A/N and Disclaimer

Hi, so here’s the sequel…

Just so you know, it’ll be a little unusual, the climax of this book will probably come sooner than expected. Probably…

So… In case you start to wonder… don’t think things are happening too fast and try to trust me.

BLURB

Tadashi couldn't stop himself falling for Linder. 
Similarly, he couldn't stop questioning his feelings for Eden. 
When one of them is taken from him, it puts him in a bad place and almost breaks him. But there is only so much a heart can take. 

DISCLAIMER

This book is a work of fiction, names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual places or persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

TRIGGER WARNINGS 

This book contains mentions of mature themes; 

Violence

Physical and verbal abuse 

Sexual abuse

Please be cautious of this as you read on. 

Yes, smut.

Thank you for reading this 😙 I hope you'll like it.

Copyright © Cherrykimono7 2021

# 01

Tadashi couldn't remember the last time he couldn't focus for more than thirty minutes. It was an ugly feeling, that coupled with the sting he still felt at Eden's rejection.  

  He'd taken a shower and now he took a gulp of his water. He stood thinking, then downed the rest of the water in huge gulps. It was going to be a long night. But it wasn't something he wasn't used to.  

    When Tadashi had some sort of work, doing it came as natural as breathing. He never procrastinated, it didn't even cross his mind to.  

   And yet now he was stalling. For no particular reason. He should start but his mind suggested otherwise.

    Tadashi stretched and sat down with his computer to start his work. Much to his disappointment, he didn't start right away.  

    It had recently become a habit but now, Linder flashed across his mind more times than necessary. Tadashi sighed and pushed his hair out of the way.  

    He still couldn't forget the day he'd found him struggling to use a camera. He'd looked so beautiful, trying his best. He found his feet walking in his direction instead of going to find Alexander like he'd come to do. 

   His happiness was false, and he should have seen that but at least back then he smiled. He didn't, now that he was his real self. That alone bugged Tadashi. 

    He did see a genuine part of him that day, when he'd talked about dragonflies like something he'd created. Knowing every fact there was to know about them. 

   He glimpsed a true part of him that was now long since hidden away. 

   It wasn't just Linder recently, like it was before. Thoughts of both him and Eden alternated or came all at once.  

   It was probably safe to say he was losing it. His mind would drift off a few times, wondering what it felt like to run his fingers through Eden's brown locks. 

   He wouldn't get that chance again, that much was clear. 

    The more he got to know who Eden was, the more he wanted to know. And now more than ever. But the man had made it clear he wanted none of that. 

   The stupid hope inside him just wouldn't let it go.

    Twenty three minutes later and he still didn't have any work done. If there was one thing he prided himself in, it was his ability to always focus no matter what.  

    Thirty minutes and someone was at his door. Going to get it was better than sitting and trying to get his mind off other things.  

    And just like the last time it had happened, he pulled the door open to reveal Linder on the other side, and his little brother by his side. 

   Surprise still registered even if he thought he was past it. It could be true that Linder came right out of his thoughts. 

   He wore a navy blue shirt and dark blue jeans. His hair was swept by the wind when their eyes met.

    Tadashi was starting to believe that the wind had a thing for Linder's hair. It played with it every time he stood still. He loved watching it. 

   He ached to engulf Linder in his arms but he knew he'd be met with repulsion. Or worse, Linder would flinch and he'd break a little more inside. 

   He had to stop blatantly staring at him like there was no other reason he came to him. "Come in," said Tadashi as he opened the door wider.  

    Linder only shook his head. "I can't stay long," his tone was desperate.  

   He probably always tried to hide it from him but Tadashi was glad he wasn't always able to when he needed him. He wanted Linder to be as honest as he could be around him.

   "Okay," said Tadashi. He stepped aside and still held the door widely open. "But come in anyway."

    Linder looked at him then straight to the floor, taking his lower lip between his teeth. When he looked back up, Tadashi's hand tightened on the door. 

   He was now staring at him like he was trying to figure him out and he'd released his lower lip. It looked soft, a little dark from the biting. He looked away before it became obvious how much he was staring. 

   Tadashi watched in relief as for the first time, Linder got inside his apartment. Despite himself, he took pleasure in that little fact.

   Mikhail's hand was gripping Linder's shirt as his hand rested on his little shoulders. He trudged in quietly next to his brother and kept his gaze straight ahead, and a few times, on the floor.

   Tadashi crouched until he was at Mikhail's level. The little boy's eyes immediately found his face. If it had been different, his eyes might have been filled with curiosity, but sadly they weren't. "Give me a hug?" Tadashi asked.

     In earnest, Tadashi didn't really expect him to, but it was worth a try. He held his breath as the little boy let go of Linder's shirt and hesitated, then wrapped his arms around Tadashi's neck. 

    Slowly, he put his hand flat against Mikhail's back, returning the hug.

     A ball of happiness burst inside Tadashi when the little boy didn't flinch or seem uncomfortable. "How are you doing?" He asked him.

    "I'm okay," he said like it should have been obvious. When Tadashi looked into his eyes, he couldn't tell whether he was being honest or not. It was the way his eyes gave nothing away so you only had the option of trusting what he said.

 "That's good," Tadashi lightly ruffled his hair and smiled before getting back up. Mikhail didn't smile back. 

    Linder had both his hands behind him, he'd been watching the interaction between the two.  

     He didn't seem to really be there as he watched. Tadashi noticed his rigid stature like he was thinking of something else entirely.  

    With the look on his face, it was clear he hadn't been expecting it to go like it did. He probably wasn't expecting Mikhail to hug Tadashi so easily.

     Tadashi's raised his hand to rest against the side of his neck. Linder's hand immediately latched onto it as he flinched.  

    He'd been right after all. Touching Linder still could cause him to flinch. But this time was a little different. 

     Linder's shoulders sagged when his eyes located Tadashi's and his face showed nothing but relief. It might have just been him, but Linder seemed to be on edge.  What was going on?

 "How long?" asked Tadashi, ignoring the need to ask him what he wanted to. 

     Linder replied while shaking his head. "I'm not sure this time," he said worriedly. "I'm really sorry about thi-"

 "Don't worry about it," said Tadashi. He really had it all wrong. How did he convince him he loved having his brother around.

 "What?" Asked Linder. His hand went back to hold Mikhail's.  

 "I'm not asking you because it's a bother to me," said Tadashi. "I'm asking to plan accordingly, I just want to know how many days I should take off, I'll work from home."

    Something Tadashi couldn't name burned in Linder's eyes. "You shouldn't be that kind to me." he said. 

     Tadashi's expression softened. "I can't help it." He left the rest for Linder to figure out. Not that he would. "And why not?"

     What he wanted to tell Linder was that he'd fallen in love, but that would be too extreme at the moment. He had a feeling that was the easiest way to push him away. He wasn't ready to do that.

    Linder cleared his throat. "I...don't deserve–" he stopped suddenly as if realizing what he was saying. "Never mind."

    Tadashi frowned. "You deserve kindness," he said. "Everyone does, at least to some extent."

"Right," said Linder. He looked down to Mikhail now back to grabbing his shirt. 

    He bent and whispered something in Mikhail's ear and the child nodded before going to sit on the couch with his backpack. 

"I don't see him," said Linder. "Was he your boyfriend?"

"What–" Tadashi stopped when he understood what Linder was talking about. 

    Linder thought he had a boyfriend? "His name is Eden," he replied. "No, he's not my boyfriend."

    It was complicated. Did he really want them both at the same time? He wouldn't deny it though, 'boyfriend' really had a nice ring to it. 

"Okay," Linder replied before stepping back. 

"Mikhail mentioned him?" Tadashi asked. "He's quite fond of him."

"Mikky?" Linder didn't bother to hide his surprise. "He's not fond of him... he's met him once."

    The look on his face was utter disbelief. Probably because it was hard to tell what Mikhail was feeling almost all of the time but also because if Tadashi was thinking correctly, it was something he thought was impossible for the little boy. 

    Tadashi shrugged. "It's really surprising to watch, but they really are sort of fond of each other."

   Linder looked like he wanted to protest but he left it at that, shaking his head and frowning.

    He took another step back like he was already making to go. "Two days..." he said like he was still making up his mind. 

    Tadashi made a mental note to make it at least three days. 

 "I'll call or come over to check up on him," said Linder and Tadashi nodded. "Thank you."

    Tadashi shrugged and they both walked to the door. "What is your sister's name?"

   Linder stopped before he could take another step. He was way too protective when it came to his siblings. 

    He turned and looked Tadashi in the eye. "Lily," he said calmly. He still heard the caution in his voice.

"Lily..." Tadashi repeated. Linder didn't for a second let his guard down. 

"Why?" He asked. 

"She's fascinating," replied Tadashi. 

    Linder seemed to relax a little. "She's more than fascinating," he said before walking out the door. 

   Tadashi watched him leave, watched him walk away. He suppressed the urges to reach out again. He was going to have to tell Linder soon, exactly how he felt, because it was getting harder to handle it. 

   Why him? 
He asked himself. No reply came back to him. He let a breath out before the door clicked shut.

   When Tadashi walked back into the living room, he found Mikhail settled on the couch gripping his bag like he had a thousand things he was worrying about. 

   He approached slowly so he wouldn't startle him but before he got there, the boy was already turning to look at him. 

   He was really cute. So adorable that Tadashi was tempted to pull his cheeks and see him pout. 

   He knew he wouldn't pout, he'd just stare at him with no expression and he'd feel horrible about it. 

"It's cold," he said. 

   Tadashi crouched next to him on the couch. He pointed to his bag. "Is there a sweater in there?" He asked. 

    The boy only shook his head. "Lin forgot," he replied. 

"Okay," said Tadashi. A hoodie or sweater of his size would obviously wear the child instead of the other way round. 

     He could get him a blanket or something. He thought about it for a while until in the end, he stood before him and displayed both options. 

"What would you prefer?" He asked. 

    Mikhail looked at each of them then his hand reached out to the grey and white sweater. 

   Tadashi placed the blanket on the arm of the couch then put Mikhail's bag aside. 

"Over here," he said to Mikhail while holding the sweater over his head. 

   Once it was around his neck, Tadashi put his adorable little arms in his sweater. 

    It was so big he had to roll the sleeves over and over until his hands poked out. 

"You're so adorable," Tadashi chuckled. 

   Mikhail's eyes might have widened just a fraction but he didn't smile. Nor did he answer.

  He was still so adorable. 

 "Are you hungry?" He asked once he was done.

    Mikhail shook his head. "Lin made me food."

     It just went to shed more light on one of Tadashi's thoughts; their lives only rotated around Linder. It seemed like he did every single thing for them.

 "Alright but if you need anything at all, you tell me okay?" He said. 

    Mikhail nodded. He opened his mouth like he wanted to say something then thought better of it. It was like a golden chance. 

   Tadashi decided to encourage him, this could be progress after all, so he wouldn't let the opportunity go. 

"Go on, you can say it," he said.

    Mikhail first pursed his lips, then let them go. After a while, he spoke. "Can I watch some cartoons?" He asked.  

    It made Tadashi a little softer inside to hear it. "Of course," he said. 

    He carried him to the other living room with a TV in it. Mikhail didn't laugh but he let out a little surprised sound. Then settled in Tadashi's hold.  

 "What do you want to watch?" Tadashi asked and Mikhail shrugged. 

    He flicked through several channels. He stopped at one, it was a show called Uncle Grandpa. He moved on quickly. "I know about this one, it sucks."  

"Try this one," he said. It was Spongebob Squarepants. 

    Mikhail kept on looking at the screen so he left him to it. "I'll be in the next room if you need me."

     Tadashi had to call Alexander to tell him he had to be working from home for the next few days, and if it was complicated, they'd work something out.

    After that, he was finally able to focus on his work. He heard the sounds of the TV working from where Mikhail was. It wasn't distracting...if anything, he loved it. 

   With every passing day, he grew to love the child whether he was with him or not. 

     He was a little shy and didn't speak much, but he was the cutest thing and Tadashi knew it might take a lot of time and effort, but it was possible to bring him back to his real self. 

    He'd worked for maybe an hour or two, and then he heard the short footsteps before he saw Mikhail. 

    While standing up, the sweater swallowed up his hands a little more and it reached past his knees. He was seriously too cute.

"I should change now," he said and looked up at Tadashi. Something flickered in his eyes and he couldn't tell what it was. 

    He held his bag in both his hands and Tadashi remembered what happened the last time. 

"When you change," he said while pulling the sweater up over Mikhail. He let go of his bag and put his hands up. "I'll put this back on you okay?"

  He nodded. 

"You still remember the room right?" Tadashi asked and he nodded again. Then took his bag and went to exactly where it was. 

    Tadashi waited while he changed. There was something wrong with him, something he couldn't put a finger on. 

    Even with how difficult he was to read, Tadashi could still tell he was sad inside. Weirdly, that wasn't it either. 

    He was thinking so hard he only came back to reality to find the big eyes staring up at him widely.

     He picked the sweater up and put it back over his pajamas. "One more hour and then bed, okay?" Tadashi said.

"Okay," the little boy said, then started to walk away before turning back. He stared for a while. "Tadishi?"

    Tadashi looked up to see him standing by the door. "What is it?" He asked. 

     The little boy looked down. "Later, can I sleep with Eden?"

# 02

Eden's chin rested on his fists as he lay flat on his stomach, gazing at his screen. He'd spent the last ten minutes or so, talking to Rashad.

    He was the prince his parents had tried to set him up with, more like pushing him towards him at every chance. 

    It was a huge party and he'd looked just like anyone else, like he was enjoying it. But Eden noticed his discomfort after a while, and that was the spark that started a whole new conversation and friendship. 

    He was reluctant at first, but Eden wasn't so easily put down, he told him matter-of-factly that he wasn't pining after him, even if that was what he should have been doing. 

    It was a failed setup, but the friendship was worth it. There was absolutely nothing Eden could offer him, and there was nothing Eden wanted from him, except what they had.

   It was perfect.

"Stop with the denial," said Rashad. "Whoever he is, you're clearly falling in love with him."

    Eden's mouth opened, then closed and he blinked. He clearly didn't know what to say. 

    Rashad was straight forward with his words. He knew what to keep to himself, but when he let anything out, he never faltered. 

   Eden always appreciated it, but at times like these, the words sounded like they had bite, and it made his stomach churn to listen to them. Because they always hinted at the truth. 

"Glad I could be of some help with your discovery, I've got to go now," said his friend.

    Eden lay on his side and let one hand support his head while the other subconsciously went to rest on his thigh. 

"Why do you have to work all the time, I mean like every minute?" He asked. "I bet you even took this time off reluctantly."

    Rashad's eyes narrowed a little. "I didn't realize you wanted the full report," the person on the other side of the screen answered. "I've got people to rule, a reasonably large geogra–"

"Yes yes, your royal highness, yada yada," replied Eden. 

    He'd wondered about it many times; why Rashad took time off his impossibly busy schedule to talk to him. But then again, friends did the little they could for each other.

"I could have your head, for cutting me off and talking to me like that," he laughed. 

"Oh no," said Eden. "Not my head!"

    Rashad shook his own head. "I'm not sure why you don't tire of staring at my handsome face."

"Staring?" Eden made a sour face and shifted where he lay on the bed. "Bye!"

"Goodbye," he replied. "I'm rooting for you. That is what you people say I think."

    Eden took a moment to understand what he was trying to say. He understood that he was going about it the wrong way.

"I'm not getting invested in him or chasing these feelings," said Eden.

    He wouldn't do it to himself. It wasn't worth all the hurt that would come out of it in the end. 

"You're not?" Came the question.

    Eden shook his head. 

    His friend was quiet for a while, then let out a breath. Rashad cocked his princely head, looking every bit the royalty he was.

"You're going to learn the hard way," he laughed. "I think."

"Learn what?" Eden asked. 

"That the heart can be relentless when it wants something. I assume your feelings aren't dying out like you'd prefer?" He asked. 

Would he even prefer that?

"Fuck," said Eden. He'd come to a realization. "I think they are growing," he completed as if he was just finding it out himself.

"Like I said, you're falling in love. You are probably already there, but you won't admit it," said Rashad. 

"It's just a crush," replied Eden. He knew Rashad was probably going to say something sarcastic. 

"If you insist," he replied, like he knew everything. 

    Eden stared into the screen with his mind working. When he'd had crushes before, it was no big deal. This was turning out to be bigger than it should be.

    Rashad looked a little distracted before speaking. He turned his head to the side like he was listening to someone else before looking back to Eden.

"I've really got to go now," said Rashad. "Take care of yourself yes?"

   The first time he'd said this, Eden had shrugged and thought they'd end the call anyway. He hadn't replied. 

    Rashad had stared at him with such an intensity that sent chills down his spine. He replied after that and only then, did he end the call. Eden didn't forget it.

"Yeah, you too your highness," said Eden.

"Of course," he chuckled and then waved. As he got up, the screen went dark. 

Eden continued to stare at the screen even long after that, trying not to think of Tadashi. Failing miserably.

    When Tadashi had asked him out, he'd looked genuinely interested in him. How?

     Stop thinking about him! 
Eden turned on his back and looked up. 

    His door swung open and his mom walked in, she had a smile on her face when his head turned to see who it was. He sat up when he realized it didn't reach her eyes. 

"What's wrong mom?" He asked. 

    She sat down next to him on the bed and took his hand in hers. "E, when will you invite him for dinner again?" 

     Of all the things he suspected, that wasn't one of the ones he'd been expecting to hear.

"Who?" He asked.

"You know, Tadashi," she said. Was that hope he saw in her eyes?

"I'm not inviting him for anything," he said more sharply than he'd intended.

     His mom looked at him with concern. "Did you two fight?"

"I don't even know him mom," Eden lied. She must have seen them talking that night, he knew it deep down.

"Right right. Sorry it's just that there's something not adding up," she said. The conversation would have gone easier if it was his dad. She was so much smarter in this area.

"You're awfully moody lately, what's the matter?" She asked.

Fuck. 
Eden couldn't think of a lie in time to save his ass. 

   He was saved by the sound of his ringtone. "I've got to take this mom," he said. He hadn't even looked at the screen. 

"Fine," she said while getting up. "I'm here to listen if you need to talk."

    He loved her so much. And he felt guilty as she exited the room. 

    The phone weighed heavily on his hand after he saw who it was. Eden felt hot.

    His hand tightened on his pillow then let go before he lay on his back again. 

   Why was he calling? 
Answer then you'll know, dumbass. No, don't answer it dumbass. 

    Eden's finger hovered over the decline option until he couldn't take it anymore. 

    He accepted the call.

# 03

Linder managed to get a job at a local cafe. It was pretty easy, a little boring, but easy. He liked it enough.

    He only needed to save enough money then he'd quit. Just like they'd planned, so until then, he had no choice but to revel in his barista days. 

    Even as he worked, taking orders from several people, his mind only drifted back to Lily and Mikhail; the center of his world.

     It was how his normal working day went by. He was the fastest worker so being a little distracted didn't really affect him. 

    The job only proved how versatile he was, he'd been commended for being an excellent multitasker. He couldn't care less, they didn't understand he took on shifts tirelessly because his life and the people he loved depended on it.

"Morning!" His coworker Sandy, said. She rubbed a hand across his back and he flinched, not quite expecting it. 

    As usual, she could never just come in time, but she was so cheerful no one reprimanded her for it. 

"Morning Sandy," he replied nonchalantly. 

    Linder tried to figure out what Mikhail might like for his birthday. It didn't matter that it was more than two months away. 

    Asking him amounted to nothing, he only looked and shrugged. So he'd have to do the guessing. 

"Fuck, how did you get that?" Sandy asked all of a sudden. 

   Linder looked at her, her lips were slightly parted and her eyes a little wide. He then followed her gaze to an ugly bruise on his forearm. 
Fuck. 

    His sleeve must have rolled further up while he was working. "Broken bottle," he replied while covering it up again. 

    His whole body ached, but he had to pretend he was fine. He kept a good posture, and moved like his body didn't hurt with it. 

"That was one mean bottle," she said. "You don't strike me as the clumsy type."

    How could he forget her talent for not letting things go? It would be more suspicious if he didn't say anything.

"You'd be surprised," was all he could reply. Thankfully, she seemed convinced. 

    She continued to take orders and smile at the customers. Something he couldn't bring himself to do, no matter how much he tried. 

"How many so far?" She asked. Linder couldn't understand why it was important for her to know how many people he'd served so far. 

"104," he replied anyway. 

"Fast as ever," she shook her head. Linder adjusted his glasses and pressed his lips together, like he was going to say something, then he continued working in silence once more.

      Maybe he should try starting a conversation for once, at this rate, his behavior would start to look weird. 

    The first problem was that he didn't know what to say. The other was that he didn't care about any of that. He had better things to think about.

"Oh here comes Miss Attitude," said Sandy. 

    The brunette had a pretty pixie cut with dark red streaks that Linder never failed to notice. It looked really cute. 

"I'd like the usual," said Sandy's miss Attitude.

"I don't know your usual miss," said Sandy, acting nonchalant. She did know her usual, Linder knew it too. But he didn't interfere in their conversation.

"What? I've been coming here for months," she said, trying to make the point clearer to Sandy. Even if Linder tried, he couldn't help but overhear their conversation.

"Sorry, I have really bad memory," said Sandy. Linder's gaze shot to him for a while before fleeting to the pretty brunette. She looked so frustrated. 

"You don't look really bright," she said in her British accent that made it sound more of an insult. 

    Weirdly, she made Linder smile...small as it was. Sandy got compliments all day so this would probably irk her more than it should have. 

    She cleared her throat before speaking again. "What would you like?" She faked a smile. Linder knew she was already looking for ways of making it more difficult for miss attitude the next time she came around. 

    She let out a breath after their ordeal was over. "Can you believe that?"

    Actually, he could. "Just ask her out already, Sandy." He didn't know where it came from, but he told her. 

    Sandy didn't miss a moment to give her a hard time and to Linder, that looked like she was trying to buy more time between them both. 

    And her precious miss attitude, didn't have to stand in her line but despite their arguments, she came back to her every single day. It was high time one of them got the hint. 

    Sandy sounded like she was struggling for words until she took a deep breath. "I've got a boyfriend, you know that," she said. 

"Having a boyfriend doesn't mean you're straight," said Linder. "It doesn't mean you can't be attracted to other people either."

    He didn't want to get involved, but his dumb mouth kept running. 

   Sandy stilled. "I'm not attracted to her." 

"Okay," he replied and pulled his sleeves lower. He'd leave it at that. Eventually, things would happen if they kept at it. Which he knew they would. 

   Sandy got back to work, a little too fast. Linder told himself it was none of his business again, so he too, got back to work. 

    One more hour until the lines became shorter and they could relax. Less people ordered for coffee in the afternoon compared to the morning. 

    So until then, they had to work tirelessly. 

"Goddamn," Sandy said while getting closer to Linder, already over her insult. "There's a freaking hot guy coming next on your line."

    Linder ignored her and just kept working.

"I'll have an expresso."

   Linder's hands stopped moving. He knew that voice. He'd know it anywhere, even if he was asleep. His breath got stuck in his throat. 

    He looked up to see his annoyingly good looking face. A smug smile played on his lips.

    Linder's hold on the counter tightened as he looked into his eyes. The eyes he'd once gotten so lost looking into. Carl. 

    How the fuck was he here?

He froze despite inwardly telling his body to move. 
Fucking move!

    He really was here. The first time they met, it was Carl who'd first bumped into him on the streets. He'd fallen down but didn't hurt himself. He'd still gone ahead to mistake one of Linder's injuries as his fault and didn't leave his side till he accepted to let him take him to the hospital. 

    Linder never told him the truth, but that was the beginning of them. Someone that was too good to be true. 

    They should have been happy, and they might have been. But he'd misjudged him, he'd even gone ahead to–

    Linder wanted to throw up. At this point, a few people were looking at him with concern on their faces. He was probably holding up the line, he wasn't sure.

"Linder! Linder?" Sandy's voice got clearer as he came back to reality.

Linder winced when she laid a hand on his shoulder. "I know he's hot but come on, don't zone out like that," she close to whispered. "He wants you to take his order. He won't let me."

    
Of course not
. Carl's smile broadened as he folded his arms, never taking his eyes off Linder.

    There was a time it made him helpless with need just to stare at him like that. It wasn't worth it. Carl had never been worth any of it. 

    He was sick, through and through. And it never seemed to occur to him that anything he was doing was wrong.

    He wore a black cap and Linder saw that he'd let his black hair grow out a little, his shiny earrings still adorning each of his lobes.  

     Before, he never let his hair grow out, he always kept it as short as possible. And yet he loved Linder's hair. So much that he'd sulked for almost a whole day when Linder had talked about cutting it, until he'd changed his mind. 

    Right now he even had a little facial hair, a stubble and yet he was never a fan of it. Had he changed?

    He looked at his eyes once more and that was enough to know the devil still lurked in there. He–

"Linder! Jesus Christ do you need a break?" Sandy asked. 

   He ignored her.

"What the fuck are you doing here Carl?" He asked, trying to remain calm.

   It was finally making sense. The sudden feelings lately like he was being watched. He hadn't been looking over his shoulder for no reason. 

"Have you been stalking me?" He asked disbelievingly. 

    Thankfully he'd listened to his intuition, to keep taking Mikhail to Tadashi. He wasn't being paranoid for no reason. The worst animal was back in his life. 

"Aww, baby. I thought you'd be happier than that," Carl's calm voice said. "I was...really dying to see you."

    Weirdly, Linder believed him. But why was he so fucking calm about this? He was never a frantic person, never did fidget. He never panicked, but this situation was different.

    Bile rose up Linder's throat. "Answer the fucking question," he said. 

    They had everyone's attention now. The faces that all turned in their direction, they all blurred out in Linder's peripheral. His only focus was Carl.

    He rubbed his stubble lightly. "I'm here to get my coffee," he replied calmly. 

    Linder would gladly drench him in it. "You hate coffee," he reminded him. 

    Carl raised his eyebrows at that, something like pride flickering in his almost black eyes. "So you remember," he said.

    Of course he remembered, it messed with his head that he remembered every single detail about him. How the fuck could he forget?

    Linder wasn't dumb. This was the exact same reason he'd decided to work at a cafe. He wasn't expecting him, but there had been safety in the knowledge that a cafe was the one place he'd never find Carl. 

    He was standing right in front of him right now. Linder had to remind himself to keep it together.

    "You should be locked up, why are you here?" Linder ignored his remark and asked instead. 

     He thought he was rid of him. He should be. But he'd been right about these predators; men who had more money than they knew what to do with. And the simple fact that they could do anything they wanted. 

    It hadn't been easy for Linder, but somehow he'd managed to get him locked up, even as his heart was still reeling from heartbreak.

    "I forgive you for doing that to me," said Carl. Linder wanted to scream that he wasn't asking for forgiveness, but Carl kept on talking. "This system is more broken than people think it is." 

    It sounded like he was about to let out a chuckle. Linder's horror seemed to consecrate itself.

    The full force of it seemed to hit him all at once. Carl was back. How long had he been tailing him to know where he worked?

    He couldn't take it. Watching his face. That sick and yet genuine smile, the confidence in his gaze and his open desire for Linder. He couldn't take any of it.

    Linder stormed off without another word, or look in his direction. What the fuck was he going to do?

    He heard a chorus of gasps as he made his way to the back. 

    He hadn't even heard the footsteps following him. "Hey hey, are you okay? That was a little dark to be honest," said Sandy. 

    He didn't spare her a glance. He couldn't even try. Not with his mind working harder than it had ever worked. 

    He pulled his apron off and pocketed his phone. Until he was outside, then he'd call Lily. 

    "Linder, seriously what was that about?" She asked again, genuinely concerned. He wished she wasn't. 

He put the apron in her arms as if in answer. She took it while raising her eyebrows. "Wha–"

"I quit."

# 04

"Hello?" Tadashi asked. Eden wasn't really replying to him and he didn't hear any sound coming from the background.

"Eden?" Tadashi asked, not sure what was happening.

 "
Hello?
" Tadashi listened to Eden say.  

 "Hey, uh...are you busy?" he asked.  

       He didn't hold his breath, somehow, it just did on it's own.  

      Eden took a while to answer. "
Well, a little, but what's up?
"

 "Mikhail's here," said Tadashi. He knew that would make him happy.

      Eden's mood and tone immediately seemed to change. "
He is?
" he asked excitedly. "
How is he doing?
"

      Tadashi didn't realize he was smiling. "He wants you here." Eden's excitement was so contagious he might have felt a little giddy.

     He seemed to be thinking about it because he wasn't answering right away. Eden took longer than necessary to make the decision. Maybe he didn't want to come over after all.

 "It-" Tadashi started.  

 "
I'll be there,
" said Eden. "
Just give me thirty minutes or so
." 

 He knew he would say yes, but somehow, he still doubted if he would. Eden was unpredictable, and he loved that, but he was kind too. 

"Really? Great!" Tadashi replied. 

    Eden let out a small sound. It was a little laugh that left Tadashi silently hoping for another, but he hung up and he knew he'd see him within the hour.

     About forty minutes later, there was someone at the door and he went to get it. 

     "Hi," he said. It was awkward when their eyes met. He hadn't seen him in a while. 

"Hey," Eden replied then cleared his throat. He was probably nervous, but Tadashi couldn't tell for sure. "So can I come in?"

"Huh?" Tadashi was pulled from his wandering thoughts and he realized he should let him in. "Yeah, of course."

     As he moved aside and let him enter, Eden brushed past his shoulder and he could have sworn it was intentional. He loved the contact, even it lasted for the shortest time possible. 

    When he was finally inside, Tadashi shut the door and turned to him after taking a deep breath. This could be difficult for him after all.

"Where is he?" Eden asked with a wide smile, as if he was way too excited to see the child.

"Over here," Tadashi said while leading him to where he'd left Mikhail watching cartoons. 

    His eyes were glued to the screen before his attention was shifted to Tadashi. He watched him move out of the way as he revealed Eden behind him.

    It was only for a fraction of a second, but he could readily swear he saw Mikhail's eyes light up.

    Eden was there in a heartbeat. He looked as their hug turned into spinning several times with the boy in his arms. Tadashi couldn't help but chuckle a little.

     If there was anything the little boy felt, he knew he was blown away by Eden, completely enamored by him, as much as he didn't show it. 

    He took Eden's overnight bag and left him with Mikhail. Right after he dropped it in their room, Tadashi decided to get back to finishing his work.

    It was all going smoothly, except for one thing. The only problem was that he couldn't. 

     It felt like he was being tested. It was difficult to even understand what was on his screen while knowing Eden was just in the next room. In the next room making cute sounds.

    It shouldn't have been hard. He knew how to focus and get things done. But apparently, not tonight. 

    After fighting with himself, Tadashi finally carried his computer to where Mikhail and Eden sat looking at the screen. 

    Eden immediately turned to look at him quizzically as he assumed a seat in the room. He too, would've liked to question himself but he was having trouble understanding himself.

"Isn't this too loud for you? You're working right?" Eden asked as he subconsciously poked the back of Mikhail's hand that was fastened in his, over and over.

"I work better with some type of noise around me," replied Tadashi. "Makes it easier to focus."

    When did you get to telling lies Tadashi?

    He didn't know if Eden believed him or not. "Okay, don't let us distract you."

     That was the one thing he was miserably failing at, the one reason he was here. 

    Eden's fingers smoothed Mikhail's hair as the boy leaned on his chest, clinging like a koala bear as his eyes remained glued to the screen. 

    Tadashi didn't even know there was that side of him, it was the cutest thing ever. 

    Their lips were moving but he didn't know what they were saying because he was too busy staring at them. 

    Tadashi kept staring as if he was analyzing them, they looked inseparable, like they shared such a strong bond even if this was just their second time together. 

    He focused on Eden. The man smiled and pushed a strand of hair behind his ear after probably hearing something Mikhail said.

    Weirdly, Eden didn't look like he was really watching, he looked a little distracted. He then saw him visibly swallow right before he let out a sigh, then turned to Tadashi, catching him in the middle of his thoughts.

"Your hand hasn't moved since, are you sure you can focus?" Eden asked. 

    Was he watching? How did he notice? 
Tadashi hated to admit how elated he felt at the possibility that just like him, Eden couldn't concentrate either.

"Yeah," Tadashi answered coolly. "I wouldn't be here if I couldn't." 

    Lie after lie
. But he couldn't exactly tell him he couldn't because he was too busy looking at him. 

    Eden was like a neon light in the darkness, he made it hard to look at anything else.

     Mikhail's hands reached up and tugged around Eden's neck then he pulled him down to whisper something in his ear, his hand covering Eden's ear. 

    After a little while, Eden laughed and moved even closer to Mikhail. "What?" He asked in a loud whisper. 

    Mikhail pulled him down to whisper to him again and this time when he pulled away, Eden didn't laugh. 

    He looked straight at Tadashi and the latter found himself holding his breath yet again. 

    The look became more intense as he kept at it. Eden should probably stop it. 

    When Tadashi raised an eyebrow in question, Eden shook his head and turned his attention back to Mikhail. 

     He wanted to know what Mikhail had told him, he really did, but he wasn't going to ask. He then, looked back to his own computer and hard as it was, he almost finished his work.

    After staring while struggling to focus, Tadashi finally went back to the other living room. 

    He finally did something productive and useful after an entire evening of trying to put his mind to it. 

    It took about fifteen minutes before Eden was now walking past him, holding the little boy's hand in his. 

    He watched them disappear into the room and after a while, he got up and stretched, cracking his neck before walking towards the kitchen. 

    He liked it like this, even if he hadn't known it before. He liked living with someone. 

    It had never bothered him before, and he didn't even think anything of it, but he enjoyed the company of the other two and just knowing that they were there.

    Before he could drink the water he'd come for, Eden's head poked into the kitchen and located him before he got inside to talk to him. 

    "We're going to bed now!" He seemed excited as he announced. 

    Tadashi smiled and forgot about his water. "Thank you for coming to be with him," he said truthfully.

    Eden crossed his arms and shrugged. "Like I said, he has my whole heart," he said and laughed a little. 

   Tadashi suddenly found his feet moving around to where he was and staring straight at him. Eden suddenly looked cautious as the other man walked towards him. 

    He took steps backwards until he was stopped by the counter, his eyes fixed on Tadashi's.  

    Eden's hands latched on to the counter behind him and he gripped it hard. Tadashi couldn't tear his eyes away.

"What?" He asked skeptically as he regarded Tadashi. He looked away when Tadashi's gaze fleeted from his lips to his eyes. "Why are you staring at me like that?"

"I don't know. You look beautiful," said Tadashi. He really did.

     Tadashi stared down at him, his hands behind him, bracing himself on the counter. Eden leaned a little further back.

     He watched all his small movements, as if committing them to memory. 

"What?" He asked in a low voice, not sounding like himself. The way he pressed his lips together and let them go let him know that he was nervous. 

    Fuck, he was too. But he knew how to hide it.

"I said," Tadashi took his time. "You look beautiful." He'd tell him as many times as he wanted to hear.

     He leaned into him and Eden turned his face to the side. It did nothing but give him a better view of his neck. Slender, graceful, kissable. 

     Don't do it don't do it don't do it
. He chanted in his head.

      He didn't listen. Tadashi closed the distance between them until his lips were less than an inch from the exposed neck. This was turning out to be one of the hardest things he'd ever tried to stop himself from doing.

      He was aware of the flush on Eden's cheeks,  the warmth of his body, his averted eyes. 
Don't fucking do it!

    Tadashi's tongue darted out and touched the base of Eden's neck. He'd gone ahead and done it after all. 

      He felt him shiver from the contact, as one of his hands lost the grip it had on the counter. He shivered a little more when Tadashi dragged his tongue upwards until the shell of his ear. 

   "Can't fucking get you out of my head," Tadashi whispered, making a complete mess of Eden. He gasped then shrunk further. 

     It brought Tadashi back to reality before he could make a hasty mistake, like rip his clothes apart. 

         He put some space between them as if realizing for the first time how close that had been. How could he have let his self control slip like that?

 Eden cleared his throat and got Tadashi's attention again, he looked a bit like how Tadashi felt. "Let's not–"

"Don't say that," Tadashi cut him off. "Don't say it, at least not yet."

       Eden kept it subtle but he noticed how out of breath he was. He could see how much he wanted him, but he denied it anyway. 

          Eden crossed his arms again and looked at him. He had on an expression he couldn't read. 

       He was reminded of why he'd lost it in the first place; only because Eden looked up at him. His flushed cheeks and tilted chin, the questioning eyes that latched onto his. It had proven to be a little too much.

    But he's so...

     Tadashi at least managed to stop his train of thought. Eden stood straighter and his gaze shifted anywhere but the man before him.

    He was attracted to Eden, he realized. It wasn't just a feeling, he wasn't guessing and nor was he confused about it. He wanted him, and the desire for him grew with each passing moment.

    "Fuck," he muttered. Tadashi raked a hand through his hair before taking a step away from Eden. "Good night."

# 05

Eden walked back to their room feeling hotter than he would have liked. 

      It had taken almost everything inside him to not pull Tadashi closer to him and at least feel his lips pressed against his own. 

     It burned where the tongue had licked him. He could still feel it and it was almost too overwhelming. 

      He could only imagine what it would feel like if they took things further. 

      He was so freaking hot. He thought about being pressed against his chest. To just inhale that manly scent of him that he always wanted to every time they were close together. 

      This got harder with the more time that passed with them together. But unless something could convince him otherwise, he still wasn't changing his mind about Tadashi. 

     When he got back to their room, Eden noticed that Mikhail was still awake. He lay on his side looking at the door and doing nothing else. Eden got the feeling he'd been that way since he left the room.

   "You waited for me?" Eden asked as he approached him. 

    He nodded but didn't say anything else. 

    "That makes me happy," he replied.

    "It does?" Mikhail sat up. 

  "Uh huh. It makes me feel special. Do you know how adorable you are?" Eden poked his nose. 

     They finally settled together on the bed. Mikhail wrapped his hands around him and pressed his face against his side. 

    He loved cuddling. Which Eden wasn't expecting the first time they met. It seemed no matter how much his real self was hidden inside, he couldn't suppress all of it. 

     Eden took his wrist and put their hands together. The hand was so small against his it was too adorable. He admired it before Mikhail did something he didn't see coming. He entwined their fingers and squeezed tight. 

    The expression on his face was unreadable when he looked down at Mikhail.

   The little boy was really threatening to become the love of his life at this point. He didn't speak much, nor did he smile. He struggled with expressing himself and showing any kind of emotions but until he broke out of his shell, Eden wanted to be there every step of the way. 

   "What's your favorite food?" Eden asked as the soft little hand continued to squeeze his.

  "Spaghetti," said Mikhail. 

    "Would you like me to make you spaghetti tomorrow?" Eden asked him. 

    He nodded against him and Eden smiled. "Alright," he kissed the back of his hand. "Should we sleep?"

    He nodded again. 

   Mikhail slept first, and even after he was out, he didn't let go of Eden's hand. 

•••

      Eden was up before Mikhail the next day, and when he got to the kitchen, he stopped to stare for a while.

     The hottest man he knew stood a few feet away, and by the looks of it, was starting to make them breakfast. 

    His hair was messily held up but that seemed to make him look even hotter for some reason. 

    Eden pretended to look elsewhere when Tadashi's eyes just suddenly located his. 

    Ah shit! 
He felt a little embarrassed but quickly covered it up with a question. "Shouldn't you be getting ready for work?"

     Eden tried to ignore the way the grey shirt loosely hugged his muscles. He shrugged and the movement seemed to accentuate them even more. 

    "Leave it," Eden walked over to where he was. "I'll do it."

    Their fingers brushed together when he took the frying pan from him and assumed the role before him. He tried to pay no mind to it.

    Tadashi thankfully didn't argue. "Alright, I'll uh... go get ready," he said before leaving.

     Eden got distracted with his thoughts a little after that. As much as he hated to admit it, he didn't know how much time had passed because he was too busy fantasizing about Tadashi.

    It took him a while to notice Mikhail standing and staring up at him. 

   "Good morning sweetie!" Eden said cheerfully, quite happy to see him. 

    Mikhail scratched the back of his ear and looked away. "Morning," he nearly muttered. 

"Did you brush your teeth?" Asked Eden. 

    He nodded, still not looking at him, so he approached him after taking the pan off the heat. 

    Eden lifted him up in his arms before he could understand what was going on. "Hmm, not sure I believe you, let me see."

    His arm was wrapped around the back of Mikhail's thighs so that the boy was now looking down at him. He showed his teeth just as Eden asked. 

"Hm? That's a beautiful smile you got there sweetie," said Eden. 

    Of course he knew it wasn't really a smile, his dead eyes were all the indication for that. 

    After hearing the praise, Mikhail immediately stopped and looked down at Eden's chest, where he was continuously clenching and unclenching his fists in what could have been nervousness.

    He almost thought something was wrong until the boy looked back up. "Like... like this?" He asked and stretched his lips a little wider, trying to mimic what he'd just done a few seconds earlier.

    Eden was both emotional and ecstatic. He pushed back his gasp but couldn't hold back the rest. He squealed and hugged Mikhail tighter. 

"That is so beautiful!" He spun with Mikhail in his arms. 

  "What's going on?" Tadashi asked worryingly while walking into the room, a towel on his shoulder and a hair dryer on his hand. 

    Eden paused and realized he was louder than he thought he was. "Oh..." he laughed. "Nothing, nothing to worry about."

   Tadashi seemed to visibly relax. "Okay. Hey  good morning Mikhail!" He smiled at him. 

"Morning," said Mikhail, taking glimpses between Tadashi and Eden. 

    Tadashi smiled again and made to go away, content with the answer he got. 

"I could help!" Eden started then continued when Tadashi turned back around. "I could help with your hair."

"Are you sure?" Tadashi's eyes quickly assessed the breakfast Eden had already made. 

"Yeah," replied Eden while setting Mikhail down. "Come here sweetie." He motioned to the chair and Mikhail sat down. Then he gave him his breakfast. 

"You can start eating, we'll join you soon okay?" 

"Okay."

     Tadashi sat down and Eden got to doing his hair. "Hey, about why I was screaming, guess what?"

"What?" Tadashi chuckled. "You seem excited."

    "I am! Just guess," he said. 

"Hmm," said Tadashi. "Mikhail said something funny?"

"No."

"You saw a pink cat?" 

  Eden laughed and lightly slapped his shoulder. "Come on," he laughed about it and Tadashi laughed too. 

"Tell me," said Tadashi. "I'm bad at guessing... sometimes."

    "Fine," Eden gave in. "Such a spoilsport."

    Tadashi made a small sound and Eden got on with it. "Mikhail smiled."

  "Really?" Tadashi asked and at the same moment he turned around so that he was hit with a blast of air from the machine. 

"Fuck, fuck!" Tadashi said after spluttering and almost choking on air.

     Eden laughed so hard he almost cried. "What was that face!"

   "Shut up, you did me dirty," said Tadashi and Eden laughed harder. 

  "But really?!" Tadashi asked again.

  It fueled Eden's excitement. "Yeah really!" He exclaimed. "I wanted to tell you earlier but it was possible he could shrink under too much attention, so I didn't."

"I understand. I hope I'll see it when he's ready," he said. "You're incredible."

"Nah, he did it all on his own," Eden deflected his praise.

   Tadashi didn't say anything, he relaxed as Eden finished with his hair. 

    Eden turned the machine off and tried to convince himself to not let this become a hobby. His offer to do it for him had left his mouth before he could properly even talk. 

    Tadashi took his hand in his and just out-of-the-blue brushed his lips over his knuckles. Eden tried so hard to control himself.

    He could have pulled it away, back to himself...back to safety, but he let him go ahead and pepper kisses all over it.

    Eden sighed as his eyes closed momentarily. When he realized how needy he sounded, he quickly grabbed his hand back before Tadashi could go further. Why did they keep dancing around each other? When would they stop?

    It was turning out to be one heated moment after another with the threat of things getting worse every time. He only hoped he could handle it. And before it got too far, he hoped he'd be strong enough to put a firm stop to it.

     Mikhail was quietly eating his breakfast when they joined him. His eyes snapped to them, then back to what he was eating. 

    Eden sat right next to him and Tadashi sat across from them. There was some sort of tension between the three of them, and yet at the same time, there was a sort of chemistry, however small. 

    Tadashi watched quietly as the two interacted, Eden being such a fucking natural. 

    He could watch them all day, but he had work. And so he left to change when he was done eating, faster than anyone else.

    The next time Eden saw him, he was impeccably dressed in his suit. Again, Eden tried to unglue his eyes from him. 

"I'll see you both later," said Tadashi. 

     He leaned and kissed Mikhail's cheek, causing him to stop chewing. His hand that gripped his fork went still too as his eyes remained stuck to his plate. 

    Tadashi moved over and kissed Eden's cheek next, lingering in a way that could possibly pass for teasing, and then he was out the door. 

"Eden?" Mikhail's voice pulled him out of his trance. 

"Hmm?" He answered in the only way his voice wouldn't come out weird. 

"I feel warm."

# 06

"I think Mikhail will be fine where he is for now," said Linder. "But I just have to go check."

       Lily looked at him and nodded. He knew she'd believe him just like she would trust him with anything.  

 "Are you sure it was him? That can't be right," she replied.  She'd been told about Linder's confusing encounter with Carl.

 "He stood right in front of me Lily," replied Linder. "I'm sure I could recognize him from a mile away."

 "If I see him I'm going to end him," she said simply, like she meant every word.

 "No. When you see him, you're going to steer clear. I don't want you involved with him in anyway," said Linder, aiming a serious look at his sister. 

    She finally nodded and he let her be, even if he wasn't so convinced. "Fine," she said. 

    "What are you doing with your nails?" Linder finally asked her. 

"Making a weapon."

"What?"

"Claws."

    She showed her nails off then got back to filing then. They actually looked pretty. 

"They actually don't look bad," said Linder.

Lily nodded. "They're classy, but lethal."

     Linder's lips twisted into a little smile. He loved it when Lily tapped into her dramatic side. She looked like nothing could ever hurt her. 

 "Still, this isn't like you," she said, continuing to work on her nails.

 "What?" Linder asked.

 "To trust someone so easily," she said. "Especially with Mikky."

 "It wasn't as easy as it looks. I still doubt it. But he's the only choice we've got," Linder shrugged. "And Mikky seems to like him."

 "Yeah that isn't like Mikky eith–"

    The doorbell rang, several times. Disrupting  Lily mid sentence. 

    She rolled around and got up, abandoning her filer before Linder could. "I'll go see who it is," she said. 

"No, I'll go," Linder said. He knew all she was doing was trying to protect him. And she knew he was just trying to do the same. 

"Lin, you went last time, I'll be back within the minute. So stay here okay?" 

"Lily!" 

     She was already going for the door. "Besides, it's probably not him. He shouldn't be back till later." She smiled at the same time Linder got to his feet to follow her. 

    He didn't make it in time, and witnessed the horror he didn't want to. 

      His father slapped her so heavily that she stumbled backwards. Before she could fall, he grabbed her by the shirt and bellowed. "Do you know how long I've been waiting out there?!"

Rage filled Linder as he walked towards him, luckily the big man had his back to him. 

     When he backed her against the wall, she swiped her nails across the side of his face then spat on it. 

  He cried out. Most definitely because of the nails. "Now you've done it..."

    Linder grabbed the heaviest thing he could and whacked it across the back of his head before he himself, knew what he was doing.

     His father crumbled to the floor. He definitely had a concussion. 

    He held half of a bottle on his hand as he realized he'd broken the other half on their father. 

   Linder quickly grabbed his sister's hand and tried to lead her upstairs, back to the safety of their room. 

"No Lin, that was my idea!" She complained. "I should have been the first to break one of his bottles on him."

"Shut up Lily, you are hurt."

"This is nothing," she replied, but he could hear all the hatred in her voice. 

     They'd most probably have it worse when he woke back up. But he had to know that Lily was okay. He checked her profusely.

   He'd panicked as he rushed to her side. Linder didn't mind if he was at the receiving end of his father's fist, what hurt more than anything else was any damage caused on his siblings, whether physically or mentally. 

      He held Lily protectively as he carried her in his arms. 

"Oh my God Lin!" She protested. "All he did was slap me, my legs still work."

    It didn't help the crease on his eyebrows, if anything, they furrowed more. 

    Lily's eyes softened at the look on his face. She couldn't get him to understand that he wasn't alone. He was stressed out all the time, but she couldn't get him to take it easy. 

"What's with that stupid face," Lily suddenly asked. 

"This is not a funny situation Lily," he said but she knew that it would only take a little more and he'd smile. 

"I'm not laughing. I'm just saying, that's a stupid, stupid face." 

"Shut up," he finally smiled, then blew out a breath. 

"There, you fixed it."

"You are such a moose," he said before kissing her cheek. 

"Don't you just love it when you kiss a moose?" She asked. 

    He laughed and the bad mood was lifted immediately.

"You shouldn't have done that," said Lily when she thought it was okay to say it. "I could handle it." 

    He didn't reply, just set her down. 

"He's going to let you have it worse."

"I don't care Lily," he said. 

"That's what I'm worried about," she muttered. 

    Linder ignored her and noticed her arm close to her shoulder was bleeding a little, where he'd grabbed her when he got in the house. She had scratch marks.

 "Wait here," he told her. 

    When he reappeared, he had bandaids and an ice pack for her cheek. 

   "Lin?" He heard her call. 

"I'm going to find another job, just a little more so don't worry Lily. Then we're going to leave." He said. 

    She remained quiet as he tended to her. She didn't even wince. 

•••

      The next day, Linder and Lily both went to check up on Mikhail. 

     Thankfully, their father slept through to the next day. He'd wake up in his bedroom floor where they had dragged his unconscious body. 

   He might even cool his anger down in their absence. Unlikely, but possible. 

    Linder looked at the green eyed man who opened the door for them. His brown hair seemed to curl naturally and make him look younger. Not that Linder had any idea how old he was. 

    He pulled the door wider when he recognized Linder. "I didn't properly introduce myself the last time," he smiled and it was almost contagious. "I'm Eden."

   How come he wasn't Tadashi's boyfriend. It didn't make sense that he was always here. 

   "Linder," he replied. "This is Lily."

  "Hey," she said uninterestedly. 

"Please, come in," he said. 

   The first thing Linder noticed when he got in was that Tadashi didn't seem to be home. 

"Where's Mikky?" Asked Lily. 

"In the living room," Eden motioned to where it was, then turned back to Linder. 

   They both heard Lily's voice coming from the living room. "Mikky! Guess how much I missed my favorite cupcake!"

   Linder watched as Eden smiled fondly. To be honest, he was a little confused. 

"Where's Tadashi anyway?" Linder asked. 

"He should be here any minute now, I just asked him to pick a few groceries up, for my baby Mikhail." Eden replied. 

   That more than had Linder's attention. "Your baby?" He raised his eyebrows. 

"Sorry, I keep getting carried away," said Eden. "He's such a sweetheart."

   Linder crossed his arms. "You two really aren't a couple?" He asked again. 

"No," Eden laughed nervously. "We're not."

   He wasn't jealous, not exactly. The weird part was that he expected to be. "So why are you always here?"

"I'm only here for Mikhail," he said. 

    Linder leaned with his elbows on the counter and his silky hair fell forward as he kept talking. "I'm not sure I understand," he might have sounded a little defensive. 

   Tadashi had mentioned this before, that they were fond of each other. He didn't believe it. 

    Eden leaned forward too. "I love your hair," he said as he tucked both sides behind Linder's ears, almost like he was about to cup his face. 

   Linder held his breath. Did he not see how close he was? 

    Eden seemed to study his face until Linder managed to break out of whatever was happening. 

    He immediately straightened and looked cautiously at Eden. He cleared his throat, his palms were clammy so he hid them behind him, like Eden could even see it. 

    Why was he acting like this? Linder cleared his throat again. "So what are you making for Mikky?"

  "Spaghetti, he said it was his favorite."

   Linder didn't bother to hide his surprise. "He told you that?!" Mikhail never just let people in like that, it didn't make a lot of sense. 

    "Mhm," Eden replied. 

Linder still wasn't comfortable with the idea that Mikhail was opening up to a stranger. 

  "Maybe I should do it," he said. "You don't know how exactly he likes it."

"Then tell me," replied Eden while getting closer to him. "I'd be more than happy to learn."

   "Well since you're such great friends with him, why didn't he tell you that?" He asked. 

   Eden chuckled. "What's the problem here Linder?" He stopped before him. 

   "I'm just saying if you don't know, then you should let me do it," he replied while crossing his arms again. 

   "I don't know if you sound jealous or cute," said Eden with another of his contagious smiles. 

    Linder didn't smile. "I'm not..." Linder averted his eyes. "It's not like he's your brother or something."

   They had been arguing for a little while that they didn't see the other two at the door watching them. That was until Mikhail spoke. 

"Don't be mean to Eden," he almost seemed to pout as he looked directly at Linder. 

   Both Linder and Lily exchanged looks of shock before their eyes shifted back to the little boy. Eden in his own right, seemed shocked too. 

   A warning from Mikhail... and to them?

That was definitely a first.

# 07

When Tadashi got to the office, Alexander was already there. 

    Usually, he'd already be busy behind his computer, working harder than everyone else did. 

   Today, however, it seemed he had company.

    Pierre sat on his lap, straddling him on his chair as they kissed passionately. 

    They didn't make any indication that they knew he'd entered, they just kept going at each other. Alexander's arms tightened around Pierre while he pulled him closer. 

    Tadashi let it go on for a while as he checked Alexander's schedule on his tab. 

   They showed no sign of stopping but like the back of his hand, he knew Alexander knew he was in the room. 

         He sighed when he realized they weren't stopping, then cleared his throat. He saw Alexander smile into the kiss right before Pierre pulled away from him. 

   "Since you're all finished, I'd like to talk to Alexander. How are you doing Pierre?" Tadashi asked. 

     Pierre's entire face turned red as he kept his gaze on Alexander's chest. "I'm... okay," he answered. "How are you?" He chewed his bottom lip. 

     "Not bad," Tadashi assumed a seat across from them.

     "I'm great too, thanks for asking," said Alexander. 

He was totally focused on Pierre, teasing him and making him blush harder. 

   "Of course you are," Tadashi said as Pierre squirmed and tried to get off Alexander. 

       Just then, the door was opened and someone else came in. 

   "Tadashi, how's it going?" Riley asked cheerfully as he made his way into the room. 

       From what he knew, Riley was probably supposed to pick Pierre up and take him to the college he'd recently enrolled in. 

Tadashi shrugged because it didn't matter if he answered or not. The three were already distracted by each other. 

Pierre rushed to his side and put his arms around him, looking up. "I haven't seen you all morning!"

"I left before you woke up," Riley's lips twisted into an easy smile and he wrapped his hands around Pierre more tightly than he'd intended. 

       He then tilted his lips towards him, and bent down to give him a full on kiss. "You're good?"

      Pierre nodded before he pulled their lips back together. 

         Tadashi's gaze roamed back to Alexander who watched them with all the affection his eyes could display. 

          He looked vulnerable at that moment, like his beating heart was exposed right in front of him where anyone could hurt him. 

         Tadashi shook his head when Alexander's eyes briefly met his. 'Happy for you!' He silently mouthed. 

         He knew him well enough to know that Alexander felt like jumping out the window for being caught in such an intimate moment. 

"Darling," Riley walked over to Alexander. "I hope you tried not to miss me too much."

        Alexander chuckled in response as he too, closed the distance. "Aren't you going to guess?"

         Riley pretended to think it over. He shook his head. "Huh, judging from the way you couldn't easily let me step out earlier today, I'm guessing... you probably didn't."

"You guys haven't seen each other in what... two hours?" Tadashi asked, getting up. 

"It doesn't feel like that..." said Alexander. "What's on my schedule, how much time do I have left?"

        Tadashi moved to sit on another sofa. "Your flight is scheduled for thirty five minutes from now."

"I'll drive Pierre," said Alexander. "I can make it in time."

      Riley narrowed his eyes at Alexander. 

"Let's go," he suddenly said to Pierre. "Before he does something stupid like miss his flight." He fastened their hands together. 

 "I can't miss the flight," Alexander insisted. "The jet goes when I say it goes."

"And you're not rescheduling," Riley said firmly, he briefly let go of Pierre to talk to Alexander. "So relax, I'll do it."

    Alexander had that look on his face. He was going to try and convince him otherwise. "I–"

"You're not rescheduling," Riley put a finger to his lips. 

     He knew he'd lost. So he accepted with a nod. "Whatever." 

"Have a safe trip, 
mon amour,
" said Pierre. "I'll miss you."

"I'll miss you more baby," said Alexander. 

    Riley leaned in and quickly brushed their lips together before turning to leave with Pierre. 

"Just a second," said Alexander. He fastened a hand on Riley's wrist and tugged possessively. 

Riley was already smirking when he turned to him, like he expected what was going to happen. 

"That was barely a kiss," he complained. "Come here."

      Alexander let his lips skim the back of Riley's hand before immediately cupping his face and pressing their lips together. 

      Riley groaned passionately as they're lips slowly moved against each other. Pierre looked like his breath was taken away.

       The two moved until Riley was backed up against the desk. He braced himself against it. 

    "Here we go again," muttered Tadashi under his breath. 

      Alexander eased up and broke the kiss, looking into Riley's eyes and smiling. Leaning in again, he whispered in Riley's ear, no doubt something about when he got back. 

    He then licked the man's lips and kissed him again. "Alexander..." Riley whimpered. 

    It still came as a shock to Tadashi. It never made sense no matter how many times he saw it; seeing Riley anything but cocky as hell. 

        They had to be the only people who could reduce him to a puddle. 

"Call me?" Alexander finally let him go and asked. 

"Of course darling," Riley answered. "I love you."

"I love you too," he answered and then hugged Pierre one final time. 

"If anyone asks for your number..."

"I already told you..." Pierre started. 

"They won't. I'll break their fingers if they do," said Riley. He then smiled like he wasn't serious just a second ago. "I'm joking. They better not–"

"Yeah, yeah..." said Pierre. 

   Tadashi almost chuckled when he saw the three of them. It was clear that none of them wanted to leave the other, so they kept stalling each other with pointless things. It was really cute. 

"Won't you be late or something?" Tadashi asked both Pierre and Riley. "How do any of you even manage to get anything done in the house?" 

"There's six of us," said Riley. "Trust me... we get 
a lot
 of things done." He smirked and wiggled his eyebrows suggestively. 

        Tadashi didn't miss the double meaning behind his words, but after blowing a kiss Alexander's way, they left while holding hands. 

      Tadashi looked back to his boss who was still watching the door with a fond look on his face. "You're so in love."

He sighed and rubbed his face then leaned on the desk, hands under his chin. "I am." Alexander smiled stupidly. "Fuck."

    Tadashi laughed. "It's not a bad look on you," he shrugged. 

"Shut up," he replied. "Everything is a good look on me." 

        They both got up to leave. Alexander buttoned his suit with a smug look aimed at Tadashi. 

     "You look like a fish that's been exposed to radiation," Tadashi looked genuinely concerned for him. "Do you not see that?"

  "And what does that make you?" Alexander sneered. 

      "The hottest guy in the room," Tadashi pushed the door open. "Come on, let's go."

        Tadashi decided to tell him on the way, as he drove him to the jet. 

"... for the next few days. At most the entire week." He said. 

"It's no problem. I was actually thinking of giving you a week off," replied Alexander. 

Tadashi was quick to answer. "Don't start buttering me up now because–" 

"It's hardly what you think," Alexander said simply. 

"What then?"

"I'm doing that for Linder," said Alexander. "And before you ask why... it's because he needs you, and you know it."

Tadashi kept his eyes on the road as if still contemplating. 

Alexander continued. "My little cub won't stop worrying about him either, so that's my problem too." 

Alexander's phone chimed and he chuckled after a while, typing fast into it. 

"Since when do you text," asked Tadashi. 

"Zel just sent me a picture," was his only reply before he got engrossed in his phone again. 

    He stopped when Tadashi finally stopped the car. "So you'll take it?"

   "I probably will," said Tadashi. 

   "Great, I just need you to be here when I'm back in three days. We'll have a meeting of about ninety minutes then I'll be out of your hair for the rest of the week." Alexander said. 

     Tadashi nodded. "Fine," he got out of the car. For some reason he was so tempted to mention Eden but he wondered how Alexander would react. 

Hey Alexander, you were right during that dinner, you did miss an entire episode and I think Eden is definitely gorgeous. Hey Alexander um... Eden has really soft hands. Uh... hi Alexander... I know he's like your little brother but I think I'm falling for Eden too. 

"What are you thinking?" Asked Alexander. 

"Good riddance," Tadashi motioned to the jet.  "I hate to break it to you but ugly fish don't do well in the air." 

Alexander shook his head and chuckled as he walked toward the jet. "Love you too, Tadashi."

 •••

On his way back, Tadashi had to pick up a few groceries for Mikhail as Eden had asked. Honestly he'd do anything for the boy, he was too cute to resist anyway.

Eden was fucking amazing. He had to be, if Mikhail could readily tell him such a thing as his favorite food. 

It didn't take a long time for him to drive back home. At the corner of his eye, Tadashi saw someone familiar approaching. 

It was coupled with an eerie feeling like he was being watched. His gaze quickly snapped to his peripheral. 

"Jet?" Tadashi said while getting out. 

When he pushed the door open, and finally came out of the car, the person was gone. 

There were only a few people on the streets, and none of them were looking his way. He'd definitely imagined it. 

With the groceries weighing lightly on his arm, Tadashi opened his door and got inside.

# 08

Tadashi didn't understand the situation he'd walked into immediately. 

          As he observed, on one side was Linder and Eden, standing opposite each other. While on the other side was Lily and next to her was Mikhail, who sort of pouted. 

       Everyone in the room looked shocked. Everyone but Mikhail; where all of their attention seemed to be drawn. Tadashi's lips twitched upwards. How was a child so cute?

     Everyone turned to him when he got in. 

        Mikhail took steps towards him and stopped to look up at him, his pout gone. Everyone else just watched. Tadashi did too, for a short while, trying to figure out what was happening.

          He placed the groceries on the counter and gave the boy all of his attention, crouching to his level and smiling. 

           He silently prayed he was doing the right thing when he, yet again opened his arms wide. His first instinct was to always smother the child with affection, he didn't know if Mikhail liked it or not. But he still did it anyway. 

          To his relief and what felt like genuine happiness, Mikhail walked into his arms and let him embrace him. 

      Once again, his arms circled his neck and it automatically caused Tadashi to smile, in that moment, only the two of them existed in the room. "I m–m..." Mikhail whispered against his ear. 

       Tadashi had never been so curious in his life like he was at that moment. He what? ... mistook him for a starfish? He mumbled in his sleep? Or was it.... He ... 
he missed him?

         He rubbed his hand across his back and kissed the side of his head before releasing him. Tadashi felt it would be wrong for him to pressure the boy to say anything he wasn't ready to say yet. 

         When he looked back up, Linder's face had summed up the word shocked. And he didn't even bother to hide it. 

          Tadashi boldly kissed his cheek. "Hey," he said. It seemed to throw Linder off balance and back to his senses in one go. 

        His hand immediately went to cover where Tadashi's lips had just been before blinking. "H–hey," he replied. 

"What's going on?" He asked as he kissed Eden just like he'd done to Linder. 

         Eden shrugged in answer. When he looked at Linder, he turned his head to the side and pulled his lips to a scowl like he was the victim in the situation. 

"Hey Lily," said Tadashi. She immediately motioned for him to follow her into another room, which he did. Confused as he was. 

"What the fuck was that?" She asked while folding her hands and fixing him with a hard glare. 

        He couldn't believe it. He was being scolded by a probably thirteen year old. A very angry one at that. And he still didn't know why. 

"What are you talking about?" He asked. 

"His name is Eden right? You go ahead and kiss Lin, as you should. But then you go ahead and kiss ... Eden. Right there where we can all see you!" She shook her head. "The nerve. I'll fucking crush you."

"What–"

"You might not know, but take it from me, it's not okay to kiss someone else in front of the person you're dating. Lin really likes you, so you better treat him right. Because I'm not a nice person, but I'm especially not nice when you fuck with mine," she said looking directly into Tadashi's eyes. 

          The man was a little blown away, but when he realized what she was actually saying, he smiled at her. 

         Tadashi then blew out a breath and grabbed a handful of his hair and pulled the strands back, only to fall back in place again. 

"Did you think Linder and I were dating?" Asked Tadashi. 

"You're not?"

            Tadashi shook his head and laughed a little. "We're not." 

"You like him," said Lily. "I can tell."

"And I won't deny it, I do," said Tadashi. "But... he likes me?"

             He really wanted to know, like his life depended on it. The answer though, was a little confusing. 

"Heh, this should be fun," said Lily. 

           Her eyes didn't stop assessing and studying Tadashi. "So why did you kiss Eden?"

"I like him too." 

           He wouldn't blame her if she thought that was weird, it's not like he didn't think the same. 

"Oh. That's complicated," she said. 

"Yeah."

"Fine," she said. "As long as Lin isn't hurt in the end." 

"I wouldn't hurt him," said Tadashi with absolute seriousness. 

              Lily raised a brow before starting to walk past him. Whether she believed him or not, he didn't know. 

"Nice nails," said Tadashi. 

"Hmph," she said as her only reply. 

          For some reason, Tadashi's smile only widened. 

•••

           It seemed like Linder accepted that there was nothing he could do, especially now that Tadashi was here. 

         When he emerged with Lily from the other room, Eden could only wonder what they'd been up to. 

      "I'll just quickly make him the spaghetti and then we'll be gone," declared Linder. 

    Eden didn't even expect his own reaction. 

"Can't you just stay?" He asked. He stepped out of line and held Linder's arm tight. As if willing him to stay through the contact, as if he'd agree because of that. 

           They stared at each other for a long while; after Linder had looked at the hand gripping him, he fixed his stare on Eden. 

           After what seemed like too much time, Eden snatched his hand away from Linder and took a step back. 

            Eden walked away, well aware of the eyes that remained fixed on him. He didn't want to do something stupid, like lock the door and swallow the key. 

              His mind was working too hard. So much that he sat on the first thing that looked like a chair, somewhere away from all the eyes in the room. 

            He didn't know how long he sat there thinking but Mikhail was suddenly next to him. 

              Eden pulled him close and tried to get rid of the frown on his face. "Hey sweetie," he said, then remembered. "Oh I should make your spaghetti."

           The little boy shrugged. "Lin let you touch him like that."

"What?" Eden asked. He'd only held his hand. There shouldn't be anything to it. 

"He didn't fight you off," Mikhail added, like that explained everything. "He also said he'd stay a little longer. So why are you sad?"

           The boy held his cheek and waited for an answer. Eden's love for him intensified. 

"I'm... uh..." Eden fumbled. "Let's go make you that spaghetti mmh?"

"Okay," replied Mikhail. "But Lin already started, I think he's waiting for you."

"What do you mean?" Asked Eden. 

"I don't know, but I think so. Sometimes, Lin tells me I can read his mind," Mikhail shrugged. 

             No matter how difficult it was to read Mikhail. The way he loved his brother seemed to go beyond anything else. 

"Well then..." said Eden, smiling and lifting Mikhail up in his arms. "Let's go."

            Linder had indeed started on the spaghetti. Eden felt awkward as he approached him. 

             Surprisingly, Linder spoke first. "Hey uh... I guess you should do it. I'll tell you... you know,  how he likes it." 

            Eden shook his hands to decline the offer. "It's alright, you should. I'll just watch you and learn from that."

"Lin you can't even cook," said Lily bluntly. 

          That brought a moment of silence between them. Eden's mouth formed an 'o' shape and he looked at Linder. 

             Tadashi wasn't really shocked. He knew Linder couldn't cook. He was only a little confused because Mikhail always said that Linder had made him something to eat. 

"I can't cook either," said Eden with a nervous laugh. 

              That one surprised Tadashi. "Eden you just made us breakfast this morning."

"Well... uh, breakfast is easy so..." 

     He was really wasn't convinced but he turned to Linder.

"And Mikhail always says he isn't hungry because you prepared something for him," said Tadashi. 

"Mikky just loves everything Lin puts his hands on," Lily clarified. 

"Ahh," Tadashi crossed his arms and nodded, then moved one hand to rub at the back of his neck. 

     Both Linder and Eden excused themselves to go figure out how to do it right. 

"Look at them," said Tadashi, a soft and fond smile on his lips. 

      Both Linder and Eden had their backs to them. They pretended to move and work together, like they knew exactly what they were doing. 

        Lily scoffed. "Like helpless babies."

        Tadashi decided it couldn't be helped. He took charge of the situation. 

"I think I should take it from here," he said while stepping between them both and putting each of his arms around their waists to pull them away. 

         He smiled when they tried to argue. "We've got it under control," said Eden. 

"Hmm, I bet," replied Tadashi. 

"We do!" Added Linder, ignoring the fact that they were both being pulled away. 

            Tadashi resisted the urge to kiss them both. Instead, he loosened his tie and started to roll up his sleeves. 

"I'll do it, you can tell me how he likes it," said Tadashi to Linder while he rested both his hands on the counter and leaned forward. 

"Fine," said Linder. He sighed like it tired him to say it. "Tomato based sauce.... of any kind. But with lots of cheese in it."

"Alright," Tadashi nodded and got to preparing the meal. 

           Both Linder and Eden, who had given up, watched him. 

           Eden's gaze slowly shifted from Tadashi to Linder, studying his profile and trying not to crack his knuckles.  

             The intensity with which Linder watched Tadashi in its own, made Eden nervous. 

              That was the man he couldn't stop thinking about, the man he knew he wanted, no matter how much he tried to tell himself otherwise. 

            That was the man he wished deep down was his, and yet looking at Linder stare at him like that made him feel nothing but curious. 

            He noticed how Linder adjusted his glasses, then subconsciously licked his lower lip. 

            Eden decided he'd watched enough when Linder tucked his hair behind his ear. He felt confused and a little dumb. What the fuck was he doing? 

"A little help here Linder," said Tadashi. 

"Yeah," he replied and walked over to him. 

        Eden watched them huddling close and Tadashi asked him a few questions. With their muffled voices, he didn't bother trying to hear anything. Not with his thoughts going haywire. 

         He felt something.... something he genuinely wanted to explore.

         When the two turned back, Linder looked directly at him. And he looked a little nervous. 

"It's uh..." Linder pointed behind him. "It'll be ready in a while, we uh..." he said carefully. "We have to go now."

       Linder seemed like he wanted to lay it down as carefully as possible to him, seemed like he didn't want Eden to react the way he did before. 

        Eden really didn't want him to go, but he couldn't just tie him up and force him to stay. 

          He sighed and rubbed his hands over his face, then nodded at Linder, trying to keep his face as neutral as possible. 

  "Okay," said Linder. He pursed his lips and much to Eden's surprise he blushed. 

"Okay," he said again, rather awkwardly. And as he made to keep moving, he tripped. 

           Eden couldn't understand how Tadashi caught him in time before he could fall. But he did. "Careful," he told him while righting him. 

           Eden couldn't stop thinking about how good they looked together. But what was more confusing was how Linder's blush deepened when he looked at him again. 

          Someone tugged at his sleeve and Eden turned to see Mikhail. "Hey sweetie," he smiled. 

"It smells good,"  he said and Eden was delighted. 

"I know! I might eat it all before you get a taste," he teased. 

       Mikhail started to frown. "No. I'll bite your ear."

        Eden laughed and covered his ear. "But I don't have any ears."

         Mikhail climbed his lap while trying to pry his hands off. "Yes you do."

"No I don't!" Eden poked his side, exposing his ears. 

           Mikhail smiled and pulled one of them. "Then what is this?" He asked victoriously. 

             Eden's face turned sour. "Ow you got me... I know, it's that beautiful smile of yours."

            He was right, Mikhail seemed to take the praise  negatively. All traces of a smile were immediately lost on his face. 

            He'd keep trying. But it still made his heart squeeze to see the boy struggle. 

             The two didn't notice that they'd gotten all the attention in the room. They didn't know that everyone had stopped to stare at them. 

             Lily spoke as soon as Eden's eyes had landed on him. "How did you make him smile?" She asked suddenly. "Who are you?"

               The question surprised Eden but he didn't let it show. Should he just say he really loved Mikhail and didn't even know what he was doing half the time? 

"I'm not sure, but if you come back again, I'll tell you the entire story," he told her with her smirk. 

              She looked back as if to challenge him, but all he could think of was how much of a pretty child she was. 

             She didn't respond but instead turned her gaze to Mikhail. "Cupcake, come give me a hug before I go."

            Mikhail nodded and rushed by her side. Lily took him up in his arms and twirled before setting him back down. "I love you," she poked his nose. 

"Me too," the boy replied and rested his chin on her shoulder. 

            Linder then showered his face with kisses and just like that, they were leaving. 

           Eden couldn't stand to watch them leave. So he left it to Tadashi and Mikhail. 

         He was restless, it took everything in him not to go to Linder and pull him and his sister back.

             He didn't even notice Tadashi was back and talking to him till his shoulder was tapped and he nearly flinched. 

"What?" He asked. 

"What's wrong?" Tadashi asked as he crouched next to him, taking his hands in his, and rubbing the backs of them soothingly. 

         Eden shook his head. "This isn't right."

•••

"Care to explain why you were going all red faced back there?" Lily pinned Linder with the question on their way back.

"Argh," Linder raked a hand through his hair. "Don't remind me." 

"Even I was confused," said Lily. 

"I don't get it either," replied Linder. "But let's not talk about it," he smiled sheepishly. 

          Lily scoffed. "I love seeing you like this. I'm going to force you to go back more often."

    "You'll come with me. Don't think I didn't see–"

"Who was he?" A deep voice suddenly asked. 

          Linder jumped at the sound of it, then immediately pulled a reluctant Lily behind him. 

"What do you want Carl?" Linder asked. "Why the fuck are you stalking me? We're over!"

            His eyes lingered on Linder before quickly assessing Lily behind him. "You know I won't hurt her..." he said. "When did we get like this?"

"You're delusional," Linder's lips pulled back in disgust. "There's no such thing as 
we.
"

"Why won't you leave him alone? He doesn't want you, he never will," said Lily. "Go cry about it."

        Carl took a step forward and Linder did too, as if daring him to get any closer to her. 

   He stopped. "Who was he?" He asked again. 

    "Someone who will knock your teeth off," said Lily. 

     "I can get rid of him," he said hopefully, like it was the only sensible solution.

    "Stupid fuck," Lily said under her breath. Carl ignored her this time. 

         Linder opened his mouth to speak but Carl beat him to it. "Why don't you come with me Linder, I promised you we'd be happy."

"Fuck off Carl," said Linder. "Stay away from me." 

             He thankfully didn't follow them as they continued on their way, but Linder knew if he looked behind, he'd see him staring at them and probably ticked off. 

         What he didn't know was how much Carl was seething.

_______

I know this chapter could have been better and probably needs more work, but I got so tired of editing it over and over so I just posted. 

🌝

Have a great day/night

🖤🖤

# 09

Mikhail's hand squeezed Eden's tighter than he'd ever squeezed before. He didn't shy away from prying eyes, but the grip on his hand was all he needed to know that he was actually shy. 

"It's alright sweetie," Eden bent and whispered to him. 

Mikhail nodded despite holding his hand tighter. Eden could tell he wanted to see it through, it's how he learned that the little boy wasn't really a quitter. And that's how much progress he was making. 

Eden put the bottles of milk on the counter, with a few bills next to them. 

"Cute kid," said the cashier. "Yours?" 

Eden was flattered at the mere suggestion. The thought did cross his mind sometimes; silly notions like if Mikhail was his child. Nothing short of silly of course.

"No," he smiled back at him. "Isn't he the cutest though?"

"Totally," he replied. He was a chubby teenager who looked really uninterested and took way too much time looking at his nails when he wasn't attending to a customer. 

        Eden told him to keep the change because he seemed nice enough. 

         And maybe just a little because he'd taken the time to notice Mikhail clutching his hand and trying to hide behind him. 

     Eden had decided they were walking that morning, where Mikhail had seemed just a little thrilled, but everything changed when they actually got outside. 

          The walk back was more pleasant. Mikhail seemed eager to get back home but at least he was more at ease. 

"Where did Tadishi go?" Asked Mikhail. 

"Work, but he'll be back before you know it," said Eden with a hand ruffling his hair. 

    Mikhail didn't say anything to that, so they walked in silence for a while longer. 

    Until Eden felt his palms were a little clammy. He didn't have to ask, Mikhail answered his unvoiced concern. 

    "Everything is suddenly so loud," said Mikhail. He pulled his hand away from Eden's to cover both his ears. 

    Eden immediately crouched and ran a comforting hand down the boy's back. 

     When he briefly looked around. There wasn't anything out of the ordinary; a little boy walking a dog, a few cars moving here and there, a girl on a skateboard. 

The laboured breathing brought him back to the direness of the situation. 

"Breathe sweetie," said Eden, his own heart thumping. "You've got this okay?"

      Mikhail shut his eyes tight. "I... I don't like... loud sounds." His hands still covered his ears. "Loud things mean... Lily," the breathing was a little more ragged. "A-and Lin are getting... hurt."

    Eden threw his arms around him and pulled him close, tucking his head protectively at the crook of his neck. "It's alright," said Eden. "Everything is alright, just breathe in for me okay? Deep breath."

    Mikhail attempted to, but failed. "Linder and Lily are fine, we'll call them when we get home... just take a deep breath sweetie, you can do it."

    Mikhail inhaled for the longest time. Until Eden told him to let it go. "Again," he said. 

         Mikhail calmed down after the third time and Eden lifted him up. "I'm so sorry my love," he said. "Let's get home huh?"

     Eden carried him the rest of the way. 

    Until they were now home and the front door was shut behind them, as if warding off the evil beyond it. 

  "Are they... are they really okay?" Asked Mikhail in a timid voice. 

    "Of course sweetie," Eden replied immediately. "In fact, what do you say we invite them for dinner?"

  "Really?" 

  Eden could tell he was delighted. Anything to soothe the boy. Anything he wanted. 

"Really," he answered truthfully. "And we won't go for any walks you don't want to."

  "No," Mikhail quickly said. "I want to. It's just... sometimes, that... happens. By accident, I'm sorry."

"No no no! You have nothing to apologize for my love," Eden said. "We'll keep going then."

"Okay," Mikhail replied. If Eden didn't imagine it, then the boy had sighed in relief. 

At the moment Eden got his phone to call Tadashi, the doorbell rang. It couldn't have been more perfect. 

   When Eden pulled the door open, the first thing he noticed was that it wasn't Tadashi. 

"Hey," the stranger said. 

       The first thing he felt was shock at seeing him. For one, the man almost towered over him. He wore a black cap and the hair hiding beneath it was black too, but seemingly darker.

    His lobes were adorned with two shiny earrings and his skin seemed to have way too many tattoos. He was more than just good looking, he'd give him that. 

       Another thing Eden didn't see coming was the white cloth that was immediately pressed up against his nose, forcing him to inhale. 

          He had so many questions but he was losing consciousness fast, and through it all, Mikhail was the one constant thing at the  forefront of his mind. 

"No..." he said weakly, his voice almost barely a whisper. 

His vision was swimming but he'd do anything to stay awake, keep Mikhail safe. Eden dragged his body on the floor with the last of his strength in the direction where he'd left him, but it was all in vain. 

     Carl smiled when the man on the floor stopped struggling, knocked out; unconscious. 

       He wasn't who he was expecting to find, but he'd seen him get in with Mikhail, and that was good enough. 

      The kid was easier. He stood frozen looking up at him when he got to him. 

    He didn't know what it was he saw, it was either a momentary panic in his eyes or it was nothing at all. With the little boy, he never could tell.

      He didn't care anyway. 

   Carl walked around and inspected the house with his hands crossed behind his back. 
A couple? 
He wondered. 

        He was curious because he was expecting to see someone else. Carl decided it would be fine, he had what he wanted right there, so he made to leave. 

            He found Mikhail frozen in the same spot he'd left him, staring at nothing. The boy didn't fight  when he carried him up. 

       He didn't even cry out.  It's almost like he didn't even blink, he only complied. 

       It was perfect.

# 10

Linder tried to rehearse while he presssed the phone to his ear, then immediately pulled it off. His palms were sweaty when he tried again. 

You haven't even done the real thing yet, why are you so scared? 
He asked himself. 

He'd decided to call Tadashi, he didn't want to have to depend on him but it got harder and harder by the day. 

Finally without thinking, he actually called. 

Linder didn't realize he'd picked up until Tadashi spoke. "Hey," he said and he could hear the smile in his voice. 

"Hey," replied Linder. It was quiet after that as he tried to remember his words. 

"There's something– I need to..." Linder trailed off. For how long? He didn't even know until Tadashi spoke again. 

"Linder?" He asked, sounding a little concerned. 

"Um... yeah. I wasn't— I need to tell you something." Linder said.

It would be better if he knew, and he'd already thought long and hard about it so there shouldn't be anymore doubts at this point. 

"Yeah go ahead," said Tadashi. He somehow knew that at that moment, he had his undivided attention. And yet he started backing out. 

"You know what, never mind," said Linder. 

He expected a reaction from Tadashi; a disappointed sigh, an irritated groan or maybe even a sound of disapproval. None of those came. 

"Linder listen," Tadashi started. "It doesn't do you any good to keep everything inside, 
I'm here, you can talk to me. You don't know how much..."

    Tadashi trailed off and released a sigh that was nothing short of frustration. 

"Linder..." he started again. 

"I know... I know. Could we do this in person?" He asked. 

"I'll meet you in thirty minutes. How does that sound?" Tadashi asked. "I'm only finishing up with Alexander here. I am supposed to go back home after this but, we'll meet, then you can come back home with me, see Mikhail before you leave?" 

That would honestly be great, according to Linder. "Okay, thirty minutes then."

•••

    Tadashi tried not to bite his lip when he saw Linder. He managed to keep himself in check until the distance between them closed and their eyes met. 

       
What the hell is wrong with me. 
Tadashi kept his thoughts to himself. The things he thought of doing to Linder in that exact moment were enough to make anyone blush. 

       "You look so good," Tadashi blurted out. 

     Linder swallowed. He opened his mouth and closed it back again. Tadashi thought he couldn't look any more adorable. 

    "Come on," said Tadashi. "I'll get you a drink."

        When they'd settled, Linder began when he noticed Tadashi was looking at him expectantly. 

   "There's someone you need to know," said Linder. "Someone from my past."

Tadashi was instantly curious. "I'm listening." 

"His name is Carl," Linder said and bit his bottom lip like it was difficult to say it. "He's... he's the reason why I need you to watch Mikhail." 

That caught Tadashi by surprise. He thought Linder was only trying to protect Mikhail from their father. And Alexander had told him that Linder had called him Carl just before he'd been disqualified. 

    Tadashi sat straighter, he could feel every muscle in his body tense. "What did he do?" He asked and the intensity in his voice shocked even him. 

    Linder shook his head then immediately covered his mouth with his hand, like he was trying not to throw up. 

  He shook his head again and waved a hand at Tadashi to let it go. 

"What the fuck did he do?" Tadashi asked again. 

Linder shook his head again. "Not now..." he said. "I don't want to talk about that now."

     Only the tears in his eyes calmed Tadashi down, tears that he was trying so hard not to let fall. He put a hand over Linder's. 

      Why did some people go through so much, like they deserved it? Like their father wasn't enough already.

"I'm so sorry Linder," Tadashi said and pulled Linder into his arms. 

   "I told you not to do this again," said Linder against his chest, forgetting that he too, had wrapped his arms around Tadashi. 

   "I'm trying to–"

 "Make me feel better, I know," said Linder. "But I already saw you, so there's no need."

    Tadashi pulled them apart to stare at Linder's face. "What did you say?"

His face was immediately flushed. "Anyway, I uh..." 

Tadashi raised an eyebrow without realizing it, trying so hard to keep his smirk of amusement from Linder.

"About Carl," said Linder while completely detangling himself from Tadashi. "You need to know... it's almost abnormal, the way he looks like Jet."

    Before Tadashi could reach for his hand, he stilled. "Jet?"

   No sooner had he said it than the memory came back to him; when he thought he saw Jet. That had been weird but he decided not to think too much about it. In fact, forgetting about it till this very moment.

"Is he stalking you? Did he find out where Mikhail is?"

"I'm not sure," said Linder. "That's why I just needed you to know. He is a dangerous man, Tadashi, I just need you to really be careful."

   Tadashi had a lot to think about. So much that as they drove back, the car was quiet. It was a comfortable silence, but a little troubling as well. 

     Eventually, they tried to create light conversation, while Linder tried to hide how restless his fingers were. 

"A week more huh?" Asked Tadashi. 

"If you don't mind," said Linder while chewing his bottom lip between his teeth. 

Tadashi laughed. "That's a joke right?" He asked. Then his face suddenly turned serious. "If I had my way, then you'd all be here with me."

Tadashi pulled the car to a stop. "You just won't listen to me. And I know if I push, then you'd run from me. And I don't want that..."

He didn't understand how it happened, but Linder's arm had circled his neck. Tadashi's heartbeat spiked. 

Linder was really close and inching closer, not that he was complaining. He noticed how his unsure eyes kept fleeting from his lips to his eyes. 

Tadashi's arms went to wrap around his waist automatically, at the same time their lips brushed against each other. 

This was for all the times he wondered what it would be like to kiss Linder. To feel his breath against his face, to have him as close as he was. 

Finally. He finally knew. Yes, his lips were as soft as they looked. Yes, he fit perfectly against him. Yes, he wanted to do this over and over till Linder's lips were sore. 

Linder moaned when Tadashi bit his lower lip and then licked it. They weren't close enough as he'd have liked. And fuck, he couldn't remember the last time he struggled so hard to have a bit of control. 

Linder's lips parted and Tadashi went further, it was warm, and wet and so deliciously hot he couldn't stop if he tried. 

They were rapidly reaching a point of no return until Linder broke the kiss, withdrawing his hands that had started to grip Tadashi's hair. 

"I'm sorry... I– I don't know what came over me," said Linder, trying not to stutter. 

"What are you apologizing for?" Asked Tadashi. "Surely I'm not that bad at kissing."

"Uh no! Not at all, you are really good at it," said Linder. 

"I am?" Tadashi teased and licked his lips. 

Linder groaned. "You're toying with me. Let's just get inside."

Tadashi's smile was so contagious he found himself smiling back while staring down, cheeks covered in a pink tinge.

Tadashi got out of the car first, and Linder immediately followed. 

"You don't have to be embarrassed," Tadashi told him. 

"But we just..." Linder said then seemed to think better of it. He took his glasses off and ruffled his hair, then put them back on. "Fine, let's just get in."

    It felt like something wasn't right when Tadashi got into his house. One was the creepy silence that greeted them even long after they'd been inside. 

"Where are they?" Asked Linder, he seemed to be panicking a little. So was Tadashi, but he knew Linder would lose it if he did too. 

"I don't know," he said and called out Eden's name. There was no answer. 

Tadashi checked everywhere, every room and  in the jumble that his mind had gotten in, he checked under the pillows on the couch. 

"Maybe they went out to get something," Linder offered worriedly. 

"There's milk on the counter," Tadashi replied in a rush. "It wasn't there when I left."

The two men stared at each other for a while, clearly stressed out. No Mikhail, no Eden. Were they okay? Tadashi wouldn't let his mind go there but deep down he wondered; were they breathing?

"I'll call him," Tadashi ran a hand through his hair and fished his phone out. 
This can't be happening. Fuck no.

Both Tadashi and Linder turned at the same time to where the sound came from. There, at the corner of the door, at a careless angle like it had been thrown down, sat Eden's phone. His ringtone the only sound in the room. 

   There was no sign of struggle. No evidence, nothing of use. 

'He's a dangerous man, Tadashi.'

"Fuck," said Tadashi, punching the wall next to him. 

Were they breathing?

# 11

When Eden opened his eyes, someone was standing over him and looking down at him. 

    It was blurry; as were the effects of whatever he had woken up from. Slowly by slowly, his brain started to piece together what had happened. 

   As the thoughts came back to him, he suddenly jolted upright, only to find out that he was weaker than he expected. 

   "Mik–" he said weakly. "Mikhail..."

    Eden noticed then that he wasn't even tied, just weak and exhausted. It would only be wise to regain his strength first. 

    The figure then crouched as the blurriness started to clear out. But not enough to make out anything useful.

  "There's no use struggling," he said. "You have no strength yet."

He kinda figured that out already. 

"Where's Mikhail?" Eden gathered the strength to ask as it returned to him. 

"The next room," the man said with what looked like amusement on his face. "Who are you to him?"

    In all honesty, Eden didn't know how to answer that. Technically, he wasn't much to the boy, but in the span of a few weeks, he'd come to mean so much to him that he wasn't even sure how to put it. 

"Hmm?" He smiled. "You can't answer?"

   Eden decided to remain quiet. 

"I couldn't care less," said the man. "But who are you to Linder?"

  Eden didn't know how to answer that either. They weren't exactly friends. He hadn't seen a lot of him, but there was something there, he just didn't know what. 

  "That's none of your business," said Eden. The man's face turned sour. 

         He grabbed Eden's face with a hand and squeezed until it was painful. "The right answer is nothing. He is nothing to you."

     That was the moment Eden finally began to understand the situation. Whoever this was, seemed to be crazy about Linder. Weird, and unhealthy crazy.

       Everything suddenly brightened and Eden finally saw him perfectly clearly. 

   "You look a little too much...like Jet," said Eden.

       The man smiled. "And who the fuck is that?" He asked. 

       They almost had the same face, it was too much of a coincidence. He even wore two earrings like Jet did, their black hair was almost the same length, not to mention the amount of tattoos they each had.

       "An intimidating looking man, who unlike you, is actually really kind." Eden told him.

   "Sounds like a pussy," he said and smiled. 

  Eden didn't really reply. He just stared at him.  Why did they look so exactly alike? Even the smile was Jet's. 

    He shook his head and tried to focus. "Why did you do this? To grab Linder's attention?" Eden asked while rubbing his neck. "There's better ways to do that. Normal ways."

Eden's captor ran a hand down his chin. "I only came for Mikhail, but you were in the way."

"What do you want?" He asked. 
Was Mikhail okay? 

"It's simple," the man replied. "I only want Linder." 

        His face completely changed. All traces of bitterness were gone from it as it was replaced with a very moony smile. 

       "I doubt it's mutual," Eden dared to say. A little part of him was angry at everything. And angry at the fact that Linder's life was so messed up. 

   It was a little thought but somehow, he longed to comfort him. 

       He earned a slap with the back of the man's hand. It was a slap heavy enough to make him sway and dishevel most of the hair falling onto his forehead. 

       "Shut up! You don't know what you are talking about," said the delusional man. "He and I are perfect, we were made for each other."

    Eden felt a pang of sympathy for Linder, wherever he was. He shouldn't be going through this. "I don't know what you think, but Linder... doesn't deserve this."

"He doesn't say it, but he wants us to be together. I don't know why people won't let us be together in peace!" His eyes seemed to be genuinely twinkling when he spoke again. "He really makes me happy. I...I think we make each other happy."

"You think taking his brother, is going to help? Do you know how much he loves him?" Eden honestly asked because this was a madman with a madman's line of thought. 

  "What the fuck do you know?" He asked with a voice full of spite. 

        Eden ignored him. The conversation wouldn't go anywhere productive at this point.

"I need to see Mikhail, he must be scared," said Eden. He couldn't stop thinking about the child. 

         The man studied him first. And just when Eden thought he wouldn't, he spoke. "Makes it easier for me to watch you both anyway."

         He roughly pulled Eden to his feet and tightened a firm hand around his wrists, dragging him forward to follow him. 

          It really wasn't necessary. As long as they were going to Mikhail, he'd gladly follow. 

        Eden pulled his hand out of his grasp the moment he saw Mikhail sitting in one corner of the room, staring at nothing in particular. He rushed to his side. 

   He checked the little boy's hands first, then the side of his head, where he dropped a kiss. Mikhail was not hurt and that's all he was glad for. 

   When he hugged him, the boy didn't hug him back. It stung so bad. He seemed to be far away, getting further in his shell. Eden hurt inside. 

"Sweetie, please talk to me," Eden tried. "Did he do anything? Are you alright?"

Mikhail didn't really look at him. "I want Lin," he said in a small voice. 

He saw a hand come to rest on Mikhail's shoulder. It was large compared to the small shoulders. Eden immediately got up and slapped the hand away. 

   "Don't fucking touch him!" He raged. This man was obviously the reason why Mikhail was suffering internally. And he had the guts to touch him.

     When their abductor smiled and tried it again, Eden gathered all the force he could and drove his knee to his groin. 

    The man fell on his knees with both hands covering the area where the damage had been done. He groaned in pain. "You'll pay for this...fuck!"

        He took Mikhail further away from the man, the door was locked so there was no escape. There was no question of who would win if he decided to fight him to get the key, there was nothing he could do. 

     "You just made a grave mistake," the man said as he recovered and slowly started to get up. 

   "Don't you dare come any closer," Eden warned. 

    He obviously didn't listen. He moved forward a bit and stood to shake his hair, arrange it and put his cap back on. Eden didn't miss the smirk on his lips either. 

       He shielded Mikhail with his body, pushing him behind him, at the same time their abductor charged. 

•••

"You called," said Carl. He was suddenly in a good mood with his feet up on the desk before him and leaning back on his chair. "I knew you would."

    "I know you have Mikhail," Linder said from the other side. "If you've done anything to them, Carl–"

"Relax... they're fine," replied Carl. "He even tried to cripple me for touching your brother."

"Where are you?" Linder asked. 

"I'm going to give you that information my love," he said. "But you have to promise to come alone, I really need to see you."

"You can see me all you want Carl," Linder said and it made him feel excited. "But you have to let them go." 

Carl frowned. "Not so fast," he said. "You forget that I know everything about you. I know you are extremely smart. You have some sort of plan I can tell."

"My plan is to get to you, so that you'll let them go," said Linder. "Where are you?"

"You have to come alone, I'm dead serious about that," he said. 

"I know," said Linder. "After everything you've put Mikhail through, I'll never take that chance."

"Come on... you make it sound like I'm evil."

"You're sick."

"I'm not sick!" He said in a sharp voice. "I'm sorry Lin, you know I hate raising my voice at you."

    Linder didn't reply to that. So Carl let it go and gave him his address. "I'll be waiting for you."

    "You probably gave me a wrong address just to test me," said Linder. "I don't want to play games, get to the point."

    "My heart beats faster when you speak like that," Carl couldn't stop smiling even if he tried. This time, he gave Linder the right address. 

"Fine." Linder said. "I'm going to leaving now."

"If you try anything, you'll be putting that man in danger. The other one I saw you with," said Carl, thinking about the man he'd only ever seen in a suit. 

     Linder made a sound like a gasp. "What is wrong with you?" He asked like the most frustrated person ever. 

"I'm just protecting what's mine," he said seriously. "Remember, I'm good at this, and I do my research really well."

       He didn't say it but the jealousy was killing him, he felt like he could threaten anything that moved near Linder.

"I'm coming alone, right now," said Linder. "Leave everyone else alone."

   He couldn't wait, so much it made him giddy.

"Alright. I love y–" the line went dead, forcing Carl not to complete his statement. To him, it felt like a slap on the face. 

       Carl's hands that were now on the table, slowly balled into fists. So tight his nails began to dig into his palm.

•••

Hi! Sorry about this late update some of y'all probably wanted to kill me

😂

 but thanks for reminding me 

😌😌

Oh and Merry Christmas to everyone who celebrates it! 

🌲

# 12

There was a time in the past when Tadashi knew his fix when everything became overwhelming to him. 

       It was the familiar weight of a cigarette between his fingers, the 'clink' sound the lighter made when the flame ignited to life. And all the comfort it provided, wedged between his lips. It would only take a few seconds and he'd feel relieved. 

         He reached out to the table absentmindedly as his other fingers dabbled his relief between them, somewhat shaky. 

         It was a little odd that he wasn't finding what he was looking for, so Tadashi turned his full attention to the table, and that was when he noticed the other man across from him. 

"Is this what you're trying to find?" asked Alexander. He held the golden lighter between his index finger and thumb as he raised it higher to show his assistant. 

"Give me the lighter," Tadashi said. He was acting out of it and he knew it, he was probably looking like an ass in front of his boss because they both knew he was so much better than this. 

         He was the one who never lost his cool, the one who made sure no one ever saw him in such a state because he'd much rather be there for someone than the other way round. 

"You quit," Alexander stated simply, reminding him calmly, although he made no move to acquaint Tadashi with the item. 

      The look on his face wasn't disappointment as Tadashi would have expected, the tone of his voice wasn't condescending either. In truth, it was genuinely confused; at least that's how he looked.

         That's right, Alexander didn't know anything. He didn't know that three people had gone missing, and among them was Eden, someone so fundamentally important to him. 

        Right, Alexander didn't know how important he was to him either. He didn't want him to know, not because he wasn't about owning up to everything that was his fault, but because he wanted to fix it first. 

       And yet here he was, left alone for less than a day and he was already running to the comfort of a single smoke. 

       Tadashi chuckled suddenly. Alexander's brows drew together as he looked directly into Tadashi's eyes, then to the cigarette in his hand and then back again. 

"Should I be scared?" Alexander asked as he secured the lighter inside his breast pocket and fixed his eyes on Tadashi once again. 

"You don't scare easily," replied Tadashi, although he knew that he'd only stepped around the question and it wouldn't go down well if he heard the truth. 

       It was a fact, it took a lot to scare Alexander. The only times he'd seen that side of him was when it involved Jen, or the men he was in love with, when there was a risk of losing them. 

       There was nothing else, in his knowledge, that could rattle his boss that badly. But somehow he knew, Eden would. 

"Seeing you like this scares me," said Alexander. He picked imaginary lint from his impeccable suit, and discarded it. "Something is terribly wrong."

"Everything is fine," replied Tadashi immediately, pretending like the previous statement hadn't completely caught him off guard. "I'm just sorting a few things out at the moment."

"You shut yourself off, and when I find you, you're holding a cigarette in your hand," he said, then smiled.  "You know that I know you are lying to me, right?"

       Tadashi turned away, a little ashamed but not enough to admit it. Sometimes, he hated the fact that this man knew him so well, but the same probably applied to Alexander too so he shouldn't really be complaining. 

    He refused to look him in the eye. 

"Don't misunderstand. I only mean I'm deciding to leave it alone for now, if it is so important that you can't tell me," his boss said. 

"You look upset," said Tadashi. He had to fix everything quickly because there was almost nothing he hated more than being a burden to someone. 

Alexander shook his head and waved him off. "It's probably the old age getting to me." 

He laughed, but it didn't feel right to Tadashi. "Alexander..."

 "I just don't know why you wont let me be a part of your life," his boss said. Also deliberately avoiding any eye contact.

      

Fuck
. It wasn't like that, but he didn't exactly know how to tell him. Especially when he wasn't entirely wrong. 

         Tadashi was almost always finding the smallest excuses to turn him down for anything he offered, even if it was just to listen. 

     He got up to leave, but Tadashi didn't want him to go with that train of thought. He tried to stop him. 

"Um...Alexander... I-"

"Let's not make a big deal out of it. Just don't hesitate to call me when you need me," Alexander said and he was gone out the door. 

          Tadashi knew that was another thing he had to fix. "Fuck," he muttered. It just felt so wrong to hear him say that. 

         It didn't actually occur to him that he was that bad until the moment the words left the other man's lips. 

       Maybe they needed to talk, and maybe he needed to change some things but for now, he was shutting all that out, he had a plan to carry out. 

•••

        Tadashi's mind still thought back to when he was about to give in to a vice he really didn't want to associate with anymore, just a few minutes ago. 

        He pulled the car to a stop and got out. "Five days," said Tadashi. 

      He approached the entrance to Linder's house. There was a plan, and he was going to follow it through. He was going to get everyone back, and then he was going to tell Alexander exactly how he felt.

          The stench of alcohol hung heavy in the air as he got in. Henry was in, it was obvious. 

      The large man's eyes narrowed as he walked across Tadashi who had boldly let himself in. "Who the fuck are you?" he asked, his hands slightly tightening on his bottle. 

"The last time you asked me that, you woke up in a hospital," Tadashi replied and Linder's father sobered up enough to look surprised. "I'm not sure you'll wake up this time."

          Something in Tadashi's voice scared him. He had a lot of confidence the first time they met, but now, as Tadashi kept approaching he backed up against the wall. 

        The man dropped his bottle and it fell with a crash, coating the floor with alcohol and broken pieces of glass. He was even more of a coward without his bottle. 

"I'm giving you this time to think of a good confession," said Tadashi. Linder's father nodded and kept his mouth shut, then he seemed to think better of it. 

"Confess for what?" he asked instead. "You're lucky I'm not reporting you right now! Leave my house." 

    Tadashi smiled.

      He knew he was strong, but he didn't know he was strong enough to grab the large man by his neck, and fling him down with only one hand. Maybe he was just that angry. 

        Surprise registered in the man's eyes before spitting out blood. He had most likely bitten his own cheek hard enough to draw blood. 

"I have enough evidence against you," said Tadashi. "Me telling you to confess? It's a mercy if you asked me, you'd probably get a shorter sentence if you confessed, but I just changed my mind."

         Tadashi kicked him in the gut and the man curved his body on the floor, as if to cradle the pain. 

"I don't stand for the bullshit you do, but on top of that, is the misfortune that you are Linder's father."

"What the fuck do you mean?" The man on the floor asked, trying to get up. Tadashi kicked him again and he doubled over, grunting in pain. 

      He was more than angry, and trying to calm himself down, pushing back the stubborn strands of hair that fell out of place. He drew in a breath.

"What I mean is," Tadashi crouched and linked his fingers. "I'm in love with your son, Henry Reid. And that's your biggest problem."

        Linder's father narrowed his eyes and scrunched up his eyebrows like he was trying to understand the gibberish he was speaking. 

"You have such lovely, beautiful children," said Tadashi. "Is that so hard to appreciate?"

         It was unclear what made men into the things they were. Men who raised their hands against anyone weaker than them. Where did they turn so bitter?

"Al...ways knew he was a fag," the man said. 

      He could have called Tadashi a fag to his face, and it wouldn't bother him. But directing it towards someone important to him, directing it towards Linder, was his big mistake. 

        Tadashi didn't even register what he did next, only that more blood poured out of the man's mouth by the time he was done with him. If it wasn't for Linder, this man would have been dead. He got up as he sputtered more blood. 

          He hit him again. Brutally. Linder's father blacked out. Tadashi resisted the urge to spit on him. 

         Instead, he made his way up the stairs. Almost disfiguring Linder's dad wasn't part of the plan, but he'd gotten a little carried away. 

Second room on your right.
 Tadashi tried not to fling the door open.

       He saw Lily, and for a second, he glimpsed how tired she looked, lost in her own thoughts. 

       A second later, she turned, a little alarmed and he finally saw that she was wrapping her arm up from some sort of injury. She quickly hid it behind her and looked up at him spitefully.

         Tadashi too, looked her in the eye. Until it was almost about to become a contest. "What?" she spat. 

         From his perspective, Lily protected everything about her closely, so much that it made her spiky. If you were even lucky enough to see her smile, then she'd have to be talking to one of her siblings.

          Tadashi still didn't look away, and neither did she. She was a child, but everything about her screamed mature. 

"Come with me," he said and her eyes narrowed. For a second, Tadashi felt like he didn't know what he had gotten himself into. 

"Where's Lin?" Lily asked and walked towards him. She reached up and pulled him by his tie, forcing him to bend to her, Tadashi let her. "Where. Is. Linder?"

         If glares could burn, Tadashi would be scorching. "I'll explain everything, but you have to come with me." 

Tadashi suddenly took her hand in his and started tying the loose bandage. She gasped and let his tie go.

        He thought she would pull her hand back and try to push him away even further, but she didn't. Surprisingly, she let him do it. 

      Her hand was so little as it nestled in his, with so many bruises at the back of it. Thinking of the reason for the little scars only made his blood boil, he tried not to think of it. 

"Listen, your brother mentioned Carl. I could have a lead but I need your help," Tadashi said. "And I'm not going to step around it, I don't want you to keep living in a place like this, so come with me."

          He could see her eyes burning with something he couldn't really name, but she wasn't losing her cool. She had a controlled kind of rage within her, and that could be dangerous but for a little while, Tadashi admired her for it. 

      It was after Tadashi finished tying her hand that Lily seemed to snap out of her daze. She looked utterly cautious as she snatched her hand back and held it against her chest, as if to cradle it. 

     Without a word, Lily started to pack a few things, much to Tadashi's relief. There was a grim expression on her face like she was thinking all the while. 

       Tadashi didn't hesitate to grab her bag when she was done. But she had something to say about that. 

       Her hand also fastened on the bag, stopping Tadashi in his tracks. "Let it go," said Lily. "I can lift it myself."

         Tadashi set the bag down on her bed, but he didn't let go of it. "I know you can," he said. "But I still want to lift it for you." 

           She looked like she wanted to protest but thought better of it. Which was odd to the man, he didn't expect her to back down that easily, no matter what it was. 

         Tadashi took the bag back a little skeptically. His first instinct was to hold her hand and lead her out, but he decided against it. 

When they got downstairs, her father was still crumpled on the floor. "You did that?" She asked Tadashi who just shrugged. 

She then went to him immediately and wasted no time driving a kick into his gut. Her dad grunted again. 

"You awake?" She asked. Tadashi didn't expect her to do what she did next. 

Lily bent to say something to her father in a low voice, Tadashi couldn't really make out the words. 

She then she spat on him and turned, with what looked like pure hatred in her eyes. She looked Tadashi straight in the eye. "Let's go," she said, then walked past him. 

•••

Carl looked at Linder like he was the most fascinating thing he'd ever seen. He immediately took his hand up in his while his eyes closed, as if to savor the moment.

"Lin," he said in a low voice. 

"Don't call me that," replied Linder. "Where are they? I need to see Mikhail."

      Carl watched his every move like a hawk. All the time in the world could pass, but Linder would never look anything less of perfection in his eyes, his desire grew by the second. 

"I can't do that yet," replied Carl. "I have to make sure you're going to stay with me."

      Linder's eyes shot to him immediately, his mouth forming a half pout because he was angry. 

"Relax babe," Carl reassured him. "They are safe." 

"I need to see for myself. I thought we talked this through," said Linder. Carl could tell he was keeping his tears back. 

      And he knew him so well that he knew they would be nothing but tears of frustration. 

"Of course we did," said Carl. "So please don't cry. I just need you to prove your loyalty for a week, then I'll let them go..." 

        Linder bit his bottom lip and looked up. 

"Why don't you trust me anymore? You know I hate seeing you cry," said Carl, with a hand under Linder's chin. Tilting it to face him. "I'll cut it down to four days."

         That seemed to spark hope in Linder. It also made Carl really excited. He leaned in to kiss Linder's lips. How he was starved for them. 

        Linder quickly moved out of the way. Carl frowned. "Kiss me," he said but Linder didn't even look at him. 

      He wouldn't mind jumping straight to the sex but he knew how much Linder loved fore play. So he wouldn't skip that part, because he loved him so much he'd do anything for him. 

        Carl seized him and pulled Linder flush against him. "I want you so bad, baby. It's been so long." 

    His erection rubbed against Linder and he had to remind himself to hold back and not cum too soon. 

      Linder was being unresponsive, so he thought of a way. He leaned in to whisper in his ear. "You want them out of here don't you?" Said Carl. 

      Linder flinched, but he turned to face Carl, searching his eyes. 

          Indeed, they were in love. Linder just needed a little push to acknowledge his feelings, and embrace them. 

        Carl got closer, he touched Linder's ass then squeezed. 

      And this time when he leaned in to kiss him, Linder didn't move out of the way.

# 13

When Linder's eyes opened, he wasn't alone and the sun's light had filled up the entire room. 

    Half naked, he forced himself not to flinch when he felt the large hands roaming over his thigh. 

    Linder had his back against Carl as they had lain that way till morning, right after the man had reminded him of 'what they should've been doing all this time instead of fighting it'.

"Last night was amazing baby," said Carl. Linder could feel his morning wood pressing against his ass. 

     He didn't respond because he was thinking too hard about everything. Right before he had left, Linder had told Tadashi everything. 

   Not because he wanted to put him in danger; he knew the man could more than take care of himself. He told him because that was the only way his plan was going to work. 

   It was a plan that would take five days exactly. He'd predicted correctly that Carl wouldn't keep his word and it had all been calculated. 

     He also knew that even after four days, Carl still wouldn't let them go. He knew him that well at least. But that was where Tadashi was to come in. 

   Three days was enough for him to extract the information of their whereabouts, and all he had to do, was find a way of letting Tadashi know. 

   Linder couldn't help when his mind darted to the little kiss they had right outside his house in his car. 

He was slowly starting to change his mind about the plan. If Carl could easily find his way out of prison that easily, then he would never leave them alone. 

   "I need two things from you Carl," said Linder while he turned to face him. 

"You used to call me honey," said Carl. He traced Linder's cheek with the back of his index finger, a forlorn look in his eyes. "Go ahead and ask."

    "I need to see Mikhail and Eden," said Linder. "Even for five minutes."

  "So that's his name," said Carl while staring right at Linder.

"I think we should leave, go somewhere else... just the two of us," said Linder.

   Carl immediately sat up. "You really think so?! I was thinking the same thing!" 

  Linder nodded. "We could start over," he said and then intertwined their fingers. "It will be like how it used to be, how it's meant to be."

   Carl chuckled so heartily it reminded Linder of the first times they were together. When everything was perfect and this same man made him forget his dad for a moment, however little.

"But," Linder said and Carl went still. "Only if you let them go, and I'm not talking to you unless you take me to see them."

"Lin," said Carl, resting a hand on his knee.

       Linder folded his arms over his chest and looked away to the side, away from Carl. 

       He knew it would work, he was only taking advantage of the weakness Carl seemed to always have when he was involved.

"Fine," the man said and Linder could hear his smile, he knew he'd made him happy, so much that he would agree to anything. "If you're ready, we can go now."

"Really?" Linder asked, the excitement clear on his face. He'd forgotten to keep folding his arms and they slowly loosened on either side of him. 

        Carl chuckled. "I missed seeing that beautiful face light up like that, because of me." 

    As he heard him, Linder reminded himself to control his features and not smile too much or get carried away. 

    He feigned shyness in the hopes that Carl would completely be fooled by him. At this point, he'd do just about anything for the people he cared about. 

    "Aww, I love you so much," said Carl. He leaned forward and peppered kisses all over Linder's shoulder and collarbone. 

    Linder had to force himself to stay still and remind himself he was doing this for a reason. 

    For a disgusting moment, he was reminded of the night before, when he let himself get intimate with Carl. 

   He'd endured it all; his moans, his grunts and his desperate declarations of love. 

    There was only one thing Linder couldn't bring himself to do no matter how hard he tried. He could never tell Carl he loved him too, even if it was only pretense.

    It wasn't true, and it would never be. 

  He wasn't in love with Tadashi either, but every time the four-letter-word came up, he was the only person he pictured. His warm smile, his gentle hands and the amount of patience he had for someone like Linder himself. 

    None of that touched his heart like the way Tadashi treated his siblings. But the decision he made at the moment, meant that he couldn't expect to be a part of that. 

"Let's go," said Carl, getting off the bed completely naked. 

   Linder nodded as he momentarily pulled the sheets tighter against his body. 

•••

"Linder told me everything," said Tadashi over a light dinner he had prepared for himself and Lily. "He told me his plan and it should only take five days."

    
It was a long time apart from each other if you asked him. 

    
"I don't trust him," said Lily. 

    Tadashi stopped eating to regard her. This was the last thing he expected to come out of her mouth.  "He's your brother."

    "Which is why I'm paranoid," she said. "Lin will do something stupid."

     Weirdly they'd had the same line of thought, like they'd thought it up together.

"I almost thought the same," said Tadashi. "So I made my own plan."

   They discussed as they continued to eat. Tadashi knew Lily wasn't the type that wanted to be left out, whether you were protecting her or not. 

   Lily listened and asked every single question possible. All the while Tadashi was worried about her. Both her brothers were missing after all. 

   She wasn't freaking out, she didn't even look worried. He couldn't tell if she was hanging on the edge or close to breaking down. She never let anything show.

   Finally, she linked her fingers on the table before her and regarded Tadashi for a while. They needed to stop having their little staring contests. 

"Lin usually has terrible taste in men," she said with a face as expressionless as it could get. "I'm a little impressed."

•••

   Linder couldn't stop his feet when he saw Mikhail. He threw every other thought away and ran towards his brother. 

  "Mikky!" He said when the boy was up in his arms. He held on to him so tight he feared he was making it hard for him to breathe. 

"Lin," said Mikhail. His hands balled up as he held Linder. 

   Linder set the boy down and went over to Eden. He had an ugly bruise near his lip. 

"This is all because of me," said Linder. "It won't happen again. You're safe now."

That only seemed to confuse him further. 
"Linder, what are you–"

Before Eden could continue, Linder leaned in and whispered to him. "Tadashi will come for you soon."

He pulled back and smiled weakly at Eden. 

"I think, I'd have really loved to get to know you," said Linder. His words were coming straight from the inside unfiltered, exactly how he felt them. 

"What?" Asked Eden, more than a little confused. "You can still do that. What do you mean?"

     Linder made to get up and in that moment, Eden panicked. Maybe it was his confusion or the bizarre feeling that if he let Linder go now, he might never see him again. 

      "Eden," whispered Linder. "I'm sorry for getting you into this mess." He had lost his balance when Eden grabbed him, and right now he was looking at the man beneath him. 

   Linder didn't expect to be so frozen in the spot. 
Had he really ever noticed just how green his eyes were?

   
They did nothing but stare at each other for what seemed like three heartbeats too long. 

    Linder didn't understand what was happening but it seemed like Eden was getting closer. Or was it him? 

     The way they looked at each other was intense. Maybe he was starting to unravel what he believed was purely curiosity when he looked at Eden, and maybe it wasn't just that. 

    Their breaths fanned their faces when the gap was almost fully closed, their lips probably less than an inch away from each other. 

    "Any further and I'll snap his neck," said Carl. His footsteps got closer. 

   Linder closed his eyes and sighed, putting some distance between them both. "Relax Carl, we agreed you'd give me my space for this part." 

   The footsteps stopped.

   This was what he had chosen; Carl in exchange for their safety and peace. He couldn't go around fucking it up now. 

      He knew right after they left, it wouldn't take long before they were released. And that's where Tadashi would come in, but he'd only find out that their plan had changed.

"Please, take care of Mikhail for me," said Linder. "Be patient with Lily, she just needs enough love." He chuckled. "By enough, I mean a lot of it."

"I don't know what's going on, but don't speak like it's the end," said Eden. 

"It could be," Linder replied as he hugged Mikhail again, rubbing his hands up and down his back. 

"There's something I need you to know," said Eden. "I'd feel better if you knew."

"What?" Asked Linder. 

"I like you," said Eden. "It's complicated but I really, really do."

    Linder had a look of mild shock on his face. There was a chance that this could be mutual but he couldn't find how to respond. 

"It's really true," continued Eden. "And when we get out of this, I intend to prove it to you."

  It was the last time he'd see Eden, but how he wished what he said could come to pass. 

  After kissing Mikhail at least one thousand times all over his face, Linder let Carl's arm tighten around him and take him away.

# 14

"Eden's parents can't find him," Alexander said in the first few seconds he got into Tadashi's house. "And neither can I." 

It took approximately five seconds for him to look at Tadashi and assess him, eyes finally resting on his. "What are you so dressed for? Where are you going?" He asked.

Tadashi closed the duffel bag before him and then straightened to regard Alexander.

He could either decide that he was going to keep hiding the truth from Alexander or he could decide that this was the moment he told him the truth. 

Lily decided for him. 

"To get Mikky and Eden," she said. "Who are you?"

This time, Alexander's gaze did not fleet away from Tadashi. He was quiet for a little while, if it was betrayal he felt, he did not show it. In fact, the way that he masked anything he might have been feeling was a bit scary to Tadashi. 

"Where are they?"  Alexander asked calmly.

"Alex–" Tadashi started but was cut off. 

"Just tell me where they are, Tadashi," he replied, a little impatiently. 

"Here, apparently," Tadashi gave in and shared the address with Alexander. 

He examined the piece of paper that had been forwarded to him before looking back at Tadashi again. 

"Mikky... Mikhail? Linder's little brother yes?" Asked Alexander. Tadashi nodded. 

Alexander turned to Lily. "Then you must be his little sister," he told her.

"How do you know Lin?" She asked looking angrily up at Alexander.

He was amused as it caused his own lips to twitch up in a smile. "She's so cute," he said.

"She also bites," Lily said promisingly. "So answer my question."

"Ouu, nice. But I won't do that. I'd rather your brother tells you," Alexander then turned to Tadashi. "Where is he?"

His smile dropped as he realized the stony look on Tadashi's face. "He's with Eden too?"

Tadashi shook his head. "Maybe... I don't know where he is."

"You don't..." Alexander trailed off. "Are you okay?"

Tadashi shrugged. "I've got a plan, but we need to leave now."

•••

It was an abandoned building at the end of a few dilapidated ones on its right. 

How anyone, including Carl, could get inside without anyone noticing was easy to understand. It was a tall, three storied building that was locked and bolted at all entrances, the windows were all covered up, making it impossible to even see inside.

Alexander had driven with Lily after having a heated argument about whether to bring her or not. Tadashi was in his own car, briefing his men about the plan he had in mind. 

Alexander didn't even know that Tadashi had men, but when he'd asked, he simply said he'd just pulled in a favor from someone he didn't know.

Alexander unlocked his door and got out, and when Lily moved to do the same, she found out that it was locked. She looked at Alexander through the window with murder in her eyes. 

"The deal was to bring you along," he said. "Not string you into the heart of danger."

Lily looked like if she had a gun, she wouldn't hesitate to shoot Alexander's foot. "Let me out!" She demanded. 

"Not a chance, puffball," he replied before motioning to one of the men to come watch over her. 

"Alexander!" Lily growled, even though it came out muffled. He ignored her and headed over to Tadashi.

They decided to get in through the back door. Once the chain was broken, the armed men got in first, then Tadashi and Alexander. 

When they got in, it was too quiet for their liking. Not a sound and not a soul in sight... it was completely abandoned. 

Tadashi's spirits started to dampen even if he knew he'd turn the entire building upside down first before accepting that there wasn't anyone here. Had something happened to Linder? 

Everything was actually in it's place, it was dark and dusty, like no one had been inside for several months. 

After moving for a while, with nothing but the soft echo of their own footsteps, at the corner of his eye, Alexander saw something move... someone.

He turned in a split second, only to find out that the jittery movements belonged to Lily. How the hell had she left the car? 

She was being careful, as if not to let herself be caught by Alexander or Tadashi. 

Alexander crept up behind her in the same fashion she was being discreet and hoisted her up into his arms. And then, they began to fight each other. 

"How is it that you are here?!" Alexander whisper-yelled as he dodged Lily's slaps and punches. 

"That is none of your business, you goofball!" she whisper-yelled back. Then she drove her knee into his gut.

"Stop fighting!" said an irritated Alexander. 

"Then put me down," she countered.

"Lily," said Tadashi calmly, and the girl stopped. "He's only looking out for you, he just wants you safe so stay still okay?"

She didn't show any sign of agreement but much to Alexander's surprise, she listened and stopped fighting him. 

He couldn't really wrap his head around it. She didn't seem like the type to listen to anyone. 

Tadashi had only left them alone for close to three minutes when they began to fight again. The man sighed before walking back in their direction, ready to take Lily away from Alexander.

In the middle of all their arguing is when they heard a croak of a voice. 

"Hello?" The voice was a little broken. "I can hear you. If... if you are there, we need some water. The child...please."

Tadashi stopped whatever he was doing and rushed to the direction of the voice upstairs. "...just for the child," it continued.

"Eden!" Tadashi shouted at the same time the door was pounded from the inside, so his voice was most likely drowned out.

The voice did not come from the first door he tried, nor was it the second. And even after pondering upon all the doors, he found nothing. 

Then he realized that the voice was still coming from the other rooms up the stairs. 

When Tadashi got to the fourth door, he was really desperate. But there was Eden when he pulled the door open. 

"Wa...ter-" his voice died down when their eyes met.  

In a few seconds, Eden snapped out of it and recognition registered in his eyes. He seemed to draw in a rugged breath.

His green eyes welled up with tears and before he knew it, he was pulled hard against Tadashi's chest. 

For the moment, he tried to put aside the state the man was in and just felt his body against him. If Linder wasn't still missing, it would feel like heaven. 

It felt good to finally have him like this, this close and finally away from danger.

Alexander watched them as he approached. From the way Eden buried his face in Tadashi's chest to the way Tadashi wrapped a hand around him, with the other at the back of his head. 

What did Tadashi mean to Eden? He wondered. Better yet, what did Eden mean to Tadashi?

When he got to them, they stopped embracing and Tadashi quickly entered the room. Alexander cupped both of Eden's cheeks and searched his face. "Are you hurt?" 

Eden shook his head no, but Alexander couldn't help but worry. He took his face in, a few bruises, the darkest one close to his lip. His hair almost looked like a disheveled bird's nest. He looked more tired than anything. 

Alexander's jaw ticked and he tried to reign in his anger. He  hugged Eden and thought about how slowly he wanted to torture who ever had done this.

If only he'd get his hands on them...

When Tadashi got in, Mikhail was in one corner of the room, looking at nothing in particular. He looked lost. 

Tadashi approached and lifted him. "Hey honey," he smoothed his hair and kissed his temple hard, pouring all his relief into it and the boy flinched.

"I'm sorry," he quickly soothed, slowly running his hand up and down his back. 

Lily was there in the next few seconds, Tadashi put Mikhail down and she grabbed him immediately, hugging him fiercely.

Tadashi couldn't still move on from Mikhail's demeanor. Something was terribly wrong, but above everything, he wanted to get Carl in his hands.

"The entire house is clear, there's no one here," one of Tadashi's men said as he circled back to them. 

Tadashi nodded before turning back to Lily. "Let's get you guys back home."

Eden then took his wrist in his hand and looked up. "Linder... I think he's gone."

He did have a feeling that something like that would happen. He didn't expect Carl to so easily just give Linder up, from everything he had gathered. And the way he had let them all go, just made him wonder how Linder had convinced him. 

But the way Eden said it, still made him question everything. 

"What happened?" Asked Tadashi. 

Eden shook his head then pursed his lips momentarily. "It's... the way he spoke to me. He said the strangest things. To take care of his siblings," Eden shook his head again. "It didn't feel right." 

It was then that Tadashi started to feel the stress weighing down on his shoulders. 

"When was this?" He asked Eden. 

"Almost two days now, I think," Eden replied, voice a little hoarse. "I don't know."

They needed to get home, somewhere safe. They needed to get some food and water into their system. He would trust Alexander to make that happen.

Before Tadashi could take a step, Alexander took his arm. 

"Take them home," said Tadashi.

He didn't move, but made to protest. It only came naturally; the stubbornness in his nature.

"Now, Alexander."

"This is dangerous," he began.

"Which is why I'm going alone," said Tadashi. 

"No," both Alexander and Lily said at the same time. Lily's face was expressionless where Alexander's looked troubled. 

"I'll be fine," said Tadashi. "I'm not going alone."

Even saying that wasn't convincing enough. It took a lot of fighting and arguing until Tadashi got the upper hand. He was dead set on going alone and no one was going to stop him. 

Eden rushed to his side and hugged him for the longest time, before letting him go. "You be careful, okay?"

Tadashi nodded. "Don't worry, I will."

Right before Eden could completely break contact with him, he pulled him back and brushed his lips against his knuckles. Then he hugged him one last time. 

No one saw it, but Alexander's brow went up.

Tadashi noticed how hard Lily tried not to look in his direction. She held Mikhail with a hand as the other curled into a tight ball by her side.

Tadashi smiled. "Lily," he called and she quickly turned to him. "Take care of your brother till I'm back okay?"

She turned back and deliberately refused to look at him. "I know," she muttered. 

Alexander looked outright angry. He didn't say a word to Tadashi and neither did the other man. 

Whatever silent battle they were having between them, wasn't voiced. Even until they parted ways. 

•••

Eden couldn't help but take in a deep breath of fresh air. He squinted his eyes until they adjusted to the light outside. 

He missed Mikhail's hand in his. And he had no idea how to approach the little boy again. It seemed best to leave him in Lily's hands where he actually seemed just a little more responsive. 

Eden sat in the passenger seat while Lily and Mikhail were at the back. Alexander took the wheel. 

He watched him clench and unclench his jaw, still distracted by whatever was going on with him and Tadashi. Eden chose not to comment on it.

"Apparently, Tadashi wants me to take you guys home," said Alexander.

"I'd rather not," Eden quickly replied. "He's not there and–"

"I'm not taking you to Tadashi's. I'm thinking of either your parents', or mine. You know it's your home too right?" He asked.

"I know..." said Eden. "My parents would fret too much. Lets go to yours."

"Funny that you think my babies won't fret too much," said Alexander. 

"How come we don't have a say in this?" Asked Lily.

"This is adult stuff, Lily," said Alexander immediately.

In the next few seconds, she smacked his head so hard he accidentally braked. 

"This is adult stuff Lily," she mimicked then crossed her hands while looking out the window.

"Jesus Christ are you done trying to kill us all?" Exclaimed Alexander.

"No, just you," she said pretty confidently.

Amidst the dejected atmosphere in the car, they kept on arguing lightheartedly. 

Lily was thinking about Linder. Alexander was thinking about Tadashi. And Eden was thinking about them both. But even with his inner turmoil, he found it in him to smile. 

He wouldn't be smiling much later on, for Mikhail's sake. He'd be confused, and he'd blame himself for everything. 

Because it had slipped his mind that where he had decided they go, was a replica of Carl; Jet.

# 15

The next time Lily stepped out of the car, she was at a mansion. It was so huge that calling it a house seemed strange. 

          She noticed the valet, who seemed alert and on standby, standing next to a few cars. Lily tried not to glue her eyes onto a certain purple Chevrolet Camaro in the midst of the rest.

         They had driven by a set of fountains to get to the front of the house. Lily leaned against the headrest and closed her eyes briefly, feeling the warmth of Mikhail's hand engulfed in her own.

        

What the 

hell was this place

? 
She thought and cracked an eye open, looking at Alexander who smoothly parked the car, still speaking to Eden.

        When they all got out, Lily hesitated in the slightest, not knowing what to do.

"Hey, puffball," Alexander called. "The front door is over here."

"I can see it," she shot back. "Try keeping your mouth shut for three minutes."

"And deprive you of this remarkable voice? I think not," replied Alexander. The smile he sent her way was completely annoying.

            Just then,  a man got out of the front door and walked in their direction. He was chubby and had brown hair, just like Eden's. Except that, it didn't curl as much. 

           Before he could properly say 'hello'—as Lily assumed he would, Alexander swept him off his feet like it only came naturally to him. 

          "Hello, my love," said Alexander to him, staring into his eyes as he said it.

         "
Mon amour
. Hello," he replied shyly. 

         He had a French accent, and now that she saw him closely, he had the prettiest face she had ever seen. Lily turned away when they started kissing. 

         She rolled her eyes when Alexander started speaking in French. 

         The man in Alexander's arms seemed soft-spoken and nice. Too nice. 

        She wondered how they met, specifically how he got Alexander's attention.

"And I'm late!" She heard, rather than saw him squirm in Alexander's hold. "Put me down, he's waiting for me."

   "Okay, okay," said Alexander as he chuckled. He finally put the man down. 

"Hi Pierre," said Eden, whom had just come out of the car. 

   "Eden?" The man– Pierre said. "Hi! What happened?" He looked genuinely worried which further intrigued Lily. 

      Eden tried to talk his way out of it while covering it up but the expression on Pierre's face was set in determination. 

      "Are you alright?" He asked rather persistently.

    Eden nodded. "I'll tell you later. I know you're in a hurry." It was clever of him.

    The chubby man seemed satisfied with that. But before he could go, he turned to the children. 

"Hello," he said to Lily and Mikhail. "I'm Pierre." 

         It passed in a flash, but in that moment, Lily noticed that there was oddly something about him that somehow reminded him of Mikhail. 

        "Lily," she said. She noticed the way Pierre's eyes narrowed as he looked at Mikhail. Like he had either seen him before, or he somehow recognized him.

"This is Mikhail," she said and took a little step forward, putting Mikhail behind her protectively. 

         Pierre blushed and drifted his gaze back to her and smiled. "It's nice to meet you," he said. 

         Lily had never felt so horrible about her actions, but she didn't show it. 

            Pierre reached out for Alexander to give him a farewell hug. "I'll see you later. I love you," he said. 

       And with that, he was gone. 

          From the moment they got into the house, Eden was overwhelmed with all the attention that was focused on them.

          He was too tired to wonder where the rest of the men were, but he was happy to see them.

"Da–Alexander called me. I hope you're feeling fine. No, of course not, you've just been–"

"It's okay Zel," Eden smiled fondly at him. 

            When they'd first met, it was so chaotic because neither one of them could be still. Their energy matched too well. Zel brought out the most childish sides of him that mostly ever manifested behind a computer screen.

  "I prepared your room," Zel said cheerfully before his gaze shifted to the other two. "Theirs too."

      "And of course," Zel lifted Mikhail up in his arms. "I drew the best bath for you!" Alexander had probably told him whom to expect.

         Mikhail didn't flinch or try to get away from him, but he looked down. 

          Eden could see that Lily put a lot of effort into trying not to grab Mikhail back. He wished she knew just how harmless Zel was, but there was nothing to be done at the moment.

             He put him down and bent a little, then waved to Lily. "Hi," he said while smiling. "Come with me, I'll show you to your room."

•••

"Baby," Mason pecked Alexander's lips then cupped his cheek and stroked softly. "You seem distracted."

"A little," he admitted. 

"A lot, but I'll press you about it later," he smacked Alexander's butt. "Now, go take a shower."

         When he'd left that morning, Alexander was in a solemn mood. Right now, there was no denying it, it was an outright bad mood.

       Mason was slowly beginning to learn exactly what he needed every time he got like that. Right now, it seemed like he needed just a little time alone.

        About thirty minutes later and Mason was seated across from Eden, who'd gotten a change of clothes and looked better and more refreshed than when he'd come in. 

        Eden tried to hide his disinterest when Mason pushed a plate of food before him. "I'll eat later," he said, not knowing where the lack of appetite surfaced from.

"No," said Mason. "I don't care if it's only a quarter of this, but you eat now."

      Eden had an argument at the tip of his tongue but he thought better about it. Especially with the way Mason looked at him.

       He put a spoonful in his mouth despite himself.

       Mikhail and Lily were left to the privacy of their own room for now, so Eden decided he'd take this time to answer all the unasked questions.

      He told Mason what had happened so far, his heart going out to Linder's siblings. 

     "Tadashi went alone..." asked Mason. "And Alexander let him?"

   Eden nodded. 

"So that's why," he said. That's why his baby was pissed off.

      Zel eased into a seat right next to Mason and  pushed several strands of hair that had escaped their hold. 

"Where's da– where's Alexander?" He asked.

"Taking way too long in the shower," said Mason. 
Probably overthinking.

"I'll go check on him. Maybe he drowned!" Zel said. 

         He was already off his seat when Mason's hand fastened on his. "I think we should give him a while longer, sunshine."

     Despite the look that passed between them, Zel blushed. 

"Okay," he answered and sat back down, pushing away the blond locks away from his face. 

"Do you want me to do your hair later?" Mason asked and Zel practically lit up.

"Really?" He asked. Eden watched in amusement.

"Of course, why would you doubt it?" He asked.

   "It's just...well, you haven't done my hair in a while...and–and you seem a little busy..." Zel nearly stammered.

"Is that what you think?" Asked Mason. "Do I need to change your mind?" He teased. 

       If Zel was blushing before, then he was turning into a cherry now. 

      He pouted and turned away from Mason, who laughed. 

        Eden thought the both of them were fairly distracted, so he decided he'd go get the door. There was someone at it.

       Zel suddenly beat him to it, running past him and heading straight for the door.

         Both Eden and Mason laughed. It was either Zel was really excited to get to the door, or he was trying to escape from Mason. 

"Are you expecting Santa Claus?" Asked Eden.

"If Santa is a hottie covered in tattoos, then yes," answered Mason, his eyes already focusing somewhere else next to Eden.

"Uh...hi," Jet said, right next to Eden as he tried to lower Zel onto the chair. 

        When the smaller man refused to detach from him, with his hands around his neck and legs crossed around his waist, Jet gave up and just sat down with him. 

       Eden turned to answer him and flinched so bad he almost toppled over with the stool.

        Everyone paused for a few seconds as the scene unfolded. Jet's entire face was painted in confusion, mirroring Zel's.

"Eden," said Mason. "Are you okay?"

"What?" Asked Eden. 

"You look like you just saw a ghost," said Zel worriedly.

Eden quickly turned back to Jet and without meaning to, he stared for too long. 

"What?" Jet asked, getting more confused by the minute. 

      Everyone waited for him to explain. 

"Carl... The man who took me and Mikhail...he looks exactly like Jet it's uncanny," Eden rubbed his arm. "Sorry Jet."

"What the fuck?" The four men turned to see an angry looking Lily by the door. She was staring directly at Jet.

Eden cursed under his breath before shuffling off his stool. 

"I'm sorry, but I think we should leave," said Eden. He didn't even want to imagine how Mikhail must have been feeling.

    Eden remembered Keaton. Alexander's chauffeur. He could take them to–

"Here," Jet said and handed him the car keys in his hand. 

        It made Eden feel extremely guilty and it must have shown on his face because Jet pushed the keys closer to him. "It's okay, take them." 

         Eden nodded twice and took the keys, grateful that Jet was being so understanding, even when he didn't know half of what was going on. 

        Eden ushered the two children out and into the car. And in the next five minutes, he was driving away from Alexander's gates.

He was really the worst, he thought harshly. What had he been thinking?

•••

        "There's no better way to surprise us than with grand children, E," Eden's mother said. "We forgive you for running away, and we accept them."

"Hi mom," he hugged her for longer than was necessary. 

"E? Something isn't right. Are you okay?" She asked.

        How was he supposed to tell them that he got kidnapped and locked in for days, when the last thing he wanted was for them to worry.

  "I'm just tired mom, so are they," he motioned to the siblings. "This is Lily and Mikhail."

Once again, the two children were given a room of their own and almost smothered with too much food. 

    Eden just knew his mom was really excited although she didn't try to push any information out of him for the time being. 

      They all took naps throughout the day and woke up later when it was almost dark. 

     Eden headed towards Lily and Mikhail's room to find them awake too, Lily whispering softly to her brother. They both lay on their backs and stared up at the ceiling, linking their fingers.

Eden leaned by the door until he got their attention, smiling to himself as he watched them. 

  Lily stopped and sat up when she noticed Eden by the door. "Hi," the man said. He was a little nervous and he didn't even know why.

  "Hi," Lily replied. 

  "Sleep well?" He asked. She didn't answer. 

     He didn't sleep well either. He couldn't possibly. Not with Tadashi putting himself in danger and definitely not with wherever the fuck Linder was. 

      His eyes fleeted to Mikhail. What he wouldn't do to lift him in his arms and hold him close right now...

   Eden decided it would be best if he just went away now. After all, he had just wanted to see them.

"Alright, I'll uh... I'll go," he said and moved off the door, slowly pulling it shut. 

     Eden called Rashad when he got to his room. Maybe he would help him feel better about everything. 

     As if the day couldn't get any worse, he didn't pick up. Even after Eden tried two more times. He must have been busy or something.

     He sighed and got ready for bed because it was already getting late.

    Eden was mistaken about one thing. He thought that because he felt really tired, he'd easily fall asleep, but he was wrong. 

        He tried so hard but nothing worked out. The anxiety took over his thoughts and he couldn't sleep a wink. 

     Eden sighed, a little annoyed, for what felt like the thirty ninth time. Then he gave up trying to sleep and decided to think instead. 

    He thought about his love for Tadashi. 

   
Love? 
Since when did he begin accepting it so easily?

      It wasn't something he was expecting from himself but Tadashi was as irresistible as they came. How he'd managed so far was still beyond him. 

Linder
. 

       The pull he felt towards him was also something he didn't see coming. 

          He still remembered how he'd gotten defensive because he learned that Eden had somehow bonded with his brother. He couldn't help but like how awkward Linder acted when he felt shy. He had the cutest pout. And the way he'd adjust his glasses–

"What the fuck, Eden?" He mumbled to himself in the dark.

     Eden ran a hand over his face and then he heard his door open a little and a small head poked in. 

       Eden's heart soared when he saw Mikhail getting in then softly closing the door behind him.

      "Is everything okay sweetie?" Eden asked as he tried to sit up.

     The boy climbed on the bed and moved over to him. Then he shook his head. 

"Aw, my love," said Eden. Mikhail didn't flinch from his touch nor his kisses in his hair.

        He climbed him and straddled his waist and leaned on his chest. Clinging to him like a little koala bear.

     "I'm sorry about what happened today sweetie, it was my mistake," said Eden, running a soothing hand down the boy's back. 

   "No," Mikhail started. "That–"

   "I figured he'd be here," said Lily in a sleepy voice. None of them had heard her come in. 

    Much to Eden's surprise, Lily joined them on the bed. 

       Little by little, the girl inched closer to Eden, mumbling incoherent, sleep-addled words to Mikhail. 

       She stopped when the side of her head rested against Eden's arm. And just like that, she was asleep.

         Eden's heart felt so full he was a little excited. He used one hand to drape the covers over Lily as she slept soundly.

        The fatigue started to wear in as he felt a tight coil loosen within his stomach. 

Slowly, Eden too began to lose himself in sleep.

   "That wasn't Carl," Mikhail said softly in the dark, but the lack of response from Eden meant he was already asleep. 

         He knew exactly how his sister sounded when she was far gone into a slumber so he knew no one heard him. 

     Eden pulled him closer, and then he too, drifted off.

# 16

"You're everything to me, you know that?" Carl whispered to Linder as he stood by the window of their new place and looked out of it. 

         Linder knew that. Because Carl couldn't really look at anything else other than him. Everything that he did, revolved around Linder.

         He knew it more than he knew anything else; in the unhealthiest way, Carl was obsessed with him. He didn't even know exactly why.

     "Hmm?" He asked. 

   "Yes, I know," Linder answered him.

   "You're so perfect Lin," said Carl. It made Linder's skin crawl every time he heard that. 

         "Why do you even like me so much?"Linder muttered under his breath.

"Like?" Carl asked. "How can you say that, how dare you?" He turned him around from the window to face him. 

        Carl's hand went to cup Linder's chin and turn it up to himself. "I love you. What I feel is too strong to merely be called a 'like'. We're meant to be... You know that right?"

        Carl leaned and bent a little when Linder didn't answer. 

        "Right?" He repeated. 

"Right, yeah," said Linder. Carl smiled widely.

         He didn't want Carl to see the look on his face so he turned back to look outside the window, away from him. 

        

It's a small price to pay.
 He thought to himself.  
Mikhail is safe. Lily is safe. Eden is safe. Tadashi is safe. It is a small price to pay.

         Linder tried hard not to flinch when he felt Carl's lips on his nape. "I'm getting your favorite today. Chinese take-out."

       It was always easy for Linder to forget that Carl knew every single thing about him, down to his favorite everything. 

         And it wasn't even because he was creepy. Because Linder knew everything about him too. 

        They had actually been really in love. Linder had never opened up so fully to someone before. He gave everything he had to Carl, until he'd trampled it on the ground. 

      Carl gathered some of his hair and pressed it to his nose and inhaled. "Maybe... we could... go for a walk later."

He sounded so hopeful. If Linder didn't know better, he would have said yes. 

       "My leg hurts a little Carl, I can't–"

       "Oh, of course not," Carl immediately said. "Where does it hurt? Do you want me to give you a massage? I know you've always liked my massages."

       Even this, wasn't even a lie. Carl gave the best massages he'd ever got but even the thought of that now was repulsive.

         "Don't worry about it, it's not that bad," said Linder. 

        "Aw, baby. If you need me to do anything, just tell me. I'll do anything for you. Anything you want," said Carl. 

Like erase your existence from my life? 

     "Come here," Linder said instead. 

    He rested his head on Carl's chest when he got close. Linder covered the hand on his shoulder with his. 

          It's like Linder could sense Carl getting horny. Which was a lot of the time now. Had he always been like this? Or did he notice now because he despised him?

      It's like I can't get enough of you," Carl said.

         When he tried to pull Linder's shirt up, he quickly held his hand. He really didn't want to do this. 

         "Come on..." insisted Carl. There were more kisses on his neck. "Just a quickie, I promise not to put any pressure on your leg." He felt his member prod against his ass.

"Carl..." Linder gasped when he felt Carl stroke his crotch. "I... not now."

           Carl harrumphed like an upset child. "Okay," he said a little grumpily. 

          Carl tried to cup his cheek and Linder's face turned to the side, where at the same moment, the door opened, revealing Tadashi. 

           There was no doubt, it was him. 
How did he find them? What was he doing here?!

          Carl was more dangerous than they all thought, why couldn't they all just understand that? 

           Linder was too shocked to even move. He registered the way Tadashi watched how Carl held him. He had never seen him so angry. Linder doubted if angry even began to cover it. 

        Carl finally noticed. He quickly pushed Linder behind him and at that same time, Tadashi closed the door.

•••

       Zel was confused when he found Alexander dressing up again. "Are you going somewhere?" 

       He felt a little sad that there was nothing he could do to cheer Alexander up, so he wrapped his hands around him in a hug. 

"Yes princess," replied Alexander. He bent down and captured Zel's lips in a brief kiss. "Tadashi is in trouble, and the more I think about it, the less I can just sit still."

    "But..." began Zel. He didn't know what to say because he thought Alexander was doing the right thing, but putting himself in danger too. "But that means–"

"It'll be fine," said Alexander. "I promise."

    Zel rubbed his face against Alexander's chest as the man waited for his answer. "Okay," said Zel.

"Eden left," said Mason. He was standing with Jet at the door. "With the kids."

"What? Why?" Asked Alexander. Zel went to hug Mason so that he could finish dressing up. "Where did they go?"

"His parents'" replied Mason. "He did point out that uh... 
Carl 
looked just like Jet. So I guess..." Mason shrugged.

           Alexander remembered when Tadashi had told him that. He'd believed him, but he didn't put a lot of attention to it, he just figured there was a resemblance between the two. 

           Right now he wondered how much it could be, to force Eden to leave with Linder's siblings when they'd just got here.

           

Shit. 
"I should have remembered," said Alexander. "Carl is a dangerous person from Linder's past."

          "Is Linder in danger?" Asked Zel worriedly.

      "Probably," said Alexander. "It's safe to assume that, after the background research I did on Carl." 

        He found out everything about Carl. Enough to know where he would be heading to. 

        "Carl is a criminal," continued Alexander. "And to top it all off, he's crazy and rich. Putting him behind bars is almost pointless because he's gotten out every single time."

         Alexander thought he had a pretty good idea what Tadashi was going to attempt to do because he knew him that well and he knew that just like him, Tadashi already knew everything about Carl, and where to find him. 

     "You be careful, alright?" Said Mason. He couldn't find the courage to embrace him for some reason. He just wanted to close his eyes and open them when Alexander was back safely. 

      Alexander hugged him anyway. "Mason," he tilted his chin to look up at him. "I'm going to be okay."

"I know," said Mason. "It's not like I'm scared or anything."

    "I know," said Alexander. "You're one of the toughest people I know."

      Mason turned away from him and crossed his arms. "Corny ass."

   Alexander chuckled. Jet spoke before he could think of a retort.

          "I swear to God, if you are not careful," Jet seized his arm. 

          "Hmm? Do I hear a threat?" Alexander smiled despite himself. "What are you going to do?"

      "Just come back with one scratch and I'll show you," said Jet with not so much as a smile on his face. 

       "I'm just joking little cub, I'll be careful don't worry," said Alexander, even if he knew there was no way Jet would not worry. 

         In fact, there was no way any one of them would not worry. He was so fucking lucky. 

         They were suddenly onto each other, their lips on each other like they couldn't get close enough. 

            Jet sighed and lost himself in it. It was one of those kisses that threatened to make you forget your own name. He held on to Alexander's arms as the man cupped his cheeks, drawing him closer. 

       Alexander groaned then parted from Jet. "I'll be careful," he said.

•••

     Tadashi was going to kill Carl, even if it was the last thing he did. 

    In a split second he had pulled his arm back and curled his fingers to a tight ball, Tadashi threw it forward with a force that knocked Carl backwards when it connected.

     He grunted in pain, and the gasp he let out confirmed that Tadashi had disoriented him.

      Carl sidestepped his next punch and instead thrusted his fists at Tadashi, returning all the damage that had been made on him. 

    Carl was strong, he'd give him that. But all the adrenaline pumping inside him didn't care. 

        Tadashi ducked when one of the punches came flying from the man, sending his own into his gut. The force propelled Carl backwards.

        He needed him lower, but he was sturdy, sure in all his steps. It made it a little difficult for Tadashi as they fought in the room. 

    It didn't matter that it was a big room, fighting in it made it feel like it was cramped. 

     It wasn't easy to get Carl on the floor, but once he did, it was going to be to his advantage.  

        It came as a total surprise when Tadashi was tackled to the ground. He fell with a thud and hit the back of his head at a hard part of the bed, causing him to see dark spots. 

      Before Tadashi could move, he was trapped again by Carl's thighs.

          Carl punched him again and again. "Why. Won't. You. People. Just. Let. Us. Be. Happy?!"

          Tadashi couldn't dodge all the fists. But he managed to seize the opportunity of an opening and rolled them both so that he was now trapping Carl.

      He balled his fists and rained punches down on him, until his knuckles cracked and felt raw with all the force. 

     "Linder will never be happy with you!" Said Tadashi. "Tell me...when was the last time... you saw him smile?"

    Carl tried to move but he forced him down. 

      "Linder's doesn't deserve this," said Tadashi. "He deserves better."

     "I won't let you touch him," Carl said weakly. "He's mine... we're in love."

    "You are obsessed, to the point of madness and until you stop breathing, he'll never be at peace."

    Tadashi's hands closed around Carl's neck, and squeezed. 

    The motherfucker laughed. "I won't die that easily."

        The next time Carl swung his arm, in that instant, someone's hand covered a larger part of his face. 

       Blood dripped from Alexander's hand. Had he been two seconds late, then it would have been Tadashi's face bleeding. 

       The next swipe should have been Tadashi's shoulder, instead it nicked Linder's forearm. Blood dripped out of the wound. 

         How had he put them in harm in such a short time? Both of those cuts should have been him! Tadashi seethed.

"Linder!" Carl shrieked. "Look what you made me do!" He said to Tadashi. His eyes had turned the coldest he'd ever seen. 

       Carl turned the tables in a split second and Tadashi was suddenly beneath him. "How could you do that to Linder?!" He put the knife to Tadashi's throat, holding him down in a death grip. "I'm going to kill you!"

"Carl!" Linder shouted, it was the only thing that made the man stop. "Carl, don't please..."

         Carl looked at him, confused. "But...but don't you see? If I don't kill him now, they'll never leave us alone."

          Alexander finally managed to snap out of his trance and made a move forward. He was probably shocked because of Carl's appearance. After all, he was the type of man who would rather die first, than knowingly hurt Jet.

      And even if he knew that it wasn't actually Jet, the resemblance was enough to shock anyone, and put him in a trance.

"Stop, Alexander!" Tadashi said and he stopped in his tracks. "Don't interfere."

"No–"

      "I'll never forgive you if you do," said Tadashi. He just needed him away from danger for fuck's sake. "This is my fight, you understand right?"

       No matter how much anger rolled off Alexander, he understood. Tadashi knew because he had pulled Linder back, preventing him from rushing forward, despite his protests.

       He knocked the knife out of Carl's hand but Carl immediately picked it back up again. 

      It was okay. It was enough time for Tadashi to get on his feet. 

"Wait Tadashi, there's no need to fight! I chose this–" said Linder, failing miserably to get out of Alexander's hold.

"Stay out of this," he told Linder.

"No, I can't be the reason–"

"Linder!" Tadashi growled. 

           It finally got to him. Linder gasped, frozen where he was and staring at Tadashi. There was no stopping him, no getting in his way, no matter how dangerous this was. 
Especially 
because of how dangerous this was.

         Carl jumped to the side and Tadashi quickly got in his space. He lunged and punched Carl. And then he did it again. Each blow drove Carl towards one of the windows in the room. 

         The other man staggered back before finding balance once again. He tried to scramble out of reach but it was futile, with the speed at which Tadashi hit him. 

       It was a last resort move for Carl, fueled by his rage and hate. He swung as hard as he could and swiped the knife against Tadashi. 

        Pain sliced up his skin. Tadashi's shirt was torn, a red gash over his muscled abdomen. Tadashi took one step back and retaliated as if the fatal wound had no effect on him at all.

       He tackled Carl and held him down. The knife fell off his grasp and slid to the far corner of the room. 

        Again, Tadashi closed his hand around Carl's throat, but this time, he didn't let go. And this time, Carl did not laugh. 

        Nothing was going to pry his hands off, not even the fact that his vision was already beginning to swim.

        Carl struggled to get him off but he wasn't going to move. 

       He was aware of Alexander trying to haul him off but he only heard half of what he was trying to say. 

       He was aware of several men filing into the room. There was no need for them anymore. He had everything under control. 

       Carl stopped struggling but Tadashi still didn't let go. He had to be sure. He felt the other hands trying to pry him off, but he still wouldn't let go.

      It was until he heard Linder's voice that he listened. "Enough, Tadashi..." he said like he was trying not to break. 

     Tadashi finally let go. 

     It felt like a breath of fresh air. It felt like a tight coil inside Tadashi had finally unfurled.

      The two men lay opposite each other. One of them drawing in deep breaths and trying to calm down, his chest heaving. The other one lay lifeless, unable to make a single movement. 

       Carl was dead. 

          Tadashi raised his bloody hands as if to inspect them. His vision was swimming and that made the hands look like they were dancing too. 

        

I guess that makes me a murderer, 
he thought to himself.

          His head was pounding as he tried to keep awake. He couldn't do it any more, it would be so easy to close his eyes right now. 

          At least the threat was now gone, at least Linder was safe. Mikhail, Lily, Eden... all of them were safe from this monster. That's all that mattered. 

          He would gladly close his eyes. It felt like his entire body was pounding. 

           Someone who suspiciously looked like Alexander was keeping pressure on the deep gash on his stomach. "Stay with me Tadashi! Don't you dare close your eyes." 

        Tadashi coughed and spluttered out blood. Damn, it hurt. 

"Fuck."

"Oh shut up Alexander... you're so loud," said the man on the floor, barely hanging on to his life. 

     Tadashi took deeper breaths and tried to calm the shaking in his body. 

"Please," his boss said. "I can't lose you." He sounded so devastated. 

      "Hey uh... Alexander..." said Tadashi. 

     "Hmm?" The man replied.

      "Remember when you..." he coughed and took in a deeper breath. "...made that embarrassing speech?" 

     "I don't remember, you idiot," said Alexander. "Now keep your mouth shut and just take deep breaths. The paramedics are almost here." 

       Tadashi laughed weakly. "Well, you're my family too. You don't know how grateful... and happy I am... to have you–" he coughed up more blood. 

       "Shut up. Just... shut up," said Alexander. He wouldn't allow Tadashi to speak like that. He couldn't. "When you are fine, then you can give me the speech, I don't want to hear it right now."

       Tadashi smiled. "I'm sorry for making you both cry."

        Alexander's hands were both preoccupied with making sure Tadashi lost as little blood as possible so he couldn't wipe the single tear away. He let it roll down his cheek. He let the rest fall. 

        Tadashi extended a hand to Linder. He felt the slimmer hands engulf his. They were trembling. "I might not make it..." he said. 

         Linder shook his head vigorously and cried breathily. 

     "I need you to know..."

    "Tell me after," said Linder before kissing his fingertips. 

         He shouldn't. Didn't he think he was a killer now? Those same hands had forced the life out of Carl. 

"Linder..." Tadashi couldn't keep his eyes open anymore. "I love you."

          The last thing he heard was Linder's voice breaking into a sob as his hand was squeezed tighter. Tadashi let a short breath out. 

         He could rest easy.

# 17

Linder was already used to all the pitiful looks he got from the people in the hospital. He couldn't blame them. For one, he moved like a zombie, regardless of whether he bumped into anyone or not. His posture drooped, his nose was red and his eyes red and puffy from crying. 

            It had already been a whole week and Tadashi still hadn't woken up. The doctors said if they'd been even one minute late, then Tadashi wouldn't even be breathing. 

             They'd done everything they could do, and now the rest was left up to Tadashi. There was nothing they could do but wait as the man fought for his life. It was one of the most depressing and stressful weeks for Linder. 

            At this point, he was sure he was going to go numb. Except that the pain he was in, was undoubtedly real. 

            Linder walked sluggishly, going to get a coffee. When his gaze shifted, he spotted a familiar figure who sat hunched on a chair. 

            He only knew one person who had that length and mass of blond hair, it was Zel. He was staring straight ahead with an expression like he was deep in thought, an unopened book on his lap. 

            Before Linder could turn away, Zel spotted him too because he turned to him. He quickly got off his seat and replaced himself with the book he was holding. Zel shuffled over to him. 

             Linder figured they'd probably never left the mansion after he left. His best guess was that Alexander never really got around to disqualifying anyone again, because he'd seen every one of them throughout the week at the hospital. 

              He remembered Riley covering Alexander up as he fell asleep in his arms, he remembered Pierre holding his hands. 

              The people he avoided the most were Pierre, Jet and Mason. He needed to apologize, to everyone, and he planned to. He just freaked out a little every time he saw them.

                Like when he was making his way to Tadashi's room and saw Mason stroking Alexander's hair, whom had dozed off soundly on his lap. 

           Did they somehow fall in love with each other? He was a little confused. 

          "Hi," said Zel. "Alexander wanted to talk to you." 
They even knew his name now.
 

          "Where is he?" Linder asked as he noticed the redness in Zel's eyes too. 

            "I wanted to get a drink and he insisted he'd do it. He does that a lot when he's sad," Zel said and frowned. A contorted look on his face furrowing his eyebrows. "Oh sorry. I don't know where he's gone off to..." 

            Linder nodded and turned to go about his way. 

          "Wait," said Zel. 

          Linder turned back slowly, then waited for him to say what he wanted to.

             "Do you want... no...uh, can I give you a hug?" Zel asked and he was reminded of just how nice and kind Zel had always been. 

            Linder really needed a hug. He'd never know how Zel guessed, but he nodded as the other man wrapped his arms around him. 

             Zel was a good hugger. Linder held him too as more tears fell down his face. He thought he'd had enough of crying for a while but this particular hug created another dam in his eyes. 

          He felt the smaller man's hands running across his back, trying to comfort him. "It's going to be okay," said Zel in a shaky voice. 

           Linder truly appreciated it. He didn't know how long they hugged for, but he didn't mind. 

           Zel finally let go and smiled at him, then used the pad of his thumbs to wipe away Linder's tears. He wanted to cry all over again.

            This time, when Linder was about to go, Alexander appeared out of nowhere and handed a drink to Zel. 

           Linder didn't really hear what Alexander said to Zel before he turned to him. "Can I talk to you?" He asked. 

          "Yeah, okay," replied Linder. 

           "I won't be long," he said to Zel before dropping a kiss to his temple. 

            Alexander led Linder to a few empty waiting chairs close to Tadashi's room. 

           It felt weird, sitting down next to him like that. So casually like they had never kissed or had sex before. In it's own strange way, it was alright. It wasn't really uncomfortable.

          "How are you holding up?" Asked Alexander once they had settled down, adjacent to each other.

           "I should be asking you that," replied Linder. 

             Alexander shook his head. "Don't worry about me," said the man who had dark circles under his eyes. 

             "I'm sorry you know," said Linder. 

             "What? What do you have to be sorry for?" Asked Alexander.

               "All the mean things I said to you that day, and now..."

            "All that is forgotten. And what happened... it wouldn't be right if you took the blame. It's not your fault."

            "Still, I'm sorry," Linder insisted.

             Alexander placed a hand inside his pockets and retrieved a square piece of paper. Linder then realized that it was actually a photograph. 

               Alexander handed it to Linder. "I think you should have this," he said. "It was in Tadashi's clothes."

               When Linder turned the photograph over, he looked back at himself. 

                It was a picture of him, when he was still in Alexander's house, trying to take a picture of a dragonfly and failing so miserably until Tadashi came along. The picture had captured him just before his eyes could go fully wide, with the dragonfly that Tadashi had pointed out was on his head. 

              Linder's hand went to cover his mouth. "He's had this... all this time?"

             "I think so," replied Alexander.

             "He should have just told me something," said Linder. "Given me a clue."

               "Alexander sighed before leaning further against the chair. "I would be shocked if he did."

           "What do you mean?" Asked Linder.

            Alexander looked up and around, as if he was trying to find the best way to answer Linder's question. 

            "Tadashi is what you would call... the black sheep of his family. Like an outcast really, so it's really hard for him to believe that there are people who actually accept him," said Alexander.

            "Tadashi?" Linder asked, a little shocked. "But he's like... perfect."

            "You should try telling him that and see his reaction," said Alexander.

            That quickly reminded Linder of his condition. He couldn't help the gloomy condition. "He still hasn't–"

           "He'll wake up, there's no doubt about it," said Alexander. "He is going to wake up."

          Linder was reassured by how firm Alexander's words were. "He...is going to wake up," he repeated to himself. 

            Alexander nodded while he got up. "I'm here for you too, if there's anything you need, you can tell me."

          Linder didn't expect that. Why would he?

          He kept staring at his retreating figure, looking at the man he'd once called a predator. He couldn't have been more wrong. 

         He felt a little better about apologizing to him, but the rest were still difficult to even think of how he would do it. 

          He gave up after all the scenarios in his head made no sense. 

•••

              Eden knew he had to be strong. Everyone around him was affected by Tadashi's condition, down to the two the two children who refused to leave Tadashi's sight. 

             Alexander was stressed out the entire time, he tried to hide it, and he managed to some degree. But he wouldn't fool Eden, he just knew him too well. 

             Eden was sure his boyfriends weren't fooled either, so they tried. But they too, were worried out of their minds. So he had to be strong, and be there for every single one of them. 

              He had to try, even if it felt like he was slowly being crushed under a weight.

             On his walk to Tadashi's room, on a few waiting chairs just close to his destination, he spotted a sight that made his heart squeeze tighter than it already was. 

            Linder had his legs drawn up and his knees folded on the seat, almost touching his chest. One arm folded across his knees supporting his forehead and therefore hiding his face from anyone. 

            The other hand shot and stretched past his knees holding something tightly in them.

              Eden went ahead to sit next to him. 

             Linder didn't make any indication that he was aware anyone was seated next to him. He didn't even move an inch from the position he was in.

             They sat in perfectly comfortable silence. For how long? He didn't know—but he wouldn't mind if it lasted just a bit longer. 

             Eden looked down to see that the arm Linder previously had supporting his forehead, was now lying pliant by his side, his palm facing upwards. 

                Eden stared at it for so long he thought there was something wrong with him. Until finally, slowly, he eased his own hand into Linder's palm, and intertwined their fingers. 

                Once again, they stayed exactly as they were, for a really long time. 

              Linder squeezed his hand so fiercely that Eden resisted the urge to turn their joint hands around and kiss the back of Linder's. 

             He did the next best thing; he rubbed the back of the hand, trying to offer more comfort to the depressed man next to him.

           Linder finally rested his head back and sighed, looking upwards as if he didn't know exactly how to handle himself and everything that was happening.

              "What is that in your hand?" Eden decided to distract him. 

              Linder extended to him what he realized was a picture of himself. He looked really cute. He had to stop himself from sighing when he noticed the dragonfly on his head.

             Linder took his hand out of their hold and Eden tensed, hating the loss immediately. He relaxed when he realized that Linder just needed the hand to clean his glasses.

             He took them off and Eden saw him without them for the first time. 

            His eyes actually seemed a little bigger now that they were off. They were gorgeous, no doubt about that. 
Just how much cuter could he get?

            "Tadashi took that picture," said Linder as he wiped the glasses.

               Eden wouldn't deny the fact that he was a little confused. 

           "He uh..." Linder continued. "He's had that picture for so long and he..." Linder trailed off to take in a shaky breath. 

            It was enough for Eden to understand.

           "It hurts," said Linder as his eyes turned glassy.

             "Aw, honey, c'mere," said Eden, his heart going out to him. 

             Linder leaned on his chest in an instant. 

             "I wish I knew, I wish he told me exactly how he felt from the start," Linder said. "I know I'm bad at taking hints sometimes but..."

             "Don't take it too hard," Eden said fondly. "I think he just gets shy sometimes."

             "Tadashi? Shy?" Asked Linder like Eden was being untruthful to him. "How?"

            "Let me show you something," replied Eden. 

             He whipped out his phone and quickly found what he was looking for. It was a video he'd taken on their very unexpected meeting with Tadashi, when he was using an alias. 

              Linder took the phone in his hand and played the video. Eden's hand had wrapped around his waist to curl their fingers together, using his free hand. 

               It almost felt as natural as breathing except for the fact that he didn't know exactly how Linder felt about it. He didn't seem to mind though.

            They watched together as Tadashi tried to cover the camera that was recording him. There was lots of food on the table, and Eden's giggle in the background before he pulled the camera away from Tadashi's reach and turned it to himself. He smiled and waved and it stopped right there.

            Linder chuckled and played the video again. 

               Eden could feel the vibrations from Linder's back on his chest, warming several parts of his heart. 

              After watching the video for about fifteen times and giving random comments every time, Linder quietened. 

                  It wasn't until Eden tilted his head to check, that he noticed that he was just drowsy. 

                 He took the phone from Linder but didn't dare move so that the man could remain comfortable.

               Linder made an adorable sound before curling up further into his embrace. 

                 Eden didn't know that this was all he needed all along, for half of the weight that he felt pressing down on him, to disappear.

       In the next three days, Tadashi would have a heart attack, and that weight, would triple.

•••

The people who've called me 'sadist' before... ngl, I'm starting to believe you.

# 18

Four Days Later...

           Tadashi's condition went from stable to critical in the blink of an eye. 

          He survived the heart attack, but with the way the doctors explained it, the only thing Eden understood was that Tadashi was hanging on by a thread. 

          They'd pointed out that he was really strong, but the battle was a difficult one nonetheless.

           That's when the anger started to rise unbidden. Eden felt such raw hatred for Carl that he wished he was alive just so he could kill him himself.

         He didn't want to think about if Tadashi didn't make it. 
No, not happening.

          Alexander sat by his side. The expression on his face was hard as he watched Tadashi on the bed. Only the two of them were watching Tadashi at the moment. Linder took the two children home to rest for a while, saying he'd be back with them later.

          "He's going to be so mad at me when he wakes up," said Alexander. 

          "Why?" Asked Eden. 

          "Because I called his parents. I don't know if they'll show up though," replied Alexander, remembering how badly he wanted to wring their necks for how nonchalant they sounded over the phone. "They have to know, he's their son."

          "Well, for what it's worth, I think you did the right thing," said Eden. "I'd have done the same."

          If he could, Eden would tell Tadashi that there was no need to worry, he had them at least. He didn't need anyone else if they didn't want him.

         "So," Alexander paused before taking a sip of his coffee that he'd been cradling in his hand. "What is it between the two of you... I mean you and Tadashi. And don't say it's nothing."

          Eden almost thought about denying it for now, but one look at Alexander's face changed his mind. There was no point in even trying to hide it. "Remember when I said I couldn't wait to tell you about my crush?"

          Alexander nodded, remembering when Eden tried and convinced him to take him shopping.

          "It was him," Eden confessed. 

           Understanding dawned on Alexander's face. "You mean, even during that dinner–"

          "Yes. I had the fattest crush on him," he said.

            "And to think I believed you when you said he wasn't your type." Said Alexander. "And what do you mean 'had'?"

             Eden nodded. "I thought that was all it would ever be, but that crush has turned into something a bit more serious I'm afraid."

          Talking to Alexander had always been one of the easiest things for Eden, and right now he was reminded of that. He found himself not bothering to hide any details. "I don't know if he loves me, but I know he wants me. He's made it clear on several occasions, I'm the one who's been pushing him away."

          "Why would you do that?" Alexander asked despite planning on giving Tadashi 'the talk' when he woke up. 

           "I mean," Eden started. "He loves Linder... you don't even need two eyes to see that. I'm so confused right now."

          Alexander listened. 

          "How did you know you loved them?" Eden asked. There was no need to explain whom he referred to. 

            "I guess I just knew. The hard part was accepting it. I was conflicted and perhaps a little stubborn, but I'm quite the lucky bastard. They didn't give up on me." Alexander drank from the coffee cup again. "I can't remember an exact time, or how, or why I fell for them. It's like suddenly, I was just in love. Even I, didn't see it coming." He smiled.

          "Accepting, huh?" Asked Eden.

          "It's always the hardest part. Even with Noah," Alexander said and Eden suddenly looked surprised. 

          Alexander nodded. "I know... it doesn't sound true, but it was really hard for me to accept that I was in love with him. Every single thing about him used to piss me off so much, and then suddenly, I couldn't really breathe without him. I didn't want to accept that."

          Eden laughed. "I bet he called you out on it."

          "You know your brother," Alexander smiled back. "It didn't matter how much I tried to avoid him, he always saw right through me."

        Both of them were quiet for a little while, Eden felt better the more they talked, like he wasn't as helpless as he thought at first.

          "Sometimes you need the other person to help you come to terms with it. Although in this case, it's Linder, isn't it?" Asked Alexander. 

          "How did you know?" Eden asked immediately because Alexander had completely caught him off guard.

          "Older brothers know everything," the man answered.

          Eden didn't smile because he was busy trying to figure out how he could tell. He raised his eyebrows in question when Alexander wasn't answering him.

          "I've seen you both together," said the other man, finally. "I know you, E."

           Eden sighed, realizing he couldn't really argue with that. "It's like my heart skips a beat every time I see him, again, I'm so confused."

        "Why do you feel confused?" Asked Alexander. "You don't think it's mutual, or are you just putting everything into consideration?"

          "Right before he disappeared with Carl," said Eden. "He told me he'd have really loved to get to know me better."

          Alexander kept his eyes on him. "Then I hope you plan on asking him out."

          Before Eden got the chance to answer, his parents stormed into the room. His mother then paused by the door, before rushing to Tadashi's side. 

          "Our baby!" She exclaimed. "We came as soon as we heard," she said and left a kiss on his forehead.

          Eden's father shook his head with a sad look on his face. "You were a good man, Tadashi, one of the finest indeed."

          Eden's mother shot him one of her hardest glares. "He's still alive, you raccoon!"

          "I know, which is why I just asked him to wake up!" Eden's dad retorted. 

          "And how is that asking him to wake up? I swear to God..." his wife said, exasperated.

          "If you wake up, Tadashi, we'll give you our son's hand in marriage," he continued. 

          "Definitely," his wife agreed immediately, like they hadn't just been from arguing.

          "Oh my God you two!" Eden suddenly said, getting up to greet them. "I thought we were past handing me out at any chance you get."

          Alexander smirked besides him and whispered. "If only they knew."

         "Shut up," whispered Eden. 

          "Oh baby, how are you doing?" She asked. Mother hugged son. She hugged him longer because she knew he needed it. 

           He hugged his dad next before Alexander exchanged his greetings and they all sat down. 

          Eden's mind drifted off after a short while, trying to think about what he was going to do. 

          Subconsciously, he leaned against Alexander's shoulder. He noticed the worried expression on his parent's faces but he avoided it. 

        Alexander had read his mind yet again. He did plan on asking Linder out and making good on his promise. He just didn't know how, or when he should."

         "What's with the long faces?" 

        Eden detached from Alexander in a micro-second as every single person in the room froze. It took them a while to realize that it was Tadashi's voice. 

          Eden gasped and turned at the same time. Tadashi was smiling weakly at him, but he was awake. It wasn't his imagination, his eyes weren't closed, the man was really awake.

          He so badly wanted to return the smile, he really did, but he just could not control the tears. He tried to smile through them nonetheless. "Tadashi!" Eden exclaimed and took the man's hand and cradled it between his own hands. "You're awake!" 

           Eden brushed his lips across the hand and smoothed back Tadashi's hair, looking into his eyes. Eden shook his head, not caring how pathetic he must have looked. "I thought..."

           "It's okay," Tadashi used a hand to pull him down for a hug. He chuckled. "I've never seen you so worried before."

          Eden shook his head as the tears soaked into Tadashi's hospital gown. He then got up and chuckled through his tears again. "I have to call the others."

          Tadashi wanted to keep looking at him, he wanted to pull him back but he couldn't. He let Eden go ahead to call whom he wanted to call. 

          Before he could ponder any longer on it, kisses were immediately showered onto his forehead. 

          Eden's parents were the overly affectionate type and Tadashi couldn't be more grateful for them. He welcomed all the love with all his heart. "We were so worried!" Eden's mom said as her husband nodded besides her, a look of relief on his face.

          "There was no need Mrs McClure," he said feeling a little guilty for all the trouble he put everyone through. 

          "Nonsense! Call me Maggie. I don't want to hear that again." She then half whispered. "As promised, if you want to marry our son, you have our blessing."

          Tadashi smiled widely. Of course they'd say something like that. Even if he didn't know the promise they were talking about. 

          "Finally," said Alexander. "Now I can kill you myself for scaring me like that."

           He knew the man like the back of his hand, and the fact that he hadn't been sleeping was evident in the dark circles under his eyes. "Come here," Tadashi said and Alexander immediately wrapped his hands around him. 

         None of them seemed to know what to say, but the hug was enough. Alexander let out a sigh of relief that made Tadashi's heart ache a little. 

           Riley filed into the room. "Tadashi my man! I was this close, to smacking your head for taking your time." His smile was so contagious Tadashi couldn't help but return it. He wondered just how long he'd been out of it.

          Everyone hugged him, everyone kissed him. He'd never felt so loved before. Ever. 

          Pierre, Mason, Jet, Zel and even Hades. Everyone smiled, sniveled or both. 

          Linder was crying even before he hugged him. He then rested their foreheads together. "Don't do that again, okay?" He asked. 

       "Okay," he agreed. 
Anything for you. 

          
Lily rushed, jumped and literally threw herself on him on his bed. He winced and tried not to show it as everyone else laughed. 

         Tadashi was met by a sight he thought he'd never see. She was crying. She bit her lower lip as if to stop herself from it but she couldn't. Tadashi soothed the child, running a hand down her hair and kissing her forehead. 

          He felt Mikhail's hands wrap around his neck next. "Tadishi!" He yelled softly while genuinely smiling. 

        Tadashi kissed his little hands, after he unwrapped his arms from him, unable to take his gaze off the smile that undoubtedly reached the boy's eyes. 

          The last person who pushed the door open was Ishii Ayako. She was a woman in her late 60s, her grey hair was held in a tight bun on top of her head, her thin lips covered in a dark red lipstick. 

         Ayako didn't open the door wide. Ajar, was enough for her to see that her son had woken up, that he was loved, and that he had a bigger family. He looked happy even. Unlike the last time she saw him. 

        Ayako closed the door softly. Thankfully, everyone's attention was on her son. She was a little ashamed, and a little happy. And she knew she couldn't face him now, at least not yet. So just as she came, she walked away.

# 19

Linder looked at the square item that had been pushed before him. It was wrapped up so he had no idea of telling what it was. 

          "Could you just open it?" Eden said while looking at him expectantly. "No matter how long you look at it, you won't know until you actually open it." He laughed. 

          Linder laughed too and decided to get on with it. 
I really like you, and I plan on proving it to you. 
He recalled Eden's words. Was this it? Was this what he was doing?

           He opened the package to reveal a book. Linder's eyes widened in awe. "This is supposed to be sold out, how did you..."

          "I have my ways, do you like it?" Asked Eden.

           "Of course I love it! How did you know I wanted this?" The warmth Linder felt inside overwhelmed him. 

            "I had a little help," Eden showed him a smile he deemed as one of his favorites. 

            No doubt it was Lily.

           "Thank you," said Linder. He got up and pressed his lips to Eden's cheek. The latter hummed and wished Linder would do it again.

          A sudden sound made them both turn to the direction it was coming from.

          Tadashi's eyes looked a little swollen as he went ahead to pick a glass to get some water. 

          "Give me that," said Linder, he was already by Tadashi's side pulling the glass away from him. 

          Linder was so tall that from where Eden was, they looked exactly the same height with Tadashi. "We told you not to move," he continued to scold him and give him the water as Eden smiled. "We're here for you."

          "Thank you," said Tadashi. His voice was scratchy as he said it. He drained the cup of all the water before slowly trying to find his way back to his room. 

          As the two went with him, they watched as he slowly got back on the bed and blacked out again. 

•••

          By the second week at home, Tadashi was better. He laughed a little bit more and got away with doing things for himself.

         Like when he decided to cook Mikhail's favorite all of a sudden. 

         "Oh my God, can't you just stay put?" Eden asked and Tadashi laughed. 

          "I've never hated my bed so much in my life," he chuckled. 

          Eden shut him up by going ahead to stand on his tiptoes, and drop a quick kiss to his forehead as he let him make the meal. 

          Eden set the table and got everyone to come and settle down when it was all ready. 

          Tadashi couldn't get used to all the attention he was getting lately. Even now, just as they were about to eat, the children couldn't stop looking at him. Like he was some bomb ready to diffuse. Had he scared them that much?

          Eden blew him a kiss and smiled. Some of the tension left his shoulders. 

          "You can have all my food," said Mikhail suddenly. "Here," He extended a forkful of spaghetti to Tadashi's mouth. 

           He took the food in his mouth and chewed then swallowed. "Thank you, honey, but I'd feel better if you ate the rest of it."

          "Okay," said Mikhail. Although he still kept sneaking secret glances at the man still going through recovery. 

          Tadashi suddenly gripped his fork tight as  he lost focus of everything. 
You actually killed someone! 
His conscience wouldn't stop. 

          The air suddenly felt thinner. 
He was alive and breathing, you didn't have to kill him. He could be locked up somewhere, driven away, kept on a leash... but you coldly snuffed out the air from his lungs. 
Tadashi gasped. 
Murderer...

        
"TADASHI!" It was Lily's voice he heard. It brought him back and away from his thoughts. 

          Everyone looked worriedly at him. "Are you in pain?" Eden asked. 

          Tadashi set his fork down, not even an ounce of appetite left in him. "I just think... I really need to take a rest right now."

•••

          Both Linder and Eden waited for Tadashi to get off his phone so that they could ask him why he was dressing up. They couldn't understand a word in Japanese, so they decided to wait for an explanation. 

          The two were fairly convinced that Tadashi was healed, but no one could ever be too sure. 

          "You're going out?" There was no mistaking the worry in Linder's voice. 

           "I'm okay now," Tadashi insisted yet again. The other two  just didn't want to believe him. 

          "You don't have to do anything, just tell me and I'll do it for you, okay?" Eden tried to convince him. 

          "I'm heal–"

          "No, no," Linder shook his head. 

          Tadashi sighed. "That was my mother on the phone. She wants to meet... to talk. Now, what do I have to do, to convince you both that I'm as good as new?" 

           He wrapped each of his arms around both of their waists and pulled the two men with him to the bed. It look less than five seconds before they were both beneath him, shoulder to shoulder, his hands on either side of them.

          Eden stared straight at his chest while Linder made it obvious he was trying to look anywhere else but at him. Tadashi smiled boyishly at how quiet they had suddenly become. 

           "We need to talk, don't we?" Asked Tadashi. 

          "I think so," replied Eden, barely audible.

          "When I'm back, later," Tadashi said. "I feel like... there's a lot we're not saying, that we need to."

           Linder nodded. 

          "Okay," said Tadashi. "Right now, I have to meet my mother. I feel fine."

          "You promise you'll be okay?" Asked Eden.

          "If I feel even the smallest pain, I'll call either one of you," said Tadashi. 

          "Promise," said Linder. 

          "I promise," said Tadashi. He leaned down and kissed each of their cheeks.

          Linder and Eden both turned and looked at each other before turning back to opposite directions quickly, completely flushed. 

          Tadashi got up before he could give in to the temptation to do it again. 

•••

          The first thing Tadashi noticed about his mother was that she had aged. Not that much, but when he'd last seen her, her hair was completely black, not greying everywhere. 

          She still retained her beauty, it has always been something that came naturally to her; that cruel beauty.

           She didn't set her bag down, she gave it to her bodyguard who stood stock still beside her. Then she took her gloves off—those she set on the table—and finally looked at her son.

          "Tadashi-kun, 
watashi no musuko," 
his mother said and he couldn't read the expression on her face. He never could. 

          
"
Okaa-sama," 
replied Tadashi. It had always been that gigantic barrier between them. Between him and everyone else in his family. 

          "If there's one thing we should start with," she started. "I'd prefer you drop such extreme honorifics." She always managed to make anything sound like an order. 

          "It doesn't work like that," said Tadashi. To casually refer to her more casually would mean that they were at least close. They were further apart than the North and South Pole.

        "Then with time," she said. 

          Tadashi didn't reply to that. There was just so much history between them both and he wondered why she made it seem like it could just be dismissed. 

          One thing was for sure, he wouldn't let her brush anything off so easily.

           "You almost died," his mother pointed out.

          "I know," he replied.

          She moved her hand as if to touch him and he noticed her favorite color on her nails. It was the same color on her lips. 

          He'd never forget those crimson nails digging into his wrist till they drew blood, because he'd spoken out of line in front of several guests. 

          His family had always been that way. Pride over everything else. He learned it the hard way. 

          Until he came up with two options. Either stay and pretend to be someone he wasn't for probably the rest of his life, or leave and see where that got him. He had never regretted his choice.

          Tadashi took his hands off the table before his mother could touch him. "Just stop, mother. In my whole life, you've never shown me any affection. You've never even held my hand, so this, you trying right now, feels weird. You don't have to."

          "I need to," she said.

          "You what?"

          "I am your mother. Tadashi. No mother wouldn't be shaken after hearing that her son is lying unconscious in some foreign country, fighting for his life."

           "You were worried about me? You?"

          "I'm sorry," she said.

          Tadashi stopped, frozen. Hearing his mother apologize sent chills down his spine. 

          "Mother, are you feeling alright?" It was the first time he'd witnessed his mother swallow her pride. 

           "Let's just put everything behind us and start over," she said.

          "Again, that's not how it works. You can't just undo so many years of neglect with a snap of your finger. I've always been invisible to you and now, I matter? Me? The un-washable stain on the walls of the Ishii household?"

          "You've always mattered," she said.

          "Right, thanks for always showing me that."

          "Tadashi!" She said in her signature condescending tone that he knew all too well. But he wasn't the little boy he was anymore.

         "Mother?" He shot back.

         She raised an eyebrow. "You're different. You've always had a spine but you would never dare to talk back at me."

          "I'm not talking back at you," said Tadashi. "I'm just trying to have a conversation with you. Something that actually happens in many families out of this one."

          "I'm trying. I want you to believe me," she sighed, her expression still hard. "I just want to get to know my son. I know it could take a while and there's a lot of work I have to put in but I'll do what it takes."

          "Are you sure?" Tadashi asked. "Don't you think it's disgraceful to have a 
douseiaisha 
as a son?"

          He used the term for 'homosexual'. It was his way of coming out to her, and giving her a chance to get up and leave if it was too much for her to handle. 

          She waved him off dismissively. "I don't really care about that. You can have all the men you want when you come b–"

          "I'm not going back," he said firmly. Not even to visit. Not when their relationship was broken almost to a point of no return. 

          Turns out, she didn't have a problem with him being gay. But he knew that there was a high chance she'd sneer when she found out he was in love with anyone foreign.

          The day she ever disrespected Eden or Linder, he wouldn't be so forgiving. 

          "Fine, we'll leave that topic for the next time we meet," his mother said. 

         "Next time?" Tadashi asked.

          "I was thinking we could start with... having coffee together once a month," she said, sounding a little hopeful to Tadashi's surprise. 

         She would fly all the way from Japan, at least once every month, just to have coffee with him? That was insane.

          "Did Alexander threaten you?" Tadashi narrowed his eyes.

           "Alexander?" She asked. "Ah, the man who called me? Oh, is he..."

          "No," said Tadashi before she got any ideas. 

          "You really have changed if you think I'd let anyone threaten me, much less a man," she inspected her nails.

         It was the one line no one ever crossed. Only hell awaited anyone who dared to threaten Ishii Ayako. Especially if it was a man—she deemed men as inferior beings. 

          Every single one of them apart from her husband, Ishii Takahiro. He was the only man worthy of her; stronger, crueler, much more ruthless and so much more in love with her than she was. The perfect match made in hell. 

          "I work for him," Tadashi said about Alexander.

           "If you stayed back home, you wouldn't have to work for anyone," said his mother. 

          "You watched me leave, you said it was for the best. Then you pulled me aside and told me I'd come back crawling and begging you."

         Tadashi's answer had only been a smirk. 

          "You didn't do any of those things and I'm proud of you for that," she said.

          "I didn't think you'd be so full of surprises mother. And now you want to see me every month?"

            "If you want to... I don't really remember the last time I genuinely wanted something... so if–"

           "I'd really like that," he answered. 

            The way she curled her fingers back on the table was the only indication that she was surprised. 

           What if she was worried he'd say no? No way. That would be wishful thinking. 

          She got up to leave and adjusted her fur coat while she checked her watch. She wore her gloves and got up. "I'll see you in exactly thirty days," she said.

          She made no move towards him. No handshake, no hug, not even a pat on the shoulder. Tadashi watched her go. 

          She was so cold. But he preferred it that way. He wouldn't know how else to treat her. 

          It was going to take a lot of effort on both sides, with her trying to defy her nature and him trying to convince himself that it was okay to trust her. It would be hard, but deep down, he was really looking forward to it.

•••

          "Hey," Eden said as soon as he saw Tadashi approach him. 

         Tadashi was in a good mood all of a sudden as he sat by the kitchen island. "Hey."

      "Uh..." Eden started. "You look good..." he blinked. "I mean, I mean you look alright, like you're not in pain."

          "You look good too," replied Tadashi. The only indication that he was shy was the way he didn't know what to do with his hands. 

          Eden chuckled nervously. "I made some juice, if you'd like some."

         "Oh, yeah," said Tadashi. He accepted the glass of juice from Eden. "Thank you."

      Eden pretended not to watch him drink. He didn't look away until the glass was clear. Embarrassed for almost getting caught, he looked down as Tadashi asked for a refill. 

          "Where's Linder?" Tadashi asked as Eden refilled his glass.

          "He said he's working on something, he's been at it for a while now," said Eden. 

          "What?" Tadashi asked to know what it was.

          "He won't say," Eden shrugged. "How did it go? With your mother."

          "It actually went well," said Tadashi. "Better than I thought it would. I'm still going to kill that idiot Alexander."

          "That's great to hear," replied Eden.

          "The part about my mother, or the demise of Alexander?" Tadashi asked.

          Eden chuckled. "You both just love each other so much, don't you?"

          Tadashi laughed a little and shrugged before his gaze just locked onto Eden. They did nothing but stare at each other for so long. 

           Eden looking into his eyes. Tadashi lowered his second glass of juice onto the counter and got up. 

          He walked around to Eden's side and stood a little distance away from him, nervously rubbing his hands together. The tension got thicker with every second that passed as they stared at each other. 

           Nobody knew who took the first step forward, and then there was the smallest pause before they were both in each other's arms. 

           Eden gripped either sides of Tadashi's waist as the man cupped both his cheeks and bent to claim his mouth. Their lips were locked in what was the hottest kiss in Eden's life. 

           Both men walked without breaking the kiss until Eden was against the wall. Tadashi groaned and broke the kiss. "Why the fuck haven't we done this before?" He ground out.

          Eden answered by pulling Tadashi back to his lips. His heart pounded so fast as all his blood flowed southwards.

          He felt Tadashi's hand move to his back and he got impatient when he stopped. "Lower..." Eden urged into the kiss. 

         He moaned when Tadashi squeezed his ass and pulled him closer. He needed more, right then and right there. 

       But they both stopped when they heard Lily. "Oh," she had her hands crossed as she got both their attention. 

           "Please, continue," she said as she reached out for the juice. "I just came to get this for Mikky... said none of you could hear him when he came to ask for some. Now I see why." 

          She turned to leave. Eden looked too embarrassed to speak. 

           "Lily..." said Tadashi.

          "No, no, don't mind me," she answered. "I'm just going to go bleach my eyes," Lily stopped. "And if you three don't talk soon, I'll sit you all down myself."

          It was no empty threat.

# 20

Linder couldn't just swallow his nerves and relax. He rubbed his hands together and frowned at how slow the vehicle was going. 

          "It'll be fine," said Eden. He did his best to reassure him as he drove the car towards Alexander's gates. 

          Linder smiled a small smile on his direction and tried. "Okay," he said. 

          Although Linder didn't know how he was going to keep up the smile when he faced Pierre. 

          He'd opened up to Eden and told him everything, what he'd expected to see was a flash of disappointment on Eden's face, some type of ridicule, perhaps even a little hatred or a scornful look. But he received none of that. 

          Eden's gaze had softened as he rubbed his arm. "You need to make things right," he'd said. 

          Linder breathed in relief and nodded. "Yeah... I know. I just don't know when." 

          "That's fine," Eden had said. "I can find out when they'll all be there so you could speak with them."

         "Really?" Asked Linder. 

          "Yeah it's no problem," replied Eden. 

          Lately whenever he kissed Eden's cheek, it made the other man look at him softly and set his blood alight. So he did it again. 

          "Hey Linder," was what everyone literally said. They asked how he was doing, they were being really nice to him and he hadn't expected that.

          "You don't have to be nice to me, I know what I did was wrong, I shouldn't have said that. I am so sorry especially to you Jet and you Pierre. It was disgusting of me. I have no excuse and please don't make one up for me. I hope you can forgive me."

          Pierre looked at him and pursed his lips before releasing them again. Even now that Linder didnt hold any special feelings towards him anymore, he couldn't help but feel a little shaken by how beautiful he was. 

          "It's okay Linder. I got over that. I'm not insecure anymore," said Pierre.

          Linder knew that Pierre could never be mean, even if he tried, but the words still felt like a jab, even if he was happy to hear that. 

       "Still, I'm sorry," said Linder. 

          Pierre nodded. "It's fine. I'm not trying to make an excuse for you, but I know it was coming from somewhere. That wasn't the real you, at least from my perspective."

          Linder felt relieved as he nodded, aware of Eden's comforting warmth next to him.

          "Jet," he started again. "I used you, to fight my inner demons. Just because you looked like someone I hated, didn't make you them. I realised that, and I never should have victimised you." 

          Jet shook his head, "As long as you don't hurt anyone I love, again. And as long as you're okay Linder. I don't blame you. That...Carl, I know he put you through a lot."

          "I wouldn't," replied Linder. "I'd never want to hurt anyone again."

          "Then it's all good," said Jet.

          "Could I, um... speak to Mason?" Asked Linder. 

          "Sure," Jet answered. He whipped his phone out and after tapping for a few seconds, pressed it to his ear. 

          "Hey baby, where are you?" Jet asked. The rest of everything he said was muffled because he walked away to continue talking to Mason. 

         Jet walked back while putting his phone away. "Well, he's actually here, just driving up front."

          As they waited for Mason to get in, Eden rubbed the back of Linder's hand to make him feel better. Linder leaned his forehead at the side of Eden's neck for just a few seconds. It made all the difference, and gave him another dose of courage. 

          "Linder! You look down," said Mason. 

          "Well..." Linder drifted off, not knowing what to say. Thankfully, Mason changed the subject. 

          "How is Tadashi now?" He asked.

          "He's almost as good as new now," said Linder. "Can I speak to you?" He asked nervously. 

          "Yeah, of course," said Mason. He kissed Jet, then Pierre, and then led the way out of the room.

          "It's been a while since I last spoke to you, you know," said Linder, unable to meet Mason's face.

          "Yeah, a lot has happened since then, hasn't it?" He replied.

          "Yeah, uh... Mason, I'm sorry for hurting you," said Linder.

          "You didn't–"

           Linder expected him to deny it. "I did, and I know, because I did it on purpose. I'm sorry." Linder adjusted his glasses and pushed his hair back. "When you told me that you had feelings for me, I told you I held no feelings for you. I lied at that time. I only said it so you would hurt. And the day I got disqualified, I acted like a major asshole to you."

          Mason's lips twisted in a manner that showed he was a little confused. "You don't think I  know that you were trying to protect me?"

          Linder quickly snapped his head to him. "What?"

          "Yeah, I know," He said. "I figured it out later, but I know you lied about not feeling for me, because you held yourself in such low regard that you thought you were doing me a favor." Mason looked him in the eye. "You were so fragile Linder. Seeing you hurt, always hurt. But through it all, I knew you cared about me."

         Linder's mouth hang open. 

          "But that's all in the past now, don't you think? Yes, granted, there had been feelings involved, I think Jet more than anyone else.  But as I said, past," said Mason. He made a motion with his hands like he was shooing a fly away. 

          "It's Tadashi, isn't it?" Mason sat across from him and smiled. "Tell me all about it."

          Linder couldn't help it, his eyes watered and soon, the tears escaped his eyes. "Aw, no," said Mason. "Don't–"

           "No... you're all being so nice and I don't deserve that. I've been such..."

          "It's okay now, things do happen," said Mason.

           Linder sniveled and wiped his tears, then looked to Mason who smiled again.

          "So, are you going to tell me?" He asked. 

          "Well, you are partially right," replied Linder. 

          Mason leaned in. "What, there's more?"

          "Yeah," said Linder. 

            "What?" Mason wiggled his eyebrows.

            "Eden too," said Linder.

            Mason gasped and Linder felt his own face heat up. "Let's grab lunch sometime, or brunch, and you'll give me all the juicy details. Deal?" 

           "Deal," said Linder. "Thank you."

          "We're friends now, so stop being all formal," said Mason. 

           Linder chuckled despite himself and nodded. 

           Riley was just walking in when Linder and Mason got back to the room where the others were. 

          "Hey," said Riley. 

          He always knew Riley was the jovial type. The look on his face wasn't hostile, but it wasn't friendly either. 

          "Come on," said Mason. "You can do better than that." 

           Riley immediately faltered and rubbed a hand against his neck. "Hey Linder," he tried again. "How are you doing?"

          "Uh... I'm great," Linder answered, a little shocked at how a few words from Mason just  changed Riley's entire demeanor. He seemed shy, even.  

         "That's more like it," Mason said and tiptoed to kiss him. Linder watched as the never-shaken Riley he knew, became a complete mess. 

•••

           Eden felt Linder wrap his arms around him and lean his head on his chest.

          Linder had asked him to join him in the backseat for just a short moment and he obliged immediately.

          It should have been fine, except it wasn't. Why was his heart beating so fast? Why was Linder slowly turning and looking innocently up at him? He was so fucked. 

          "Eden?" Linder said and he was forced to look back at him, his heart beating wildly now.

           "Yeah, baby?" He answered as if he was calm; he was anything but. 

          "What if I'm growing to..." Linder blinked and shook his head. 

          "Growing to wh–" Eden didn't get to finish his question. 

          Linder's lips were so soft as they slid over his own. His heart hammered this time, as he kissed back. 

          Linder's hand sought his and he intertwined their fingers. A gesture so sweet that Eden nipped his lower lip and kissed him more impatiently. 

          The man in his arms whimpered as Eden tried not to lose it, but unable to break the kiss at the same time. 

          "I think I... I think I could kiss you all day..." Linder blushed. "Am I going crazy?"

          Eden was flushed too as he answered him. "That would make two of us," he pushed Linder's hair away from his face and tucked it behind his ear. 

          Linder too, pushed his hair away too and smiled shyly at him.

          Eden couldn't really smile back. He was trying his best to count backwards in his head before his desire for the other guy could overpower everything. 

"Why are you looking at me like that?" Linder asked and turned away. "It's making me feel self conscious."

Eden chuckled and pulled him close. He pecked his lips. "You don't know what you do to me."

          He watched Linder flush again. He acknowledged the fact that he was getting addicted to his smile at an alarming rate. But he wanted it so bad.

•••

          When the two got back home, they found Tadashi cleaning up broken pieces of glass. "What happened?" Linder asked and they were immediately at his side.

         "A glass slipped from my hand," Tadashi shook his head. "I need to talk to you both."

        They got to his bedroom and all sat on the bed, the two watching Tadashi expectantly. 

         "I've been zoning out a lot lately, and I don't want to keep it a secret anymore," said Tadashi.

           "What are you talking about?" Asked Eden. 

          "Thoughts of Carl have been filling my head a lot and sometimes, I can't really concentrate. I keep thinking about what I could have done better. I mean I literally killed him. How does that make you both feel?" Asked Tadashi. 

          "Glad," said Linder immediately.

           "Happy," said Eden without a second thought.

          Tadashi was taken aback. "But, with my bare hands..."

          Eden took those same bare hands into his own and kissed them. "Shush it, Tadashi. What were your thoughts at that time? Did you just kill him because you felt like it?"

          "No, of course not," he replied. 

          "Well, yeah. He was a psychotic asshole and I really wouldn't want it any other way. you'll probably feel guilty but that's because you're a good person. You are a good human being," Eden cupped his cheek. "You're so amazing Tadashi."

          "I'm not saying I'm the one who decides if he deserves to die or not, but I genuinely think it's for the best. And you don't have to worry about us thinking of you any less, if anything, I..." Eden hesitated.

         "What?" Asked Tadashi curiously.

          "Nothing, but... you did what you had to," said Eden.

          "I want you both to know why I was so paranoid about Carl getting anywhere near Mikky," said Linder. 

          He immediately had the attention of the other two. "Did he get violent with him? asked Tadashi, already annoyed. 

          "Not exactly," answered Linder. He bit his lip like it was painful to say it. "My grandfather died, but a little before that, I'd had to go and take care of him for a while. It would only be for two weeks," Linder paused. "At that time, I was already dating Carl. I was genuinely in love with him, he was the first person I ever fell for. Everything was perfect, until that time."

       Linder suddenly looked uncomfortable as he continued. "He complained a lot, saying he'd miss me too much. I called him cute and left anyways. And after the first week, he took Mikhail."

           The two men listening to him, froze. 

           "Just took him. Lily went crazy. No one knew where Mikky was. No one even knew Carl had taken him. When I got back," Linder said with a somber expression. "I found that Mikky was with him. I asked him what was going on and he tried to distract me by kissing me, but I was already too distracted by the look on Mikky's face. Normally, it is hard to tell what Mikky is feeling because he is hard to read, but I know my brother. Something was terribly wrong. I pushed Carl out of the way and grabbed him. He'd never hugged me so tight in his life." Tadashi cupped his cheek and stroked with his thumb as Linder leaned in to the touch for a moment before continuing.

          "When I asked him what was wrong, he just didn't speak. I demanded the truth from Carl, asking him what was wrong with Mikhail and why he wasn't talking to me of all people. Even sometimes, Mikky could fail to speak to Lily, but never to me," said Linder. "I took Mikky back home and got back to Carl immediately. I needed to get to the bottom of it. I pestered him and took sex off the table, he wasn't even allowed to touch me, I wouldn't let him close until he caved in, quite easier than I thought he would." 

          Linder shrugged. "Then he told me everything he'd done to Mikky in detail. He'd... molested him in all ways he could think of. His fucking excuse was that he'd missed me and my brother looked so much like me, he couldn't resist."

          "I'd never been so shocked in my life. This was someone I loved, and was sure loved me back. And I'm away for two weeks and the first thing he thought to do was molest my baby brother!" Linder could feel his blood boil. "I'd never been so violent in my life. I beat him up."

          "Did he–" Tadashi began to ask. 

          "No, it's probably the only reason I can say I beat him up. He was obviously stronger than me but he never fought back. Carl has never raised a hand against me, he's never caused me any physical pain. Not even once. So I hit him and he let me. I hit him till he was bloody. I used everything I could get my hands on against him, but never once did he hit back," said Linder. "I broke up with him right there. I still don't know how I did it, but that same day, somewhow, I got him locked up. Until he somehow found a way to resurface in my life."

          "After getting him locked up, Mikky did not speak for a month after that, not even a word. Sometimes, he flinched when I touched him," said Linder. "It took a while for him to come back to even a little bit of himself, to even let me take his shirt off, so that he could shower."

         "So Tadashi," Linder looked to him. "If you said you killed Carl, and I tell you that I'm glad you did, then you better believe me. I am so glad he's dead."

          Eden looked so shattered as he couldn't take his eyes off Linder. He almost looked mad, like he'd lost his mind. Linder got the feeling that if Carl was alive right now, he'd wish he wasn't. 

          There were two soft knocks on the door. "Come in," said Tadashi. 

         The door opened to reveal Mikhail. He got in and locked the door behind him. The boy didn't take his eyes off Eden as he got onto the bed next to him. 

          "Eden, why are you crying?" Asked Mikhail. 

          Eden quickly grabbed him and engulfed him in a tight hug, refusing to let go. Mikhail just patted Eden's back softly. "Don't cry," he said. "I hate it when you're sad."

          Eden shook his head. "I love you, Mikky," he said.

          The little boy struggled to say it back. "I...I–"

          "It's okay, sweetie," said Eden. "Take your time."

           This time, Mikhail shook his head fiercely. "Love... Love you too."

•••

          Tadashi lay awake thinking that night. A lot. He was thinking so much he didn't hear Eden come in. 

           "Hey," said Eden, nuzzling him. 

          "Hey," Tadashi welcomed him with open arms.

          Linder came in next and climbed onto the bed, until the three of them were cuddling and holding each other close.

         Eden reached a hand across Tadashi and cupped Linder's jaw before turning his face and kissing him, causing Tadashi to curse under his breath.

          Linder then grabbed Tadashi and pressed their lips together, letting out a sigh. 

          And then it was Eden kissing Tadashi, and everyone kissing everyone as their bodies rubbed and moved against each other.

          It felt like the sound of lips smacking went on for hours and hours. No one could tire of the other, and with every second the desire intensified. 

          "I think we should give this a try," said Linder as he watched Tadashi's tongue glide into Eden's mouth. He licked his own lips.

           "It'll hardly be a try," Tadashi broke away to say. "We fit so perfectly together."

          "Agreed, I'm in love with the idea of calling you both mine," said Eden.

          "Well it's not an idea anymore, is it?"  Linder smiled cheekily. 

          "No," said Tadashi. "Definitely not."

          Tadashi only knew that this moment existed in his wildest dreams and yet, it was here. His heart close to bursting. 

        He couldn't tear his eyes away as Eden and Linder kissed, there was just something so sweet about it he couldn't bear to look away. 

          Until they both pulled him in, and he was lost in their touches and kisses. 

          Goosebumps broke out on Tadashi's skin when Eden massaged his crotch. He hissed and cussed with his eyes closed. 

          Linder decided to tease him but fondling him too. They teased him so much he'd had enough. 

          Tadashi spun them around and pinned the two men down. They both smiled like they both got just what they wanted. 

        Tadashi was already leaning down when he stopped. His head turned towards the direction of the door. 

          "Tadishi!" Mikhail said from the other side. 

          "Yes, honey," answered Tadashi. "What's wrong?"

          "I want Eden!" He replied. 

          "Right, we have kids," said Linder, earning quiet laughs from the two men.

          "Coming sweetie!" Eden said before kissing the other two. "This isn't over."

          Tadashi slumped back onto the bed and sighed. Linder brought his head to rest on his chest. "I miss him already," he said. 

          "Tell me about it," Tadashi agreed.

# 21

Tadashi finally got back to work after his long wait. 

          They'd only let him come back to work after a week, and after arguing. It was barely an argument, because they were so convincing. 

          His boyfriends.

          He couldn't stop smiling if he tried. It felt unreal to feel that happy. 

          That was until he noticed the envelope on his desk. It was completely black, back to back, with no writing on it. Not even behind it. 

          Tadashi frowned and furrowed his eyebrows before opening it carefully. 

          His mind was already running through the several possibilities. Carl had vague family connections but nothing seemed to stand out. 

          All he'd gathered was that his family either cut ties with him, or he cut ties with them. Tadashi opened the envelope anyway. 

          Even the paper inside it was black. It read:

Your life is on the line
 
•

          That was all it said. There was no clue about where it had come from, or who could have sent it.

          Tadashi didn't know what this was, he checked everywhere on the card again, just to make sure. Still nothing. 

          It kept him thinking who it could be from. There was no way Carl could have resurrected from the dead obviously. 

          Tadashi quickly kept the envelope hidden when his door swung open. 

          "Hey, you okay?" Alexander asked, looking closely at him. 

          Tadashi nodded and resisted the urge to rub his hands over his face. "I'm just going to grab a coffee."

          He took his time getting the coffee while his mind kept working. When he got back to his office, there was another black envelope on his desk. 

          What the hell was going on? He'd get to the bottom of it one way or another.

          When he opened the envelope this time, it almost said the same thing. Except it read:

Your life is on the line, 

If you hurt my little brother

-Alexander Kane

       Tadashi stormed out of his office immediately. He found Alexander on his desk behind a computer, completely concentrated on his work. 

          "Seriously? Death threats?" Tadashi asked and his boss finally looked up at him. 

          Alexander smiled and leaned back on his chair. "And remember," he said calmly. "I'm a man of my word."

          "You're a man of complete shit. What the fuck?" Tadashi asked. 

          Alexander laughed. "You can just smile if you want to," he leaned back on his chair and rested his head in his hands. "You look so stupid trying to hold it in."

         Tadashi put a hand on his hip and turned away. Was this really how everyone felt when they were so madly in love and everything worked out?

          Tadashi smiled against his will. 

          "I'm guessing there was a major step in your relationship with them," said Alexander. 

          "We decided to try it out. No, not just try it out... I mean we're boyfriend and boyfriend and boyfriend..." said Tadashi.

          Alexander gave him an approving look. "It's exciting, isn't it?"

          "You have no idea," said Tadashi. He dropped onto a couch and picked up Alexander's coffee to drink it.

          "Oh I have quite the idea," he replied and then grabbed his coffee back after Tadashi had taken a sip. "Go make your own, asshat."

          "Does your heart ever stop acting all funny?" Tadashi asked absentmindedly.

          "Not by a long shot," answered Alexander.

          Tadashi's phone started ringing and he checked to see that it was Linder. 

          "Oh my God, get out of my office before you begin to melt on the seats," Alexander made a shooing motion with his hands.

         Tadashi got up to go and speak to Linder in the privacy of his office. "Tadashi," said Alexander. 

          Tadashi turned around right before pulling the door open. 

          "I'm glad it's you," said Alexander. Then he made another shooing motion with his hands and got back to his work. 

•••

        When Tadashi went back home later in the day, his heart squeezed at the sight that met him. 

        Mikhail was on Eden's lap, his hands around his neck as he rubbed their noses together. 

          Eden laughed and Mikhail giggled. It was the cutest sound he'd ever heard. They continued to speak in hushed tones, having each other's undivided attention.

           "I can't believe it either," said Lily, folding her arms next to Tadashi and watching the other two. 

          "It's like they're a match made in heaven," said Tadashi.

          "Yeah–"

           Lily didn't get to finish because Tadashi just lifted her off the ground unexpectedly. "And how have you been?"

          "Put me down!" Lily tried to find a way out. "Why would you–"

          "Well, I missed you," said Tadashi, smiling at the girl in his arms. 

          "Put me down," Lily tried again.

          "Not until you kiss me right here," Tadashi pointed at his cheek. 

          "I'm not doing that," said Lily, and in that moment she really did look like her brothers.

          "I can't hear you right now," said Tadashi.  He smirked at Lily who rolled her eyes before quickly leaning closer and dropping a quick kiss to his cheek.

           "Aww," said Tadashi as he bent to put Lily down. "That's my little girl."

          "I'm not little," said Lily as she stormed out of the room. 

          Mikhail quickly hugged Tadashi out of nowhere before rushing to catch up with Lily. 

          "Hey," Eden smiled as he approached Tadashi. Tadashi stupidly smiled and just kept smiling. 

          Eden waved a hand at his face. "Aren't you going to answer me?"

         "I'm in love with you," Tadashi blurted out. 

           Eden gasped. "You've never–"

          "Said it out loud?" Tadashi suggested. "Eden," he pulled him close. "I love you."

          "I'm not going to get used to you saying that," said Eden. 

          "What, that I love you?" Tadashi smirked. 

          "Yeah," said Eden.

          "Maybe it's because I love you," Tadashi shrugged and Eden laughed.

        "Shut up," he pulled Tadashi close. "Now give me a kiss."

       Tadashi pressed their lips together and smiled into it. "I love you too," said Eden when they broke apart.

          "Yeah?" Tadashi smiled from ear to ear. 

          Eden shrugged. "Really can't help myself," he said. 

          "Hearing you say that makes me the happiest man on earth," said Tadashi. 

          Eden kissed him one more time. It was brief, making him want more. Just looking at Eden made his nerves jump all over the place. Now, if he'd only see his other love. 

          "Where's Linder?" Asked Tadashi. 

          "I think he's still working on what he said he said was working on," said Eden as they made their way to him. 

            "This is what I've been working on," said Linder. He led them to the table with all the plans he'd drawn up. 

           "It's my plan to open up a coffee shop. I've got money that was originally saved up for... well, starting a new life somewhere with Mikky and Lily. But I don't see the need for that now," Linder laughed nervously. 

          Eden moved even closer to him and wrapped his hands around Linder's waist. "First of all, I'm not letting you get away, not even in another dimension. Second of all, you're so brilliant." He kissed Linder.

          "You really thought this through, huh?" Asked Tadashi. He looked through everything Linder had written and calculated.

          Linder only scratched the back of his head looked down. 

          "It's going to be amazing," said Tadashi, he gave him a hug and kissed his forehead. "That is one heck of a plan."

          The fact that they were so supportive was all that Linder needed. He felt like he could do anything. 

          Finally. It felt like the beginning of his life for some reason. He didn't feel trapped or kicked down, he felt loved.

# 22

The three men teased each other so much, almost like each one of them was just waiting to see who made the first move. 

          It was the knowing looks they passed each other during breakfast or dinner. The light touches when they passed each other by, or even the eye contact when they were together in a room. 

          All of it seemed to build up, pushing lava to a point of eruption. Until it did. 

          Tadashi locked the door behind him and before he was even done, the other two had backed him up against the same door. His shirt was peeled off painfully slowly as every kiss from Linder and Eden burned his skin. 

          When the buttons came undone, Eden's hands roamed around his torso and he used his tongue and lips to explore Tadashi's pecs. 

           Linder did the same on his side while his other hand unfastened the zipper of Tadashi's slacks, slowly easing his hand inside. Tadashi could have died right there. 

          He backed up further onto the door and let out a strangled breath. His heart swelled in his chest as his breathing became laboured. He was rock hard as Linder stroked his length, making a deep groan escape him. How could it feel that good? So good that he knew he was close already. 

          Tadashi tried to even his breathing as he bent down. He hooked both of his hands around each of their waists and lifted them both of the ground, walking towards the bed. 

          First, they made small sounds of surprise which quickly turned to sounds of delight when he threw them both on the bed. Tadashi stared down at the two pieces of perfection. 

          He closed the inches between his and Linder's face, then slowly took his glasses off and set them on the night stand. "You have very beautiful eyes," said Tadashi. 

          Linder averted his gaze and looked away. Eden chuckled and took his hand. "It's true," he told Linder. "Your eyes are gorgeous." 

          Linder groaned. "Stop it, you two!" He said while colour rushed to his cheeks. 

          "Stop what, being truthful?" Asked Tadashi. 

          He kissed Linder's nose and pulled his shirt off. He immediately latched his lips onto his chest, kissing his way down until he reached the hem of Linder's pants. He took them off slowly, together with his underwear. 

          Eden groaned. He took Linder's arm and started to kiss his way up it, until Tadashi pushed him down on his back and kissed him. His shirt was then taken off. 

         "Oh God," said Tadashi as he traced Eden's skin with his fingers. He then kissed everywhere his hands had trailed, causing Eden to arch his back in utter pleasure.

          Linder made a sound like a moan as he inched closer to Eden. "I can't tear my eyes from you, babe."

          "Babe?" Eden scrunched his face adorably at him, not bothering to hide how much the word affected him.

          Linder nodded then lightly bit his nipple and engulfed it in his mouth, sucking tenderly. 

          Eden moaned and closed in eyes in pure pleasure for a brief moment. He then held Linder's hair away from his face and watched him. 

          Linder lifted his head and went straight for Eden's lips. "Mmm..." he moaned as their lips pressed and slid against each other. 

          A sound made them stop and they turned around to see that Tadashi had taken the rest of his clothes off. 

          The two kept staring, fascinated as Tadashi got closer. Then one of his hands slid up the length of Linder's leg while the other, Eden's. 

          Tadashi lay by Eden's side and rolled a lock of his hair between his fingers as he kissed the side of his face. 

          All three of them had gone and gotten tested just a few days ago. And each of them was clean. They knew that that was exactly how it would turn out. But they just did it anyway. 

         Tadashi lifted Eden's leg and placed it over his thigh, making him expose himself. He then let his fingers lightly brush over Eden's entrance and the man shivered. 

          Tadashi prepped him then pushed inside him. Eden let out a strangled moan, before relaxing and smiling like a fool. 

          "I didn't realize how much I needed this," Eden said when Tadashi was fully buried inside him. "Fuck me, Tadashi..." he whimpered. 

          "With pleasure, my love," replied Tadashi. He leaned and and pressed a short, sweet kiss to Eden's lips before getting back up and thrusting inside him. 

          Eden's moans were muffled because Linder claimed his lips and kissed him softly. He groaned because of the double pleasure. 

         Tadashi tried not to lose his mind as he thrusted faster. "You feel... so good..." 

          Eden arched his back again and threw his head back. It was getting too much. Tadashi fucked him hard enough to make his toes curl, and the little bites Linder left along his shoulder and collar, were quickly driving him to the edge. 

          From the first time Eden had asked Tadashi out, never had he imagined it would one day come to this. And yet here he was, his heart beating for not one, but two people, as they made love to him. 

          Eden nearly cried because of how good it felt. He moaned when he saw Linder and Tadashi lost in a kiss. He couldn't help himself when his hand shot out and took Linder's cock in his hand. He stroked it and Linder almost lost his balance completely. 

          He chuckled when he was nose to nose with Eden. "Just watching you two, already has me close," said Linder. "I don't think that's a good idea."

          "Fine," Eden smiled back. "Kiss me then."

          Before the kiss could properly deepen, Eden broke away as his eyes rolled back. "Tadashi!" He moaned as his body shuddered and released all over his stomach. 

          Tadashi too, went rigid before shivering and slumping onto Eden. "Fuck!" He groaned as he gripped Eden's hands tightly above him, then gripped his jaw with the other hand and kissed him desperately. 

          His hand then moved lower to Eden's neck where he closed around it and squeezed. Eden let out a strained breath as it seemed unlikely that he was going to finish getting over his high. 

          Tadashi quickly snatched his hand back when he seemed to regain his senses. "Oh, I'm so sorry, I just–"

          "Choked me and I loved it," completed Eden.

          "Really?" Tadashi looked relieved. The other man nodded and he smiled.

          Tadashi alternated kisses between Linder and Eden as he slowly slid out of the latter. He didn't even realize that his hand was massaging Linder's ass as he kissed them both, until Linder bit his lip and hitched his breath. 

          "I want you," he whispered low into Linder's ear and the man bit his lip before pushing Tadashi down. 

          The sound of their lips smacking was now the only thing that could be heard in the room. 

           Tadashi's hands tightened around Linder's waist as he pulled him closer. He was sitting up on the bed with his back against the headboard as Linder lay between his parted legs. 

           Eden's hands were on either side of them as he leaned down behind Linder, slowly kissing up and down his back.

           He got the lube and started to prep him while he made out with Tadashi. He felt him tense when he inserted one finger then relax when he slowly pushed it in and out. 

         Eden kept going and even inserted another finger and only stopped when Linder was a whimpering mess. 

          Linder then straddled Tadashi and impaled himself on his cock. 

          He sighed and moved forward to kiss the side of Tadashi's neck. The man moved closer to him so that Linder could have as much of him as he wanted. He was such a goner for them both.

         Linder clung to him when he started moving. His arms surrounded Tadashi's neck, his hands pulled at his hair and he let out the most seductive sounds.

          Tadashi guided Eden's head till their lips met and he didn't know from whom the moan was coming. 

          He fucked Linder harder and he bit his shoulder to keep himself from crying out too loudly. 

          "Oh Tadashi..." he whimpered as the man didn't stop, he seemed to go just a little harder. 

         That was until Linder uttered incomprehensible words and exploded all over Tadashi's chest. It didn't take long before Tadashi released inside him, setting him on fire. 

          "Linder..." Tadashi said with a cracked voice. "Lin... ohhh," he grunted.

            They both breathed heavily as Tadashi started to soften while pulling out of Linder. He tried to get his breathing under control. 

          "That was so hot," said Eden. 

          Linder quickly got off Tadashi and took Eden's lips against his, not getting enough. Soon the three of them just lay together, making out and whispering to each other as they forgot that time existed. 

•••

           "Look at him," said Linder while he stroked Eden's hair and stared straight at Tadashi. Eden lay between his parted legs, resting his back against his chest and holding his hand.

          They'd woken up to the sound of the shower and noticed that Tadashi wasn't on the bed. The smell of breakfast wafted its way into the room and the two noticed how hungry they were. And just how sweet Tadashi was.

          The same man who was now wrapped in a towel from his shower. 

           "He's so sexy, isn't he?" Eden replied. "And ours," he chuckled. "Look at those angry red marks on his back."

          "You guys know I'm here right?" Asked Tadashi as he turned to them.

          "Turn back around, we were still admiring our handiwork," said Linder.

          Tadashi went ahead to turn around and slowly dress up. "Who knew you'd both turn into feisty cats with sharp claws in bed?"

          "I prefer the term kitten for the both of us," said Linder, absentmindedly kissing Eden's hair.

          "Really? I don't know any kittens that love to be choked. Or bitten," replied Tadashi while taking a seat at the edge of the bed.

          They both threw pillows at him at the same time, and Tadashi used his hands as a shield, laughing. "What?"

          "Tiger," said Eden accusingly.

          Tadashi shrugged. "What can I say? You both awaken my inner wild cat." He put the back of his hand against his forehead in a dramatic gesture and the other two laughed. 

          Tadashi got up to go and finish dressing up, then came back afterwards and bent to kiss them each. "I have to go," he said. "I made breakfast for you and the kids, they should probably be done now."

          "Can't wait for you to get back," said Eden. 

          "Can't wait to get back either," he said and kissed him. "I love you."

          "I love you too," replied Eden. 

          He kissed Linder next. "I love you," he said. 

         Linder was already feeling guilty. He knew that he loved them, he really did, but he was still trying to crawl out of the hole that Carl had created.

        "Hey," Tadashi lifted his chin up. "Don't do that. Take all the time you need, we'll still be here."

         "No pressure babe," Eden smiled at him, returning what he'd called him the night before. "I love you."

         Linder nodded and pursed his lips, then pulled them both in for a kiss that caught them both by surprise. 

         Both men chuckled into the kiss and then showed Linder just how much they meant their words.

# 23

On the day that Linder's restaurant was opened, everyone was proud, happy and excited. They all mouthed their congratulations as they stood outside the furnished building that was now known as 'The Lily Pad'. 

          Alexander had helped him find the best location. He'd called it strategic and explained precisely why it would be the best. Tadashi and Eden handled marketing and advertising. Alexander also handled licensing while Linder worked on everything else. 

          He knew enough about coffee and how to run the place. Mason helped with the decor while Linder figured out whom to hire. 

          The opening was huge, and it meant so much to him that almost everyone he knew was there. 

          Ever since he cut the ribbon, he'd gotten busy because the place was already so full. There was loud chatter everywhere, and several laughs as Linder served coffee and treats.

          "Hey," Linder immediately looked up at the familiar voice, and soon after, he was met with Sandy's smiling face. 

          "Sandy!" Linder said and smiled. "And miss... sorry, I didn't get your name." He'd almost called her what they used to refer to her secretly. 

          "It's Blaire," Miss Attitude said with her british accent full on. Her pixie cut looked just a little bit longer and the dark red streaks in it still looked as cute as ever. 

          It was odd that they were both together, looking giddy. "Sorry but, how come the two of you are here together?"

          "Well," Sandy started. "When this..." she gave her a once over. "...Miss Attitude here backed me up against the wall and kissed me, everything you said then made sense."

          Linder's eyes widened then he nodded. "Oh, I see." 

          "Yeah," replied Sandy. 

          Blaire smiled like she was pleased with herself. "You were taking too long to get the hint," she told Sandy. 

          "And him?" Linder asked.

          "My boyfriend?" Said Sandy. "Broke up with him." 

          "Was a bloody dick about it too," Blaire chipped in. "I'd have punched him in the face if Sandy didn't stop me, homophobic prick."

          "Relax babe, he wasn't worth the trouble," said Sandy to her aggravated girlfriend. 

          "
You,
 are worth the trouble!" Blaire answered. 

          Sandy looked at Linder. "How did I never see this?" 

          Linder shook his head then shrugged. He wasn't about to get over how cute they were together. 

          "We were wondering if you were hiring," said Sandy.

          "You both want to work with me?" Asked Linder. 

          "Since we saw that you opened up shop," said Blaire. "Sandy also missed you."

          "Yeah, I guess," said Sandy. 

           Linder didn't think their relationship in his previous job went anywhere ahead of workmate but it seemed that wasn't the case. Maybe it was okay now, to let a few people in. Maybe it wouldn't hurt. 

          "Okay," replied Linder. "You both start tomorrow. But no slacking off because you're together."

          "You don't have to worry about that, we work really well together," said Sandy. 

          "That is true, we really do," said Blaire, reaching up to arrange sandy's hair. 

          Linder almost squealed inside. They were like the cutest thing he'd ever seen. 

          "Fine. You're both hired then. Royce here will take you through everything," he then turned to the muscly man with a black bandana tied around his head. "Show them how everything is supposed to work, the menus and the schedules. This is Sandy, and this is Blaire. They start tomorrow."

          "Well, come on then, Blaire and Sandy," he said in a rugged voice.

          The number of customers halved in the next three hours, but Linder still had high hopes. Until that number came down to three customers. He tried not to show it but he was getting a little worried. What if his coffee shop wasn't a success? 
It's just the first day, relax. 
Okay but what if...

          He tried to hide it when Eden and Tadashi got in and walked towards him. 

        "Babe!" Eden said cheerfully. He leaned in and teased Linder before finally kissing the other man. "Nice place you got here."

       Linder couldn't help the blush that spread across his cheeks. "Uh, thank you."

          "Okay what's wrong?" Asked Eden.

          Tadashi rubbed his cheek with his thumb. "What is it?"

           Linder pursed his lips then released them. "What if this doesn't work out, what if I can't actually do it, what if–"

            "Hey hey, stop. It's too early to be thinking like that" said Tadashi. "I wasn't joking when I said you'd made one heck of a plan. It's already proving to be."

           Linder nodded and ruffled his own hair.

          "You know what," Eden said as he grabbed a handful of flyers. He looked to Tadashi and asked him to do the same. He took his jacket off and rolled up his sleeves. 

           Linder couldn't reel his smile in. "You  guys are really going to—"

          "Anything to put a smile on your face," said Eden. 

          "Wait, it'll be flooded soon." Tadashi took flyers in his hand and together they walked out. wait here, more customers are coming.

          It didn't take two minutes and Linder was already getting busy again. He noticed as Riley held Mason's hand as they walked towards him. 

          "We just saw Eden and Tadashi outside,"said Riley. "We'd like some flyers too." Mason nodded. 

          "Me too," said Lily. 

          "Me too," Mikhail looked up expectantly at his brother. 

           He was so touched. 

•••

          "I'd like...just a cold drink," one of the new customers coming in said, she looked like a high school student. "Those are some really hot men out there handing out the flyers. Where'd you find them? Seriously... I could use some spice in my life."

          More customers filed in, and one even passed him a note. "Give him my number," a brown haired lady with freckles smiled at him. "The one with the green eyes." 

          Linder realized that she was talking about Eden. "Just give him this," she wiggled her eyebrows and pushed the note further towards Linder. 

          Immediately she turned around with her drink, Linder crushed the piece of paper slowly and let it drop to the floor, a hard expression on his face. 

          Sandy suddenly whistled. "That totally wasn't dark."

           "He is taken," replied Linder. 

            "I think anyone who just saw that wouldn't doubt you," she replied.

             Linder immediately switched to a genuine smile when the next customer came up for an order. Five customers later and someone else asked Linder to give their number to Riley. 

            "Aren't you going to crush that one too?" Sandy asked. 

          "I'll let Mason do the honors," replied Linder. 

           Linder served so much coffee that they'd almost run out of treats on the first day. He fantasized about throwing everyone out and asking them to come back the next day. 

          The whole shop was abuzz with gossip about the men serving out the flyers, and how cute the children were. As far as the men were concerned, he tried not to listen in and be spiteful about it.

          "See you tomorrow boss," said Sandy. 

          He thought he wasn't ever going to get used to that as he waved them goodbye.

          Linder finally turned the sign to closed before ushering his handymen and woman inside. He set a table for them and served them last after everyone else had left. 

          "You should seriously get Zel to bake stuff for this place," said Riley after finishing his coffee. 

          "He'll die of excitement if you ask him," Mason smiled. "You could be partners in a way."

          Linder looked thoughtful. "That's not a bad idea at all. I'll think it through."

          Riley and Mason got up to leave after a short while. 

          "No, stay for a light dinner," Linder asked. 

          "We'd have loved to," said Riley. "But my darling's making dinner tonight. And he just got back from his trip, so I need to go sit him on my lap."

          Mason chuckled and shook his head. "He's talking about Alexander. But thanks for the offer. We should all have dinner together like next week, don't you think?"

          Eden saw them out as they talked and agreed over a date. 

 •••

          Linder walked out of the kitchen with a few dishes and set them down on the table. "Now, to feed my family," said Linder as he put the food on the table. "You've all worked so hard! I couldn't be prouder."

          He'd asked Royce to prepare a little something for the five of them before he left, if it wasn't too much trouble. Turns out he could actually cook. 

          "And Mikky! You get an extra of anything you want. That was very brave of you," said Linder.

         "I think I can do it again. Eden held my hand...then Tadashi put me on his shoulder!" Mikhail said. Linder couldn't remember the last time he'd sounded so excited.

          "Wow! His shoulder?" Linder said. 

          "Yes, it was so high up!" He replied.

          Linder pulled his cheek playfully and his brother actually smiled at him. 

          After serving the food, Linder sat down too. 

          "You've worked hard," Tadashi rubbed his shoulder. "I'm so proud of you."

          Linder fastened his hand on his and smiled before giving him a quick kiss. 

          "Me too," said Eden. Linder turned to him and kissed him.

          "I don't want a kiss, no thank you. But I'm proud of you too," said Lily. 

          "Me too," said Mikhail. 

Linder smiled and blew kisses at them anyway. "Let's eat before it gets cold."

          Eden was the first to dig in. And then they all fell into light conversation as they ate. "Did I ever tell you guys about just how much Eden can eat?" Tadashi asked.

          Eden shoved him and Tadashi chuckled. "What? You did eat like a zillion things in one go and you weren't even full."

          "Spill the beans," said Lily, smirking at Eden.

          Tadashi spilled every single bean and exaggerated at some parts as he told them the story of the pink cat, until he sent them into fits of laughter. Eden too, laughed along as he tried to defend himself.

          It was already dark outside and the entire coffee shop was empty, save for the small family that huddled together over a table and fed. 

          Sometimes they were loud and sometimes they spoke in hushed tones but it was the best dinner they'd each had yet. 

          "Let's take a picture," Eden suddenly said. 

          They ended up taking a dozen pictures and laughing till their jaws hurt. Until all the food was finished and Linder started to clear the table with everyone else's help. 

           "You never did tell me about this picture," Linder pulled out the picture of himself from his pocket, and showed it to Tadashi. 

          "Oh that," Tadashi laughed a little shyly and ruffled his hair. "Can I have it back now? I'm still trying to sneakily take a picture of Eden too, and always carry it with me."

          "You creepy man," said Linder.

          "Every man in love is creepy. It's like a right of passage," said Tadashi. "You're saying you don't want a picture of me or Eden?"

         God, he so wanted that. Linder put the picture back in his pocket. 

          "Hey!" Tadashi complained.

           "Not until you tell me," said Linder.

          "Okay. So I might've somehow gotten my hands on the picture and kept it," said Tadashi. 

          "All that time? I didn't think you even liked me, you know. And you didn't tell me anything," said Linder.

          "It was more complicated than a mere 'like'," said Tadashi. "That was the day I fell in love with you."

           Linder wasn't expecting the words to shake him up inside so much, but they did. So he hadn't imagined it; after that day, even as Alexander touched him sometimes, his mind would always drift to Tadashi. 

          "I didn't tell you even long after that, because I was afraid you'd push me away," said Tadashi.

          It was a fair enough answer that made sense. Linder was hell bent on pushing everyone and everything away at one point. 

          "You are perfect, you know that right?" Linder meant it, but he was also trying to figure out what Alexander said. 

          Tadashi's eyes widened and he looked everywhere else but at Linder. It seemed that he really didn't see it that way. That had to change.

          "My babies and I tidied up everything while you lazy asses slacked off," Eden pretended to pout then smiled against his own will. "I'm joking, let's go home."

          Tadashi wrapped his hands around Eden from the back and put his chin on his shoulder, looking at Linder. "Can I have my picture back now?" 

          Linder looked like he was contemplating. He got closer to the two. "I'm getting horny just looking at you two," he whispered so only Eden and Tadashi heard him. "I guess we'll see after you both take care of me tonight." Linder walked away. 

          "Ah, the tiger and his kittens, at it again," Tadashi smiled and lifted Eden—who yelped in the cutest way—up in his arms and walked out of their boyfriend's new coffee shop.

# 24

It all started with a random question that wasn't exactly so random while they showered and Linder washed Eden's hair. The shorter man leaned his back to his chest and sighed as Linder's fingers moved through his hair.

          "I'm going to miss you," said Linder as he leaned down and rubbed his hand over Eden's shoulder. 

          "Aren't you romantic?" Eden said. He knew that if he turned, he'd see Linder's cheeks already pink. He liked to know that he had that effect on him. 

          "I'm not 
that 
romantic," Linder tried to persuade him. "I was just saying what I felt..."

          "Aww, babe," Eden turned around and pushed back his hair, wrapping a hand around Linder's slender frame. "I'm going to miss you too."

          Eden was going to see his parents for the entire weekend. "Really?" Linder asked.

          "Goes without saying," replied Eden. "In case you haven't noticed, I fall deeper in love with you with each day that passes."

         Linder traced a soapy circle on Eden's shoulder. "I don't deserve that," he whispered.

          "Yes you do," replied Eden. "And even if that was true, I still can't control how my heart feels you know."

          "And I'm the romantic one?" Linder asked. 

          Eden shook his head, unable to stop his smile. He kissed a red faced Linder who trembled in his hold. Sometimes it felt like if he was feeling down, one kiss from Linder would be enough to fix him.

          The one thing that made it better was when they both kissed him at the same time. Just like right now. He felt Tadashi's warmth behind him before his hand grazed his back gently. His kisses were sweet as they lingered everywhere he touched. 

          "And where were you?" Eden chuckled after asking Tadashi. "We almost turned into pickles waiting for you."

          "I think phase one was successful," said Tadashi. He reached over and kissed Linder, then smiled before the other man couldn't take it and looked away.

          Eden turned and nodded to Tadashi. "Then I think it's safe to tell him, or ask just ask him."

          "Phase one?" Linder was confused as he asked. "And tell me what?"

          Eden looked expectantly at Tadashi, so much pride all over his face. 
Goodness

, these men.

          Tadashi cleared his throat before subconsciously looking to Eden first as if looking for any hint. After receiving a tiny nod, his eyes traveled to Linder's. "How would you like to get custody for Mikhail and Lily?" He asked. 

          Nothing could have prepared Linder for that. He gasped as Eden felt his hands on him tighten. "You can't really do that, can you?" He said, despite the hope evident in his eyes. "Besides, there's no proof, and, and..."

          And he'd tried before, but even just to get anyone to listen was way too difficult. It had always been a futile task no matter what he did. He just didn't want the repeat of something he knew wouldn't really happen. He didn't want to raise his hopes for no reason.

         "Are you underestimating a man in love?" Tadashi asked Linder.

          "Baby, please," said Eden. "Anything but that corny line."

          Both Linder and Tadashi laughed. "Okay, fine," the latter answered. "But you know what I mean."

          Custody for his siblings would mean a lot of things, but most importantly, it would mean a gigantic shot at giving them a normal childhood, a normal life. They deserved at least that. He couldn't shake the hope that blossomed in his chest.

            "Look at that," said Eden. He stared at Linder's face that he found way too adorable for some reason.

          "What?" Linder asked as he relaxed into Tadashi's sudden hold from his back. 

          "You're doing it again," replied Eden. "You're thinking about them aren't you?" When Linder had no answer, he continued. "You do that a lot of the time, I noticed how you never even think of yourself, and every move and decision you make isn't done without putting those two first. You are so selfless."

          Tadashi hummed. "Now, tell me why we wouldn't break our necks, trying to do that one thing for you."

•••

          Tadashi wasn't playing when he told Linder's father to come up with a good confession. He'd somehow gathered enough proof by himself, and it was enough to do whatever he wanted with it. But he wanted it to go differently. 

          And that was precisely how Linder sat open-mouthed as he watched his father confess to a judge in great detail. 

          Linder looked back briefly to his boyfriends, just to make sure he was hearing right and wasn't seeing things. 
How did they do this?

          His father didn't even appear to be drunk for once in his life. He even seemed a little ashamed to meet any of his children's faces. 

          He admitted to always drinking too much and never offering support for his family. He admitted to the physical and verbal abuse he'd made them go through almost all their lives. He even admitted to stealing Linder's money a few times just because he badly needed a drink, something he didn't even know ever happened till now that the words left his mouth. 

          Linder listened intently as he tried not to play with the buttons of his suit in nervousness. In fact, he'd been so nervous that he'd brushed his hair several times as he dressed up earlier that day, before finally deciding to just hold it up and tie it at the back of his head. He'd cleaned his glasses about a million times before putting them back on, as if the hearing would go terribly wrong if he didn't look as neat as a new pin.

          Linder knew the conditions for being eligible for getting custody for his siblings. His case was rare as most times, courts frowned at the idea of a sibling taking in another or other siblings. Sometimes it pissed him off that a stranger had to decide such personal matters for them. What did they know about just how much physical and mental damage Mikky and Lily had gone through over the years?

          Nevertheless, he seemed to tick all the boxes: he was almost turning twenty-two, which was well over the age of eighteen, his parents weren't exactly the ideal parents, the home environment wasn't in the least bit stable. They didn't even care if the children went to school or not. With his father's help, there was no need for evidence of all the violence, he confessed everything. 

          The judge stopped him mid sentence like she didn't need to hear his actions in such great detail. She turned to the children to ask them their opinions and what they'd prefer. She was especially friendly with Mikky that Linder couldn't help his small smile.

          "Lin...Lin's the best big brother," Mikhail said timidly. "He gets hurt a lot, but he says it's nothing. I think he acts tough so that we don't have to. I want Lin, and Tadishi, and Eden."

          The judge asked whom those were and studied Eden and Tadashi. "It is my understanding, that you three are in a relationship, yes?"

          "Yes," Linder said without missing a beat. He turned and smiled at them. They both smiled back as Eden shook his head. 

          He'd told him about this part before they even came to court. Eden told him that he didn't have to directly admit to their relationship if he could help it, if there was a chance it could jeopardize his chances.

          The judge narrowed her eyes. "And if something were to happen to your relationship with the two other men, say...a fight, or a break-up... would you still be able to take care of Mikhail and Lily here?"

          Judges just didn't like giving custody to siblings. And his dad wasn't even the only parent. Linder tried not to think of the horror if custody was granted to his mother. 

          Tadashi got up so fast that Eden came to realize when he was already talking. "I'm sorry, your honour, but I'm not sure what you are trying to imply," he gestured to Linder who looked at him wide-eyed. "You are looking at someone who is more than capable, someone who's ready to give up anything just to give Lily and Mikhail a decent life. Linder doesn't need us to take care of his siblings–"

          "Sit down, young man," the judge said calmly. "And don't speak out of turn again."

          He sat back down next to Eden, who took his hand and rubbed the back of it. He'd only complied because it was best for Linder. "How dare she?" He said so only Eden heard him.

          The judge moved over and asked Lily her opinion. 

          "I'm only going to say this once, your honour" Lily started. "Tadashi and Eden have only treated me and Mikky with nothing but respect. Not many people do that, not even parents who love their kids," Lily looked directly at the judge as she spoke. "I don't know what it's like to be loved by a parent, I don't know what it feels like to do your best and not get beaten up anyway. Linder got rid of all that. He took up the burden that I was, and didn't care if he suffered for it or not–"

          Linder couldn't take it anymore and he got up. "You'll never be a burden to me–"

          "It's my turn to speak Lin, so let me get it out," said Lily.

          He sat down and tried not to protest again and let her speak.

          "We've gone through a lot, the five of us. Lin's my hero. And those two?" He pointed at Eden and Tadashi who watched her like a couple whose daughter had just won the Nobel Peace Prize. "I love them, so much it makes me want to barf."

          "You do?" Eden asked with nothing but shock in his face.

          "I said I'd only say it once," replied Lily. "And as for my brother Lin, I'd like to see anyone try to separate me from him," she looked to the judge, a clear challenge on her face. 

          "You've got quite the mouth on you," said the judge when she was finished.

          "You grow one after spending enough time with him," she gestured to her father. 

          "Women like you," said the judge. "Are what the world needs more of. I'll not be the one to break a bond so strong." 

          She smiled at them as the tension got thicker in the room. Everyone held their breath as they waited for the final verdict. 

          Their father was finally sentenced to ten years and two months in prison. The judge had obviously gone easy on him because he had confessed. It would have been much worse otherwise.

          "Linder Reid," the judge said. "After everything I've witnessed here today, and after taking into account the horrible actions of your father as your mother stood idly by, I give you full custody of Lily Reid and Mikhail Reid as their legal guardian." She brought the gavel down and struck it.

          Linder felt like there was a well in his eyes. He cried so hard as everyone he cared about hugged him.

          "I think you're an amazing brother," said the judge. "And I'm sorry your case had been closed down without a proper hearing for so long. I feel grateful you didn't give up. It's been a really long time since I've seen so much love in a courtroom," she stuck the gavel again. "Court dismissed."

•••

          "Does this mean you're all my dads now?" Mikhail asked Linder when the rest were out of earshot.

          "Not exactly baby," replied Linder. "I'm your guardian. I'm legally responsible for you and Lily. I guess it's like a parent in a way."

         "Sometimes... I feel like calling Eden dad, but I don't. Sometimes it's Tadishi... but I don't," the little boy admitted. 

         "Really?" Asked Linder. He actually thought about it, there was a big chance the two would lose it if Mikhail called them 'dad'. He couldn't help but smile.

          "Yeah," replied Mikhail. He then shrugged and watched Linder's face, as if waiting for what he'd say next. 

          "You know what?" Linder asked. "From now on Mikky, if something feels right to you and you want to do it, you do it, okay?"

          Mikhail nodded as he wrapped both hands around Linder's neck and leaned in so that his chin rested on his back.

        "And if you're scared, I'm right here," said Linder. "I won't let anything hurt you."

          "If you're scared too... I'm here," said Mikhail. Linder didn't expect it but it warmed his heart to no end.

          "We're celebrating!" Eden declared as he took Mikhail from Linder. 

          "I missed you, sweetie," said Eden. "I know, I know, it was like thirty min–"

          "I missed you too!" Mikhail said fiercely. 

          Eden kissed his forehead and tucked his head in the crook of his neck. "My little boy."

•••

          The reason why Tadashi was driving back home at an abnormal speed, praying not to get pulled over was because of a single phone call from Lily.

          She had spoken in a complicated way and she'd spoken hurriedly. At least he understood exactly what was wrong. She had just gotten her first period, and with Eden almost but not yet back from his parents and Linder busy with the coffee shop, she had no choice but to call him. 
Or maybe she just wants you there, it's not that hard to believe. 

          
Tadashi had gone to the nearest store and randomly thrown things to his cart then rushed out after paying and leaving the change. And now here he was. 

          It felt like forever before he finally got home and rushed in to find Lily. She was lying face up on her bed with the covers up to her neck. "Hey," said Tadashi as he approached her. 

          Lily looked like she couldn't answer. She watched Tadashi make his way to her. He tried not to look as worried as he felt. 
Relax man, it's her period, she's not giving birth. 

          "Okay uh..." he was so clueless about what to do. "You should take a hot shower."

          He went to take the covers off but Lily stopped him. "It's a mess," she said and looked away.

          "Okay," he replied and took his tie off and rolled up his sleeves. Then he peeled the covers off Lily. He hooked his hands under her thighs and across her back and carried her to the bathroom. 

          "You can take your clothes off and hand them to me, I'll be by the door. Then you can take a long shower. Or a short one. I mean, any you want," Tadashi fumbled.

          Tadashi took the beddings off and together with Lily's clothes, he started to do the laundry. He then checked to see that Mikhail was still sound asleep in his, Linder's and Eden's room. He probably missed Eden so much that he'd snuggled up with his pillow. 

          He replaced the sheets on the bed with fresh ones just as he heard Lily call him from the bathroom.

          "Tadashi?" Her voice carried over the water.

          "Yes, sweetie?" He replied.

          "I don't know how to wear one of those things," she said. She obviously meant the pads he'd brought with him.

          "You don't?" He asked, trying to think about what he was going to do.

          "I only have brothers, remember?" She replied like there was something she wasn't saying. Something she was purposely leaving out.

          "Right. Yeah, okay," said Tadashi. "Just take your shower sweetie, don't worry about it." Lily didn't say anything.

          "My underwear's in the drawer," she said. 

          Tadashi called and Eden answered after the first ring. "Hello my love," said the other man cheerfully.

        "How do you wear a pad? Like for periods?" Tadashi asked immediately.

           "What?" Eden's voice couldn't hide his shock. 

          "Relax, it's just that Lily just got her first period and I have no idea what to do. She's taking a shower and now I have to figure out how, and if you don't know how then I'm going to go ahead and call Linder–"

          "Okay, listen to me carefully," said Eden as he started to explain how it was done. 

          With great precision, Tadashi mananged to do it successfully. He sent kisses to Eden who promised to be there shortly. Then he hung up.

          Tadashi held up his handiwork and smiled. Not quite believing he'd done that. He felt a sense of accomplishment wash over him. 

           "You know how creepy that looks?" Lily suddenly asked, with a towel wrapped around her from the chest. 

          "Sorry," said Tadashi, realising she was right. "Here," he gave the underwear to her.

           Tadashi left to get her some drinks as she dressed up. By the time he was back, she was lying down on the bed again. 

          "You should hydrate," he said.

          Lily downed the cup in less than thirty seconds. Tadashi smiled then refilled it. She drank half of it and he put the rest on the night stand. 

          "You look like you're in pain," he said as he studied her.

          She didn't answer.

          "It's okay," he squeezed her hand gently. "I'm here."

           "It really hurts," she admitted and bit her lower lip.

           "I'm so sorry sweetheart," said Tadashi, giving her elbow a little squeeze. "Wait here a little."

           Tadashi went and got his computer and then sat alongside Lily on her bed. He typed a few things then turned to look at Lily. She looked back at him warily. 

          "You are experiencing cramps!" Tadashi said like he'd discovered the cure for cancer. 

           "Congratulations Einstein, your theory is very helpful," Lily said.

          "Uh...sorry. I don't know how to make it better." He googled how to make period cramps better as he rubbed a hand against hers. 

          She was in more pain than she showed. It was clear with how tightly she squeezed his biceps with both hands, her nails digging in. Tadashi didn't even flinch as he was so absorbed in finding a solution for her.

           At that moment, Eden came in. His heart soared at the sight of him, he couldn't be happier. He was by Lily's side, asking how she felt. Tadashi could rest easy, that's how much faith he had in Eden.

          After he'd understood the situation, Eden looked at the bag of supplies Tadashi got from the store. "You got these?" He asked and Tadashi nodded.

           "Let's see what we have here," Eden pulled out the first item his hands touched. "A pregnancy test?" He asked Tadashi accusingly. 

          "I just picked stuff randomly," Tadashi shrugged.

          "A rubber-ducky... God, Tadashi, you're so adorable," said Eden. 

          "What? Maybe she could, you know... squeeze it and feel better," replied Tadashi.

          Eden sighed and thought of what to do. He took a pillow from the bed and placed it next to where Lily's stomach was. "Lily, lie on this pillow for me."

          She turned and rested her stomach on the pillow. It was just a little but the pain was a little bearable. 

          "Better?" Eden asked and Lily nodded, even as her hand trembled a little.

          "Good. It's going to be okay," Eden said and turned to the other man in the room. "Tadashi, make some hot water."

          Tadashi sprang up on his feet like he'd been dying to do something. "I got it," he pecked Eden's cheek. "I love you."

          Eden chuckled as he watched him rush out of the room to carry out the task. "He loves you so much," he said to Lily and he brushed her hair away from her brow and linked their fingers.

          She didn't answer but she blinked a few times and blushed so hard she turned away from him.

# 25

"We've been looking into schools for the kids," Tadashi said to Alexander as they drank together at a bar. It was only the two of them, with an excuse of catching up with each other.

          "That's the same thing we're thinking about for Anna. Plus she has no interest in her old school," Alexander shrugged. 

          Tadashi had heard the whole story. He knew Anna was Mason's niece but he'd never met her. And he knew that they were raising her now. He didn't know about the child's mother but the little girl seemed to be the newest addition to the family.

          "Alexander Kane, raising a child," Tadashi shook his head. "Who would've thought?" 

          "I love her," he replied. "Even while I'm working, I keep thinking of spending time with her."

           "That's something," Tadashi said before taking another sip of his drink.

          "You should see her with Jet," he chuckled. "It's like they're meant for each other." He had a dreamy look on his face. "And the little cub thinks he's bad with children."

          "He hasn't met me," said Tadashi with a chuckle. 

          "Oh no," Alexander was quick to disagree. "If Puffball can listen to you, then you have nothing to worry about. You're great with kids."

          "All the credit goes to Lin," said Tadashi, then he rubbed his brow with one hand. "Look at us, taking about family and kids, huh."

          "Very typical of you," Alexander answered to the first part. Then to the second part: "I wouldn't believe it if it wasn't happening."

          They sat in silence for a little while, just enjoying each other's company as music played in the background.

          "I've been thinking a lot," Alexander broke the silence.

          "Thinking about what?" Asked Tadashi. 

          Alexander swallowed. "I'm thinking of asking them if... well if we could have a baby...or we could adopt several, I don't care either way."

          "Several? I didn't think babies were your thing. Not at all," Tadashi expressed his surprise, drink forgotten. 

          Alexander's eyes widened slightly as he turned to Tadashi, looking genuinely offended. "Really?" He asked. 

          Tadashi nodded and shrugged. 

          "So it would surprise you if I admitted that I was actually the type of guy who wanted an army of kids?" Alexander asked.

          Tadashi looked at him like that was the only obvious option. "Pretty much."

          "Wow," said Alexander. "What sort of signals have I been giving off?" 

          "At work or with your boyfriends?" Asked Tadashi. "Because the two are not the same."

          "I think this friendship has outrun its course," Alexander said solemnly as he pretended to get up and Tadashi pulled him back down. 

          "
Best-
friendship," he corrected. "And you've never exactly been the type to open up, especially about such things."

          "Look who's talking," he replied simply. Alexander sighed and just looked into his drink almost distractedly. "Okay, listen Tadashi, I love kids. I've always wanted them, but I didn't think... I'd ever uh... have some to raise them with."

          Tadashi slapped his hand on his back and squeezed his shoulder. "You've always been too hard on yourself, I'm glad you have them to prove you wrong."

          Alexander chuckled. "I'm really dying to ask them, I know, it feels a little too soon and I know we'll probably have the conversation and agree on a few years from now..."

          "Alexander, you're blushing," said an amused Tadashi as he studied him.

           His boss blew out a breath and rubbed his face. "I guess I really want this," he said.

          "I think you should go for it," replied Tadashi. "I think they'll be excited."

          "You think so?" He asked hopefully.

          "Have you met them?" Tadashi asked. "Plus, with how much they love you—it's unrealistic by the way. And you're even worse."

          "I'm not taking that with the way you look at Eden and Linder," said Alexander. "I didn't think the day would ever come when I'd catch you daydreaming several times."

          "You and me both, so shut up," Tadashi smiled and took a sip of his drink. He cleared his throat nervously. "As I was saying, with how much they love you, you guys will figure it out."

           Alexander nodded, inwardly putting all his hopes on the words he'd just heard. "Guess what I just remembered."

          "What?" Tadashi asked suspiciously.

          "That speech you owe me," said Alexander. "Let's hear it."

          Tadashi wished the ground would open up and swallow him at that moment. "I don't know what you're talking about."

          Alexander smiled devilishly. "It won't be that easy. Start talking."

         Tadashi rubbed a hand at his nape. "Uh..."

          "Nice intro, do go on," said Alexander, not really helping the situation.

          "Oh God... Could you not be smug for like one second?" Tadashi asked and Alexander smiled his smuggest yet. "Well, I think you're great."

         Alexander nodded and continued to smile.

          "As cheesy as this is going to sound, it's true," Tadashi started. "I was lost until I found you."

          Alexander coughed as he almost choked on his drink. "That is indeed very cheesy, damn."

          Tadashi rolled his eyes. "What I'm trying to say is, I wasn't sure about myself or what to even do with my life right before I met you. Life had just been one gigantic hellhole and I started to think that maybe there wasn't anything in it for me. And then I met you. And I felt like we were one and the same. You were devastated and in so much pain... I just... felt like I needed to protect you."

          Alexander's smile slowly dropped as he listened intently.

           "So I did everything I could for you, and tried not to get close. You were very prickly at the time," Tadashi laughed. "But we got past that. You've been there for me too. I know it was you who left anonymous presents on my desk when I was having a bad day."

          "How could you possibly know that?" Asked Alexander.

          "I learned to read you. And the ways how you express yourself to the people you care about–very unusual sometimes. It was like the first time anyone had ever cared about me. And it felt confusing but I'll admit, it was refreshing," replied Tadashi. "I don't tell you this, and you probably don't know but you brought me back to myself. And I still can't believe you called me your family. Because you're mine too."

          Just like the first time, no one knew who moved first, but both men were engulfed in a tight hug. How long it went on for, didn't matter. 

          "Could we never give speeches again?" Tadashi asked, still in the other man's embrace. "Except maybe for our weddings?"

          Alexander chuckled. "Deal," he replied. "Okay will you stop hugging me now?"

         "Oh my God, you piece of shit," replied Tadashi. "
You, 
should stop hugging me."

          "It's okay to admit that you like my hugs 
Tadashi-chan.
" Alexander laughed as Tadashi groaned and pushed him off. 

•••

           Eden knew a lot about opening a business. He knew that the first stages were the most critical and would have anyone working as hard as they could. So it was only natural that his boyfriend worked his ass off at any chance he got. 

            What he didn't understand was why he just had to look so hot doing it. He watched him intently. Linder had his hair tucked behind his ear as he bent over the papers he was working on. 

          He watched his eyebrows furrow in concentration. He'd not even heard him walk in. 

          Linder bit his lower lip and Eden's heart beat a little faster. Linder then stared at the papers before him like they weren't making any sense. Finally he sighed, then sat straighter. He got a hair band and put it between his lips, folding them to prevent the band from falling off. 

          Then both his hands went to hold his hair into a short ponytail before he took the hairband and tied the hair. Why was even a tiny gesture enough to make his knees weak?

            He'd only come in to give him a drink and possibly a massage because he was working so hard, but only his entrance made everything different. 

          Eden took the drink to Linder and as he approached, the man in glasses finally looked at him. "Hey 
babe

!" 
He actually sounded excited just to see him. "Is that for me?" Linder smiled and pointed at him. 

          "Yeah," Eden's voice cracked, so he cleared it. He held the glass towards Linder for him to take. 

          "Thank you," Linder set the glass down. "But I wasn't talking about the drink."

          Eden realized he was just standing awkwardly and not really doing or saying anything. He was also suddenly aware of how Linder's eyes fixated on his crotch, where he had pitched a tent and was as hard as a rock. 

          He shuddered when Linder touched him. "I could really use a break," he said while looking up at Eden.

•••

          They didn't hear him come in, so Tadashi closed the door softly and watched them for a while. They were both shirtless and moving frantically to take the rest of their clothes off. Eden under Linder, trying to unbutton his pants.

          Tadashi felt so horny, he took his shirt off and finally made his presence known. He got to the bed and trapped them beneath him, running his nose down Linder's back in a needy gesture.

          Linder sighed and moved so that he was now shoulder to shoulder with Eden, both of them looking up at Tadashi.

           "What's with that look?" Asked Linder, as his hand reached out to trace the scar on Tadashi's stomach, his voice almost worried. "What's wrong?"

          Was he so lost in his thoughts that he didn't even know what his face was doing?

          "I just love you both so much," Tadashi poured his heart out. He wanted to live the rest of his life with them, but he didn't know how to tell them.

          "Aww, baby..." Eden reached his hand out and pulled Tadashi down between them, where he buried his face. 

          A look passed between Eden and Linder, and they both got to work. It would be Tadashi's best night yet.

# 26

Sometimes, when Eden, Linder and Tadashi needed to go somewhere for a while or have a weekend to themselves, Alexander would have the children over to give them time. 

         The kids would either spend the day with some of them, or all of them. Alexander would say: 'Come on, puffball!' and put his hand over Lily's shoulder. She would go with him, then knock it off. And then they would start fighting the entire time to his house.

           Today, they planned to spend the day with the children at a picnic. Linder left the coffee shop in Royce's expert hands. He was good at running things, and with Sandy, Blaire and Zel, he had nothing to worry about. 

          "You're my everything," said Mikhail. 

          "No, 
you
 are my everything!" Eden replied as he poked his nose and they giggled. 

          They had just finished taking a bath and decided to stall for no apparent reason. "No! you are my everything!" Said Mikhail. 

          "We get it," said Lily. "Now don't make us late." She replaced the towels and walked out of the bathroom, leaving the other two to laugh as she left them alone again. 

          She found Tadashi in the kitchen, packing up all kinds of sandwiches, foods and drinks. His face lit up when he saw Lily and he pointed to his cheek, where she reached over and pecked. She'd just done the same gesture a few twenty minutes ago, and it seemed to get easier the more she did it. 

          "Where's Lin?" She asked, failing to meet his eye. 

          "He'll be here anytime now," answered Tadashi, hands working meticulously with the food.

          "How'd you get so good at cooking?" Lily asked curiously.

          "I made friends with my mother's cook when I was a child," Tadashi answered. "But that didn't really help all that much, because I wasn't serious about it." 

          "So what helped?" She asked. 

          "Youtube," he said. 

          "No shit?" Lily didn't expect the answer to have been so easy. 

          "Language," Tadashi scolded. 

          "Sorry," she replied. "But that just seems unbelievable."

          "Yeah. There was a lot of trial and error but I had to learn because I've been alone for most of my life," Tadashi just said it as it was and didn't intend for it to have sounded the way it did.

          "You aren't alone anymore," said Lily. She had a dead serious expression on her face. 

          Tadashi's expression of surprise morphed into a soft smile. "I know," he said and patted her head lightly. 

          "Maybe you could teach me, and...maybe we could make dinner together sometimes..." she let the suggestion hang in the air so that one didn't have a way of knowing whether she was asking a question or not. 

          "That would be nice, I'd love that," said Tadashi. 

          Lily contorted her face and looked everywhere else to hide her smile. 

           Mikhail then came running into the room and laughing, while completely naked. He climbed Tadashi as the man instinctively supported him. 

          "Mikky!" Lily yelled good-naturedly. "You can't be running around with your boy parts out like that!"

          He giggled. "E- Eden!" He said between fits of laughter. Trying to explain his situation, as if that would help.

          Tadashi went stiff when he saw that Eden appeared at the door with nothing but a towel around his waist. "Honey," Tadashi said patiently, trying to look away. "Go wear some clothes."

          "Why?" Eden asked like he was up to no good. "Don't tell me you're distracted," Eden said seductively. 

          "Oh God, no," said Lily. 

          "Just go," said Tadashi, then he cleared his throat. 

          Eden stuck his tongue out before disappearing back to the direction he came from. Tadashi put Mikhail down as Lily went to get the door. It could have been Alexander because they'd been expecting someone to drop the child off.

          "Hey!" Tadashi heard Riley's voice before he saw him. He had a little pink backpack themed with pink ducks, slung over one shoulder while his other arm held Anna up. 

          He looked at the food Tadashi was packing. "Ou! Sandwiches," Riley said. 

          "No Ry!" Anna stopped him just as his hand was about to grab the sandwich. "Mace says you have to ask first!" She had a serious expression that suggested Riley would be in trouble if he did otherwise. 

          "Okay, okay," Riley said in surrender. "May I?" He asked Tadashi, who nodded. 

          "Cute kid," Tadashi said as he nodded towards her. 

          "I don't think you've met Anna," said Riley as he held the now half sandwich to the girl's mouth and she bit into it. "She's Mason's niece..."

          Mikhail gasped as if he was just seeing her now and covered his private parts with both hands, then he turned around and bolted out of the room, hit butt exposed as he ran out of sight. 

          "What?" Eden looked at the boy and asked. "What is it?" He was almost finished dressing up. 

          "G-girl!" Mikhail said while pointing to the direction of the door. 

          "Oh, Anna's here?" Asked Eden. 

          "Yeah..." Mikhail rubbed his hands together. "She's... pretty..."

          "Did you say hi?" Eden asked and he shook his head no. "Okay, let's get you dressed up so that you can go talk to her."

          "I'm scared," Mikhail said he'd nodded. 

          "It'll be okay," said Eden. The boy nodded again.

          When Mikhail finally got the courage to, he approached Anna who was explaining to Lily why short hair was classy. 

          "H-hi," the little boy said, so nervously that he didn't realize he'd interrupted them. "I'm Mikhail," he told her. 

          "I'm... Anna," she said looking surprisingly shy at first. She then spoke quickly like she was nervous. "Do you like ducks?"

          Mikhail took a while before he turned to Tadashi. When he got a small nod, he turned back to Anna. "I think they are alright," he replied.

          They kept talking after that, as the rest watched them with adoration. And in no time, it was almost safe to assume that they were going to be inseparable.

          The picnic turned out to be lovely, the food was delicious and the children seemed extremely happy. Which in turn, made the adults happy. Everyone was in a good mood.

          Anna strung Mikky along everywhere as they talked non-stop about anything and everything. Lily sat next to Tadashi, Linder and Eden as she watched the other two children playing together.

           Eden had let them get back to playing together after he'd gotten everyone together for a picture, that turned out to be several pictures and laughs and a few videos. 

          The three men then left the kids to do as they pleased, they sat back and watched while speaking softly to each other.  

          "Yeah I think it's time I found some friends my age, because this," Lily pointed to herself and then to the three men. "This isn't working out." 

          Linder laughed out loud. "Lily, my–"

           "Nope," she stopped him. "I'm going to take a walk around and come back."

          "Don't get lost," said Eden.

          "Oh yeah, now that you mention it, I won't," she smiled and walked off.

          "Look at our girl go," said Eden. 

          "She's so perfect," said Tadashi.

          "It means the most to me that you both genuinely love them," Linder referred to his siblings.

          "It's impossible to not love them," answered Eden. "Honestly."

          Linder agreed one hundred percent that it was impossible not to love his siblings, he still couldn't believe his parents managed quite so easily.

          "Impossible not to love you, either," Tadashi said and kissed a part of his lower neck that had him shrinking back and turning to Eden.

          "Make him stop," Linder asked Eden with pleading eyes. He was confused when Eden smirked and did just the same as Tadashi had just a moment ago. 

          Linder gave up and lay on his back, looking up at the sky. The words felt heavy on his tongue as he tried to find the courage to say them. The two men on either side of him, meant so much to him that he wouldn't know what to do without them. 

          Every day was worth looking forward to, because of them. He'd never smiled so much every single day because of them. What if felt like to him, was like there was a part of him that had been taken away from him, and now it was there, making him complete. Linder was more in love than he ever thought he'd be.

          He took both their hands and held them close to his lips before dropping a kiss to each one. "I love you, and I love you," he said. "I love you both... it feels so good to say it. I love you."

         "I love you too," said Eden, kissing him back. 

         "I'll never stop loving you," Tadashi replied to Linder. The look Linder tried to hide from him was one that didn't think he'd say that.

          "Are you surprised?" Tadashi asked. "A man in love—"

          "Honey, I will actually wring your neck, if you finish that sentence," Eden warned.

          "What?" Tadashi asked honestly. "I'm just expressing the love I feel for you both."

          "I know you're like really hot and stuff," said Eden. "But I'd be surprised if you could pick someone up with those corny lines."

          "I'm wounded," Tadashi pretended to squeeze his chest. "Maybe I should go pick someone–"

          "Do you want to die?" Linder asked him. "Because it seems that way. You are ours or no one else's."

          "Yes sir," replied Tadashi, not expecting to see such a possessive side of Linder. He didn't even think he was capable of it.

          Linder lay his head on Eden's lap. "I'm so happy," he said, his face already having a pleasant expression. "I love you."

          Eden tried to hold it together. Every time Linder said the words, he practically melted inside. "I love you," he replied.

          "Hey, and where's mine?" Tadashi complained. 

          Linder cupped his cheek. "I guess I love you too," he said and Tadashi's jaw dropped.

          "Guess?!" Both Tadashi and Eden exclaimed. 

          "Relax," Linder chuckled. "Of course I love you."

          "I know," Tadashi smirked. "I just wanted you to say it."

         Anna and Mikhail then ran and played around them while Lily made her way back, claiming that kids her age were stupid and she'd much prefer the company of three adults who couldn't get over each other for even five minutes.

           She couldn't hide her smile when they pulled in their midst to also gaze up at the sky. Mikhail hadn't stopped smiling the entire time he was with Anna, like he'd forgotten about everyone else. 

          They were just a small family, trying to put behind a horrible past, and still partially recovering from it.

          But in their own way they were perfect. And none of them would change it for the world.

# Epilogue 

A few years later...

          Lily stared at her frustrated self through the mirror as she struggled to fix her hair. She'd been trying for a while now and getting angrier by the second, until Tadashi walked in.

          The man immediately went to help her but she recoiled from his touch. "I don't need your help, Tadashi," she said angrily. 

          She'd grown up to be 5'8 but even now, her frame still felt tiny next to Tadashi. 

          "It's been a while since you called me that," the man answered calmly, but he did not stop trying to help her.

          She only ever called him Pa, now. But she'd stopped doing that for a while as she was pissed at him.

          "Why are you mad at me, hmm?" Tadashi asked.

          "Like you don't know," she almost scoffed but kept struggling with her own hair.

          "I honestly couldn't guess–"

          "Why are you pushing me away?" She cut him off to ask, unable to look him in the eye.

          Tadashi seemed unable to answer her because he knew she was right. He looked at her for a while, unable to find the words.

          "You know what," she started. "Never mi–" 

          "I didn't want to be all over your space, my love," Tadashi said, stopping her. "You're in your final year of highschool. Isn't this the age where kids usually don't want anything to do with their folks?" 

          She knew the other thing Tadashi wasn't pointing out. He was still insecure about not 'actually' being her father, so he was careful not to overstep. And it pissed her off from time to time. 

          "Where'd you learn that?" She asked, unable to resist letting him fix her hair. 

          "Well... all the movies and books say so, all the kids just rather hang out with their friends at this point," Tadashi said. He didn't mention that it hurt him too; growing further away from her. 

          "They're stupid," Lily said immediately. "And I can't believe this, you're basing all this on fiction?"

          "Sorry, sweetie, I have no other reference to use," said Tadashi.

          Lily was very attached to Tadashi, and she knew Tadashi was attached to her too. So it hurt her deeply that he was creating even the slightest distance between them. 

          She was currently suspended from school because she'd punched a kid and given him a nosebleed. 

          Eden had almost grounded her but changed his mind when he heard the reason why she did it. He high-fived her instead. 

          There was this annoying and loud guy on the football team who just couldn't leave her alone. He was built like a truck and probably ate little girls for breakfast, because he had no reason to be in high school and look so rough and huge. 

          From the moment he'd laid eyes on Lily, he'd never been able to leave her alone. And she'd always been pissed off every time he opened that loud mouth of his. 

          He always made a lot of jokes and this time he crossed the line, by bringing her family into it. She'd never been the type to settle for bullshit, she'd had enough of that. And this time was no different. 

          He'd sat on top of her desk with that annoying smirk, that seemed to only be reserved for her. He'd always start by calling her Reid, which she hated, but he did anyway. 

          Most times she ignored him, but this time, she couldn't afford that luxury. He'd asked her a question that had the entire class going quiet to see how she'd react. 

          He'd asked her why her dad had slits for eyes and yet she didn't. 

          Lily quickly got up and asked him to ask her that question one more time. And he'd been bold enough to do it again, but before he could finish, she'd punched him twice. He probably had a black eye now, but he did have a messy nosebleed at the time. 

          He should have known better than to bring Tadashi up. Or any of her family for that matter, so if anything, he'd been begging for it. 

          And Tyrese had given her a small smile, like he was proud. So apart from the satisfaction of punching a dumb boy, it had been more than worth it. 

          Tyrese was the boy she sometimes stared at; too handsome for his own good, beautiful hazel brown eyes, beautiful short curly hair, beautiful dark brown skin...beautiful everything. Even beautiful girlfriend. 

          She'd never had such a gigantic crush before. Which is what she so badly wanted to rant about to Tadashi but he was playing hard to get lately. 

          "You do have a reference," she told Tadashi. "You could always just ask me. Instead, you're trying to get a little distant. I don't like that." She folded her arms and scowled at him.

          Tadashi felt so guilty and made a mental note to never let it get to this again. "Let's make dinner together tonight, just like we used to," he said, hoping she'd agree.

          "Really?" Lily's face was expressionless but her voice betrayed the happiness in it.

           "I'm serious," replied Tadashi. 

          Lily finally pulled her hair into a ponytail. "Fine."

•••

          "Not that I'm afraid to make a move, but I can't because he hasn't made a move yet. Is it because my chest is flat?" Lily asked while setting up the table. 

          Tadashi immediately went on the defensive. "And what is he doing looking at your chest? He better not be looking at your chest. Is he looking at your chest?"

          "Relax Pa, of course not," Lily answered to calm him down. 

          "Good. And that can't be the reason why, you silly child," he pulled her cheek affectionately. "Are you forgetting the fact that he has a girlfriend?"

          "Whom I–" Lily started to answer.

          "Whom you also like, whom you think feels intimidated every time you try to talk to her, whose afro you always want to touch, I know," Tadashi finished for her.

          "But I like him more," she said, confused.

          "It's complicated sweetie, but maybe you should give it time," Tadashi said. "Don't go breaking up someone's relationship for your own selfish gain, that's not the girl we raised."

          "I know," Lily sighed. "I'll just keep fantasizing about them both."

          Tadashi handed a few plates to her. "You know... your dad, Eden, knew I was in love with Lin, so you know what he did?"

          Lily shook her head no. 

          "He decided not to make even a single move on me. And somehow, I fell so deeply in love with him too regardless," said Tadashi.

          "Did you fantasize about him a lot too?" Asked Lily. 

          Tadashi nodded. "All the time. My feelings confused me so much. But he was so irresistible."

          "Did someone just call me irresistible?" Eden appeared and went straight to kiss his husband. 

         "You are," Tadashi replied and snaked a hand around his waist, then kissing him again deeply.

          "Hey sweetie," Eden dropped a kiss to Lily's forehead. 

          "Hi dad," she said. 

           "Dad!" Mikhail rushed to hug Eden when he'd heard his voice. "I missed you."

          "I missed you more!" He said. "Have you done your homework?"

         "Almost done!" Mikhail said as he rushed back to his room.

           Eden sighed. "My Mikky's growing up so fast. But it's okay, all little boys grow up."

          "You're acting strong like you didn't cry when he first called you dad," said Lily. 

          "Don't remind me," said Eden. 

          "You also cried when I–"

         "No, don't remind me," insisted Eden. "Let's just have a nice dinner. I've missed your cooking." He kissed her again.

•••

         They were at the table about to start their dinner when Lily took her phone up in her hand after it chimed with a message. Her smile almost went from one ear to the other. 

         "He just texted you, didn't he?" Asked Tadashi.

         Lily nodded. "He wants to meet me."

          "At this time? And we're about to have dinner," Tadashi looked like he was contemplating. "Okay, I guess–"

          "Excuse me, Pa. I'm not just any other lovestruck teenager, okay?" Lily raised her hand, as if in a way to stop him. "I know my priorities. I can always meet him tomorrow, so he'll wait when I tell him to. That's how it goes."

          "Look at my baby girl!" Eden had stars in his eyes. "I never doubted you," he said as they high-fived. 

          "Did you talk to Tiff lately?" Eden asked. 

          Tadashi scowled. "Hey! Don't encourage her to go around their backs talking to each of them."

          "You wouldn't get it honey," replied Eden. "I was a victim, so we connect." He pointed between himself and Lily twice. 

          Lily nodded. "Right?"

          "I know Tiff... Tiffany," said Mikhail suddenly. "She randomly gave me a chocolate bar today, then she just kept talking on and on about you, Lily."

          "What did she say?" All the rest of the four people on the table asked at the same time. 

          Mikhail chuckled. "The chocolate bar was actually for you, but I ate it anyway."

          "I'm going to kill you," said Lily.

          "Relax, sis, I'm joking," said Mikky. "It was for me. And it was amazing."

          "Child, you better spill about what she said," she warned.

          "What she said," added Linder.

            "She said..." Mikhail closed his eyes. "I can't, sorry. She said it was a secret, and I'm not a snitch!"

           Tadashi groaned, disappointed. 

          Lily narrowed her eyes at Mikhail like she was trying to tell him that this wasn't over yet.

          Linder and Eden laughed at the situation. 

          "You won't believe what Anna told me about you today," said Lily.

          "What?" Mikhail asked almost too fast.

          "It's a secret," Lily calmly put a forkful of food in her mouth. "This food is delicious, hmm."

          "Don't torture your brother like that," said Tadashi. 

          "He started it," said Lily. 

           "No, take it back," said Linder. 

          "Fine," Lily sighed. "Mine's a lie."

          Mikhail let out a breath. "Sorry Lily," he said. "I really can't tell you. But you know that I love you right?"

          "I know baby bro," Lily said. "I love you too."

          "I'm not a baby," said Mikhail. "I grew bigger!"

          "You'll always be a baby to me," Lily smiled.

         The three watched their children argue about their ages and what was adorable and what wasn't. 

          "Should we tell them?" Linder squeezed Eden's hand and asked. 

          "Oh, I think we should," replied Eden. He looked to Tadashi, who nodded and looked to the kids. 

          They'd stopped arguing and looked at the men curiously. "What?" Mikhail asked. 

          "Tell us what?" Added Lily. "You three aren't thinking of getting married for the second time, are you?"

           "No," said Linder. "Although I wouldn't mind." He shrugged. 

           "Then?" Mikhail asked.

           They waited to tell the kids as the room became tense. Tadashi cleared his throat. "How would you two like to have another sister, or brother?"

END

Thank you for an amazing time while writing this book. See you in my next one!

Oh, and if y'all would prefer or like a second epilogue with only Linder, Eden and Tadashi then let me know.

🍒🍒🍒