I swear to god. This was meant to be the last chapter, but so many characters to have fun with led to this. Hope you like it x

Planting the Seeds of Family

Chapter 17

Omevic just sat at the table, half focused on the conversation and the light outside. The windows were all open, and the air was sweet and fragranced. He knew he would be going back to the Elector that day, Omevic recalled Captain Yondu mentioning it when they were flying, he had "Shit to do, two days max, Kraglin", Yondu has said to his First Mate.

The eight-year-old Xandarian, couldn't stop the chill down his spine. On the Elector, where there was no gardens or trees or food like this. But he was, well not a Ravager but he lived with them, and they had given him this, time with friendly people. And he promised himself when he went back to the coldness of space, he would be the best slave there was.

Antoni Ridel noticed the child's expression and knew it was what it was about. While the older ones cleared the plates, they all went outside, to enjoy what was left of the summer's day. Omevic followed them, and as he did, the Ridel parents stretched and gave the impression they were restless.

"You know it's still a nice day, I fancy a walk. Coming Emau?" the mother and wife of the family just agreed, but then they both turned to the Xandarian.

"Omevic, would you like to go for a walk with us", they asked, and Omevic just giving the grounds a longing look agreed to go.

Stepping away from the main building with the assurance, he would be back soon, they thankfully missed the looks from the three brothers. They knew that this would be the moment and all they could have to do was wait.

The legal age for drinking on the planet was sixteen, so Vymoa grabbed some cider, but let his brothers take some just to take the edge off the next few moments before he addressed his brothers. "I really how Omevic stays, mum said mentally he's about five, and that he's been abused for so long, he's not even got an imagination.…and we can help him". His brothers just digested this and waited.

Omevic just walked with the family for a while, just enjoying being there, then Emau stopped him suddenly, "You know Omevic, you've worked so hard for us, but I've just realised that we've never asked you if there was anything you wanted to do…is there".

Omevic thought for a moment, then afraid of being judged spoke up in a whisper. "I want to take my shoes off, I've never walked in the grass, and I've always…" he couldn't finish the sentence, but they both understood, Omevic's world was a world of metal and decks, and this was the first time he had touched real nature.

They both just nodded, and Omevic slipped his shoes off, and let the feeling of the earth touch his scarred feet. The earth felt spiky and soft and rubbed between his toes. Emau just held his shoes while they walked some more, and he just savoured the feeling, of what everyone else just too for granted.

They walked until Omevic came to his Orchid, sitting all alone on the grass, but looking healthier than it had ever done when it was in his possession. He just stared at it, knowing it would be the last time, unable to think of what to say until Emau cleared her throat and the Xandarian turned toward her

"Omevic, there is something we want to ask you. We have a big house and lots of room. So, we were wondering if you would like to stay with us forever".

The words spun in Omevic's mind, and he struggled to form the word, his heart begun to start beating furiously. "You want me to be your slave?".

"No, no, nothing like that". The pair were quick to say, "We want you to stay with us, we want to take care of you forever. You'll be treated just like one of our sons, and we'll teach you everything you ever wanted to know about everything".

Omevic just stared trying to take this in, being here forever, while Antoni continued "But the thing is, there is something you need to know, the two people who were here yesterday. Well, they were a doctor and a psychologist. They were here for Vymoa, because of his trails."

This was a half lie, though psychology checks were the norm, he had it a month earlier and passed with flying colours, but Antoni continued.

"They give you a scan, and also liaised with the medics on the Elector because they were concerned about you. And Omevic, you're not well".

"You need surgery, Omevic, your stomach, your bones, and everything else. You will need some surgery in the future. You're underweight and too small for an eight-year-old. And that will affect you in the future. You can have the surgery on the Elector, or here. But whatever happens, if you want to stay with us or not. We will always respect your decision".

"This has to be your choice Omevic, do you want to stay with us?".

Omevic reeled back slightly, and just looked at them, and at his bare feet and in the distance, he could see the house where the three boys were. His hands felt clammy by his side, and internally he was just shaking. This was a dream, this just had to be. His mouth was dry, but he managed to look up at the couple and say in a hushed voice.

"Can I see my Captain, please."

"Captain Yondu"

Yondu just kept his face flat as he casually turned to the young boy, it had been Tyorells idea for them to meet in the Ladies Arboretum after he got the message that Omevic had wanted to see him. In truth, he could see why. With it being overgrown and neglected, it could perhaps push the eight-year-old into making the right decision.

"Hello Omevic", Yondu replied, "How was your time with the Ridel family?".

Yondu noticed the Ridel parents hanging back, giving the boy space and the time to make his decision, but has also noticed that Omevic called him Captain, instead of "Master" for the first time.

Omevic just swallowed and took a breath, his hands still shaking, as he found his voice, and even though he was Xandarian, he had been speaking Darbian for the last few days. For a moment forgot what to say. Even after everything he had been through, the sight of the Captain was still intimidating to him.

"Omevic, I speak Darbian," Yondu said in the language, and Omevic was stunned for a moment and carried on.

"It was nice…they showed me how to plant flowers, special ones and they made me eat with them, and I had a bath, and they were nice. They took care of me…and they want me to stay with them. They said I won't be a slave…and they will take care of me". He finished the last part of the sentence quickly as if fearful of Yondu's reaction.

For Yondu this was perfection, but he had to get it right, as he crossed his arms and just looked at the child. "But what do you want Omevic?"

Omevic took a breath and looked on the verge of throwing up, but instead, he just burst into tears at being asked what he wanted, and Yondu suddenly had the urge to wipe the boy's tears but stopped himself. And kicking himself for feeling so sentimental. Damn this was what being a parent had done to him.

Instead. Omevic just cried for what felt like forever, before he found his voice again, and managed to say in between the sobs in a clear voice.

"I want to stay with them".

Omevic flinched inwardly as if expecting a beating, but innated Yondu unfolded his hands, and held them behind his back, hiding how goddam relieved he was.

"I'm sorry, Captain Yondu…I'm so sorry". Omevic managed to say, and Yondu though quickly wishing once more that Kraglin was standing next to him, dealing with this shit.

"Don't be, you went cut out to be a Ravager anyway. Just go with them, and have a happy life".

Omevic though his tears wiped them with the back of his hand and just looked at Yondu.

"does this mean I'm free?"

Yondu who kill anyone for suggesting he was a slaver understood where the boy was dvc9ig form, and just nodded.

"You were never a slave with the Ravagers…but now you're free from it. Just go with them…you are free" he punctuated with emphasis, while behind him the Ridel family were just holding each other with delight.

Omevic just tried to take this all in, and in his mind was waiting for orders, he just couldn't help that, when he blurted out suddenly "Can I see Yarovesky please?", the tears threatening to spill again.

Yondu just signed and stood back, and Yarovesky emerged from the trees where he had been hiding, listening to everything with relief.

The older Ravager went over to the boy and just knelt in front of him, and once again Omevic tried to find his words, but the tears started coming back.

"They want me", it was such a strange concept that the child apparently didn't know how to deal with it, and in response, Yarovesky just brushed the tears out of the boy's eyes gently.

"I know, and it's perfect. You deserve to be with them, they are going to take such good care of you".

Omevic just swallowed and felt torn inside by the choice he was making for himself, and just didn't know what to say, but Yarovesky with kindness, steadied the boy.

"Look, everything before now, even this" Yarovesky gestured to the slave brand on Omevic's arm. "Soon this will mean nothing, but all you have to do is go to them".

For a moment Omevic felt conflicted, and his voice came out in a whisper "Will I never see you again?"

The mere words stunned Yarovesky, and he had no idea where they were coming from, and deep down neither did the eight-year-old. But he lifted the boys head so they could see into their identical brown eyes.

"No, you won't…but that's ok. You're going to a nice house, with all those boys. You're going to be fine". Yarovesky glanced behind the boy and could see the Ridel's with a stricken look on both their faces, fearful that the Omevic would change his mind, and thought quickly.

"But there is something you have to do, are you ready?". Omevic nodded, and Yarovesky brought his head forward, so it was touching Omevic's own. Something Yondu recognised as a gesture frequently down between families, something he knew from his relationship with Kraglin. Something personal and intimate.

Yarovesky gently stroked the boy's face and whispered to Omevic.

"This isn't an order, but this is what you have to do. I want you to turn away from me and walk towards the Ridel's. And don't look back, never ever look back. Do you understand?"

Omevic nodded, and with a slight tremble, turned away from Yarovesky and Yondu and towards the Ridel's still standing there, and trying to hide their outright happiness. Reaching the parents Emau Ridel, bent down and wrapped her arms around the boy, and looked up to Yarovesky, mouthing a "thank you", to which Yarovesky nodded while Antoni mouth "He'll be successful".

"Are you ready to come home with us?" Emau asked Omevic, who just nodded, trying to take everything in, and Yarovesky, Yondu and Kraglin who has been standing in the shadows stepped out and watching the parents walking away with there new son.

Yarovesky watched this and pinched the bridge between his nose, to stop the emotion flowing through him, as Yondu said gruffly.

"Fuck me, you're not crying, are you?"

"No, no…I'm fine", Yarovesky stated, even though Kraglin and Yondu knew otherwise.

"Well thank fuck for that, by the way, get your shit together we're leaving soon".

Yarovesky just looked at the three figures now in the distance going back to their home, and could only say.

"Perfect"

To be concluded, I mean it this time.

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