BLD15

Ch.15: progressing

Everything had calmed down after the attack. Plans went on as usual, the kids played in the garden, and Feitan and Kalluto went back to shutting themselves up in the library.

A man working at the bookstore Feitan frequents often came over to deliver a few new releases, which would keep them busy for at least three days or so each time. Living in the mansion was interesting yes, but it could be rather tedious as well.

Killua, Gon, and Alluka were the mischief makers, always stealing Machi's socks or taping weird pictures to the ceiling above Phinx's bed as he sleeps. At first it was comical, but after a while they were just annoying. It didn't help that Alluka and Nanika were getting restless, without telling anyone why. Something about a "wedding surprise" for Kalluto, but no other information was given.

Often times Kalluto would want to go run and play with the other children. Bonding time with his brother and sister was precious, and should not be wasted. But age was not but a number now, meaningless in the face of real life. He was getting married, you couldn't possibly call him a child anymore.

No, instead of playing hide-and-seek in the garden, weaving crowns of daisies, and playing harmless pranks, Kalluto sat wearing a freshly ironed gray dress by Feitan's side. They sat in the study and conversed politely with their hosts, they smiled and read and played piano, all the things adults were supposed to do.

There was no rhyme or reason to it. Kalluto could go play any time he wanted. But he couldn't bear to leave Feitan's side for longer than five minutes.

"Is this how it's always going to be?" Kalluto mused, "I feel like I'm a new person. I've become so completely attached to him that I can't even act my age. Does he feel that way about me too?"

Kalluto looked over at the young man, bent over a new book, utterly fascinated. He seemed to be lost in his own little world, fingertips tracing over lines and shadows. The angles of his face illuminated only by the lantern next to him.

Kalluto let out a little sigh, and looked away.

"What?" Feitan asks, "is something wrong?"

Kalluto shakes his head, "no, I'm just thinking. I'm not… I'm acting strange I think. We're always together… is that normal? I don't know what I'm doing and I feel like I'm way over my head…"

Feitan rubs his shoulder comfortingly, "don't worry, you're doing just fine. Things will calm down after the wedding." The man rises to his feet, and offers his hand, "Let's go outside."

Break

Kalluto shielded his eyes against the sun, and giggled. Alluka was trying to balance a large amount of plates and cutlery in her hands, stacked so high she was having a hard time seeing.

Gon had suggested a picnic earlier, and everyone agreed. Feitan and Kalluto spread a blanket out next to one of the Lilac trees in the garden, Killua and Gon made the food, and Alluka was put in charge of tableware.

The mood was oddly lighthearted, considering the company. Feitan, with his steadily improving grammar, was cracking jokes and discussing murder with Killua. Alluka was more than glad to spend some quality time with her youngest brother, and though the conversation was a bit hard to keep up, Nanika attempted to join in.

"Kalluto, do you want a flower crown?" Nanika asks, appearing suddenly, "we made them yesterday, but you stayed inside."

"That'd be wonderful," Kalluto nods, "you two can go pick them, and I'll make sure no bugs get in your food."

The little girls ran off in search of daisies, leaving the blanket a little quieter. Kalluto leaned against Feitan's shoulder, and stole one of his chips.

"Your sisters are very sweet." Feitan whispers, "Too bad they have such hard lives."

Kalluto nods and closes his eyes, "yeah, it's always the nice ones…"

Break

When Kalluto awoke, he was in the bedroom, curled up against Feitan's side. Looking up, he sees Feitan scrolling through something on his phone.

"What're you doing?" he murmurs.

"Tumblr. Word got out about the attack, followers are concerned... smile."

Feitan snaps a picture of the two of them and posts it with the caption "we're both just fine, don't worry." And puts away his phone.

"The governor is threatening to sue Illumi because his daughter's birthday present is late now." Feitan adds, grabbing a large envelope, "her birthday was yesterday, so I have to send it tomorrow."

"I hope he does," Kalluto giggles, "I can't believe I'm related to a jerk like that."

Feitan strokes Kalluto's hair and sighs, "He's just one of many. The rest of you, the Zoldycks as a whole, aren't the sum of one man's actions."

"Well now that you can talk, you're pretty deep Feitan. Maybe you should take a second job as a motivational speaker, huh?"

Feitan rolls his eyes, a smile hidden behind a well places hand. One if those looks Kalluto would forever keep in a mental picture album. Feitan probably didn't even know how attractive he was when he was happy.

"Kalluto," Feitan asks, "did you ever open that bag I gave you when Killua and the rest showed up?"

Kalluto shakes his head, pointing to the closet, "it's still in the pocket of the red skirt I was wearing."

Feitan climbs out of the bed and returns with the velvet drawstring bag. He hands it to Kalluto and places a kiss of his forehead.

"Open it."

(A/N: aaand we're out of time! No literally, I'm leaving for a camping trip. Happy May Day everyone, perfect occasion to get out and enjoy the flowers and springtime weather! You don't have to stop reading my fanfictions, but you could go read them outside. Get some fresh air, it's good for you.)