Author's Note:

So, an explanation is in order.

This chapter has been ready for the last two weeks, but then my computer went and broke down and needed to be repaired. Thus, I had no access to the completed chapter or this site or that period of time.

Fortunately all my writing details were saved, and I pray to God that from this point onward I'll be able to finish Part 7 without anymore interruptions.

Sorry to anyone who has been reading this.

Chapter 74: Making Time for Family

The work of a President was an unending session of politics, debating, and meetings. Making room for self-indulgence was viewed as a sign of weakness, one that Joe Dark wasn't willing to enable.

Except…when it comes to one occasion that happens to align every few months.

Ignoring the weight of his duty for just one day, he left his office with nothing but a lightweight leather jacket, a pair of jeans, and a new shirt his wife was testing out as merchandise for her next tour.

Loosening his hair a little and making sure his wallet was secure, he ventured through the White House attempting to escape with little fuss.

It's amazing how much a few changes to his demeanor and leaning into casual attire changed people's perspective of him.

However, these defenses were nothing against the sharp eyes of his best of the best in security detail.

Just as he was one hallway away from freedom, the two guards, Mina and Troy, barred his path.

"So, planning to leave without an announcement, Mister President?" Troy remarked, his face deep into his phone.

"Again." Mina added dryly after popping an orange cream pop out of her mouth.

"You two…" Joe Dark shook his head and rustled his jacket a little, "I don't want to have to strong-arm you to get by, but I will."

Troy tucked his phone away and slicked back his hair before rolling his shoulders, "If you need a reminder of why we're the best in the biz, I'm willing to show you a nice view of the ceiling…Sir."

Mina popped her pop back in and mumbled, "Yeah, I'll pass. Sweating makes these taste icky."

Joe Dark gestured politely at the two and put his negotiating skills to good use, "Or, option three, we skip the roughhousing and you just let me enjoy my day unprotected."

"I'm afraid we can't do that, sir, it's in our contract to watch you at all times." Troy commented.

"And if we're not fulfilling our contract, we're not getting paid. Which means…" Mina pulled the cleaned off stick from her mouth and with a masterful flick of the wrist, tossed it like a dagger at her President's face, "I don't get to buy more of these."

Naturally, he caught it between his fingers, and remembered why his negotiation skills were constantly made a topic of critique on the news.

"Haaa," He tossed the stick back into a trash can and then shrugged his hands up, "Then you leave me no other choice but to bust out option four."

With a quick snap of the fingers the two guards were disarmed by a pair of clicking noise from behind, as their arms were bound up in handcuffs by none other than Catherine.

"Aw man…!" Troy grit his teeth and looked humiliated.

While Mina just put on a deadpan expression and shrugged, "That's a dirty move."

Joe Dark enjoyed a laugh, adjusted his jacket, and then smiled at them both on his way past, "I'm a politician. I got to have a little dirt on me."

He then gave Catherine a passing glance and whispered, "Make sure they're freed in fifteen minutes."

Catherine's smile was brimming with delight and respect, "Can do, boss! Enjoy your day out!"

Joe Dark headed out the front door and checked his watch with a disgruntled click of the tongue, "Great. A few seconds late…"

He hung his arms and sighed, "He's going to make a comment again…"

He made his way to the parking lot and snuck into his personal car, which was a little old-fashioned but retained enough respect in the work put into it that he didn't come across as a slob.

Admittedly, the engine coughed a little bit right now, but maybe he'd be able to get it looked at while he was out now that he'd have an expert on hand.

It took a bit of fudging around, but once he was on the road it was smooth driving from there to a couple cities over.

He enjoyed listening to his wife's music over the phone speakers, and wished he could actually see one of her showings in person. Apparently, they take your eyes on a mystifying journey.

"I wonder what that refers to…" He said sarcastically, half-tempted to scold her for the liberal use of her powers.

…Not that he'd be one to judge. If he was like his brother, he'd use his powers of darkness to get anywhere he wanted to be in an instant.

But Joe Dark the Dark King was something he left in the past. As far as the world was concerned, he would only ever be Joe Dark the President.

But among a select few individuals, he proudly wore another label.

He pulled up into a parking lot in the middle of town and after making sure everything was secured, he was greeted by a friendly and relaxed voice from behind, "You made it just in time."

He turned around and saw Riku approaching him wearing a comfy spring attire, complete with his own lightweight jacket that was picked out by his wife.

Joe Dark stared at his face for a while and noticed that his beard had gotten a little thicker since last time. Rubbing his own chin, he wondered what he'd look like with one.

The imagery was incredibly silly.

"Heh…"

"What's the matter?" Riku said with a puzzled expression.

"Eh, forget about it," Joe Dark gestured his hand off his chin, "How're you doing?"

"I'm proud to put one of the toughest medical cases I've ever dealt with behind me." Riku said with his brows hanging low.

"How bad was it?" He asked, because usually Riku's brows were sagging somewhere in the middle.

"Actually, I'd like to talk to you about that a little later." Riku's reply was…interesting, but he respected it.

"Alright," With a light nod, Joe Dark crossed his arms and looked around with a grumble, "Ok, let's get the smart-ass remarks out of the way, Mew."

"He's running late." Riku commented.

"REALLY?" Joe Dark sputtered, and felt both a little dizzy and impish.

He began rubbing his chin again while Riku explained, "There was a traffic accident on the highway, so he needed to take a detour."

It wasn't long before a third car rolled up into the parking lot, and a world record was broken in exiting a car courtesy of Mew.

He stumbled out carrying one of those gas station milk bottles and looked up at his two brothers with droopy eyes, "Ah shit, I'm the last one here?"

Joe Dark put on a catty smile and remarked, "I never thought I'd get the opportunity to make a remark…"

Mew hung both head and shoulders and dryly commented, "Oh please, gimme your best shot. Your wit's about as sharp as your old knife."

Joe Dark was stunned, and in the absence of his reply Riku stepped up to the plate, "I just assumed you prefer getting second place by now."

Mew recoiled with a forced gasp, "Sheesh, low blow, Riku!"

Joe Dark clenched his teeth and closed his eyes, "Tsk…! You really had to undercut me, eh, Riku?"

Riku gave a polite gesture before explaining, "I was just trying to respect your limited free time."

Joe Dark turned around and barked, "Whaaaat, I could've come up with something witty if you gave me time!"

Mew snickered, "We don't have all week, Joe."

As Joe Dark was ready to give him a friendly smack on the shoulder, Mew beat him to the punch and then started carrying him along across the parking lot, "Ha ha…it's glad you finally got out of that cooped up cage, brother."

And he had to go and use that damn word that beat down his edge every time. With a hearty sigh, Joe Dark kindly told him, "Sorry again for missing the last get together."

"Eh, water under the bridge. You can make it up to us by paying for lunch this time." Mew nudged him with his elbow.

"Fine. I will."

Mew then pulled out his phone and declared, "Great! I looked up this reeeeeeally fancy restaurant that's just a couple blocks down from here-"

"You sneaky snake!" Joe Dark hissed in a moment of friendly banter, complete with nudging him back.

Mew plopped his phone back into his pocket and commented, "Yeah, I know. McDonalds as usual, right?"

The two of them then looked at Riku, with Mew jokingly remarking, "Or is that too low brow for the traveling doctor?"

Joe Dark crossed his arms and joined in, "Yeah, I dunno. A Big Mac'll probably make him sick."

Riku hung his head with a weary sigh, "You two…I'll admit, I've missed the simple taste of fast food."

The other two brothers grinned at each other, and with this playful prodding out of the way it was time for them to leisurely converse as they went about their trip to McDonalds.

"So, who wants to go first?" Mew suggested.

Joe Dark commented, "That's weird, usually you call dibs."

Mew shrugged, "Eh, my life's been pretty smooth sailing lately."

Riku glanced over his shoulder, "So the kids are doing alright?"

"Oh, more than alright! Leo just got his driver's license recently, AND I gave him a new car as a gift."

Joe Dark was taken aback, "Don't you think you're spoiling him?"

"How is that spoiling him? He proved he's responsible plenty of times. One car isn't going to inflate his ego to the heavens."

Joe Dark nodded with a wily smirk, "True, true. We don't have to fear 'Mew: Second Coming' just yet."

Mew leaned in front of his field of vision and smiled, "Liiiike you don't want that."

Joe Dark faked a cough and looked the other way muttering, "S-Shut up you…"

After letting Mew get his kicks, he then crossed his arms and sighed, "Well, let's see…I finally got that policy pushed through that'll allow-"

Mew stretched his arms back and yawned, causing Joe Dark to glare at him with a scoff, "Well ex-CUSE me…!"

Mew snappily commented, "C'mon, we watch the news enough. How's our brother doing?"

Joe Dark was at a complete loss for words, "Ummm…my car engine's got a bit of a cough?"

Mew pulled back with an aggravated groan, "Dude, you've become a total workaholic."

Riku injected a rather scathing remark, "And I thought I was bad."

Joe Dark bit his teeth and scoffed, "Gimme a break, you ESPECIALLY Riku, we got important jobs!"

Mew quietly mumbled, "Yeah, but even Riku takes time off for his wife."

Joe Dark closed his eyes and GREATLY resisted the urge to smack his brother, "I'll have you know…Alura visited me a few months back. And it was very, very pleasant."

"Yeah, but save for that and these hang-out sessions with us, do you do ANYTHING fun with your free time?" Mew gestured his hand around in circles, "Don't get me wrong, I admire what you've accomplished, but nobody, and I mean NOBODY, was asking you to sacrifice your personal happiness for the sake of world peace."

Joe Dark humbly glanced aside and murmured, "Heh, this coming from you…"

He then rubbed the back of his head and asked, "Can we change the subject please?"

Mew brushed his hands aside and remarked, "Yeah, sure."

But Joe Dark could tell from the look in his eyes that he was keeping watch over his sluggish demeanor and more importantly, the bags under his eyes.

If anyone asked what Mew's strength was, they'd probably jump to him having the power to move worlds with ease and punch the lights out of even the most stubborn and ancient gods.

But his real strength…was his ability to move hearts, and punch doubt and insecurity out of a depressed soul.

They finally made it to the golden arches and went inside to order. Joe Dark couldn't help but glance around and imagine what people were thinking.

Riku ordered a chicken sandwich with a salad and a diet soda. Mew ordered two Big Macs, a large fries, a large soda, and chicken tenders.

Joe Dark was satisfied with a quarter pounder with cheese without the onions, and a medium fries.

They sat outside since the weather was treating them well, and Mew chomped his first bite down before they had fully gotten into their seats.

"Aaaaah…" He gasped in satisfaction, "Nothing beats the classic two patties with lettuce, cheese and special sauce."

Riku started off with his salad and a light chuckle.

Joe Dark wanted to enjoy some of his fries first. The salt and potato flavoring made the burger taste better, especially after dipping them in ranch.

They simply sat back and enjoyed their meal for a bit. It was only after Mew finished wiping the grease from his chicken tenders off his mouth that they started chatting again.

Particularly, because Joe Dark kept employing his shifty eyes to his surroundings.

"Alright Joe, relax. Nobody's going to recognize you." Mew said nonchalantly.

Joe Dark turned and expressed doubt, "You can't be too sure."

Mew scoffed, "I barely recognize you sometimes. But that's a good thing."

Riku nodded, "I agree."

Mew then had a chuckle at his brother's expense, "Though I do miss your edge."

Joe Dark gave him a biting but restrained scowl, "I can pull it back out anytime, Mew."

Mew patted him on the shoulder, "Please. Go ahead. I've missed having a good challenge."

Riku quietly interjected, "And yet, constantly in second place…"

Mew overreacted and nearly fell out of his chair. Once he regained his composure he slapped his hands on the table and said humorously, "Boy, you sure have it out for me today, Riku!"

Riku silently returned to his meal with a subtle smile.

Joe Dark then pushed Mew back into his seat and told him, "You're going to draw attention to me at this rate."

Mew relaxed with a smile and gestured his soda at his brother before realizing, "Oh wait, you didn't order one."

Joe Dark had a fond laugh before admitting, "I prefer coffee, but the ones they serve here are too piping hot."

"I agree," Riku nodded, "There's a new coffee shop that opened up back home last year that I really enjoy. They offer cheap prices during work hours, and play smooth jazz on request."

"That sounds nice," Joe Dark's mood soured a little as he voiced his inner thoughts rather abruptly, "How long have I been away for…?"

Mew and Riku looked at each other and nodded. Riku then let out a light cough and innocently wondered, "Say, do they still serve those tiny ice creams here?"

Joe Dark answered, "Y-Yeah, they should."

Riku took the last bite of his meal and excused himself from the table, "I'm in the mood for one. Be right back."

A few seconds after he was gone, Mew leaned back in his seat and said in his carefree tone, "Seriously. You have GOT to take a break from work and go home."

Joe Dark bit his teeth and realized how the brothers played this out, bitterly mumbling, "You KNOW why I can't…"

"I get it, I get it. And it probably sounded like a good idea at the time…" Mew leaned forward and stared his brother in the eyes, "But five years is a long time to be separated from your kids."

"Hell, Alura's risking arrest just to see you, and that doesn't hit you at all?"

"Look, I only agreed to the idea because she came at me with full confidence that she could make it work out."

Mew shrugged, "And I mean no disrespect here bro, but when it comes to your wife it's a coin flip over whether her confidence is warranted."

Joe Dark stopped himself from acting on instinct to defend his wife's honor, cause it felt like there was something he was missing, "...Mew, you can be upfront with me. IS something going on with my kids?"

Mew leaned back into the chair and shrugged again, "I haven't seen them that much since they moved back. I'm just appealing to the part of you that should know better."

"I…" Joe Dark bit his lip and sighed, before gritting his teeth and finding himself forced to admit, "I GET that, Mew…I tried and FOUGHT for every second of time I could spare towards them."

"But roping them into the political landscape was bound to cause trouble later down the line, especially since we still don't know how-"

"I don't need you to remind me of that. I haven't forgotten," Mew leaned back into the table and stated in a supportive tone, "If you fear the world's going to fall apart because you stepped away from the Oval Office for a few days, then you must think you've sucked as a President. And that's BLATANTLY untrue."

Joe Dark took a hit straight to the heart, as his brother combined the blunt truth with respect. With his guard down, Joe Dark hung his head and murmured, "I…could probably accomplish more."

"Oh geez…" Mew reached out for his shoulder, looked him dead in the eyes, and played off this whole conversation with his lighthearted nature, "Leave the self-destructive habits to me."

Joe Dark clicked his tongue and muttered, "Sheesh, you dunce…"

He then closed his eyes and admitted, "...I-I'll try and work something out in my schedule."

"Hell, just give Erin a quick call and ask how she's doing. I ain't asking for much," Mew then patted him twice and went back to the rest of his meal, "I just don't want you to wind up like Riku and Lunalei."

"Do you want to repeat that, brother?" Came Riku, prompting Mew to look the other way and take a sip of his drink.

Riku made it evident he was in a forgiving mood though, "For the record, her and I went out for coffee the other day and had a good time. Though we didn't talk much."

Mew turned back around and clapped, with Joe Dark joining in a little later, "Hey, right on!"

Riku enjoyed his ice cream, and Mew finally finished off his big meal. He scored a three-pointer in the trash can with each bag, and then leaned back into the seat with a burp.

"Aaah, I am loving it…" After closing his eyes to relax and take in the spring breeze, he threw out a question, "So, Alex would totally be a Big Mac enjoyer, yeah?"

Joe Dark hummed, "I…think he'd be a chicken nuggets guy."

Riku nodded, "I agree."

Mew leaned into the table with a hearty gesture, "Ok but hear me out. I'm supposed to be him without all the angst. Ergo, I like Big Macs because he did."

Riku argued, "Yes, but I don't like Big Macs."

"Yeah but you're weird. Who goes to McDonalds to buy a SALAD?"

Joe Dark rubbed his chin and murmured, "I think your logic is faulty, Mew. Because you don't know he ever had a Big Mac."

"I choose to believe he did, and that's good enough for me." Mew said with a smile.

Riku added, "A simple answer, indeed."

Mew grit his teeth and clicked his tongue, "Yeeeaaah, it'd be a lot easier if that asshole stopped playing dead and came back already."

Silence fell on the conversation, forcing Joe Dark to let out a rough cough and shift the topic in a somewhat different direction, "S-Speaking of Alex. How's his gravestone holding up?"

Mew remained carefree in vibe as he answered, "Had a few clumps of moss on it, but Shina took care of it."

"Funniest thing. I've seen a small family of goats hanging around there a couple times."

Riku closed his eyes and sighed, "A shame you had to leave that place behind. I do miss the cozy mountain air."

Mew nodded, "Eh, that was a meaningful sacrifice in order to give the kids a good environment to grow up in."

Joe Dark and Riku looked at each other and collectively sighed, "We're never going to beat this guy…"

Riku laughed, "He's first place where it counts."

Mew winced, "I feel like I thought about that a few months ago. Are you reading my mind, Riku?"

"Who can say?" Riku then had to preoccupy himself with eating the cone.

Mew then leaned back into the seat and nudged Joe Dark with his elbow, "So hey, you gonna tell us about those two hanging out in the bushes?"

Joe Dark flinched and drew his gaze in that direction to find his security detail had caught up with him, with Mina enjoying yet another ice cream pop.

"How in the hell…?" Joe Dark grumbled in frustration, before waving his hand at them to confirm their secrecy had failed.

"Those are my top two security men. Came at Catherine's recommendation."

Mew rubbed his chin and smiled, "She made good picks. Especially the girl. She's got very crystal clear, sharp eyes."

"...Kind of reminds me of someone." Mew muttered to himself.

Riku commented, "Is this going to be a problem?"

Joe Dark shook his head, "I doubt it. They're just really insistent on doing their jobs."

Mew snickered, "Heh, if only they knew…"

"I give them a taste of my capabilities sometimes, just to humor them." Joe Dark confessed.

"..." Mew closed his eyes and admitted, "I'm starting to get the feeling Kairi's the only one of us who isn't using her powers while on the job."

Riku muttered, "I-I'm not…"

"Oh please." Mew and Joe Dark hit him in tandem.

Riku coughed, "...I suppose that was a horrible lie."

After letting the moment pass, Mew turned to Joe Dark and asked, "Soooo, anything else you want to do while we're out?"

"Uhhh, nothing comes to mind. I'm just glad we got to catch up. And sorry again for missing the last meeting."

The three of them stood up and Mew wrapped his arm around his brother's shoulders, "Just remember what I suggested. And don't be a stranger, brother."

Mew eagerly looked into his eyes for him to say it back, but Joe Dark simply smiled and gave him a verbal bite, "Get your arm off me, doofus."

Mew bumped his shoulder with his fist and then waved at Riku, "Well! Catch you guys later! And avoid the highway!"

Mew was the first to depart, which was fortunate on Riku's part, as he approached Joe Dark attempting to leave with a cautious whisper of, "Hold on."

Joe Dark recalled what his brother had brought up earlier and after confirming his security detail wasn't getting any closer asked him, "Yeah, what'd you need to discuss?"

Riku tucked his hands back and murmured, "Does the name 'Dregs' mean anything to you?"

Joe Dark felt slight discomfort in the pit of his stomach, like the past had returned to haunt him, "I…haven't. Why?"

Riku closed his eyes, "Then do you know if Julius and Catherine were in contact with each other prior to his death?"

Joe Dark, acting on edge, got more forward with his brother, "Riku what the hell are you getting at?"

Riku whispered, "I encountered a girl who had been given powers. And she had a chip inserted into her brain labeled 'Dregs'. Though the chip was not responsible for her powers, I suspect that that's the name of the organization who gave them to her."

"What the hell…" Joe Dark grumbled, and after thinking about it a little more he shook his head again and confessed, "N-No, if Catherine had been in contact with Julius I think she would've told me once he died."

Riku nodded, "I agree. But…that doesn't mean he wasn't involved with 'Dregs'."

"You think that's why he died?"

"I always thought a 'random warehouse explosion' was a little too convenient of a story…" Riku admitted.

Joe Dark felt stressed out and began rubbing the back of his head, trying to put together the facts on hand, only to realize he was as blind as they come.

"...You haven't told anyone else about this?" Joe Dark threw a glance at his brother.

"Not yet. But I suspect that someone among our family already knows what's going on, and has been keeping it hidden from the rest of us."

Joe Dark gasped, "You don't think Mew would be trying to relive the glory days in private, do you?"

"No…" Riku shook his head, "Anyways, I only thought it was fair you knew."

"...Thanks, Riku. I'll try to keep an ear open for any activity from them. Give me any updates as you get them."

"I'll do what I can on my end," Riku then pinched his temples and groaned, "I should've known peace couldn't last forever…"

"We're not going to lose it. You have my vow," Joe Dark narrowed his eyes and a bit of the Dark King rose to the surface, "If 'Dregs' wants to upheave the peace, then I WILL crush them completely."

Riku nodded, and the two parted ways carrying a bit of that caution on their backs.

Joe Dark headed off towards his two security guards and shouted, "Alright you two, I'm heading back!"

He then made his way to his car, while the two guards returned to theirs. Troy was the driver, while Mina laid down in the back and stared at her phone.

"Y'know, you could pull your weight sometime." Troy commented.

"Can't a girl laze about in peace?" Mina said dryly.

She rolled up the divider between them and then typed a rather long number into her phone. After putting it up to her ear she murmured, "Yeah, it's me."

"Sounds like trouble's brewing on the horizon soon. You might want to get ready."

"Yeah. You got it. I'll be standing by."

The phone was clicked off and then short-circuited in her hand, "Bummer, I liked that one."

She then popped another ice cream pop into her mouth and took a nap…

Next Time: Prom Night!