They've returned with all their bodily functions and members intact. A plot is revealed; dying out as quickly as it began. And still Roman and Neo had to do parenting.
Chapter Ten - After Action Affections
Their drive back to the Silk Road was gracefully an uneventful one.
The establishment will remain closed for the day—indefinite, more likely—and many of the employees have been sent home. A quick response; high on guard; something that is exercised; the whole block had essentially become a fortress. The club acting as a citadel whilst the hotel, restaurants, and the other sort continued with business as usual. Hei was nowhere to be seen upon their arrival, apparently being somewhere else when Roman had called an hour ago.
It was forty past three in the evening. The two adults had enough food from earlier, however, the children seemed to still have room in their stomach.
About two dozen guards stood outside their hallway alone. The twins had fully returned to their usual self, discussing which form of potatoes was superior, wedges or mashed. Ion seemed content in listening, head turning from one girl to the other as they talked. One can argue that the speed at which Miltia and Melanie bounced back from such a traumatic event was not good. It implies a certain sense of normalcy. But for Roman, it is a show of particularly robust volition that they no doubt inherited from their parents. Nevertheless, a professional psychological assessment never hurts. Later.
And speaking of… Roman turned his attention away from the youngest of the group.
There. On the edge of the table, attempting the impossible task of making himself as small and unnoticeable as possible. Isaiah sat quietly eating his bowl of chips. The boy had remained quiet since they arrived, no doubt realising that Roman had all intentions on following through with his promise. Neo seemed ready to jump on the train too by the looks of it, the two adults having caught each other's stare at Isaiah. Parental chastising will have to wait, however.
Saved by the bell: Hei had finally arrived. The girls had run over to their father, crying and hugging, explaining how Roman, Neo, and even Isaiah had protected them. The children, Isaiah included, did not notice Hei's rather exhausted posture nor the barely visible blood stain only hidden by a black waistcoat.
Understandably he was upset.
The attack that Roman and Neo fended off was not isolated. All throughout Prospero, businesses owned by the Xiong were assaulted. Few were in the open like the gunmen earlier and many remained unseen, but most importantly out of police chatter. Like the attack on the warehouse Hei was inspecting just a few hours ago. A couple were killed and many injured on both sides, but none were civilians—the last thing anyone here needs, more so Roman, is for the authorities to breathe over their ears.
Correction. The earlier description was not accurate. Hei was livid.
So livid, in fact, that even with the kids next door over, he was still going on a cursing festival in his mother tongue of Gojon.
"Whore! Going after MY daughters. I'll have her neck!"
Thankfully at this point in time the rant was over. The man had calmed down—slightly—sinking into his leather chair. Perhaps helped by his seventh stick of cigarette in the last… twenty-five minutes, Roman was quick to note.
Then again, Roman wasn't one to talk as this was his own second cigarillos of the day. Sitting next to him, even Neo had one white soldier of nicotine lit around her lips—something she hasn't done in a few years if memory serves.
All things considered they all deserved a bit of the vice after today.
Going after the clan's capital, its many lieutenants, and even threatening the possible heiresses of the Xiongs' operations in Vale. Woods must've been planning this for a while. Aiming to cut off all the heads before anyone could even make head or tail of the whole ordeal. A coup d'etat, or at least an attempt at it. It's a diet look into what happens in western Vacuo every few months or so. The point is that this was a concerted effort that Woods, by all logical reasoning, couldn't have possibly gathered the materials, funds, nor manpower for herself.
Meaning someone was helping.
"I think it came from the south," suggested Roman, briefly tuning into the language. "Liger gangs and families have been pushing north for some time, right? I'm hardly convinced that this was a joint effort by everyone though."
"Maybe… but don't you think we would've noticed?" Hei retorted. "One of the other families is helping, then?"
"I seriously doubt that," Roman waved off. "You have a good peace here in Prospero: there's plenty for everyone to share and thrive off of. No one—Woods being the exception, of course—" Neo let out an uncharacteristic, unlady-like snort— "is stupid enough to try anything, because the moment that they so much as try changing the status quo, then their ballroom days are over. It's a peace that everyone inside wants to keep and everyone outside wants to break. So, here's my theory:
"Some of the southern gangs, with the promise of support, managed to coax Woods into rebelling. Being the dumb bitch that she is, however, failed to see the wool pulled over her eyes. Going after you and the twins was a gamble, but it might've worked. At the very least it would've given her a month or two to take the reins and reorganise in case the Cartel realised the bullshit she's pulling or your sister sends reinforcements from Mistral. Just a big enough window to consolidate…" Roman clicked his tongue. "But like I said, she's a dumb bitch. You should never underestimate your enemy, even if your enemy's an impulsive hot-head like Bonnie Woods, but I'm willing to bet the dumb bitch didn't even put half as much thought in her plans as I did." He seemed to be finished as he started to sink deeper into the sofa. "Give tonight or tomorrow and the other families will be ringing you up, offering support to hunt Woods down."
The several "dumb bitch" were uttered in a significantly more venomous tone than it necessitated—which says something. Hei and Neo noticed the particular ichor, turning to each other earlier with a cocked brow, but decided to let their snarky remarks go.
Instead the former only smiled, resting chin against his fist. "You know, I still think it's a shame that there's no Mistrali blood in you. We could've made you an ala-ssjang."
A snort was heard next to Roman. "Omma will turn you into an arrow cushion if she hears you…"
"She'll turn everyone in this room to one when she hears what happened," Roman continued the joke.
The laughter between the two men subsided, and a new conversation, most likely concerning the previous topic, would've begun if not for the knock at the door. It was routine—unless ordered otherwise, one may enter the office following their knocking. Unless, of course, the door was locked also. After a beat, a mop of hair slipped in-between the dual doors; peering down to the floor with a slight bow before establishing eye contact with Hei.
"Mr. Xiong," the aide began, "Mrs. Xiong is—"
"Hei Xiong!"
"Oh God…" Roman and Neo managed to mutter in tandem. Hei only ran a hand down his face before standing up from his seat.
"—here to see you, sir."
"Well, here we go." Roman got off the sofa and so did Neo. "It's been a while since you and Lavender talked. Husband and wife, and all… We'll leave it to you."
"Actually, the mistress is already here, Mr. Torch—"
"HEI!" The aide barely had the time to step aside as the thick walnut door swung open. Iridescent purple eyes narrowed dangerously; the beauty mark on her right cheekbone emphasised a scowl; her bob-cut blonde hair swayed as the buxom woman practically marched over to the table. "Where're the girls?! Are they hurt? Are you hurt?"
Hei smiled, reaching for both the hands on each side of his face. "I'm fine, Lav. See?" He gently pulled her hand off and made slight turns to show his side. "See, love?" he continued in Gojon, "Not even a scratch. How about you?"
"No… I'm fine…" Breathless. One of relief. The woman let herself almost fall towards Hei and he caught her in an embrace. "I flew back to Prospero as soon as I heard…" her tongue clicked, interrupting herself. "Oh, Hei…"
There was an attempt to scold Hei but she betrayed her own exasperation.
"I know." Hei kissed the top of her head, having to slightly contort from ribs up due to their height difference. "But it's the life we chose…"
Roman and Neo watched to the side. It was the undying worry of a mother and wife. A younger Torchwick probably would've made some sort of snarky comment at such a show of affection, if not Neo.
Yet the two age. They all have. What Hei and Lavender had, all things considered, was something many would die for. But Roman, ever mature, couldn't help himself: he lightly nudged Neo, a look questioning if the two of them were this sickly in love accompanied with a few bobs of his eyebrows. The woman rolled her eyes, pink and brown amused, a shake to her head and smirk to the lips.
It was a long enough distraction for the two though. Lavender finally pulled away from her husband with a little sniff. Her head turned away to the side of the room no one was, before panning over with a bright smile to the side that did for the first time since she entered the office. One could hardly notice the minute ghosts of tears in her eyes as she began to approach the two.
"Neo, Roman…"
The latter made to open one of his arms aside, the former smiled. "Hello, Lav," greeted Roman. "It's been a while."
"Thank you." Lavender barely acknowledged the greeting as she pulled the two into a hug. "Thank you so much for keeping the girls safe…"
"They're family, Lavender."
Roman smirked. "Not a thing to it."
Doors swung open. Lavender turned, eyes wide as two voices exclaimed, "Mom!"
"Oh, you two!"
The girls practically flung themselves at their mother who was far too eager to catch. One daughter around each of Lavender's arms. A tight, close hug. Almost desperate. A part of Roman's brain chimed in, wondering how often of a scene this would become—what if no one is around next time—but he quickly swatted it away.
"Oh, you're fine! Both of you are," she exclaimed, turning to thank Neo and Roman once more. No big deal. Once again. Hei kneeled next to his wife. "Thank Janggii you're okay."
"Yeah! Not even a scratch on us!" Miltia responded. Breaking away from the hug, she began doing chops using her hands. "Roman and Neo took out all the baddies like: waahh, cha-cha!"
The other twin chimed in, "Isaiah was there, too. When Roman and Neo were fighting, he kept us safe in the alleyway. He even pulled out a gun of his own—" Hei and Lavender briefly turned to Roman but he could only shrug— "and then there's Ion! You don't know Ion, you haven't met him yet. But he was also…"
Roman smiled as he watched the twins continue to ramble to their mother. That was what he liked about children: Roman's encountered his fair share of bureaucrats and tycoons buttering him up to gain favours—as expected in his line of work—but children, for the better or worse, always speak out their mind. Honest and pure.
Speaking of, he has one that is in desperate need of chewing out.
"Well," he quietly interrupted, "it's good that we're all okay then. If you don't mind, I have a few words for my own ward— well, let's be honest here. Neo probably has more than me."
"I'll let you have the opening speech."
"Uncle Roman!" Melanie called out as the two had begun walking out. "Is Isaiah going to be in trouble? I mean, I don't think it's okay for him to get his own weapons, right? But he did keep me and Miltia and Ion safe…"
Roman and Neo turned to each other. For a split both felt the need to give Isaiah a verbal beating leave. They smiled.
"Oh, Melanie, bless your little heart." Roman stepped forward to give the girl a pat on the head. "We'll go easy on him. I promise."
Melanie hummed before nodding. "Also, Ion's passed out."
It took a lot of control for Roman not to laugh at her deadpan. He heard Neo snorting behind him.
"I'm sure he's tired as well. I'll go check on him first then," Roman remarked before briefly turning to Hei. "Keep me updated, all right? I'll help with damage control if it comes to it."
"You got it, geung."
Roman and Neo past two other doors down the hall before reaching where the kids had been during their talk. Upon entry, Ion was, indeed, passed out. Slumped face down on the coffee table, a crayon clutched in each of his tiny hands even in his slumber. The two adults smiled at one another before Roman walked over to slowly pick Ion, tucking him in on a couch.
They inched back when the boy whimpered, thinking that he was about to wake up; but Ion stopped, and a little smile graced his little face as he murmured: "Papa…"
Smiling, Roman gently ran a thumb over the boy's forehead. Ears twitched at the touch. He repeated the same thing he's been repeating since yesterday—that he'll get Ion home.
Right now, however…
"Pretty smart waiting here, kid." As if a switch flipped, Roman had quickly replaced his smile into a disciplinary visage—Neo too at a glance—as he addressed the other person in the room. "Thinking that we'll be easier with Ion asleep?"
Quiet finger tapping; chewing on his left cheek; green eyes darted around the floor. "It was… worth a try."
"Outside. Now."
(-S.o.T-)
They had found the next room over to be empty and held their—for all intent and purpose—trial there.
On one side Roman sat down next to Isaiah; Neo remained standing, peering down the boy. Both adults were purposefully invading his comfort zone in their respective ways.
Looks like Roman's up for the opening statement.
"It's normal to get a gun. Almost everyone's got one in this day and age. Though not everyone has high velocities." He let his words hang around before continuing. "Nevermind that, you're not even allowed to own a gun yet. So… ya gonna come upfront with who you got those from or do we have to go on the carousel first?"
Isaiah kept quiet, eyes trained to the space between his shoes. Five seconds. Then some.
"Well, no use in rushing I guess. We'll get there eventually," Roman sighed, arms resting on his thighs. "What do you even need those guns for in the first place?"
Still nothing.
But then, something barely audible.
"Sorry?"
Longer, but still incomprehensible. Roman's lips pursed.
"Look me in the eye when I'm talking to you, boy!" he snapped, just a few octaves than usual—Isaiah jolted. It worked. Perhaps a bit too much. Even Neo gave Roman's foot a nudge. "You got a working wind pipe and a tongue. Speak up!"
"Well, I…" The boy's eyes struggled to remain on his green counterparts as he scrambled for words.. "I just… I just had them for self-defence. I guess."
"'You guess'? What does that supposed to mean?" Oh, looks like his time was up. "You guessed that something like today would happen? You guessed that you can hide this from Roman and I? Do you have any idea the sort of problem you could've caused yourself and everyone around you? What were you bloody thinking?" Isaiah opened his mouth but was quickly interrupted: "You weren't, that's what.
"Thank god that you weren't randomly searched by the police. Thank god that we found out first. If anyone else had, do you have any idea what that'd do to your guardian's image—Roman's image as a public servant? Bloody unbelievable…" Isaiah's ears drooped forward. "Don't think about that for a moment. Imagine what it would have done to you. We admitted you to Riverbank, the best school this side of the country, and it seems like even they haven't drilled into that proper dense skull of yours. You wanted to figure skate professionally? You wanted to go to Krynneg University? Forget it.
Roman tried and failed to interject.
"Let me finish." She snapped back to the boy. "Or has it all been a ploy, hm? Have you been bringing the guns to school, too? Flaunting them around like some gangster? You see all this glamour around you and you're thinking it's a quick way up. After all your bloody hard work—that you decided on yourself, by the way—you've just been planning to be some two-bit gangster?
"Why didn't you say that from the start then? We're gangsters too—were. If we had known we wouldn't be putting you up for top-class education. It's rather simple, really: you'll start out with a knife or a bag, whacking people or muling drugs and other shite like me, Roman, Mabel, or every other dumb kid did. In fact, I don't think it's even too late at your age. That career change is still possible. Come along, Hei's still in the office. We can talk details about your first assignment with him."
Forget Isaiah, Roman was left speechless. Neo really only gave him the opening statements. Giving the woman a look—ignored—he turned back to the still quiet Isaiah.
Contrary to many's belief, it was easy to figure Isaiah Israfel out. Seconds passed as his eyes rapidly wandered everywhere around the room but for Roman and Neo; he could practically see the cogs in the boy's head, electricity and chemicals, wires of information, turning and firing and channelling; only one shot to form a coherent response in his defence.
Instead, he cried.
"Shut up, Söze!" he snapped to the empty seat next to him before trying to wipe away tears. "I'm… I'm—I'm sorry. That's not— I don't want that. I just— to be useful. I want to—"
He became increasingly incomprehensible, as one who cries often does. "Since there's a lot of people that— I thought if— if anything happens, with a gun, I can be useful."
A sharp inhale; stuttered breath. "I thought I was— was useful today. I'm so—sorry. I don—'t want any of that…"
A pang of guilt struck Roman. Neo, too. He was sure that most people would point out the crocodile tears. The charade of a boy trying to get out of trouble.
But Roman had Isaiah Israfel figured out. An often cold and aloof boy with a much too honest sort of naivety to a handful of people. His boy. Their boy.
Many wouldn't fall for it, but Roman knew there was nothing to fall for.
"You stupid boy…" Roman practically pulled the boy into a hug; one he slowly reciprocated. "You don't have to do that. You don't have to do any of that." He forced Isaiah to look up to him before smiling. "Maybe you can help us. Somewhere down the line, with your own way. But for now, we only need you to study well, learn things, and… well, do the normal things that kids your age do. Okay?"
He blinked. Processing the words as if they were the revelation of the new millenia before nodding.
Roman let go as he saw Neo step towards the boy. The woman crouched in front of him, the disciplinarian from a mere minute ago completely gone. She wordlessly pulled him into a hug.
A tug on his coat. The three turned to the newcomer.
"Woma! Ion wanna up…"
He could only chuckle as he picked the little boy onto his lap. "Well, looks like little Ion's up…"
Maybe not for long, he's well starting to doze off again. Neo had taken the seat next to him, still keeping Isaiah with a side hug. The two adults leaned against one another.
Roman could hear a bare whisper next to him: "You're perfect just the way you are."
The boy sniffed. "Thanks…"
A pleasant moment. Wondrous. The warm feeling in his stomach that Roman was all too glad to have. Be it from gods or the universe itself; this lingering moment that he's thankful for.
A/N: Arc's about done and wrapped up. Just a few more chapters to go!
Next chapter out on 17 September 2023
Thanks for reading! And 'till next time, stay content!