As always, KS does not belong to me.
We're almost reaching the end, two more chapters and an epilogue to go!
Chapter 13
"So, you're here."
"You clearly see me here."
"And she is there, 10 hours overseas, pretty much still pregnant."
"With any luck."
"And you're okay with that." She narrowed her green eyes.
"No, Catherine, I am clearly not okay with that. What do you want me to do? Whine as a five-year-old? Curse? Why are you here anyways?" He growled, hitting the table with his fists.
"Wow, full name! There he is! I must congratulate you for being able to act neutral on the meeting earlier. Ever thought about being an actor?" She retorted, sarcastically. "Mia asked for me. Since I helped with Swan Lake, she trusts me. And thanks to you, I have had nothing more important to do over the last 33 weeks." She sat onto the office's couch.
"36 weeks, two days and some hours."
"She worked for roughly a month before she became sick. 33."
"Fair. But I knew you'd be working with us already. Why are you really here?"
"I have intel you haven't been getting enough sleep, and that you might not even have been to your house ever since you arrived in Cape Mary, kitten. That's not very healthy." She sighed playfully.
"What did you just call me?" The blond retorted.
Hours earlier…
"So, how was the trip?" Cathy asked Mia, excitedly, as they both made their way towards Kalos' office. They would discuss a few adjustments before the meeting with the sponsors, which would be later that same day.
"Well, it was great! Anna and Sora finally got their grasps on their roles, we met some people. I have new ideas for the plot. Everything went well. And now, we are back!"
"I see… Were you successful on meeting Yuri's grandmother, then? I remember Sora saying something about that before you guys left. Did you get to see him, by the way? Wasn't he in Paris?"
"Yes, we met him. In fact, he came back with us." The orange headed girl laughed. "We were surprised by the fact that he and Mr Leon were able to sit beside one another without killing themselves for the entirety of the flight."
"Those two have finally called on a truce, then?" She smirked.
As they approached the doors, they were surprised to meet the boss and Sarah on the outside. She was amusedly peeping through a small gap on the doors, barely holding back laughter. She realized their presence and before they could even ask anything, she motioned with a finger for the women to be quiet. They could hear the muffled hum of what seemed like a feline purring from the inside.
"Did the boss adopt a cat while we were out and you're trying not to wake him up?" Mia asked.
"I happen to be allergic to those, Mrs Guillem, so no." He answered, arms crossed over his chest.
"Oh, so he really does purr in his sleep." Cathy immediately took her phone, camera on. "Don't you dare judge me. I need to register this. He is even drooling. What are the chances we'll ever see that again?"
"Ahem. Let's proceed with our meeting on the cafeteria. If he is not awake in 30 minutes, I'll bring him up myself." Kalos grunted.
Back to present time…
"Why aren't you going home anyways? Not used to being alone anymore, huh?" The look in his face made it clear she was right. "I get it. I have three older brothers. I long for the action, hence why, instead of staying in a hotel or a flat, I usually go to the dormitories." She smirked. "You could do it. There are vacant rooms, Sarah told me. Or you could share a room with your newest favourite friend."
"Who would be?"
"Leon Oswald, of course! Who else?" She grinned, putting an arm over his shoulders. "Oh, and don't forget to lock the door. Pets are not allowed in the dorms; someone might think the God of Death has a cat."
"Catherine."
"Yes?"
"Don't you ever know when to shut up?"
"Burn! So rude! I'm worried about you and get this kind of treatment? And answering your question. Nope. Come on, I'll take you to the dorms." She almost dragged him away, towards the annex building. "So… You're up for a battle, it seems. Kalos filled me up on the details."
"Seemingly."
And it was one he didn't know whether he could win.
It was finally The Nutcracker opening day. Anna had barely slept out of anticipation. She was very excited to share the stage with her brother. Mikhail, on the other hand, was the definition of pile of nerves.
"This mask is so terrible. And I'll only get rid of it on the last act." He whined, while applying makeup. "I don't even know why I am putting this, I'll sweat it all. And the hat is not staying in place. Nothing is working!"
"Stop panicking, Misha!" Anna reprimanded her brother, their mother stifling laughter while working on her hair. "Do you want me to call big brother for you?" She teased.
"What? No! What would it change?" He snarled, his legs shaking as he heard the house was full.
"Hey, it's okay to be nervous. It is your first lead role." His mother reassured him, placing both hands on his shoulders, and proceeding to adjust his head ornament. "My first lead was Giselle. I was as panicky as you were now. You've worked hard to improve your acting. I'm extremely proud of you. You will be amazing." She placed her forehead to touch his. "Now, we'll be cheering on you from the audience. Break a leg, you two. And after you get that call, do put your mobile on silent mode, Misha, it disturbs everyone else."
Speaking of the devil.
"Talk."
"Good evening to you too, Mikhail. Put it on videocall, I want to see your face."
"Argh. You are so boring! What do you want?"
"So bad-mannered…" He rolled his eyes. "You'll be fine. I oversaw you myself on the last rehearsals. No need to be scared. Just go there and have fun. Show those guys what my little brother can do. I'm sorry I can't be there with you both." He smiled tenderly.
"Who told you I had stage fright?" He pretended to be brave, failing miserably. "Was it mom or your girlfriend?"
"I'm your brother, remember? I had a hunch. Anyhow, don't forget to breathe and smile. Oh, and there are some people that want to wish you and Anna good luck as well."
Some of the Kaleido Stage members took his brother's place on the small screen. On their side of the screen, little Anna joined him. They still had a few moments before the programme started. After a few minutes, he seemed more at ease.
"We have to go; they are starting in three." His partner prompted them.
"Misha?"
"What now?"
"Я тебя люблю."
"Jerk. Goodbye." Even under the makeup, he was red as a habanero pepper.
"What did he say?" Isabella asked the little girl.
"I love you." Anna whispered, chuckling.
Despite all his worries, Mikhail's routine went on smoothly. He had finally got the hang of it. The siblings were highly praised. He shouldn't have been that nervous.
Thinking about it… The only time she had felt like that had probably been… Before the Legend of Phoenix, when she had been performing alone, in a lead role that really mattered. No, it wasn't just about that. It had been the first time she had tried to manage it all by herself, without asking for help.
Having had Sora, May, and Ken after her in Cathy's car had been a surprise. A wonderful one, in a way. But kind of bitter.
"So, you came to watch. I thought you had other more important things to do. How are things going with Kaleido Stage's 'Legend of Phoenix?'"
"I don't recall doing anything to upset you lately. As to your question, things are all good over there. Sora is going to perform an "inverted" Golden Phoenix on the climax. I suppose that had something to do with you. Nice haircut." He played with her golden, short locks.
"Is that so? Good. At least, I could also help her in the end. Like she helped me. Unlike some other people."
"Ah… So that's what your cold treatment is about. Well… Let's say I decided to let you rebel freely this time. It seemed like it was the right thing to do. I ruined it with the 'Masked Star'. It's not like I wasn't worried, though. In a way, I deserved having someone I love running away for a change. Karma, that's the name. I'm surprised you are angry about it."
Now she could understand the 'karma' talk, funnily enough, thanks to the aftermath of that very night. Her line of thoughts was interrupted by a question from Anna to their mother.
"Do you think papa watched it? You know, from up there?"
"And miss you and Mikhail on the same stage? I'm sure he did."
Layla had felt sorry for their grandmother, who had been the only one to meet her son again on that day. No one had ever mentioned it to her, and yet, she seemed to know it instantly.
"That boy." She had laughed. "You've all seen him, haven't you? Aaron, I mean?"
"Who told her? We had all agreed on not telling her about it." Mikhail shouted.
"Mikhail. The reason I know it is because I happened to see him too. I just don't think he realized that. Who do you think put him to bed when he was at my house? When I woke up earlier that day, to bake the cinnamon rolls, he was pretty much dead on the sofa, just like he used to do when he was at that age. Your grandfather or I would always have to scoop him onto his bed." She had glazed eyes. "He felt so warm and small that I wished I could freeze time. Mothers will be mothers, right, Nadja?"
Mothers will be mothers. She wondered if she'd be able to be like that. Even the simple thought of being unable to protect her son once he was out in this world was enough to paralyze her. Was that what it meant? Was that how her mother felt before leaving her? He'd said she hadn't taken her rants to her heart… Yet, she must have been troubled, but took it with her to her grave.
"Can I guess?" His mother's emerald gaze matched her gentle hands onto the girls own. "You are probably wondering whether you are ready, aren't you? The answer is quite simple, and probably disappointing, but no, you're not."
Oh, that was anticlimactic. Isn't that the cue in when people just take your hands and say nice things for you not to break down?
"Don't look at me like that. The reason why you are not ready is because no one ever is. If I told you, it would be easy and that everything would magically be alright, it would be a lie. And I've learned better than working with lies." She patted the younger woman's head.
"It is going to be hard; you will want to give up. You will surely doubt yourself. You'll find yourself staring at him nonstop while he sleeps, just to make sure he is breathing properly. You'll cry whenever he cries because it breaks your heart. And it will still be okay. Because it is worth it in the end. I shouldn't really brag about it, but again… Three kids. One nowhere near planned." She laughed nervously. "I was raised only by my father. My mom died when I was born. She had the same disease as Yuri. I am glad Ms Maryann was there for me."
"It must have been rough." She looked onto her knees.
"Worth it. Come on, you have something else in your mind, spit it out. I know that face."
"Do you really forget… You know… The pain… And all? And… Is it as bad as they say?" She almost sounded like a child asking something forbidden. The ballerina blinked, laughing at the question.
"Oh, so you are afraid of something, indeed. You almost made me consider lying now. No, you don't forget. And yes, it is bad. But I heard you have high pain tolerance. Now that you mentioned, there is a thing you should know. The boys in this family are freaking linebackers – look at Misha's shoulders - so, don't believe when they say that it's easy once the head is out." Beside her, Ms Maryann nodded.
"MOM, EWWWW! MY EARS ARE BLEEDING! HOW DO I UNHEAR THAT?"
"Mikhail, you're not five, get it together. And it's late, don't scream like Jack the Ripper is after you."
"What's a linebacker?" Anna yawned, rubbing her eyes, still marked by remains of black eyeliner.
"You are still here too? Shoo, off you go. You are way past your curfew, little girl."
Layla had been amused to learn he had been convinced into going to the dormitories. After so many years of hiding his true agenda, and barely allowing himself to 'mix' with the other performers, he couldn't blame her.
Alas, it had been… interesting. He learned May Wong could cook (and did cook a lot, when she was nervous over something). He realized how he missed being amongst other people, especially without having to fake anything.
Two more days so he could be back home. He wouldn't forgive himself if anything happened while he was away. Not that they were not in good hands. It was just… They were his family. His responsibility, and not his mother's or his siblings'.
That was… Taken he solved the matter with his worst opponent so far.
"I thought I heard the singer and the annoying writer tell you to go your room half an hour ago." The Frenchman joined him on the dormitory's cafeteria, holding a pack of energy drink cans. He didn't seem like the kind who drank those.
"Hmph. I guess I was never very good at following orders." He answered nonchalantly, staring at the moon, through the windows.
"Figures." The silver haired lad scoffed.
"So…Why do I own the pleasure of you sitting at the same table as I am, instead of being in your own room, at this hour?" The Russian yawned. The sleepless nights seemed to finally be taking their toll on him.
"You are insufferable, but I rather see your mocking self than this miserable one I am looking at right now. You aren't worthy a rival like this." The other man scoffed.
"Feel like helping me?" He teased, resting his head onto his arms.
"Not like you deserve it, though." Now… That should have been an auditory hallucination.
"Wow. The Grim Reaper does have a heart after all."
"Don't make me regret this before I have even started, Killian." Leon rolled his eyes.
"I'm joking. You've always had one. If it's worth anything, If I'd known what would happen, I'd never have sent the fake call. I can imagine how terrible it was for you to watch her die just before your eyes and being unable to do anything to save her. I guess we never talked openly about it. But I am sorry."
"What is done, is done. Besides, I get you now. I wonder whether I wouldn't have done the same, in your shoes."
"You wouldn't." The Russian sighed. "You're good."
They were interrupted by the door opening, revealing Ken Robbins, with a thermal bottle filled with steaming coffee. Didn't that guy have his own house to be at? Why did they care?
"By the way… Whose idea was this?"
"Is it relevant? Just accept it and be glad." The Frenchman scowled, going through a budget file. "I can't see anything wrong with these. And it is way below what the last production cost. What's the real deal here?"
"The boss mentioned one sponsor retrieved his amount. And it was a considerable sum of money… So that's why he wants to cut things here and there." Ken explained. "I don't have any further details."
The Russian rubbed his temples "The thing is: if he did, others may follow. That's why I was personally requested back here, since most of the equipment changes was my idea… And because I am the one being punished here."
"How so?" Leon queried.
"Some people can't help but mix business and personal life. Kevin Hamilton is one of them."
He recalled it vividly when they'd told him about the baby. The man had been livid.
"I hope you are not telling me because you are considering keeping it. Open your eyes, the two of you. I don't care how mature you perceive you are; you are barely adults yourselves." His eyes were never that cold.
"You can't be serious, father." She was shaking, in a mix of anger and indignation.
"Oh, but I am. You expect me to simply allow my only daughter to ruin her life and our family's image? Layla, this is not a suggestion." He was adamant.
"And if I don't?"
"Then, you are on your own with that decision."
One thing was being on their own; pestering them was on a completely different level. And this was clearly it. He hadn't told her. This was something he had decided to deal with himself.
"So, tomorrow we should propose a new plan. My initial idea was to do it in a way we didn't depend on that old hag… But I'm at a dead end."
"So don't change anything. Sell your fish. Even Mr Kenneth said you are pretty good at it." Ken argued.
"I wish it were that simple." The Russian sighed.
"It may be." Sora and the others burst into the cafeteria. "Sorry, we overheard it. Tomorrow, we are all going to be in that meeting with you. This is supposed to be a celebration, and we are going to make the most of it – it – it!"
He could almost cry now.
"You guys… Thank you."
The Russian lady watched as her daughter in law carefully combed Anna's hair, while the little girl told her all about that night's play, to which she hadn't attended. They were currently nested in the bed she originally shared with her son, in his absence. The young woman had a pretty rough day, her body trying to deal with the summer heat and being almost 37 weeks pregnant. The baby had dropped considerably on the last couple of days, putting extra weight on her hips, and making waddling on and about harder than usual. The way she had been treating the kids… The girl was clearly nesting.
"Feeling any better?" Mikhail popped on the door, drying his hair up with a towel. "What? Can't I ask?" He sat at the end of the bed. He had been with her during some particularly long false labour cramps and pelvic pain flares, nearly ringing his brother twice. Yuri had scared the hell out of him and warned the teenager to contact him whatever change went by in her state while he was away. Watching him tend to her was amusing, especially considering his initial behaviour.
"Yes, Misha, thanks."
"Good for you. Did that moron say at what time he'd arrive, the day after tomorrow? He said he'd stay away for three days, and they became five." He had his arms crossed over his chest in indignation. The former trapeze artist motioned him to come closer, taking the towel from his hands and beginning to dry his hair herself. "Hey, I can do this myself." He blushed.
"Liar, we all saw you green with envy that she was combing my hair." Anna proclaimed, giggling. "By the way, you have already put all the baby clothes in the drawers, and you should have been resting!"
"But that wasn't a big deal. I just got a little bored while you were away." She winced, rubbing the side of her tummy.
"Umm…Shouldn't you time those?" The lad stated awkwardly, his sister nodding in agreement. She patted both of their heads.
"It was just a strong kick, that's all. No need to worry, you two. Besides, little guy here and his father have a deal: no funny business until papa gets home."
"Alright, the two of you. We should all go to our rooms. C'mon. Good night, dear." Their mother ushered them out, and just as she was leaving herself, she almost whispered. "Between you and me... If your kid comes out anything like his parents, we both know he won't obey." She winked.
If stares could kill, he'd be long dead, by now: from the moment he stepped into the meeting room to the one he left; Mr Hamilton had practically eaten him with his eyes. He'd sat immediately in front of him, just across the table.
For the best interest, Kalos had conducted most of the conference. He'd argued that nothing would change under the request of the entertainers themselves, supported by Sora, who had joined them as a representative of the circus performers.
That move had been extremely helpful. After the remarkable success of 'The Swan Lake' and 'The Legend of Phoenix', most of the investors took her requests under utmost consideration. So, once the voting came on, most of the committee opted to support their initial plan of action, no matter how much the other man had positioned himself against it.
More than once, the Russian had to control himself not to explode at him as well. Every once he presented the older man a mildly cross response, Cathy would kick his shin under the table.
"I suppose it's settled, then; right, Kevin? One must know when he has lost. Besides, no good ever came from letting your emotions control your money, you always said that yourself." Mr Kenneth commented. The Hamilton head only rolled his eyes, finally surrendering.
"I suppose I'll let this pass once. We'll not retrieve our aggregate."
They'd have to leave by the same door.
"I'm surprised you actually showed up." The man taunted him, adjusting his necktie. "Paris, wasn't it? Long way from here."
"You made me, right?" He snarled; hands balled into fists. "Happy now?"
"Watch your tone, boy." He barked back. "I guess you win, after all."
"By the way, they are safe and well, thought you should know. After all, you're his grandfather, whether you want it or not." He said, leaving the man to digest the information, not for once gazing behind. Otherwise, one of them would surely leave the circus with a black eye.
He headed straight into his dormitory room, finally breathing again. He glanced at his watch; it should be a good time to talk with them in France by now.
"Hi big brother!" Anna answered him happily, through videocall. She was at their room, sitting on the edge of the bed. Behind her, his grandmother massaged Layla's lower back. Both women waved at him. Layla seemed tired.
"Everything okay in there?"
"Yeah…Nothing a good night of sleep can't cure. Don't worry." She replied, slowly propping herself, putting some pillows on her back. "And on your side?"
"Peachy. I can't wait to be back home. I'll be leaving by around eight in Paris time. I should arrive around 18:00 pm."
"Great, we'll be waiting." She flinched not too long after, hands supporting her gravid belly.
"What was that?"
"Your son can't help but fuss every single time he hears your voice, that's what this was." She managed a smile. "Love you."
"Love you too. See you tomorrow."
