd damaged Kai and Raisa. Crimson eyes warned that no argument would be tolerated, demanding that the truth be said.
"Very well, Kai. I'll tell him as you wish it. For some time, Kai's life did improve. Voltaire to my knowledge never raised a hand to him but that didn't mean he wasn't controlling of his only remaining grandson. We were going through college when he announced the arranged marriage to some wealthy Irishman's daughter. I suspect Tanya knew that I'd learned why her father set up her betrothal to your brother."
"Let me guess. Bastard wanted our money?"
Zephyr's prediction was rewarded with a nod of confirmation. To Kai however this was not something he'd been aware of.
"It wasn't too hard to figure out. She only pretended to adore her forced spouse, tolerating being near him just long enough to find a way of getting his pennies. Much to my own irritance, your brother played his part beautifully. Over the 16 years they were married, Kai did grow feelings for Tanya. And when the abuse started 3 years ago, he silently took it up until the day she almost killed him."
Zephyr visibly tensed, his eyes sharpening into the most deadly slits Sergei had seen him give. If Tanya ever got out of prison she would need to be very mindful of who walked behind her. Kai was given a moment to calm down as he trembled nearly beyond control. Providing he'd judged Zephyr correctly, Sergei knew the next part would piss him off even more.
"The day I decided enough was enough and took all the evidence I'd gathered to file a domestic abuse charge, Tanya dragged both Kai and their daughter Raisa down to the basement where she tortured them. By the time I got back…Kai was a bloody mess on the floor. She likely planned to plant evidence to have me arrested for the murder committed by her hand, gaining full control over Kai's fortune and their other three kids. The divorce is still processing currently and if the bitch ever gets released from prison, she'll have zero rights to anything Kai owns on top of being denied visitation with his children. So that, Zephyr, is why your brother is paralysed from the waist down and why we moved out of Russia."
Yet again Sergei was met with another unexpected emotion in Zephyr's repertoire; guilt. Though if he really thought about it, what big brother wouldn't feel responsible for their sibling getting hurt? It was no secret that Zephyr cared deeply for Kai, angered by what their parents put him through. And if the green eyed butler was being honest, it hurt pretty badly to hear the endless string of whimpered apologies as the brothers shared yet another embrace.
"I'm so sorry. You needed me and I wasn't there. All I've ever done is let you down. But I did try, brother. Holly knew everything; about my life before meeting her and about you. She convinced me to reach out. I…at first I couldn't. When we were arranging our wedding, I did want you to be there, Kai. But deep inside me there was this…daunting fear that you wouldn't believe it was really me. On top of that I was certain grandfather hadn't relinquished his hold on you."
"And you couldn't risk Voltaire learning you'd lived as well as set up your parents' murder."
"Exactly. There was no guarantee he'd just let me go about my life now I'd finally tasted true freedom. Holly was about 5 months pregnant when I eventually found my balls and picked up the phone. Thinking back, it was a woman I spoke to that day. When I told her who I was, that I wanted to see my little brother again and for him to meet his niece or nephew, she shrugged me off. Accused me of being a thief after my brother's fortune because Zephyr Hiwatari died 9 years prior. I kept trying but none of my calls or letters got through. In the end…I gave up, shortly before Holly was taken from me. It honestly felt like I wasn't wanted. Part of me had always been naïve enough to think you'd just up and forgive me."
Kai gave Sergei no chance to berate his brother further, holding Zephyr tighter. Tanya never mentioned any calls or letters to him, thinking that she likely deleted any answer phone messages and burned every letter that possibly came with pictures as proof of Zephyr's claim. Having his staff wound around her finger worked against him too.
Getting Zephyr calm again took a lot of back rubs and forehead kisses, but Kai managed to soothe him in time for his mobile to start ringing. He was on it for only a few minutes, to a woman from what Sergei could gather. When Zephyr turned back around, Kai saw a request he was none too eager to grant. He wanted to introduce Evelyn to him. Had that been her on the phone? It didn't take a scientist to decipher the look painted across Kai's face. What Tanya did had planted a fear in him, one that would not be easily quelled.
"Kai, it's okay. I promise Evie is soft as a kitten. You've nothing to be afraid of, little brother. I'm not gonna let anybody hurt you again. I'll keep Evie at a distance you're comfortable with, okay?"
For once, Sergei was on Zephyr's side. He knew Kai couldn't live the rest of his life being terrified of the opposite sex. But it was strange. He displayed no fear of Rin or Mithra though the latter was a bit more understandable. Rüshi's mother had been the most supportive woman to ever enter Kai's life so it was possible he still trusted her. Viktor and Saoirse would likely be getting very worried by now but Zephyr wanted to wait for Evelyn to arrive before returning to the pool area. For the time being, Sergei settled with giving the siblings some reassurance. A text coming through on his way back to the office set Sergei's nerves ablaze. He hadn't expected Zephyr to show up at all, let alone with Aiden who was being squeezed to death by his crippled uncle by the time Sergei returned; concerned that the party was going to get somewhat derailed when the surprise guests arrived.
Only once he sat back down did Sergei realise Brooklyn hadn't turned up. Perhaps the handsome ginger was busy and couldn't make it? A knock at the door some ten minutes later distracted Sergei from thinking to ask one of the current attendees if they might be able to contact him, hopes of the caller being Brooklyn dashed with the appearance of a maple-skinned woman. Like Holly, she had wavy metallic red hair but her eyes were a creamy gold.
Taking a step back, Sergei took in the rest of the unnamed lady he assumed to be Evelyn. She was a little on the thin side, draped in a simple summer dress and bore a scar over her left eye that stopped just shy of a beauty spot. Compared to Holly, she was more of a twig but attractive to the right man. Realising that leaf green orbs were devouring every inch of her made the girl blush deep scarlet, stumbling back a little when the door opened wider to reveal the missing half of Sergei's body.
"S-Sorry to bother you, sir b-but I'm looking for Zephyr Varskovitz."
"You must be Evelyn. Please, come inside. We've been expecting you."
As Evelyn warily stepped through the door, Zephyr came into view with Aiden at his side and Kai cradled in strong arms looking like a blushing bride. Closing the door with a quiet click, Sergei observed how Aiden reacted to his step-mother's arrival. Happiness was there in his eyes…and disappointment. Evelyn didn't need telling that he'd hoped it would just be him and his dad for a change. When she spoke to him, it was in a language only he understood. While Zephyr couldn't understand a word, he was familiar with the tones and accentuations, quietly explaining to the confused duo that Holly had taught Aiden the language Afrikaans.
For now it was assumed the boy hadn't learned a word of Russian; at least not intentionally. Knowing Zephyr he probably went off on tangents every now and then in his native tongue out of habit or because it was unlikely anybody would understand a word he rambled. That's assuming he was anything like Sergei who did just that any time he slipped up in the kitchen or something. The words just came out easier. Creamy gold eyes turning onto him made Kai very fidgety, wriggling out of Zephyr's arms as best he could and into Sergei's. Evelyn was taken a short distance away both so that Kai might calm down and so she could be given a brief run down of why he shied away. A heartbroken look printed itself across Evelyn's face to what Zephyr revealed.
Every step closer Evelyn took caused Kai's grip on Sergei's neck to tighten until he was practically strangling him. Aiden couldn't stand to watch his uncle curling up in fear, reaching out to try and offer comfort only to pull away soon as he touched Kai's quivering back. He looked to be in pain. Zephyr was beside his son in an instant, soothing and hushing what ailed him. Aiden's ramblings were mostly illegible but from what Sergei managed to grasp the boy had seen something that caused him great distress alongside physical pain. Kai identified that it was by touching him this agony attacked his nephew, guilt building in his chest. Once Aiden calmed down, Zephyr explained what just went on.
"Ever since Aiden was little he's had this…ability to see things no normal person can. It first reared its head 11 years ago. I'd been on my way out to work and Aiden grabbed my leg to try and stop me, recoiling with the most agonised scream I'd ever heard. He cried about seeing a nightmarish version of me with warped skin. Later that day…a fire broke out inside a day care centre. Tearing my way into the building I didn't pay heed to my own safety and almost paid the ultimate price. Luckily I was able to escape major harm, flaming debris setting my left leg ablaze."
Zephyr paused, feeling Aiden tense and push against him. It couldn't be easy for the teen to be reminded of that day. His son consoled, Zephyr continued.
"I was fortunate enough to escape with scarring of my lower leg and thigh, not counting any damage taken from smoke inhalation. Never before had Holly or myself seen Aiden as distraught as he was that evening. Couple weeks later his mom had to go run an errand and as she went to leave, another vision struck him. This time of her…riddled with holes. For days afterward Aiden refused to sleep in his own bed."
"So you're saying he has precognitive abilities but can't control them?"
"That's what Holly's mom and a psychiatrist said when we described what happened. I just feel so powerless when they strike, Sergei, knowing there's naught I can do but hold him."
Said butler had a rough idea what Aiden likely saw; Kai beaten nearly to death on a cold stone floor. But that had already come to pass and his ability seemed to trigger for things yet to occur. Or maybe it was evolving to show him a person's near death experiences? For a parent, there was no feeling worse than powerlessness when it came to their kids. And by the sounds of things, Zephyr had shouldered more than his fair share over the years. Aiden pushed away from his same sex parent, sobbing apologetically. When asked what he was so sorry for, Kai's nephew branded himself a weakling and a freak; pulling forward a new side to Zephyr as a parent as he took hold of Aiden's arms firmly but not tight enough to harm him.
"You are not weak, Aiden. And seeing the things you do doesn't make you a freak. I will slap the shit out of anyone who would dare to say otherwise. Special is what you are, Aiden. I could never ask for a more perfect son than the one I already have."
"But…I couldn't save mom. She died because of me."
"Ey! That wasn't your fault, Aiden. Look at me!"
Aiden lifted his teary eyes from the floor, connecting for a moment with Zephyr's stern but caring gaze.
"Aiden Lukasha Obi Varskovitz you will look at me when I'm talking to you."
The recital of his name in full made Aiden shiver, reluctantly locking eyes with Zephyr.
"You listen to me, da? What happened to Holly wasn't your fault. Neither of us could've known she wasn't going to come home. Maybe…maybe for a little while I did cast some blame on you, back when that dark place lulled me into its devious arms. It was MY fault we lost your mother, not yours. I had the power to stop her and didn't."
All at once, Zephyr mellowed, cupping Aiden's face in his large hands. He couldn't and wouldn't let his son shoulder any blame.
"It's possible you don't remember, Aiden, but you saved my life after she left us. Evie was just bringing you home from school when another vision came. In it you saw me lying on the floor at home, dying. That's what you told her, anyway."
Aiden did remember that afternoon, all too well in fact. How could he forget seeing his father foaming at the mouth from a drug overdose? Parts of what happened were foggy but most of it had cleared as he worked through what transpired while growing up. If Aiden allowed himself a little honesty, seeing Zephyr like that was far more painful than being told his mom wasn't coming back. Evelyn herself had been gravely wounded by the ordeal, recalling Aiden's cry of fear soon as they topped the stairs, ceaselessly sobbing for his papa not to leave him while she performed CPR. A miracle was truly at work that day, Zephyr somehow keeping his job when the Chief of police learned what he'd done.
Father and son required much counselling to get over the trauma. It had been a barbarically rocky road for them to get where they were today. There was always this…unbearable tense atmosphere when Zephyr and Aiden occupied the same space, almost suffocating at times. But Evelyn knew the war-torn widower was trying to be a better man, a better father. It just took him a while to learn the harsh lessons life taught. Expressing himself wasn't something Zephyr excelled at. Evelyn came forward once Aiden's tears dried, wiping a lingering stain away with her thumb. He squeaked adorably when she leaned in to kiss his forehead affectionately. Aiden might not be Evelyn's by blood but that wasn't going to stop her from loving him as her own.
An expression akin to pain crossed Aiden's face to seeing his father kiss another woman. Witnessing this brief flicker, Kai pulled Aiden to him. He tried putting himself in the boy's shoes, how it would make him feel watching his dad display affection to some girl who wasn't his birth mother. That had to sting. Evelyn also noticed, pushing Zephyr away with mild struggle, telling him pointedly to behave. She was gone after that, leaving Zephyr with the bag she'd brought along. Sergei didn't need telling it likely contained a present for Viktor. He barely had time to set Kai down when the doorbell rang…again.
Zephyr had just taken his heavy duty belt off when he heard voices, ones he never expected to hear again. Aiden found the look of panic on his dad's face interesting. There weren't many people his old man feared, wondering who could send him cowering on the roof above. The feet of a running child became audible moments before Yuriy's youngest son came barrelling outside and over to the paddling pool.
"Saoirse!"
Called girl had no chance to see who shouted for her, soaked from head to toe courtesy of another body unceremoniously falling nearby. Imagine her surprise seeing Xakyr Ivanov shaking his hair free of water, tackling him excitedly. Vivi just sat staring at them with confusion. Kai meanwhile saw why his brother got antsy. Xakyr wasn't alone, his dad, brother and Uncle Ivan all stood close to the doors. Kai didn't recognize the tall tanned woman latched onto Yuriy's arm, her electric blue streaked lightning blonde hair stopping half a leg above the floor. From where he sat, her eyes weren't visible. Beside Ivan was a teenager who looked just like him. Soon as Saoirse saw her uncles she was out of the pool like a rocket.
"Uncle Yuriy! Uncle Ivan! You made it!"
Viktor wasn't far behind, equally surprised to see his dad's childhood pals. Zephyr watched everything unfold from his perch, cursing the rotten luck he had. His eyes were on Raziel in particular, not liking the teen's posture. Yuriy's suspected girlfriend removed her sunglasses, revealing sharp orange eyes.
"And what's your name, sweetie?"
"Hiwatari Nikita Saoirse. Who are you?"
"Well Saoirse, I'm your Uncle Yuriy's girlfriend, Solara Elektra. You can call me Elektra."
Saoirse liked this lady already. She was super nice and seemed to be taking good care of the nicotine-addicted Yuriy. He even looked healthier. Viktor couldn't deny that he'd missed his red haired uncle a lot since moving overseas, glad to see him in better condition. Raziel on the other hand was far from happy; muttering something under his breath about "being near these queers again" and Zephyr lost it.
There was no time for anybody to register the sound of clattering tiles before Raziel ended up on the floor having taken a solid punch to the face, his assailant crouched not too far away. His son might be an ass, but Yuriy wasn't just going to let somebody slug him from god knows where, held in place by cracking knuckles.
"You might want to mind that mouth of yours, little Valkov."
"Who the hell do you think you are?!"
"Really Yuriy?" Zephyr scoffed, standing to his full height. "You don't recognise me? I'm hurt."
Yuriy took a long, hard look at the back facing him, trying to think where he'd heard that voice before. When the answer made contact, he stumbled back, face awash with fear. Viktor moved Saoirse out of the way, anticipating a fight of some kind might be about to break out.
"No, it can't be! You died 24 years ago, how is this possible?!"
"It's really simple, Valkov." Amethyst collided with icy blue, a silent battle waged. "I wasn't the one who died in that crash."
A fist flying at his face didn't even come close to distracting Zephyr, catching it without looking and squeezed. Raziel sank to the floor, whimpering as his knuckles cracked under the pressure holding them.
"I wouldn't try me if I were you, boy. I've fried much bigger fish in my time."
"You let him go!"
Yuriy roared, launching forward with intent to give Zephyr a royal beating only to be kicked in the gut, knocking Ivan to the floor along with him. Raziel scurried a safe distance away upon getting his hand back, glaring holes into the older man. Just who the hell was this guy anyway?! Yuriy returned swinging, managing to catch Zephyr's already scarred cheek but he didn't even flinch.
"You've no right being here, Zephyr! Not after what you did! Have you any idea what Kai went through?! All because of you, you selfish, inconsiderate bastard!"
Zephyr pushed back, barking for Yuriy to mind his tongue or lose it. Xakyr tried to diffuse the fight, begging for this strange, angry man not to hurt his papa. The fathers were about to come to blows when…
"Enough!"
All eyes gravitated to the same person; Kai. He could stand the arguing no longer and didn't appear to realise he'd cried out until a few moments after. With the adults temporarily startled, Saoirse got away from Viktor, using every ounce of strength she had to push Yuriy back.
"Don't hurt him, uncle. Please. He's not a bad person, promise."
"Saoirse…do you even know who he is? What he's done?"
"I don't care! Mister Zephyr is my friend and I won't let you hurt him!"
Yuriy could hardly say no to a child, especially one whom he loved as his own. Saoirse pulled away from him to hug Zephyr's waist, almost purring to her hair being stroked.
"Stand aside, Saoirse. I'll be gentle with your beloved Uncle Yuriy, don't you fret sweetie. We just don't see eye to eye, that's all."
This was the first time Zephyr had used a term or endearment towards Kai's children. It slipped out before he could stop it. Sooner or later, the truth was going to do the same. Saoirse scarpered to Kai's side, finding comfort in his arms. The cogs in Viktor's mind started to clank again to the ensuing heated verbal exchange, Zephyr speaking of things he should have no knowledge of. A while ago, Sergei had told Kai's offspring in simple terms that their grandparents, Susumu and Tatiana Hiwatari, abused both their sons. The only way for Zephyr to know those things must surely mean he was related or an old family friend. He quickly grew tired of the bickering, fists balled at his sides.
"That's enough, both of you!"
Having been so long since he'd used it, Yuriy couldn't understand the words yelled at him but the storm on Viktor's face spoke loud enough, allowing his wound muscles to relax. Zephyr did similar, taking a step back.
"Stop fighting, please. Sergeant…how do you know those things? Not many people know what…what Grandma and Grandpa did to dad. I don't understand what you mean when you say by leaving you were trying to protect him. So how? I know there's a connection between you!"
"Because I'm your uncle, god damnit!"
All at once the party atmosphere faded, replaced by a scene you'd find in a western movie; wind softly howling blowing a lone tumble weed along the screen except it was leaves. Silence reigned supreme, Zephyr realising too late what he'd said. Fuck it, he thought bitterly. Zephyr was done hiding behind a painful lie if the kids were already picking it apart. The look in Viktor's eyes spoke of disbelief which was to be expected.
"That can't be true. Dad's brother died a long time ago. It's just not possible! I've been to my uncle's grave, heard how he died in a freak car accident! You can't be him! You just can't be!"
Zephyr couldn't say he blamed Viktor for being in denial. The kid had probably seen old pictures of him if any were left about but wasn't able to make that connection right away. After all, he wasn't the same pale skinned blonde he used to be.
"I know this is a lot to take in, Viktor. And believe me; I wanted to tell you guys sooner but Sergei decided it was better to leave you in the dark until HE felt ready for you to know. I was born Hiwatari Alexei Zephyr on January 8th 1971. Second born child to Hiwatari Kobashi Susumu and Hiwatari Marishka Tatiana, little brother of Hiwatari Katarina Anastasia. It is true that Zephyr Hiwatari died on March 20th 1986 but it was not me inside that car. As of March 21st 1986 I have lived as Zephyr Alexei Varskovitz."
"So why…why didn't you come back? Didn't you care?!"
"Do not mistake my absence for lack of love!" Zephyr bellowed, his anger receding as quickly as it had risen.
"To the contrary, I loved your father more than my own life and there isn't a day gone by that I don't regret the actions I took. Even now, the affection I bore for him remains. You really want to know why I stayed away, Viktor? It was partly out of fear. For nearly five years I tried so hard to reach out. My calls went unanswered, letters were never replied to. At the time, I assumed your father wanted nothing to do with me. Then, as if to rub salt in the wound, Aiden's mother was cruelly taken from me. I've spent almost a decade learning to cope with losing her."
There were no lies in Zephyr's eyes yet Viktor still couldn't bring himself to believe what he heard. From his utility belt, Zephyr pulled the small book into view, signalling for his niece and nephews to gather around. Across two pages were pictures of a baby Kai in his brother's arms. No longer could the Hiwatari siblings deny the truth. When Gou thought to turn on Sergei, Zephyr caught his arm.
"Niet, little one. He meant only to protect you. For that, Sergei has my respect. After all, for 24 years he's done what I asked of him; been there for your father when I could not. I shall try to play nice with your other uncles, but if they bite, I WILL rip them a new hole to breathe out of."
Zephyr leered at Yuriy in particular since Ivan and his presumed son had so far been neutral. Kai's three oldest soon realised that Zephyr being their biological uncle meant that Aiden was their cousin. Saoirse couldn't wait to give the shy teen a hug filled to the brim with love while Viktor preferred to let the other boy decided if he wanted one. Gou was…impassive. Great, more family. That didn't mean they were entitled to anything from him, silently returning to Mariam's side.
Several chairs up from where Kai sat, Angel sighed in relief. Much like Viktor, he preferred to let the siblings make contact first now they'd been introduced, passing the time reading a book. Not a moment after nudging his ovular glasses back into place, he caught sight of Raisa by the pool. When it looked like the toddler would fall in, Angel sprang forward to move her further inland. In his haste however he slipped and would've taken an unplanned dip himself if a snow white hand didn't grab him, hanging a few inches from the water's surface.
Yuriy stood somewhat precariously with an arm outstretched, offering his spare hand so he could pull Angel back to safety without both of them getting soaked. An uncomfortable awkwardness settled between man and boy once Angel had his balance back.
"Um…thanks. Wasn't planning on going for a swim today."
Yuriy tilted his head to the side like a curious puppy, Elektra giving his arm a little tug. She seamlessly translated the words Angel spoke and the air felt noticeably more relaxed. Raisa decided to test her luck, plodding back to the pool's edge. Yuriy caught her this time and she screamed, unable to recognize her distant uncle. All attempts to soothe the terrified toddler failed and she was soon snatched from one redhead by another, Raul developing and maintaining a protective hold on Kai's youngest, growling in Spanish for Yuriy to keep his claws off of her. Sergei readily stepped in this time, keeping both overprotective uncles apart.
"Easy Raul. Yuriy's family. Raisa just hasn't seen him for a long time. Yuriy, back down. Raisa is in no danger. Raul is a friend."
Elektra played her part, pulling Yuriy in the opposite direction to what Raul took. Could people take a chill pill now? This was meant to be a birthday party not a brawl. Thinking going for a swim might cool him down, Raul left Raisa with her sister to locate and put on a special harness. It wouldn't hurt to take Kai with him. The paraplegic father displayed mild curiosity about the straps fastened around him, half shrieking when his body seemingly started moving on its own. Raul hadn't even put a toe in the water before Kai started freaking out, trying to twist away with little success.
"Easy, Kai." Raul soothed, massaging trembling shoulders. "I won't let you fall buddy. You're safe."
A look of pity rested across Zephyr's face, watching as his baby brother continued to squirm.
"Now would probably be a good time to tell you he almost drowned as a child. Never could get him in a pool after that, so good luck."
"Well you could at least give me a hand then."
"Sorry, no can do. I have zero intention of going swimming today. Besides, I'm sure he'd prefer a strapping fellow such as yourself in the harness, not an ugly old thing like me."
Raul rolled his eyes in mock annoyance. Zephyr didn't give himself enough credit, his striking good looks hardly ruined by the scars he bore.
Little by little Kai relaxed against Raul's chest, thanks in some small part to Viktor joining them for a gentle paddle. Itaru and Topher decided it was time they got out for a bit, the older boy of the two approached by Sergei in regards to contacting Brooklyn. Minutes later the loyal butler was padding towards the lobby for a little privacy, punching a number into his mobile. Brooklyn struck Sergei as the type to pick up immediately, concerned when he had to call twice. Maybe he was wary of unknown callers?
("Hello?")
"Brooklyn, hey, it's Sergei."
("Oh, hi. Um…how'd you get my number?")
"Itaru gave it to me. Listen, I was just wondering if you still wanted to come to Viktor's birthday party."
("Crap, that was today?! I thought it was next weekend?!")
"Nope. Take your time kiddo, there'll be food left when you get here."
("Give me maybe ten minutes. Mom! I need a lift somewhere!")
Sergei shook his head with a bemused grin and opted to wait where he stood. True to his word, Brooklyn arrived in just under ten minutes sweating like he'd run a marathon. It was good to see the handsome ginger again. Once Brooklyn got his breath back he was escorted to where everybody was gathered. Viktor couldn't be happier to see his knight in shining armour; momentarily turning into a cheetah he moved that quickly.
"Brooklyn, you made it!"
"Vik, I am so sorry. I didn't realise your birthday was today. You should've said something yesterday, kid. Anyway, I got you a little something. It's not much but like they say; it's the thought that counts, right? Whoa, easy there cowboy."
Brooklyn warily gave wet hair an affectionate pat, not expecting Viktor to hug him, mumbling that he was just glad his friend could make it. He'd always assumed the Hiwatari brothers to be anti-snuggles, especially after the knock Gou gave him a month or so ago. Right as Viktor's temperamental big brother crossed Brooklyn's mind he saw him, cosied up at the furthest end with Mariam. It did actually hurt watching somebody else smooching the handsome spitfire, pretty badly too.
Things finally relaxed with Brooklyn's arrival, Sergei noticing a look of clear distaste on the ginger's face when he caught sight of Angel across the pool. Gou displayed equal displeasure having the teen who'd kissed him in close proximity; berating his own heart for racing at the sight of a gorgeous pair of shimmering pecs as Brooklyn joined Viktor for a couple laps in the pool. Why'd he have to be so damned attractive?!
If only Gou knew that Brooklyn was putting himself on display purposefully. He'd get his hands on that sweet Hiwatari ass even if it was the last thing he accomplished. To make matters extra worse, Mariam teased her fellow student about him trying to steal all the boys away; her boyfriend in particular.
Over with Kai, Sergei and Zephyr, Rei jovially commented that they'd better keep a close eye on "those two". Brooklyn knew full well just how fine he was to the eyes of both sexes, girls and boys alike falling at his feet. Rin had been no different, spending a week or two hanging off the handsome teen's arm. They'd broken up within a month and he was back on the prowl days later. It had been a…surprisingly calm separation, Rin's heart not too badly broken when Brooklyn confessed to not really feeling that spark he was searching for.
In all honesty, Kai would prefer it if his children didn't end up coming out as being gay/lesbian. He'd always carried this…shame on his shoulders for being attracted to other guys since the first time Sergei took him to bed. That's not to say he wouldn't support them if they were drawn sexually to others of their gender. Already Kai was seeing signs of Gou being like him in more than just looks, heart aching in sympathy for his first born. He was trying so hard to be someone he probably wasn't. Mariam somehow convinced Gou to go for a swim with her, sending him face first into the water with an indignant shriek. He scrambled out onto the nearest edge, Brooklyn appearing with a cheeky grin beside him. Gou was having none of his crush's foolishness, pushing him back into the water with his foot.
For a few hours more the party ran until Sergei felt it was time to get the cake out, insisting that the birthday boy make the first cut. Gou got so caught up keeping a cautious eye on Brooklyn; he didn't notice Mariam slipping away…Raziel not far behind. Yuriy's anti-gay son waited ever so patiently for Gou's girlfriend to come out of the bathroom, delighting himself with thoughts of what he wanted to do to the leggy bluenette.
Mariam thought nothing of the foreign teen standing by the door…until he grabbed her arm uttering words she could not understand. If Mariam had to guess, he was attempting and failing miserably to seduce her, pushing hard against Raziel's chest. Unfortunately her resistance only got him more worked up, grinding the tent in his shorts against Mariam's inner thigh, hands tracing every inch of her beautiful torso while a hot tongue thrust its way between unwilling lips. Just as Raziel grabbed the band of his shorts, a heavy booted foot smashed into his teeth and propelled him several feet across the lobby.
"This girl is not yours to maul, Valkov."
"Fuck you! I'll touch whoever I goddamn please!"
"Not on my watch!"
All the shouting drew Gou and Yuriy into view to find Zephyr beating the living daylights out of Raziel while Mariam cowered under the stairs. Putting the pieces together took only a few moments; Gou surging forwards with intent to give his cousin a thrashing he wouldn't soon forget. Zephyr saw his nephew coming, tossing the already beaten teen toward him. Best to let the boyfriend deliver the final blow, involuntarily wincing to Gou's foot coming up hard between Raziel's legs.
"Hands off my girl, Valkov. Touch her again and I'll castrate you."
"Pathetic…faggot. Why don't you…run along and let…the real man do her right."
Yuriy had heard enough, beyond furious with his son's actions. Raziel would be wishing Zephyr killed him by the time he was through teaching the overconfident teen a valuable lesson; one he should've had ages ago. Mariam appeared physically unharmed, just a bit shaken.
Entrusting Mariam to Zephyr for a few moments, Gou went to collect her things. She wasn't safe so long as Raziel loomed near. Mariam clung to him upon his return, needing to feel protected. Guilt welled up within him, realising now that he did not love her. Now wasn't the best time to break the news, but Gou feared leaving it too long would only make matters worse.
"Mariam I…I'm sorry. If I'd known that bastard w-"
"Sshh. It's not your fault. And I know, Gou. You just needed time to realise it, that's all. At least nobody can say you didn't try."
Mariam cupped Gou's cheek with tender affection that he leaned into with unexpected eagerness, placing one of his hands atop hers.
"I'm not saying I don't like you, it's just not in that way. You're a beautiful girl, Mariam. I just…I feel awful, knowing these last couple weeks have been a huge waste of your time."
"Who says I've wasted time on you? I certainly don't feel our days together have been for nothing. How could I when I've gotten to spend hours with the second most handsome boy in school?"
Gou's cheeks burned making Mariam chuckle sweetly. She meant every word too. Kai's oldest might not realise it just yet, but he had a lot of girls crushing on him and maybe a boy or three. Mariam would even go so far as to say Gou was the best boyfriend she'd had to date. None of the others had displayed the same level of attention or protectiveness that he did.
"I'm sure she's out there, Gou. The one for you. She's just not me. I…I hope we can still be friends."
"Yeah I'd like that. Come on, I'll walk you home. It's the least I can do."
"I'll come with."
Gou caught Brooklyn in a dangerous stare, damning the racing of his heart to the sight of that confident stride. Mariam had no objections but before they could leave, Kai rolled over with Viktor beside him.
"Uncle Zephyr told us what happened. Are you okay Mariam?"
"A little shaken but otherwise fine. It was nice finally meeting you, Viktor. Look after your pa, okay?"
"I will. See you at school?"
"Sure thing hotshot. Enjoy the rest of your day kiddo."
Were it not for Brooklyn's presence on Mariam's other side, Gou would've felt relieved getting out of the manor. He hoped to whatever god was out there that Raziel wasn't going to be sharing the same roof for long. The walk to Mariam's house didn't take much time, coming to an end disappointingly soon after leaving Hiwatari Manor.
"Brooklyn, could you give us a minute?"
"Sure thing gorgeous. Whistle when you're done with Princess Charming and I'll escort him to his family."
Just to get under Gou's skin a little, Brooklyn pecked Mariam on the cheek and gave him a sneaky clap on the butt. The look on Kai Jr's face was priceless.
"What? Not my fault you've got a nice ass."
"Hrnh. Just fuck off already."
Mariam chuckled behind her hand, keeping a hold on Gou's wrist so he didn't rip Brooklyn apart.
"You two are so damn adorable."
"Really Mariam? I can't stand him."
"You sure about that?" She teased, giving Gou's waist a squeeze. "You've been dancing around each other since day 1 for crying out loud. Judging by Brooklyn's active flirting, he's currently single. Doubtful for long I'd wager."
Gou frowned, really not wanting to go where he was being dragged. It didn't matter if she meant well; he was not going to roll over and admit to being gay, not in a million years.
"Would it really hurt you that much just to try it Gou? I've seen the way you look at him and vice versa. There's nothing, and I mean absolutely nothing to be ashamed of. So what if you fancy other boys it doesn't make you less of a man."
"I'm not…"
Mariam lifted a finger, almost smashing it onto Gou's mouth to silence him.
"Done. So hush your face. Embrace who you are, Gou. Living a lie will only cause pain. How about this? Give Brooklyn a shot and if it doesn't work out then fine, no harm done. There's something…different about his hunting of you, Gou. He's never been this determined to get somebody before."
"He's not my type."
"Oh, so you have a type now? Funny. Two weeks ago I was "your type"."
"Okay, fine. Just shut up and go already."
One her way inside, Mariam gave Brooklyn the signal. All too soon Gou found himself alone with the redheaded heartthrob. He had no plan to honour his agreement, keeping a very cautious eye on the boy beside him. After somewhere around ten minutes of walking later, the duo were standing atop a cliff looking out over the bay, protected from the sun by a large oak tree. Why had Brooklyn brought him here? What unsavoury machination had he conjured up?
"I often come here if I want a bit of peace from the world. Beautiful, isn't it?"
Gou couldn't argue. The view stretching before him was breathtaking. When he least expected it, Brooklyn partially slammed him into the old oak, placing the crimson eyed teen's legs around his waist.
"Once bitten, twice shy as they say. Can't have you blue-balling me again now can we?"
A hand running down his face sent a shiver along Gou's spine. One look into those gemstone eyes and he was falling all over again into the deep end, plummeting further when warm lips place the ghost of a kiss against his neck.
"There's a good boy." Brooklyn purred, shifting Gou a little to get better balance. "See? Feels good, doesn't it? Let me in and you'll have something so much more pleasing. Surely you feel it too? This irresistible pull drawing us together. Every night you're in my dreams, Gou, and it's driving me goddamn crazy not having you close. I've never wanted somebody this badly before."
Gou didn't know what came over him. One minute he's trying to keep Brooklyn's mouth far away from him; the next it's smacking against his, tongues darting across one another desperate for a taste of what lay beyond. Brooklyn didn't even care that pale fingers were pulling at his windswept hair or the back of his shirt, more interested in grinding himself on the dual haired boy he currently had pinned. Never before had he felt so passionately about someone, rewarding a sudden suck of his neck with a throaty moan.
"Gou. Ohh, good boy. God I'm fucking aching for you right now, I don't know how much longer I can hold myself back."
Brooklyn pulled back just enough to tear his shirt off, Gou's too regardless to the shorter boy's shriek of protest. He needed to feel more of that smooth snow-like skin rubbing against him, diving down to take a strangely tan brown nipple into his mouth, praised with Gou's loudest moan yet. Gou both loved and hated all these sensations Brooklyn was making him feel. Why couldn't it be a girl giving him this addictive pleasure?
Between fiery kisses, Brooklyn purred into Gou's ear just how beautiful and handsome he was, breathlessly promising to be good to him. Gou put his foot down when something hard pressed against the space behind his testicles, pushing Brooklyn off of him with unexpected force, plucking his shirt from the floor as he sprinted home, ignoring Brooklyn calling for him to wait.
At the manor, most of the party guests had gone home, leaving Kai and Sergei with Zephyr, Aiden and their friends. Presently, Kai's blonde brother was catching a cheeky nap with his nieces and nephew. At his master's insistence, Sergei snapped a few pictures, the second one catching a half lidded eye glaring at him. Some things don't change and apparently, Zephyr's disliking of cameras hadn't gone anywhere. A loud bang woke him up fully, rocketing off the sofa with a hand on his gun holster. Luckily Raisa, Viktor and Saoirse were at their uncle's sides rather than on his lap, equally startled by the noise.
Straining his ears, Kai heard the sound of panicked breathing and something stumbling up the stairs then two doors slamming. Terrified that something bad had happened to his first born, he signalled to be taken to Gou's room. From the hallway there was an undeniable sound of vomiting deeper inside the teen's domain. Just as Sergei placed Kai down on the bed, Gou came out of the en suite bathroom white as a new sheet, legs buckling beneath him. He was caught by expert hands and laid down into Kai's arms. For now, all Sergei could do was presume what the boy had been through to make him throw up.
The look in crimson orbs told Sergei that Kai wanted a moment alone with his child and his request was granted reluctantly. Soothing back rubs helped to calm a trembling back but not the sobs that shook it.
"Papa's here buddy. Tell me what's wrong. Is Mariam okay?"
"She's fine, papa (hiccup). Brooklyn took me somewhere and he…he…"
"Take your time. Did he hurt you? Where did these bruises on your neck come from?"
"Brooklyn pushed me up against a tree and started kissing my neck…I don't know what came over me I…I just had this need to taste him. He started coming onto me harder and I baulked. Just thinking back on it makes me sick. God papa I'm sorry. I'm not right in the head. I don't want to be this! It isn't natural!"
Kai pulled Gou closer to him, strong arms providing the much needed support. As he suspected and feared, his son was attracted to boys…filled with hatred for himself. It wouldn't surprise Kai if Raziel was partly to blame.
Downstairs, Sergei was trying to calm a hysteric Brooklyn in the conservatory. The handsome ginger had arrived all puffed out, worried for boy he'd given a fright.
"Now, start from the top, Brooklyn. What happened?"
"After walking Mariam home, I took Gou to one of my favourite spots so we'd have a little…privacy I suppose. Figured maybe if I got him alone he'd finally stop being so stubborn. He took aim at the family jewels last time."
"So let me get this straight."
"Okay."
"You've got a serious case of wanting to bed my nephew and took him to presumably the middle of nowhere to jam your dick up his ass?"
"Close but not quite. Jumping right in isn't my dig. My goal today was to hopefully get him to stop fighting what he is. And I almost succeeded. That nephew of yours is one hell of a kisser. He just needed buttering up a little to snog my face off. I think I must've pressed against him wrong at some point coz he bolted. Is…is he okay?"
"In denial and self loathing. Threw up soon as he got home. Let him come to you, Brooklyn. Agonising as the wait might be."
Boy that was a rollercoaster. Tore my own heart out as usual while under assault from those dang onion ninjas. Hadn't planned on that cliff-side foray but whatever. Can't say when chapter 6 will come along, hopefully sooner rather than later. 7 is already written and waiting.
Learned recently how names are used in Russia so I added my own little twist to it (namingly accidentally removing the named after thy father "middle" name and I just kinda rolled with it.)
Aiden has two middle names; one Russian and one African. Obi means heart in African and Lukasha is the Russian form of Lucas and means light. Still working out the kinks on this tweaked version of his ability (it used to come from his bitbeast)
Keep your eyes open for Zephyr's Journey, it'll be along soon. In the next couple weeks maybe.