Hey, so this is the second chapter...
Thank-you to the people who reviewed, favourite and/or followed, I really appreciate it.
The next chapter will be up on Wednesday or Thursday so it will be a bit longer than this update.
Let me know what you think :)
Calo x x x
The next morning, Hunter got up really early, as he had to get to the restaurant and start setting up. Adam didn't start classes until noon on Thursdays and so he always took the boys to daycare. The boys didn't always go to daycare, it depended on what day it was and what shift Hunter was working at the restaurant. This morning he gently pressed a kiss to Calo's tiny cheek and did the same with Dalton and Seb, before grabbing his travel mug full of coffee and heading to his car to drive to the restaurant.
He entered the deserted building at around 7:30 and decided to take advantage of the solitude to go over the details of the wedding reception request that Aelish had mentioned the previous evening. He yawned as he took out the notepad from his bag, sipping his coffee. He glanced briefly over the details and the date, checking it against the booking folder and finding that the day was completely clear. Only once he had sent the confirmation email did he look at the names of the couple. He froze as he read over them. It was too late to cancel the confirmation now but he wasn't really sure what to do, he wasn't sure he could face them again not after he had just disappeared. He dropped his head into his hands and tried to shake it to the back of his mind; he would just have to deal with it because there was nothing he could do now. Anyway maybe it would actually be a good thing, he couldn't really put into words how much he missed them, and this could be his chance to reconnect with them.
Unknown to Hunter, who was too caught up in his head, Aelish had arrived and was hovering worriedly behind him. She glanced down at the notepad and realised that he was looking at the information about the wedding reception. She sat down next to him, stirring him from his deep thoughts.
"Hey, honey, what has got you in so deep, hmm?" Hunter smiled softly saying,
"The wedding couple…"
"They sound lovely. What is the problem sweetie?" Hunter ran his fingers through his hair,
"You know how I moved to New York when I was pregnant. Well the couple are two close friends from before I moved. Hence why Dalton is Dalton Nicholas and Sebby is Sebastian Jeffery." Aelish looked a little stunned,
"You mean Jeffery Sterling and Nicholas Duval were friends of yours?" she asked trying to clarify what Hunter was saying. Hunter sighed in defeat and nodded,
"I haven't spoken to them since I left over 4 years ago, I didn't even tell them why I left." Hunter looked so worried and upset that Aelish couldn't help but pull him in for a breath restricting hug.
Nothing was mentioned about the wedding couple until a call came into the restaurant around 12:30. Aelish was stood on the desk/ welcoming area and the phone rang out, loud enough to be heard over the distinct babble of customers, but not enough to disturb them.
"Hello this is The Dalton Kitchen, Aelish speaking."
"Hello, my name is Nicholas Duval; I am calling about the wedding reception. I just wanted to say thank you so much for agreeing our request. We wanted to know if it would be possible to arrange a meeting to discuss menus and so on." Aelish launched straight into business mode and began to arrange a date and note down a few details. The couple would be bringing their best men with them to the meeting which Aelish had organised for the 21st of September and so there would be 5 of them in total.
As soon as she put the phone down, Aelish went and took Hunter into the backroom. Hunter was rather confused and was about to say something, when Aelish spoke,
"I have just come off the phone with Nicholas Duval." Hunter's face immediately changed as the worry and nerves came back. Aelish didn't stop,
"I have arranged a meeting for Monday evening for them to go over menus and details with someone at 7:30. We can sort out who does it but, if you don't mind, I would quite like to." Hunter just nodded,
"Aelish, what am I going to do? I haven't seen them in years, what if they hate me?" She sighed and pulled him close,
"Don't worry about it, baby, if they are true friends they will understand. Anyway, that isn't something we should be worrying about now, the restaurant is full and we need to get back to work." Hunter nodded in silent agreement and his demeanour changed back into the organised and friendly restaurant owner.
Monday night came around way too fast for Hunter's liking, and he was a nervous wreck. Aelish had told him that they were bringing three of their best men with them and he was trying to work out who they were. Aelish, as she had requested, would be doing the meeting, and she would be taking them into a private room, meaning Hunter could relax a little. Hunter was just taking desert orders for a lovely group of older ladies, when Aelish came up, saying quietly,
"They are here, don't panic, Hun, I have it under control." Hunter swiftly went back to the bar and watched, hidden from view, as Jeff and Nick entered the restaurant, followed by Sebastian, Wes and David. None of them had really changed in the nearly 5 years he hadn't seen them. They were all a little taller and more muscular. Seeing Sebastian was the hardest thing. Hunter had had a huge crush on Sebastian and they had been so close, yet that fateful night had ruined everything.
Once the 5 of them had been cleared into the private room, he found himself able to relax a little more. He couldn't deny to himself that he absolutely loved his job, and he found it very easy to talk to his customers and have fun while doing his work. Meanwhile, Aelish was sat with the 5 very good looking, but very gay, men. They had been through seating and they were looking at the menu. There was a slight issue with the menu because they had many problems with allergies and intolerances. Aelish was having real trouble trying to figure out a menu that would suit all of the guests. They were all getting quite stressed over it, and, eventually, Nick said,
"Maybe we could speak to the manager and try to work out a menu." Aelish bit her lip, not really sure what to do. After a few moments, she gave in saying,
"I will be one minute." The 5 men nodded, and Aelish took a deep breath before going to find Hunter.
Hunter was just sorting out a bill when Aelish came over. She took him aside and sighed, before saying,
"Hunter, I know that this probably isn't what you want to hear, but I am having real trouble trying to sort out a menu and they would like to speak to the manager about it." Hunter knew that he couldn't escape it so, despite his worries and how nervous he was, he told Aelish he would sort it out. He took the information from her and ran his fingers through his hair, a visible sign of his stress. He paused outside the door and took a deep breath before opening it with confidence and striding inside.
"Okay, let us get this menu sorted." The 5 men in the room whipped round and everyone froze. Hunter couldn't say anything as the men who he hadn't seen in nearly 5 years all gaped at him.
Nick was the first one to speak,
"Hunter?" He stood up and much to Hunter's shock pulled him into a tight hug, "I can't believe it is you, where have you been." Soon enough, Jeff joined the hug and Hunter noticed that he was crying a little. He instantly said,
"Jeff, please don't cry, if you cry I am going to cry and that won't be pretty." Jeff managed to crack a smile, and hugged Hunter tighter. Their little group hug was interrupted as Sebastian spoke,
"Hunter? What… why… Why did you leave, we were all worried sick about you? How could you leave without even telling us why?" Hunter winced at the betrayal he heard in Sebastian's voice. He felt a few of his own tears trail down his cheeks. He threw himself at Sebastian hugging him tightly,
"I am so sorry Seb. I-I…"
Adam knew he was in trouble when Dalton and Sebastyn looked upset and tired when he picked the three boys up from daycare. Calo looked tired, but he was the angel child and he never complained or cried. Dalton started to cry almost as soon as he realised that Hunter wasn't home. Sebastyn started soon after that, and nothing Adam did would pacify them. Little Calo, bless him, looked absolutely shattered and had drifted to sleep, despite the piercing cries and irritated screams of his brothers. Adam wasn't exactly chipper himself; bearing in mind he hadn't gone to bed till around 1:00am and had been up at 7:30 with the three boys. You put that with classes at NYADA and you would be able to understand how exhausted Adam was.
In the end Adam had given in and had loaded the three boys into his car, intent on driving down to the restaurant, if only to settle Dalton and Sebastyn. They arrived at around 8:25, and headed inside. They were instantly met by Aelish, who frowned as she saw Dalton and Sebastyn's tear stained cheeks. Adam gave Aelish a desperate look; he needed Hunter at that moment. Aelish sighed,
"He is in a meeting for an important booking." Dalton and Sebastyn clearly understood Aelish and their faces both crumpled. Aelish panicked and quickly hurried them into the back room.
The boys' moods continued to escalate further until both Adam and Aelish didn't know what to do. Aelish finally said to Adam,
"He is in the meeting room, do you want to go and get him? I am sure it will be okay for a few minutes." However, before either of them could do anything, Sebastyn had run from the room towards the meeting room. Adam immediately went after him, but it was too late.
Hunter was slowly relaxing; they were not angry at him. They were catching up; Hunter told them about how he had worked his way up in his job and he reassured them had they had nothing to do with him leaving, that they played no part in his decision to leave. Yet all 5 of the men noticed how he avoided all questions about why he left and why he hadn't contacted them. They all jumped as the door burst open and a small boy came running in, tears streaming down his face crying loudly,
"Papa!" Hunter instantly whirled round just in time to catch the little boy. Nick, Jeff, Sebastian, Wes and David watched in shock as the Hunter attempted to pacify the little boy, granted without much success. The little boy was wailing and screaming. Another guy burst in, followed by another crying little boy and the girl who had been conducting the meeting beforehand, and who was now holding a third boy. The two new adults hovered in the doorway, while the second crying boy tangled himself around Hunter's legs causing him to topple over. Sebastian and the others all lunged forwards but it was too late, Hunter had smacked his head and was on the floor.
"Sebastyn Jeffery Clarington, you will stop this now!" The two little boys who had been crying instantly stopped their eyes wide. The girl, Aelish, handed the tiny little boy she was holding to Jeff and went forwards to scoop the two stunned boys away from Hunter. She took them out and the other guy, who Nick, Jeff and the others didn't know, hurried forward to Hunter, who had clamped his hand over the nasty head wound that he had obtained.
Jeff was a little shocked, he had the tiniest and most adorable child he had ever seen in his arms and he had just watched Hunter get attacked by two other young boys. If he was honest, he was completely confused. The little boy tapped his arm lightly; wriggling a little in an attempt to get down. Jeff almost dropped him and so opted to set him down gently. The tiny boy instantly hurried over to Hunter. The guy who they didn't know was using a cloth off of the desk as a compress for the wound. The miniature boy gently pressed his miniscule hand against Hunter's cheek, whispering,
"Papa, are you okay?" The 5 of them and the new guy all watched on as Hunter slowly opened his eyes wincing a little and scooped the boy onto his lap saying in a reassuring tone,
"I am fine, baby, I promise." This seemed to pacify the little boy sufficiently, and he shooed the new guy's hand away and took over holding the cloth to Hunter's head. The mystery guy stood up, seemingly happy to let the little boy help. He smiled slightly hesitantly at the group of 5 stood still looking a little shocked,
"I'm Adam, Hunter's roommate, I'm really sorry about all of this." He then heard a wail and his face fell. They all heard a stressed sounding voice,
"Dalton Nicholas Clarington, you do not throw things. That is very naughty!" Adam excused himself, saying before he left,
"Hunter, I need you to hang in there for me for a minute. I am just going to help Aelish restrain the little monsters and then I will be back with some ice and a proper cloth." Hunter simply hummed in agreement as he allowed the tiny boy to tenderly dab the bleeding gash with the now blood stained cloth.
Once Adam had left the room, Calo looked around. Jeff knelt down beside the little boy and his old friend gently saying,
"What do you need, honey, maybe I can get it for you?" Calo smiled shyly and softly replied,
"Is there some water?" Sebastian spotted the pitcher of water and instantly passed it to Calo who dipped the cloth straight into it, causing the water to immediately turn red. Hunter was looking very pale and they all hovered uneasily as the tiny boy talked to Hunter,
"Papa, please talk to me, I need you to stay awake." They could see Hunter was concentrating on trying to hold himself up in a slightly raised position. Sebastian quickly moved and settled down behind him, pulling Hunter carefully back to lean against him. Hunter spoke quietly,
"Shh, Calo, it is okay, I am okay. Why don't you tell me what you did at daycare today, hmm?" The little boy timidly babbled to Hunter while making sure that he was staying awake.
Adam burst back into the room with an ice bag, a bottle of water and a few towels. He saw Calo gently tending to his father and smiled to himself. He also noticed how one of the men was sat behind Hunter supporting him in a sitting position but he didn't say anything regarding that. He knelt down saying to the little boy, who Wes and the others assumed was called Calo from what Hunter had said,
"Okay, Calo buddy, let's put some ice on Papa's head. Why don't you take these men and ask Seth to get them a drink? Do you think you could sit with them for me until I sort Papa out?" The 5 men looked at the miniature boy who nodded and gestured to Jeff. They waited for Sebastian who moved while Adam lowered Hunter to the ground.
The 5 men sat down and Calo instantly took the notepad that Seth, a waiter, had handed him. They found it rather peculiar sitting with the little boy. Wes, being the most logical one spoke, first,
"So, Calo, why don't you tell us about yourself?" Calo nodded and knelt up on the seat, enabling him to see over the top of the table.
"My name is Caolan Adam Sebastian Nicholas Jeffery Thomas Clarington and I am 4. My papa is Hunter and he owns this restaurant. I have 2 brothers, Dalton and Sebastyn, we are triplets, but they are older than me and they are identical, whereas I am...erm... fraternal?" Wes nodded in encouragement, so the little boy continued on, "We live with my Uncle Adam and I love spending time with him. I am really small and my papa says I have something that means that I will always be very little. What about you?"
Adam went out once Hunter was settled and smiled as he saw Calo sat chatting happily with the 5 men. Hunter had explained the situation to him while he was cleaning his head wound. He went over and said,
"Calo, why don't you go and give Papa some cuddles? He is feeling very sleepy but he feels better." Little Calo eagerly headed back into the room leaving the 6 men alone. Adam sat down and none of Hunter's old friends held back. Sebastian instantly began to speak,
"Please can you explain it to us, the kids and, more so, their names?" Adam nodded calmly before replying,
"Okay, I assume you all knew Hunter quite well?" The two men he knew as Nick and Jeff nodded vigorously, while the other three smiled happily. "Well, I can't really tell you everything, but the three little boys are his sons, they are triplets and they are 4. The eldest one is Dalton Nicholas Clarington; I believe he is named after your school and you, Nick. Then you have Sebastyn, S-E-B-A-S-T-Y-N, Jeffery Clarington, he, I believe, is named after you, Jeff, and you, Sebastian. The tiny one is Caolan Adam Sebastian Nicholas Jeffery Thomas Clarington, the familiar names being for the same reasons as his brothers, the Adam after me and the Thomas after the midwife who delivered them. They have lived with me all their lives because Hunter and I have known each other for a very long time. Also, Calo has an unclassified type of dwarfism as he did not fit the sub-categories. They are an amazing family and I feel so honoured to be a part of that." Sebastian, Nick and Jeff were stunned. They couldn't quite work out why Hunter had named his kids after them, but they all felt honoured.
Adam had eventually managed to usher the 5 men from the restaurant, promising that he would get Hunter to contact them not just about the wedding, but also about meeting up. He then took the three little boys to his car, strapping them in, before lugging a very groggy and disorientated Hunter to the passenger seat and taking them home. It had been a very long day.